Be Strong in the Lord

Sunday at Open Door Church, Pastor Allan was speaking from his heart as I took notes.

Battles come and when we don't know what to do, we rely on Psalm 1. 

"1. Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law he meditates day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper." 

Do you ever feel what you are doing for God is not enough?  We are not a mobile church.  75% of our members are involved in ministry outside this church.  Things are happening outside our walls.  We are always busy.  Sometimes when we sit down in church it is the first time all week we have sat down.  We are seeing God work in our city and in our neighborhoods.

God is activating "The Church" to touch lives.  God's purpose is to change lives and bring our citizens out of darkness into His light.

We see the gifts of the Spirit bringing more power, and we are experiencing power to touch people. 

We get tired in the physical and if we are not careful, we minister out of ourselves instead of in His strength.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God that you might stand and not fall.  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

Move "In Christ," or you will find yourself beat up and discouraged.  When you step out into the enemies territory, expect attack.  That is why you must be equipped, and covered with the blood as a supernatural covering and protection.   When God moves, so does the devil. 

Early this morning as I stopped to pick up my coffee, there was an aggressive person acting up to disturb me and distract me from today's Godly purpose.

That is why you may experience conflict, because the enemy is upset with you, but know that God is pleased with YOU.

Don't feel guilty, just know you are doing something right.  Just be yourself and don't fear to join in with other believers to unite with you and bring strength.  We need one another.

We must train our minds to be focused on the Word and stay in His Presence.  Keep charged up as we labor together.

Be careful not to take on more than God asks of you. 

The world is needing Jesus and we are to bring Christ to them.  We work with other organizations during the week to do this.

Reminder:  This is your home church and you need to come here to re-group.

Take time for your family, have fun, but also take time to teach your children at home God's Word. 

Our Sheriff has certain things in his office: A vest, helmets, weapons, and authority to exercise them.  We have God Spiritual Armor to use and to protect us as we go out in this world.

Our Sheriff has certain things in his office: A vest, helmets, weapons, and authority to exercise them.  We have God Spiritual Armor to use and to protect us as we go out in this world.

At times we are tired and discouraged, when we labor in our flesh we will have adrenal failure.  That is 'burn out' which is not good. 

We must step 'into' Christ and put on Jesus allowing Him to do the work through us.  

There are other times we need to take a break and have some quality time with family and friends.  Even then we are being equipped to become strong in the Lord.