The Ugly Beautiful Cross. By Hazel Moon

When we view paintings of Christ on the Cross, we usually see a cleaned up version.  Actually  the cross and Jesus were covered in his blood.  His Sinless Holy Blood  that paid for yours and my salvation.

 

 

 

The cross of Jesus Christ was ugly splintered wood, spattered with blood, sweat, bits of flesh and possibly other body fluids.

 

Not a pretty sight, but that was not the most horrible part.  Other unseen things happened on the cross that affected you and me.

 

The SINS of all mankind were placed on Jesus as he hung on that cross and the sky turned dark with grief causing the most terrible thing to happen! 

Because His Father God could not bear to look down on this sight of Jesus carrying our guilt and our sin; God turned his back on Jesus!  

A thick Darkness covered the earth for three hours, and Jesus was completely alone and abandoned.  All had deserted him including his Father God.    "Father why have you forsaken me?" cried Jesus.    

When his friends and all others ran, Jesus could accept that, but NOT rejection by His heavenly Father.  That was too much to bear and it broke his heart.  

Jesus proclaimed that what He had been sent to do was done.  "It is finished" he cried.  I did it for “YOU” (your name here) the thoughts of “YOU” were in his mind and he could see into the future and view all those he was dying for. You and Me!

It was then his physical body died, and the temple curtain (veil) that blocked access into the Holy of Holies was torn from the top to the bottom by the finger of God.  Now we can enter boldly into the throne room and cry Abba Father. 

That cross reminds me of a horrible death, but I am so glad the story did not end there.  No the end was not at the cross nor at the grave. 

We know that Jesus rose again on the third day, full of life, power, forgiveness and love. The Angels declared, “He is risen as He said.”  


During the next 40 days Jesus proved to his friends and others that He was truly alive. 

On the mountain top, Jesus gave instructions and another promise, I am leaving, BUT, I will return to gather you onto myself.  Until then I am sending you a Comforter and guide.  The Holy Spirit will abide IN you and He will be also WITH you and shall never leave you.

Praise God we can celebrate Easter in all its magnificence. - -  

It is Resurrection Day, a Glad and Glorious Day.

 

 

 

Scattered Sheep

 

Scattered Sheep

Our Bible Study began with taking communion together.  Before each member was a small dinner roll and a glass of grape juice and the reading of Jesus saying this is my body and my blood, as often as you do this, take in remembrance of me.  Other scriptures were read by class members about the body and Blood as we partook.  Then together we prayed the Lords prayer.

Genesis 47:3  When Joseph brought his father and brothers to Egypt, the pharaoh asked, “What is your occupation?”  They answered, “We are shepherds.” 

Because the people worshiped idols and served other gods, Jehovah God was angry saying even the shepherds and animals would suffer loss.

Jeremiah 22:18-23  ^“The wind will drive all your shepherds away, and your allies will go into exile.” (This is God’s epitaph on Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: “Doom to this man! Nobody will shed tears over him, ‘Poor, poor brother!’)

Jeremiah prophesies against Babylon and the surrounding nations: Jeremiah 50:1-4  The land will lay waste. No one will live in it; both people and animals will flee away.

Our mind fights with our heart.  Self will and rebellion within us, desire to do our own thing.  To find peace, it is important to surrender to God’s will.  Cast all your care on Him and He will bring you out to a place of rest.

We are chastised when we do not follow through with obedience to what God is saying.

Each time the Children of Israel left God for other gods, and made onto themselves idols and images to worship – soon after they were taken into captivity.  Their fields ceased to produce and their sheep and cattle did not multiply. 

They were indeed broken and bleeding and in need of a shepherd.  Judgment followed their rebellion, and Israel was as scattered sheep deserted by their shepherd.

When repentance comes, God will avenge against those who come against you.

The children of Israel were oppressed in Egypt and supernaturally were delivered and told to serve the God who delivered them.

Moses appeared on the mountain to hear God and receive directions for a good life.  Turning from these “laws” would bring “Curses” and opposite of the blessings. 

The class was asked, “How are you “ministering” support and influence to encourage and disciple others?  How do you mentor your friends and family?  There was a time of sharing as each person was able to say a few words to encourage the members.

Each person is different and many times your influence is not known by you.  Understand that your example reaches far and leave the results to God.  It is not good to keep a list of your triumphs.  Allow God to keep the records. 

Why is it so important to be noticed by people?  Often achieving popularity becomes your reward.  It is best to know that God is watching you and He is please with your behavior.

God knows your name and it is important to learn the names of those you work with or attend church with.  Speak encouraging words to others using their name as you speak.

 

Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge

 

Today we Add One More Step - - -

 

Parents often step in when children are fighting, and even if their child is wrong, they will defend their darling.  God is like that.  God is not happy when others attack his kids, or mistreat them with words or actions. 

Most of us at one time or the other have been wrongly or even rightly accused of being a mean hateful person.  As a Christian, we even fester and fuss before letting it go, and quoting to ourselves, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.”  

God has a way of causing; “What you sow is what you reap,” to accomplish his purpose.

After Cain murdered his brother, God cut him off from his family members, and sent him and his wife to the land of Nod to become a vagabond.  Cain remarked “my punishment is “more than I can bear and people will want to kill me.”  God said, “No because whosoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.”

 

God is Long suffering, patient and kind, but many times in the Bible, God simply got “ticked off,” and rained fire and brimstone on those who sinned, such as the two cities Sodom and Gomorrah.  

 

Other times in his anger against blatant sin, He opened up the earth and swallowed whole families even though they were of the Children of Israel.   

God puts up with a lot of foolishness and nonsense, but eventually He says, “Enough is enough” and He takes action. 

In the New Testament, God struck Ananias and his wife Sapphira, dead because they lied to the Holy Ghost.   

There were other occasions when God was angry and ready to punish those who were disobedient to his will, or were harming one of his sons or daughters – but because there was an intercessor, his hand was stayed. 

While Moses was in the glory cloud face to face with God and was receiving the commandments and the law, - The Children of Israel provoked God as they quickly turned to worship the golden calves that Aaron fashioned for them.  Exodus 32:7-10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou brought out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted them-selves.  They have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.  And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people:  Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them:

Moses spoke up and reminded God of his promises to Abraham, and said, “What would the surrounding nations say about a God who delivers and then wipes out his own children.”

Moses was begging God “Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge.”

 

Luke 23:34 Jesus was terribly mistreated by his own people, and as he was dying on the cross, He cried out to God; “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”  He was asking God, “Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge.”

 

Acts 7:  Steven was mightily used of God performing miracles that upset the Jewish leaders.  As he spoke about Moses and the prophets and acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God who was killed by them, but now was alive for He rose from the dead - - they clinched their teeth, and began to yell and stone him.  As Steven lay dying, he saw Jesus reaching out to receive him, and he cried with a loud voice, “Lord Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge.”

 

Today as we prepare to pray over our city, let us ask God to have mercy on those who are living contrary to God’s will.  Ask God to NOT send vengeance on those who have been deliberate in their sinning and turning their back on Jesus.  Can we pray: “Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge.”

 

Understand that each of us as Children of God, when persons come against you and trouble you that we are not to retaliate, or “pay back,” but to leave the vengeance to God.  Romans 12:19-20. 

Often we find ourselves gloating and hoping that God will avenge us and “Get them good.”  We are happy to imagine how God will bring his wrath on them for hurting and offending us. 

I would like us to take an unusual step that we normally do not take:  Instead of desiring those who persecute us to suffer the wrath of God and His vengeance; Might we consider asking God to NOT hold those persons accountable.   

Yes, we are considering those really awful persons who have given you trouble - - Those mean and vicious persons who have maliciously said unkind things to you, told lies about you and your loved ones, and perhaps make fun of your faith in Jesus. Those persons who have stolen from you, abused you, harshly mistreated you; Those persons who showed you NO respect but wiped their feet on you. 

Can we find it within ourselves (through God’s love and mercy that resides inside us) to pray, Lord, Lay Not their Sin against me - - to their charge? 

 

I assume that in your heart you have already forgiven these persons or person who came against you. 

 

Are you willing to take the next step and intercede for them that trouble will not be their friend?  Because you are praying:  “Lord, Lay Not their Sin against me - - to their charge.

 

By His Stripes We are Healed.

Pastor Allan was ministering as I took notes and present an edited sermon.

 

 

It is important that we be in unity when God is moving in the service.  There are things we have to do that are required of us.  We recognize God is here and we enter into his presence.

I realize that during this season, we often are familiar with certain stories that commemorate the steps of Jesus toward the cross.  Isaiah 53 prophesies of Jesus being stricken, wounded and by his stripes we are healed. 

 

Recognize God had planned for Jesus to be the sacrifice before the world was created.  He knew what was in the hearts of man and what must be done to redeem “sinners.”

God had hindsight knowing Adam would fail and plunge us into a world of sin.  Know that your “Bad day,” is in his plan to bring you out. 

Every one of us has fallen short - - perhaps this week, or even today.

We need to press on and forward to be able to receive all God has for us.

Next Sunday is not about barbecue and Easter bunnies.  It is about those who visited the tomb and discovered He was not there.  He has risen as He said. 

We are having church, God has showed up and we have been edified, but now it is up to us to take God’s presence with us out to the streets.

Paul reminded us the greatest gift is Love.  We are not to be ignorant of this fact.  Lord teach us to love people, we thought we never could.

Our heart has an amazing capacity to store things.  A storage unit has rooms and some are locked.  God has keys to open up the secret rooms and expose those things that need to be dealt with.

Words hurt and we remember things said.  I remember when as a young boy wanting to preach, I was told, “You will never minister.  The doors were opened and my sponsor helped me apply to a known denomination to become a minister.  After reviewing my past, they made a decision that “You are not qualified.”  We can’t accept you because of your past.  Rejection hurts.  By His stripes you are healed.

Many of you today are in that position of feeling worthless, and not qualified.  Those feelings are simply not true.  You will never hear God say that about you.  He is pleased with you and promises to heal those areas of hurts. 

Paul reminds us that God uses the foolishness of preaching to win the lost.

I am no longer a people pleaser.  I am concerned only to please Jesus.

God calls and equips those who will come forward. 

God said, “Let US create man in OUR own image.”  God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were all active in creation and God does not make junk.  He knows all about you both good and bad and He desires to change you into a new person.

The simple truth:  If there is something in your life that makes you think you are NOT qualified; understand the enemy haunts us with condemnation in our “thoughts.” 

 

Realize God desires to use each of us to bless others.  All ministry is different.  Not all will have a pulpit ministry.  God will guide you and show you how to give a testimony here and there.  By His stripes we are healed. 

God desires to qualify you.  It is a decision of the heart to come to Jesus and allow His stripes to heal you. 

Come and then realize it is a process and a journey to walk with Jesus. 

Jesus is the qualifier and By His Stripes You are Healed.

 

 

Lead me Gentle Shepherd

 

 

Our Bible Study today was about the Good Shepherd our Savior.

The shepherd walks openly through the entrance and calls each sheep by name.

He leads them out to find green pasture and walks ahead of them. 

The Sheep know His voice and follow him willingly.

He gives them a walk with joy and abundance.

He lays down His life for them.

He knows each one personally.

He gives them Life Everlasting.

He accepts each one as an individual.

He protects them from enemies. 

Our teacher used her husband as an illustration as she recited the 23^rd Psalm.  Placing before him a beautiful plate with fruit on it.  She lifted the plate and set a round large doily for a table cloth under the plate:  “He prepares a table for me.”  She anointed his face with oil from Jerusalem, and combed his hair with a small soft brush.  She reminded the sheep that the shepherd was God loving him, caring for him and providing for all his needs; Bringing him fresh living water to drink, including a peaceful place to rest after receiving nourishment. 

Jesus used sheep and shepherds as examples of God’s love for us.  The heart of the Father is to lead, protect and give life, joy, abundance and supply our needs.

As events open for us to serve and care for friends, family and others, we can show God’s love.

We are called to be like Jesus and to be as a shepherd.

We considered the hireling who does not really love the sheep - - it is only a job.  There is no relationship - - only duty.

As we open ourselves to a personal relationship with our Father God, He offers us gifts of the Holy Spirit to bless others. 

Paul encouraged us to seek spiritual gifts and especially to prophesy.  Other gifts that often work with prophesy are the Word of Knowledge (knowing what you normally would not know) and spiritual Wisdom (unusual wisdom outside of your normal knowing), and discernment of all Spiritual things, (Revelation Knowledge of things going on that are not seen by the normal eyes.)

 

God in Three Persons

Edited Sermon from my notes as our Pastor ministered on Sunday

 

 

Pastor Allan reminded us that the next generation is rising up to minister.  All sorts of things are going on in our city.  People out there desire to see a real Christian with a deep relationship with God.

 

May I encourage you to hide God’s Word in your heart?  For years many have thought certain passages meant one thing, but all of a sudden the word has new life and takes you deeper in Christ.  Big nuggets of gold are discovered as we dig deeper.  I have read passages about gifts to the Church in Ephesians 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 
 

Also speaking of spiritual gifts available to each Christian:  1 Corinthians 12:4-6  Now there are diversities of gifts, there are differences of administrations, and there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all..(edited)
 

We understand that we serve a tri-un God in three persons; The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  This is easily illustrated with an egg that has a shell, but inside there is a yolk and the white.  There is one God, one Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 
 

John the Baptist baptized Jesus and we see Jesus in the water, and The Father’s voice from Heaven saying “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased,” and the Spirit in the form of a dove lighting on his shoulder.  This was a manifestation of all three persons.  In creation we also see God saying “Let US create.” 
 

Each person of the God Head, has characteristics different from the other.
 

God desires to be a Father to care for us.  God gave us the power of choice, but his desire is that we would love and follow Him.
 

Jesus told the story about the grieving father who allowed the prodigal son freedom to make choices, but he never gave up that the son would return and when he came home, there was great joy.
 

Jesus the Son voluntarily died on a cross and made provision for our sins to be forgiven.  Jesus promised that He would not leave us comfortless but would send the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
 

Some churches get skittish when you mention the Holy Spirit.  They hesitate to go further to experience the Gifts and ministries available.
 

There is so much to learn as we dig deeper, but as an overview today we address the three in one.  It is easy to emphasize the Father and Jesus Christ but to ignore the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit enters at salvation, and then there is more to come.  He baptizes to empower to be witnesses.  The Holy Spirit has gifts to equip as we walk worthy of His calling.
 

Our prayer life the Holy Spirit is important.  The will of the Father is made know to us as we pray.  When we know not how to pray, we might use our prayer language that will bring us direct to what God desires.
 

The Holy Spirit has more gifts to equip you to be a minister of the Good News.
 

We need to seek all three persons of the God head, because each has specific gifts for you.
 

The Father cares and provides for His children.
 

Jesus Christ the Son saves and forgives as well as heals and delivers.
 

The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, comforts and shares what is in the heart of the Father.
 

I want it all.  All that God offers is available to each of us.  Not just a Bi-line, but all that is offered if you seek and reach out to receive.
 

Don’t be scared to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and to empower you.  There is no fear to approach the Living God.  He lives in His Temple, and you are that temple.
 

At times we are faced with a decision to examine the truth and to confront what we once believed. 
 

We see strange things happen, and some manifestations that are new to us.  Some fall, some jump, others raise their hands, and some shake.  Be bold and diligently seek for all that God offers.  You will discover new strength, and fire to live courageously for God.
 

In days past we were called “Holy Rollers” as outsiders did not understand and made fun calling these people crazy ones.
 

There is a balance, so that when people come into church they will give God glory, so it is up to us to use wisdom as well as being led of the spirit.
 

Know that God desires to pour out His Holy Spirit on those who ask. 
 

 

Seek understanding by personal Study and take advantage of the services and meetings offered here at our church.

 

Revival

As I visited my friend Sylvia’s church on Sunday, I took notes as Pastor Gene Smith, Church of God in Selma, California ministered.

 

 

Revival is not always at “church.”  This is the gospel of Love, and the body of Christ extends all over the world. 

 

The center of things must take place in Jerusalem before Christ returns.  Prophesy is coming to pass and people are being stirred up. 

We are in the last days.  Jewish people will turn to the Lord as Zachariah prophesied.

Fear is everywhere.  Some people do not read the Bible or they would see how important Jerusalem is.  The country belongs to Israel and not to the Palestinians.

Jesus must be lifted up for people to believe.  Keep ready so as to not miss the rapture.

Isaiah 57 reminds us to take courage and to revive the spirit of our heart. 

Don’t be satisfied with things as they are, but reach out for more.  I must touch Jesus and plant my feet on higher ground.  I will take this mountain. 

God views “success” differently than we do.  Some ministers have large crowds but does their message change the people and is their walk different?

We can’t do a lot about the things happening in this world, except to pray.

We are all different, and we are all human beings.  We can have church as usual, with worship, special music and a nice message, but we must allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in and through us.

Let us stand on the Word and know that we know that we know.

The reality is we do not know what tomorrow holds, but we can safely place our trust in Jesus for He is the solid rock.

The Blind shall See

Bible Study Sunday Morning from edited notes. 

Donald and Linda - team teaching

 

Jesus took clay, added spit and rubbed it on the blind man’s eyes.  Then He gave instructions, “Now go and wash in the pool and you shall see.”

Jesus showed us how to live.  He gave us a new Law, the law of love.  Love God and love one another.

This amazing miracle brought many questions from the spiritual leaders of the day.  “Who healed this man?  Why was he healed on the Sabbath day?  Who do you say that he is?”

His parents said, “Ask our son, for he is of age and can answer for himself.”  They said this because they feared they would be put out of the synagogue.

The man who was healed, said, I do not know who it was, but he must be a prophet. He shared only what he knew and what was revealed to him.

The leaders cast him out of the synagogue for confessing Jesus was a prophet, but Jesus found him.  “Do you believe on the son of God?  The man asked, “Who is he that I may believe?”  Jesus said, “I AM he.”  The healed man, said, “Lord I believe.”

So many have hardness of heart and stubbornness saying, “I refusal to change.”  The healed man’s confession was progressive as he received more information.

The issue was the man was born blind, and it was assumed that he must be a sinner.  We must use caution not to create a god of our own making.  Tradition and past teaching forms an idol for us to worship.  Ancient Rome had many gods,’ and it was difficult to see Jesus as God. 

A few moments of encounter with Jesus changed this man’s life.

The big question is:  “Who do you say Jesus is?”

Pressing In



Pressing In - - -

 Pastor Allan was ministering as I took notes and present an edited message.

 

“We need to seek God’s voice, to hear Him, and to understand what He is doing in our city.  The Unity in the community prayer meeting; to pray over Oroville, was a success.   

This is only the beginning.  The first step is the hardest.  It is important that we operate in love in these meeting with other churches.  We are there to agree together that our citizens will desire to open up room in their hearts for God.

Expose yourself to teachers and classes we offer.  Recognize the prophetic, the teacher and the Pastor each give us a different view of life.  We need the total view. 

Reading today from Mark chapter 5.  In this woman’s case she had exhausted her cash flow spending everything she had to get well.  She said within herself, “If I can only touch Him, I shall be whole.”  She pressed in and because of the crowd she was pushed to the ground.  However she reached out and touched the hem of His garment.  “Who touched me?” said Jesus.

We must get to the point where we don’t care what others say.  We need to pursue God and touch Jesus.  We must be willing to give up everything to reach Jesus.  We must realize our self effort is not working.  Are you willing to give your all?  Can you say? “I need you Jesus.”

This woman was out of solutions.  Her last resort was to touch Jesus.  According to the “Law,” she was considered untouchable.  She was banned from the temple, and had no spiritual life.  She had two other strikes against her; She was a woman, and she was a bleeder.  To her it mattered not, she must press on.

She heard about Jesus and she responded.  According to her faith, she was restored.  “Go in peace and be free from your affliction.”

Have you ever been discouraged, to the point of almost no hope?   Come to a place where you can experience the presence of God.  She entered into the presence and received.

When you enter here in this church, and feel His presence, reach out and touch the Lord.  God’s presence is also in our city. 

Everyone has a God story to tell.  I want to encourage you to reach out and share with others what God is doing for you.

We are hearing testimonies of people entering this building and being healed from long term suffering as the service is going on.

God is the God to change impossible situations.  You may think you are the least and are not worthy, but know that God’s opinion of you is different.  He is ready to clean up what society sees as dirty.  God is tidy and his arms are open to receive you.  We must reach out for what ever is our situation in life.  You are special and we all need Jesus.

“Why would God want me?” you might ask.  Because He loves everyone of us the same.  You are His favorite you. 

So many believe the lies of the enemy who wants to keep us deceived.

God is making Himself known in our city.  He desires to reveal Himself real to each of us. 

You know who you are.  No longer resist Jesus, but reach out, press in and receive.

 

Today we met to Plead the Blood over our city. Not just ANY Blood, but the precious Blood of Jesus must cover our citizens, our families and our friends.

Only the Blood of Jesus will save, heal and make a person, whole in their spirit, soul and body.  His blood was pure, and did not have the nature of Adam.  The baby Jesus did not have any blood from his mother's blood from Adam. The blood of Jesus came from His Father who was God. 

This meant his blood was unique and was able to flow from Calvary and cover the sins of the world.  It is because of His blood that we may boldly enter the Holy of Holies and approach God for ourselves.

"Lord we plead the blood to cover our sick city.  I sprinkle the Blood of Jesus over broken hearts, sad attitudes, sin in all of its forms, and disease, virus, flu and all infirmities."

 Reading a portion from Hebrews 9:22-28 (KJV)
 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

 

THE CROSS BY Guest Roy Lessin

 

 

THE CROSS BY Guest Roy Lessin

 

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ”If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
 John 8:31-32 (NKJV)
 

 

The deceiver tells me I am good enough.
The cross tells me I am a sinner and I need Jesus.

 

The deceiver tells me there are many ways to heaven.

The cross tells me there is no other way for me to be saved.

 

The deceiver tells me to keep following what feels good.
The cross tells me I am lost without Jesus.

 

The deceiver tells me I am innocent.
The cross tells me I am guilty and need Jesus.

 

The deceiver tells me I can save myself.
The cross tells me I need a Savior.

 

The deceiver tells me Christ’s work is incomplete.
The cross tells me it is finished.

 

The deceiver tells me I am condemned.
The cross tells me I am justified.

 

The deceiver tells me I cannot be made clean.
The cross tells me the blood of Jesus cleanses me from all sin.

 

The deceiver tells me I must work for my salvation.
The cross tells me it is by grace alone.

 

The deceiver tells me my life will never change.
The cross tells me all things will be made new.

 

The deceiver tells me to be true to myself.
The cross tells me that I am not my own.

 

The deceiver tells me I can do as I please.
The cross tells me I have been bought with a price.

 

The deceiver tells me God is against me.
The cross tells me God is for me.

 

Friend - God is FOR YOU - Just receive Jesus.

The empty tomb tells me

He is risen and He is Alive !!

Prophets Old and NEW

Edited from the Lesson during the praying over our city.

I just returned from a Prophetic Conference at Bethel, Redding, California, and at our meeting "Praying Over our City," I gave a short review:

One of the speakers reminded us that Super Natural is not Super Weirdo, but Natural to the Spiritual Person. And we are SPIRIT, live in a body and have a Soul.   God speaks to us in our spirit but often it seems like it is our own thoughts.
 

The prophets in the Old Testament often warned but they also could ‘see’ into the future and would tell what would happen.  Samuel saw Saul’s lost donkeys and told him they were safe. Many times their message was full of gloom and doom. 

New Testaments prophets are to speak positive good words of what is in the heart of God as they listen to His voice.
 

Jesus is still speaking today, even though He is in heaven.  Of course He speaks through the Word, but today more and more Jesus speaks to the Believer in their inner person by His Holy Spirit; guiding, comforting, directing. 
 

 

Peter is preaching:  Acts 3:21-22 God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.  For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 

 

(Notice at the time Peter is preaching this, Jesus is in heaven doing all His speaking from there to the listening spiritual ears of believers.)

Hebrews 1:1-2  God, who at former times and in divers manners spoke unto the fathers by the prophets,  Has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 

 

(Again Jesus is speaking to us from heaven and we must prophesy the words He is saying to us.) 

Revelations 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
 

 We have at least 3 witnesses saying that the spirit of prophecy is the testimony (or words) from Jesus speaking from Heaven to your heart so you may share them at appointed times. 
 

God is rising up a Prophetic Culture of Believers who are learning to listen and then speak out the Heart of Jesus over situations.
 

I shared a bit about something interesting at the Prophetic conference.  A group of the students from the School of the supernatural were on the platform and were asked how they saw or heard before they would prophesy.
 

One young Asian woman said she loves numbers and the Lord often shows her numbers about a person as she illustrated. She gave 4 numbers and said it is part of an address and asked if it meant anything to anyone in the audience. A gentleman stood and said yes. She proceeded to give the street name and the man said, yes that is my church. She said, is your name Joshua, and he said yes. Each time, she gave praise to Jesus for telling her about this man. Then she prophesied that something was going on in his church, but The Lord was making it alright, and his ministry would grow and be blessed.

 

Actually this was a combination of two spiritual gifts. The word of Knowledge (knowing something you would not normally know.) and prophesy telling the person what God is willing for them to have in the future.

 

Then we had the lesson and something stirred within me. The name Edith came to my mind, and I asked if the name Edith meant anything to the ladies sitting there.  All seemed puzzled - - So nothing.  I said, “Well that was a test.” (Test for me to learn to obey.)  Awhile later one of the ladies said, “What if she was my friend, but she is now in heaven?” So we rejoiced that Edith is in heaven. I suggested we all need to learn to develop our listening and see what God will do in our midst.
 

After the meeting we dismissed, and I turned and started to re-enter the church because I thought I had forgot my bottle of water. I opened the door and Pastor Allan said, is there anything you need sister? I said, No, I thought I forgot my water, but the Lord just told me that I put it in my purse. Back to the car - - and sure enough there it was.
 

Learn to Listen to God's voice and go ahead and give God credit for telling you.