I didn’t Do It - It wasn’t Me !!

As we met to pray over our city, I brought a short Bible lesson to consider

 

 

Who did this? A mother may ask, and all the children in a chorus say, “Not me.” 

Were you ever accused of something and it wasn’t you? 

Just one look at recent headlines and you’ll see the world is full of accusations.  So many are quick to believe the worst of what they hear. 

 

What will you do when your friend is falsely accused?  

In the Bible we will take a look at some who were falsely accused. 

2 Kings 5:  Through no fault of her own, a young Hebrew maid was taken captive and carried to another place.  There she became a slave to Naaman’s wife.  The young girl made the best of her situation and was faithful in her duties.  She bravely declared to her mistress, that if her master would go to the prophet he would be healed.  The result was Naaman was healed of his leprosy.  

Genesis 39:  Joseph: As a servant, he was falsely accused of raping the wife of his master, Potiphar.  The wife held up Joseph’s coat as evidence, and she was believed.  Joseph was thrown in prison. This was just one of many ways he suffered unjustly.  However Joseph was faithful where ever he found himself and he prospered.

Numbers 11-14  God and Moses were blamed by the Children of Israelite for bringing them into the wilderness to die, (they said.)  Moses protested; this job is too hard for me - -.  God had him chose 70 wise, mature men and his spirit was placed upon them.  These men now had authority to council and judge the people.  Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be in us, and had given us authority.  We must step up and take our position where God places us. 

1 Samuel 22-23 David:  Was falsely accused by King Saul (who was insecure and jealous) of trying to dethrone him.  David proved himself to have courage and integrity and waited for God’s timing. 

Job’s  Job was innocent, but he was falsely accused by his friends who believed him to be guilty of sin. 

Jeremiah 37 Jeremiah was falsely accused of being a false prophet, and was imprisoned and thrown into a cistern which is like a dungeon. 

Jesus hung on the cross because of false accusations.  As our High Priest - - If you have ever been falsely accused, know that Jesus sympathizes.  Jesus is the one who intercedes on our behalf to the Father. 

In our city we view homeless people on the street; some through no fault of their own, some because of wrong choices.  Does God care?  Is Jesus concerned about those who are cold and hungry?   Does God want something better for them? 

As we meet our citizens, we must be careful not to accuse them.  If the Holy Spirit reveals something to you, be very cautious and use wisdom in dealing with the situation.

We come to pray over our city, because it is God’s WILL that no one perish.  We pray for their enlightenment, for eyes and hearts to be opened, and for God to move over our city with power.

Don’t Fret

From my notes I present an edited Sunday Morning Sermon by Pastor Allan

 

 

Pastor Allan began by reading Psalms 37:1, 4-5 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.  Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

The presence of the “Church” (you) in your neighborhood, can deter destruction.  We as Christians must Trust God as we delight in the Lord.

Fear has torment.  There is fear of failure, fear of rejection; “What will people think?”

The Bible tells us to be strong and courageous. 

The enemy desires to corrupt our city, and its citizens. However we must watch our attitude of complacency.  We get distracted from the real purpose and that is to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit over our city.  It is easy to get distracted when we see evil on the rise.  God desires that lives come to Him and become changed and made new.  God will take care of those who are evil.

Verse 2:  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

We see the wicked ones seem to prosper with their fancy cars, money and prosperity.

Don’t compare yourself to them.  On the surface we may not match up, but don’t pay attention to that.  Those things are not really important.  There will come a time when God will deal with evil doers.  Maybe sooner than you think.

1.     Delight in God and He will bless you.

2.     Commit your way onto God, for he will bring righteousness.

3.     Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

4.     Fret Not because of those who prosper.

5.     Cease from anger and forsake wrath. 

Verse 13: The Lord shall laugh at him: for he sees that his day is coming.

If those living in sin will repent; God will change his mind about punishing them. 

Sometimes when we see people who sin, in our hearts we tend to write them off, but God is merciful.

Delight first in God and He will give you the desires of your heart, however there are conditions and we need to be attentive to God’s voice.

In times past, Christians would show up every time the church doors were opened.  In our day, many churches only have one short service a week. 

We must be committed if we want to see people's lives restored.  Our young believers need to be discipled and taught in the Word.  They need fellowship with strong Christians and times of just hanging out. 

Don’t worry about what is going on across the street.  God will exalt you and take care of the wicked.  A car was stolen; another car was totaled in an accident.  Know that God is able to replace those things that are important to us.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Psalms 35:26 Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonor that magnify them-selves against me. Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

 

 

 

 

Feast of Tabernacles

From my notes I present a digested lesson taught at our church by teacher Linda and history supplied by Donald.

 

There was much joy and dancing at the Feast of Tabernacles

As we come to study God’s Word, our teacher reminds us to come with a teachable attitude.  We understand that the gifts of God are irrevocable.   

We do not celebrate the Jewish feasts, but it is good to study about them.  Our celebration is the Lords Supper when we celebrate communion representing the body and blood of Christ Jesus.  (Our teacher had brought baked bread with symbols from a press, and grape juice for our fellowship as the lesson was taught.)

There are seven important Feasts that relate to Jesus; 

1.     Passover (Crucifixion of Jesus.)     Justification

2.     Unleavened Bread (Burial of Jesus)     Sanctification

3.     First Fruits (Resurrection of Jesus)     Glorification

4.     Harvest (Descent of the Holy Spirit)     Power given

An interval of three (3) months - -   Current age of the Church

5.   Trumpets (Gathering of the Church)    Rapture

6.   Day of Atonement (Second Coming of Christ)    Jewish Remnant

7.  Tabernacles (Inauguration of the Millennium )    Earthly reign

 

As you study the feasts they fall into three clusters. The first three feasts Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits occur in rapid succession in the spring of the year over a period of eight days. They came to be referred to collectively as “Passover.”

The fourth feast, Harvest, occurs fifty days later at the beginning of the summer. By New Testament times this feast had come to be known by its Greek name, Pentecost, a word meaning fifty.

The last three feasts Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles extend over a period of twenty-one days in the fall of the year. They came to be known collectively as “Tabernacles.”

It was the time of the seven (7) day Feast, and Jesus stayed in Galilee.  But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

John 7:14   Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

There were questions by the Religious leaders, about how did he know all these things?

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me.

There was much murmuring about His teaching, and the Pharisees sought to take him.

Jesus asked why do you seek to kill me.  Their answer was, “You have a devil, no one wants to kill you.”

John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.   (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Many believed but others questioned, and there was division among them, some wanting to kill Jesus.

In the Old Testament tabernacle there was a golden candlestick.  Although this object is sometimes referred to as a candlestick, it was actually an oil lamp with olive oil burning in its seven lamps with flower shaped cups and a wick in each cup.  This item also had significance to Christ Jesus. 

Rev 1:13-15 And in the middle of the lamp stands I saw one like the son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire.  His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters.

The feast and celebration was a time of great emotional drama as the celebration was in full force.  There was great joy, as all danced around the water.  It was about this time that Jesus cried out “I am the living water, he that is thirsty come onto me.  I am the light of the world and anyone in darkness can come to the light.

There was great responsibility to what was being offered.  We have a choice today to heed the passion of Christ and come onto Him and receive all He offers.

God is With You in the Storm

I took notes and present a digested message by our Pastor Allan.

 

Storms Will Come - But Do Not Fear

I see God moving and He has great things for you today.  I want to encourage you to use your gifts.  There is a five fold ministry available.  Allow God to operate through you as He wills.  One person can’t do the whole job. 

There was a town meeting this week.  Raise your hand if you were there.  (Many hands went up,)  Our Christian mayor reminded us to “Follow the Money.”  It had been proposed for Oroville to accept the recreational use of Marijuana.  The church spoke up and it was voted down.  It is time to speak up on issues. The truth shall prevail,  I encourage you to stand for what is right and to show up and speak up. 

 

It is required of us to live righteously and shun those things that are harmful to us and to be good examples for our children. 

How was your week?  We had some trying times this week.  Our church electrical system went berserk, but God sent us help. A storm is sometimes powerful and wants to wash us away.  When storms come, keep your emotions in place.  Do Not fear, because God is in control.

Acts 27 tells us the story when Paul as a prisoner was being transported by ship to Italy.  When they arrived at a place called; The fair havens; Paul warned the Centurion to stay there and not venture out again, because sailing now could cause the loss of ship and maybe lives.  The owner of the ship convinced the Centurion to go on. 

 

Eventually they were caught in a bad storm and it was necessary to unload all the cargo.  When they ran into rocks the ship was broken up and the guards considered killing the prisoners, but Paul spoke up and said, that an angel appeared to him, and said no life will be lost if they waited until day break and used boards to float on and swim to shore. 

The storms of life are inevitable.  You think you are going ahead just find and bam.  At times we have failed to listen to the still small voice warning us to change course. 

 

However God can still deliver.  It is time to unload and throw out those things that hinder.  They might be good things, but they need to go.  What ever you are holding on to that you think you need, may instead need to be released and let go.

Every one of us needs encouraging to be willing to give up what God puts His finger on.

Guard your heart.  Ephesians 4:31, 32  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

It is time to stop being offended about every little thing.  That is of the flesh.  It is so easy to take offense at careless words spoken.  But we should not be so touchy and resentful. 

Deal with your personal sensitivity.

Here at our town meeting were some supposed to be leaders and pastors that were voting for unrighteousness.  God was saying; “I am exposing “false ministers.”  Oh me, oh my, I must find it in my heart not to judge, but to forgive and allow God to deal with them. 

Repentance and forgiveness should become a lifestyle.  Forgiveness will set you free. 

God does not want you to be abused.  We are not to lock our doors and hide from the world, and we must be willing to mix and take a stand.  However we are not to be best buddies with evil persons. 

 

I Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 

 

Proverbs 12:26 The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

There are some people you just may need to avoid. 

Don’t walk in fear over the “News broadcast.”  If they say, “We are in a recession.” You can say, God is my source and He is my provision.”

A motion light will turn on if you go near it, so it is best to keep away from it.  It is human nature to fear, but take your Spiritual position to NOT be afraid but to be bold and courageous.  Change your perception -  ‘I can go forward  - -  I can accomplish this.

Fear will keep you from doing stuff.  Of course there is healthy fear of danger, and use your common sense not to do foolish things.  The fear of God is actually awe and respect.

The culture of today is to accept and to be tolerant of evil and say it is okay.

The question is;  Who are you going to be?  Can you step up and be a God fearing believer?  God will help you through the storms of life.  You may need to set your sails in another direction, to break free of the way you are now going and make a new chart for your course.  Listen to God and not your friends, who are not really your friend.

As believers we need to learn to go deeper and begin to walk in the Glory of God.  Allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide.  Make a decision to show up for church, to set aside time for personal quiet time of Bible reading and prayer.  It is essential make that quality decision to encounter God; To be obedient and your relationship with God will flourish.

Keep a gentle spirit so you can freely enter into God’s presence and call Him Abba Father. 

 

 

God of Three Dimensions

From my notes I present an edited version of Robert Henderson's message for Thursday Afternoon at the Prophetic Conference: "What is Heaven Saying for 2018?"

 

 

 

There are Legal principles of the Holy Spirit to release God’s Will on Earth.

This year 2018 will bring forth a new break through, which is ever changing and always new.  The important thing is that God desires Fruit that will last.

What is working?  Here is the problem:  What are you looking at?  I am not talking about the news on the TV, but what are you seeing in the Spirit about what is going on in your world?  God desires to teach us to “Read the times.”  May God teach us to change the way we see. 

Be open, be bold in faith.  Jesus taught his disciples how to pray.  There are three dimensions in His sample prayer.

First, Honor God.  Men should always pray and not doubt.  What are you asking for - - God says he will do it.  Be persistent and approach the Father with boldness.

Prayer is NOT to get God to do something or to convince Him to give you something.

Find a quiet place and stay until God moves.

Prayer is Spiritually agreeing with God who desires to give.  There are three separate dimensions to prayer.

It is necessary to step into the spiritual dimension, in secret.  Once there is a shift of favor you will receive.  When we pray in tongues we are speaking mysteries, and you open up a new dimension. 

In English, I say what the Word of God says, then take your place and move into the realm of the Spirit.

John 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven--the Son of Man.

Jesus did not save us to get us ready for heaven, but for us to live for him now.  He gave us a commission to go forth and share the good news.

You have the capability to be in heaven and on earth at the same time.  What is the course of heaven?  There is certain protocol.

If you are born again, you are that special person referred to.  God does not dwell in buildings made with hands, but God dwells in YOU.  Your body is the temple of the Lord.

Jesus was trying to tell his disciples about the cross, about the Holy Spirit and power available.  They did not understand until they came and “Waited.”

Elijah was in prayer, then he went to King Ahab and said; “From this Spiritual Dimension I am decreeing thus and thus.” And it was so.

Go in and shut the door as you enter into the secret place, the spiritual dimension and seek; Abba Father.  Approach God as your Father who cares for you. 

Pray in tongues maybe for an hour.  The Spirit helps us how to pray. 

The first dimension is Worship:  “Hallowed be thy name.”  Seek Him, Thank Him for all He is and for what He has already done.

He will meet my needs, because He is my provider.

Approach Him as a friend, after you recognize Him as Father.  It is very important to be a friend of God.  “Because I am your friend, and you are my friend, I will do it for you.”

We don’t need the church to repent. - - We need a church to be a friend of God.

This is the second dimension, to take your place in the courts of God.  Speak out the decrees that He tells you.  Speak out God’s will on earth and the purpose of God.  Decree it on earth.

Jesus moved in more than one dimension.  He always knew what the Father was saying.

Daniel’s prayer was hindered because there was an adversary in another dimension.

Be sober because your enemy the devil walks about making noise, wanting to devour and trying to defeat the purpose of God. 

You were built for something more.  It is time to step up, draw nigh to God and resist the devil.

Fellowship with God first, then resist the enemy. Don’t waste your destiny with broken promises; time after time, over and over.

The enemy finds a weakness then beats you up over it.  He brings condemnation, so repent and do the first works again.

There were decrees made by your forefathers, that we are enjoying today, but it is time for us to make our own decrees.

The third dimension is the Kingdom and the Glory.  Bring down the destiny of heaven to earth.  Expand the atmosphere; enlarge the dimension as we enter the Holy Court.

Remove anything that hinders me from going forward.

Your blood cries out even as did the blood of Abel.  Jesus’ blood weeps for advancement.

Even as we stand before your throne, we thank you for the privilege to stand here.  We agree with the Testimony of Jesus and the Spirit of Prophecy.  Thank you, Father for doing it.   In Jesus Name amen.

 

 

What About Him?

 

 

As we met to pray over our city, today’s thought is not to point fingers at others, but to consider that God’s will is for all to be saved and become His children.   We realize there is a spirit of rebellion in our city and sometimes in us, so as we pray we take authority over all spirits that hinder our citizens from coming to Jesus.  We decree that hard hearts will become soft, and spiritual eyes and ears will become open to receive the Good News that Jesus loves them and desires them to follow Him. 

In Genesis 22  We have the story of God testing Abraham.  Due to Sarah taking things into her own hands, She and Abraham now have a teen age son Ishmael by her Egyptian handmaiden. 

Another year passes and according to the promise by the Angels, Sarah bares a son Isaac.  Time passes and when the child is weaned at about age 3 to 5, Abraham makes a feast for young Isaac and teen age Ishmael makes fun because he is jealous.  I can imagine this did not sit too well with the boy Isaac as well as his mother. 

Fast forward to God testing Abraham; asking him to sacrifice his only true son.  By now Isaac was old enough to ask questions, and to think.  No doubt he may have figured out what was going on, and the thought probably came, “What about him?”  Why not sacrifice Ishmael and not me. 

Up until the Angel appeared and told Abraham to stop, things did not look so good. 

There are times we might look at others being blessed and wonder – “Where is mine?” 

We might see others getting answers to prayer and ask, “What about me?” 

We may hear of other cities and churches in revival receiving visitations from God in amazing ways. And we may ask “Why them and not us?” 

The main thing is to rejoice that God is on the move and know that we are to be included.  If you truly want answers to your prayers, be happy and glad when others are experiencing break through because our encounter with God is on the way.

 

There was the occasion where Jesus had risen, and prepared a breakfast on the beach for his disciples.  Three times He asked Peter if he loved him and Peter answered with various degrees of love, finally we read in the next verses: 

John 21:19-22 And when Jesus had spoken this, he said unto Peter, Follow me.

Then Peter, turning about, saw John the disciple whom Jesus loved following,

Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?"

Jesus answered, "What is that to you? As for you, follow Me." 

Sometimes it is just is none of our business.  What is our business is to love one another and pray for one another as we follow Christ Jesus. 

It is not up to us to question “Why,” because the promise is out there as we pray and make our declarations over our families, over our city and over our nation. 

Mark 16:17-18  And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues.  Any harmful thing that comes against them shall not harm them and they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

What Does the Blood Represent?

 

A ribbon of crimson blood runs through the Bible from Genesis to Revelations.  It is the blood that was needed to atone for sin.  God himself slew the first sacrifice when He made coats out of skin to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve.  Our study has been in John and we consider Jesus calling himself the bread of Life.

The Father sent bread from Heaven and that bread is Christ.  Jesus said I am the living bread and I am the bread of life. 

John 6:37-39 All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and he that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.  For I have come down from heaven, not to do My will, but the will of Him who sent Me.  This is the will of Him who sent Me: that I should lose none of those He has given Me but should raise them up on the last day.

These words from Jesus angered the religious leaders and they took up stones to stone him, but he passed through the crowd without harm.

In the Synagogue, Jesus took the scroll from Isaiah and read: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”  And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

The words of Jesus were bold and many wondered if by this He was declaring himself the Messiah.  Some believed and followed Jesus.

We read in John chapter 1 The Word (Jesus) was made flesh.  Some days later Jesus was speaking that He was the bread, and began to expound to those listening that to become one with Him, it would be necessary to eat my flesh and drink my blood.  Naturally the crowd could only think of the natural and not the spiritual application. 

This was confusion and a hard saying to understand, and many left and no longer followed Jesus.

Later Jesus gave the disciples an example as they partook of the last supper.  Take this bread and this cup of wine in remembrance of me of my death.

John the Baptist had been given a revelation from God regarding Jesus, when he pronounced; “Behold the LAMB of God who takes away the sins of the world.” It was revealed to John the Baptist that Jesus was to become the sacrifice and his blood would be shed for our sins.

When Jesus was arrested, he began to shed his blood even before he was nailed to the cross.  Cruel thorns were shoved on his head, and his back received many stripes.  His face was marred and bloody as they beat upon Him.  The nails in his hands and feet caused more blood to flow, and the final sword thrust into his side brought forth all the blood left in his body.

The fellowship of taking communion together is a symbol of remembrance of the broken body, and the blood Jesus shed for our redemption.

1 John 1:7 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 cleanses us from all sin.

Rev 5:9-10 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.  “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”   Notice that every tribe, tongue, people and nations are included in salvation, and those who receive Jesus are brought into His kingdom where they shall reign.   “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”

Romans 3:23, 26 reminds us that all have sinned but we have justice through the redemption by His blood. 

The blood of Jesus was complete payment for all my sins. 

Romans 3:25 whom God purposed for reconciliation through faith in his blood for the manifestation of his righteousness, for the remission of sins that are past, by the patience of God.

 

The More I Seek You

From my notes, I present a digested message by our Pastor Allan.

 

The More I Seek You, the More I Find You

 

When we search with all our heart, we shall find him.  The Glory of God is Shabbat which means rest and peace to our spirit.  The glory may seem like a blanket enveloping our spirit.

It is through Jesus death on the cross and his resurrection that we now have access direct to God our Father.  When Jesus died, the veil was torn allowing us entry into the holy of holies.

You may boldly enter the throne room and let Him change you.  Sit in His presence and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you.  God has something for you, but you must reach out and receive it.  May your life affect others as you radiate Christ.

Enoch walked with God and God took him where never man had been before.

The more we seek Him the more we find Him. 

Jeremiah 29:13-14 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  And I will be found of you, says the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, says the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.  

After all these years of following the Lord, I still need to go deeper.

Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shall seek the LORD thy God, thou shall find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

 Isaiah 58:2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

 

How do we go about seeking the Lord?

Church attendance is good.

Add to that your own personal reading and study of God’s Word.

Don’t eliminate portions of the Bible that you don’t agree with.  God’s Word is a living thing.  Take God’s word and store it in your heart.  Memorize important scriptures; such as John 3:16.

God’s Word is treasure, and there will be times you need it to guide, comfort, encourage and even exhort you.  Let the Word burn and purge and make you like Jesus.

God’s Word will produce fruit in you.   

Our responsibility is to share the Word of God.  When we are rebuked, by the Word, Stop and line up your life.   Hear God’s voice and obey.  Seek wisdom and with it seek understanding.

Treasure hunters give their whole life hoping to find treasure.

God’s blessing over His Word will bring us Spiritual and emotional treasure.  Because God is our source, He will provide provision for you.

Is Face Book controlling you?  I am not telling you to get off Face Book, but don’t allow it to take up too much of your time.

I challenge you to take one week off Face Book and fast Face Book.  What I am really asking you to do is to seek God, and get in the Word, along with some praise and worship at home. 

Consciously take steps to seek God during times when you were once wasting time.

14 years ago, I was running from God and I flipped on the TV and the program was a preacher who said, “Someone out there is addicted to Meth, but God is telling you from this moment on you are free.”  I said out loud,  “That is me.” And from that day I have never had another issue with Meth.

We are saved, but some of us carry issues.  God is our deliverer and offers us freedom.

There is a misconception that all Pastors are Saintly and Perfect, but the truth is we are human like you with the same struggles in life.

God is here today, and ready to deliver you.  Reach out and grab freedom.  When your mind begins to desire the old ways, remind yourself that you are delivered and walk in it.  God wants all of us, our Heart, Our Mind, Will and our strength.   

Matt 22:37 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.

Praise in the Storm

From my notes I present a digested message of our Bible Study at our Church

 

 

Our Bible Study lesson began with Matthew 14:22-36, John 6:16-21 and Mark 6:47-51. These are three versions of the story about the disciples leaving in their boat without Jesus; as He stayed behind to pray.

The darkness of night plus the wind and waves of a storm were giving the fishermen deep trouble.  Suddenly in the shadows they could see a figure of a man walking on the water toward them.  Fear struck their hearts thinking this must be a ghost, but Jesus spoke and said, “It is I, do not be afraid, but be of good cheer.”  

 

Peter still doubting, but exercising boldness, said, "IF it is you, bid me come to you."  Jesus replied, “Come,” and with courage, Peter made that leap of faith and began to walk on water toward Jesus.

 

However the circumstances of life overcame Peter as he took his eyes off Jesus, and he began to sink.  “Lord save me,” Peter cried.  Jesus reached out and lifted him up above his problems and together they walked to the boat.  Immediately the storm was stilled and the terrified disciples welcomed Jesus and Peter into the boat.  They worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Jesus was revealing to them His glory a bit at a time. 

The Children of Israel were just leaving Egypt and Moses requested God to go with them,  God said His presence would be with them in their journey.  Moses then asked to see the glory of God  Exodus 33:14-23  and God said:

“You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Later Moses met with God for 40 days on the mountain, and just being in God’s presence caused his face to shine.  The people were terrified to see the glory of God surrounding Moses. 

We must not judge the disciples or the people who were frightened of the glory, because at times we too are guilty.  We hesitate to take that extra step and enter the glory cloud where the Holy Spirit will be able to show us great and mighty things.

The disciples did not understand that Jesus was to become the sacrifice for the sins of the World.  They were being told almost daily, but their understanding was thickened and dull. 

 

When John proclaimed “This is the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world,” their ears were not attuned to receive truth.  They had a different scenario in mind expecting Jesus to take over the government and become King, so they were not open to hear the message of death and resurrection.

We question and ask:  Why is there suffering, pain, fear, emotional distress and death in this world?  Does God do this? 

As we look at Job, we see that it was the devil that caused destruction to Job’s family and his wealth.  God allowed this to happen, but God did not cause it.  This was a test to see how Job would respond if he lost children and worldly goods.   During the pain and suffering, God revealed himself to Job and taught him that through it all, God was still there with him.  God asked Job to lean on Him.  

 

God also asks us to lean on Him.  Trust is strong and God is revealing his glory to us as we seek Him.

Jesus wanted to take his disciples to a higher level of faith - - no matter what circumstance we are facing.  The disciples were like a yo-yo believing and doubting even after Christ death and resurrection. 

 

Jesus gently was opening up their understanding as he taught them for 40 days.  At Pentecost they were infused with the glory of God and began to realize that there was more and God was making his power available to them.

If we are in a storm of life, may we learn to praise God IN the storm as praise and worship will bring us peace, because Jesus is taking us safely to the other side.

God's Plan for 2018

From my notes I present a digested sermon by Pastor Allan Sunday Morning.

 

The atmosphere at church was charged with the presence of God, and Pastor hesitated to pull away and begin preaching.

 

He began:  I don’t know about you, but 2017 for many of us, we experienced bad things; Sickness, death, fires, and threats of a flood and destruction.  But through it all, God was protecting, and keeping us in His care.

 

We try to figure out things for ourselves and maybe we would have done things differently, but we must enter a New Year with eyes wide open with NO regrets.

 

There were positive things too in 2017.  We were encouraged about the unity at the prayer service at the State Theatre. 

 

Our attitude is important as we enter 2018.   Know God has a good plan for you – A Hope in God.  He knows exactly His plans, but it is important to stay in His will.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Psalms 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."

 

Understand that God always has YOU on His mind, for a good future, and that is good.
 

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

 

There are pressures, and we sometimes allow things in our life that should not be there.

God loves you and He desires you to be free from things that hinder you.

Psalms 145: 18-19 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

This New Year, continue to have conversations with God.  He desires to prosper and bless you.  Realize it is the enemy who does not want God to bless you.

 

Learn to claim answers to your own prayers, and don’t depend on Grandma’s prayers.

God desires to bless you, but there are conditions.  Walk in His truth and in His Way.  Keep a tender heart and keep seeking God.

 

At Christmas time, we turned on the TV and there was a program about “Treasure seekers,” who have given all their fleshly life looking for what may or may not be there.

 

The truth is that the treasures of God are real and not fantasy.  His will is to bless and his plans are good.

 

Seek Him and know He wants to be found.  Your Heavenly Father knows you need certain things. 

 

Don’t worry about tomorrow, but seek first the Kingdom of God and all these other things will be added onto you.
 

One of my favorite things is to listen to others tell of the great things God has done for them.  Serving God is exciting, with out ever a dull moment.

 

Lastly I would encourage you to ask, “What can I do for God in 2018?  How much more can I give?  Pray for your neighbors even those in conflict with you.  Show God’s love to others.  You might not be able to change the world, but let God change you. 

 

Without Love all good works are simply nothing.  You are missing it if you are not ministering with love.

 

God loved us and gave us His Son.  Receive the fullness of His love.  All service to God in interlinked with love.

1.     God loves you and has a good plan for you.

2.     Operate in His will to know what his plan is.

3.     Go deeper in God, seek His face

4.     Love others.

 

You might say:  “You want me to go where?  To do what?  You want me to give up that?

If you really want a deeper level then we must be willing to obey.

 

But someone hurt my feelings !!   Honestly so was Jesus hurt, betrayed, beaten, criticized, but He did not allow his hurt to stop Him from fulfilling His destiny.

 

What is holding you back?  Are you willing to set it aside and step forward?

I encourage you to engage in prayer daily.

 

Realize God’s plan for you is Good.