Can we please become people of the "book" and stop this needless violence or is the true understanding of what the "book" means being revealed.

Thank You

This has been a fun ride since Auguest I have had 390 Hits with a 1/4 of them being over seas.
I am greatfull to the Lord for all that He is doing.

When we look at all the issues of life we face I have found several truths. Even though all the enemies we have seem to encircle us, the Spirit of the Lord will always remind us; that God is with us. Secondly, I cannot point the finger at everyone else; I can only be accountable to what God is speaking to me and obeying Him. For He is a God who honor's repetance.  In addition, God rewards the ones who seek Him: with the intention of Him fulfilling His word, magnifying Himself as God.

Just a reminder God will always keep in mind His word and keep it. 

No matter what your personal circumstance are. 

Today has been kind of rough I have been asked a tough question on sickness. The core of the issues is friends saying to this friend that the reason why this happened is because of personal sin. I agree that sickness is do to sin but God reign's on the just and the unjust alike. It is never due to individual issue it is always due to the curse. Another part is satan always destroys, you never praise God for what Satan does. You do everything you can for your healing.  Leting God heal through Jesus or Lord never take for granted that He does not.

An example is how are we praying for the Lost? The Gospel teaches us that we go from family, friend’s, coworkers. Paul states this when is speaks of praying for all men everywhere.  Yet, are we willing to develop relationships with those around us!

When we cry for a move of God’s Spirit what are we praying for? Are we asking God to reveal His word too us? One issue I like to address is the appearance of limits that placed on the authority we have in Christ. It’s not so much a faith issues but more of a coming into an agreement with what His word says and just do it.

Cycles are interesting, what I have learned over the years is that life issues weather job change or lost, sickness, relationship, issues. Satan uses them to magnify himself trying to show us what he has to offer. The Bottom line is nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Secondly, at the name of Jesus we always have the victory His word is always true. The issue is until the Rapture takes place we will always deal with life issues to challenge the relationship we have in Christ but always know God is with us, His spirit abides in us, and we abide with Him. Jesus is our Victory.

When we go through cycles there are too area that I would like to address. One is when we go around through the wilderness due to disobedience. The second is cycles is what we Anna and I are going through now that happen just because they happen. Both happen in our lives both try and limit the authority we have in Christ. In addition, both can hinder our walk in the Lord. Praise is one key that I use allot in a season of change We know God is waiting for us to do praise Him. It is just sometimes hard to push through yet we have too in order to understanding and hear God speaking to us. I do not praise God for the things Satan does - but I do thank the Lord for the victory I have in Christ. As well as praise I talk to the Lord about everything we know God hears our prayer. but there can be an appearance that He does not. Sometimes when this happens it due to the fact that I think the answer is some place else, but sense I am living it out so I do not see the answer. I see it only through hindsight.

 A example of the rant. I always loved Ephesians and I even underlined who I was In Christ trying to really becoming like Him. Well again I was moving from being bold and brash to my current goals but it took allot of time. First off I had to let the word of our Father be apart of my life. It was not until I closed the church in my home town and having to mop out the basement due to manure back up,b closing the church twice. I was reading PS 119 at that time. God was usomg this Psalm trying to correcting my attitude trying to bring me to a complete trust in Him  I may have failin in love in a position  I should not have been in. Yet someone had to kill a dead horse.  Always wanting to be some place else instead of Trusting in God at the moment.  Yet at times mentley it is hard to stay in peace when you want to be some place else. During this time things went from bad to worse unable to find work keeping the Church open for insurance reasons. I say I learned Pastoring 101 the hard way but my wife and I would do this again mmm if we new God was saying it

Have you received the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.

There are many shouts in the word of God. At times a shout of victory, a shout of victory before and after the battle, a cry or shout of weeping and a shout of Joy. At times there is a shout of ranting, retelling what God has spoken to us yet being in a dark place in our lives. But in all this are we really listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us and obeying Him. Most of the time I am not corrected for not ranting; but for not listening, expecting God to be in everything else but what I should be doing.

When I read the book of Jonah. I wander when Jesus compared His time in the grave with Jonah being in a big fish. If we should not include the whole book as the prophetic sign as well. Jonah had the correct world view of what God was wanting to do, but not accepting the end result - even though He understood the big picture. In addition, we see God trying to bring a picture of His grace too Jonah which he did not have for himself. Another open-end question did Jonah repent or not.

Ezekiel 28:20 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, turn toward Sidon and prophesy against it. Say, ‘This is what the sovereign Lord says:“‘Look, I am against you, Sidon, and I will magnify myself in your midst.Then they will know that I am the Lord when I execute judgments on her and reveal my sovereign power in her.

This verse tells us what He wants to do in the world today. Its not a negative thing, but He Has and is establishing who He is as God. I do know the context of this chapter, to whom it is compared too. Yet thinking outside the box this does speak to how the Lord magnifies Himself today.

When we look at signs and wanders we know God uses them to reaffirm who He is. Scripture clearly teaches that faith is NOW, yet today their is an appearance that God is not moving like He did but the real question is are we developing relationships like was done in the past. I am becoming more concerned that we are distancing ourselves rather than developing relationships with the one who need Him the most. And with that abuse  using the gifts for personal income rather than serving others and exalting who He is. I since that  for a season, God is allowing  this perception  of signs and wanders not taking place so that He can correct us as needed. So what do we do. Obey what God is saying, pray for the sick, let Him heal, serve the ones around us with our gifts, check out attitude as to why we do the things we do.

When we think of the word demonstration what do we think of? Is it an expression of what we believe and have compassion for? Or something else, When we think of Gods Spirit allot of times we see Him move in various seasons of our lives but as with any living relationship as we desire for Him to move He also wants us to move towards Him. As one who’s mission statement is to Love the Lord with all my hart mind and soul. I find that Praise is one aspect of my relationship with Him that allows me to express my love towards our Heavenly Father. Once I praise Him not just with my heart but also with my actions, we honor the one who Lives in us. Since we show our love towards Him, He delights in demonstrating His love towards us.

What if this happened? Does it matter?

Lets take a fresh look at judgement, the reason we are condemned is for refusing to Trust in Christ, so the question is do you believe. Secondly, if every things around us falls apart; or the worst prophetic word we hear comes to pass. Are we walking in the peace of God we know, understanding that nothing can seperate us from Christ love . Take a look at John 3:17,18,: John 16:33 Romans 8:28

I hope this will be my last post concerning the New Year but?  Preachers and I have been no different and have preached about how the formal and the later rain has come together in Pentecost – the current out pouring of God’s Spirit Lately, I have been seeing and addressing how that along with the moving of the Holy Spirit. That the spirit or types of the antichrist are also running together creating a perceived division within the prophetic movement in the United States as well as being worldwide, creating a spirit of confusion between what is happening locally compared to what is going on globally. Besides the political drama and the year 2012 deception all this is created so that we do not focus on the real issues of the day.  Creating income for some but sadly adding to the falling away within the Church. Which needs to be stopped, with in time it can be if we refocus on the Great Commission and discipleship development.    

When was the last time you looked at the Doctrine of Hell? If we are blessed with all the promises of God and we are. Then we are held accountable to the same promises.

One of the interesting things as we enter the new year, is that in spite of  what is trying to stop the Church we  we should have discovered that nothing can hinder the move of Gods spirit.Yet the reality we developing relationships with the lost the how can people come to know the one we love as Lord and Savior. As well as not going too the depth of prayer that we need to have to reach this generation. In addition,are we not hearing and obeying Gods word.

Its not that we are not praying its how we are praying that makes the difference. I would start with praying for family, friends, coworkers. Currently it takes about 5 years to for me to bring in people to the  my home Church at this time. I do know for others the the time is faster but that depends on relationship skills and Gods timing. 

Note I come from being a minister who closed a Church due to not developing relationships within the community that I lived and still love. With the understanding that at times killing a dead horse can be a good thing.

When we talk about how God make obvious as to whom He is. He will, make Himself known as God.

Again in praying about 2011, I find another Y2K developing over the year 2012.  This issue will create the same type of fear that Y2K did causing a polarization of the church. Causing the center of attention to be on the Coming of the Lord which is not a bad thing but polarizes us in to inactivity rather than fulfilling the great commission.  This will also create a revival of “ a millennialism”  “ the view that the 1000 year millennial reign of Christ has all ready happened since the Rapture of the Church has not taken place at this time.  

As I begin to pray about 2011, I am concerned that we are becoming too dependent upon the political process as a means of creating hope and change rather than presenting the Kingdom of God to a lost and dying world.  In becoming dependent upon this process we will continue to lose people who would be involved in the local church, yet instead creating a drop off of in Church attendance and membership. As this happens another issue that is already happening is the older we get in our walk with the Lord the fewer none Christians are in our sphere of influence, creating fewer decisions for Christ. Just take a look at who we have lunch with and who is on our networking pages too prove my point.

How do I respond to the convection of the Holy Spirit? It is when He speaks our Father's word to my heart so that I can apply His word to my life so that I would not sin against Him, obeying what I am hearing with in His word.

If we were under the convection of the Holy Spirit what would He say to us.

When we talk about righteousness take a look at the book of Ephesians. Paul explains righteousness as our position of who we are in Christ, along with the benefits what we have in Him and the relationship we have with our Heavenly Father Since we are blessed and held accountable to His word.

One way of memorizing the book of Ephesians: is how we are seated with Christ, how we walk in Christ, how we stand in Christ.

Why are we celebrating, In a post Christian America we left the Word of God as our means of defining righteousness. Because of this our rejoicing is vane and blinded having left the word of God as a means of defining righteousness. My concern is due to political compromise are we creating a greater evil rather than stopping one. Being blinded by false hope.

When was the last time we honored the Saints who have mentored us. Saying thanking you, for example I think of the Lindsay family, founders of Christ for the Nations.  As well as Loyed Aud, John Garlock, Bro and Sis Posey, Susian Bookstaver, Everet Pryon,  Murphy and  many more. We do have a great cheering section cheering us on to be like the Lord we Love

Bragging on what God Can do

My Pastor posted this Bragging on what God can do.
Life Growing Strong

A blog by the Senior pastor of Freedom Life Church of God (Cleveland, TN).

Thursday, October 28, 2010By His Stripes We Are Healed

Isaiah 53:5 gives us the wonderful promise of divine healing. Of course, the first person that may enter your mind when you think about healing is Oral Roberts. Bro. Roberts spent his life being used of God to heal the sick. The great healing crusades he conducted throughout our country brought the healing message of Jesus Christ to hundreds of thousands of people. For just a few moments I would like to focus on the local church and divine healing.

I thank God for men like Oral Roberts, Benny Hinn and others like them. However, many healing's occur at the local church level that only those in attendance on that day have the privilege of witnessing. This in no way makes these healing any less significant or miraculous. They are, after all, "power encounters" with the God that heals. Though they do not get the media hype and the recognition of the masses, they are none-the-less just as real and significant as those seen in the mass crusades.

I said all of this because in our Wednesday Evening Bible study last night, a lady that had been suffering with back problems for most of her life received healing. It was the most beautiful thing that I witnessed in a long while. She was playing the piano and the body began to intercede on her behalf. When we were through with the music, she came off the platform and got to the second row in the sanctuary and said, "Dear God, I am raising my feet. I haven't been able to raise my feet for over five years!" She then proceeded to give God praise for the next 15 minutes or so. During this time, many people were being touched by the power of the Spirit that was so sweet and strong in that place.

Although there were only a handful of people there to witness this miracle, it was a moment in which Isaiah 53 came to life right before our eyes. Moments like these in the local church do several things - faith rises, excitement rises, God's promises become tangible, and the church rejoices together. I think if we were to ask those who have been healed by God where their healing occurred, I think the majority would say, "My local church".

This post is not intended to be a slam against healing crusades, but rather it is to celebrate the miraculous work that occurs at the local church. We celebrate with the masses at healing crusades, but lets us never forget the healing that occurs within our local churches. "By His stripes we are healed" - notice there is no location mentioned!

Posted by Pastor Steven Lacy at 9:42 AM

When is the last time we have looked at Martin Luther's 95 thesis which he placed on Wittenberg door on 10/31.Was He declaring that the Church was pagan? Or was He making political statements, no easy answers. But this Reformation Sunday let’s celebrate who were as Protestants. Or have we forgotten what we protest against.

Since we are a temple for Him to dwell in see Eph 2, we are held accountable to all the promises of God. We can and do have the ability to use Gods word as needed for all the promises of God are for us. But as He is, do we allow Him to reveal His nature and Holiness or do we just use His word for the fluff of life.

When we talk about Jesus being Lord. We know first He is King of our heart, as well as King and God of the world in which He created. All other gods are created by desires of man and in reality acknowledge the fact that Jesus is Lord and God. If Magick is real the one must also know that Jesus is Lord as well.

In being a temple for Him to dwell in. It really takes time in His word as well as agreement with the Holy Spirit working in us in seasons of change. But can I ask a major question can We become students of His word allow His Spirit to speak to us.He confirms His word, for example when Jesus did the stuff on Galilee other Ships were in the midst of the storm as well  as the one Jesus was in so we are not alone.

How do we use faith? We are introduced to Pentecost by a interest in just doing the stuff. But are we living it as well. Faith is knowing that God rewards thous who seek HIM, but do we? Or is it just about things we need healing, money, things rather than just being a temple for Him to dwell in.

How things quickly change

How things quickly change

When we look at the last week of the life of Christ. I want need to ask is what are we celebration and can our celebration become apart of the deception. We see Jesus fulfilling prophecy everyone saying "blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord". Yet on the passover the leaders of the day used this event as an distraction, preparing for the Crucifixion of our Lord, using  the passover as an foundation for change in attitude towards Jesus. Notice how easy the crowed was used by the leaders of the day to get their way with the Roman government. Are we allowing “change” to lose our focus or do we really see the big picture. As one friend says “we do what we value”.

What I have tried to do is to explain repentance and its importance to us as a believer. Declaring the Lordship of Jesus as Lord and that as with the Old Testament repentance is a must as we meet its conditions.

The conditions are hearing the message responding to the message, understanding that In the name of Jesus there is all authority to overcome the sin in our lives, Secondly, applying our Father's word to our lives so that we may not sin against Him. Allowing His Spirit to live in us daily.

Another key is letting Him convect us were we are today and leaving what He is dealing with us behind once we acknowledge that sin. Notice with Jonah, Nineveh heard the message and within in forty days, God saw that they city changed its heart. God will always speak to us with what we know and within our own  life experiences.

Saint John reminds us that  God is Faithful to forgive us of  all our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness. Just as He forgave Nineveh He will forgive us.

Prayer "Just Do It"

As I have been praying for my nation I find myself wanting to get caught up in the political drama that is taking place. But I have to ask my self two basic question "what is best for my nation" and what is thus says the Lord. Can we step of of the drama of the season and hear what God is saying take a look at Jeremiah 29 one camp was saying lets go to Egypt the other Babylon just maybe God used Jeremiah 29:29 as a way to deal with the next season we are entering. Jeremiah encouraged in Babylon to build houses,plant gardens,take wives,have children that our children will have children seek peace and welfare of Babylon.
So are we praying for the peace and welfare of our nation.

Who's not in the city

Revelation of Jesus Christ; 21:22 netbible,  Now  I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God – the All-Powerful and the Lamb are its temple. 21:23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God lights it up, and its lamp is the Lamb. 21:24 The nations  will walk by its light and the kings of the earth will bring their grandeur into it. 21:25 Its gates will never be closed during the day  (and  there will be no night there).  21:26 They will bring the grandeur and the wealth  of the nations it, 21:27 but  nothing ritually unclean  will ever enter into it, nor anyone who does what is detestable  or practices falsehood,  but only those whose names  are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

We need to come to a understanding that we can not separate ourselves from the four people groups of Romans one. All of use by choice can sin just like the rest of us. DNA proves we all have the same behavior tr ates. It does not prove that behavior not learned but all behavior is still a choice. The issues is we can not run from Romans 3:23 or 6:23 when Paul states that for all have sinned and compares the cost of sin to death. Sin has nothing to do with morals but everything to do with our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Being good just does not cut it.

What do we allow praise to do.  Just a reminder, praise allows Him to work in us too change us. Working with His word making us into the image of Christ.

Do not let our Prophetic statements hinder the moving of the Holy Spirit by creating a false since of security and a false hope. The reason why I say this as we move to the last part of the political cycle we are in. It is easy to say what we desire or wish for rather than what God is saying to us as a nation. We can fall in to a placeof entrapment if we are not careful. Lets try and make Godly choices this season rather than what we perceive is best for the nation. Because what is best for the nation may not always be popular.Take a look how God used the Babylon captivity to give the land of Israel it's Sabbath rest. Due to Israel disobedience.

This journey of faith always depends upon the fact that God is always faithful as to who He is.

His  faithfulness can be seen in the creation story that since God created heavens and the earth. We can know that Jesus Christ came to bruise Satan's head. Both stories can be trusted.

Do not let the political drama that is unfolding hinder us from voting. Nor let the drama developing stop us from seeking the face of God for His will to be done. Just remember, both parties do lay the foundation for the spirit of the Antichrist to be established. Yet if we do not vote we can not stay the Antichrist hand from going any father than needed.

As we look into this season of drought we must be aware of the danger's of political entrapment. With the concept that we are never alone but at times we "feel" isolated due to the appearance of not being in control of whats going on around us. Always consider that God will always speak in the stillness of the season. Provide for us in that season letting us know that He is always with us, laying the foundation for a greater demonstration of who He is As Lord and God.

As we move father into this drought be careful of being used compromising the message of the Gospel.

For thous who need to know there is a an temp to control the Full Gospel message, by changing our focus on other life issues. Yet these issues are designed to cause us to compromise  who Jesus is as Lord and main stream us, taking us away from Christianity being a decision based movement. Letting us lose our uniqueness as Christians saying see we are just like every one else.

Lately, I have been praying for my nation. I keep asking myself a question from Hebrews have I harden my heart as like the Children of Israel? Causing my heart to becoming harden, disobedient. I understand First John 1 but still due to national sins I keep weeping for my nation and my home town. When is the last time we have let the Holy Spirit convect us about souls dieing going to Hell.

When we read our Father's Word do we allow the Holy Spirit to make us like Christ. Or do we treat His Word like any other book.

Are we looking up. God uses natural events to bring us too a place of repentance. Yet we also need to balance this out with the fact that the thief kills steals and destroys. In addition, God uses all things to work for our good. So when we look up do not let our world view hinder how we see God bring us as individuals and as a nation to repentance. Also God does dwell with us in our praise and worship. We are not to thank Him for the things that are destroyed but for who He and that He is restoring all things. Lets use not forget there is no limits too the authority that is in Jesus Christ our Lord. ( note satan will use life issues to cause us to forget who Jesus is). Yet convection will always draw us deeper in our relationship with our Lord.

Why do we pray, I hope we talk to the Father because of His love and care for us rather than out of fear or deal making. For example I will do this if God you will do that. Prayer is always a means of letting God work and develop who He is in us.  Be coming like Him in all area's of our lives. We do lean this by asking for things, but can we come to a place of talking to Him about everything. Learning too casting our cares on Him, rather than making lets make a deal. Tale a look at Mt 6 if God cares for His creation, we know then that we as we seek Him, He will meet all our needed as well.

The uniqueness of who we are in Christ can be compared to Joshua and commanding the Sun to stand still, along with the victory of David at Mt Perizam or Baal Perizam. This uniqueness causes us to stand out  and to a none Christian causes us to appear to be strange. Since we can apply the all the promises of God to our lives. See Isa 28.21

The splendor that we see in the world and all that it offers, cannot compare to the presence of Christ in us.

As we begin to pray about the current heat wave. Elijah and the widow with the jars of oil come to mind. With the story ending of how all things were restored to her by the king. So as we pray lets not focus on the need for rain or for the temps to brake, but God providing and bringing restoration in this present time of need.

Allot of times we may not understand change. The things I know in life is Jesus is Lord, He hears our prayers, He dwells with us and demonstrates  His manifest presence to us. Secondly, we are changing into the image and likeness the one we love.  If to God we become God like, if to sin, the sin we love. No limits to the authority we have in Christ as long as it is lawful authority. God is faithful in all things.

Praying for the Praise and Worship team of the local church. Mmm, again praying the right experiences at the right time, for meaningful time in the Word of God that they do not depend upon the talent given but understand that they set the tone for the alter call. And the response the to the Word of God being preached, if theme music is used that the songs picked are lead by the Spirit not just songs for the message. In addition, that the Church becomes one. Not like in High School separating the Band from those who play sports.

In praying for my Pastor, I find that time management and building relationships are keys to Church growth, having that He would have wisdom in dealing with time wasters which are important. As well as, quite time issues discerning the difference between personal time in the word and what is being used for public speaking. Secondly, I pray for meaningful family time understanding that it is ok for him to say no. I also pray for the word of God to convect me personally producing Godly faith. Letting the word of God preached confirm what the Father is speaking to me through His word bring me into  His presence. In addition, I pray for the wright signs and wanders to take place as needed,  understanding not He not just a Pastor but also a Prophet for the Church. That I would no  fear in responding to the alter call, knowing that as I allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life He will also work in other's  pulling the wright gifts of the Father out of me.

Praying for prayer people is very hard to do, allot of times we are involved in other ministries and very active in church life. I start by asking our Father God to bring us in a meaningful relationship with Him with the right experiences at the right time with Him. With a balance of time in the Word and time in prayer. In addition, I pray that we are not letting our Prophetic statements hinder the move of our Father's Spirit. As well as, that we do not focus on just our world view of Church life, but praying for the big picture agreeing with the vision of the Pastor and the local church. I also pray for the older generation, that they be taught how to pray since they if any body they should understand the discipleship process.

As I pray for Freedom life  Sunday School team, I talk to the Lord about not just presenting a lesson but for a timely word from the Lord within the lesson plain. We use a traditional format of going through the word of God in seven years for the adult program. Secondly, I pray for the Holy Spirit to convect me with His word, concept being I can only go to the depths of His presences that I have not already been so that others can be convected the same way.  In addition, I pray that we learn to hide Gods Word in our heart so that we do not sin against Him. So I pray this for the Sunday School staff as well. Protection and wisdom being aware of social issues that may affect the Church as a whole. For relationships do develop and the willingness to mentor new teachers, establishing the gift of helps as the basic level of ministry.

As I pray today, I pray for new bee's or first timers who come to my home Church, Freedom Life Church of God. I pay that they will look past the parking and building issues and experience the power of  God today. Letting the word of God speak to the need that they have. As well as the sign and wander's needed for the moment with the right gifts needed for the right service.

This starts by seeing myself as a first timer meeting the parking attendents, greeter's, Sunday School Staff and Church Staff from nursery to adults. That they will find there niche and fit in, if they are running from bad relationships that the Holy Spirit will bring about the convection needed  to bring healing and salvation, becoming a meaninfull member of my home Church. If its a bad relationship issue that the Holy Spirit will deal with them as needed as new relationships are found.

The New Testament and Repntance

Acts 3:11 Netbible While the man was hanging on to Peter and John, all the people, completely astounded, ran together to them in the covered walkway called Solomon’s Portico. When Peter saw this, he declared to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us as if we had made this man walk by our own power or piety? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our forefathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate after he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a man who was a murderer be released to you. You killed the Originator of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this fact we are witnesses! And on the basis of faith in Jesus’ name, his very name has made this man – whom you see and know – strong. The faith that is through Jesus has given him this complete health in the presence of you all. And now, brothers, I know you acted in ignorance, as your rulers did too.But the things God foretold long ago through all the prophets – that his Christ would suffer – he has fulfilled in this way. Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and so that he may send the Messiah appointed for you – that is, Jesus. This one heaven must receive until the time all things are restored, which God declared from times long ago through his holy prophets.Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must obey him in everything he tells you.Every person who does not obey that prophet will be destroyed and thus removed from the people.’ And all the prophets, from Samuel and those who followed him, have spoken about and announced these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed.’iniquities.”

Who Jesus Is

Philippians netbible. 2:6 who though he existed in the form of God

did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,

2:7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave,

by looking like other men,and by sharing in human nature.

2:8 He humbled himself,by becoming obedient to the point of death

– even death on a cross!

2:9 As a result God exalted him and gave him the name

that is above every name,

2:10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow

– in heaven and on earth and under the earth –

2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

The Next Season

As we cycle through the next season repentance is the message that seems to be at the front of the lest. It's a tough message because we assume that we are talking about morals. Yet in reality we are talking about having a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ the Messiah, King, Priest and  Prophet today and ages to come.

Things to know in this process  Sins is always Sin.  The Good news points to how Jesus has the power to be with us and in us we can not run from who He is. The goal of repentance should be Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh – who are called uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body by human hands that you were at that time without the Messiah, alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility,when he nullified in his flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace,and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed.And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, so that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Psalms 111

111:1 Praise the Lord!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,

in the assembly of the godly and the congregation.

111:2 The Lord’s deeds are great,eagerly awaited by all who desire them.

111:3 His work is majestic and glorious,and his faithfulness endures forever.

111:4 He does amazing things that will be remembered;the Lord is merciful and compassionate.

111:5 He gives food to his faithful followers;he always remembers his covenant.

111:6 He announced that he would do mighty deeds for his people,

giving them a land that belonged to other nations.

111:7 His acts are characterized by faithfulness and justice;

all his precepts are reliable.

111:8 They are forever firm,and should be faithfully and properly carried out.

111:9 He delivered his people;he ordained that his covenant be observed forever.

His name is holy and awesome.

111:10 To obey the Lord is the fundamental principle for wise living; all who carry out his precepts acquire good moral insight.

He will receive praise forever.

Repentance

Is a hard message, because of How the Holy Spirit works in our lives it always takes four elements The call or response to the message, commitment to change. Allowing us to be changed by the authority of Gods word and submitting to the working of the Holy Spirit.

Another part is being committed to a meaningful discipleship process.

My home church is Freedom life Church of God in Tulsa OK. If you do are not involved in a process you  are welcomed to attended and be a part our Church Web site is http://www.lifegrowingstrong.org/

Note due to work commitments we are not always there.

Jonah

The importance of networking

Notice how Jonah communicated  and developed relationships for His message of Judgment for 40 days. The message came to the place to were even the King Trusted in the Word of Jonah. Another point is letting God see the attitude of the heart which brought forth the real change needed for the city to be changed.

Jonah 3:1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city--a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: "By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

What are we creating for ourselves? When I think of the need for work, and relationships I find I chose more for the sake of convenience rather than right choices. An example is we spend time doing the disciplines we like rather than to learn new ideas or concepts. We also seem to run from the things we are run into. For example Jonah His choice of running having a correct world view of what God was doing put everyone around him in danger until He repented. Yet when things happened, with in an unknown time frame. He copped an attitude because of the way God saved Nineveh.

What is our attitude today are we running from the presence of God are we seeing that as with Nineveh His grace in action. This can be compared to any country or people group. What are we really running into Judgment or the Salvation of souls.

What Does this Mean

Acts 2:5 Netbible Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven residing in Jerusalem. 2:6 When this sound occurred, a crowd gathered and was in confusion, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 2:7 Completely baffled, they said, “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 2:8 And how is it that each one of us hears them in our own native language? 2:9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and the province of Asia, 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 2:11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great deeds God has done!” 2:12 All were astounded and greatly confused, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 2:13 But others jeered at the speakers, saying, “They are drunk on new wine!”

What does this mean:  A Celebration of the Lordship of Jesus Christ as Lord and God.

What are we hearing

Acts 2:5 Netbible  Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven residing in Jerusalem. 2:6 When this sound occurred, a crowd gathered and was in confusion, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 2:7 Completely baffled, they said, “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 2:8 And how is it that each one of us hears them in our own native language? 2:9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and the province of Asia, 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 2:11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great deeds God has done!” 2:12 All were astounded and greatly confused, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 2:13 But others jeered at the speakers, saying, “They are drunk on new wine!”

What are we hearing? When I received the Baptism with The Holy Spirit as a teenager, I learned to fall in love with my Lord in a strange and wonderful way. The older I got  I began to question how valid the experience was. The problem was, I was hearing wrong. Take a look if the gospel was to be preached by the languages as some say then why did Peter have to explain what happened. Also take a look at Acts 10:38 and ask what experience did Peter's group compare what was happening to their host and how did Peter defend Himself in Acts 11.

Now more than ever we need to hear and explain how Jesus went about doing good, healing all that was oppressed of the devil.

We are the dweling place of God

Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh – who are called uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body  by human hands – 2:12 that you were at that time without the Messiah, alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise,  having no hope and without God in the world. 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 2:14 For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into oneand who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility, 2:15 when he nullified  in his flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace, 2:16 and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed.2:17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 2:18 so that  through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 2:19 So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, 2:20 because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,  with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 2:21 In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 2:22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Provider meeting Provision

When I look at life, I discovered that there is betrayal, positions, relationships misunderstandings, forgetting, promotion. The story of Jacob and Joesph is one of the best illustrations I find. From His brother's not wanting to understand His dreams and selling Him off, telling His father that He was killed by a beast. Sold into slavery, placed in a position of trust, betrayed by His owners wife wanting something that He could not give. Moved to jail given allot of responsibility, interpreting dreams being forgotten about. Then promoted again. All this done so that in the seven years off drought, .Jacob and family could be provided for. Provider meeting Provision.
Is this not the way God works through our life experiences? Showing Himself mighty in all that He does

Praying for America

As I pray for our nation this month, feel free to add this to your prayer life as well. I hope we do not have a false hope in "change" and turn this into a political event. But as it deals with people, the national day of prayer will always be read between the lines as a political event as both parties are looking for the 2 to 3 % that it will take too win an election.
So how do I pray for my nation, I first need to always confess that Jesus is Lord and God!
That there are no limits to the authority we have in the name of Jesus, understanding Praise and Worship.
For peace and favor will be on the President, Congress and the Courts along with State and local governments. That God will bless the cities that we live in: as well as bless the companies that we work for. That as a nation we walk in unity and peace, praying for all people groups.
That I come under convection of Sin, which is need for other’s to come to a living relationship with the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Letting the Holy Spirit develop the compassion needed to reach this generation in me.
To be filled with the Spirit to meet the needed for the day.
That I Developing relationships with non Christians asking who do “I have lunch with”.
With the ones coming to Christ be a part of a meaningful discipleship program.
That decision growth will outgrow transfer growth in Church membership.
In addition, that the things that need to be exposed will be exposed. Not to point the finger, but problems to be solved. As well as praying for Church leadership.
Doing what we have to do.

Take a look at Jer 29 as well as John 14-16. 1 John 1

What I Treasure

Psalms 119: 11 NRSV

"I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you".

Christianity has a very simple world view. This world view is why it can be adapted from age too age, people group too people group, and is not based on national pride, or race.Christianity, is based solely on the the decision we make in making Jesus the Lord of our lives, living out His word in our lives, until He comes or takes us Home with Him.

Things I do know is that as we talk to Him He honors His word. That the book of Acts should be normal in our world view. ( note if God answers prayer then the book of Acts in normal in our lives). In addition, I do know that God speaks to day. Since He is a living God,  do not let our prophetic words and or statements limit what He wants to do today.  Ephesians 2:17-22 is becoming a very important verse in my life.

 Ephesians 2:17 Netbible, And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 2:18 so that   through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 2:19 So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, 2:20 because you have been built   on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,   with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.   2:21 In him   the whole building,   being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 2:22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

The hand of the Lord

Proverbs

16:1 The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the tongue comes from the Lord.
19:21 There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of the Lord which will stand.
20:24 The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord – so how can anyone understand his own way?
21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of water; he turns it wherever he wants.


If this is the case. Then why do we fear the on going foundations of the Antichrist we see developing in our nation.

The Baptism with the Holy Ghost

Always exalts the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Knows that the tomb is empty.
Creates a compassion for the Lost.
Will always separate us from the world.
A longing for His holiness.
Creating accountability for our own actions.
A Call to the deep.
 
Acts 2

Afterwards

Joel 3:1. And it shall come to pass afterwards that I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy; your elders shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. . And even upon the slaves and the maidservants in those days will I pour out My spirit. 3. And I will perform signs in the heavens and on the earth: Blood, fire, and pillars of smoke. 4. The sun shall turn to darkness, and the moon to blood, prior to the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 5. And it shall come to pass that whoever shall call in the name of the Lord shall be delivered, for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be a deliverance, as the Lord said, and among the survivors whom the Lord invites.

Two Questions

One of the interesting things about New Testament thought is applying our Fathers word in real time worldview. Normally this is done by asking and applying questions about the word of God and then doing it.

Two questions that stand out; One is If you were to die today day would you have the assurance of heaven? The other is have you received the Baptism with the Holy Ghost.

If that same Spirit

                                                                

Romans, Paul shows the condition of the heart being equal; painting the heart totally void without God. He also talks about how all have sinned, fallen short of God glory - deals with the cost of sin being death.

Paul then shows the hope of the Church that if the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, making a believer alive unto God no longer under the condemnation of Sin.

Understanding a Biblical concept of change.

One of the first concepts of change can be found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Part 1.

Ecclesiastes 3


3:1 For everything  there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:
3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;
3:3 A time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up;
3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
3:5 A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones;a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
3:6 A time to search, and a time to give something up as lost; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
3:7 A time to rip, and a time to sew;a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.
3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate;a time for war, and a time for peace.

Change at times is hard to accept, but it is a biblical concept that  change is seasonal in nature. Change can be seen in the cycles of the earth. Time  for us is also  a part of the healing process.

Look what is happening now.

Ezekiel 36:25-27

36:25 I will sprinkle you with pure water and you will be clean from all your impurities. I will purify you from all your idols. 36:26 I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh. 36:27 I will put my Spirit within you; I will take the initiative and you will obey my statutes and carefully observe my regulations.

God does not show favoritism

God does not show favoritism

Acts 10:34 Netbible, Then Peter started speaking: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people, 10:35 but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is welcomed before him. 10:36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all) – 10:37 you know what happened throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 10:38 with respect to Jesus from Nazareth, that God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. 10:39 We are witnesses of all the things he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 10:40 but God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen, 10:41 not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses God had already chosen, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 10:42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to warn them that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. 10:43 About him all the prophets testify, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the message. 10:45 The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were greatly astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 10:46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 10:47 “No one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 10:48 So he gave orders to have them baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.

Jesus Appearance to the Diciples

Jesus’ Appearance to the Disciples

John 20:19 Netbible, on the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the disciples had gathered together and locked the doors of the place because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20:20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 20:22 And after he said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 20:23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.”

When Jesus breathed on His disciples, most of the preaching I have heard has been that this was when they were born again. But not all the 120 was present and Jesus appeared too many people after this meeting it seemed to have only happened to this present group. It then brings another question that there may be no clear answer, but along with the idea of being born again – can we ask then was his breathing on the disciples a place of preparation for Pentecost placing to rest the fears of last forty days. Laying the ground work for the next forty days. Just thinking a bet.

See what God is concerned about.

See what God is concerned about

This Good Friday morning, I was reading in Jonah the last several verses caught my eye, compare this with John 3:16-18 and see who God has compassion for even in the midst of Judgement.

Jonah 4:7 netbible, So God sent a worm at dawn the next day, and it attacked the little plant so that it dried up. 4:8 When the sun began to shine, God sent a hot east wind. So the sun beat down on Jonah’s head, and he grew faint. So he despaired of life, and said, “I would rather die than live!” 4:9 God said to Jonah, “Are you really so very angry about the little plant?” And he said, “I am as angry as I could possibly be!” 4:10 The Lord said, “You were upset about this little plant, something for which you have not worked nor did you do anything to make it grow. It grew up overnight and died the next day. 4:11 Should I not be even more concerned about Nineveh, this enormous city? There are more than one hundred twenty thousand people in it who do not know right from wrong, as well as many animals!”

We Know That His testimony is true

We do know that Jesus Lives but do we really know it? John 21:24 Netbible, This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

I came to know Jesus as Lord on June 14 1974, during a Nicky Cruz crusade in Madisonville Ky. At that time the kids in the youth group was preparing to spend the night at the Methodist Church in town. The youth director was asking for councilors for the crusade and overnight stay. I was wandering why I was not asked to become a councilor. At this in time my life I was reading the New Testament reach out addition of the Living Bible, I had even prayed the sinner’s prayer in the back. However, I never let other people hear me tell other’s of who Jesus is as Lord. I was riding my bicycle the afternoon of the Crusade and in a loud voice weather audible or in my mind I do not know. The Lord spoke to me and said “My son you have never made a public confession to me”. We meet at a friend’s home to go to Crusade and overnight stay at Church and I told her what happened she said I can pray now and have Jesus in my Heart. I said no, I have to do it in front of people. We went to the Crusade and after Rev Cruz talked about Jesus; I responded to his request for people to come forward and accept Jesus as Lord.

Note - you do not have to hear a voice to be saved,  just respond to the Question do you have the assurance of going to heaven.

Hero's

I just found out that Mom Lindsay passed away Late Thursday night. She was president of Christ for the Nations, a school that I graduated from 1981. Very few people are heroes. Both Ms Lindsay and Gordon Lindsay have played a very important role in my life. From learning how to make “Prayer a business”  developing a 3/5 bible reading plan. In addition, through their books, class room time, developing an added value of Gods existence and presence in my life. I do rejoice in her Home going, sadden for Her family loss. All I can say is thank you for extending yourself outside of family, serving the body of Christ. Both of them are true Hero’s of the faith.

What are we looking too

What are we looking too.

Today I have been praying 1 Kings 13 the story of Iddo and Jeroboam. This speaks to the core of what we dealing with this asks two questions Are we settling for second best. And what are listening too.

Notice how the elderly prophet may be a false prophet in verse 11 was determined to lead Iddo into a place by saying I am like you  and  a Angle spoke to me concerning you. Does this sound familiar, we are dealing with the same type of deception today. Wanting Angelic manifestations rather than settling for obedience to the authority of Gods word. I know Angels speak to day and we deal with them more than  we think, but Angels do not substitute for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. Take a look at Lots wife even when (driven pulled out of Sodom), she still looked back.

Two stories

Two stories

This morning I am reminded of two stories Ruth and Esther. Both stories are stories that shows  how God gives favor. We see how this is done by a deep trust in the Lord and trusting the ones around us that are mentors. For such a time as this we find God wanting to use us for this generation.

PS 5:11, 12 Netbible, But may all who take shelter in you be happy! May they continually shout for joy! Shelter them so that those who are loyal to you may rejoice! 5:12 Certainly you reward the godly, Lord. Like a shield you protect them in your good favor.

Is there an offence, no safe place

Trying to paint a picture with words is hard, an example living in a place without light, or place of darkness with no light. At a place of living with the sound of fingers going down a chalk board all the time. In a place of fire without being consumed, always thirsty, a place of contradiction, no joy always weeping - Living in a place without the presence of God or the 4th man. A place with no peace. 

Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offendd thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offende thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another

Now how close is He

Now how close is He.

Romans 10:8 KJV,  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. 11 For the scripture saith , Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed . 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved .

God rewards, Godly Faith

Hebrews 11 AMP NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].2 For by [faith--[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.4 [Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking.

5 Because of faith Enoch was caught up and transferred to heaven, so that he did not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. For even before he was taken to heaven, he received testimony [still on record] that he had pleased and been satisfactory to God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

Thinking about lent

Thinking about lent

When I think about lent. I find myself reflecting on several issues as I have tried to address in this blog looking at the condition of my heart. Asking for the Holy Spirit to bring me to a place of brokenness for the season. True brokenness only comes as we allow both the word of God and His spirit to bring completely dependent upon God in our relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. Alot of times we do not like to be confrented with issues that the Holy Spirit brings to our attentiion. Yet it is these issues that we need to confrented with and confess as sin. Applying Gods word to them and letting Him Change us. As other's have said before us “prayer does not change the heart of God, nor His promises towards us. Prayer changes our heart before Him”.

1 John 1:9 NRSV If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness

Our uniqueness in Christ

John 17:20 Netbible, “I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their testimony, 17:21 that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me. 17:22 The glory you gave to me I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are one – 17:23 I in them and you in me – that they may be completely one, so that the world will know that you sent me, and you have loved them just as you have loved me.17:24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they can see my glory that you gave me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 17:25 Righteous Father, even if the world does not know you, I know you, and these men know that you sent me. 17:26 I made known your name to them, and I will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them, and I may be in them.”


Have you felt the emotions of this chapter? Jesus finishes up with reacknowledging His relationship with His Father. His completes His wide-ranging praying for not just His disciples but for you and me. Then He talks about His glory and how it should be applied within the context of our relationship with His heavenly Father. This is one of the biggest issues we deal with as Christians, our uniqueness in Christ.

A captivating picture

A Captivating picture

John 17:6 Netbible, “I have revealed your name to the men you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. 17:7 Now they understand that everything you have given me comes from you, 17:8 because I have given them the words you have given me. They accepted them and really understand that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 17:9 I am praying on behalf of them. I am not praying on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those you have given me, because they belong to you. 17:10 Everything I have belongs to you, and everything you have belongs to me, and I have been glorified by them. 17:11 I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them safe in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. 17:12 When I was with them I kept them safe and watched over them in your name that you have given me. Not one of them was lost except the one destined for destruction, so that the scripture could be fulfilled. 17:13 But now I am coming to you, and I am saying these things in the world, so they may experience my joy completed in themselves. 17:14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17:15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe from the evil one. 17:16 They do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world. 17:17 Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth. 17:18 Just as you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. 17:19 And I set myself apart on their behalf, so that they too may be truly set apart.

The above passage is captivating, because it shows how or Lord prays for the ones He loves. He does not pray for the world but for the ones that are with Him, how the disciples accepted His father’s word. Think about it, He understood who belong to and how He set himself, His followers, from the world. This is best example of how to pray one for another-outside the stoning of Stephan.

Jesus relationship with His Father

Jesus relationship with His Father

John 17:1 netbible, When Jesus had finished saying these things, he looked upward to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you – 17:2 just as you have given him authority over all humanity, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. 17:3 Now this is eternal life – that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. 17:4 I glorified you on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory I had with you before the world was created.

As a student of prayer John 17 is becoming a greater model than the “Our Father” or the Lord’s prayer in Matt 7.

Part of the reason is John shows us all the elements of prayer through the perfect example of the one who answers prayer. Notice how personal He talked with His Father and He knew who He was in His relationship with His Father. Sharing His emotions in dealing with the crucifixion.

A reminder about who we belong to, testify about

A reminder about who we belong to,  testify about

John 15:18 Netbible, “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me first. 15:19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you do not belong to the world, but I chose you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. 15:20 Remember what I told you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours too. 15:21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me. 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. But they no longer have any excuse for their sin. 15:23 The one who hates me hates my Father too. 15:24 If I had not performed among them the miraculous deeds that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen the deeds and have hated both me and my Father. 15:25 Now this happened to fulfill the word that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without reason.’ 15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send you from the Father – the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father – he will testify about me, 15:27 and you also will testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

A break from lent ????

 Since the middle of last year, I have been praying over Duet 28 & 29.  Asking several questions. One is due to God not consistently answering prayer Heaven seems to be shut?  I am not saying God has not heard our prayer, but an appearance of God not answering prayer. Take a  look at how many people are without work as an example. Also since 1946 the Church has just kept up with population growth? In addition, I am concerned about the lack of relationship development with none Christians, which is hindering the decision/disciple growth rate of the Church.. Another issue is the divorce rate with in the Church All this gives the impression that there is no difference between us and none Christians. A false trust in the American political system rather than the Lord. Yes we use the full rights of citizens, yet our hope is only in the Lord.

 As well as  "Prophets" saying that it is OK to be wrong and creating a debate on who is right for marketing  reasons. An alot of us are dealing with health issues that we should not be dealing with. Note, I understand the American diet issue all to well.

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As we now live.

When I look at the Good news of Jesus Christ, I find the Holy Spirit reminding me of three things during this time of Lent. They are Emanuel God is with us which we see this from the Birth of Christ to the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Another is that there are no limits to the authority we have in Christ. Yet trying to understand seasons and times, dealing with unanswered prayer, understanding Ps 95:8-14 and Acts 28:26 and Hebrews 1, warning us about the hardness of our/my heart. In addition, let’s look at John 13-16. This is important because as the disciples were trying to understand the message of the crucifixion; asking how this message relates to the hope of Israel, along with their personal lives. John explains the need peace, as well as the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. John goes on saying the Holy Spirit will bring things to our awareness, so that we can do greater works than what Jesus did. With Jesus speaking to us not leaving us alone. As well as, the importance of prayer and love for one another, finishing with how we have overcome this world

Asking the right questons

Asking the right questions

John 16: 4 Netbible, I did not tell you these things from the beginning because I was with you. 16:5 But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking me, ‘Where are you going?’ 16:6 Instead your hearts are filled with sadness because I have said these things to you. 16:7 But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. 16:8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment – 16:9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 16:10 concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 16:11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned

A time and a place for fasting

A time and a place for fasting

Isaiah 58:5 Net Bible. Is this really the kind of fasting I want?Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, bowing their heads like a reed and stretching out on sackcloth and ashes?
Is this really what you call a fast,a day that is pleasing to the Lord?
58:6 No, this is the kind of fast I want.I want you to remove the sinful chains,to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke,to set free the oppressed,and to break every burdensome yoke.
58:7 I want you to share your food with the hungry
and to provide shelter for homeless, oppressed people.
When you see someone naked, clothe him! Don’t turn your back on your own flesh and blood!
58:8 Then your light will shine like the sunrise;your restoration will quickly arrive;
your godly behavior will go before you,and the Lord’s splendor will be your rear guard
.58:9 Then you will call out, and the Lord will respond;you will cry out, and he will reply, ‘Here I am.’
You must remove the burdensome yoke from among you and stop pointing fingers and speaking sinfully.
58:10 You must actively help the hungry and feed the oppressed.
Then your light will dispel the darkness, and your darkness will be transformed into noonday.
58:11 The Lord will continually lead you; he will feed you even in parched regions.
He will give you renewed strength, and you will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring that continually produces water.
58:12 Your perpetual ruins will be rebuilt;you will reestablish the ancient foundations.
You will be called, ‘The one who repairs broken walls, the one who makes the streets inhabitable again.’

Do not worry

Do not worry

Matthew 6:25 Netbible, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? 6:26 Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are? 6:27 And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? 6:28 Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin. 6:29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! 6:30 And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith? 6:31 So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 6:32 For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 6:33 But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 6:34 So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.

2 Chronicles 7:14

When do we pray 2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 7:10 And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people. 11Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. 12And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
 

If I shut up heaven, pestilence among my people, strange weather happenings.

As I write this I see several things happening and happening fast. From gay rights, goverment contol of  health care, H1N1, winter weather. These things appear to be out of control and people feeling very violated. Can we as a nation and humble ourselves before the Lord and seek His face.

The Gospels do not speak of this verse directly, but when things do go wrong the New Testiment does speak to us about the need of peace when we are troubled. John 14:1 Also the word of God speaks of how that nothing can separate us from His love. In addition, we see that we can do all things through Christ that strengthen us.

But when we look at whats going on, Instead of seeking the Lords face, I see that we are allowing things that should bring us to our knees, bring us too depression and despair more than any time in my life.

Just a reminder, Praise shakes off the heavyness of depression. He is always with us.

Romans 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

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All the promises of God part 2

Just think about it, all the blessings of God belong to us.

Eph 3:6  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Is He on or off

Is He on or off the Cross?

Jesus Standing.

The Gospels, and the book of Revelation start with a similar theme, one see’s him as a baby being with us, the other holding us in His hands and with us. An answer to an interesting question, Have you ever been asked the question have you ever seen Jesus standing? We seem when asked that question too go to Acts 7:52 on the stoning of Stephen. But the Revelation of Jesus Christ has a better image concerning or Lord standing. Take a look in the first chapter when John was in the spirit on the Lords day (note compare this to 1 Cor 14 and you find that He could be praying in tongues “in the Spirit”) and we find John turning around and John saw Jesus standing. We go on and we find Him holding the churches in His hand and having Him walking in our midst.

So when Jesus was over looking Stephen we  find the position of how Jesus is looking toward us and we should view that God is always with us.

A Celebration

         A Celebration

 It has taken me a while to appreciate the Christian holy days. As a Pentecostal we tend to not acknowledge the traditions that have been set before us. Allot of this is do to not wanting to be like "Rome". But as I  look at Lent this year I am thinking about  what does it mean to be Pentecostal.  I know that between the two Lent and Pentecost Sunday is 40/40 day event. These two seasons are different from Christmas because at Christmas we seem to limit our thinking to the birth of Christ and the Second cooming. We do not see the complet product like we do in Lent and Pentecost. Yet what does it mean to be Pentecostal do we really know what we have experienced or have we experienced what we know. In other words are we living it out daily letting people see the Spirit of Christ in  us.

Being Pentecostal is a Celebration of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, knowing that He is alive, and lives today.

As the  old Hymn says "He walks with me and talks with me He tells me that I am not alone"

Renewing my mind

This week has been kind of rough. Emotionally, I have hit a few walls. The way out is. I have to realize that I do not depend upon how I “feel”. But understand that as the Lord brings me to the place of brokenness needed for the current season. I have to depend upon Him, accepting the things I cannot change, letting both the Word of God, along with the convection of the Holy Spirit; bring me to a place of renewing  my mind in the issues I am facing.

Romans netbible, 12:1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. 12:2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect

He Is

He is Holy and Worthy

Revelation 4:8-11 netbible, Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God, the All-Powerful,Who was and who is, and who is still to come!”

4:9 And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 4:10 the twenty-four elders throw themselves to the ground before the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever, and they offer their crowns before his throne, saying:

4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power,since you created all things,

and because of your will they existed and were created

For or With

FOR OR WITH

Matthew 8:15 netbible,  “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother. 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector. 18:18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven. 18:19 Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 18:20 For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.” 18:21 Then Peter came to him and said, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me? As many as seven times?” 18:22 Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, I tell you, but seventy-seven times!

How do we agree with someone one is important. Is it rather for or with. Both work but something to think about. 'For", sometimes makes me think of how we treat pets,  pat them on the head and send them away. Rather than praying "with " someone means coming along side and working together to met the need.

Secondly, I know this passage deals with how a brother sins, but it also shows the authority we have in Christ.