Clarity In Christ

God can Cook

2008-06-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

GOD CAN COOK
Psalm 127 (KJV.)
1. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
1 Corinthians 3:10 . According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon
We must understand and follow the plan in order to build anything. You have to know how to read the blueprint language. God has a blueprint for your life. A plan for you to live and walk out in this life. He has made all the provisions you will need. You must know the provisions and how to receive them. How do I get what God says I have into my life?
God knows how to Cook. He is a master Chef. Anybody here ever cook anything? Ever cook something that you needed to follow a recipe? We in the past have talked about setting a precedent. That is the first time something is done it sets a standard for all other things of a similar nature to follow. Example was the first miracle Jesus did in turning the water into wine. All other miracles will follow that same precedent. You have a need. You ask what to do about that need. You listen to the Lord and do what he says. Then the miracle happens. The need is met. This is found in the Gospel of John chapter 2 verses 1-11. The second miracle is found in John 4:46-54. All of the elements that were present in the first miracle were present in the second, and followed, and a miracle happened.
The Lord has me at times see the same teaching in a different light, so it can be grasp by people who did not understand it the way it had been presented before. That is why I said God is a master Chef, and he can cook. Every cook needs recipes. The bible is God’s cookbook full of recipes. Every recipe has a balance. It has a list of ingredients that when put together, mixed, and baked or fried give a end result of something good tasting to eat. Leave out some ingredients or put too much of one or more ingredients, or over cook, or under cook the recipe, and not so good of a result.
example.. I worked at a restaurant and the man who fixed the salad bar had to make sweet and sour potatoes. Ever eat sweet and sour potatoes? There is a balance in the sweet and sour taste that when done right compliments each other and tastes good. This recipe made 5 gallons at a time. One of the ingredients was 2 cups of salt. He read it wrong and added 2 quarts of salt. That was the worst tasting mess ever.. One thing done in the wrong amount ruined the resulting food. He had to do it all over. A cook book has many varied recipes in many different kinds of foods. God wants you to look at His Word as a cookbook with many recipes for life in all areas of your life. If you follow the instructions you will get the desired results.
Here is one recipe for life.
Passage Mark 11:22-29(KVV.)
22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
27. And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
28. And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
Here is another recipe for life (Salvation)
Passage Romans 10:8-10 (KJV.)
8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Follow it and you will be saved. I have been places where the minister said all who wish to be saved raise your hand. Ah yes I see those 5 hands. We have 5 new brothers and sisters in the Lord. That is not the way God said we get saved. We must follow the word like it says. There are many in churches thinking they are saved and they are not. They are trying to live a christian life and can’t. They keep falling and getting into things they should be able to withstand. Ever wonder why so many fall away?
This is what can happen when we don’t follow the Word as it is written.
Matthew 7:20-23
20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
Some recipes have a ingredient that you can replace with another and have a great result. Take blueberry muffins, you can replace the blueberries with raspberries or strawberries and have a great muffin with a different taste. However you still have to follow the recipes other ingredients and baking instructions.
God has many things in His word that we can partake of such as healing, deliverance, protection, and we can add them to Romans 10:8-10 and get the results we are seeking.
Example 1 Peter 2:24
Passage 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV.)
24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Follow the recipe for life the Lord gave us in Romans 10:8-10
Listen to the scripture in first Peter 2:24. Confess it with our mouth, and believe it in our heart. With the mouth confession is made unto healing.

Hebrews 11:1-6 Faith, hope, and evidence are always main ingredient’s in God’s recipes for life, however they need an activator ingredient that will solidify them. An activator is a converter that helps change things.
1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2. For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

All of God’s recipes have a base ingredient that must be in every thing(faith),and an activator ingredient, or it won’t work. The activator is found in Galatians 5:6, and that ingredient is LOVE.
Galatians 5:6 KJV.
6. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
I have a Betty Crocker cook book. All of the recipes are hers, however I can follow them and cook up the same results she got. All of the recipes for life in the Bible are God’s, however sent Jesus to give us what we need to use His recipes in our lives and get God’s results.

What Does The Word Really Say?

2008-05-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

IT’S TIME TO OPEN OUR EYE’S AND SEE WHAT GOD IS REALLY SAYING.....
PROVERBS 22:6 NEW LIVING
Direct your children onto the right path,and when they are older, they will not leave it.
KING JAMES
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
EVER HEAR THAT SCRIPTURE BEFORE?
I HAVE HEARD IT MANY TIMES. MOST OF THE TIME IT’S SOMEONE SAYING, " I RAISED MY CHILD RIGHT AND HE/SHE IS COMING BACK TO GOD."
SOMETIME BACK I WAS TALKING TO A PERSON ABOUT CHILDREN, AND THEY WERE SPEAKING ABOUT HOW THEY PRAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO TURN AROUND AND SERVE GOD. I STARTED TO TELL THEM WHAT I’M GOING TO TELL YOU TONIGHT. I STARTED TO MENTION ABOUT TRAINING A CHILD AND THEY CUT ME OFF AND SAID, " I DON’T HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THAT BECAUSE I RAISED THEM RIGHT, THERE IS NO PROBLEM THERE." TO THAT I SAY NO YOU DID NOT. THAT TELLS ME THERE WAS A PRIDE ISSUE THERE AND THEY WERE IN NO WAY TO BLAME. THERE WAS A SELF-RIGHTEOUS ATTITUDE IN THAT PERSON. I DID NOT PURSUE THE CONVERSATION ANY FARTHER FOR A SELF-RIGHTEOUS SPIRIT AND ATTITUDE IS BLINDED TO THE TRUTH, AND WON’T LISTEN TO OR PONDER ON THE TRUTH. I KNOW I DID NOT TRAIN MY CHILDREN IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO, BECAUSE I WAS A HURTING, DISILLUSIONED, OFFENDED CHRISTIAN DURING THOSE YEARS. I WAS NOT TRAINED IN THE WAY I SHOULD GO AS I WAS GROWING UP. SO MANY PEOPLE THINK IF I TAKE THEM TO CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL AND I READ THE BIBLE TO THEM IT IS TRAINING THEM IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO, HOWEVER THAT IS ONLY APART OF TRAINING. IF WE HAVE CHILDREN NOT WALKING WITH THE LORD LIKE THEY SHOULD, THEN THE REAL TRUTH IS THIS, WE DID NOT TRAIN THEM IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO, OR THEY WOULD NOT HAVE DEPARTED. THEN WHAT HAPPENED?
WHAT HAPPENED? THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED. WE SUBSTITUTED TEACHING AND TAKING THEM TO CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR TRAINING. WE TAUGHT THEM THINGS THAT WE DID NOT LIVE IN FRONT OF THEM. WE TAUGHT THEM FORGIVENESS, BUT LIVED A LIFE OF BACKBITING, GOSSIP, AND BEING JUDGMENTAL IN THEIR PRESENCE. WE TRAINED THEM THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT WE TAUGHT THEM. THEN WE HAVE HUNG OUR HOPE ON A SCRIPTURE THAT DOESN’T EVEN APPLY TO THEM COMING BACK. PROVERBS 22:6 IS NOT ABOUT CHILDREN COMING BACK , BUT RATHER ABOUT THEM NEVER DEPARTING IN THE FIRST PLACE.
TRAIN MEANS TO DRILL BY NOT ONLY TEACHING BUT ALSO DOING AND LIVING IT IN FRONT OF THEM.
IF WE HAD TRULY DONE PROVERBS 22:6 OUR CHILDREN WOULD HAVE GOTTEN SAVED AND WALKED WITH GOD FROM YOUTH THROUGH OLD AGE AND NEVER DEPARTED FROM THAT WALK. IF WE DIDN’T DO IT RIGHT AND OUR CHILDREN HAVE DEPARTED FROM WALKING WITH THE LORD THEN WHAT SCRIPTURE DO WE TURN TO FOR HELP.
JEREMIAH 31:15-17 KJV. IS A GOOD ONE. TO REST OUR HOPE AND FAITH ON.
15. Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.
16. Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.
17. And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border

I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING OR WOULD I

2008-04-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING OR WOULD I
I’ m a little different. I always ask the Lord to teach me through anything, to show me a lesson from any source. Always the Bible, and maybe a song, a tv show, a movie, a story, anything. As I was on my way to the post office some time back I turned on the radio. A song came on talking about things that the singer wished he would have done, but now can’t. Things like ( got to know his father better, or told his brother he loved him as he went off to war instead of just saying goodby ). You hear people all the time say I wouldn’t change a thing, it is what has made what I am today. Let me ask you, " Could you be better than what you are, and could your relationships be in a better place than they are today? "
The song went on to say, " Some people say I wouldn’t change a thing even if I could well I would." In my own life I would change some things in my past if I could. I would have gotten to know my dad better and why he was the way he was.. I would have gotten some understanding of the bible and grown in God, instead of walking in bitterness.. I would have told my sister that I loved her instead of being silent as she laid there on that hospital bed dying. I was 18 years and 4 months old when I got saved and I spent the next 26 years walking in bitterness. That is 46 years and 4 months of going and living in the wrong way. So yes I would change some things.
HEBREWS 12:15AMPLIFIED
15. Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God's grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it–
I left a wake of contaminated and defiled people behind me. I never was in a church that was instructing people as to how to live based on God’s word so I lived as the world. I was easy to hurt and I would seek to get back at those who hurt me. No church taught me to walk in forgiveness and to not take offence. When we come to Christ we are babes and need nurturing and teaching, because we know nothing. I finally grew and God got me on track, but there was a lot of wasted years and damaged people to try to fix. A few minutes of acting wrong can take years and even a lifetime to correct or never. That is why I speak out to those I see walking the wrong path, in hope’s that I can jog them enough to turn then in the right direction. So they don’t wake up one day with a mountain of regrets.
Taking offence and walking in un-forgiveness is where the devil will attack. If he can get you there he will lead you into bitterness and that will eat you up along with everyone who comes in contact with you.
Forgiveness is the main thing. Do not take offence at what others do, but rather walk in instant forgiveness. Sometimes we see it different than it is meant, or don’t understand why it was done that way, and it wasn’t meant to hurt or harm, but we have taken it that way.
Mark 11:25-26 Amplified
25And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and
let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.
26.
But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.
Did you now you can be caught up in un-forgiveness even with people who are dead and gone. It isn’t hurting them, but it’s killing you. Sometimes it is buried deep in your heart, lurking there, holding you back, and you don’t even realize it. I am going to share with you an account of what happened to me one day as I was driving home. I had been to a town up north and was returning, and as I approached my town there are two cemeteries just outside of the city limits, one of which my dad is buried. The Lord spoke to me to turn in and drive up to my dads grave. I did this and parked beside his grave. I asked, "why am I here?"
The Lord said we have to address some issues that are deep within your heart which are holding you back, and you don’t even realize it. Ok what do I do now? The Lord said, " This will not help your dad for he can not hear you, however it will help you. I want you to look at his grave and speak to it as if you dad could hear you. Tell him what you would say if he could hear you. Talk just like he was standing before you." I sat there looking at that grave and thinking what would I say. Then it poured out. I said," Dad you left this earth way to soon. I never really got to know you. You were always just outside of my reach. I never understood why you never got close to your family. When you were there it was like you weren’t. You provided for us, but were not a part of us it seemed. Lot’s of things have happened since you have passed on. I would like to introduce you to your granddaughter Zoe and your grandson John, which you never got to see as they were born after your passing. I have held it against you for keeping us at a distance and leaving this life while in that state. Why were you the way you were is what I would like to know? Lord that is what I would say to my dad if he were hear to listen" The Lord then spoke to me and said," Mike you have harbored un-forgiveness towards your dad, and it’s deep within you, and we can now deal with it, and get rid of it once and for all. I’m going to show you why your dad was like he was, what made him that way. First he loved you and all his family more than you can understand, and that made him hold you at arms length. He was not always that way. He was very close to you the first 5 years of your life. He was very close to his own dad. Your dad never leaned on me, and held everything inside himself. I never created man to lean on himself. A person can not take the stress of this like upon himself, he must give his cares to me, because he can’t deal with them. Your dad tried to deal with it himself. When you were 5 your grandpa died. He ask to speak with your dad. The conversation they had that day will never be revealed, but that is the day your dad changed in his family life. Your dad took that conversation to the grave with him. When asked about it he would say it was between his dad and him and on one else. I have to respect that and can not reveal it to you what was said there that day. I can tell you this. The passing of your grandpa hurt your dad deep, because they were so close. He tried to deal with it in his own way not letting me comfort him. So your dad never wanted to hurt that deep ever again, and started to push people away and build walls to protect his heart from that kind of hurt ever again. Now you can understand why." I left that cemetery that day forgiving my dad and with a new understanding of the man. I talked to my mom about what happened that day. She said that my dad was loving, out going, and very close to his family, and the day my grandpa died it all changed. That confirmed everything the Lord spoke to me that day in the cemetery.
So I say to anyone reading this you may not know the whole story and may never now it about why others acted they way they did in your life, but you must forgive anyway. It will only hold you back if you don’t.
Matthew 18:22-35 KJV.
22. Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
23. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34. And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
WE HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN A GREAT DEBT THAT WE COULD NOT PAY AND WE SHOULD FORGIVE OTHERS.....
YES I WOULD CHANGE THE PAST IF I COULD, BUT SINCE I CAN’T I WILL CHANGE THE PRESENT. PLEASE SEARCH YOUR HEARTS’S AND ASK THE LORD TO SHOW YOU THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW SO THAT IN 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 YEARS FROM NOW YOU WON’T HAVE TO SAY I WISH I COULD GO BACK AND CHANGE THAT. SEARCH YOUR HEART’S AND SEE IF YOU HARBOR ANY UN-FORGIVENESS TOWARDS ANY AN FORGIVE THEM. THIS WAS HARD FOR ME TO WRITE SA IT TOOK ME BACK TO THAT DAY IN THE CEMETERY, AND IT WAS JUST AS REAL NOW AS THEN. THE TEARS FLOWED AND THE MEMORY OF WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, CAME RUSHING IN FILLING MY HEART. IT IS WORTH IT TO RELIVE IN ORDER TO HELP OTHERS. MY DAD DID GET HIS HEART RIGHT AND IS WITH THE LORD. HE MADE IT RIGHT THE DAY HE DIED. I WILL GET TO SEE HIM AGAIN.

THE MELTED HEART PT. 1

2008-04-21T19:22:00.001-07:00

THE MELTED HEART
THE TROUBLE WITH PROBLEMS
DISTRACTIONS
John 16:33 KJV.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
It doesn’t matter if you are in the will of God or not, it is a fact that troubles will encounter problems. It is clear from the word of God that problems will come your way. In this life problems will come whether by circumstances, or by people. Jesus said in the world you will have tribulation ( pressure, problems, trouble ). So if problems will come, then we should learn all we can about problems and the effect that they will have on our lives, and how to deal with them.
The number one thing we need to know above all else is that there is a danger attached to problems. The danger with problems is the DISTRACTION FACTOR. If you don’t watch it problems will DISTRACT you from the truth of the word that you have embraced and know to be true. You can become so distracted that you become a forgetful hearer, instead of a DOER of the WORD. The whole bottom line truth of the Parable of the sower is the distraction factor. The sower teaches us that the fruit we will receive from the Word of God sown into your life is going to be dependant upon the amount of attention that you place upon it. " The degree of importance that you place on what you hear determines the quality of the fruit produced. "
Mark 4:24 KJV.
24. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
Mark 4:24 AMP.
24. And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you--and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.
Small amount = small back
Large amount = large back
It is very clear that we should not become so taken up by the problem that we become distracted from the truth that God has revealed to us.
Peter gives us a good example of this. He knew by revelation from God that Jesus was the Christ. But when it came down to it he was so distracted by the fear of the people and the Roman Soldiers that he Denied Christ. He got his heart off what he new to be true, and focused on the distraction of the problem at hand.
Mark 11:23
23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
The mountain of distraction. There are people so captivated with the mountain that they have forgotten what God said to do about the mountain in their lives. So captivated with their problem that it is all they see and all they talk about. If we don’t watch it we can become so captivated our problem at work ( boss - employ.. Employ - boss relationship ) that we forget to conduct ourselves as God said to do in those positions. Divorce is so prevalent today because people get so distracted by their marriage problems that they forget to do what God said to do in a marriage.
So we must realize that the one of main dangers connected to problems is the DISTRACTION FACTOR.
The next danger is once we get distracted and have our eyes on the wrong thing, we most likely will stop feeding on the Word and will become depleted.
Eph. 5:17-19 KJV.
17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
The word Filled in this scripture means TO REPLETE.
Replete: saturated, To cram, It also means to level up.. Such as to fill a pot hole.
We have a responsibility to replete, to cram, to level up.
If you can replete then you can deplete.
We can...
1. Become distracted and because of that we can
2. Become depleted.
If we don’t watch it we can become so depleted that our hearts melt.
A person with a melted heart is in a very dangerous place.
Joshua 2:8-11
8. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
9. And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
10. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
11. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Verse 8 uses the word Faint which means Melt.. (They Melted)
Verses 10 and 11 tells us their hearts melted, and their courage left them because of what they heard.
Verses 10 and 11 in the Amplified Version says this.
10. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the [east] side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
11. When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.
These people were facing the Lord and His people, and when they heard what The Lord had done to the enemies of the Israelites they were fearful.
1. They Heard
2. They melted or fainted in heart.
3. There was no more spirit or courage in them.
A melted heart can happen to anyone who puts his trust in what he see’s or hears, instead of what the Lord has said.
The war against Ai went bad for Israel, because of sin in the camp. Something wasn’t right in their walk, and a small group of people defeated the Israelites in battle. Let’s look at what happened.
Joshua 7:1-5
1. But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
2. And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.
3. And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.
4. So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
5. And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
There were problems caused by the disobedience and sin of one in the camp. These problems cause the heart of the people to melt.

THE MELTED HEART PT. 2

2008-04-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

NOW let’s go to Joshua Chapter 14. This is approx. 45 years after the spies gave the evil report. Joshua has become the leader and taken them into the promised land.
Joshua 14:6-7 KJV.
6. Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.
7. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.
Caleb said speaking of the spy mission that he had back the word AS IT WAS IN HIS HEART.
What was that word. This is that word spoken by Caleb, " Let us go up at once and possess it for we are well able. CALEB SPOKE FROM HIS HEART.
2 Corinthians 4:13
13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Now the 10 spies report after Caleb’s report was this.
Numbers 13:30-33
30. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
31. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.
32. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
33. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
Joshua 14:7-8
7. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.
8. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.
We must learn from this. Caleb spoke what he believed, and the 10 spies spoke as a result of what they saw. Caleb had faith in what God had said, and the spies had fear of what they had seen.
Proverbs 16:23 KJV.
23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
2 Corinthians 5:7
7. (For we walk by faith, not by sight
Proverbs 16:23 tells us that the heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds learning to his lips. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us to walk by faith and not by sight. Caleb was a man of faith, and he kept his mouth hooked to his heart. The 10 spies walked by sight and kept there lips hooked to their flesh and mind. If you don’t watch it you will get your mouth hooked up to your flesh and mind and be distracted by what you see and hear.
Moses tells the account of sending in the spies in Numbers chapters 13 and 14, and also in Deuteronomy 1:22-28. Let’s look at the account in Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 1:22-32
22. And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.
23. And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe:
24. And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.
25. And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the LORD our God doth give us.
26. Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God:
27. And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.
28. Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
29. Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
30. The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;
31. And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
32. Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,
33. Who went in the
The spies were sent in to give a report on what the people were like and what the cities were like and what the land was like. They were not sent in to make a judgement on whether they were able to conquer it, for they had God’s word on the fact that it was given unto them already. The truth of how easy it was going to be is revealed in Exodus chapter 23. It didn’t matter how big the giants were. The fight was the Lords. He had prepared an army of Hornets to do the battle. And also given them a time table on how long it would take and why.
Let’s look
Exodus 23:24-33
24. Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
25. And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
26. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.
27. I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.
28. And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.
29. I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
30. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
31. And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.
32. Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.
33. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.
When taking a hunter safety course I learned about the process of succession. What the Lord was doing here is causing succession in one area and stopping it in another area.
Succession: the act or process of one person's taking the place of another in the enjoyment of or liability for rights or duties or both
If the Israelites would obey and go in an possess the land as the Lord had wanted, he would have sent in hornets to drive the giants out little by little. Little by little in the process of time the land would become the Israelites. A succession of the land from the giants to them.
The other side of succession that the Lord would stop is this. If you clear land over time the succession process will cause the land to return back to a wild state. So if the Lord cleared out the whole land all at once, and the Israelite’s didn’t have enough people to inhabit the land, and the wild beasts would come in and multiply against them before they were populated enough to fill the land. So God’s plan was to slowly move out the giants and allow the Israelites to multiply and move in and fully occupy the land which would not take less than a year. It would take some time, but they would not have to fight any battles.
Back to Deuteronomy 1:28
28. Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
DISCOURAGED in verse 28 means Melted, or Fainted.
The original plan for the spies was to find out the best route into the land to travel by, and what cities they would encounter along the way. They had a lot of people to move and needed to know the best way. They got distracted by the giants and the walled cities and forgot that the Lord would fight their battles for them.
Another word for the melted heart is Cast Down.
Psalms 42:5-6 KJV.
5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
Another sign of a melted heart is being Overwhelmed.
Psalms 61:1-2
1. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
When you see the melted heart it is speaking of a heart that is distracted, fainted, discouraged, cast down, and overwhelmed. The melted heart comes in by two doors. What we see, and what we hear. ( when they (we) heard, and when they (we) saw) It is possible for a persons heart to become melted. And it is possible for this to occur through what we see, watch, view, and what we hear, listen to, and think on.
The most important issue is what will occur if we allow our hearts to become melted. As we examine the fruits of the melted heart it is going to be possible to not only spot those who may be melted in their hearts, but we may find areas of our own lives where our heart is melted. You can be melted in one area and not another. As I study deeper into this I have found areas where my heart was melted, and I see people all around with melted hearts concerning their marriages, children, jobs, and security concerning their future.

THE MELTED HEART PT. 3

2008-04-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

LET’S LOOK AT THE FRUITS OF THE MELTED HEART.
Number 1 Your possibilities become impossibilities within your mind.
Number 2 You think the obtaining of the promise of God is conditional upon the removal of external conditions or circumstances. Isn’t it interesting that Israel, before they knew there were walled cities and giants in the land, were ready to go in and possess the land. It’s our land. The Lord has given it to us. It’s going to be glorious over there. THEN they heard of the walled cities, and they heard of the giants, and their hearts melted. They felt these things needed to be removed before they could obtain the promise of God. The present conditions and circumstances does not dictate whether the promises of God are obtainable. The only way the circumstances can stop the promises is if you let them stop your faith. If giants need to be removed they will be as we step into the promise. God can deliver any promise in any circumstance that stands in the land. He can supply your needs even in a bad economy.
[ I heard a testimony of a young lady. She said it was dark and her car was not in a well lighted area. It was in an alley. She came out to her car and it didn’t start. It didn’t even make a sound when she turned the key. She prayed Lord help my car start. As she turned the key again it fired right up and she drove off. When she got home and told her dad the car didn’t want to start till she prayed. He went out to check the battery cable connection and to his surprise there was no battery just the cables laying there. Later they found out that a gang had taken the battery and was waiting in the bushes to attack and rob who ever came to the car. It freaked them out to see the car drive away while the battery was on the ground beside them in the bushes. ] God doesn’t need a battery to make a car run, and he doesn’t need the giants to be gone before you step into the land. He only needs you to believe..
Number 3. Another fruit of the melted heart is that YOU DRAW BACK. When Israel’s heart was melted the one thing they wanted to do was go back, back to Egypt. You start pulling backwards. You draw back.
2 Tim. 1:7 KJV.
7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
FEAR: timidity, cowardliness, or to pull back.
Could be that if you are showing signs of pulling back, showing signs of surrender, turning your back on the possibility of ever experiencing the life (promise) of God in an area of your life, if could just be that you are experiencing a melted heart.
Proverbs 4:23 KJV.
23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23 New Living
23. Guard your heart above all else,for it determines the course of your life.
We must keep our hearts full of the Word and full of faith and hope, for out of the heart will come the answers to the problems of life or the defeat of a melted heart.
Number 4. Another fruit of a melted heart is You will not go where God says go. You won’t step out with a melted heart. You will cower in fear.
Number 5. You won’t do what God says do. People with a melted heart won’t go and they won’t do what God asks them ... WHY? Their heart is melted, they have lost their courage, they have fainted, lost their strength, their passion, and their drive is gone. They have become so distracted by their problems and focused on the enormity of it, that they have become depleted, and their heart has melted.
They look at the problem and think nothing can save my marriage, nothing can turn my job around, or whatever the problem is they see it so big it can’t be fixed. They just give up and drown in a melted heart thinking they are alone and no one cares.
Number 6. Another fruit of a melted heart is they cry or weep a lot. If you have spent hours, days and into weeks weeping over your marriage, or the lack of a spouse, your job, your health, your children, or the future, it may be a sign that you are experiencing a melted heart in the area that brings you to tears.
Numbers 14:1-4 KJV.
1. And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
3. And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
4. And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt
After the evil report of the spies was heard the people lost hope and gave way to a melted heart. We see some of the signs in Numbers 14 :1-4. We see weeping, and murmuring against those who did not have a melted heart, and fear for themselves and their wives and children, and they wanted to turn back.

the melted heart pt. 4

2008-04-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Number 7. Another fruit of a melted heart is murmuring.
As I just stated we see that sign raise up in numbers 14:2.
People who complain and murmur are producing signs of a melted heart. Notice they wanted to turn back in verse four.
Their possibilities are now turned to impossibilities.
They are not going where God told them to go.
They are not going what God said to do.
They are drawing back.
When a heart is melted a sense of Hopelessness prevails.
A nothing I can do about it attitude prevails.
A TRAPPED FEELING WILL BE EXPERIENCED.
Your former passions are only a memory.
The drive that once propelled you through the thick and thin is a distant memory.
Once you focus only on the problem and all that needs to be corrected you lose sight of the answer. The answer slips on by and with it all your hope and courage also. You no longer stand up for what is right and what is yours. Your drive is only something you sue to have.
We really need to search our hearts and see if we have a melted heart in any area of our lives. Any areas that we have given up in, that we complain about, murmur about, lost courage in, no longer stand up for the truth in, lost hope in, lost our drive in, or lost our passion .. If we find these things in us it’s a sign that we’ve become so taken up with our problems, so captivated by our issues, that we have become melted.
Psalms 42: 5-6 KJV.
5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
David realized that his soul was cast down. We must check our soul, and guard our heart. If we find our heart in a cast down melted state then we must do as David, and put our self in remembrance of what God has done and promised.
Get our focus back on the Word Of Truth. David knew he couldn’t allow his heart to remain in a cast down state for an extended period of time. You can’t either. At the first inkling of a melted cast down heart you must get that out or it will pull you down.
Psalm 61:1-2 KJV.
1. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
OVERWHELMED: faint. Covered, feeble
David knew his heart was in trouble, that it was overwhelmed. He was also aware that he could not allow his heart to stay in that condition. It is dangerous to remain in a melted state for hours, days weeks, or months over issues and problems. We must realize that we have a responsibility to maintain our hearts. It’s not going to be what Pastor so and so can do, or brother so and so, or even what our spouse can do for us. It is going to be what we must do for ourselves. Others can step in and help, however if they don’t recognize the fruits of a melted heart in you then no one will step in to help. Can’t wait for other to help. We must patrol our own hearts and keep them strong.
IF WE HAVE LOST OUR COURAGE, IF WE HAVE LOST OUR STRENGTH, OR IF WE HAVE LOST OUR PASSION, DRIVE, AND EXCITEMENT, THEN COULD IT BE THAT WE ARE DEPLETED?
a DEPLETED PERSON IS HEADED FOR A MELTED HEART. We must ask ourselves, " WHAT DO I DO, WHAT AM I TO DO?" If it be that I am depleted and melted in areas of my life. If I have given up, if I have total hopelessness in areas of my life. Go to the rock that is higher than I. The Spirit of God is here to guide and lead us into all truth. WE first have to realize Yeah that’s me and I need help in that area.
It may be about your job.
It may be about your future.
It may be about your kids.
It may be about your ministries.
It may be about anything concerning you.
There is a good possibility that somewhere in each of our lives is an area that we have been distracted and overwhelmed in by a problem and melted.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Numbers 14 gives us a clue to help. People who are weeping, complaining, and exhibiting all the other fruits of the melted heart help for them is available for them. And if we find ourselves in that state help is there for us as well.
Numbers 14:1-9
1. And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
3. And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
4. And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
5. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
6. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
7. And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
8. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
9. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not
You will not get help during a time of crying and murmuring. You must have a teachable, listening, receptive heart.
Verse 9 tells us to not rebel against the Lord. ( not believing and not acting on His word is rebelling ). Neither fear the people (problems). And the Lord is with us.

THE MELTED HEART PT. 5

2008-04-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

The NUMBER ONE thing that we need to be reminded of when facing a melted heart is THE LORD IS WITH US. DON’T FEAR THE PROBLEM. Don’t become so taken with the problem, so captivated with the enormity of the circumstances that we forget THE LORD IS WITH US.
DEUT. 1:28-33 tells us more of what Moses told them. Not only is God with you, and fighting your battles, but remember what He has done.
Deuteronomy 1:28-33
28. Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
29. Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
30. The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;
31. And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
32. Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,
33. Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.
In verse 30 Moses told them the Lord goes before them and fights for them and to remember what they saw the Lord do in Egypt with their own eyes. One of the tools Moses used to minister and try to turn the melted hearts of the people was to put them in remembrance of what the Lord had done for them in the past. They only got depleted when they focused on the problems facing them. Could that which Moses tried to do be a key ingredient to waiting on the Lord.
ISAIAH 40:31
31. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Wait: bind together.. To expect
This word stresses the straining of the mind in a certain direction, with an expectant attitude. A forward look with assurance. We can renew our strength by putting ourselves in remembrance of what the Lord has done in the past. His character, His history, His faithfulness. Sarah received strength to conceive because she judged Him ( Faithful who promised ). The Faithfulness of God. Remembering what God has done for you in the past will re-energize your melted heart. It will put passion back in your life again. It will put drive in your actions.
However so many people today are so focused on the problems facing them that they have forgotten what the Lord has done for them in the past. Which is key to knowing that He will be faithful today and tomorrow as well. Looking back at the faithfulness of God will give you strength to continue to possess that which looks impossible to possess.
WHY ?
Because if He has been faithful in the past He will be faithful in the present and in the future.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU HAVE A MELTED HEART?
In the children of Israel’s case they had Moses, Aaron, Joshua, And Caleb to step in. How many of you realize that most of us don’t have that many people who will step in when our hearts become melted. A lot of us don’t have people that are brave enough, knowledgeable enough, that are concerned enough when the see our heart overwhelmed, that they will feel free enough to step into our life and re-energize us with words, right words. To remind us when God was faithful to us in situations in the past. And how He will be faithful to us right now as we trust and rely on Him. Not a lot of people in our lives that are brave enough to do that. Not a lot of people in our lives concerned enough to do that.
I have to be more concerned about my heart than others are concerned about my heart. That way if no ne else step up to put me in remembrance of the Faithfulness of God in my life, I can do it. I have to keep myself in remembrance like David did. You will have to be that way also about your own heart. Then you need to look for others that need help and be that one who steps in and reminds them of God’s faithfulness and encourage them to look to the answer and not to focus on the problem. Don’t focus on the enormity of the problems. Joshua is getting ready to lead a huge multitude of people into the promised land. There will be many problems and distractions. The Lord gave Joshua some words that would cause him to be able to have the strength to go, and to do, and resist the melted heart, and to minister to those who have a melted heart. JOSHUA 1:5
5. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
In this verse the word STAND means: to put one in a stationary place in front of you in order to block you.
When you endeavor to possess the land ( or promises of God ) people and circumstances will try to block you. The thing to keep your eyes upon, the thing that will keep you going, when problems and people endeavor to block you, Is This Truth.
AS I WAS WITH MOSES SO WILL I BE WITH YOU. I WILL NEVER FAIL YOU. I WILL NEVER FORSAKE YOU. I’LL NEVER FALL SHORT. I’LL NEVER BE UNSUCCESSFUL IN OBTAINING A DESIRED END. I’LL NEVER LOSE MY STRENGTH. I WILL NEVER DENOUNCE YOU. I WILL NEVER ABANDON YOU.
Why did God say as I was with Moses so will I be with you? Because when you face overwhelming situations, if you get distracted by them, you just might come to the conclusion that you are in it alone.
If we will remember just this one thing," As I was with Moses so will I be with you." It will strengthen you and give you the no matter what comes we will overcome it attitude. The toll that He gave Joshua to stand in the face of overwhelming situations is the fact that He is with us and is faithful. As David said, " When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I." He is faithful. Let that get into your heart. Israel would not let that get into their hearts, and they gave up and quit time after time.
When problems pop up don’t faint, or become overwhelmed, and distracted with the problems to the point that you forget to do what God said to do about it. Get the Word of God on it and know He is faithful to perform that word. Problems come to face us all no matter who or what we are in life. When a problem pops up go on the attack. He is faithful, reliable, and dependable. He is trustworthy. He will help us. We are not in it alone.
Each one of us must look deep into our own hearts and check ourselves.
Here is our check list. See if we do any of these in any area of our lives.
1. Have we lost our drive, passion, or desire.
2. Do we hold or draw back.
3. Have we fainted and given up.
4. Do we not go where God said to go.
5. Do we not say what God said to say.
6. Do we not do what God said to do.
7. Do we murmur.
8. Do we complain.
9. Do we weep a lot.
If we are doing these thing then we are experiencing a melted heart.
Then I say remember His faithfulness to us in the past and it will strengthen us to go on. It will help us to have the courage to go possess the promises, and go and do what He has purposed us to do. His will cause us to stop looking at things as impossibilities. It will help us to not be distracted and depleted by problems and overwhelmed and melted, and pass on what we know. Let us help and encourage others. Let us be instruments of Gods Love towards others that need help... May we all not live in a melted condition ever again....
The children of Israel always wanted to turn back and hang on to things that would not help get them out of a melted heart but only cause more defeat. It reminds me of a story of how natives would catch monkeys. They would make a box with a banana`in it for bait. They would stake the box down and have a hole just big enough for the monkey to get his hand in but not back out while grasping the banana. The native would hide behind a tree and wait. A monkey would come by and see the banana and reach in and grab it, and then the native would come over and beat the monkey to death because once he grabbed the banana he would not let go of it. Let go of the problems because if you don’t you will be just like those monkeys. The devil will beat you silly while you hold onto the problem. You must not focus on the problem but rather the answer. All the monkey had to do was let go of the banana and he could have pulled his hand out and gotten away. All you have to do is let go of the problem and focus on what the Lord says about it and you will run free and your impossibilities will become possibilities.

SQUATTERS

2008-04-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

.............SQUATTERS THE DEVIL IS A SQUATTER WHAT IS A SQUATTER? SQUATTING MEANS FINDING SOME EMPTY HOUSING AND MOVING YOURSELF IN WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LANDLORD. YOU MOVE IN AND ACT AS IF YOU BELONG. YOU CONDUCT YOURSELF JUST LIKE YOU OWN THE PLACE. WE WERE ALL DEAD MEN WALKING BEFORE WE CAME TO CHRIST. WE ALL WERE DEAD IN OUR TRESPASSES AND SINS. WE WERE ALL WALKING IN THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS, BUT JESUS GAVE US A WAY TO A NEW BIRTH, AND WE CAN BECOME A NEW CREATION. Ephesians 2:1-10 1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them NOW AFTER WE BECOME A NEW CREATION WE MUST REALIZE THAT OUR SPIRIT HAS BECOME NEW AND ALIVE TO GOD, BUT WE STILL HAVE THE SAME MIND. NO NEW BRAIN OR DATA IN THAT BRAIN. WE WILL STILL BE DRAWN TO ACT AS BEFORE IF WE DON'T DO SOMETHING ABOUT OUR MIND. IT IS LIKE AN ON BOARD COMPUTER. COMPUTERS ONLY FUNCTION ON WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN PROGRAMED TO DO. HOW DO WE OVER COME THIS PROBLEM? WE MUST REPROGRAM OUR MINDS
ROMANS 12:1-2 TELLS US TO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT TO BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF OUR MINDS. TRANSFORMED MEANS TO CHANGE TO ANOTHER FORM. WE MUST CHANGE OUR MINDS FROM THE WORLDS WAY OF THINKING TO GODS WAY OF THINKING, AND WE THEN WILL CONFORM TO GODS WAY AND LEAVE THE WORLDS WAY BEHIND.
WEBSTERS DEFINITION OF TRANSFORMED:1 a : to change in composition or structure b : to change the outward form or appearance of c : to change in character or condition
THE DEVIL HAD THE RIGHT TO RULE AND LORD OVER US WHEN WE WERE DEAD IN OUR SINS AND TRESPASSES, BUT ONCE WE BECAME A NEW CREATION HE WAS KICKED OUT. HE REALLY THINKS HE STILL OWNS YOU AND HE WILL TRY TO COME BACK IN, AND IF YOU HAVEN'T STARTED TO FILL YOURSELF AND YOUR MIND WITH THE WORD OF GOD THE DEVIL WILL FIND A CLEAN HOUSE AND TRY TO MOVE BACK IN. HE IS A SQUATTER NOW, NOT AN OWNER.
HE REALLY BELIEVES YOU BELONG TO HIM. LET'S LOOK AT MATTHEW 12:43-45 AS IT WILL SHOW US WHAT THE DEVIL THINKS ABOUT US AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO FURNISH OUR HOUSE BY RENEWING OUR MINDS. MATTHEW 12: 43-45 43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
IN VERSE 44 THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT AFTER BEING KICKED OUT SAYS " I WILL RETURN TO MY HOUSE. HE COMES AND CHECKS IT OUT AND FINDS IT SWEPT AND CLEAN AND GARNISHED. HE FOUND IT CLEAN AND COSMETICALLY ADORNED, BUT NOTHING SOUND IN IT. THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT STILL THINKS IT IS HIS HOUSE.
THIS IS A PICTURE OF A PERSON THAT HAS GOTTEN SAVED AND DONE NOTHING TO GROW IN CHRIST AFTER THAT EXPERIENCE, THERE HAS BEEN NO RENEWING OF THE MIND, AND NO TRANSFORMING FROM THE WORLD TO GODS KINGDOM. THEY PUT ON A PLASTIC FACE AND SAY THE RIGHT WORDS AND GO TO CHURCH, BUT ARE EMPTY AND MALNOURISHED INSIDE.
SWEPT AND CLEAN AND GARNISHED. SUPERFICIAL, SHALLOW, EXTERNAL, PRESENTING ONLY AN APPEARANCE, WITHOUT SUBSTANCE OR SIGNIFICANCE. LACKING IN DEPTH OR SOLIDITY. A LACK OF DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE, REASONING, EMOTION, OR CHARACTER:moral excellence and firmness.
Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
WE CAN MAKE OUR EXTERIOR LOOK SO GOOD. AND BE SO BAD AND EMPTY INSIDE. WHEN WE COME TO CHRIST AND BECOME BRAND NEW AND OUR HOUSE IS SWEPT AND CLEAN AND WE HAVE DECORATED THE EXTERIOR, LET'S NOT STOP THERE BUT FILL THE INSIDE WITH GODS WORD, AND WALK IN HIS PROMISES AND RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE.
THE MAN WHO DID NOTHING TO THE INSIDE PAID A HEAVY PRICE. THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT CAME BACK AND SAW A CLEAN AND DECORATED HOUSE AND WENT AND BROUGHT BACK WITH HIM SEVEN MORE WICKED THAN HE AND MOVED RIGHT BACK IN. DON'T LET THE SQUATTERS IN. THEY WILL DESTROY THE PLACE. THEY WILL DESTROY YOUR LIFE. THEY WILL STEAL YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR FINANCES. RENEW YOUR MINDS TO THE WORD AND LET GOD RESTORE ALL THE SQUATTING DEVIL TOOK FROM YOU.
REMEMBER THE ONLY RIGHTS SQUATTERS HAVE ARE THE ONES YOU GIVE THEM BY YOUR LACK OF CONCERN AND LACK OF DOING ANYTHING TO KEEP THEM OUT. THE DEVIL HAS NO RIGHT TO RULE IN YOUR LIFE, BUT HE WILL TRY, AND IF YOU DON'T RESIST HIM HE WILL TAKE OVER AND BRING TROUBLE IN WITH HIM.

You Can Cook

2008-04-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

EDIFICATION " YOU CAN COOK "
You can help another person bring out their gift and change the course of their life with a word of encouragement and edification, A word to build up and uplift instead of tear down.
Romans 15: 1-3
1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
[ That means you step in and deflect the rebukes and put downs, and offer edification and uplifting words to those who were being attacked. ]

Jeremiah 1:5 KVJ.
5. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Passage Jeremiah 29:11 KJV.
11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Passage Acts 10:34 KJV.
34. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
In Jeremiah 1:5 the Lord is telling Jeremiah that he knew him before he was formed, and that he had sanctified, and ordained him before he was born.
Later on in chapter 29 verse 11 the Lord tells him that the thoughts toward him were of peace and not evil, and to give him an expected end. [ the word translated thoughts is better translated as plans. ] In the new testament Peter in Acts 10:34 tells us God is no respecter of persons. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO US?
It means that the lord knew us all, and gifted us all, and has a plan and purpose for
us all, with an expected end. A plan of peace and not evil. We need to find out what that plan is and walk it out in our lives.

Passage Proverbs 18:16 KJV.
16. A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
1 Timothy 1:14
14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
2 Timothy 1:6
6. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Not all of us have had gifts imparted to us by the laying on of hands, however we all have gift that have been imparted to us by the Lord. We need to find out what those gifts are and then not neglect them and stir them us and walk in them.

Passage 2 Corinthians 10:8 KJV.
8. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
[ All of us should as Paul stated, use our authority in the Lord to build up others, and not to tear others down. ]
Everybody has a gift, a purpose, something they do well.. The trouble is some of us never realize that gift. Satan will do his best to get other to put us down so that we never realize the gift and it’s potential. Or he will maneuver us to use our gift wrong or unwisely. EXAMPLE.. The gift of Gab ( talking ) can be used to edify, uplift, and minister, however it can be used wrongly to gossip and put down.
When a person knows they have a gift, they have two choices to make concerning that gift.
1. They view the gift as something others may not understand. Others may not view it the same way as they do. So they put it away and never use it. They never realize the gifts potential, or the givers intention as to the use of the gift.
2. Or they realize the gift is to valuable to not be used and use it regardless of what others may say.
However many have unrealized gifts in them and never see it, because they are looking for a huge life changing thing, when the gift is small and must be used for it to grow and become it’s full potential in life.
I’m going to tell you a true story, where three words of encouragement changed the course of a mans life. It uplifted and gave him confidence. Those three words brought out his gift, and in the process helped many others and our economy at the same time. His gift effected a nation. However had it not been for a caring and discerning person who uttered those three words it never would have come forth.
This man had tried everything to get ahead in life. He applied to law school and was turned down. He tried all forms of businesses and was rejected. He simply was not what anyone wanted. No one thought he had anything to offer. He eventually got married, but could never get into any business, that could make it possible for he and his wife to live a comfortable life. He settled into a ho hum life as a dish washer/cook, never being able to put any money aside for retirement. At 65 he retired and received his first social security check. It was for 105 dollars. He was devastated, and decided to end his life. He wrote a final note, and headed out the door to kill himself. His wife felt something was up and stopped him asking him what he was up to. He told her the story of how he was going to end it, because he could do nothing worth anything. Sure you can she said. YOU CAN COOK were the next three words she said to him. He said do you really think so. She said yes you can cook. After all these years he realized his gift was being able to cook. He took his 105 dollars and went to the bank and borrowed 87 more dollars . He bought chickens and started cooking them in his special recipe, and selling them out of his house. It got so popular he tried to vend it through restaurants. He went to seek anyone that would sell his product. He was turned down 1,014 times, however on the 1,015th time he met a man by the name of John Y. Brown. John Brown said, " Col. Harlin Sanders I believe we can do business. Kentucky Fried Chicken was born.
3 simple words of encouragement changed the destiny of not just Mr. Sanders, but many others. It gave thousands of people jobs. Construction people who build the restaurants, people who work in the restaurants, those who make the napkins, plates, containers, cups, and work in the restaurants. And so many more in this nation that do thinks connected with Kentucky Fried Chicken. It all started with 3 words of encouragement, which brought out his gift. The gift was in him all the time, but he was looking for something big right off the bat. When that something big was in him all the time. It just needed to be recognized, planted, and allowed to grow, like a seed.
Don’t overlook what you do best, for it will be your gift, and it will make room for you. Always look for opportunities to edify and encourage others helping to bring their gifts out. Never join the crowd that is browbeating a person, but rather be a deflector, a shield for that person, and give them words that build them up.
3 words of encouragement took a man and his 105 dollars from suicide to helping hundreds of thousands of people and the economy of a nation. It took him from feeling worthless and unsuccessful with 105 dollars, to when he sold the business for 2 billion dollars. Realize this your gift in not only for you, but also to help others.

NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION

2008-03-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION
It has been said that there are pastors in churches today that are not born-a-gain Christians in our denominational churches. Some are in it as a profession. Others under deceptions like many who sit in pews and feel because they have gone to church all their lives that they are Christians, or that they are because they feel they are a good person. Some even think doing good works gets them into heaven and they therefore must be a Christian. None of which causes a person to become born-a-gain. Some churches you could walk into are simply dead because the pastor and the people have not pursued the word of God and walked in the light of that word. Others are dead because lost people are running the church. SOUNDS HARD TO BELIEVE. I was listening to a minister that once taught in a Bible School. Over the years he taught many people of various ages and backgrounds. One group that came was made up of pastors that had been pastors for 20, 30, 40 years in denominational churches and decided to go to Bible school to learn more about the Word of God. Within that group over the years several were shocked to realize that they had never confessed Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives and gave their lives to Christ at Bible School. SO NEVER ASSUME THAT ALL WHO ATTEND CHURCH REGULARLY ,OR EVEN MINISTER, OR SAY THEY ARE CHRISTIANS REALLY ARE BORN-A-GAIN. THEY MAY THINK THEY ARE, THEY MAY BELIEVE THEY ARE, BUT UPON WHAT HAVE THEY BASED THAT BELIEF.

I do not know who is or is not Saved. I do not know if any here tonight believe they are saved and are not. Whether any have based salvation on being a good person, church attendance, good works, or the simple fact that their parents were Christians. I do not know all the reasons that sidetrack people into following an idea that takes them down a wrong path, for there are many. I do not know who is over hearing this message, or the state of their lives, or upon what that state is based.
THIS IS WHAT I DO KNOW. THE REAL QUESTION IS, "WHAT HAVE WE DONE WITH JESUS?"
JOHN 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
WE MUST BE SO WATCHFUL ABOUT HOW WE LOOK AT THINGS. JESUS IS THE WAY, NOT A WAY. WE HEAR SO MANY SAY WE ARE ALL TRYING TO GET TO THE SAME PLACE, ONLY WE ARE ALL TAKING DIFFERENT PATHS TO GET THERE. NO THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY. I WAS IN A CHURCH AND A MAN WAS TEACHING, WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS A GREAT REVELATION ABOUT THE SONG, " AWAY IN A MANGER." THE WORD AWAY IS USED AS AN ADVERB OR AND ADJECTIVE. IT MODIFIES A VERB OR A NOUN. THIS MAN SPENT THE HOUR CHANGING THE WORD AWAY INTO A WAY. A WAY IS A NOUN. HE SAID THERE WAS A WAY LYING IN THAT MANGER AND MADE IT SOUND SO GOOD, HOWEVER WHAT HE WAS TEACHING WAS WRONG. FOR IF JESUS WAS A WAY, THEN THAT MEANS THERE ARE OTHER WAYS. WHAT YOU MUST SETTLE IN YOUR HEART AND MINDS IS THAT JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY, OR YOU CAN BE LEAD ASTRAY, AND LEAD OTHERS DOWN A WRONG PATH.
YOU MAY HAVE HEARD PEOPLE SAY TO CONFESS YOUR SINS. SOME EVEN SAY GET THEM ALL OUT EVERY ONE OF THEM. IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SINS YOU HAVE COMMITTED BEFORE YOU COME TO CHRIST, IT’S ABOUT YOUR SIN NATURE, AND BEING A LOST SINNER. IT’S ABOUT BECOMING A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST. WHEN JOHN SAID THAT IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE OUR SINS HE WAS SPEAKING TO THE CHURCH. HE WAS SPEAKING TO BORN-A-GAIN PEOPLE NOT LOST PEOPLE WHO NEEDED TO BECOME A NEW CREATION. HE WAS SPEAKING TO ONE’S THAT NEEDED TO BE KEPT IN RIGHT STANDING AND FELLOWSHIP. WHOLE DENOMINATIONS HAVE HARPED ON LOST PEOPLE TO COME TO THE ALTER AND CONFESS YOUR SINS, YES GET THEM ALL OUT, HOWEVER IT IS NOT ABOUT GETTING THE SINS OUT. IT IS ABOUT GETTING THE SIN NATURE OUT. IT IS ABOUT BECOMING A NEW CREATION IN GOD. IT IS ABOUT THE OLD MAN PASSING AWAY , AND A NEW MAN BEING BORN.
1 John 1:1-10 KJV.
1. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 KJV.
1. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THAT NOW IS THE TIME.
OCTOBER 8TH, 1871 IS A DATE MANY PEOPLE RECOGNIZE. IT IS A DAY IN HISTORY THAT A MAJOR EVENT TOOK PLACE. I’LL TELL YOU WHAT THAT WAS, BUT FIRST I WANT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS NOT AS WELL PUBLICIZED AND VERY IMPORTANT TO THIS TEACHING THAT HAPPENED ON THAT DATE IN HISTORY. THERE WAS A YOUNG MINISTER PREACHING THERE IN CHICAGO, AND GREAT CROWDS WERE COMING. ON OCTOBER THE 8TH IT WAS THE BIGGEST CROWD HE HAD EVER SPOKEN TO IN HIS LIFE. THIS MINISTER WAS DWIGHT L. MOODY, AND HIS MESSAGE THAT NIGHT WAS " WHAT SHALL I DO WITH JESUS?" AFTER THE ALTER SONG Mr. MOODY TOLD THE CONGREGATION, " I’LL GIVE YOU A WEEK TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH JESUS." THAT VERY NIGHT WAS THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE OF 1871 THAT DESTROYED THE CITY AND MANY WHO WERE IN THAT MEETING PERISHED THAT NIGHT NEVER TO GET ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOR AND LORD. Mr. MOODY SAID, " I LEARNED THAT NIGHT WHEN I PREACH, TO PRESS CHRIST UPON THE PEOPLE AND TRY TO BRING THEM TO A DECISION ON THE SPOT."
BACK IN 2003 MY FATHER-IN-LAW SPOKE TO ME OF LOST OPPORTUNITY AND HOW IT BOTHERED HIM THAT HE NEVER OBEYED THE LORD ONE NIGHT. THE LORD INSTRUCTED HIM TO WITNESS TO A MAN WORKING AT A GAS STATION AND HE PUT IT OFF SAYING I’LL DO IT LATER THIS WEEK. THAT NIGHT THE MAN WAS KILLED IN A CAR WRECK. MY FATHER-IN-LAW CARRIED THAT WITH HIM THE REST OF HIS LIFE WONDERING WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN, AND WAS HE THE LAST ONE THAT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THAT MAN FOR CHRIST BEFORE HIS TIME ON EARTH WAS NO MORE. LOST OPPORTUNITIES ARE HARD REGRETS TO CARRY. IF WE CARRY REGRETS LIKE THAT WE NEED TO TAKE THEM TO THE LORD AND REPENT FOR NOT DOING WHAT WE SHOULD OF , AND RECEIVE FORGIVENESS, AND THEN GRASP EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT PRESENTS ITSELF TO US, AND MAKE THE MOST OF THE SITUATION FOR CHRIST. OPPORTUNITY IS A RESTLESS THING IT DEMANDS ATTENTION RIGHT NOW, OR IT DEPARTS.
GOD LOVES YOU AND HAS PROVIDED THE WAY TO ENTER INTO HIS FAMILY.
Passage John 3:16 KJV.
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
GOD IS NOT COUNTING UP SINS
2 COR. 5:17-19 KJV.
17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation
ROMANS 10:1,8-19,13 KJV.
Romans 10
1. Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
ARE YOU SAVED OR ARE YOU NOT, AND DID YOU BASE THAT DECISION ON JESUS AND JESUS ALONE?
Question: "What is the Romans Road to salvation?"
Answer: The Romans Road to salvation is a way of explaining the good news of salvation using verses from the Book of Romans.
The first verse on the Romans Road to salvation is Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." We have all sinned. We have all done things that are displeasing to God. There is no one who is innocent. The second Scripture on the Romans Road to salvation, Romans 6:23, teaches us about the consequences of sin - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The punishment that we have earned for our sin is death. Not just physical death, but eternal death!
The third verse on the Romans road to salvation picks up where Romans 6:23 left off, "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:8 declares, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus Christ died for us!
The fourth stop on the Romans road to salvation is Romans 10:9, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Because of Jesus' death on our behalf, all we have to do is believe in Him, trusting His death as the payment for our sins - and we will be saved! Romans 10:13 says it again, "for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
YOU HEAR SOME SAY YOU HAVE TO STAY TILL YOU PRAY THROUGH, WELL THAT IS TRUE, ONLY ONCE YOU CONFESS HIM AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR YOU HAVE PRAYED THROUGH
ALL YOU NEED TO DO AFTER YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE A LOST SINNER AND NEED RECONCILED TO GOD IS TO SIMPLY SAY LORD JESUS I SEE I AM A LOST SINNER AND NEED YOU, AND I BELIEVE IN MY HEART THAT YOU DIED AND GOD RAISE YOU FROM THE DEAD FOR ME, AND I CONFESS YOU AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR, AND I GIVE MYSELF OVER TO YOU. I AM NOW ONE OF GOD’S CHILDREN...I AM NOW SAVED.. AMEN

FACING THE CROSS PT. 1

2008-03-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

FACING THE CROSS ....New Living Translation Passage Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. King James Version Passage Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Amplified Bible Passage Romans 11:29For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.] New Living Translation Passage Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.He delights in every detail of their lives. King James Version Passage Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. We all have been gifted and called to a destiny unique to each of us. If we or our gifts don’t seem to fit, then we are either out of step or in the wrong place. If that is the case we need to seek God’s wisdom and direction in our lives and get back on track. I have a joke that uses animals to illustrate this the difference being animals are in the wrong places many times because of men, and they can't do anything about their situation.. Camel Joke A mother and a baby camel are talking one day when the baby camel asks, " Mom , why have I got these three-toed feet?" The mother replies,"Well, son, when we trek across the desert your toes will help you to stay on top of the soft sand." "Ok,"said the son. A few minutes later the son asks, "Mom, why have I got these great long eyelashes?" " They are to keep the sand out of your eyes on those trips through the desert." "Thanks, Mom" replies the son. After a short while, the son returns and asks, "Mom, why have I got these great big humps on my back?" The Mother, now a little impatient with the boy, replies,"They are there to help us store fat for our long treks across the desert, so we can go without water for long periods." "That’s great , Mom. So we have huge feet to stop us from sinking, and long eyelashes to keep sand from our eyes, and these humps to store water, but Mom.." "Yes, son?" "Why are we in the San Diego zoo?" Sometimes we are like those camels. We are in the wrong place for the gifts and call on our lives. Not much the camels could do about it, however we can do something about our situation. Jesus came into this world gifted and called. His steps were ordered of the Lord. He had a race to run, goals to reach, before he went back to heaven, and on to his other ministries. He had many things to teach, reveal, and fulfill. The Last Supper was one of these steps in His race towards the Cross. There are four gospels. Not every event was recorded in all four. The events that are recorded in more than one will give us different views of the same event through the eyes of the recorder. Different things will stand out to each individual and they will record those things. The Last Supper was one of those events, which was recorded in all four gospels. We will never know, this side of heaven, what all took place that night, at that supper. This was the last time Jesus would have all the disciples together with him before the cross. Jesus had many things to teach and reveal to them that evening. Each writer speaks of the bread and the wine representing the broken body and blood of Jesus except John, however he recorded much more of what Jesus said that night, that the others did not record.. Many things took place that night and each writer also spoke of things that stood out to them. Just as tonight each of you here in this room will have different things which stand out to you. Same event seen through many different eyes and heard through many different ears. When we listen to and read about the event through many different people, we get a more rounded view of what took place. Let’s look at the night through the eyes, ears, and writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Jesus was teaching, revealing, and fulfilling scripture. Passage Matthew 26:17-54: 17Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? 18And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. 20Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. 21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. 26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. [ Matthew notes that they sang a hymn before they left to go to the mount of olives] 31Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 33Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. [ Jesus gave a word to them about how all of them would be offended because of Him.] 50. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. 51. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54. But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? [ also one of them sliced off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. And Jesus reveals that all of heaven is at His call. And that if he would make that call twelve legions of angels would come and defend him, however the scripture would go unfulfilled. So it must be so that He go to and through the cross.] ( These are some of the things that stood out to Matthew ) Passage Mark 14:15-31.47 (KJV.) 15. And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. 16. And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 17. And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. 18. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. 19. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? 20. And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. 21. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. 22. And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 23. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 25. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. 26. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 27. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 29. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 31. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. 47. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. [ MARK pretty much follows Matthews account. ] Passage Luke 22:15-32: 15. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 21. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. 22. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! 23. And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. (24. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.) [ Luke picks up on some strife among the disciples as to which of them should be accounted the greatest] (25. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.) [Jesus explained how Kings of the gentiles exercise lordship. How they exercise authority over the people. How it’s not to be so in the kingdom of God. The the Chief should be the servant.] 28. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (31. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.) [ Luke gives us some more of what Jesus spoke to Peter that night,which Matthew left out.](51. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.) [Luke noticed that Jesus healed the servants ear that one of them cut off. He noticed the miracle of the healing Jesus worked. Matthew and Mark noticed the cutting off of the ear. Luke noticed the healing of the ear by Jesus.]

FACING THE CROSS PT. 2

2008-03-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

FACING THE CROSS PT. 2

This was an eye and a heart opener as I was reading what John recorded about the goings on of the evening of the Last Supper. John chapter thirteen verse one until John chapter seventeen verse 26 are the things that stood out to John. Chapter 18 verse one they depart and go to the garden.
John 13
1. Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
3. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
(4. He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
[7. Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. ]
8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's
feet.
15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent
greater than he that sent him.
17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.)
[We never see foot washing mentioned again. Never by any of the apostle’s or anyone else. Why? Because it was never intended to be a custom, but rather an example of serving the needs of others no matter the title of office you hold. It was to show us to be humble and serve, rather than demand to be served. We must be watchful that we don’t become high-minded and think we are the ultimate, and everyone should run to our beckon call and fulfill our needs and desires. In the world and sorry to say in the church world there are some also that as they gain notoriety, popularity, wealth, and a title, you see them change. They are riding in limo’s, and have people carry their bags, and people to do almost everything for them. Jesus was bringing this out the first thing after they ate supper, so it was very important. They key to being great, the key to being a leader, is being a servant. We should be looking for how we can serve and lift others up. As we do that God will have others looking to serve our needs as we give and serve others. It’s a sowing and reaping principal, as well as being humble. Jesus knowing that this will be his last time together with them tells them many things they will need to know. He starts with the example of being a servant so this must be very important and key to everything else. Let’s continue reading the rest of what John records happened and look at the amount of revelation Jesus shared that night.]
18. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
19. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
20. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
21. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say
unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
24. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
25. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26. Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
27. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
28. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
30. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
31. Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
32. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
33. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
34. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
36. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
37. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
38. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
John 14
1. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him,
and have seen him.
8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15. If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
25. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
30. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
31. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
John 15
1. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17. These things I command you, that ye love one another.
18. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
20. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
21. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
22. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
23. He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
24. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
25. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
27. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
John 16
1. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
2. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
5. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
6. But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9. Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things
to come.
14. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
16. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
17. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
18. They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
19Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
20. Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
22. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
23. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
25. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
26. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
27. For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
28. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
29. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
30. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
31. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
32. Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world
John 17
1. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
5. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
7. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
8. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
John 18
1. When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
[Those chapters sure contained a huge amount of teaching and I have heard 100's of sermon topics that came from those chapters, but never realized till now that it was all spoken at the last supper.

LOVE IS A WORD THAT IS TOSSED AROUND, BUT WHAT IS IT?

2008-02-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

LOVE IS A WORD THAT IS TOSSED AROUND, BUT WHAT IS IT?
IN OUR AMERICAN LANGUAGE WE ARE SO LIMITED. WE SAY I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER, AND I LOVE YOU. IT’S THE SAME WORD BUT BETTER MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS. WE USE LIKE AND LOVE INTERCHANGEABLE AND IT DOESN’T WORK SO WELL. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. IN THE GREEK THEY HAVE FOUR WORDS FOR LOVE WHICH GIVE A MORE CLEAR PICTURE .
1.Caritas (agapēe, αaγ?αaπpη?) is an unconditional love directed towards one's neighbor which is not dependent on any lovable qualities that the object of love possesses. Agape is the love that brings forth caring regardless of circumstance
2.Friendship (philia, φfι?λ?ι?αa) is a strong bond existing between people who share a common interest or activity
3.Affection (storge, σsτtο?ρ?γ?η?) is fondness through familiarity, especially between family members or people who have otherwise found themselves together by chance.
4.Eros (έ?ρ?ω?ς?) is love in the sense of 'being in love'.

Passage 1 John 4:7-8(KJV.)
7. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
[LOVE: AFFECTION, UNEARNED OR UNMERITED FAVOR.]
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a.(KJV.)
1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
[TONGUES: LANGUAGE NATURALLY ACQUIRED OR UNNATURALLY ACQUIRED. THE TONGUE OF A TRIBE, A NATION, OR THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF SPEAKING IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE WITHOUT IT’S HAVING BEEN LEARNT.
MEN: HUMAN BEING, MALE OR FEMALE, OF ANY NATIONALITY.
ANGELS: MESSENGER- AN ANGEL OR BY IMPLICATION A PASTOR.]
2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
[CHARITY: AFFECTION, UNEARNED OR UNMERITED FAVOR.]
3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
[BURNED: TO LIGHT, TO SET FIRE, TO HAVE PASSION FOR.]
4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
[ENVIETH: TO COVET OR DESIRE, TO WANT .
VAUNTETH: TO BOAST ONE’S SELF, OR GIVE A SELF DISPLAY.]
5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
[UNSEEMLY: INDECENT OR SHAMEFUL.]
6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8.Charity never faileth:

Philippians 4:4-9 (KJV.)
4.Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5.Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
[MODERATION: DOING WHAT IS APPROPRIATE, MILD, REASONABLE, GENTLE, AND FAIR. NOT INSISTING ON THE LETTER OF THE LAW. SHOWING MERCY AND GRACE.]
6.Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[CAREFUL: ANXIOUS, TAKING THOUGHT, OR DISTRACTING CARE.]
7.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8.Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
[VIRTUE:: IMPRESSIONS MADE ON OTHERS IN THE AREAS OF MORAL GOODNESS, EXCELLENCE.
9.Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
LET’S END WITH WHERE WE BEGAN.
Passage 1 John 4:7-8(KJV.)
7. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
WE MUST WALK IN AND LIVE IN ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR FATHER GOD WHOM IS LOVE. TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS. DO NOT MAKE PEOPLE EARN YOUR LOVE, BUT RATHER GIVE IT FREELY WITH NO STRINGS OR CONDITIONS. GOD GAVE FREELY, AND SO MUST WE.

OFF TUNE PART 2

2008-01-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

OFF TUNE PT. 2
2 CORINTHIANS 4:13
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
NOTICE PAUL DIDN’T SAY WE’RE TRYING TO GET , OR WE’RE WORKING ON IT, NO!!! HE SAID WE HAVE IT.
There has been a misconception about Faith. Some have the idea that you float around with no problems, or troubles. What you need to know is that problems and troubles will come. The devil wants to knock the faith out of you. To go to the destiny God has for each of us, and to walk in God’s promises, and to stand in God’s blessings, we must maintain that Spirit of Faith. There will be a battle, however through Faith and God’s word we will stand victoriously.
Paul didn’t say we don’t have any troubles. Look at Second Corinthians 4:8.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
TROUBLED: pressured by circumstances.... Antagonism of persons
DISTRESSED: hemmed in
PERPLEXED: with out a way, without resources, at a loss, puzzled.
DESPAIR: utterly without a way, utterly without resources, not with abandonment of hope, not fully at a loss.
Paul was saying he was pressured on every side, yet not hemmed in, he was puzzled and to the natural eye and looked like there was no way and no resources, however not utterly without a way, or resources, for he not abandoned hope.
Some say if we have the Spirit of Faith that we shouldn’t have any trouble.
NOT so for troubles will come. A Pew warmer that doesn’t really do anything for God nor study His word may not have as much trouble come their way. Trouble comes to challenge the word in your heart. The Spirit of Faith is for people who want to be Giant Killers, mountain movers, kingdom expanders, city changers, nation changers, family changers, and devil crushers.
THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF PEOPLE.
1. PIONEERS: BELIEVE THERE’S SOMETHING JUST AHEAD. THAT THERE’S SOMETHING ON THE WAY. THAT THERE ARE SOME PLACES THEY’VE NEVER BEEN, AND SOME THINGS THEY’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. THAT THERE’S SOME PEOPLE THEY’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE, AND SOME THINGS THAT NEED TO HAPPEN. THEY KEEP MOVING ONWARD AND BLAZING A TRAIL.
2. SETTLERS: THEY GO A WAYS STOP AND SETTLE THERE. NEVER GO ANY FARTHER. NO DESIRE TO LEARN OR GO DEEPER.
3. MUSEUM KEEPERS: ALWAYS WILLING TO DUST OFF THE MEMORIES OF THE PAST AND TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED WAY BACK WHEN.
THINK ON THAT AND FIND WHICH ONE OF THE THREE CHOICES YOU FIT INTO.
In Second Corinthians 4:9 it says," Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. "
We are persecuted but not alone, we are knocked down but not destroyed. One translation says we are knocked down but not knocked out.
PAUL COULD BE SHIPWRECKED, SNAKE BIT, BEATEN, AND LEFT FOR DEAD, AND THAN GET UP AND SAT THANKS BE UNTO GOD WHO ALWAYS CAUSES ME TO TRIUMPH IN CHRIST. THE SPIRIT OF FAITH ALWAYS SPEAKS THE DESIRED RESULT IN THE FACE OF CIRCUMSTANCES THAT SAY THE OPPOSITE. YOU MUST NOT FREAK OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF A MESS. YOU CAN NOT PLAY LET’S MAKE A DEAL ( I’LL DO THIS IF YOU DO THAT ). We don’t build up brownie points that we can trade in for help. God is not moved by needs, nor titles, nor good works. He is moved by faith. We must believe and therefore speak.

Hebrews 4
1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
One who believes will speak and be confident and trust the lord’s word. We then can enter into rest and not distress. You must remember you are the believer, and God is the performer. He will bring it to pass. So in the middle of adversity you can be relaxed, full of peace, full of joy.
I want to share a true story that may help you see more how faith works. It is called, "That cat did not get my bacon." A minister who was just starting to see the faith message about calling things that be not as though they are, however he was off tune, but God got him on track. He had gone out visiting congregation members. While at one members house he was given a nice side of bacon in a grocery sack. He put on the front seat and drove to the next members house parking the car out front and leaving the windows down as it was a warm day. These members had a cat, which was outside at the time. While he was inside the cat got into his car and ate the bacon. When the minister was coming back to the car he saw the cat jump out of the car window and run off. He got in the car and saw the bacon was gone. The minister said, I’ll tell you one thing I’m a faith person. As he drove down the road he started saying that cat did not get my bacon. That cat did not get my bacon. As he was going down the road say that the Holy Spirit spoke up in his heart and said, " who are you kidding", "That cat got your bacon." "Now you can believe me for some more bacon, because there is more bacon where that bacon came from, but that cat did get your bacon." He then saw what he had been doing. He was calling things that were as thought they were not. That was not faith it was a lie. He needed to be calling things that were not as though they were. He should have been saying that cat got my bacon, and Father I ask for some more bacon. I believe I have more bacon.
Anyone out there ever had a time when the cat got your bacon? The bacon is gone. You were full of faith, but now perplexed. You don’t have to be in despair God’s got more bacon.

The Same Jesus, Church age, Anointing,Equipping,and Commission Pt. 1

2008-01-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

PART 1
Same Jesus, Same Church, Same Anointing, Same Equipping, and Same Commission.
We have the same Jesus, and we are in the same church age, and we have the same anointing, and the same equipping, and the same commission as Peter, James, John, or Paul. So what keeps us from walking in the way they did? What keeps us from seeing the same kinds of miracles today that they saw? Why do so many of us perish, and are sickly? Why are so many of us in need? One word sums it up. That word is "Knowledge". The lack of it, or the rejecting of it.
What we don’t know, or what we do know and choose to reject, can hurt us. It can even cause us to die before our time. It can cause us to live a poor sickly terrible life. Knowledge used wisely can lift us up and cause us to live a more abundant life.
On December the 24th 1978 about noon time my sister lied about her horseback riding knowledge, and it cost her life as a result. When we were younger we owned a Shetland pony, which we rode a limited number of times. This day in 1978 she and her husband were out at a friends home in the country. This friend had a large horse and my sister wanted to take it for a ride. She was asked if she knew how to ride. Of course was her answer. She said, "I know how to ride." Every horse is different and if you have never ridden a particular horse, you must be ready for anything that can happen. Even on a familiar horse you must be ready for unexpected behavior from the horse. She didn’t have the knowledge or the experience to ride such a large powerful animal, or take control of the animal if it got out of hand. The friend believed she could ride and let her ride the horse. The horse bolted down the road, and made a sharp turn through an open gate into it’s favorite field. My sister wasn’t ready for this and fell off the horse hitting her head on a rock. She had 3 more rides to take. One was to the hospital in an ambulance. The second was a few hours later to the funeral home. The third was to the cemetery. She lost her life, because she did not have the knowledge she needed. Let us get the knowledge of our God, of our Savior, and of all his promises, so we don’t end up in dire straits without the answer we need, just as my sister did.
Hosea 4:6
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.

New Living Translation Passage Hebrews 2:14-18:
14 . Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
16. We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Verse 18 in the King James says... For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Succour is a word that means to come to the aid of anyone that is tempted.

New Living Translation Passage Hebrews 4:14-16:
Christ Is Our High Priest
14. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
King James Version Passage 1 Corinthians 10:13
13. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Escape: Exit to go out.
King James Version Passage 2 Peter 1:2-4:
2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Lust: a strong overpowering desire for something.
James 1: 12-15
12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
We find in James that a temptation is a strong desire in us that draws us away when enticed. We must control our desires and bring them into line with the word of God. If we have hidden desire in our heart the devil will tempt us and entice us trying to get us to sin. David hid the word in his heart that he might not sin. That is what we must do. Entice is a fishing term. Fishermen try to entice the fish to bite the bait. I went fishing with my dad in some old strip mining pits many years ago, and I watched my dad try to entice a huge bass to take the bait. A school of six huge bass came up into view, and my dad went frazzled trying to lure and entice them to bite. He used every lure in his tackle box to no avail. These fish didn’t get that big by falling for the lures of fishermen. My dad then used a live bait. It was a small fish called a rosy. It was a goldfish with a rose colored spot on it’s underside. A huge bass came up to it and was staring at it for a long time. It moved slowly in and opened it’s mouth. My dad wad going wild with anticipation. The bass sucked in the rosy and spit it out so fast that the bait was 4-5 feet away before my dad jerked the pole. The bass went down deep and later returned. Five of them were deep in the water but still very visible. One was up looking at the rosy again. It looked like he was going to go for it when all of a sudden the other five came up around the rosy and the first bass. They then turned and the one went off into the deep and the first bass followed. That showed me something else, which was that we need to be surrounded with good solid full of knowledge that can step in and help us in time of temptations and testing. Also that we need to be watching out friends and step in and help if we see a situation that could be a temptation or harmful to them and help them out.
In First Corinthians 10:13 We found out with every temptation the devil brings God has a way of escape for us. And in Second Peter 1:2-4 we find out that we are given all things that pertain to life and godliness, however that doesn’t just drop on us we have to do something to obtain everything that has to do with life and godliness. That is to get knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue.
In that knowledge we find that in James 1:22 it says,"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." There the knowledge is telling us we need to not only hear the knowledge but act on that knowledge.
When Jesus walked this earth, where ever he was, demons trembled, sickness, disease, death, lack, and needs were all powerless to stay. People were healed and needs met when Jesus came on the scene. The only place Jesus could do no mighty works was where offence and unbelief ( doubt ) was present.

Passage Mark 6 :1-6 KJV.
1. And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
2. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
3. Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
4. But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
5. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Offended: to see in another what I disapprove of. And what hinders me from acknowledging his authority. To cause one to judge unfavorably or unjustly of another. To put a snare of stumbling block in the way of.
Unbelief: faithlessness, ( neg. ) Disbelief.
Teaching: to cause to learn, To effect learning. In effect to impart knowledge to.
What did Jesus do when he met this group of people so full of offence, unbelief, and doubt. He went about teaching... bringing knowledge to them.
THERE IS A LOT IN THIS PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE THAT GETS PASSED OVER AND IS VERY IMPORTANT, SO I WILL GO INTO IT DEEPER IN MY NEXT POSTING AS PART 2.

OFF TUNE PART 1

2007-12-13T04:15:00.000-08:00

OFF TUNE
2nd Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Passage 2 Timothy 2:15 New Living Translation
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
In this room There are hundreds of voices talking. Radio, Tv, and micro wave. Do you hear them? NO.
You need a radio, Tv, or micro-wave receiver to tune them in. When you turn a radio on and you hear nothing or static do you think it is broken or the station is not transmitting? No you start turning the tuning dial or digital tuning button to pull in a station. There all kinds of formats like news, country music, bluegrass, gospel, and you choose which one to listen too. Some stations have a mix. Some stations you don’t want to listen too.
The Bible has many subjects that we need to tune in to, and the devil has many voices out there trying to capture our attention and distract us away from the word, and take us down a path to destruction.
This Bible tunes us into Guidance, direction, health, healing, deliverance, protection, provision , and much more. The devil is out there slinging Mis-direction, confusion, sickness, snares, lack, poverty, doctrines and traditions that are contrary to the Word, but taken as gospel fact. We need to know the difference, the real truth, and tune in and walk in God’s truth.
FAITH is a mis-understood subject that has many voices out there. What faith is, and how faith works are subjects that have been taught wrong and even when taught right some have not paid earnest heed, and only grasp it in part, and went off teaching, believing, and walking it in error.
FIRST faith calls things that be not as though they were. It does not call things that are as though they are not. Faith calls the unseen into reality. Faith does not call seen things as though they are not there.
Faith Operates on absolute truth. Faith off tune just a little becomes a lie.
I was in a church once and a person with a cold was there. Someone said do you have a cold and they said no I do not for I walk in divine health. They thought that was faith, however it was a lie. They had a cold. They were calling something that was as though it was not and that is a lie. The fact is Jesus did pay the price for their health and healing but they were not in possession of that health at the moment. They should have said yes I do have a cold, however Jesus took stripe so I have be healed and by His stripes I am healed. That is calling that is not as though it were and it shall come to pass. Let’s look at what Paul said and what David said.
2nd Cor. 4:13
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Paul was quoting David from Psalm 116 David was in the middle of trouble and affliction. He said death compassed him. In the middle of this David called on the Lord to deliver him. Nothing has changed in the natural yet.
Then David made this statement in Ps. 116:1-10
1. I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10. I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
David said God had delivered his soul from death, his eyes from tears, and his feet from falling, and that he would walk before the lord in the land of the living. He then said I have believed therefore have I spoken. The spirit of faith believes and speaks how it ought to be rather than how it is and then the Lord brings it into reality and changes the circumstances. Faith changes things that are seen by believing and speaking things that are not seen as tho they were, and they will be. Faith is an attitude that says this is the way it is. People that do not understand faith will look at you like you are crazy, and may say,"Who do you think you are ?" They may take your " I believe therefore I speak" as arrogance . David acknowledged the mess he was in then spoke what he wanted the outcome to be. David had this spirit of faith early on. David believed his God. He believed Gods protection, his deliverance, and his blessing was on him. He did not believe it was god’s will to hurt or destroy him, or make him sick, or that you just don’t know what God will do. No he believed God would do exactly as he says he will do with no shadow of turning. He believed in the God of victory and deliverance and provision, for every circumstance that comes your way. David was a young lad tending sheep when his father came and sent him out to the battle with some food for his brothers and the captain of their troop. David’s elder brothers were with the army facing the Philistines and Goliath. 1st Sam. 17 tells the account of this battle. While David was there he heard Goliath come out and rail against the army of God, and he saw no one step up to silence him. He also heard the men speaking of a reward that Saul was offering to the man who would kill Goliath. David’s oldest brother started to get mad when he heard David speaking with the men about the reward. He had words with David and ask him why did you come and who is watching those few sheep? He told David I know your pride and naughtiness of heart you just came to watch the battle. ( what battle they were all afraid and cowering from this Goliath) His brother was ashamed of what David was witnessing. He was trying to drive David away so he would not see they were doing nothing but hiding. People will always try to stop you especially if they are doing nothing. You must turn away from the detractors and distractions and go on with your life and destiny. David said what have I done? Is there not a cause? Then he turned from his brother and began talking with the men again as to what Saul would give the man who would stop Goliath. David did not look like a warrior. He was not huge, nor strong, nor a seasoned soldier, he was but a teenager.
David said he would silence this un-circumcised Philistine. No one thought he would stand a chance with Goliath, however he made his case in front of King Saul. He told of how he slew a bear and a lion and this un-circumcised Philistine would be as one of then seeing he has defied the armies of God. Saul finally was persuaded to let him try. Sometimes people will start to agree with you , however they want you to do it their way. Saul equipped David with his own personal armor and weapons which were to cumbersome and heavy and unproved for and by David. David used his sling which he was use to . You must use what God has equipped you with, rather than what another person wants you to use. Goliath tried to harass David with his words, but David then told goliath just how it was going to be. Goliath never had anyone talk back to him before. You can not allow the devil to speak and let it go unanswered. David believed and therefore he spoke and it became so. Never run at your giant with your mouth shut. The spirit of faith believes and speaks. It declares the outcome in the middle of adversity. It is so strong it will aggravate those weak in faith. They will say you are arrogant, or a smarty pants. Confidence is the attitude of the spirit of faith.
Joshua and Caleb had a spirit of faith. They said let us go up at once and possess it, for we are well able. They believed therefore they spoke.

COLLATERAL DAMAGE OR COLLATERAL BLESSING

2007-12-10T15:20:00.000-08:00

COLLATERAL DAMAGE OR COLLATERAL BLESSING
WHICH DO YOU BRING WITH YOU?
COLLATERAL: RUNNING SIDE BY SIDE OR PARALLEL
DAMAGE: INJURY TO A PERSON ( SPIRIT, SOUL, BODY, FINANCIALLY, OR SOCIALLY, OR PROPERTY
BLESSING: BENEFITS NOT EARNED
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THE GREATEST BLESSING EVER GIVEN?
LET’S LOOK AT THAT BLESSING. THE GREATEST BLESSING EVER GIVEN WAS RECORDED IN LUKE 2: 1-15
Luke 2:1-15
1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
THE FUTURE AND DESTINY OF MANKIND ( THE HUMAN RACE ) WAS LAYING IN A MANGER WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHES. JESUS WAS AND IS THE ANSWER TO ALL MANKIND’S PROBLEMS. HE RESTORED OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER GOD. HE SHOWED US WHAT THE FATHER WAS LIKE.

Passage Acts 10:38
38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Passage Luke 4:18-19
18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord
[ NOTICE HE DID NOT SAY A FEW OF OR SOME OF BUT HE SAID (THE) AS IN ALL OF THEM, AND (THEM THAT ARE ) AS IN ALL THAT ARE BRUISED. HE LEFT NO ONE OUT.
JESUS WAS A BLESSING FROM BIRTH
Passage Luke 23:46
46. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Passage Luke 24:6-8
6. He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7. Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8. And they remembered his words,

Passage John 3:16
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
THROUGH DEATH AND RESURRECTION HE REMAINS A BLESSING
HE THEN COMMISSIONS US TO GO AND BE A BLESSING.
Passage Mark 16:15-18
15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Passage Acts 3:19
19. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
BLOTTED OUT: TO OBLITERATE, ERASE
COLOSIANS 2:13-15
13. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
HE ERASED FOREVER THE ORDINANCES AGAINST US
Passage Isaiah 43:25:
25. I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Ephesians 5:1
1. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
WE ARE TO BE LIKE HIM TO ERASE PEOPLES PAST AND NOT REMEMBER IT AGAINST THEM ANYMORE.
THE GREATEST BLESSING OF ALL TIME CAME TO RESTORE US TO AND SHOW US THE FATHER. WE ARE TO LIVE OUR LIVES IMITATING THE FATHER AS DEAR CHILDREN. ( THE WORD FOLLOWERS LITERAL MEANING IS IMITATE ) THERE ARE MANY PLACES LOST PEOPLE GATHER TO HAVE FUN AND ENJOY WHAT THEY CALL LIFE. SOME GOOD AND SOME BAD. BOWLING ALLEYS, POOL HALLS, SWIMMING POOLS, DANCES, MOVIES, BARS, CLUBS , GROUPS, RIDING AROUND, THEME PARKS LIKE SILVER DOLLAR CITY, AND ETC. I WAS LIKE EVERY OTHER LOST SOUL GROWING UP. I DID WHAT I COULD TO HAVE FUN AND LIVE LIFE. THERE WERE SOME PEOPLE THAT HAD PROBLEMS WITH OTHERS AND A FEW THAT HELD GRUDGES, HOWEVER IN MY OBSERVATIONS AS I REFLECT I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE HOLDING PEOPLE TO THE SINS OF THEIR PAST AS I HAVE SEEN "CHRISTIANS" DOING IT. I CAN ONLY USE EXAMPLES THAT I KNOW ARE TRUE , I WILL NOT MAKE ANY UP AND I WILL NOT USE THE NAMES OF THE PEOPLE IN MY EXAMPLES. THEY TALK ABOUT WHAT THOSE PEOPLE DID YEARS AND DECADES AGO. THE SAD THING IS AS PROFESSING CHRISTIANS WE ARE NOT TO DO THAT. MANY ARE HOLDING PEOPLE TO THEIR PAST AND MOST OF THEM HAVE GIVEN IT TO THE LORD AND BEEN FORGIVEN AND GONE ON. THEY DON’T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT ANY MORE. AND IF THEY HAVEN’T GIVEN IT TO THE LORD IT STILL ISN’T ANYONE’S PLACE TO HOLD THEM TO IT. IT’S THE PLACE OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN TO RESTORE THE ONE WHO’S MISSING THE MARK IN LOVE. THE PROBLEM IS WITHIN THE ONE HOLDING THE OTHER ONE TO THEIR PAST.
REMINDS ME OF A STORY ABOUT TWO MONKS WALKING ONE DAY. AS THEY APPROACHED A STREAM THERE WAS A LADY STANDING THERE TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO CROSS. THE OLDER MONK OFFERED TO CARRY HER ACROSS. SHE ACCEPTED THE OFFER, AND HE CARRIED HER ACROSS AND SET HER DOWN ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE MONKS WENT ON BACK TO THE MONASTERY . LATER THE ON THAT EVENING THE YOUNGER MONK SAID TO THE OLDER ONE, WE TOOK A VOW TO NOT TOUCH A WOMAN YET YOU CARRIED A WOMAN ACROSS THE STREAM. THE OLDER ONE SAYS IT IS NOT ME WITH THE PROBLEM, FOR I PUT HER DOWN ON THE OTHER SIDE AND WENT MY WAY. IT IS YOU WITH THE PROBLEM FOR YOU ARE STILL CARRYING HER IN YOUR MIND. THAT WAS AN ILLUSTRATION. NOW FOR A TRUE EXAMPLE THE NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT THE GUILTY. WELL LIKE I SAID I WON’T USE NAMES. COUNTLESS TIMES I’VE HEARD A CERTAIN PERSON’S NAME MENTIONED AND THEN THE SAME PERSON ALWAYS SAYS, " NOW IS THAT THE WOMAN THAT HAD A CHILD OUT OF WEDLOCK?" THE CHILD OF THAT WOMAN IS NOW OVER 30 YEARS OLD, AND YET THIS ONE PERSON IS STILL HOLDING HER TO HER PAST. WHY DO PEOPLE DO THAT? SOME SAY THINGS LIKE THAT TO GIVE THEMSELVES A SENSE OF BEING ABOVE OR BETTER IN COMPARISON , ALL THE TIME THEY ARE BEING SELF-RIGHTEOUS AND SINNING IN THEIR ACTIONS. THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON WE ARE TO JUDGE AND THAT IS OURSELVES. THERE IS ONLY ONE FOR US TO COMPARE OURSELVES TO AND THAT IS JESUS. IF WE JUDGE OTHERS WE WILL BE JUDGED. IF WE SHOW MERCY WE WILL RECEIVE MERCY.

GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY PART 1

2007-10-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

AFTER THE SERVICE IS OVER, AFTER THE PRAISING IS OVER, AFTER THE SINGING IS OVER, AND AFTER THE FELLOWSHIP IS DONE, AND WE DEPART FROM HERE ,WE WILL SEE PEOPLE IN THE HALLS, AND SITTING IN THEIR ROOMS, AND GOING ABOUT IN ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION. DO THESE PEOPLE EVEN HAVE A CLUE AS TO THE LIFE THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THEM IN AND THROUGH JESUS? THE ANSWER IS A VERY RESOUNDING NO IN MOST OF THEIR LIVES THEY DON’T HAVE A CLUE AS TO THE LIFE THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THEM THROUGH JESUS. WE HAVE A PURPOSE AND THAT IS TO GIVE THEM A CLUE ABOUT THIS LIFE THAT IS WAITING FOR THEM. MANY PEOPLE IN CHURCH DON’T HAVE A CLUE AS WELL. IT IS TIME FOR US TO GROW UP AS CHRISTIANS AND BEGIN TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HAVE AN INFLUENCE IN THIS WORLD FOR CHRIST. THANK GOD FOR THE BLESSING, THANK GOD FOR THE BENEFITS, THANK GOD FOR THE VICTORY, AND THANK GOD FOR EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT, BUT IT’S TIME WE GET BACK TO BASICS AND REMEMBER THERE IS A DYING WORLD OUT THERE HEADED FOR HELL.
INFLUENCE: THE ACT OR THE POWER OF PRODUCING AN EFFECT WITHOUT APPARENT FORCE OR DIRECT AUTHORITY.
IN OTHER WORDS WE ARE GOING TO LEAD THEM BY HOW WE LIVE AND CONDUCT OURSELVES.
Hebrews 5:12-14
12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
PAUL SEEMED TO THINK THAT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME HAD PASSED IN THE CHRISTIANS LIVES HERE THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE GROWN AND MATURED ENOUGH TO BE TEACHER, HOWEVER THEY HAD NOT. SAD TO SAY BUT A LOT OF CHRISTIANS TODAY ARE IN THAT BOAT. THEY HAVE BEEN IN CHURCH A LONG TIME AND THINK THEY ARE SO SPIRITUAL, BUT THEY ARE NOT, FOR THEY HAVE NOT GROWN AND MATURED. THEY ARE STILL BABES.

1 Corinthians 3: 1-3
1. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
PAUL FOUND ANOTHER BUNCH THAT WASN’T GROWING HERE AT CORINTH.
1 COR. 3:4-8
4. For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
PAUL SHOWS THEM AN EXAMPLE OF HOW THEY WERE YET CARNAL AND INTO HERO WORSHIP AND PRIDE. THEN IN VERSE NINE PAUL BEGINS TO INSTRUCT THEM IN THE MILK OF THE WORD. HE STARTS TO LAY THE FOUNDATION THAT WE MUST ALL LEARN AND BUILD UPON.
1 COR. 3:9 PAUL TEACHES A VERY BASIC YET VERY NEEDED TRUTH IN THIS VERSE.
9. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
WORDS AND WORD PLACEMENT SPEAKS VOLUMES. THE MORE WE UNDERSTAND THIS THE MORE WE CAN INCREASE OUR INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD. SMALL WORDS CAN HAVE BIG MEANINGS.
3. THINGS WE MUST KNOW IN ORDER TO INCREASE OUR INFLUENCE IN THIS EARTH.
NUMBER ONE IS THAT WE ARE LABOURERS TOGETHER WITH GOD.
THERE IS A SMALL WORD IN THAT STATEMENT THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES. THAT WORD IS WITH, AND IT TELLS US FOUR THINGS. IF WE UNDERSTAND THESE FOUR THINGS AND SETTLE THEM IN OUR HEARTS WE WILL BE ON OUR WAY TO A GREATER INFLUENCE ON OTHERS IN THE WORLD. GOD WILL BE ABLE TO USE US TO BRING MANY INTO THE KINGDOM AND TO HELP THEM GROW.

1. THE WORD WITH IMPLIES GOD IS THE LEADER. HE IS THE LEADER.
2. WE ARE THE FOLLOWERS
EXAMPLE. SAY I WAS ASKED BY THE PASTOR IF I WOULD BE IN CHARGE OF CLEARING OFF EVERYTHING ON THE PLATFORM. ALL THE CHAIRS AND EQUIPMENT SO THEY COULD RE-CARPET. I ACCEPT THE JOB, HOWEVER I CAN’T DO IT ALONE SO I GO ASK ANOTHER MAN IF HE WOULD HELP ME DO THIS TASK. WHEN HE SAYS YES HE BECOMES A FOLLOWER AND I BECOME THE LEADER IN THE TASK. IF WE ARE GOING TO BE FOLLOWERS, LABOURERS TOGETHER WITH THE LORD THEN WE MUST SETTLE IT ONCE AND FOR ALL THAT HE IS THE LEADER, AND WE ARE THE FOLLOWERS.
3. HE DETERMINES WHERE WE ARE TO WORK. HE DETERMINES WHERE WE ARE TO WORK. WHO DETERMINES WHERE WE ARE TO WORK? HE DOES. HE LORD DOES. THERE MAY BE SOME AREAS HE WANTS US TO WORK IN THAT WE MAY NOT WANT TO WORK IN, HOWEVER WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT WE UNDERSTAND THAT HE DETERMINES WHERE WE ARE TO WORK AND THAT WE AS FOLLOWERS MUST WORK WHERE HE SAYS.
4. HE DETERMINES WHAT WORK IS TO BE DONE.
THAT MEAN ONLY WHAT HE SAYS TO DO IS WHAT WE DO. WE MIGHT SEE SOMETHING WE WOULD LIKE TO STICK OUR HANDS INTO BUT WE MUST NOT. ONLY WHAT HE SAYS TO DO IS WHAT WE DO. WE MUST FOLLOW AND NOT TRY TO LEAD.
THERE IS A SIMILAR WORD TO LABOURERS AND THAT IS AMBASSADORS.
11 COR. 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
WE ARE LABOURERS TOGETHER AND AMBASSADORS FOR HIM.
AN AMBASSADOR SPEAKS ON THE BEHALF OF THE ONE HE REPRESENTS.
IF WE ARE GOING TO BE CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS THEN WE MUST TAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO HIM. WE MUST FIND OUT WHAT WE SHOULD SAY WHEN WE ARE FUNCTIONING IN OUR ROLE AS AMBASSADOR.
1. WE SPEAK ON THE BEHALF OF THE ONE WE REPRESENT
2. AN AMBASSADOR PROMOTES THE INTERESTS OF THE ONE HE REPRESENTS.
THAT TELLS ME THAT IF WE ARE GOING TO PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF THE FATHER WE WILL HAVE TO TAKE TIME TO DISCOVER THE INTERESTS OF THE FATHER.
FIRST WE MUST HAVE A FOUNDATION IN OUR LIVES IN ORDER TO BE THE RIGHT INFLUENCE , AND TO BE ABLE TO PROMOTE THE TRUE INTEREST OF THE FATHER.
THAT FOUNDATION IS THIS.
FIRST AND FOREMOST THE NUMBER ONE WE HAVE TO KNOW WHO OUR FATHER IS. THE FIRST NECESSARY NEED OF THE CHRISTIAN IS TO KNOW THE FATHER, NOT JUST KNOW OF HIM. IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE FATHER YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO LOVE AS HE LOVES, YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO FORGIVE AS HE FORGIVES, WE ARE TO IMITATE OUR FATHER.
Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV.
1. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
FOLLOWER IN THIS SCRIPTURE MEANS TO IMITATE
Ephesians 5:1-2 NEW LIVING BIBLE
1. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Amplified Bible (AMP)Passage Ephesians 5:1-2:
1. THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].
2. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a [a]slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.(A
THE MAIN PURPOSE IN JESUS COMING TO EARTH WAS TO RECONCILE US AND REDEEM US BACK TO GOD, HOWEVER HE HAD MANY OTHER THINGS HE DID ALONG THE WAY. HE ALSO WAS A FOLLOWER AND AN AMBASSADOR OF THE FATHER. HE CAME TO SHOW US THE FATHER.
JOHN 14:8-11
8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

JESUS WAS SAYING IF YOU HAVE SEEN ME THEN YOU HAVE SEEN THE FATHER. HE IMITATED HIS FATHER , HE DID WHAT THE FATHER SAID WHERE HE SAID TO DO IT, AND IN DOING SO SHOWED US THE FATHER. WE ARE TO DO THE SAME THUS SHOWING THE FATHER TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD, AND INFLUENCING THEM TO COME TO THE FATHER.

Conversion

2007-10-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

CONVERSION
THE ACT OF BEING CONVERTED:
1 a : to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another b : to bring about a religious conversion a : to alter the physical or chemical nature( or properties of) b (1) : to change from one form or function to another
I WAS LISTENING TO DAVID JEREMIAH RECALL A TIME THAT HE HAD TO BORROW A CAR TO GO SOMEWHERE HE HAD TO BE. A FRIEND LOANED HIM HIS CAR. HE GOT READY TO GO AND THE GAS GAUGE SHOWED LOW FUEL. HE WENT TO A SERVICE STATION AND WAS GOING TO FILL UP. THE CAR HAD DIESEL EMBLEMS ON THE FENDERS AND THE GAS CAP SAID DIESEL ONLY, SO HE FILLED IT WITH DIESEL, AND WENT ON HIS WAY. AS HE WAS GOING THROUGH A SMALL TOWN ALONG THE WAY THE CAR STARTED TO SPUTTER AND BUCK AND STOPPED DEAD. AN OLDER MAN STOPPED TO SEE IF HE COULD ASSIST. HE RAISED THE HOOD AND SAID THIS IS NOT A DIESEL IT HAS SPARK PLUGS. DAVID CALLED HIS FRIEND AND FOUND THAT HE HAD CONVERTED IT TO A GASOLINE ENGINE AND HAD FORGOTTEN TO TELL HIM.

IT STILL LOOKED LIKE A DIESEL FROM THE OUTSIDE BECAUSE HE NEVER CHANGED THE EMBLEMS AND WARNINGS. IT HOWEVER NOW RAN ON A DIFFERENT FUEL THAN IT USE TOO. IT DID NOT MATTER HOW LONG IT RAN ON DIESEL BEFORE, IT NOW RAN ON GAS, AND DIESEL WOULD CAUSE IT PROBLEMS.
New Living Translation (NLT)Passage Matthew 18:3:3. Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Amplified Bible (AMP)Passage Matthew 18:3:3. And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].
King James Version (KJV)Passage Matthew 18:3:
3. And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
CONVERTED: TO TURN ONE THING INTO ANOTHER, TURN AROUND

King James Version (KJV)Passage Luke 22:31-32:
31. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
CONVERTED HERE MEANS TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE AND DECISIVE CHANGE, A DELIBERATE CHOICE. CONVERSION IS A VOLUNTARY ACT IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESENTATION OF TRUTH.
AT CONVERSION YOU STILL LOOK THE SAME. IT’S THE INNER PERSON THAT HAS CHANGED FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT. YOU ARE STILL HUMAN. YOU LOOK THE SAME. THE ENGINE OR YOUR HEART IS DIFFERENT. IT HAS BEEN CONVERTED. YOU CAN NOT RUN IT ON THE SAME FUEL THAT IT USE TO RUN ON. IT USE TO RUN ON THE THINGS OF DARKNESS BUT NOW NEEDS LIGHT TO FUEL IT. AS A CHRISTIAN YOU WILL SPUTTER, STALL, AND EVEN STOP DEAD, AND EVEN POSSIBLY SHIPWRECK THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN THE PROCESS IF YOU TRY TO KEEP RUNNING YOUR LIFE ON DARKNESS.
LIGHT FUELED HEARTS CAN NOT RUN ON DARKNESS. DARKNESS FUELED HEARTS CAN NOT RUN ON LIGHT.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT FUEL DARKNESS
King James Version (KJV)Passage 2 Timothy 3:1-5:
1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent(LACKING SELF CONSTRAINT OR CONTROL) good,
4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Fear, gossip, being judgemental,and anything else that kills, steals, destroys, or hurts is in the kingdom of darkness.

THINGS THAT FUEL LIGHT.

Passage 1 Corinthians 13 :
1 Corinthians 13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
.PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8

4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS WE ARE TO FUEL OUR CONVERTED LIVES WITH . ISAIAH.5:20Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
THERE ARE PEOPLE DOING THAT ALL THE TIME. AND CAUSING PEOPLE WHO TRUST THEM TO END UP A SHIPWRECK . SO MANY CHRISTIANS AND PASTORS AND DENOMINATIONS ARE DOING JUST THAT. THEY TEACH FOR TRUTH THE TRADITIONS OF MEN AND THE DOCTRINES OF DEVILS. WHEN I GOT SAVED I WAS TOLD SO MANY THINGS ABOUT GOD THAT WAS NOT THE TRUTH. THINGS LIKE GOD DOES NOT ALWAYS HEAL. THE BIBLE SAYS JUST THE OPPOSITE. GOD SENT HIS WORD AND HEALED. GOD IS THE SAME YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER. THERE IS NO SHADOW OF TURNING IN HIM. THAT IS JUST ONE PLACE THAT WRONG TEACHING HAS SHIPWRECKED MANY LIVES. I FOUND IN THE WORD OF GOD THAT HE HAD JESUS TAKE ALL OUR SICKNESS AND DISEASES AND BY HIS STRIPES WE WERE HEALED. I HAD TO CHOOSE IN THE FACE OF TRUTH TO CONVERT SOME WRONG THINKING INTO RIGHT THINKING. THE CHURCH HAD ME SO BEAT DOWN AND SICK, BUT GOD HAD A PROVISION TO GET OUT OF ALL THAT AND I FOUND IT AND LAID HOLD OF IT. THE SICKNESS THAT CAME EVERY YEAR NOW HAD TO STOP AND IT DID.
WE MUST LOOK INTO GOD'S WORD AND STAND ON IT AND IT ALONE. OUR SPIRIT IS CONVERTED IN A INSTANT, HOWEVER OUR MIND AND BELIEFS ARE CONVERTED DAILY AS WE CONFRONT TRUTH FROM THE BIBLE AND CHOOSE TO BELIEVE IT OVER ANYTHING ELSE. AS WE DO THAT WE ARE TRANSFORMED INTO THE CHILD OF GOD THAT WE SHOULD BE. IF WE CHOOSE TO NOT ACCEPT THE TRUTH WE STAY CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD.

Romans 12 KJV.
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
TRANSFORMED: TO CHANGE TO ANOTHER, IMPLYING CHANGE.
SOME OF THE MEANINGS OF CONVERTED WERE VERY SIMILAR.
CONVERTED: TO TURN ONE THING INTO ANOTHER, TURN AROUND, TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE AND DECISIVE CHANGE, A DELIBERATE CHOICE. CONVERSION IS A VOLUNTARY ACT IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESENTATION OF TRUTH.
IN THE PRESENCE OF TRUTH, LIGHT, AND LIFE CHOOSE THESE OVER FALSEHOOD,DARKNESS, AND DEATH.

WISDOM

2007-09-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

IN THE PRESENCE OF WISDOM ONE SHOULD DO MORE LISTENING THAT TALKING

Once Upon A Time

2007-09-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

ONCE UPON A TIME JESUS PAID IT ALL..
OR HE PAID NOTHING AT ALL.

MISTER COFFEE

2007-08-10T20:18:00.001-07:00

..........I WANT TO RELATE A STORY THAT HAPPENED TO ME ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. THE TITLE "MISTER COFFEE " COMES FROM A MAN THAT WAS POOR, AND WALKED THE TOWN LOOKING FOR ODD JOBS. HE WOULD SWEEP AND CLEAN PARKING LOTS FOR A CUP OF COFFEE. HE COULD NOT DRESS VERY WELL. HIS CLOTHES WERE SHABBY, AND HIS HYGIENE WAS FAR BELOW WHAT OTHERS LIKED. KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE MADE FUN OF HIM. I FELT SORRY FOR HIM, AND THE WAY HE WAS TREATED BY OTHERS. THEN ONE DAY I FOUND THAT I WAS JUST AS BAD AS THE ONE’S WHO TORMENTED HIM. IF WE ARE TRUE TO THE WORD OF GOD. IF WE PREACH THE WORD. AND IF WE ARE A CHILD OF GOD. THEN WHEN WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH A TRUTH OF HIS WORD AND WE ARE NOT LIVING IT, WE STAND AT A CROSSROAD OF CHOICE. WILL WE THEN CHOOSE THE WORD AND BETTER OURSELVES AND THOSE AROUND US, OR WILL WE CHOOSE TO GO OUR OWN WAY DOWN A PATH OF DISOBEDIENCE AND DESTRUCTION TO OURSELVES AND OTHERS. I THOUGHT I WAS DOING ALRIGHT IN MY WALK AS A CHRISTIAN, HOWEVER I FOUND AN AREA THAT WAS NOT DOING SO GOOD ONE DAY.
IT WAS A BITTER COLD DAY. SNOW WAS PILED ALL AROUND. SLIPPERY ICY SIDEWALKS AND STREETS WERE WHAT WE HAD TO DEAL WITH. I MADE IT TO ONE OF THE LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND WAS SITTING THERE WARMING UP AS THE DOOR OPENED AND A COLD BLAST OF AIR CHILLED THE ROOM. MR COFFEE WALKED IN AND SAT DOWN. I NOTICED THE FACES OF THE PEOPLE AS THEY LOOKED AT HIM WITH DISGUST. PEOPLE WERE WHISPERING AND MURMURING ABOUT HIM. SAYING THINGS LIKE, " WHY DID HE HAVE TO COME IN HERE?" I WAS THINKING THEY NEED TO BE QUIET. THEY ARE HURTING HIS FEELINGS. HE CAN HEAR THE HARD HARSH WORDS THEY ARE SAYING. THEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THOUGHT THE LORD INTERRUPTED MY THOUGHTS WITH THIS STATEMENT. "YOU ARE JUST AS BAD MICHAEL. YOU’RE THINKING THE SAME THINGS. ONLY YOU HAVEN’T SPOKEN THEM OUT YET. IT IS IN YOUR HEART." I WAS ASTONISHED AND CONVICTED AS I REALIZED I WAS JUST AS GUILTY AS THOSE WHO SPOKE THEIR DISGUST OUT, FOR IN MY HEART I WAS JUST THE SAME. THE LORD SAID THIS MAN HAS BEEN TREATED SO UNJUST ALL HIS LIFE, AND I DON’T WANT TO FIND YOUR FOOTPRINT OR THUMB PRINTS ON HIS BACK. I SAT THERE AND ASK THE LORDS FORGIVENESS AND REPENTED OF MY WRONG WAYS.
GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS. WE ARE NOT TO BE A RESPECTER OF PERSONS EITHER. James 2:1-13 KJV. 1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3. And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4. Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5. Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6. But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7. Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9. But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
12. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
VERSE NINE TELLS US IF WE HAVE RESPECT OF PERSONS WE COMMIT SIN . VERSE TEN SAYS THAT IF WE MISS IT IN ONE POINT WE ARE GUILTY OF ALL. ISN'T THAT A MIND BOGGLER IN A WORLD FULL OF RESPECT OF PERSONS. WE MUST BE DIFFERENT THAN THE WORLD. WE MUST DO THE RIGHT THING NO MATTER WHAT OTHERS THINK OF US. SO WHAT DID I DO AFTER THIS REALIZATION AND REPENTANT ACTION. I STRUCK UP A CONVERSATION WITH MR COFFEE. AS WE TALKED I COULD SEE THE HORRORIFIED LOOKS ON THE FACES OF THE PEOPLE. THEY HAD NOW TURNED ON ME, BECAUSE I WAS MAKING MR COFFEE FEEL WELCOME.
THEY WOULD RATHER HE STAYED OUTSIDE AND FROZE TO DEATH THAN BE INSIDE WHERE THEY WERE. I THEN FORGAVE THOSE THAT LOOKED DOWN ON ME AND TOOK NO OFFENCE TOWARDS THEM. FAITH WITHOUT ACTION IS DEAD, SO I THEN BOUGHT MR COFFEE A GOOD BREAKFAST. WE TALKED SOME MORE, AND THEN I SHOOK HIS HAND AS WE PARTED WAYS THAT DAY. WHEN GOD LOOKED AT MR COFFEE I WANTED THE ONLY FINGERPRINTS OF MINE ON HIM TO BE ON THIS HAND AND IN HIS HEART.
WE CAN ONLY CHANGE AND MAKE CORRECTIONS IN THIS LIFE. WHEN WE ARE GONE WE CAN NOT COME BACK AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS. WE MUST GET IT RIGHT IN THIS LIFE. WE MUST RENEW OUR MINDS TO THE WORD OF GOD AND THEN LIVE IT.
Passage Luke 16:19-31 KJV.
19.There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
THE ONLY INFLUENCE WE HAVE ON OTHERS IS DURING THIS LIFE ON EARTH. LET'S MAKE IT THE RIGHT THING WE SHOW THEM. LET'S SHOW MERCY NOT JUDGEMENT TO OTHERS.

TESTIMONY FROM THE PAST

2007-07-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

ONE DAY EARLY IN OUR CHRISTIAN WALK SOMETHING HAPPENED THAT WAS BAD. WE DID NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE WORD. HOWEVER WE DID KNOW THE NAME OF JESUS, EVEN THOUGH WE DID NOT KNOW THE FULL AUTHORITY AND POWER THAT IT COMMANDED. MY WIFE WAS COOKING SOME GROUND BEEF IN A SKILLET. THE GREASE WAS COOKING OUT OF THE MEAT AND WAS GETTING TO THE POINT THAT IT SHOULD BE DRAINED OFF. IT WAS PROBABLY A GOOD 350 DEGREES IN TEMPERATURE. MY WIFE WAS FINISHING UP SOME OTHER PART OF THE MEAL AND WAS THEN GOING TO DRAIN THE OIL OFF THE BEEF. IN THE MEAN TIME OUR SON WHO WAS A TODDLER CAME IN AND GRABBED THE SKILLET HANDLE AND PULLED IT OVER ON HIS ARM. HE LET OUT A SCREAM AND HIS ARM WAS COVERED WITH THIS HOT BOILING OIL. HIS ARM WAS INSTANTLY BEET RED. MY WIFE GRABBED HIM UP AND WRAPPED A BLANKET AROUND HIS ARM AND BEGAN TO PRAY AND SPOKE TO THE ARM IN JESUS NAME TO BE RESTORED WITH NO BLISTERING OR SCARING AND FOR THE PAIN TO LEAVE. HE STOPPED CRYING THE INSTANT MY WIFE TOLD THE PAIN TO GO IN JESUS NAME. I CAME HOME RIGHT AT THE TAIL END OF IT ALL. OUR SON FELL ASLEEP IN MY WIFE'S ARM AND SHE LAID HIM DOWN. I ASK HER WHAT THE BLANKET WAS FOR. SHE SAID TO SHIELD HER EYES FROM SEEING HIS ARM, BECAUSE SHE KNEW IT WOULD BE HARD FOR HER AT THAT TIME TO BELIEVE FOR A HEALING AND RESTORATION WHILE LOOKING AT THE BURNED ARM. IT WAS TO PROTECT HER FAITH FROM DOUBTING. WE HAVE SINCE GROWN AND DON'T LET WHAT WE SEE INFLUENCE OUR FAITH. OUR SON SLEPT FOR A SHORT WHILE AND WOKE UP LAUGHING. WE WENT OVER AND UNWRAPPED HIS ARM AND IT WAS PERFECT. NO BURNS, NO RED SPOTS, NO BLISTERS. WE DID NOT KNOW MUCH, BUT WE STOOD ON WHAT WE DID KNOW AND GOD WORKED A MIRACLE FOR US..

2007-07-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

.................. LSD ................

BACK WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL IN THE 60'S LSD WAS THE DRUG OF CHOICE. THAT WAS ALL YOU HEARD ABOUT. I NEVER GOT INTO THE DRUG THING, BUT MANY OF MY CLASSMATES DID. PEOPLE TOOK THIS MIND ALTERING DRUG TO ESCAPE REALITY, AS IT GAVE A FALSE REALITY TO THEM. I WAS MINISTERING TO A GROUP A WHILE BACK, AND I SAID GOD TOLD ME TO LIVE ON LSD. THEIR MOUTHS FELL OPEN. I SAID, "YES GOD WANTS US ALL TO USE LSD." I ALMOST LAUGHED OUT LOUD AS I LOOK INTO THOSE HORRIFIED FACES. THEN I TOLD THEM L=LEARN, S=SPEAK, D=DO. YES LSD GODS WAY WILL CHANGE YOUR REALITY TO A BETTER ONE. JUST A TIDBIT FROM SOME OF THE HUMOR AND TRUTH OF THE LORD. I 'M HAVING THE RIDE OF MY LIFE WITH THE LORD..

2007-06-30T12:53:00.001-07:00

TESTIMONY PT. 1
Hello everyone. My name is Michael. I have been a Christian since 1975. My experience in the church was bad, and not the way it should have been. It has been said that Christians shoot and bury their wounded. A lot of them do, because they have never renewed their minds and hearts to the Word of God. They call themselves Christians and walk in the world.The church I first attended was not teaching any thing helpful to a Christian, let alone a new convert, a babe in Christ. When I started going I was not a saved person. My girlfriend attended there so I went with her, and we got married, and continued to attend. I got saved in that church, only because of a group that came and ministered the Word of Salvation to us. Six months of sitting in services at that church and never heard any word on salvation. We continued there for about 2 years.Never were we taught the things we were to need to walk this new life. Nothing on Walking in Love, forgiveness, not taking offence, health and healing, miracles, authority in Christ, or anything we really needed at all. In 1977 we moved to another church that was teaching more of what was needed to live in this world as a Christian. Only they weren't living or walking the talk they were speaking.I got offended ....!!! Hurt..!!!! And unforgiving..!!!!! Which lead to a life of bitterness for the next 23 years.. (What a waste) I continued to go to church, but it was out of duty not out of a heart of love, or being thirsty and hungry for righteousness and the kingdom of God.In 1982 We moved to a third church and sat there 18 years out of duty, sulking in bitterness, not able to walk in the calling on our lives to teach, preach, and sing the Word.One day in the year 2000 something happened that caused me to think and reflect on a statement that my daughter said about me. That day it all turned around for me. Angry and upset over what she had said, I sat in my study alone, when I spoke out loud to myself a question. I said, " what she said was true, so why am I getting so upset over it?" Just as I said that I heard a voice say," I'm glad you ask, now we can get this taken care of." What happened after that changed me from an unforgiving, bitter, unproductive, hurtful, not able to help others, into a minister of the Word, seeing people healed and set free, helping others find the way, helping others grow in the things that they need to walk in Victory in this life in Christ.I am doing my best with God's help to keep others from walking down that long wasted path i walked, being bitter and unproductive. God has us testifying of our past ( being like an open book ) and then teaching a foundation of what we need to live a Christ centered lives. How to deal with hurtful, unforgiving, offensive, unlearned in the scriptures, rejecting people. And not not becoming like that, but instead becoming one who walks in Victory and draws people to Christ.The day it all turned around in my life was awesome. The Lord just started speaking once that question left my lips. I am going to take you through that day and what the Lord showed me in the Word that transformed me from a loser to a winner in Christ.I will be talking about a dark past that I never really wanted to even remember let alone share with others. The Lord said to be an effective minister that I would need to be an open book, nothing hidden or covered up, in order to reach and help others. I told Him yes I can do that, so in the next blog posting I will go through my testimony of where I had been, and what happened on that day of the great turnaround, to where I am today. Then the Lord and I will start some foundation teaching and build on that, to deeper things in Christ. REMEMBER THAT GOD IS LIGHT AND IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL.JOHN 10:10ANYTHING THAT KILLS, STEALS, OR DESTROYS IS FROM THE DEVIL.AND ABUNDANT LIFE TO THE FULL COMES FROM GOD.

2007-06-30T12:52:00.001-07:00

TESTIMONY PT. 2
Many things happened from the time I gave my heart to the Lord until that turn a round day in 2000. As I stated in the First Posting the Christians, and Churches I attended were not teaching any substantial, meaningful, fruitful things pertaining to how to live a Christ centered life in this world. I was offended at them and found a church that taught more, but they didn't walk in it. I was more offended and found yet another church, where I spent 18 years pouting and drowning in unforgiveness and bitterness toward others. One day my daughter said a statement about me, and I got upset over it. When You live in bitterness even the truth will upset you. As I was sitting in my place of study thinking on what she had said, and rehearsing those words in my mind, I spoke out loud these words. I said, " What she said was true so why am I so mad and upset about it?" As soon as those words left my lips I heard a voice from deep within my heart say, "I'm glad you asked, Now we can take care of this problem in your life." All those years in church hearing the word but not living it was about to come to a head. That word was in me and God was about to bring it out and show me what I needed to do. On this day He turned my whole life around and launched me on a journey that amazes me.. First the Lord asked me if I remembered what my son had said his favorite scripture was.Sure I said it's Song of Solomon 2:15 which says, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes."He said that I had walked in bitterness and unforgiveness so long that it was like a brother to me, and I let the little things set me off, and they were choking the life out of me.He then directed me to go to MARK 11:22-26King James Version (KJV)Passage Mark 11:22-26:22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.26But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.The Lord told me when it comes down to it without forgiveness nothing will work. First I had to forgive the hardest person in the world to forgive.( MYSELF ) and all the others I had ought against.He then directed me to this passage of scripture.Passage Hebrews 12:11-15:11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;13And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;The Lord said," Michael you have walked in bitterness, and you have defiled many. You can't progress and a lot of those you hurt haven't progressed either. " ( I'll come back to this point and tell you what I had to do to make it right.)There was one more set of scripture that the Lord took me too, that day, and it set me free so I could go back to HEBREWS 12:11-15 and do something about that root of bitterness, and those that I had defiled (hurt).He then took me to PSALMS 51:1-141Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.THIS IS AN AWESOME PASSAGE I BROKE DOWN AT VERSE 10Oh Lord what do I need to do.1. Realize the things that I've done.2. forgive others and myself and ask the Lord to forgive me.3. Ask God to remove that root of bitterness from me.4. Ask God to create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.I did all those steps and what freedom came over me.. Heaviness lifted. Was that all I had to do? NO I had to go back to all those that I had hurt and speak to then about my life and my new life and ask them for forgiveness, and bring a restoration to all our lives... ( I'll tell you about that in the next posting.)

2007-06-30T12:51:00.001-07:00

TESTIMONY PT. 3
Hebrews 12:14-1514. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:15. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;As I stated in the last posting I had defiled or hurt many people as I walked in bitterness all those years. Asking the Lord to forgive and clean me up wasn't going to be all I needed to do. He told me I must go back to many of them and ask for their forgiveness. One very important thing He impressed on me was this truth. Many times we know we must go back to people and make amends or restitution. We charge out and find those people and talk to them and think, If they accept my apology great, and if they don't, well I tried. I did my best. No you haven't. The Lord told me to go to these people, but only when he told me to go to each one, and to listen for the words to say to them, and only say those words. He was working in their lives and only can we say we did our best is after we do it in God timing and with the words he gave us to say.Everyone hears forgiveness in different ways and words.The first thing I had to do was go to my wife and to my children and ask their forgiveness, because I was a mess for most of the kids lives. Then to about six other people from the past I must go. As I was weed eating the back yard on afternoon, the Lord began to speak to me about going to a man named Sonny. I said yea right he would probably shoot me if he saw me on his front porch. The answer was still the same you must talk to him. As i was trimming the yard I looked up and Sonny was coming cross the alley towards me. I shut the weed eater off and he ask me a question and we started talking. A miracle in itself. He was asking about some people that had moved into the neighborhood. As we talked I was listening for the right words to say concerning forgiveness. The Lord told me with Sonny the way he hears I'm sorry will you forgive me is in the word apologise. I said, Sonny we have had a problem for a while. I did some things that I shouldn't concerning you. He said, I know I've wanted to kill you for at least four years. ( It was bad between us ) ( real bad ) I said to him that I was not that person anymore. I guess he could see that word apologise was about to come out. He said forget it that is water under the bridge. ( He did not want to hear that word come from me because it would then take the burden off me and force him to make a decision concerning the situation.I told him no it is not water under the bridge, and I want to apologise for my actions of the past. He looked at me and stared at me for a moment and the said OK... We talked for a long time and have been like brothers ever since. He has asked me to watch his house when he is gone. My apology placed a choice for him to make. To accept it or to reject it. He accepted it and it was awesome. Whichever way he went in his choice to accept or reject my apology, I could truly say I did all I could do, because I listened for the words to say and said them. I didn't have to wait for when to go because he came to me. He was ready.One of the others I needed to go to came a little later at a store. The Lord said now is the time just go up to him and start talking as if nothing ever happened between you at all. ( He had a chainsaw cranked up and was yelling for me to come out of the house. He was mad at me for something I had done. I came out with a rifle and we then each went back into our houses. ) Bitterness defiles many and many had I defiled. It was bad in those bitter years. And now the Lord was telling me to just walk up and start talking to him as if nothing ever happened between us. He said this man sees forgiveness in that act of walking up to him and talking as if the past never happened. I did just that and stood in that store and talked and talked like had never missed a step .. In every case I went back to the people the Lord told me to go too. I listened and said what the Lord said to say. And all of them gave me the forgiveness I was seeking. We are all friends. I know you won't always get 100% good results like I did, but if you just rush into it and not listen for what to say and when to go you sure won't get 100% good results. Doing it in God's way and God's time is the only way you can say I did all I can do.I was restored in Christ and restored to the people I had hurt in the past. Now I needed to get back into the Word and get a foundation and build a good solid mature Christian out of myself and go on to teach others as God had called me to do.

RUNNING WATER

2007-06-26T20:07:00.001-07:00

.................RUNNING WATER...................Doctors of the past had a problem. Lot's of their patients died that shouldn't have. When surgery first started the doctors fixed the problems and the patients still died, even when it was a minor operation. Finally about the time of the Civil War a doctor discovered that there were germs, that we couldn't see, that were causing the problem. Up until that point doctors never washed their hands before surgery. They could have had anything on them. They would go from patient to patient without washing their hands. So they were putting germs into the wounds from their hands, thus causing infections that killed the patient. During the Civil War doctors started washing their hands before surgeries. The mortality rate did not improve much if any, and they were puzzled. Then it came to one of them, that they were washing in a basin. That means all the germs were being contained in the water they were washing in and were still on their hands. So they started to wash in running water and the survival rate climbed upward.GOD SHOWED US THIS IN LEVITICUS 15:13, BUT MAN MISSED IT UNTIL THE CIVIL WAR.LEVITICUS 15:13 And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in RUNNING WATER, and shall be clean.DIRTY HANDS OR CLEAN HANDS.....IT MAKES A DIFFERENCEPSALMS 18:20-2420. The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.RIGHTEOUSNESS: Right standing with God. Godly conductCLEANNESS: Pureness21. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.22. For all his judgements were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.23. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.24. Therefore hath the LORD recompenced me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.RECOMPENCE: Reward .. YOU ARE REWARDED ACCORDING TO THE CLEANNESS OF YOUR HANDS.PSALMS 24:1-51. The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?4. He that hath CLEAN HANDS, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.CLEAN: innocent, guiltless, blameless.PURE: cleanSWORN: done it seven times becoming an oath of agreement. this means seven time right then and there. not an accumulation of times. The seventh time a thing was done in succession it became settled. example: When a guest had eaten and were ready to leave the host was required to ask them seven times if they enjoyed it and would they like to return again. The guest was required to answer yes six times out of respect and the seventh time they were to answer their true heart on the matter and that settled it.Deceitfully: Having a tendency or disposition to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid.So if you have kept your hands clean and a pure heart and not sworn deceitfully then verse 5 is for you.Verse 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of salvation.PSALMS 26:1-7 KJV.1. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.2. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.3. For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.4. I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.( dissemblers: Those that do in secret, conceal, or hide.5. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.6. I will wash mine hands in innocency ( Cleanness ): so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:7. That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.Ever wonder why some people say the right things, and pray the right things, but they never get any prayers answered? Or why some churches have long prayer list, but most people get off them only when they die.2 Cor. 6:14- 7:114. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ( INFIDEL: disbelieving, untrustworthy )16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.2nd Cor. 7:11. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.One reason is because we have had, and many churches have had, dirty spiritual hands.QUESTIONS These are just a few things to ask ourselves, there are many more, but let's see how we do with these1. Should we watch what we see, hear, and say?Genisis shows us the power of vision.Genisis 30:27-43 KJV27. And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.28. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.29. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me.30. For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?31. And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock.32. I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire.33. So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.34. And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.35. And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.36. And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.37. And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.38. And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.39. And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.40. And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle.41. And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.42. But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's.43. And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.JACOB NEW THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT YOU LOOK AT OR SEE ALL THE TIME, AND USED THIS TRUTH TO INCREASE HIS HERDS.WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LOOKING AT LATELY? WHAT YOU CONTINUALLY LOOK AT BECOMES A PART OF YOU.Proverbs 18:21 KJV.21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.DEATH AND LIFE ARE IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE...( WORDS )WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SAYING..? IT IS EITHER WORDS OF LIFE OR WORDS OF DEATH.THE WORD LOVE HERE MEANS TO HAVE A STRONG ATTACHMENT TO IT. IN OTHER WORDS YOU SAY IT SO MUCH IT BECOMES A PART OF YOUR LIFE AND EXPECTANCY, AND YOU WILL EAT IT OR RECEIVE IT. CHECK YOUR SPEECH AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE ALWAYS SPEAKING, AND SEE IF IT IS LIFE OR DEATH THAT YOU ARE SPEAKING.EXAMPLE ( THIS IS A TRUE STORY ) There was a man that ever since he was young ( about 2 years old ) he was always saying that he would not live to see 40 years old. He became a christian and knew he was called to minister. Still he was always saying he would never live to see 40. He enrolled and started to attend a Bible School in the Tulsa/Broken Arrow area of Oklahoma. HE WAS 39 AT THE TIME AND STILL SAYING HE WOULD NOT LIVE TO SEE 40. THE BIBLE TEACHERS TRIED TO GET HIM TO SEE THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS WORDS BUT TO NO AVAIL. TWO MONTHS BEFORE HIS 40TH BIRTHDAY A TUMOR WAS FOUND IN HIM AND HE WENT INTO A COMA. THE PREACHERS AND TEACHERS PRAYED FOR HIM, HOWEVER NO IMPROVEMENT. ONE OF THEM SAID SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT HERE. THE MAIN TEACHER WAS PRAYING AND THE LORD TOLD HIM THAT THERE WERE SPIRITUAL LAWS THAT HAD BEEN SET IN MOTION AND THEY COULD NOT BE REVERSED AT THIS TIME. THE MAN DIED BEFORE HIS 40TH BIRTHDAY. AT THE FUNERAL THE PASTOR TOLD THE MOTHER OF THE MAN WHAT GOD HAD SAID. SHE SAID YES HE ALWAYS SAID HE WOULD DIED BEFORE HIS 40TH FROM A VERY YOUNG CHILD ON HE KEPT SAYING THAT HE WOULD DIE BEFORE HIS 40TH BIRTHDAY.. THIS MAN ATE THE FRUIT OF HIS WORDS.WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SAYING? DO YOU SAY THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND OVER. IF YOU DO THEN YOU BETTER CHECK IT OUT AND MAKE SURE IT IS WHAT YOU WANT IN YOUR LIFE. THE MORE YOU SAY IT, THE MORE YOU HEAR IT , THE MORE IT BECOMES A REATITY TO YOU.2. Should we cheat, lie, steal, murder, or commit adultery?LET'S PICK STEALING OUT OF THAT GROUP. EXODUS 20:15 THOU SHALT NOT STEALHAVE YOU EVER STOLE OR ARE YOU STILL STEALING? EVER TAKE LONGER LUNCHES OR BREAKS THAT YOU ARE GIVEN. EVER BRING HOME PENS, PENCILS, RUBBER BANDS, PAPER CLIPS, FROM WORK AND KEEP THEM. IF YOU HAVE THEN YOU HAVE AND OR ARE STEALING.3. Should we dabble in witchcraft?DEUTERONOMY 18:9-139When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.10There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.11Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.12For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.13Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.4. Should we put anything between us and God?SO MANY THINGS THAT MANY CHRISTIANS DO ARE NOT WHAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING. MANY CHRISTIANS READ HOROSCOPES. MANY CHRISTIANS HAVE BOUGHT THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS AND EVEN TAKEN THEIR KIDS TO THE HARRY POTTER MOVIES, WHICH ARE ABOUT WARLOCKS AND WITCHES....SATANIC. GOD SAYS SUCH THINGS ARE AN ABOMINATION TO HIM.ABOMINATION: detestable and contrary to His character.HOW DO WE GET RID OF DIRTY SPIRITUAL HANDS?Passage Ephesians 5:25-27:25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.THIS SCRIPTURE TO HUSBANDS HOLDS THE KEY TO CLEANNESS. THE WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD. WASHING: CLEANSING... THIS IS AN ACTIONKing James Version (KJV)Passage James 1:21-25:21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.WE MUST LAY ASIDE ALL THE DIRT OF THIS LIFE BY WASHING IT AWAY WITH THE WORD OF GOD. BE A DOER OF THE WORD AND NOT A HEARER ONLY.PUT THE WORD IN YOUR HEART.PSALM 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.WE MUST KEEP AND DO THE WORD. NOT WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US, NOT WHAT PREACHERS HAVE TOLD US, NOT WHAT TRADITION HAS TOLD US, BUT WHAT THE WORD REALLY SAYS. THE ACTION OF DOING THE WORD WASHES US AND KEEPS US PURE.

2007-06-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

TRY MY REINS LORD......(KJV)Passage Psalm 26:2Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.REIN : a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal A REIN IS WHAT IS USED TO GUIDE .. DAVID IS TELLING THE LORD TO GUIDE ME AND SEE THAT MY HEART IS WILLING TO BE LEAD. IF A HORSE WILL NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO GUIDE IT THEN IT CAN NOT BE USED. THE SAME WITH A PERSON . ANYONE THAT WILL NOT ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE LEAD CAN NOT BE USED BY THE LORD. IF A HORSE DOES NOT TRUST THE HOLDER OF THE REINS IT WILL RESIST GUIDANCE. WE MUST TRUST THE LORD FULLY AND ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE GUIDED BY HIM.IF YOU ARE A SELF CENTERED PERSON ALWAYS DOING THINGS YOUR WAY AND NEVER ALLOWING THE LORD TO GUIDE YOU, THEN YOU ARE LIKE AN UNBROKEN HORSE. I DIDN'T DO IT GOD'S WAY FOR MANY MANY YEARS. ONE DAY I REALIZED I HAD NOT BEEN DOING WHAT I SHOULD FOR ABOUT 26 YEARS. I REPENTED AND ASK THE LORD TO FORGIVE ME AND HELP ME TO GET ON THE RIGHT TRACK AGAIN. AS I TRUSTED HIM AND ALLOWED HIM TO GUIDE ME IT SEEMED SO MUCH WAS ADDED TO MY LIFE. SOMETHINGS WENT REALLY FAST AND SOME SLOWER, HOWEVER IT SEEMED I WAS BEING PULLED IN 50 DIRECTIONS AT ONCE. SO MANY THINGS WERE OPENING UP FOR ME TO GO AND DO. I ASK THE LORD WHY DO I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO, AND WHY WERE SOME THINGS MOVING FAST AND SOME SLOW. HE SHOWED ME TWO THINGS.FIRST HE SAID,"LOOK AT IT LIKE THIS MICHAEL." BACK IN THE DAYS OF THE CALVARY ( EARLY ARMY ) IF THEY HAD A HORSE THAT COULD NOT BE GUIDED, THAT HORSE COULD NOT BE USED. SINCE HE WOULD NOT FOLLOW THE LEAD OF A RIDER HE MUST REMAIN IN THE CORRAL. THIS HORSE MAY BE BETTER QUALIFIED. HE MAY HAVE MORE STAMINA, BE ABLE TO RUN FASTER, AND ABLE TO JUMP JUMP FARTHER THAN ALL THE OTHER HORSES, BUT BECAUSE HE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE GUIDED ALL THAT ABILITY WAS UNUSABLE. THIS MEANT OTHER NOT AS CAPABLE HORSES WERE SENT INTO BATTLE IN HIS PLACE. THE LORD SAID I WAS THAT HORSE FOR 26 YEARS, KEPT IN THE CORRAL, WHILE OTHERS WERE SENT OUT TO DO THEIR CALLING AND MY CALLING FOR WHICH I WAS EQUIPED. THEY HAD TO DO MORE BECAUSE I COULD NOT BE BRIDLED AND WOULD NOT FOLLOW THE REINS.SECOND THE LORD SHOWED ME A PICTURE. WHEN I GOT MY LIFE RIGHT WITH GOD AND WAS WILLING TO GO AND DO, AND BE LEAD AND GUIDED, I BECAME AS A HORSE SADDLED WITH MY CALL IN THE SADDLE BAGS, AND AS I GALLOPED ACROSS THE LAND I NOTICED SMALL BAGS TIED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE SADDLE BAGS BOUNCING AS I RODE. I ASK WHAT ARE THOSE? HE SAID THOSE ARE THE CALLS OF OTHERS THAT ARE AT HOME IN THE CORRAL. I MUST SEND THEM WITH YOU. YOU WILL PLOW THE FIELDS OF THEIR CALL UNTIL THAY CAN BE GUIDED AND LEAD. THAT IS WHY SOME THINGS HAVE GONE FAST OTHERS HAVE PLOWED THE FIELD UNTIL YOU WERE READY TO BE GUIDED AND APPLY THE ABILITY YOU WERE GIVEN FOR THIS CALLING. AND WHY SOME THINGS ARE SLOW IS BECAUSE IT'S ANOTHER FIELD YOU ARE PLOWING UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO TAKE OVER. YOUR SADDLE BAGS ARE FULL AND OVERFLOWING BECAUSE YOU CARRY YOUR CALL AND THE CALL OF OTHERS UNTIL THEY RIDE UP AND TRANSFER THE BAGS. WE CARRY THE CALL OF THOSE THAT HAVE NOT YET OR MAY NEVER GET BORN-AGAIN. AND WE CARRY THE CALL OF THOSE THAT ARE BORN-AGAIN, BUT ARE NOT ALLOWING THEMSELVES TO TRUST AND BE LEAD. THEY ARE STILL IN THE CORRAL. THAT'S WHY THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO. WE ARE DOING OUR PART AND THE PART OF THOSE STILL IN THE CORRAL AND THOSE THAT HAVE NOT EVEN MADE IT INTO THE ARMY YET.TRUST THE LORD. HE WILL NOT GUIDE YOU INTO A PLACE THAT HE HAS NOT EQUIPED YOU FOR. LET HIM TAKE THE REINS OF YOUR HEART.

2007-06-25T06:03:00.001-07:00

...............AIN’T IT FUNNY HOW TIME SLIPS AWAY..................My sister liked to listen to Elvis when she was younger. As a result I heard many of his songs. Ain't it funny how time slips away was one of those songs. One day as I was studying the Word a voice in me seemed to be saying ain’t it funny how time slips away. I thought on that phrase and the spirit of the Lord started showing me some things. This that I am about to write is the result of that study time.Time is a valuable resource that is not renewable. Once it is used, or spent, or slips away it is gone. There are 1,440 minutes in a day. 10,080 minutes in a week.Approximately 524,160 in a year with a few variables in the math. I was born in 1956 and up to the time I am writing this I have lived about 26,513,280 minutes. How have I spent them? If I got 8 hours of sleep a day that comes to 8,867,760 minutes. That still leaves 17,645,520 minutes .. That is close to the amount of minutes Jesus was here from birth to the cross. What have I done with them?New Living Translation (NLT) Passage Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.New Living Translation (NLT) Passage John 9:44. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.The night is coming, and then no one can work.King James Version (KJV) Passage Luke 19:13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.OCCUPY: to keep totally busy with what you are directed to do.Occupy doesn’t mean to fill space.In these scriptures we find that we are to keep busy working for the time is coming when we can’t work. The time for planning and working is know. After we leave this life we can’t do what we should have done for the time has past.Jesus left the splendor of Heaven. He stepped out of eternity into time. He was in time constraints for about 17,173,440 minutes. How did he spend those minutes?King James Version (KJV) Passage Luke 2:49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?He spent his time doing the Fathers will.His ministry was about 1,794,240 minutes long from baptism to the cross. How did he spend those minutes and how are you spending yours?King James Version (KJV) Passage John 21:24-2524. This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.25. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.We think Jesus did a lot when we read the four gospels, however it is a very small sample of what he really did, seeing what John said in these verses. The world couldn’t contain the books if all he did were recorded.New Living Translation (NLT) Passage James 4:14-1714 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. 17. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.King James Version (KJV) Passage James 4:14-17:14. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.Are we following a course that we have planned out for our lives, or are we seeking God’s plan and doing it? If we know what we should do and don’t do it then that is sin. We can’t make a plan and chart our own course and ask God to bless it. We have to find out God’s plan for us and walk in it and it will be blessed. If our life is a mess then we have gotten off the road God has chosen for us and are out there on our own. Get back on track with God’s plan.Amplified Bible (AMP) Passage Colossians 4:5-65. Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. 6. Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].Gracious or grace which means favor and kindness. That is how we are to speak. And with salt in our speech, that is to say with prudence, wisdom, and insight.In the King James it says redeeming the time, in the Amplified it says making the most of the time and seizing the opportunity. Opportunities like time can slip away. Opportunities lost may never come again so we must be watching and grab them when they come our way. Your opportunity to minister to a lost person may be the last time they would have had to receive Christ before they leave this world. Don’t let it slip by. Make the most of every opportunity, turning it to the best advantage, since none can be recalled if missed.

2007-06-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

DON'T LET YOUR WALK UNDO YOUR TALK...................

Ever hear someone say, " DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO !!! " ? Walk always means talk. Your walk is speaking all the time. Talk does not always mean walk. You can talk the talk and not walk the talk. Is your walk saying something different than your walk in saying?

Let's go to the bible for an example of someones walk undoing their talk.

King James Version Mark 14:27-31
27. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
28. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
29. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
30. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
31. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Peter talked a big talk. His talk was contrary to what Jesus was saying. Peter said he would not deny Jesus even unto death. WOW a great talk.

NOW LET'S LOOK AT PETERS WALK.

MARK 14:64-72 (KJV)

64. Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
65. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
66. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
67. And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
68. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
69. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
70. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
71. But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
72. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

PETER'S WALK DID NOT LINE UP WITH HIS TALK.

PETER'S STATEMENT WAS THIS.

29. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

JESUS WORD TO PETER WAS THIS.

30. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

PETER'S FINAL WORD WAS THIS.

31. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Peter heard the Words of Jesus, rejected them, and gave words of a self deceived person. We can never walk above the Word no matter how big the talk.

THERE ARE ONLY TWO KINGDOMS. GOD'S LIGHT AND GOODNESS OR THE DEVILS DARKNESS AND EVIL.

YOU AS A HUMAN WALK IN ONE OF THESE TWO KINGDOMS. SOME OF US PROFESS TO LIVE IN ONE KINGDOM, BUT WALK IN PARTS OF THE OTHER KINGDOM. THEN EXCUSE THE BAD THINGS WE CONTINUE IN AWAY. I WAS TALKING TO A RELATIVE ABOUT HOW GOSSIP IS IN THE BACKBITING FAMILY AND HOW WE AS CHRISTIANS WERE NOT TO DO IT. HER EXCUSE FOR DOING IT WAS, " OH WELL EVERYONE DOES IT." i DON'T THINK THAT WILL HOLD UP AT THE FACE TO FACE WITH THE LORD THAT WE WILL HAVE ONE DAY.

Romans 6:13-16 (KJV)
13. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

YIELD:to surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another : hand over possession of :...to surrender or submit (oneself) to another .... to give (oneself) up to an inclination, temptation, or habit ... to relinquish one's possession of (as a position of advantage or point of superiority)

IT IS A CHOICE THAT WE MAKE TO GIVE OVER TO EITHER THE TRUTH OR A LIE, TO WALK IN DARKNESS OR LIGHT, TO DO RIGHT OR WRONG. WE CAN NOT BLAME OTHERS FOR OUR FAULTS. WHAT THEY DO IS NOT A TEMPLATE FOR OUR LIVES. JUST BECAUSE WE THINK EVERYONE DOES IT, DOES NOT MAKE IT RIGHT FOR US TO DO.

James 3:1-13 (KJV)

1. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12. Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

A MERE MAN CAN NOT CONTROL HIS TONGUE, HOWEVER WITH THE LORDS HELP AND HIS WORD IN US, WE CAN CONTROL THE TONGUE. A GOOD CONVERSATION CAN COME FROM A WISE PERSON.
Amplified Bible James 1:19-22

19. Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.
20. For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].
21. So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.
22. But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].

(KJV)Passage James 1:19-22
19. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

SELF-DECEIVED : to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid

Text: to cause one's self to believe what is untrue ..Synonyms beguile, bluff, cozen, delude, dupe, fool, gull, have, hoax, hoodwink, humbug, misguide, misinform, mislead, snow, string along, take in, trick Related Words cheat, chisel, defraud, fleece, gyp, hustle, rook, swindle

WHEN WE TALK OURSELVES INTO DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN WHAT THE WORD OF GOD REVEALS, BY EXCUSING AWAY THE TRUTH WE DECEIVE OUR OWN SELVES, AND ARE HEARERS ONLY AND NOT DOERS. KING SAUL WAS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THIS AND IT COST HIM HIS DESTINY. DO THE WORD WITHOUT EXCUSE.

2007-06-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is my now !
This is your now !
Ecclesiastes 9:10-11:
10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
11. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Chance:a : something that happens unpredictably without discernible human intention or observable cause .. Opportunity

People are always saying if I was better at this or that I would do this or that. You don't have to better at anything to do it. In the scriptures we just read we found out that whatever we find to do we better do it now, because now is the only time we have. Every moment we live is now. The scripture tells us that time and chance ( opportunity ) comes to all. It isn't always the fastest that wins the race, or the strongest that wins the battle, but that opportunity comes to all. We must be watching and ready for when opportunity comes we must grasp it. I have seen boxing matches where one is far superior in skill, power, and speed . However as the fight progressed the superior one let his guard down and lessor fighter was ready and with one punch knocked the better fighter out cold. When it looked like it was all over for the lesser fighter the time and opportunity presented itself and he was ready, and he did what others thought he could not do. Never give up keep believing and standing on the word and when it looks like no way is it going to happen, be ready for the time and opportunity will come. Grasp it and be victorious.
Esther 4:8-16 This is your time , this is your now, just as it was Esther’s time.
8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
9. And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10. Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
11. All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.
13. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
14. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
15. Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16. Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
You were gifted and created for this time for right now. Your age or size or any physical characteristic does not exclude you from doing the Lord’s will. You may have to do something that isn't logical, but do it anyway. Esther had to decide whether to go to the kings court or not. If she went without being invited it could mean death. If the king pointed his golden sceptre at a person it meant it was ok to enter. It was her time but she had to act because the king had not called for her. She chose to go and accept whatever happened. Because she did what she was here to do, she saved a nation. You are gifted for this time. This is your time. You might like to have lived in another time, but this is your time. Walk in it and do what the Lord asks of you and it will be well with you.
Now Faith
Hebrews 11:1-3
1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2. For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
The word now in this day was a word of time and place. It simply means right now. Faith is now. It is in the moment, and always right now.
Mark 11:12-26
12. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
13. And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
14. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
15. And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
16. And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
17And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
18. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
19. And when even was come, he went out of the city.
20. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
21. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26.But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
When you pray when do start believing you receive, and when does it start to produce? Right Now.
When did the fig tree die? Was it when Peter saw it withered, or was it when Jesus spoke?
Philippians 3:13-15
13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Don’t be distracted by the past.. Forgetting: to put out of the mind: don’t dwell on.
Live today, think today, now is the day.
2nd cor. 6:1-2
1. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Paul is writing to Christians, and the Christians over the years have missed what he was saying? What does it mean to receive the Grace of God In vain?
Salvation: rescue, deliverance, safety, saving, health, welfare, something saved.

Grace is all that Salvation has. To get saved and not walk in the safety, health, deliverance, healing, and safety, would be to have receive it in vain. You have not partaken of all it has to offer. This is receiving the Grace of God in vain . Vain means to make something idle, lacking, powerless, and not allowing it to do it's duties. Have you received the Grace of God in vain? Have you not allowed health, healing, deliverance, welfare, safety, or any of the rest of what the grace has to offer, to work in you?

In the next scriptures the word salvation is a totally different word than any other place it is written. It means defence in these scriptures, and as you read them you can put defence in it's place and get the full meaning.
Titus 2:11-12
11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Ephesians 6:17:
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
the word salvation in these two scriptures is a different word that in any of the other times you see it in the new testament.
It means defense:: capability of resisting attack : /dictionary/defensive means or method of defending or protecting oneself, one's team, or another.
Resisting: to withstand the force or effect of.

Psalm 27
1.The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
SALVATION: deliverance, liberty, prosperity, safety, and salvation.
Now is your time, and you have all the weapons and protection you need to get the job done that God has called you to do. You have what is needed to grasp every opportunity that comes your way. This is your now

2007-05-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

.........................SINGED CHRISTIANS.....................
WHEN YOU GET TO HEAVEN AND HAVE BEEN THERE 10,000 YEARS, YOU’LL HAVE NO LESS DAYS TO SING HIS PRAISE THAN WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED. AFTER YOU’VE BEEN THERE THAT LONG, YOU MAY HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THE PROPHETS OF OLD. ( PEOPLE LIKE MOSES, ABRAHAM, ELIJAH, DAVID, OR JOSHUA.) SOME OF THEM MAY BE GATHERED AROUND TELLING OF THE EXPLOITS THEY DID FOR GOD. YOU MAY BE LISTENING IN ON THE STORIES WHEN THEY NOTICE YOU STANDING THERE. THEY MAY STOP AND ALL TURN YOUR WAY AND SAY, " HEY, YOU LIVED UNDER A NEW COVENANT, A BETTER COVENANT. IT WAS ONE ESTABLISHED ON BETTER PROMISES; A COVENANT WE DESIRED TO LIVE UNDER. TELL US THE EXPLOITS AND SACRIFICES YOU DID FOR THE LORD. TELL US HOW YOU CHANGED YOU GENERATION FOR THE LORD. WHAT DID PEOPLE THINK OF OUR GOD AND HIS COMMANDMENTS, AND HOW DID YOU RESPOND TO THEM? TELL US HOW YOU OVERCAME EVIL WITH GOOD. WHAT MIRACLES OF GOD WERE WROUGHT AT YOUR HANDS? WHICH OF THESE HERE DID YOU BRING INTO THE KINGDOM? "
WILL YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY? DID YOU DO ANYTHING, AND IF YOU DID WAS IT SOMETHING THAT COUNTED FOR ETERNITY? OR WAS IT A SELF-- GRATIFYING REWARD THAT YOU GOT IN YOUR LIFE ON EARTH?
WHAT WAS THE MOTIVE FOR DOING THE THINGS YOU DID? WAS IT SO YOU WOULD LOOK GOOD AND GET A PAT ON THE BACK AND THE PRAISE OF OTHERS?
1 Corinthians 3: 1- 15.. KJV
1. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
[ PAUL COULDN’T SPEAK TO THEM AS SPIRITUAL ( REGENERATED DIVINELY SUPER NATURAL ) BUT AS UNTO CARNAL ( CONTROLLED BY UNREGENERATED ANIMAL APPETITES, GOVERNED BY HUMAN NATURE, FLESHLY ) AS BABES ( SIMPLE MINDED IMMATURE CHRISTIANS ). ]
2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [ MILK: RUDIMENTARY SPIRITUAL TEACHINGS ] [ RUDIMENTARY: FIRST PRINCIPALS ] [ MEAT: THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS ]
3. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4. For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13. Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
HAVE WE WORKED TOGETHER WITH THE LORD , OR BY AND FOR OUR OWN SELVES? ARE WE THE KIND OF PERSON THAT TELLS WHAT WE DID TO OTHER PEOPLE FIVE TIMES IN TEN MINUTES? DO WE WANT ALL TO KNOW WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING. DO WE SHOW EVERYONE THE FRUIT OF OUR WORKS? DO WE POLISH THEM UP AND SAY LOOK AT WHAT I DID? OR DO WE WORK FOR THE LORD AND LET HIM REWARD US ?
THERE ARE MANY AREAS WHERE WE COULD LOOK TO SEE RIGHT AND WRONG MOTIVES, BUT LET’S LOOK AT ONE SUCH AREA. LET’S GO FOR SOMETHING SIMPLE SUCH AS A CHURCH BAKE SALE. A PERSON THAT BRINGS A DONATION AND SAYS, " MOST PEOPLE ARE ONLY BRINGING ONE THING, BUT LOOK AT WHAT I HAVE BROUGHT. I BROUGHT COOKIES, CAKES, AND HOMEMADE BREAD. ) THAT IS A PERSON SEEKING RECOGNITION FOR THEIR GIFTS. THAT IS A WRONG MOTIVE.
WHAT IS OUR MOTIVE? ALL OUR WORKS IF THEY WERE BUILT ON ANYTHING BUT CHRIST, THEY WILL BURN. VERSE FIFTEEN SAYS WE WILL BE SAVED , BUT WE WILL SUFFER LOSS -- THE LOSS OF EVERYTHING WE THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO GET A REWARD FOR. WILL YOU BE IN HEAVEN WITH A REWARD OR WILL YOU BE A SINGED NO REWARD CHRISTIAN? I SAY SINGED BECAUSE IF YOU HAD A WRONG MOTIVE YOUR WORKS WILL BURN.
IF YOU ARE CLOSE TO A FIRE SINGED IS WHAT YOU WILL BE.

SINGED:: to burn superficially or lightly :

2007-05-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

.........................ALONG CAME A SPIDER.........................

Passage Proverbs 30:24-28
24. There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
25. The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
26. The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
27. The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
28. The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces

WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT THE SPIDER. THE SPIDER KEEPS WORKING.. KEEPS PRESSING ON. KEEPS PRODUCING. THE SPIDERS WEB IS PRODUCED FROM WITHIN AND PUSHED OUT. THE SPIDER HAS EVERYTHING IT NEEDS WITHIN IT'S SELF TO MAKE IT IN THIS WORLD. GUESS WHAT IF WE KEEP PUTTING THE WORD OF GOD IN OUR HEART WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED WITHIN US TO MAKE IT IN THIS WORLD. WE GRASP IT IN OUR HEART AND BIRTH IT INTO THE WORLD BY FAITH.

1 JOHN 4:3-4

3. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

THE SPIDER IS CONSISTENT. THAT IS HOW WE SHOULD BE. AS LONG AS THE SPIDER IS ALIVE HE IS UNSTOPPABLE. YOU CAN KNOCK HIS WEB DOWN AND HE IS NOT PHASED. HE DOESN'T STOP, CRY, WHINE, GO INTO A DEPRESSION, OR GIVE UP.

HIS WEB IS GONE, BUT HE STILL HAS IT IN HIM TO KEEP ON PRODUCING AND HE MAKES ANOTHER WEB.

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

HAVING DONE ALL TO STAND...STAND THEREFORE.

YOU CAN KNOCK THE SPIDER OFF HIS WEB AND AS HE IS FALLING HE KEEPS DOING WHAT HE KNOWS. HE PUSHES A THREAD OF WEB OUT AND IT SLOWS AND BREAKS HIS FALL SO THAT HE ISN'T HURT. THE SPIDER HAS EIGHT EYES , HOWEVER HIS EYESIGHT IS POOR. HE IS A GOOD HUNTER NOT BECAUSE HE SEE WELL BUT RATHER BECAUSE HIS LEGS ARE COVERED WITH FOLLICLES THAT SENSE MOVEMENT OR THE VIBRATIONS FROM MOVEMENT.

THE LESSON OF THE SPIDER IS THIS....THE WORD OF GOD, AND GOD HIMSELF IN YOU IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO OVERCOME ANYTHING IN THIS LIFE. KEEP WORKING AND DOING WHAT YOU KNOW. LEARN TO BE A DISCERNING SPIRIT RATHER THAN TRUSTING WHAT YOU SEE WITH YOUR EYES.

2 COR. 5:7 ( FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT)

Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

TIME: APPOINTED TIME

JUDGEMENT: DETERMINATION

THERE IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND WE ARE TO BE ABLE TO DISCERN IT FROM OUR HEART.

Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

THE WORD SENSES HERE IN THE GREEK IS A WORD THAT MEANS: THE CAPACITY FOR SPIRITUAL APPREHENSION.

THAT IS WHY YOU MIGHT MEET SOMEONE AND THEY LOOK PERFECT, SO PRIM AND PROPER. THEY MIGHT TALK THE TALK, AND SAY ALL THE RIGHT WORDS, BUT SOMETHING INSIDE SAYS THIS ISN'T RIGHT. DON'T KNOW WHY, DON'T KNOW THE REASON, BUT KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG. THAT'S YOUR SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT. ON THE OTHER HAND THINGS MAY LOOK ALL WRONG BUT INSIDE GO HAVE A GREEN LIGHT THAT SAYS THIS IS ALRIGHT. THEY CAN LOOK GREAT AND BE GREAT AND YOU KNOW THEY ARE OK. THAT'S YOUR SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT. IT IS COMING FROM THE HEART AND NOT THE HEAD. HOW YOU EXERCISE THAT DISCERNMENT IS TO ACT ON IT.M WHEN SOMETHING GETS IN A SPIDERS WEB HE IS ON IT, NOT BECAUSE HE SAW IT BUT RATHER BECAUSE HE SENSED IT. A SPIDER DOESN'T HAVE A SPIRIT AND HAS TO RELY ON VIBRATIONS FELT THROUGH THE FOLLICLES ON HIS LEGS. WE ARE TO DO THAT THROUGH OUR SPIRIT. THE SPIDER SENSES THROUGH PHYSICAL SENSES BUT WE ARE TO DO IT THROUGH OUR SPIRITUAL SENSES. HAVE YOU EVER SENSED SOMETHING WAS COMING ? GOOD OR BAD ... RIGHT OR WRONG.. NOT BECAUSE YOU SAW IT, YOU JUST KNEW.

EVER GET A COBWEB ON YOU? IT STICKS, AND IS HARD TO GET OFF. WHAT IS A PROBLEM TO FLIES, BUGS, AND ANYTHING THAT TOUCHES IT, IS NO PROBLEM FOR THE SPIDER. HE GLIDES OVER IT WITH EASE. THE SPIDER PRODUCES AN OIL THAT KEEPS IT FROM STICKING TO THE WEB. WE ARE TO BE LIKE THE SPIDER. WE HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT ANOINTING. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS COMPARED TO OIL IN THE WORD. WE ARE ANOINTED BY THE OIL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DISCERN AND KNOW AND SEE AND GO RIGHT THROUGH THE STICKY THINGS OF LIFE THAT OTHERS GET STUCK IN AND BOGGED DOWN WITH. WE WHO HAVE TAKEN A LESSON FROM THE SPIDER AND PUT GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS, PRODUCE FROM WITHIN AND PUSH OUT THE ANSWER, AND WALK BY THE DISCERNMENT OF THE SPIRIT, AND NOT BY SIGHT, AND HAVE THE OIL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES ARE ANOINTED TO GLIDE THROUGH AND OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS OF THIS WORLD.

2007-05-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

.....................THE REF........................
In sports you have a coach, a play book. Team mates, and opponents. The game has structure, rules, and regulations. It has penalties if you break a rule. Every play is designed to reach a goal. Every play of your opponent is designed to stop you.
The bible is God’s play book. In it is his general game plan. Every game has referee’s. God has a referee also.
In Colossians chapter 3 we find some great truths and instruction as to things we should not get into and some things to put on or do. Let’s read it.
Passage Colossians 3
1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6. For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7. In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him
IN VERSE 15 WE FIND GOD’S REFEREE. LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS. " RULE" A MORE LITERAL TRANSLATION IS " BE THE REFEREE". WHEN THE REF BLOWS THE WHISTLE AND THROWS A FLAG IT MEANS A FOUL HAS BEEN COMMITTED. a RULE HAS BEEN BROKEN AND A PENALTY IS ENFORCED. THE PEACE OF GOD I S OUR REF AND WHEN WE DON’T HAVE PEACE IN OUR HEART WE NEED TO STOP AND SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE AND FIND OUT WHAT WE NEED TO DO. GOD’S REF TRIES TO WARN US BEFORE WE MAKE A WRONG MOVE OR DECISION AND KEEP US ON TRACK. REMEMBER YOU WILL NEVER LOSE GOD’S PEACE BECAUSE OF WHAT OTHERS DO, IT WILL BE BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU DO. GOD’S PEACE IS THERE TO STOP YOU SO THAT YOU DON’T MAKE THE WRONG MOVE AND TO KEEP YOU WALKING IN VICTORY.

2007-05-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

.......................CHECK MATE....................
While reading one day I came across a section where the author was describing a painting in a French museum. This painting was called " CHECKMATE ". In it was chess board and the black rook and black queen were close to the white queen and white king. A man was sitting at the board with his head hanging forward cupped in his hands. On the other side was the devil laughing at him.
This piece of art speaks volumes. It has many layers of truth. To me the chess game represented life. The moves it took too get to where the playing pieces were at were choices made when the devil or simply life’s problems arose, or choices made in following the steps made in following the call of God on our lives.
In chess your opponents goal is to put your king in what is known as checkmate. Giving your king no outs and any move would result in him still being in checkmate. And your goal is the same against him. In life just as in this painting it is not people, places, or things that are our enemy, but rather the spirit that drives them. ( the devil )
The board has 64 squares in which you may choose to move your playing pieces. To me these squares represent choices that we make to take ground and neutralize the enemies advance into our lives, or choices we made that gave ground because we didn’t see a trap of the enemy.
One day as a tour was going through the museum and going on after looking at the Checkmate painting one person stayed behind studying the painting. After a while the tour guide came back and ask if there was a problem. The person said, "I am a chess champion, and as I look at this painting I think they need to change the name." " Why, " ask the guide. " Because you see the king still has one more move.
The artist painted it this way to get us to think. The man in the painting as well as in life at times thought or perceived he was checkmated. He was deceived by his own eyes. He still had options. His king still had one more move.
Example.. Have you ever been getting dressed and you looked to see which was the front and back of what you were putting on and after you got it on you discovered it was on backwards or inside out . Our senses can fool us. They can give us a false perception. We can not trust our senses.
2 Corinthians 5:7:
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
FAITH : truthfulness, conviction, consistency
SIGHT : exterior appearance, that which is exposed to view, that which strikes the eye.

How you perceive or the perception you have can put you in bondage or set you free....
Your perception is formed by what you give yourself too. The worlds way or God’s Way. The world will always oppose God’s way.. You can tell how much of the worlds way of thinking is in the church by simply saying what God says and stepping back and seeing if they agree or disagree. It is very important what you spend time looking at and listening to.
What you give yourself to will get into your heart. From your heart is where the issues of life are dealt with. What you perceive in your heart is what you will believe and act on From the heart you create your world...

Passage Proverbs 23:7:
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
This scripture is telling us that a person can tell us something and not be telling us what they truly believe. Ever hear a sportscaster say about an athlete, " His heart isn’t in it today"? That athlete has in his heart perceived he can not do it and has given up. When an athlete is so far behind there is no way to catch up, but he keeps on giving it his all, they say he sure has heart.
In proverbs 23:7 the word thinketh mean to estimate; to form an approximate opinion of( as to size, amount, number, etc) to form an approximate opinion about, a rough calculation based on incomplete data.
You are to study the word and as you do you will gather more data of who you are in Christ and what you can do and believe for and your perception and opinion or what you think in your heart will change, and you will be that.
The devil will try to work through circumstances and problems or people to cause you to form opinions and perceptions of yourself as worthless and useless. He will try to get you to perceive that you will never overcome.
As we grow in the Lord and listen to His Spirit as he gives guidance we will make the correct choices from the heart. Never give up always look up.
Let’s look at the of the chess board of life in the life of Elijah and the life of a widow woman that God sent him too.
Several times the widow woman was in a place she felt checkmated ( no way out ) but the Lord had one more move each time.. We have a king and he is the KING OF KINGS and he can never be checkmated
When ministering this lesson I used a large cardboard chess board with the squares being four inches square. I took a sheet of white and a sheet of black foam board and cut out thirty-two 4 inch squares of both. These squares would represent events, and choices made in life. I took First Kings Chapter 17 and broke it down into 19 squares of events and choices or moves made in life as in a chess game. This chapter is about a time in the lives of Elijah and a widow woman and I added things we face in our own lives and answers we can choose on the rest of the squares. If we truly believe and trust the Lord we will never be in checkmate. We will always through our King have One more move.
1 Kings 17
SQUARE ONE
1. And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 2 .And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 3. Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 4. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.
SQUARE TWO
5.So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
SQUARE THREE
6. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
SQUARE FOUR
7. And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.
SQUARE FIVE
8. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,
9. Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
SQUARE SIX
10So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
SQUARE SEVEN
11. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.
SQUARE EIGHT
12. And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
SQUARE NINE
13. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
14. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.
SQUARE TEN
15And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.
SQUARE ELEVEN
16. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.
SQUARE TWELVE
17. And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.
SQUARE THIRTEEN
18. And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?
SQUARE FOURTEEN
19. And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.
SQUARE FIFTEEN
20. And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?
SQUARE SIXTEEN
21. And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.
SQUARE SEVENTEEN
22. And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
SQUARE EIGHTEEN
23. And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.
SQUARE NINETEEN
24. And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.
As we look at these nineteen squares of the Chess Board of the lives of Elijah and the widow woman. Moves of the enemy were made to try to cause them to think Check Mate. It’s over no way out. And we see the Lord had one more move each time. The people had to obey and make a move and then the answer opened up. Elijah was Ask to hide by the brook. He had to go and do this, and the Ravens brought the food..
When the brook dried up he had a choice. God said to go to the widow woman. He could have thought check mate it’s over and stayed there and died. He went and when he found the widow she was in a mind frame of check mate. She had a small amount of meal and was going to fix it for her and her son and eat it and die. The Lord had one more move. He told the prophet to ask her for a cake first and then she and her son could eat and her barrel of meal wouldn’t waste nor the cruse of oil fail until it rained on the earth again. She had to make a choice. She had to make a move. She did and meal and the oil never ran out.
We come to many choices every day. The enemy is working to neutralize us and wants us to give up. He wants us to think there’s no way out.. CHECK MATE Jesus has overcome the world and greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. In Jesus our King we always have one more move. God is always presenting us with a choice as he directs our steps.. He never asks us to do anything that he hasn’t equipped us to be able to do. We must choose too step out and obey and put the enemy in check mate in our lives.
I was watching an episode of the show House tonight and he was playing a game of chess against a boy. The boy spoke up and rattled off a series of moves and counter moves and said to house you are going to lose so just turn the king over and accept it now.. House laid his king over. He kept the board as it was and studied it and found out he could have won. He told the boy this and the boy said I know I was bluffing. House took what he heard and formed a perception that he was going to be check mated and gave up.. That is what the devil tries to do to us. He tries to push us down and into believing that we just can’t make it but God always has a way. You can not check mate God. Life is series of choices. Never think there is no way out. Always choose God and his way. He has the answers for anything that is wrong in your life.

2007-04-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

.........UNITY........
HOW DO WE ACT TOWARDS OTHER THAT ARE DIFFERENT FROM US? DO WE SEE HOW THEY FIT AND COMPLEMENT US AND MAKE US MORE COMPETE, OR DO WE SAY THEY NEED TO GO BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT JUST LIKE US?
EPHESIANS 4:11-16
11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

JESUS IS THE HEAD AND WE ARE THE BODY. WE ALL ARE DIFFERENT BUT MAKE UP THE COMPLETE BODY. ON A BODY THE NOSE IS DIFFERENT FROM THE MOUTH, HOWEVER THEY BOTH ARE NEEDED. THEY ARE DIFFERENT IN LOOKS AND FUNCTION. PEOPLE ARE THAT WAY ALSO. EACH OF US IS GIFTED FOR A CERTAIN TASK. NOT EVERYONE HAS TO BE JUST LIKE YOU OR ME. WE MUST HELP SUPPLY EACH OTHER IN THE BODY JUST AS THE ARTERY SYSTEM IN OUR PHYSICAL BODY MOVES NUTRIENTS AND OXYGEN AND FUEL TO ALL THE PARTS OF OUR BODY. ALL THE MUSCLES, BONES, TENDONS, AND JOINTS WORK TO THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE BODY. WHEN WE REJECT OTHER FOR WHAT EVER REASON WE ISOLATE OURSELVES FROM THE MINISTRY AND GIFT THAT THEY BRING TO THE BODY. WE THEN CAN NOT FUNCTION AS WE SHOULD, AND BECOME A USELESS JOINT. WE BECOME LIKE AN ARTHRITIC JOINT ALL BENT AND TWISTED AND UNABLE TO DO AND FUNCTION AS WE SHOULD.

ARNOLD PRATER HAS SOME GREAT BOOKS OUT THERE. IN ONE OF HIS BOOKS HE MAKES PARABLES OUT OF BIBLE TEACHINGS. HE TOOK THIS SET OF SCRIPTURES AND CAME UP WITH THIS PARABLE.
ONCE UPON A TIME, HE SAYS ALMOST EVERYBODY WAS AN EAR. ALL THE EARS HAD A CONVENTION AND WERE HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME WHEN A NOSE AND A MOUTH WALKED IN, SAT DOWN ON THE BACK ROW, AND WERE VERY QUIET. BUT SOON THE SARGENT-AT-ARMS WALKED OVER AND TOSSED THEM OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT EARS. BUT AFTER A WHILE THE CONVENTION HALL CAUGHT FIRE AND DESTROYED ALL THE EARS BECAUSE NO NOSES WERE THERE TO SMELL THE SMOKE AND NO MOUTHS WERE THERE TO WARN THEM THE PLACE WAS ON FIRE.

A PERSON THAT LOSES THE SENSE OF SMELL SUFFERS. A PERSON THAT LOSES HIS OR HER SIGHT HAS A MUCH DIFFERENT VIEW POINT. THE SAME IS TRUE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE CHURCH. EVERYONE OF US IS ESSENTIAL. EVERYONE IS INDISPENSABLE.

2007-04-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

part 2. OUR GREAT SUBSTITUTIONARY SACRIFICE AND THE PRESENT DAY MINISTRY OF JESUS
Passage Acts 4:12:
12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
JESUS CAME AND FULL FILLED HIS MINISTRY TO BECOME THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD, AND BRING LOST MANKIND BACK INTO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER.

HE IS NOT SITTING AND WAITING TO COME BACK, BUT HE HAS A PRESENT DAY MINISTRY THAT IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE HIM AS SAVIOR AND MAKE HIM LORD AND LIVE IN THIS WORLD AS KINGS AND PRIESTS TO GOD.

JESUS HAS MINISTRIES THAT HE IS DOING TODAY. HE IS NOT JUST SITTING AND WAITING. HE HAS A PRESENT DAY MINISTRY.
HE IS OUR MEDIATOR.. A GO BETWEEN FOR MAN AND GOD.

HEB. 8:6
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

1 TIM 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

JOB 9:33
Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
JOB SAW THE NEED FOR A MEDIATOR TO GO BETWEEN GOD AND MAN

JOHN 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY WE ARE ALL HEADED TO THE SAME PLACE, JUST TAKING A DIFFERENT WAY. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY, ONLY ONE MEDIATOR, ONLY ONE TRUTH, AND THAT IS JESUS

AN OTHER MINISTRY OF JESUS TODAY IS THAT HE IS OUR INTERCESSOR
HEB. 7:24-25
24. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
INTERCESSION:prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another
JESUS IS INTERCEDING FOR US TO OUR BENEFIT.
JUST AS HE INTERCEDE OR PRAYED FOR PETER, HE DOES THE SAME FOR US.
LUKE 22:31-32
31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
HE IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS, AND IS INTERCEDING ON BEHALF OF US ALL.

HE IS OUR ADVOCATE- LAWYER THIS IS AN AWESOME PART OF HIS MINISTRY TODAY.
1 JOHN 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
EVER SEE A MOVIE WHERE A RICH KID GETS IN TROUBLE AND THE Family lawyer shows up. JESUS IS OUR LAWYER. SATAN IS THE ACCUSER. IF WE DO SIN AND WE REPENT THEN IT IS ERASED AND OUR LAWYER JESUS IS THERE TO BACK UP THE WORD AND SEND THE DEVIL PACKING. JESUS PLEADS OUR CASE.
Heb. 9:24 he loves us.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
HE DID IT ALL FOR US.
Heb 4:14-16
Passage Hebrews 4:14-16 HE IS OUR HIGH PRIEST
14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We have a high priest, a mediator, an intercessor, an advocate, a lover of our souls. He is sitting in the highest seat of authority in the universe. His father that loved and sent him to take our place sits on the throne of grace. Jesus who loves you is seated at is right hand. They bid you to come boldly to the throne of grace.
Romans 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Heb. 7:22
By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
GOD IS FOR US, AND JESUS IS OUR SURETY.
HEBREWS 9:16-17
16For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
JESUS CAME AND BROUGHT US A NEW AND BETTER TESTAMENT AND THEN DIED SO IT COULD GO INTO FORCE AND THEN RAISED FROM THE DEAD TO MAKE SURE IT WAS IN FORCED.
JESUS IS THE SURETY OF EVERY WORD FROM MATT. 1:1 T0 REV. 22:21
Surety: Personal Guarantee

2007-04-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

part 1. OUR GREAT SUBSTITUTIONARY SACRIFICE AND THE PRESENT DAY MINISTRY OF JESUS
The Lord of Glory Himself came and redeemed us. He took my place, he took our place, he took your place, and all our punishment was put upon Him.
The Great Subsitutionary Work, and His work in the new creation would be of no value if He did not take care of and protect this new creation.
The church celebrates the birth of Jesus every Dec. 25th . They celebrate His death, burial, and resurrection every Easter. Way to many think that was it, and Jesus retired to sit at God’s right hand and wait for the word to go get the family. His death and burial and resurrection was the physical thing His body went through, however that was not all He was doing in those 3 days and nights. His spirit went and paid the claims of justice in the spirit. The sacrifice was not yet completed. More was to be done even after the resurrection.
Passage John 19:30:
30. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Finished: to accomplish to a point, not necessarily finished
What was finished? Most preachers I've heard say it was the Old Covenant and redemption was now here. Well redeemption wasn't here yet more had to be done. The word use and translated finished did not mean totally finished. It meant finished up to a point and not necessarily finished. Jesus still had to go satisfy the claims of justice in the spirit. He went to sheol or hell and took our punishment. Some say Jesus never went to hell , however if he didn't then you still have to go. He took my place in all things and that means all.
Luke 16:19-26
19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Abraham's bosom was a place that had two compartments divided by a huge gulf. The upper was the place of comfort where the old testament saints went to await the promise of the messiah. The other was a flame of fire and torment or hell. Lazarus was in the comfort side and the selfish rich man was in the torment side.
Ephesians 4:8-9 KJV
8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
After he paid the price in hell he bridged the gap and preached to the spirits in Abraham's Bosom and lead the out and right in to heaven.

Passage Acts 2:24 KJV
24Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
This shows us where Jesus went because death had no pain except in the lower part or hell.

John 20
1. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
2. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
3. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
5. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7. And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
[ THE NAPKINS IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND JEWISH CUSTOMS TO UNDERSTAND THIS. IT WAS NOT WITH THE GRAVE CLOTHES, BUT WRAPPED OR FOLDED TOGETHER IN A PLACE BY ITSELF. IN JEWISH CUSTOM WHEN YOU WENT INTO AN OTHERS HOUSE AND THEY FEED YOU AND FELLOW SHIPPED WITH YOU AND YOU WERE DONE. IF YOU ENJOYED THE VISIT AND PLANNED ON COMING BACK YOU FOLDED YOUR NAPKIN AND PLACED IT AWAY FROM EVERYTHING ELSE IN A SEPARATE PLACE ON THE TABLE. THIS SIGNIFIED THAT YOU ENJOYED THE VISIT AND WOULD RETURN.]
8. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
10. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
11. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
12. And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.
14. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
JESUS HAD MORE TO DO AFTER HIS RESURRECTION. THE REDEMPTIVE PLAN WASN'T COMPLETED YET. HE TOLD MARY TO TOUCH HIM NOT FOR HE NOT YET ASCENDED TO HIS FATHER.
JOHN 20: 26-31
26. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
SOMETHING HAPPEN BETWEEN WHEN HE SAW MARY AND THIS MEETING FOR HE NOW SAID TO THOMAS THRUST YOUR HAND INTO MY SIDE. HE COULD NOW BE TOUCHED SO HE HAD GONE TO THE FATHER AND BACK. HE HAD TO FINISH THE REDEMPTIVE WORK BY GOING TO HEAVEN AND PRESENTING HIMSELF AND HIS BLOOD AS THE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN HEAVEN, AND CLEANSE THE HEAVENLY HOLY OF HOLIES AND SPRINKLE HIS BLOOD ON THE HEAVENLY MERCY SEAT. HE COULD NOT LET MARY TOUCH HIM FOR IT WOULD HAVE TAINTED THE PURE SACRIFICE HE HAD TO YET DELIVER TO HEAVEN BEFORE GOD.

Passage Hebrews 9:12-26:
12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
13. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15. And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
16. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
18. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
19. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
20. Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
21. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
22. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

[23. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.]
THE TABERNACLE ON EARTH WAS ONLY A COPY OF THE TRUE ONE IN HEAVEN. JESUS ENTERED IN AND CLEANSED THE TRUE TABERNACLE WITH HIS OWN BLOOD THUS COMPLETING REDEMPTION. HE COULD NOW GO BACK AND BE SEEN AND TOUCHED ON EARTH. THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN WHEN MARY SAW HIM AND WHEN HE TOLD THOMAS TO THRUST HIS HAND INTO HIS SIDE.
IN PART 2 WE WILL TALK ABOUT THE PRESENT DAY MINISTRY OF JESUS. HE IS NOT SITTING AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND JUST WAITING FOR THE WORD TO GO AND GET THE FAMILY. HE HAS MINISTRIES THAT HE IS DOING FOR US.

2007-04-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

I was tagged to a music meme. Asked to give a list of seven of my favorite songs. I don't know a anyone to tag but I'll give my list.

My list may change from day to day but right now this is it.

1. Before the next Teardrop falls... Freddy Fender. shows a very caring heart full of compassion.

2. He stopped Loving Her Today.. George Jones.. Awesome words can't explain.

3. Imagine... John Lennon..

4. Country Bumpkin.. Cal Smith...... this song touched my heart

5. Solitare... Neil Sedaka

6. Without You.. Harry Nilsson

7. Maggie May ... Rod Stewart

I have some that I hold higher than these but no one out there would know them, because my wife wrote them so I'll leave you with these.

2007-03-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

......THE CARE GIVER OR THE CARE TAKER............

IN GOD THE WORD CARE MEANS.... CHARGE OR GUARDIANSHIP.. CUSTODY OR SUPERVISION

THROUGH SATAN THE WORD CARE MEANS.. A FEELING OF ANXIETY OR CONCERN; WORRY

IN GOD CARETAKER MEANS TO TAKE CARE OF.

THROUGH SATAN CARETAKER MEANS TRYING TO GET YOU TO TAKE CARES ON YOURSELF. JESUS SAID THE CARES OF THE WORLD CHOKE THE WORD AND MAKE IT UNFRUITFUL.

AS A PERSON YOU CAN NOT TRULY BE A COMPLETE CARE GIVER OR CARETAKER FOR ANOTHER PERSON. AT BEST YOU CAN ONLY BE A CARE ASSISTANT, EVEN THOUGH YOU OR OTHERS MAY CALL YOU A CARE GIVER. WHEN YOU TRY TO GO BEYOND THE ASSISTANT PHASE INTO BEING A CARE GIVER IT BECOMES TOO MUCH, AND MOST OF THE "CAREGIVERS" DIE BEFORE THE ONE THAT NEEDS CARE. IT IS LIKE THE FROG IN A POT OF COLD WATER. IF YOU TURN UP THE HEAT ONE DEGREE AT A TIME SLOWLY, THE FROG WILL SIT THERE AND BOIL TO DEATH NOT REALIZING THE HEAT IS GROWING. SO IT IS WITH PEOPLE NEEDING HELP. IT STARTS OUT BEING NOT SO MUCH, BUT AS THE NEEDS GROW, THE CAREGIVER KEEPS ON ADDING TO WHAT THEY ARE HELPING WITH UNTIL IT CONSUMES THEY SLOWLY LIKE THE FROG BOILING. IF YOU TOSS A FROG INTO HOT WATER IT WILL REALIZE IT AND JUMP OUT. IF YOU COME INTO A SITUATION WHEN A PERSON NEEDS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF HELP A CAREGIVER WILL REALIZE IT IS TOO MUCH FOR ONE PERSON TO HELP WITH. BUT LETTING IT SLIP UP ON THEM A LITTLE AT A TIME AS TO WHAT A PERSON NEEDS HELP WITH, EVENTUALLY WILL CONSUME THE CAREGIVER. SOON THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GO ANYWHERE OR DO ANYTHING WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT HOW IT WILL EFFECT THE ONE THEY GIVE CARE TO, AND THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP CHANGING THEIR LIFE IN ORDER TO TAKE CARE OF THE PERSON NEEDING HELP. SOON THE CARE GIVER IS TOTALLY CONSUMED AND HAS NO LIFE OF THEIR OWN. THAT IS WHY WE HAVE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES AND NURSING HOMES, AND WHY THEY HAVE A STAFF OF PEOPLE AND SHIFTS AROUND THE CLOCK. BECAUSE IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO DO THE JOB, AND CARE GIVERS NEED TIME FOR THEIR OWN LIVES.

I SAID ALL THAT SO I COULD GET TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY NEXT.

THERE IS ONLY ONE THAT CAN GIVE 100% CARE .. 24/7 .. EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR,,
THERE IS ONLY ONE THAT CAN DEVOTE THEMSELVES 100% TO YOUR EVERY NEED.
THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE CARE GIVER.

HEBREWS 13:5
LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE WITHOUT COVETOUSNESS; AND BE CONTENT WITH SUCH THINGS AS YE HAVE; FOR HE HATH SAID, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE.
FORSAKE: LEAVE BEHIND, ABANDON, LEAVE IN STRAITS, OR HELPLESS.

HE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE THERE TO HELP.

HEBREWS 4:15-16
15. FOR WE HAVE NOT AN HIGH PRIEST WHICH CANNOT BE TOUCHED WITH THE FEELING OF OUR INFIRMITIES; BUT WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED LIKE AS WE ARE, YET WITHOUT SIN.
16. 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 WORD HELP IN THIS SCRIPTURE IS AN INTERESTING WORD.
IT MEANS FRAPPING. FRAPPING IS A SAILING TERM. IT IS ROPES OR CHAINS THAT SAILORS WRAP AROUND THE BOAT TO UNDER GIRD IT IN A STORM, TO PREVENT IT FROM DEMISE.
JESUS IS THERE TO UNDER GIRD US IN THE STORMS OF LIFE, AND KEEP US INTACT AND FROM DESTRUCTION.

PSALMS 33:20
OUR SOUL WAITETH FOR THE LORD: HE IS OUR HELP AND OUR SHIELD.
PSALMS 46:1
GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE.
Psalm 23(KJV)
1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2H. e maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

RESTORETH: RECOVER
ROD: A TOOL OF A SHEPARD OR TEACHER.... IT MEANS AUTHORITY
ALSO USED TO DEFEND.
STAFF: SUPPORT: SUBSTANANCE; SUSTAINING LIFE
THE LORD IS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP AND PROTECT US.
WE AS SHEEP HAVE A PART TO DO ALSO IN ORDER FOR THIS HELP AND PROTECTION TO WORK IN OUR LIVES. WE MUST STAY CLOSE TO THE SHEPARD. AND WE MUST FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTION AND GUIDANCE. WE TEND TO THINK GOD WILL DO IT ALL, BUT WE HAVE A PART ALSO.
THERE WAS A LADY THAT ALWAYS PRAYED FOR PROTECTION. SHE SPOKE THE SCRIPTURES OF THE 91st PSALM ALL THE TIME. ONE DAY SHE WAS GOING TO GO INTO THE REAL BAD PART OF TOWN. SHE SPOKE THE WORD AND PRAYED FOR PROTECTION. A VOICE FROM DEEP INSIDE TOLD HER TO NOT GO. SHE WENT ANY WAY AND GOT MUGGED. SHE WENT TO SEE HER PASTOR. A MAN NAMED KEITH MOORE. SHE ASK HIM, "WHY DID I GET MUGGED WHEN I SPOKE THE WORD AND PRAYED FOR PROTECTION?" HE SAID LETS SIT AND TALK ABOUT THAT DAY. HE ASK HER TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED THAT MORNING. SHE TOLD HIM HOW SHE PRAYED AND SPOKE THE WORD FOR PROTECTION. THEN SHE SAID THE LORD TOLD ME NOT TO GO. AND SHE SAID I WENT ANYWAY BECAUSE I'M A FAITH PERSON. KEITH SAID, WAIT A MINUTE YOU PRAYED AND ASK FOR PROTECTION AND THE LORD SAID DON'T GO AND YOU WENT ANY WAY. YES SHE SAID. WHY WERE YOU GOING TO THAT PART OF TOWN? "I JUST WANTED TO," WAS HER REPLY. KEITH SAID THERE IS YOUR ANSWER. PROTECTION ISN'T ALWAYS GOD MOVING EVERYTHING OUT OF YOUR WAY. IT SOMETIMES IS YOU MOVING OUT OF HARMS WAY. GOD TOLD YOU TO NOT GO AND YOU DISOBEYED AND WENT AND WALKED RIGHT INTO THE THING GOD WAS PROTECTION YOU FROM, HAD YOU OBEYED. SEE WE MUST FOLLOW THE GREAT SHEPARD'S DIRECTION.

PSALM 32:5-9
5. I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
7. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
8. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
9. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

DAVID TELLS US THAT GOD IS OUR HIDING PLACE AND SHALL KEEP US FROM TROUBLE. VERSE 6 TELLS US THAT THE LORD WILL INSTRUCT AND TEACH AND GUIDE US WITH HIS EYE. HE SEE'S WHAT IS AHEAD AND DIRECTS US IN THE BEST WAY TO AVOID IT. WE MUST FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTION OR WE ARE TO BLAME FOR WALKING INTO TROUBLE.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Passage 1 Peter 5:7
7. Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
WE MUST GIVE ALL OUR CARES TO THE LORD AND LET HIM WORK THEM OUT.
TO MANY OF US SAY HERE LORD TAKE THESE CARES AND THEN WE PICK THEM BACK UP AND CARRY THEM OFF WITH US. NO HE CARES FOR US AND WANTS US TO BE CARE FREE. HE IS OUR CARETAKER.

ARE YOU A MARTHA OR A MARY?
Amplified Bible (AMP)Passage Luke 10:38-42
38. Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house.
39. And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and was listening to His teaching.
40. But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!
41. But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;
42. There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.

GIVE YOURSELF TO THE WORD (JESUS) AND THE WORD (JESUS) WILL CARE FOR YOU. MARTHA WAS CUMBERED (DRAWN AWAY, DISTRACTED, BEING OVER OCCUPIED ABOUT A THING, WORRIED ) WITH THE SERVING. GETTING THE DINNER READY. BUT THIS WAS HER OWN IDEA NOT THE LORDS. JESUS DIDN'T ASK HER TO FIX ANY DINNER. SOMETIMES WE HAVE AN IDEA AND PURSUE IT AND IT IS NOT THE THING WE SHOULD BE DOING. MARTHA TOLD JESUS TO TELL MARY TO HELP HER. JESUS TOLD MARTHA THAT MARY HAD CHOSEN THE GOOD PORTION..THAT WHICH WAS TO HER ADVANTAGE, AND IT WOULD NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER. ALWAYS CHOOSE THE WORD, AND MAKE IT FIRST PLACE IN YOUR LIFE. JESUS SAID IT WILL BE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. MARTHA DIDN'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT DINNER. JESUS JUST FEED 5000 MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH 5 LOAVES AND 2 FISH AND HAD 12 BUCKETS FULL OF LEFT OVERS. WE LIMIT GOD WITH OUR THINKING IF WE DON'T WATCH IT. TAKE THE LIMITS OFF AND LET THE LORD CARE FOR US.

2007-03-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

................" TELL JOHN "......................

SOME TIME AGO I WAS IN CHURCH, AND DURING THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP I HEARD THESE WORDS COME FROM MY HEART,"TELL JOHN".
THE WORDS CAME AGAIN AND I SAID TELL JOHN, TELL JOHN WHAT? THE WORDS TELL JOHN CAME AGAIN WITH AUTHORITY AND FORCE AND I REMEMBERED THE WORDS TELL JOHN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT AND I SAID I UNDERSTAND TELL JOHN. I WILL SHARE WHAT I LEARNED FROM THAT .
Hebrews 2:1 (KJV)
1. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
EARNEST: MORE EXCEEDINGLY
HEED: PAY DEVOTION OF THOUGHT AND EFFORT TO DO A THING - TO HOLD THE MIND TO - TO ADHERE TO..
SLIP: TO FIND ONE'S SELF GLIDING, OR PASSING BY WITHOUT GIVING DUE HEED TO A THING. LIT. TO FLOW PAST, OR GLIDE BY.

EXAMPLE.. A RIVER WITH A PIECE OF DRIFT WOOD FLOATING IN THE CURRENT, AND WE WATCH IT SLIP ON BY WITHOUT PAYING ANY ATTENTION. ( THAT WOULD SEEM TO BE WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE IS SAYING, BUT IT IS SAYING JUST THE OPPOSITE. WE WILL MISS THE POINT IF WE DON'T REALIZE THAT. ) YOU TAKE THE PLACE OF THE DRIFT WOOD. SAY YOU ARE FLOATING IN A BOAT DOWN THE RIVER. WHATEVER IS ON THE BANKS OF THAT RIVER IS SOLID, IT IS TRUE, IT'S THERE TO BE SEEN AND ENJOYED. BY NOT PAYING ATTENTION, NOT GIVING EARNEST HEED TO WHAT IS ON THE BANKS, YOU FLOAT ON BY MISSING THE BEAUTY OF THE LAND, PEOPLE, PICNIC AREAS, AND WILDLIFE. WHEN ASK WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THAT HUGE BOULDER THAT LOOKED LIKE A MAN'S FACE, YOU WOULD SAY WHAT BOULDER. WHILE OTHERS FLOATING DOWN THE RIVER MAY PADDLE IN TO EVERY INTERESTING THING THEY SEE. UPON CLOSE EXAMINATION THEY MAY SEE THINGS THAT OTHERS CAN'T SEE FROM OUT IN THE RIVER. THEY MAY TAKE PICTURES SO THEY CAN RE-VISIT IT ONCE AGAIN WITHOUT PHYSICALLY BEING THERE. WHEN ASK ABOUT A PLACE OR THING ALONG THE RIVER THEY CAN TELL YOU ABOUT IT, AND EVEN SHOW YOU BECAUSE THEY WERE PAYING EARNEST HEED TO THE THINGS THEY SAW AND DOCUMENTING IT. THEY MAY EVEN KNOW MORE THAN THE PERSON ASKING.
THAT IS WHY IN A CHURCH SERVICE SOME PEOPLE CAN NOT TELL YOU WHAT IT WAS ABOUT, WHILE OTHERS CAN TELL YOU WHAT WAS SAID AND EVEN GO DEEPER. BECAUSE THEY WERE PAYING EARNEST HEED,AND THE LORD COULD TAKE THEM DEEPER THAN THE MINISTER WAS PRESENTING.
..... SO PAY EARNEST HEED TO THIS THAT YOU HEAR TODAY.......
........................................... " TELL JOHN "...............................................
YOU CAN PUT YOUR NAME IN JOHN'S PLACE. IN FACT YOU MUST PUT YOUR NAME IN JOHN'S PLACE. AS WE LOOK AT JOHN THE BAPTIST YOU WILL SEE WHY THE TITLE " TELL JOHN ". AND YOU WILL SEE WHY YOU MUST PUT YOURSELF IN HIS PLACE, IN ORDER TO LEARN THIS LESSON. YOU CAN SLIP ON BY WHAT GOD IS SAYING TO YOU BECAUSE YOU DON'T PAY EARNEST HEED TO IT OR YOU PAY HEED TO THE WRONG THING AND BECOME OFFENDED AND MISS THE POINT BECAUSE YOUR FOCUS WAS NOT WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.
BEFORE WE GET TO JOHN THE BAPTIST LET'S GIVE AND EXAMPLE OF GIVING IN TO OFFENCE AND LOOSING FOCUS AND NOT GIVING EARNEST HEED TO WHAT WE SHOULD, AND THE RESULT OF THIS DISPLACED FOCUS.

Mark 6:1-6 ( KJV )
1. And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
2. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
3. Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? AND THEY WERE OFFENDED AT HIM.
4. But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
5. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

THESE PEOPLE DID NOT PAY EARNEST HEED TO WHAT THEY HEARD, INSTEAD THEY SAT IN JUDGEMENT AND PAYED HEED TO SOMETHING THAT DIDN'T MATTER AND BECAME OFFENDED AND THEY SLIPPED ON BY THE TRUTH THAT STOOD BEFORE THEM, AND THEY COULD NOT RECEIVE ANY MIGHTY WORK BECAUSE THEIR FOCUS TOOK THEM TO OFFENCE. AND THAT OFFENCE TOOK THEM TO UNBELIEF. THEY SLIPPED AWAY FROM THE IMPORTANT THINGS.

NOW LET'S LOOK AT JOHN THE BAPTIST

Matthew 3:1-3 (KJV)
1. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2. And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

JOHN WAS SENT TO PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD CONCERNING HIS FIRST COMING. WE ARE SENT TO PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD CONCERNING HIS SECOND COMING.

MATTHEW 3: 11-17 (KJV)
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
12. Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
13. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15. And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

JOHN STARTED TO GET OUT OF STEP WITH HIS CALLING. WHEN JESUS CAME TO HIM TO BE BAPTIZED HE FORBADE JESUS AND SAID I HAVE NEED TO BE BAPTIZED OF YOU. YOU SEE JESUS WAS THE SACRIFICE, THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB OF GOD, AND HE NEEDED JOHN TO TO PRESENT HIM AS THE SPOTLESS SON OF GOD TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. EVERY SACRIFICE HAD TO PRESENTED BY THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE PRIESTHOOD OF THAT DAY THOUGHT OF JESUS AS A SPOT,BLEMISHED, AND WRINKLED. John WAS OF THE LINEAGE OF THE PRIESTHOOD AND HE ALONE WAS THE ONE WHO KNEW AND COULD PRESENT JESUS AS THE SPOTLESS SON OF GOD. JESUS TOLD HIM IT MUST BE SO FOR NOW THAT JOHN BAPTIZE HIM. THIS GOT JOHN BACK ON TRACK.

WE ALL HAVE A PLACE AND A PURPOSE IN THE MASTER PLAN.

JOHN 3:22 - (30 ) - 36 (KJV)

Passage John 3:22-36:
22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24For John was not yet cast into prison.
25Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

30He must increase, but I must decrease.

31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

JOHN KNEW HE WOULD HAVE TO STEP BACK AND JESUS WOULD STEP UP. HE KNEW JESUS WAS GOING TO INCREASE AND HE MUST DECREASE. JOHN DIDN'T HAVE TO DIE TO DECREASE, THAT WAS HIS OWN DOING. HE GOT INTO TROUBLE THE SAME WAY WE DO IF WE DON'T WATCH IT, WITH OUR MOUTHS. WE WILL TALK ABOUT THAT SOME MORE A LITTLE LATER ON.
FOR NOW WE NEED TO SEE THAT WE ALL HAVE A PLAN AND PURPOSE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Passage Ephesians 4:11-16 (KJV)
11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND WE ARE ALL FITLY JOINED TOGETHER. EVERY ONE OF US SHOULD BE SUPPLYING TO OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY.

EVERYONE MUST DO THEIR PART.

1. KNOW YOUR PLACE

2. KNOW YOUR PART

3. KNOW YOUR GIFT AND CALL AND WALK IN IT.

4. DON'T SEEK TO WALK IN ANTHER'S PLACE.

WE ARE GOING TO READ FROM LUKE CHAPTER 7 . JOHN IS IN PRISON AT THIS TIME. HE IS NOT THERE BECAUSE IT WAS GOD'S WILL OR PLAN. HE IS THERE BECAUSE OF HIS MOUTH AND ATTITUDE. HE GOT INTO TROUBLE THE SAME WAY WE DO AND HE STARTED TO BLAME GOD JUST LIKE WE DO IF WE ARE NOT WATCHFUL. HE STARTED TO BECOME OFFENDED AT JESUS. LET'S LOOK AT THIS CHAPTER AND HAVE OUR EYES OPENED.

Luke 7 :1-23 (KJV)

1. Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
2. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
3. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5. For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
7. Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 9. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
LUKE 7:1-10 THIS WAS A LESSON ON AUTHORITY AND FAITH AND HEALING.

11. And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
12. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
13. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
14. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
15. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
16. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
17. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

LUKE 7:11-17 IN THAT SET OF SCRIPTURES WE SEE JESUS RAISE THE DEAD.

VERSE 16 THE FEAR THAT IS SPOKEN OF HERE IS A REVERENTIAL FEAR. IT IS NOT A FEAR OF HIM OR HIS POWER, BUT RATHER A DREAD OF DOING SOMETHING DISPLEASING IN HIS SIGHT.

VERSE 17 SAID THIS RUMOUR OF HIM WENT FORTH.

THE WORD RUMOUR TO US IN THIS DAY AND TIME MEANS UNVERIFIED HEARSAY SPREAD MY WORD OF MOUTH, TRUE OR NOT , TOLD AS FACT. RUMOUR IN THE TIME THIS WAS WRITTEN SIMPLY MEANT TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF.

18. And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
19. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
20. When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
21. And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
22. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
23. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

IN VERSES 18-23

JOHN'S FOLLOWERS CAME AND TOLD JOHN THE EVENTS THAT HAD BEEN HAPPENING WITH JESUS. JOHN SENT THEM TO ASK JESUS IF HE WAS THE ONE OR SHOULD THEY SEEK ANOTHER. JOHN WAS IN PRISON. IT WAS OF HIS OWN DOING. HE WAS THINKING LIKE A LOT OF US. IF I'M A CHRISTIAN THEN WHY AM I IN THIS PROBLEM. WE BLAME GOD. IT'S US WHO CAUSE THE PROBLEM. JOHN GOT IN HEROD'S FACE AND TOLD HIM IT WAS NOT LAWFUL TO HAVE HIS BROTHERS WIFE. THIS WAS NOT THE THING YOU DID IN THOSE DAYS. YOU ONLY SPOKE TO LEADERS WHEN THEY CALLED ON YOU. WHAT JOHN SAID WAS TRUE BUT IT WAS SAID OUT OF ORDER AND IT GOT HIM INTO TROUBLE. JOHN LET HIS MOUTH GET HIM INTO A PREDICAMENT THAT LEAD TO HIS DEATH. JUST BECAUSE WE ARE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST DOESN'T PROTECT US FROM OUR OWN UNDOING. IF WE WALK OUTSIDE THE WORD WE WALK OUTSIDE OF PROTECTION, WE LOCK GOD OUT THEN WE BLAME HIM. IF YOU ARE SAYING WHY DID GOD LET THIS HAPPEN TO ME.. WHY?.. IT'S NOT GOD THAT CAUSED YOUR PROBLEM IT'S YOU.

JOHN WAS STARTING TO BECOME OFFENDED AT JESUS. QUESTIONING ARE YOU THE ONE OR SHOULD WE SEEK ANOTHER? PEOPLE TODAY THAT GET THEMSELVES INTO TROUBLE, AND BLAME GOD, AND EVEN GET OFFENDED AT HIM. WHEN HE ISN'T THE PROBLEM. HE IS THE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM AND THE ANSWER TO NOT GETTING INTO THE PROBLEM TO START WITH.

YOU MIGHT THINK HOW COULD JOHN ASK HIS DISCIPLES TO ASK JESUS IF HE WAS THE ONE. THIS JOHN KNEW JESUS WAS THE ONE. HE HEARD GOD'S VOICE SAY THIS IS MY BELOVED SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. YOU MIGHT SAY HOW COULD JOHN ASK THAT.

CHRISTIANS DO IT ALL THE TIME. THEY LET THEIR MOUTH GET THEM INTO TROUBLE. THEN THEY BLAME GOD FOR THE TROUBLES. BLAME LEADS TO OFFENCE, OFFENCE LEADS TO UNBELIEF, AND UNBELIEF LEADS TO DOUBT.

WHEN PAUL GOT BIT BY THE VIPER HE DIDN'T WHINE AND CRY WHY DID GOD LET THIS HAPPEN TO ME. IT WAS HIS FAULT FOR PICKING UP A LOAD OF STICKS WITHOUT CHECKING FOR SNAKES FIRST. WHEN HE GOT BIT HE SHOOK IT OFF AND WENT ABOUT HIS BUSINESS. IT WAS ALREADY SETTLED IN HIS HEART THAT NO DEADLY THING COULD HARM HIM. HE COULD HAVE FREAKED OUT AND DIED, BUT HE HAD THE WORD SETTLED IN HIS HEART AND FOLLOWED IT INSTEAD.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?

IF PAUL WAS LIKE A LOT OF US HE WOULD HAVE CRIED WHY ME? I'M PAUL.. CALLED OF GOD.. SENT BY GOD TO THE GENTILES.. FULL OF REVELATION.. FULL OF PURPOSE.. WHY?... TO THINK IT ALL ENDS HERE OUT IN THE BOONDOCKS BITTEN BY A VIPER.

NO HE HAD THE WORD IN HIS HEART.. YOUR HEART DEALS WITH THE ISSUES OF LIFE.. BUT YOU MUST HAVE IT FULL OF THE WORD TO FOR THE RIGHT THINGS TO COME OUT.

IF YOU HEAR WORDS COMING FROM YOUR MOUTH THAT ARE SAYING,"WHY DID YOU LET THIS HAPPEN, OR WHY ME." AND YOU ARE BLAMING GOD, YOU ARE ON THE WRONG TRACK, OUT OF STEP, AND NEED TO GET BACK ON TRACK.

YOU NEED TO GO BACK AND READ OUT LOUD LUKE 7:21-23 AND PUT YOUR NAME IN PLACE OF JOHN'S.

LUKE 7:21-23
21. And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

VERSE 23 WAS FOR JOHN VERSE 23 IS FOR US WHEN WE START TO LOSE SIGHT OF WHAT IS GOING ON. TELL JOHN.. TELL MIKE.. TELL VICKIE.. TELL GLORIA.. TELL WHO EVER NEEDS TO HEAR IT, THE BLIND SEE, THE LAME WALK, THE LEPERS ARE CLEANSED, THE DEAF HEAR, THE DEAD ARE RAISED THE POOR ARE BEING PREACHED THE GOSPEL, AND BLESSED IS HE THAT IS NOT OFFENDED IN ME.

2007-03-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
It is not God that you must convince.... It I is you that you must convince.
God knows He loves you. You must know and believe He loves you.
God knows health and healing is already paid for and settled.
You must know that as well.
God has done His part in all areas.
And we must do our part.

God is a miracle working....... need supplying....... healing.....Restoring
Delivering... Peace giving........ care taking....... yolk destroying ......
Everything you will ever need..... GOD
IS THAT TRUE ?
YES IT IS
THEN WHY ARE WE NOT SEEING MORE OF THOSE THINGS THAN WE DO?
WE HAVE BECOME SO SELF- MINDED INSTEAD OF GOD MINDED
Passage Philippians 2:3-8:KJV.
3. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

King James Version (KJV)Passage Romans 12:1-2:
Romans 12
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

MARK 9:23
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)Passage Mark 9:23:
23And Jesus said to him, `If thou art able to believe! all things are possible to the one that is believing;'
King James Version (KJV)Passage Mark 9:23:
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth

The reciprocal of that is if you can’t believe nothing is possible..

DON’T YOU THINK JESUS WOULD KNOW WHAT HE’S TALKING ABOUT.
King James Version (KJV)Passage Matthew 6:9-10:
9. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
ARE WE BRINGING THE WILL OF GOD TO PASS ON AND IN THE EARTH , OR ARE WE BRINGING SOMETHING ELSE TO PASS AND CALLING IT GOD’S WILL.

King James Version (KJV)Passage 3 John 1:2:
2. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Prosper: succeed, prosper, gain
ARE WE A BILLBOARD FOR GOD OR THE WORLD
Darby Translation (DARBY)Passage Psalm 92:11-14:
11. And mine eye shall see [its desire] on mine enemies; mine ears shall hear [it] of the evil-doers that rise up against me.
12. The righteous shall shoot forth like a palm-tree; he shall grow like a cedar on Lebanon.
13. Those that are planted in the house of Jehovah shall flourish in the courts of our God:
14. They are still vigorous in old age, they are full of sap and green;

King James Version (KJV)Passage Psalm 92:11-14:
11. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.
12. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
FAT: RICH, FERTILE
FLOURISH: GREEN FLOURISHING, PROSPEROUS
PSALMS
7. For we [the Israelites in the wilderness] are consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath are we troubled, overwhelmed, and frightened away.
8. Our iniquities, our secret heart and its sins [which we would so like to conceal even from ourselves], You have set in the [revealing] light of Your countenance.
9.For all our days [out here in this wilderness, says Moses] pass away in Your wrath; we spend our years as a tale that is told [for we adults know we are doomed to die soon, without reaching Canaan].
10. The days of our years are [a]threescore years and ten (seventy years)--or even, if by reason of strength, fourscore years (eighty years); yet is their pride [in additional years] only labor and sorrow, for it is soon gone, and we fly away.
11. Who knows the power of Your anger? [Who worthily connects this brevity of life with Your recognition of sin?] And Your wrath, who connects it with the reverent and worshipful fear that is due You?
12. So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom.
13. Turn, O Lord [from Your fierce anger]! How long--? Revoke Your sentence and be compassionate and at ease toward Your servants.
14. O satisfy us with Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning [now, before we are older], that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15. Make us glad in proportion to the days in which You have afflicted us and to the years in which we have suffered evil.
16. Let Your work [the signs of Your power] be revealed to Your servants, and Your [glorious] majesty to their children.
17. And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands--yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it.
Footnotes:Psalm 90:10 This psalm is credited to Moses, who is interceding with God to remove the curse which made it necessary for every Israelite over twenty years of age (when they rebelled against God at Kadesh-barnea) to die before reaching the promised land (Num. 14:26-35). Moses says most of them are dying at seventy years of age. This number has often been mistaken as a set span of life for all mankind. It was not intended to refer to anyone except those Israelites under the curse during that particular forty years. Seventy years never has been the average span of life for humanity. When Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes, had reached 130 years (Gen. 47:9), he complained that he had not attained to the years of his immediate ancestors. In fact, Moses himself lived to be 120 years old, Aaron 123, Miriam several years older, and Joshua 110 years of age. Note as well that in the Millennium a person dying at 100 will still be thought a child (Isa. 65:20). Cross References:
KJV PSALMS 90:9-10
9. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.
10. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
PEOPLE AND PREACHERS HAVE STATED THAT THIS IS THE YEARS OF OUR LIFE SPAN.. NO IT IS NOT IT IS THE CURSE THAT WAS ON THE DISOBEDIENT CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. IF YOU SAY IT IS YOUR LIFE SPAN THEN YOU ARE OPENING YOURSELF UP TO THE CURSE AND A VERY HARD BAD LIFE. THE DEVIL WILL COME IN AND CAUSE YOU MUCH PAIN AND SORROW AND YOU WILL GIVE THE CREDIT TO GOD WHO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.
GENESIS 6:3 TELLS US WHAT OUR YEARS CAN BE.
3And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years
PSALMS 90 HAS BEEN PREACHED AS THE LIFE SPAN OF MAN AND PEOPLE HAVE BELIEVED IT. THAT IS WHY THERE ARE SO MANY SICK AND WASTED AWAY IN BODY CHRISTIANS IN THE WORLD. WE NEED A CALEB MENTALITY TO BELIEVE GOD AND BE READY TO GO OUT TO WAR AT 85 INSTEAD OF BEING BROKEN DOWN IN BODY. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO SEEING WHAT GOD IS REALLY SAYING AND NOT WHAT ANY MAN SAYS. BE A DISPLAY FOR GOD. SHOW THE WORLD THERE IS A DIFFERENCE AND A BENEFIT TO SERVING THE LORD.

2007-03-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

As A Man Thinketh In His Heart Part 2

WE MUST CONTROL OUR SENSES OR THEY WILL CONTROL US. IN THE FIRST PART OF THIS TEACHING I MENTIONED THE LADY WHO SAT BEHIND MY WIFE IN THE SIMULATOR, AND HOW IT SIMULATED SOMETHING THAT SHE FEARED AND IT BECAME SO REAL TO HER THAT SHE WAS ON THE EDGE OF A CARDIAC ARREST UNTIL MY WIFE BROKE INTO HER THOUGHTS AND BROUGHT HER BACK TO THE TRUE REALITY.
THE DEVIL CAN ONLY USE THINGS COMMON TO MAN.
King James Version (KJV)Passage 1 Corinthians 10:12-13:
12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST MIS-QUOTED SCRIPTURES OF ALL TIME. PEOPLE HAVE MADE IT TO SAY THINGS IT DOES NOT SAY. THE MOST FAMOUS IS," GOD WON'T PUT ON YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN BEAR."
FIRST GOD DOESN'T PUT HARD ,HEAVY ,HURTFUL ,STEALING ,KILLING ,OR DESTROYING THINGS ON YOU.
SECOND WHEN A TEMPTATION, TEST, OR TRIAL COMES GOD HAS A WAY OF ESCAPE FOR YOU.
THIRD THIS SCRIPTURE IS A STOP LOCK ON THE DEVIL. HE CAN NOT USE ANYTHING TO ENTICE AND TEMP YOU, BUT THINGS COMMON TO MAN. AND HE CAN NOT GO ABOVE YOUR ABILITY TO ESCAPE IT.
FOURTH IT IS THE DEVIL WHO IS THE TEMPTER.
FIFTH EVERY ONE IS TEMPTED WHEN HE IS DRAWN AWAY OF HIS OWN LUSTS.
JAMES 1:12-17 12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

LUSTS: WANTONNESS, PERSONNEL INCLINATIONS, DESIRES
ENTICE: to attract artfully or adroitly(having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations ) or by arousing hope or desire.
ENTICE IS A FISHING TERM IT MEANS TO LURE. SATAN WILL LURE YOU AND ENTICE YOU WITH THINGS THAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESS. SUCH AS A RUBBER WORM LURES A FISH TO TAKE THE BAIT. IT HIDES THE HOOK, THE PAIN, THE TRAP. HE TRIES TO BAIT US INTO A TRAP FULL OF PAIN AND HURT. WE HAVE TO RID OURSELVES OF ANY WEAKNESS AND BE STRONG IN THE LORD.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU FEED YOUR FAITH AND STARVE FEAR OUT OF YOUR LIFE. WHAT YOU FEED IS WHAT GROWS STRONG IN YOU. YOU MUST TRUST AND BELIEVE THAT GOD IS STRONGER THAN ANYTHING, AND THAT HE IS YOUR PROTECTOR. WE ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT WALK BY SIGHT ( OUR SENSES ) FOR EVERYTHING YOU SEE IS COMMON TO MAN. THE DEVIL WORKS THROUGH THINGS COMMON TO YOU. HE WILL EXPLOIT YOUR WEAKNESSES. HE WILL WORK FOR YEARS TO SET UP A SITUATION THAT WILL BRING YOU DOWN. YOU MUST FEED FAITH AND DESTROY WEAKNESS IN YOURSELF AND GIVE THE DEVIL NO ROOM TO WORK. THOSE WHO WALK BY SIGHT CAN GET INTO A SIMULATOR AND THE DEVIL CAN HAVE A SURPRISE WAITING FOR THEM. HE CAN HAVE THE THING THEY GREATLY FEAR WAITING FOR THEM. JUST AS THE LADY THAT SAT BEHIND MY WIFE IN THE SIMULATOR WAS ABOUT TO DIE FROM FEAR. SHE LET HER SENSES TAKE HER TO A PLACE THAT WASN'T REAL. BUT HER FEAR MADE IT SEEM REAL TO HER. YOUR SENSES WILL LIE TO YOU. THEY WILL AMPLIFY EVERYTHING AND MAKE THE PROBLEM SEEM SO MUCH LARGER THAN IT IS.
THE LORD WILL WORK FOR YEARS TO GET YOU TO THE PLACE YOU SHOULD BE. HE WILL WORK FOR YEARS TO GET EVERYTHING INTO PLACE FOR THAT MOMENT TO ELEVATE YOU INTO VICTORY. WE NEED TO LISTEN FOR HIS INSTRUCTION AND OBEY OR WE WILL MISS WHAT WE SHOULD BE WALKING IN.
SOME TIME AGO THE LORD IMPRESSED ON ME A TEACHING WHICH HE CALLED
" INTERSECTIONS ABRAHAM AND THE RAM" IT FITS SO GOOD HERE AND I AM GOING TO SHARE IT WITH YOU.
DIVINE CROSSROADS OR INTERSECTIONS. WHERE YOU MEET WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN BELIEVING FOR. IF YOU MISS THE INTERSECTION GOD HAS TO START WORKING A NEW INTERSECTION FOR YOU. THAT IS WHY WHEN YOU MISS IT AND GET BACK ON TRACK IT TAKES TIME TO GET BACK TO THE ANSWER YOU NEEDED.
THE SUBJECT OF ABRAHAM AND THE RAM WAS YEARS IN THE MAKING. IF YOU LEAN TOWARDS FEAR AND WEAKNESS YOUR CONVERSATION WILL GIVE YOU AWAY. THE DEVIL WILL LISTEN AND LEARN YOUR WEAKNESS AND FEARS AND WORK FOR YEARS TO BRING THAT TO FRUITION IN YOUR LIFE. THESE MIRACLES IN OUR LIVES THAT THE LORD WORKS SHOULD BE AND EVERYDAY LIFESTYLE. WE TEND TO LOOK AT THEM AS EVENTS. WE TEND TO LOOK AT ABRAHAM AND THE RAM AS AN EVENT BUT IT WAS AN PART OF EVERYDAY OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD FOR ABRAHAM. A LIFESTYLE.
Genesis 22
1And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
TEMPT: TEST PROVE ASSAY
ASSAY:examination and determination as to characteristics
2And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
3And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
4Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
5And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
6And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
7And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
8And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
9And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
11And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
13And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
14And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
15And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
16And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
17That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
IN VERSE 1 THE WORD TEMPT WHICH ALSO MEANS TO TEST ALLOWS THE MIND TO RACE WITH ALL KINDS OF MEANINGS. WHICH MOST ARE NEGATIVE AND WRONG. THE TRUE MEANING IS TO PROVE. IN SCHOOL A TEST SHOWS YOU WHERE YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU NEED TO IMPROVE. IT'S LIKE A JOB INTERVIEW IN WHICH YOU TAKE A TEST SUCH AS TYPING. IT SHOWS YOUR CAPABILITY. IT DOES YOU NO HARM.
WHAT THE LORD ASK ABRAHAM TO DO SHOWED HIS TRUST IN THE LORD. THERE WAS NO HARM COMING TO ISAAC. IT WOULD SHOW ABRAHAN'S TRUST OR LACK THERE OF.
EITHER ABRAHAM WOULD SAY NO AND NOT FOLLOW GODS INSTRUCTION OR HE WOULD SAY YES AND FOLLOW. THE ANGELS WERE THERE TO STOP ANY HARM SHOULD ABRAHAM BE WILLING AND OBEDIENT TO FOLLOW GODS DIRECTION.
AS SOON AS ABRAHAM WAS WILLING TO SACRIFICE ISAAC WAS EVIDENT THE LORD STOPPED ANY HARM FROM COMING TO ISAAC.
ABRAHAM HAD TO LISTEN AND OBEY. THE LORD TOLD HIM WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO. THE PLACE HAD BEEN PREPARED AND THIS TOOK YEARS. THE BUSH HAD TO GROW AND BE STRONG ENOUGH TO ENTANGLE THE RAMS HORNS AND HOLD HIM. THE RAM HAD TO BE BORN AND GROW IN THE AREA. PLANTS HAD TO GROW THAT WOULD CAUSE STRONG HORNS TO GROW ON THE RAM. PLANTS THE RAM LIKED TO EAT WOULD HAVE TO GROW IN THE AREA AND IN THE BUSH CAUSING THE RAM TO STICK HIS HEAD IN THE BUSH. ABRAHAM HAD TO GO TO THE RIGHT MOUNTAIN OR HE WOULD BE IN THE WRONG PLACE. HE HAD TO BE WHERE GOD TOLD HIM OR THE RAM AND ABRAHAM WOULD BE IN DIFFERENT PLACES AND ABRAHAM WOULD MISS HIS INTERSECTION WITH GOD.
ABRAHAN'S OBEDIENCE WAS YEARS IN THE MAKING. LISTENING AND OBEYING GOD AND SEEING HIS FAITHFULNESS. GOD PREPARED THE RAM WHICH WAS YEARS IN THE MAKING SO IT WOULD COME DOWN THAT PATH THAT DAY.
IT IS ALL ABOUT WALKING BY FAITH, TRUST, LISTENING, AND OBEDIENCE. NOT WALKING BY OUR SENSES.
SO IF WE MISS OUR INTERSECTION WITH GOD WE WILL HAVE TO REPENT AND START OVER AND GOD WILL HAVE TO START WORKING IT ALL OUT AGAIN. IT MAY TAKE SOME TIME TO GET US BACK TO WHERE WE SHOULD BE. SO LET'S WORK AT OBEYING AND BEING IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME SO WE DON'T MISS OUR DAILY PLACE AND TIME FOR GODS INTERSECTIONS IN OUR LIVES.
IT'S ALL ABOUT TRUST AND OBEDIENCE AND WALKING BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT.

2007-03-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

AS A MAN THINKETH IN HIS HEART SO IS HE. PERCEIVE - PERCEIVING - PERCEPTION

HOW YOU PERCEIVE A THING CAN PUT INTO BONDAGE OR SET YOU FREE. PERCEIVE: TO BECOME AWARE OF SOMETHING THROUGH THE SENSES...... SIGHT, HEARING, FEELING, TASTING, OR SMELLING. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT WHAT YOU SPEND TIME LOOKING AT AND LISTENING TOO. THERE WAS AN EXPERIMENT DONE WITH A PIRANHA FISH PLACED IN A SMALL GLASS CUBE AND SET IN THE MIDDLE OF A BIG AQUARIUM. THE AQUARIUM WAS FILLED WITH GOLDFISH. THE PIRANHA WOULD START TO GO FOR A FISH AND BUMP INTO THE GLASS CUBE SIDE . AFTER A FEW TIMES THE PIRANHA STOPPED TRYING BECAUSE HE REALIZED HE COULD NOT GET TO THE GOLDFISH. THE CUBE WAS REMOVED FROM AROUND THE PIRANHA AND HE WAS FREE TO ATTACK THE GOLDFISH AT WILL. HE DID NOT ATTEMPT EVEN ONCE TO GO FOR A GOLDFISH. HE STAYED IN HIS SPOT AS THOUGH THE CUBE WAS STILL AROUND HIM. HE DIED OF STARVATION IN A TANK FULL OF FOOD BECAUSE HIS PERCEPTION WAS THAT HE COULD NOT GET TO THE FOOD AND HE GAVE UP TRYING. NEVER GIVE UP TRYING BECAUSE YOU WILL BUMP UP AGAINST A WALL WHEN YOU START TO WALK BY FAITH IN AN AREA AND UNTIL YOU BECOME SETTLED IN YOUR HEART THAT GODS WORD IS TRUE AND TOTALLY BELIEVE AND TRUST HIM IT WILL BE LIKE THE PIRANHA IN THE CUBE. ONCE FAITH IS SOLID IN YOU IT WILL REMOVE THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN YOUR GOAL. NEVER GIVE UP. EVEN THE DEVIL FALLS FOR THIS. HE GAVE UP ON ATTACKING JOB. JOB HAD GOTTEN INTO FEAR AND HIS PROTECTING HEDGE WAS DOWN. THE DEVIL HAD TRIED SO MANY TIMES TO GET TO HIM AND COULDN'T THAT HE GAVE UP. HE TOLD THE LORD JOB HAS A HEDGE AROUND HIM, BUT IN REALITY IT WAS NO LONGER THERE BECAUSE JOB HAD GOTTEN INTO FEAR AND OUT OF FAITH. 2nd COR. 5:7 FOR WE WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT FAITH: TRUTHFULNESS, CONVICTION, AND CONSISTENCY SIGHT: EXTERNAL APPEARANCE, THAT WHICH IS EXPOSED TO VIEW, THAT WHICH STRIKES THE EYE. WHAT IS YOUR REALITY? THAT WHICH STRIKES THE EYE. THAT WHICH IS EXPOSED TO VIEW. YOU CAN CHANGE SEEN THINGS BY BELIEVING IN THINGS NOT SEEN. WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR HEART WILL BE WHAT YOU BRING INTO EXISTENCE IN THIS WORLD. GOOD OR BAD. PROVERBS 23:7 AS A MAN THINKETH IN HIS HEART SO IS HE. THINKETH: ESTIMATES: TO FORM AN APPROXIMATE OPINION OF ( SIZE, AMOUNT, NUMBER, ETC. ) TO FORM AN APPROXIMATE OPINION ABOUT, A ROUGH CALCULATION BASED ON INCOMPLETE DATA. YOU CREATE YOUR WORLD FROM YOUR HEART AND WHAT IS IN IT. THAT IS THE WAY GOD MADE YOU. AS A MAN ESTIMATES IN HIS HEART FROM INFORMATION GATHERED WHETHER RIGHT OR WRONG IT WILL FORM A PERCEPTION OF HIMSELF, AND HE WILL MOVE TOWARDS THAT AND IT BECOME A REALITY IN HIS LIFE. WHEN THE 12 SPIES OF ISRAEL WENT INTO THE PROMISED LAND TO SCOUT IT OUT, THEY HAD WHAT THE LORD HAD SAID WHICH WAS TO GO IN A POSSESS IT FOR THEY WERE WELL ABLE. AS THEY WENT IN THEY GOT DISTRACTED BY THE SIZE OF THE PEOPLE THAT LIVED THERE WHICH WERE GIANTS. THEY ALLOWED WHAT THEY SAW TO EFFECT THEIR JUDGEMENT. THEIR PERCEPTION WAS THAT THEY WERE AS GRASSHOPPERS IN THEIR OWN SIGHT SO THEN WERE THEY IN THE GIANTS SIGHT. AND THIS DEFEATED THEM. NEVER WALK BY WHAT YOU SEE FOR IT IS ONLY A CIRCUMSTANCE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. WHAT THE LORD SAYS WILL CHANGE THE REALITY OF THE WORLD WE LIVE IN SHOULD WE CHOOSE TO BELIEVE AND STAND ON IT. PROVERBS 4:20-27 NEW LIVING New Living Translation (NLT)Passage Proverbs 4:20-27: 20 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. VERSE 23 SAYS THAT WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART DETERMINES THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE. ONE DAY A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS IN THE KITCHEN AND THE LORD STARTED TALKING TO MY HEART. HE ASK ME ABOUT SOMETHING THAT I HAD NOT THOUGHT ABOUT FOR MANY, MANY YEARS. HE SAID,"DO YOU REMEMBER THE SIMULATOR AT THE MALL IN KANSAS CITY?" I SAID,"I SURE DO." HE WANTED TO SHOW ME SOME THINGS ABOUT AN EXPERIENCE WE ALL HAD THAT DAY AND HOW EASY IT IS TO LET OUR SENSES RULE OUR WORLD AND CHANGE THE REALITY WE LIVE IN. THIS IS THE STORY THAT HAPPENED TO US THAT DAY AT THE MALL. MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER WENT SHOPPING IN THE STORES THAT THEY LIKED, AND THE 3 BOYS AND I WENT LOOKING AROUND. WE CAME UPON A SIMULATOR. IT WAS A BIG RECTANGLE SHAPED BOX. KINDA LIKE A SMALL MOBIL HOME SETTING ON A STAND WITH HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS AND CABLES AND WIRING HOOKED TO AND COMING OUT OF IT. THESE CABLES WERE LINKED TO A COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT CONTROLLED THE HYDRAULICS AND THE ELECTRONICS IN THE SIMULATOR. WE PAID 5 DOLLARS AND GOT INTO THE SIMULATOR. IT HAD A VIDEO SCREEN AT THE FRONT AND A BUNCH OF SEATING WITH A CONSOLE THAT HAD OPENINGS FOR AIR FLOW IN AND AROUND EACH SEAT. I GOT ON THINKING ..." MAKE ME THINK I'M REALLY IN THE SITUATION THEY WERE SIMULATING. " OTHERS GOT ON WANTING TO GET LOST IN THE NEW REALITIES THAT THE SIMULATOR WOULD PROVIDE. OTHERS DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHAT WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. AS THE PICTURE APPEARED ON THE SCREEN IT WAS FROM THE EYE VIEW LIKE YOU WERE SEEING IT FROM YOUR OWN EYES. WE WERE ON A ROLLER COASTER AND THE SIMULATOR WAS ROCKING AND ELEVATING AND DROPPING TO THE PICTURE OUR EYES WERE VIEWING. FANS WOULD PUFF AIR ON US FROM DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS TO MATCH WHAT WE WERE SEEING. SOON IT BECAME SO REAL ALL THE FEELINGS A PERSON WOULD NORMALLY HAVE IN THAT SITUATION FLOODED MY BODY AND MIND. THE COASTER AS IT FLEW UP A HILL CAME OFF THE TRACKS AND THE FEELING WAS SO INTENSE JUST LIKE BEING THROWN OUT INTO THE AIR AND AS YOU WERE STARTING TO FALL IT WENT INTO THE COCKPIT OF A SMALL PLANE AND YOU FELT JUST LIKE YOU WERE THERE FLYING. IT BECAME SO REAL IF YOU DIDN'T CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS YOU WOULD GET LOST IN THAT REALITY AND FEEL ALL THE SENSATIONS OF REALLY BEING IN WHAT WAS SIMULATED. YOU HAD TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX TO KEEP A FOCUS ON WHAT WAS REAL. THE TRUTH IS IT WAS A BOX AND WIRES AND HYDRAULICS AND VIDEO AND COMPUTERS. WHEN WE GOT OFF AND MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER SHOWED UP WE GOT THEM TO GO ON IT. IN THE BOX WAS NOT TRUE REALITY. AS THE SIMULATOR STARTED WE WERE WATCHING FROM OUTSIDE. THE BOX DIDN'T MOVE MORE THAT A FEW FEET ELEVATION AT THE FRONT AND MOST OF THE TIME ONLY INCHES. WE HEARD SCREAMS COMING FROM INSIDE THE BOX. I HEARD MY WIFE SCREAMING IT'S NOT REAL, IT'S NOT REAL. WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON INSIDE THE BOX ONLY WHAT WE COULD HEAR. GETTING IN A SIMULATOR YOU MAY NOT KNOW EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING TO BE SIMULATED. SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE DEATHLY AFRAID OF THINGS MAY COME ACROSS THAT VERY THING IN THE SIMULATION. YOU CANNOT GET UP AND RUN. IF YOU GET LOST IN THE SIMULATION IT CAN BE VERY BAD FOR THAT PERSON. MY WIFE SAID THE LADY BEHIND HER WAS VERY AFRAID OF ROLLER COASTERS AND EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T REAL .. IT BECAME REAL TO HER THROUGH THE DECEPTION OF HER SENSES. SHE WAS GOING INTO A CARDIAC ARREST UNTIL MY WIFE BROKE IN AND BROUGHT HER BACK TO THE TRUTH.. IT IS NOT REAL. ALL THE THINGS IN THE BOX WERE REAL BUT THEY WERE NOT THE TRUE REALITY OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO YOU. BUT YOUR SENSES LEFT UNCHECKED CAN DECEIVE YOU INTO BELIEVING THAT IT IS YOUR STATE. THAT IS WHY WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT. WHEN A SICKNESS OR WHATEVER IS APPEARING ON YOUR BODY OR IN YOUR BODY IT IS TRUE THAT IT IS THERE, BUT THE TRUTH IS JESUS TOOK A BEATING FOR YOUR HEALING AND BY HIS STRIPES YOU ARE HEALED. YOU MUST BELIEVE THE WORD OVER WHAT YOU SEE IN ORDER TO CHANGE THE REALITY THAT YOU HAVE. IF YOU EVER WANT TO CHECK AND SEE HOW MUCH YOU ARE LEANING ON WHAT YOU SEE JUST GET INTO A SIMULATOR AND YOU WILL FIND OUT. JOEL OSTEEN TOLD OF A MAN THAT WORKED ON RAIL CARS. THEY WERE WORKING ON SOME REFRIGERATOR CARS AND AT THE END OF THE DAY SOME HOW HE GOT LOCKED INSIDE ON OF THEM. HE GOT SO FREAKED OUT HE CLAWED THE INSIDE OF THE RAIL CAR TRYING TO GET OUT. HE HAD SCRATCHED A NOTE ON THE WALL. IT SAID THE CAR WAS TO COLD TO SURVIVE AND THAT HE WAS FREEZING TO DEATH. WHEN THEY OPENED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY HE WAS DEAD. THE AUTOPSY REVEALED THAT THE MAN HAD FROZE TO DEATH. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE CAR WASN'T FUNCTIONAL AND THE REFRIGERATOR WASN'T WORKING. THE TEMPERATURE IN THE CAR WAS 62 DEGREES. THIS MAN BELIEVED IN HIS HEART AND MIND THAT IT WAS WORKING AND THAT HE WAS FREEZING TO DEATH AND HE DID EVEN THOUGH THE TRUTH WAS TOTALLY DIFFERENT . WHAT YOU TRULY BELIEVE YOUR HEART AND MIND PREPARES YOU TO RECEIVE. WHEN JESUS WALKED ON THE WATER AND PETER SAID LORD IF IT IS YOU BID ME TO COME. JESUS SAID COME. PETER GOT OUT OF THE BOAT IN THE STORM AND WALKED TOWARD HIM. HE WAS WALKING BY FAITH IN THE WORD JESUS SPOKE. AS HE WALKED HE WAS DISTRACTED BY THE WAVES AND THE WIND AND GOT FOCUSED ON THAT AND BEGAN TO SINK. YOUR SENSES WILL AMPLIFY THE PROBLEM TO THE POINT THAT THE PROBLEM IS ALL YOU SEE IF YOU LET THEM. THE WAVES AND THE WIND DIDN'T MATTER. IT WAS WINDY AND HUGE WAVES WERE THERE WHEN HE STEPPED OUT. HE PERCEIVED HE COULD WALK ON WATER BECAUSE JESUS SAID COME. HE DIDN'T SINK UNTIL HE ALLOWED HIS SENSES TO SPEAK LOUDER AND LET FEAR AND DOUBT IN. WE MUST NOT LET OUR SENSES CONTROL WHAT WE BELIEVE.

2007-02-15T11:53:00.001-08:00

..........FOR GOD SO LOVED HE GAVE.......................................... HE GAVE THE GREATEST GIFT EVER. HE GAVE MORE THAN WE'VE EVER THOUGHT ABOUT. GOD LOVED MANKIND, HE LOVED YOU SO MUCH, THAT HE SET IN MOTION A GIFT THAT WOULD CHANGE THIS EARTH FOREVER. WHEN JESUS WAS BORN INTO THE EARTH AS A HUMAN BEING.. THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US. NOT ONLY DID THIS CHANGE EARTH AND MANKIND FOREVER, BUT IT CHANGED HEAVEN FOREVER. PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11 (AMP) Philippians 2:6-11 6Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, 7But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. 8And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! 9Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, 10That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. New Living Translation Philippians 2:6-11: 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. King James Version Philippians 2:6-11: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The AMP. and the NLV. versions make it more plain that what Jesus had in being equal with God was not more important for him to cling on to, as it was for him to come to earth as a man , to be our substitute. He laid aside ALL of his Godly atributes, and put on flesh, and was born into the earth. He became the Son of Man. He did this for mankind, for me, and for you. JOHN 1:6-14 Amplified Bible John 1:6-14:6There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7This man came to witness, that he might testify of the Light, that all men might believe in it [adhere to it, trust it, and rely upon it] through him. 8He was not the Light himself, but came that he might bear witness regarding the Light. 9There it was--the true Light [was then] coming into the world [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] that illumines every person. 10He came into the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him [did not know Him]. 11He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own--His domain, creation, things, world], and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him. 12But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name-- 13Who owe their birth neither to [a]bloods nor to the will of the flesh [that of physical impulse] nor to the will of man [that of a natural father], but to God. [They are born of God!] 14And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. Jesus came and walked a sinless life. He did what Adam failed to do. He became the last Adam. JOHN 3:16 King James Version John 3:16: 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. HEAVEN AND EARTH WOULD BE CHANGED FOREVER. GOD GAVE HIS SON. YOU MIGHT SAY WELL MICHAEL HE GOT HIM BACK. JESUS GAVE UP HIS HEAVENLY ATTRIBUTES , HIS GLORY , AND STEPPED OUT OF ETERNITY AND INTO TIME. YOU MIGHT SAY WELL MICHAEL HE GOT ALL THAT BACK. THE SAME JESUS THAT GOD SENT INTO THE EARTH WAS NOT GOING TO BE THE SAME JESUS HE WOULD GET BACK. JESUS WAS NOW A BORN-AGAIN MAN. THE LAST ADAM. HE CAME FROM A PLACE THAT HAD NO SIN, SICKNESS, POVERTY, DEATH, PAIN, HATE, TALE BEARING GOSSIPERS , AND DISORDER. HE CAME FROM A PLACE WHERE HE WAS HONORED. HE CAME FROM A PLACE WHERE TIME WASN'T A FACTOR. HE CAME FROM A PLACE WHERE HE COULD NOT CONCEIVE OF ANYONE CHOOSING DEATH OVER LIFE. A PLACE WHERE TRUTH IS ALL THERE WAS. A PLACE WHERE THERE WAS NO DARKNESS. HE LOST HIS INNOCENCE. Innocence Function: noun1 a : freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil ; lack of worldly experience or sophistication ; lack of knowledge HE BECAME SIN FOR US. HE WALKED IN A WORLD FULL OF ALL SORTS OF EVIL. HE EXPERIENCED THE IMPACT OF SIN SICKNESS AND DISEASE AS HE BECAME OUR SUBSTITUTE. HE EXPERIENCED TIME CONSTRAINTS. HE EXPERIENCED TEMPTATIONS. 11 COR.5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. HEBREWS 4:14-16 14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. YES JESUS WOULD BE DIFFERENT. HE FOUND THAT NOT EVERYONE WAS OUT FOR HIS GOOD OR THE GOOD OF OTHERS. HE FOUND OUT THAT NOT ALL WOULD BE GREATFULL THAT HE WAS HERE. HE WAS ATTACKED BY THE ENEMY WITH PAIN, HURTS, AND LOSSES. EVEN THOUGH HE NEVER SINNED HE EXPERIENCED SIN BY BECOMEING SIN FOR US IN OUR PLACE AND GIVING US THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN IT'S PLACE. HE WAS BEATEN, CUT, HIT, AND NAILED TO A PIECE OF WOOD. HE WAS DEGRADED, DISRESPECTED, DISHONORED, AND PUT TO DEATH. ONE OF HIS TWELVE SOLD HIM OUT. OTHERS TURNED AWAY AS HE WAS BEING CRUCIFIED. GOD HIS FATHER HAD TO TURN FROM HIM AS HE BECAME SIN IN OUR PLACE. HE WENT TO HELL AND PAID THE PRICE TAKING OUR PLACE THERE IN THE LAND OF TORMENT. WE WANT TO CRY WHEN SOMEONE DOESN'T SAY HI TO US. LET'S GROW UP. JESUS WENT THROUGH MORE IN HIS LAST WEEK ON EARTH THAT WE WILL GO THROUGH IN A LIFE TIME. HE DID IT FOR US. HE BROUGHT US BACK INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR FATHER GOD. JESUS KNOWS HOW WE FEEL AND HE CAN MINISTER TO US WHERE WE ARE IF WE BRING IT TO HIM. HE DID IT FOR ALL AND HE DID IT JUST FOR YOU. HE IS THERE WITH THE ANSWER BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU.. LOVE IS NOT A FEELING IT IS A CHOICE FOLLOWED UP WITH ACTIONS.

2006-11-23T08:22:00.001-08:00

........BASICS SEEDTIME AND HARVEST.................. King James Version (KJV)Passage Genesis 8:22: 22. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. New Living Translation (NLT)Passage Genesis 8:22 22. As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING WHAT SEED PLANTING AND HARVEST HAS TO DO WITH YOUR CHRISTIAN WALK. IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR WALK AND LIFE. MOST OF THE CHURCHES I'VE BEEN IN DID NOT KNOW OR TEACH WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SHARE WITH YOU. IN FACT THEY SCOFFED AT IT WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT UP. IT IS THE VERY KEY THAT WOULD HAVE GOTTEN THEM OUT OF ALL THEIR PROBLEMS. IT IS THE VERY KEY TO RECEIVING WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED. WHAT I AM ABOUT TO TELL YOU, OTHERS WILL SAY IS RIDICULOUS AND UNNECESSARY. AND THOSE PEOPLE ARE THE ONE'S THAT ARE ALWAYS SICK AND IN TROUBLE IN THEIR LIVES. THEY ARE THE ONE'S THAT BLAME GOD FOR ALL THEIR PROBLEMS, WHEN HE HAS THE WAY OUT OF THEM. THEY TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR SITUATIONS AND DON'T WANT ANY. GOD IS NOT A WELFARE GOD. YOU MUST DO SOME THINGS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FROM HIM. SO WHAT DOES SEEDTIME AND HARVEST HAVE TO DO WITH US, AND WALKING IN THE WORD?
LET'S FIND OUT ..LET'S LOOK AT TWO PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE LUKE 8:4-18 AND MARK 4: 26-29
LUKE 8:4-18
4And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
11Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. 17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. 18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
MARK 4:26-29
26And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
THERE'S A LOT IN THESE PASSAGES. WE ARE ABOUT TO SEE WHY SEEDTIME AND HARVEST IS SO IMPORTANT TO US. EVERYTHING THAT APPLIES TO FARMING APPLIES TO OUR CHRISTIAN WALK AND LIFE.
THE PRINCIPAL THING IS FIRST OF ALL FOUND IN VERSE ELEVEN OF LUKE CHAPTER EIGHT OF THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER. THAT IS THIS,THE SEED SOWN IS THE WORD OF GOD
1. HOW CAN WORDS BE SOWN, OR PLANTED? ONLY ONE WAY. JUST AS SEED COMES IN BAGS OR PACKETS FOR THE FARMER OR THE GARDENER, OUR SEEDS COME IN THE FORM OF THE WRITTEN WORD, OR THOUGHTS.
2. THE FARMER KNOWS THAT THESE BAGS OF SEED CAN PRODUCE A HARVEST, HOWEVER AS LONG AS THEY REMAIN UNPLANTED THIS HARVEST WILL GO UNREALIZED. HE CAN SIT THERE AND SAY I HAVE THE SEED WHERE'S MY HARVEST?
3. THE FARMER MUST PREPARE THE GROUND AND PLANT THE SEED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE HARVEST.
4. HOW DO WE PLANT GOD'S WORD IN OUR LIVES AND RECEIVE A HARVEST OF WHAT IT SAYS? IN THE BOOK, OR JUST KNOWING THE WORD DOES US NO GOOD. IT'S LIKE THE FARMER LEAVING THE SEED IN THE SACK. HE KNOWS IT CAN PRODUCE A HARVEST, BUT HE MUST DO SOMETHING WITH IT FIRST. WE MUST SOW OR PLANT THE WORD OF GOD IN OUR LIVES. THE ONLY WAY TO DO THAT IS TO SPEAK IT.
5. THE FARMER COULD SAY THAT WON'T WORK AND NEVER PLANT THE SEED AND NEVER GET A CROP.
6. CHRISTIANS CAN SAY I DON'T SEE HOW SPEAKING THE WORD CAN CHANGE ANYTHING AND NEVER DO IT, AND NEVER RECEIVE WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED OR WHAT JESUS BOUGHT AND PAID FOR WITH HIS OWN BLOOD AND BODY.
PREPARE THE GROUND AND PLANT THE SEED AND IT WILL GROW INTO A CROP TO BE HARVESTED.
IN MARK 4:26-29 JESUS SAYS THIS IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD. HE IS SAYING THIS IS HOW IT WORKS.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO LISTEN TO ANYBODY AT ALL, LISTEN TO JESUS.
JESUS SAID IT'S LIKE A MAN PUTS A SEED IN THE GROUND AND THAT MAN DOESN'T KNOW HOW IT GROWS, BUT IT GROWS. IT SPRINGS FORTH AS A BLADE, THEN THE EAR, THEN THE FULL CORN IN THE EAR, THEN THE SICKLE FOR THE HARVEST IS COME.
WHAT EVER YOU PLANT WILL GROW. GOOD OR BAD. SEEDS OR WEEDS. PREPARE THE GROUND, THAT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT. FARMERS MUST CLEAR THE LAND OF ALL THE ROCKS AND WEEDS AND FERTILIZE, AND PLOW THE GROUND TO PLANT AND GROW THE SEEDS.
WE MUST DO THE SAME. WE MUST CLEAR THE DOUBTS, COMPLAINING, GRUMBLING, BACKBITING, JUDGING, LYING, UNFORGIVENESS, HATE, BITTERNESS, UNBELIEF, OFFENSE, GOSSIP, AND SLOTHFULNESS OUT OF OUR LIVES. WE MUST FERTILIZE OUR GROUND WITH LOVE, FAITH, FORGIVENESS, PEACE, LONG SUFFERING, CONSISTENCY, INTEGRITY, HONOR, AND FORGIVENESS. THEN WE MUST PLANT THE SEED. SPEAK THE WORD.
IN PLANTING AND HARVESTING WE MUST REALIZE THERE IS A GROWING TIME. A SEASON. IN THE WORLD THEY HAVE DEVELOPED HOT HOUSE CROPS. THEY CAN HAVE A CONTINUAL HARVEST ALL YEAR ROUND.
WE CAN COME TO THE PLACE OF CONTINUAL HARVEST IN OUR CHRISTIAN WALK AND LIFE ALSO. WE WILL SHOW YOU THIS LATER IN THIS MESSAGE.
LET'S LOOK AT THE SEASON OF GROWING?
GALATIANS 6:7-9
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
VERSE SEVEN: DO NOT BE DECEIVED!! MOST PEOPLE DON'T THINK WHAT THEY SAY MATTERS. IT DOES, BECAUSE YOUR WORDS ARE SEEDS. WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWS HE SHALL REAP.
VERSE NINE TELLS US THAT IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP IF WE FAINT NOT. DON'T GIVE UP. KEEP CULTIVATING, KEEP WATERING. KEEP THE WEEDS OUT. AND YOU SHALL REAP.
IF A FARMER QUITS, IF HE GIVES UP, IF HE SAYS THIS IS TO HARD AND SITS DOWN AND DOES NOTHING MORE, THEN HIS CROP WILL BE OVER RUN BY WEEDS AND CHOKED OUT. NO HARVEST OR VERY LITTLE COMPARED TO WHAT HE COULD HAVE GOTTEN.
HOW DO WE STOP OUR HARVEST. WE THINK IT IS TAKING TO LONG AND WE SAY THINGS LIKE I DON'T THINK IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. WE LET WEEDS OF DOUBT SNEAK IN AND ROB US OF OUR CROP. IF WE LET THINGS LIKE THAT HAPPEN WE WILL LOSE OUR HARVEST. WE MUST CONTINUALLY KEEP THOSE WEEDS PULLED IN ORDER TO LET OUR CROP GROW.
NEVER GIVE UP, EVEN IN THE FACE OF WHAT PEOPLE WILL THINK OR SAY ABOUT US.
I AM GOING TO TELL YOU A TRUE ACCOUNT. A TESTIMONY I KNOW TO BE TRUE. I LIVED IT.
BACK IN 1999 I WAS GOING TO GO OUT DEER SCOUTING AT THE LAKE AREA. AS I WAS PREPARING TO GO I GOT A CHECK IN MY SPIRIT TO NOT GO. THIS WAS GOD TRYING TO PROTECT ME FROM HARM. I DID NOT OBEY AND WENT ANYWAY. AS I WAS WALKING AROUND I GOT HURT AND IT SHATTERED MY ANKLE BONE. THE FINAL RESULT WAS I HAD TO HAVE MY LEFT FOOT AMPUTATED. I HAD SEVERAL OPERATIONS ON THAT LEG AFTER THE FOOT WAS REMOVED. NONE OF THIS WAS GOD'S WILL.. HE TRIED TO PROTECT ME. IT WAS MY FAULT I WAS IN THIS STATE. SO I STARTED TO SPEAK THE WORD DAILY SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. ONE OF THE SCRIPTURES I WOULD SAY EVERYDAY WAS IN THE LAST PART OF FIRST PETER 2:24 WHICH SAYS BY WHOSE STRIPES YOU WERE HEALED . AND I WOULD SAY IF WE ARE THEN I AM HEALED. I PLANTED THAT EVERY DAY. IT WAS GROWING IN ME. IT WAS BECOMING REAL TO ME AND DURING A 2 YEAR PERIOD I WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS, BUT CONSISTENTLY SAYING BY JESUS STRIPES I WAS HEALED AND IF I WAS THEN I AM NOW. I PREACHED AND TAUGHT HEALING AND HEALTH. I KNOW PEOPLE SAID THINGS LIKE IT DOESN'T WORK FOR HIM. OR HE'S LIVING A LIE AND DECEIVED. NO I WAS LIVING THE WORD PLANTING AND CULTIVATING AND WAITING AS IT GREW TOWARDS A HARVEST. MY LEG WOULD AT TIMES GET SORE AND SWELL AND WOULD TAKE 6 WEEKS TO GET BACK TO WHERE I COULD WEAR MY PROSTHETIC FOOT. ALL THE TIME I WAS STILL SPEAKING THE WORD OUT LOUD EVERY DAY. NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT OR SAID. SEE THEY CAN'T STOP ME FROM GETTING TO THE HARVEST UNLESS I LET THEM. IT HAD BEEN ABOUT 2 YEARS AND ON THIS SUNDAY I WAS TEACHING A SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PEOPLE FROM 20-60 YEARS OLD. I MADE A STATEMENT THAT DAY. I SAID HEALING SHOULD BE JUST AS EASY AS SALVATION TO GET. AFTER ALL IT WAS THE SAME SACRIFICE THAT PAID FOR BOTH. THE NEXT MORNING I AWOKE TO GREAT PAIN. MY LEG WAS SWELLED AND HURT MORE THAT ANY OTHER TIME IN MY LIFE. THE FIRST THOUGHT THAT CAME TO MY MIND WAS," HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE THIS TIME TO HEAL TWO MONTHS?" THOUGHTS CAN'T STOP YOU UNLESS YOU ACT ON THEM AND SPEAK THEM OUT,WHICH I DID NOT LET THOSE WORDS OUT OF MY MOUTH. I SAID INSTEAD, BY JESUS STRIPES I AM HEALED. THERE NO WAY I COULD EVEN GET MY FOOT ON. JUST A FEATHER LIKE TOUCH SENT SUPER PAIN THROUGH ME. THEN I HEARD THIS, "MIKE". I SAID YES. THEN THIS CAME. "DID YOU NOT JUST YESTERDAY SAY THAT HEALING SHOULD BE JUST AS EASY AS SALVATION?" YES I DID SAY THAT. THE LORD THEN ASKED ME,"WELL IS IT?" YES I REPLIED. "WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT THEN?" I SAID, "I'M GOING TO LAY MY HANDS ON MY LEG AND SPEAK TO IT. I SAID IN JESUS NAME SWELLING AND PAIN YOU MUST GO FOR BY JESUS STRIPES I AM HEALED." IN ABOUT 10 SECONDS THE SWELLING AND PAIN WAS GONE, AND I PUT MY PROSTHETIC FOOT ON AND WALKED AWAY. THAT LOOKED LIKE AN INSTANT MIRACLE, BUT IT WAS TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING. I WAS AT THE HARVEST TIME, AT THE END OF A SEASON OF GROWING. SATAN CAME WITH ONE BIG PUSH TO TRY TO MAKE ME FAINT AND GIVE UP, RIGHT AT THE EDGE OF MY HARVEST. I STAYED TRUE TO THE SPOKEN WORD AND THE HEALING HARVEST CAME FORTH. NOW AS I AWOKE THE NEXT SUNDAY MORNING THE PAIN WAS BACK AND I SAID, " NO YOU ARE NOT COMING BACK YOU MUST GO." IT LEFT IN AN INSTANT. THE LORD SAID TO KEEP SPEAKING THE WORD DAILY AND I WOULD BE WALKING IN A CONTINUAL HARVEST AS I WAS CONTINUALLY PLANTING. SEEDS OF THE WORD WOULD BE PLANTED AND GROWING AND BE HARVESTED CONTINUALLY.
REMEMBER ANYTHING TO DO WITH AN EARTHLY SOWING AND REAPING APPLIES TO US, AND HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD OPERATES. SO WE NEED TO SEE THIS CONTINUAL HARVEST IN THE WORD. WELL LET'S LOOK AT IT.
King James Version (KJV)Passage Amos 9:13: 13Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.
ISN'T THAT THE PICTURE OF A CONTINUAL SOWING AND HARVESTING. KEEP SPEAKING THE WORD DAILY. JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE. HE WALKED IN A CONTINUAL HARVEST. YOU NEVER SAW IT TAKE ANY LENGTH OF TIME TO GET RESULTS WHEN HE SPOKE. IN JOHN 14:12 JESUS SAID THAT HE THAT BELIEVES ON HIM, THE WORKS THAT JESUS DID THE BELIEVER SHALL DO THE SAME AND GREATER WORKS.

2006-11-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

BASICs - FUNDAMENTALS
Have you ever had things not go the way they ought to be going? It appears that you are doing all the right things, but it is just not working like it should in your life.
King James Version (KJV)Passage Song of Solomon 2:15:
15. Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
It is the small foxes that spoil the vine. They cause it to not produce as it ought to produce. If something is damaged or if something is omitted that needs to be a part of the process, it will not work as it should work. Or if we are holding on to unforgiveness not matter how small it will stop us from receiving. If we thing God will do it for others and maybe us, then we are not having trust and faith in Him to honor his word concerning us.
There are times that we are looking at all the big things to find out the problem, that we over look the basics. The fundamental foundation may have a problem.
BASIC: RELATED TO FORMING A BASE OR ESSENCE
ESSENCE: THE ULTIMATE NATURE OF ANYTHING .. THE ATTRIBUTES BY WHICH SOMETHING EXISTS
FUNDAMENTAL: SERVING AS AN ORIGINAL OR GENERATING SOURCE .. RELATING TO ESSENTIAL STRUCTURE OR FUNCTION
I’m going to give you an example of basics not working and causing a problem in the natural world. Our car started to run rough and jerky. The check engine soon light would come on and go back off. This happens when the oxygen sensor goes bad so I changed it and It started misfiring, and getting worse. I changed the spark plugs and no difference in operation. The fuel pump was a little weak in pressure, so I changed it and the filter. It got worse. The things I had done were things that needed to be done, but with no improvement, it only got worse.
I got on the Internet searched for the answer to the problem. I found some web sites where people with the same kind of car were having the same problem. They listed all the things they had done and with no good results. The problem remained. One site listed the possible solutions from the least expensive to the most expensive. ( the devil is shooting thoughts at me. What are you going to do know. Your car is done. ) I said if it ran good once it can do it again. There has to be an answer. I was praying for wisdom on this situation, and Sue was also asking for wisdom in this matter. I run an on board computer trouble code search, and this reported that there was no trouble codes present. But the evidence said there is a problem, for this car barely runs. We prayed and ask for wisdom concerning this cars problem.
James 1:5
Passage James 1:5-8:
5.If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8A. double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
I had to trust that word. I ask for wisdom and it would come.
I told my wife that I was going to get gas in the van, and then go by the auto parts store and talk with them about the car some more. As I left an urgency to go to the auto parts store, before getting gas, came on me. So I changed and went to the auto parts store first. In talking to the counter man he suggested I hook the car up to a diagnostic code reader that would check the car with the engine running. I rented the tester and went home and ran the test. The answer was no trouble codes present. WHAT NOW? What I could not see or recognize was that the Lord was positioning me to receive the answer, the wisdom I ask for was on the way. I had to be in the right place at the right time to receive the answer. By changing the order of where I was going it put me in a different time sequence. I never had gone to get the gas, which would have caused me to miss the answer. I took the tester back and when I got there two men were going in at the same time. I opened the door for them and let them go in first. As I was talking to the counter man about the problem and the fact that the code reader could find no problems, one of the two men spoke up. It was the answer I needed. He said, "I have come across this problem many times. It is not an electrical circuit problem. It's a problem that goes unnoticed by a code reader. It is a basic problem. It is the coils." I replaced the coils and the problem was cured.
You see no matter how many complex circuits they add to a car, there are still basic things that will always be. All of the complex circuits were working fine, but one of the basic circuits was not.
NEVER FORGET THE BASICs. If it is not going as it ought to in your life and you have been praying about it, check if you are doing the basics. Nothing will work right if any of the basics are not present.

King James Version (KJV)Passage Mark 11:22-26:
22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26.But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Most Christians have heard Mark 11:23-24. They know that a mountain represents any problem standing in your way. They have heard that if you speak to the mountain and tell it to go, and do not doubt in your heart, but believe what you say will come to pass, it will come to pass. They know that the things they desire, when they pray about them, if they believe they shall have them.
Is it going like that for you? Is it going as it ought to go in your life? If not, them we must find out what is wrong.
I have heard many sermons on receiving, and on speaking to the problem. Only in one sermon from a young minister did I ever hear verses 22 and 25-26 mentioned. When it appears that it is not going as it should, people always check and see if they are speaking to the problem and believing and not doubting, and thinking, I am doing it right, what's the problem?
This young minister showed us all that day what the problem was. We were not checking the basics.
Number One Basic verse 22.. Have faith in God.. Fully trust Him. Make no plan for failure, because God can not fail.
Number Two Basic verse 25 .. If you have anything against anyone forgive them, or you can't receive forgiveness.
If you don't have trust in God to do it, or you are walking in unforgiveness, no amount of saying or speaking or believing will cause you to receive what you are expecting.
Do not neglect the basics. You must have all the Basics working in order to have the manifestation of what you ask.
Remember we walk by faith not by sight. Once you make a stand and a declaration of faith. Don't look at the circumstances to determine if your faith is producing, because it is working on it ,and it will change. It may have taken you years even decades to get into the condition you are in and it may take a little time to be brought back to normal. Most of that is determined by just what you can believe. And not doubt. Most Christians I have encountered that are not walking in victory were not doing the things they needed to do. They looked at me like I was crazy when I told them they needed to speak to the problem. Faith can only do what is spoken.
There are spiritual laws that govern how the kingdom of God operates. It involves speaking. We will go into this in part 2 of this teaching on basics.

2006-11-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

.............HOW WILL YOU RESPOND........................................................

IT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO OR COMES YOUR WAY THAT DICTATES YOUR STATE OR FUTURE, BUT RATHER HOW YOU RESPOND TO IT THAT DICTATES YOUR STATE AND FUTURE.
WILL YOU RESPOND WITH EARTHLY LOGIC OF MANKIND, OR WITH GOD'S WISDOM?
Luke 5
1. And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2. And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

( JESUS ASK SOMETHING OF PETER AND PETER GRANTED HIS REQUEST. JESUS WANTED TO USE PETERS BOAT AS A PULPIT. WHEN YOU HONOR A REQUEST OF GOD ... GOD WILL HONOR YOU.)

4. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

( THE BLESSING WAS ON JESUS AND JESUS SPOKE A BLESSING ON PETER FOR LETTING HIM USE HIS BOAT. JESUS SPOKE HIS FAITH. LAUNCH OUT AND LET DOWN YOUR NETS FOR A DRAUGHT. DRAUGHT MEANS A HAUL OF FISH. PETER LIKE US STILL HAD TO ACT IN FAITH ON THOSE WORDS THAT JESUS SPOKE OR NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN.

5. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

PETER STARTED TO REASON WITH EARTHLY LOGIC. HE SAID, WE HAVE TOILED ALL NIGHT, AND HAVE TAKEN NOTHING. (TOIL IS A PART OF THE CURSE OF THE FALL OF MAN. GOD TOLD ADAM IT WOULD BE BY THE SWEAT OF HIS FACE THAT HE WOULD EAT OF THE LAND.) PETER BEING A FISHERMAN NEW THAT ON THIS BODY OF WATER YOU FISH AT NIGHT. IT WAS A CLEAR BODY OF WATER ,AND THE FISH WOULD SEE THE NET IN THE DAYLIGHT, AND STAY AWAY FROM IT. PETERS LOGIC AND WAY OF MAKING A LIVING SAID THIS WON'T WORK, HOWEVER HE SAID NEVERTHELESS AT THY WORD I WILL LET DOWN THE NET.

THIS SPEAKS TO US. WHEN WE SEE SOMETHING IN THE WORD THAT GOD SAYS IS OURS, IT IS A PROMISE TO US, AND OUR MIND SAYS I DON'T THINK SO, WE BETTER GO WITH THE WORD.

LET'S SEE WHAT HAPPENED WHEN PETER ACTED ON THE WORDS OF JESUS.

6. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

PETER DID AS JESUS SAID AND A HUGE HAUL OF FISH FILLED THE NET. THE NET WAS BREAKING, SO PETER YELLED FOR HIS PARTNERS TO BRING THE OTHER BOAT AND HELP. THEY FILLED BOTH BOATS TILL THEY WERE SINKING. ( SIDE NOTE YOUR CHOICES AND ACTIONS WILL EFFECT OTHERS AROUND YOU. PETERS ACTIONS BROUGHT A BLESSING THAT HELPED AND BLESSED HIS BUSINESS PARTNERS AS WELL. YOUR OBEDIENCE WILL EFFECT AND BLESS OTHERS SUCH AS THE COMPANY YOU WORK FOR ) GOD NEVER ASK SOMETHING OF YOU WITHOUT GIVING SOMETHING BACK AS YOU ARE OBEDIENT AND TRUSTING.

8. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10. And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

PETER WHEN HE THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED WENT INTO THE I'M NOT WORTHY WORM COMPLEX THAT MANY CHRISTIANS DO. THE OLD I'M NOT WORTHY COMPLEX WILL TRY TO MOVE YOU OUT AWAY FROM GOD. JESUS PUT AN END TO THAT RIGHT HERE AND SAID FEAR NOT FROM HENCE FORTH YOU SHALL CATCH MEN. JESUS PUT THEM RIGHT INTO THE MINISTRY WITH HIM. JESUS CAME TO MAKE YOU WORTHY. ALL OF THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE YOURS IF YOU OBEY THE THE INSTRUCTION OF THE LORD.

11. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

THEY JUST DID WHAT WAS NOT SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN IN THE NATURAL WORLD. THEY CAUGHT THE BIGGEST HAUL OF FISH EVER, AND DID IT IN THE DAYLIGHT. AND AT JESUS WORD FROM HENCE FORTH YOU SHALL CATCH MEN THEY WALKED AWAY FROM THE HAUL OF FISH AND THEIR BUSINESS AND FOLLOWED JESUS INTO MINISTRY. WE TO MUST FOLLOW JESUS AND NOT LET ANYTHING STAND IN OUR WAY.

HOW WILL YOU RESPOND. WHEN PROBLEMS COME WILL YOU ACCEPT THEM AS YOUR LOT IN LIFE, OR WILL YOU FIND OUT WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT IT AND ACT ON HIS WORD. WHEN YOU COME ACROSS A PROMISE IN THE BIBLE THAT ISN'T WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT OR THOUGHT WILL YOU LEAVE YOUR BOAT LOAD OF MANS TEACHINGS AND YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS AND GO WITH THE WORD OF GOD, OR WILL YOU STICK TO MANS WAY OF THINKING? NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HIM THAT BELIEVES.

2006-10-31T17:45:00.000-08:00

IT TAKES FAITH TO RECEIVE ANYTHING FROM GOD

FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAID AND TRUSTING AND RELYING ON THAT WORD NO MATTER WHAT WE SEE, SMELL, TOUCH, TASTE, OR HEAR.
HEBREWS 11:1 SAYS NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE(CONFIDENCE) OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN.

HOW DO WE SHOW FORTH EVIDENCE THAT ISN'T SEEN. BY OUR TESTIMONY, THE WORDS WE SPEAK HOLDING THE CONFIDENCE OF THE THINGS WE HOPE FOR.

IN MARK THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER JESUS DEMONSTRATES FAITH IN ACTION, AND THEN TEACHES ON IT.
MARK 11:14-15
11And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
12And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
13And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

THERE ARE SOME REAL IMPORTANT THINGS WE NEED TO SEE IN THESE SCRIPTURES. WHY ? TO UNDERSTAND HOW FAITH WORKS?

JESUS WAS HUNGRY AND SAW A FIG TREE OFF IN THE DISTANCE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTICE THIS TREE WAS WITH LEAVES. WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT. FIG TREES GROW THE FIGS THEN THE LEAVES. THAT TREE WAS SAYING I HAVE FIGS, BECAUSE OF THE LEAVES. THE TREE WAS LIVING A DECEPTIVE LIFE. IT HAD A FLAW THAT GAVE HOPE THEN TOOK IT AWAY. THE HOPE OF FOOD AND GAVE NOTHING BUT LEAVES. SOMETIMES PEOPLE PUT ON A CERTAIN LOOK THAT SAYS SOMETHING TOTALLY OPPOSITE OF HOW THEY REALLY ARE.

IN VERSE 14 IT SAYS JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO IT ( THE TREE)

SO LOOKS DO SPEAK THE TREES APPEARANCE SAID LOOK AT ME I HAVE FIGS. WHAT DID HE SAY TO THE TREE?

NO MAN EAT FRUIT OF THEE HEREAFTER FOR EVER.

JESUS RELEASED HIS FAITH IN THAT STATEMENT. HIS HOPE WAS FOR THAT TREE TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY SO THAT IT WOULD NO LONGER BE CONSIDERED AS A FOOD SOURCE BECAUSE OF IT'S DECEPTIVE GROWTH PATTERN AND APPEARANCE. THE EVIDENCE WASN'T SEEN IT WAS HELD IN HIS WORDS UNTIL IT WOULD BE MANIFESTED IN A PHYSICAL SEEN WAY. AFTER HE SPOKE HIS FAITH THE TREE STILL LOOKED THE SAME.

AFTER YOU SPEAK YOUR FAITH , YOUR HOPE, AND GIVE EVIDENCE, YOUR WORDS, YOU MAY NOT SEE A CHANGE BUT IT HAS STARTED.

ALSO IN VERSE 14 IT SAYS HIS DISCIPLES HEARD IT. SO FAITH IS SPOKEN AND OTHERS HEARD IT PROVES THAT POINT. JUST THINKING IT, WON'T GET THE JOB DONE. YOU MUST SPEAK IT OUT. IF YOU ARE AT WORK AND YOUR BOSS THINKS, I WISH THEY WOULD GO GET THE QUARTERLY REPORTS AND BRING THEM TO ME. WILL THAT GET THE JOB DONE? NO!! HE MUST SAY TO YOU GO GET THE QUARTERLY REPORTS AND BRING THEM TO ME BEFORE IT WILL HAPPEN. FAITH IS A SERVANT AND MUST BE TOLD WHAT TO DO.

1. JESUS USED HIS FAITH ON A FIG TREE HE SPOKE.
2. FAITH IS WORKING THE MOMENT HE SPOKE YOU JUST COULDN'T SEE IT'S EFFECT YET.
MARK 11:19-26
19And when even was come, he went out of the city.
20And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

THE NEXT DAY AS THEY LEFT THE CITY THEY SAW THE FIG TREE DRIED UP FROM THE ROOTS AND WITHERED AWAY. PETER RECALLS WHAT JESUS SAID TO THE TREE AS A CURSE. IT WAS SIMPLE FAITH NOT A CURSE. JESUS TOOK THE TIME TO TEACH THEM ABOUT HOW FAITH WORKS AFTER THEY HAD SEEN THE END RESULT OF THE TREE.

YOU MAY NOT SEE THE END RESULT WHEN YOU PRAY RIGHT AT THAT MOMENT. LIKE THE TREE, TO THE EYE IT LOOKED THE SAME. HOWEVER IT HAD STARTED TO DRY UP FROM THE ROOTS. FAITH WAS WORKING AND FINALLY IT WAS SEEN IN THE PHYSICAL. YOUR REQUEST ARE BEING WORKED OUT THE MOMENT YOU PRAY, AND WILL COME TO PASS.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW A SPECIFIC SCRIPTURE FOR YOUR NEED THIS PASSAGE WILL COVER ANYTHING YOU CAN BELIEVE FOR.

1. IN VERSE 22 JESUS SAID HAVE FAITH( TRUST, AND LEAN ON AND, RELY UPON) IN GOD.

2. IN VERSES 23 -24 JESUS TELLS US HOW TO GET THE SAME RESULTS HE DID.

23. WHOSOEVER (ANYONE) CAN SAY TO THIS MOUNTAIN (ANY PROBLEM THAT SHOULDN'T BE) TELL IT TO BE REMOVED (GO) BE CAST INTO THE SEA ( GET AWAY FROM ME ) SHALL NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART ( VERY IMPORTANT WE CAN NOT DOUBT WHAT WE ARE SAYING WILL HAPPEN OR IT WON'T) BUT BELIEVE THOSE THINGS WHICH WE SAY SHALL COME TO PASS WE WILL HAVE WHAT WE SAY.

24. THEREFORE (BECAUSE OF THAT) I SAY UNTO YOU. WHAT THINGS SOEVER YOU DESIRE(NEED , WANT) WHEN YOU PRAY( VERBALIZE, SPEAK, OR ASK OF THE LORD)

BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE THEM AND YOU SHALL HAVE THEM. VERSES 25-26 ARE IN THE SAME PASSAGE AND JUST AS IMPORTANT. IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL YOUR FAITH WON'T WORK. YOU MUST FORGIVE ANY THAT YOU HAVE OUGHT AGAINST SO THAT THE HEAVENLY FATHER WILL FORGIVE YOU. IF YOU DON'T FORGIVE THEN YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WON'T FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES.

THIS PASSAGE HAS BEEN TAUGHT SO WRONG IN THE PAST. IT IS TRUE YOUR CONFESSION IS IMPORTANT, BUT CONFESSION( TESTIMONY OR WORDS SPOKEN) ALONE WON'T BRING YOUR DESIRE TO PASS. SOME HAVE STARTED A BLAB IT AND GRAB IT RELIGION THAT JUST WON'T WORK. TRUE YOU MUST SAY OR SPEAK IT OUT,BUT YOU MUST TRUST GOD, AND ALSO BELIEVE IT IN YOUR HEART, AND DOUBT NOT, AND FORGIVE OTHERS. ALL OF THESE THINGS MUST BE PRESENT OR FAITH WILL NOT PRODUCE THE DESIRED RESULTS. IT WON'T BE GODS FAULT, IT WILL BE OUR FAULT. PEOPLE HAVE NOT ACCEPTED THE RESPONSIBILITY, AS HUMAN NATURE WANTS TO BLAME ANOTHER FOR OUR OWN SHORTCOMINGS, MAN HAS BLAMED GOD FOR MANS FAILURE.

SAYINGS LIKE GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS PRAYER SOMETIMES YES, SOMETIMES NO, SOMETIMES MAYBE, AND SOMETIMES LATER. TOTALLY UNTRUE.

IF YOU AS THE LORD AS IN CONSECRATION OR DEDICATION TO WHAT YOU ARE TO DO IN LIFE. LIKE SHOULD I GO HERE OR MOVE THERE, HE WILL TELL YOU YES OR NO, AND YOU MUST THEN SEEK MORE WISDOM AND DIRECTION FOR YOUR LIFE.

THERE IS A PLACE FOR YES AND NO, BUT CONCERNING THE PROMISES OF GOD PAUL SAID IN 2ND CORINTHIANS 1:20 THAT ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE YES AND AMEN(SO BE IT) ALL OF GODS PROMISES ARE YES AND SO BE IT.

ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED?

Passage Matthew 9:27-29:
27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
28And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

IT ALL HANGS ON YOUR FAITH. YOU MUST BELIEVE AND DOUBT NOT AND SPEAK IT OUT AND KNOW WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT GOD WILL DO WHAT HE SAID HE WOULD DO AND YOUR FAITH WILL DO FOR YOU EXACTLY WHAT GOD SAID IT WOULD DO. AND DOUBT WILL DO EXACTLY WHAT GOD SAID IT WOULD DO, STOP YOUR REQUEST DEAD IN IT'S TRACKS. GET RID OF DOUBT AND ONLY BELIEVE, AND YOU SHALL HAVE WHATSOEVER YOU DESIRE.

TILL NEXT TIME REMEMBER GOD IS LIGHT AND IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL

2006-10-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

Miracles Do You Need One? Part 2

The Second Miracle that Jesus worked must follow the (Precedent) set by the first miracle. Let's look at the second miracle Jesus worked. It is found in John 4:43-54

Passage John 4:43-54:
43Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
45Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
46So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
52Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
53So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

LET'S LOOK AT WHAT WAS PRESENT. DID THIS SECOND MIRACLE FOLLOW THE PRECEDENT SET BY THE FIRST MIRACLE.

1. IN VERSE 46-47 A NEED WAS PRESENT THAT MANKIND COULD NOT FIX OR CURE. IT WAS BEYOND MANS ABILITY TO CHANGE. THE NOBLEMAN'S SON WAS SICK TO THE POINT OF DEATH.

2. IN VERSE 47 IT ALSO STATES THAT THE NOBLEMAN WENT TO JESUS ( THE WORD ) MADE HIS REQUEST KNOWN ( THAT HE COME AND HEAL HIS SON ) BECAUSE OF A NEED ( HIS SON WAS AT THE POINT OF DEATH ). THIS WAS A NEED THAT MAN COULD NOT FIX OR CURE.

3. VERSE 49 THE NOBLEMAN RELATED HIS REQUEST AGAIN.

4. VERSE 50 JESUS SAID WHAT TO DO.. IT WAS A SIMPLE THING JESUS TOLD HIM. JESUS SAID, "GO THY WAY ; THY SON LIVETH. "

5. VERSE 50 ALSO STATED THE MAN DID WHAT JESUS SAID. THE MAN BELIEVED THE WORD THAT JESUS HAD SPOKEN TO HIM, AND WENT HIS WAY.

6. VERSES 51-53 THE MIRACLE WAS PREFORMED AND REVEALED AS THE MAN WENT HIS WAY.
HE COULDN'T SEE THE MIRACLE, BUT HAD TO BELIEVE AND GO. FAITH IN ACTION
DID YOU NOTICE THAT THIS SECOND MIRACLE WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE FIRST ONE IN THAT IT WAS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION.
JESUS ( THE WORD ) IN THE FIRST TWO MIRACLES TURNED WATER INTO WINE ( NO ONE WAS GOING TO DIE WITHOUT THAT WINE ) AND HE HEALED AND RESTORED A BOY THAT WAS AT THE POINT OF DEATH. THIS SHOWS THAT ANYTHING FROM NON LIFE THREATENING TO LIFE THREATENING, THIS JESUS ( THE WORD ) IS THERE TO MEET THE NEED IF YOU WILL DO WHAT THE WORD SAYS TO DO.
GOD IS NOT MOVED BY THE NEED. HE IS MOVED BY YOUR OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD THAT HE INSTRUCTS YOU TO DO CONCERNING THE REQUEST.
IT IS TOTAL TRUST AND FAITH IN HIS WORD AND ACTING ON IT THAT BRINGS THE RESULTS.

1. HOW DO I RECEIVE A MIRACLE?
2. WHAT DOES JESUS SAY CONCERNING MY NEED?
3 HOW DO I DO WHAT JESUS SAYS FOR ME TO DO?

LET'S EXPLORE THAT FOR A MOMENT. JESUS IS THE WORD...THE WORD IS JESUS. FIND SCRIPTURE TO BACK UP YOUR NEED. IF YOU CAN NOT FIND A SCRIPTURE FOR A SPECIFIC NEED THERE ARE SOME SCRIPTURES THAT COVER EVERYTHING.
IN PART THREE WE WILL GO INTO A SET OF SCRIPTURES THAT WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND TO RECEIVE EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED.

2006-10-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

MIRACLES DO YOU NEED ONE?

WHAT IS A MIRACLE? MIR-A-CLE: A wonder,A marvel : an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. SOMETHING THAT TAKES PLACE THAT IS BEYOND HUMAN ABILITY
IF YOU NEED SOMETHING THAT IS BEYOND HUMAN ABILITY THEN YOU NEED A MIRACLE.
IS THERE A PRECEDENT THAT HAS BEEN SET CONCERNING MIRACLES.
WHAT IS A PRECEDENT?
WE HEAR THAT WORD A LOT IN COURT CASES.
DICTIONARY DEFINITION
PREC·E·DENT noun1 : an earlier occurrence of something similar2 a : something done or said that may serve as an example or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an analogous kind b : the convention established by such a precedent or by long practice3 : a person or thing that serves as a model

A PRECEDENT IS A JUDGEMENT OR DECISION ON A MATTER THAT SETS A STANDARD OF RULE CONCERNING ALL OTHER CASES OF A SIMILAR NATURE THAT COME ALONG AFTER IT.

WE MUST FIND OUT WHAT PRECEDENT HAS BEEN SET CONCERNING MIRACLES BY GOING BACK TO THE FIRST MIRACLE AND EXAMINING IT.
IF EVER THERE WAS A FIRST MIRACLE IT SET THE PRECEDENT FOR ALL MIRACLES THAT FOLLOW.

IN JOHN CHAPTER 2:1-11 WE FIND THAT FIRST MIRACLE
Passage John 2:1-11:
John 2
1And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him

NOTICE THIS WAS NOT A LIFE OR DEATH MIRACLE. THIS FIRST MIRACLE SHOWS US THAT ANYTHING WE NEED AND CAN'T DO IT OURSELVES, JESUS IS THERE TO DO IT FOR US.
WHAT IS THE PRECEDENT SET HERE IN THIS FIRST MIRACLE.
1. THERE MUST BE A NEED THAT YOU OR OTHERS CAN NOT MAKE HAPPEN.
2. YOU MUST GO TO THE ONE WHO CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN. (JESUS)
THE WORD
3. AS JESUS MOTHER SAID YOU MUST DO WHAT SO EVER HE SAYS.
DO WHAT THE WORD SAYS.

IN THIS FIRST MIRACLE LET'S SEE HOW THAT WORKED.

1. THE NEED: VERSE 3 NO WINE, THEY RAN OUT OF DRINK FOR THE WEDDING FEAST.

2. THE NEED WAS BROUGHT TO JESUS: ALSO VERSE 3 THE MOTHER OF JESUS SAID TO HIM,THEY HAVE NO WINE.

3. WHATSOEVER HE SAYS (JESUS, THE WORD )VERSE 5 FIND OUT WHAT THE WORD SAYS

4. DO IT (VERSE 5) DO WHAT THE WORD SAYS

5. THEY DID IT (VERSES 6-7) THERE WERE WATER POTS. JESUS SAID FILL THEM WITH WATER.

6. THEY DID IT.

(AS WE WILL SEE THIS FIRST MIRACLE SHOWS US THAT THERE MAY BE MORE THAN ONE INSTRUCTION TO DO. ALWAYS LISTEN FOR ANYTHING ELSE THAT HE MAY SAY TO DO.)

7. JESUS GAVE A SECOND INSTRUCTION (VERSE 8) JESUS SAID DRAW OUT AND BEAR.. DIP OUT AND TAKE IN OTHER WORDS.

8. (VERSE 8 ) AND THE BEAR (TOOK) IT.

9. (VERSES 9-10) THE WATER HAD BECOME WINE.. THE MIRACLE HAD BEEN COMPLETED.

THAT IS THE PRECEDENT FOR MIRACLES AND ALL OTHER MIRACLES WILL FOLLOW IN THIS SAME MANNER.

OBEDIENCE TO WHAT JESUS (THE WORD) SAYS CONCERNING THE NEED.

JOHN RECORDS THE SECOND MIRACLE IN JOHN 4:43-54

THE PRECEDENT SET IN THE FIRST MIRACLE MUST BE FOLLOWED IN ORDER FOR THE SECOND TO HAPPEN. WE WILL LOOK AT THIS SECOND MIRACLE IN THE NEXT POSTING. AFTER THAT YOU CAN SEE WHAT YOU MUST DO IN ORDER TO RECEIVE YOUR MIRACLE.

YOU DON'T NEED TO GO TO A SPECIAL MEETING AND HAVE A SPECIAL PERSON PRAY OR LAY HANDS ON YOU. YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR MIRACLE RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE , IF YOU DO IT GODS WAY.

YOUR BROTHER IN CHRIST..................MICHAEL