Sing O' My Soul

Sing O' My Soul

Pastor was teaching from Psalms 147 as I took notes and present an edited sermon.

As we sing praises to God, our very breath is used as an instrument.  He heals the broken hearted, and takes pleasure in them that honor Him.

We can stand firm on the Word of God:  He send forth His commandments, He melts the ice with His Word.  He causes the winds to blow and the waters to flow, Praise you the Lord.

May we examine the results of Praise.  Praise brings life where there was once death.  Praise takes us to a higher level and shows us things we have never seen before.

We are seeing miracles which are good, but we are also seeing souls come to Jesus.  As we desire the presence of God in our lives, in our homes and our extended families, God is showing up and bringing blessings.

Seek Jesus, the giver and the gifts will follow.  So often our prayers are "Give us our request."  Focus on Jesus and His Kingdom and all these other things will come to you.

There will be those who criticize and say, "Maybe you shouldn't do that."  Pay them no attention, and praise God anyway.

I had a visitor this week, one of our neighbor's who came to apologize for breaking one of our windows sometime back.  We had a nice talk and I presented how we are reaching our citizens for God.

We have the ability and the means to blanket our neighborhood for Jesus.  We need help with our workers before church as they serve a meal to those who are hungry.  We will need team leaders to go door to door as we co-operate with other churches in the coming month.

We need money for a new roof and other repairs.  We need mega dollars to purchase this building and to expand to fix the parking lot.  We need classrooms, and our house must be in order as in the early days of Acts.

We need to be ready to accommodate the people to the best of our ability and to disciple them to follow Jesus as He desires.

We need qualified people to step up.  We desire more of God's presence and that is where we start as the Glory of God is ushered into our midst.

There are times we are so focused on the storm that we miss out on the Glory walk.

May we keep our eyes on Jesus.

Pastor called for those who desired prayer to come forward and our leaders came ready to pray with them.

Forgive to be Forgiven

Forgive to be Forgiven

Our Bible Study at Church centered around Forgiveness as I took notes and present an edited message.

 

Matthew 18:21-35 The disciples asked Jesus "How often should we forgive?  Perhaps seven times?  Jesus answered, Not seven times, but seventy times seven would be the truth.  

Then Jesus told the parable about the King who reviewed his accounts of those who owed him, and demanded payment of one of his servants.  Since the man had nothing to make the large payment, the king demanded the man and his wife and children be sold as slaves so the debt could be paid. 

The man wept and begged the king not to do this, and the King was moved with compassion and forgave the man his debt. 

Soon after the man remembered a fellow servant who owed him some money and cast the man into prison.  When the King learned of the unjust servant's  unkind and wicked action toward a fellow servant, the king  said, I forgave you, and your should have forgiven others, now you shall be turned over to the tormentors.  The man paid dearly for his un-forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a spiritual gift from God to you, and in receiving God's forgiveness we ought to forgive others.

As Jesus hung on the cross of shame, he cried out, "Father forgive them because they don't know what they are doing."

I shared a time when a family member showed me disrespect and the verse came to mind, vengeance is mine and I will repay says God.  God asked me,  "Do you want me to get them for you?"  Immediately, I said, NO please do not hurt them in any way, because I forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.  It was time to let it go so I did and prayed that they be blessed.

When you are betrayed, hurt or sinned against, it is not time to "Pay Back."  It is understandable that you may be upset and angry - - but allow yourself to settle down and realize the person is not your enemy, but Satan is the enemy and he is the one who motivated them to do the wrong toward you.

In life we have choices everyday, and we are to chose to forgive.  Yes, there are times we need to work through situations, and other times we need to quietly sit and talk without judgment and gain understanding. The person may have a distorted view and be willing to consider your point of view and possibly change their opinion.

Allow God to bring direction and wisdom to you in all your state of affairs so that you will be able to live in peace and calmness.

A Wandering Mind will Fantasize

    
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A Wandering Mind will Fantasize  by Hazel Moon at our Praying Over our city Meeting.

As we gather to pray over our families, our city, State and Nation, may we be encouraged to continue to intercede because God is working.  Today I desire to consider our minds and the minds of our citizens and how they often wander. 

The Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their refusal to believe the messengers of truth.  The promises were all in their favor, but instead they Fantasized a picture of failure and defeat.  In their minds they saw the enemy as too big to overcome instead of realizing everything ahead of them was success and that God was on their side - - and they believed the evil report.

Imagination can be both good or bad.  As we pray over our city, we must be able to SEE with our Spiritual eyes into the land of failure and defeat and take a positive VIEW of our citizens - seeing them as ABLE to stand tall, strong.  To see them able to turn their backs on the old ways, and to acknowledge Jesus as their deliverer and King.

Luke 7:31-32  Jesus asked:  "To what can I compare the people of this generation?" Jesus asked. "How can I describe them?   They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.'

What does the word Fantasize mean?  It can mean to: Daydream, visualize, let your imagination run wild, romanticize, invent an event, re-live a happening and try to change it,  make believe, pretend, look forward to and expect something different.  Fantasy is a state of being somewhere else in their mind.

Fantasizing happens only in our minds, it is not real, but it is the place where decisions can be made to change into reality.  A troubled mind takes truth but changes it, diluting truth into something  more comfortable - - Another Gospel.

Isaiah 21:4 My mind is wandering, fear has overtaken me - -   May we consider what is a wandering mind?   A mind that is confused and does not want to face up to truth so the mind leaves and seeks comfort usually in self pity thoughts.

A wandering mind can become confused and fearful of change.  A lazy mind is happy where it is at and does not desire to leave.  When faced with a decision, a wandering mind goes instead - - here and there searching for something to cheer them up (often with entertainment, food, drink, drugs, or sex).   The Bible speaks of being weak minded as being afraid to face truth and accepting replacement ideas instead of Godly views.

God is in the business of changing minds that are REPROBATE, minds that are Confused, Feeble, Discouraged, Sick, ILL, and Have Given Up.

What is a Reprobate Mind?  First of all, it is a mind given over voluntarily to lust of all kinds such as:   Homosexuality, perversion, pornography, adultery.   Once given permission, the devil has taken his evil fingers and placed them inside the mind and twisted and perverted it to become something that it was not before.   To effect a change for this situation there must first be a desire to change, and a willingness to allow the finger of God to unwind the mind back to its normal stance.  God can take a corrupt mind and reverse it - - making it new.

The healing power of the Holy Spirit can and will change disabled minds that seem not to be able to focus on the things of God. 

God desires to correct Those minds that cannot pay attention, to restore to a right mind those who are mentally off balance.  God desires to quicken and make alive those minds that are deformed and not fully developed and change them into a normal and right mind.

The Bible gives us instruction about our minds and our thoughts. 

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Instead of Fantasizing, as we pray over our city, may we FOCUS and keep our eyes on Jesus and his desire to restore to right minds all those who wander in their familiar and comfortable darkness.

Today let us speak to troubled, wandering confused minds in our city and charge them to allow the Holy Spirit to make corrections for the better.

I speak to Reprobate minds in our city, to understand that Jesus loves you and desires you to come to Him for change.  I speak to undeveloped minds those with attention deficient problems and unreal obsessive thoughts to come into conformity of God's will for your life.

I speak to minds that seem to be hard and settled in cement and not willing to change, that they shall be softened and made pliable and ready to do God's will. 

May there be willing minds to follow Jesus and the Good plans He has for his children.

In the name of Jesus I speak against negativity in all it's forms and call into existence the positive right mind of Christ that Jesus desires that we have in us - - the very mind of Christ.

Thank you Father that you are now working in our citizens and in our own minds to bring us to a place where you desire us all to be and to become - - One with You in Spirit and in Truth and in a Right Mind.

Unity not Division

Jesus heals today.  Pastor was speaking as I took notes and present an edited message:

God is taking care of the details.  Sometimes we put a lot of faith in our doctors.  Pastor shares: Our daughter broke her elbow, and her ex-rays showed torn shoulder and broken bones.  After a few days and a follow up because of another fall, there was no tearing of the shoulder and no chip on the elbow. - - Nothing - - God is still in the healing business.

Today it is good to focus on our church Open Door.  God is moving in our city and our neighborhood churches but we are to focus today on Open Door Church. Don't limit God.

There are times we co-operate with special events, and may I encourage you to attend the Saturday walk in the Park and ministering to the homeless with the tent service. 

Our churches are planning an October outreach and we plan to be a part of that effort.

However as we focus on what is happening here at Open Door, we are seeing people delivered, so what happens?  The enemy attacks and we must realize it is not personalities, but it is Satan behind it all.  Health issues take up our time, to stress us and divide us instead of unite us. 

Open Door Church is your home.  The enemy tries to divide and miss-direct, divide families, taking sides, going here and there instead of keeping our focus at "home."

We understand the community has needs, but keep focused on Jesus Christ for Jesus is our walk.  What is happening is division when we leave "home," to go take care of our neighbor instead of our own family church.

Where there are personality conflicts, go to your  brother, not complaining and gossiping, but to talk things out so that there is understanding and not hurt feelings.

How sensitive we are at times; but understand that Jesus didn't allow "things" to bother him.

The young immature Christian needs to understand that God gives us understanding and we are to "let the silly things go."  We are to grow up and mature in Christ.  Yes there are times we have a different point of view.  We can talk about it, but talk probably won't change your opinion.  Instead let us look to the Word of God for clarification and allow for the weak brother.

We hold on to things that we need to release and let go.  God wants to remove these things that hinder his working.  The Holy Spirit is our teacher and as we listen to Him, He will show us His will.

What is really important?  Seek Wisdom, Seek to experience the Glory of God.  All else is really not important.  It is a time for unity and not to be divided, going here and there chasing the glory.  We need the Glory here.

In the book of Acts, they were all in one accord and the Holy Spirit came.  They weren't all perfect, but they were open to instruction.  I am convinced that
Relationship is most important.  

(Praying:) God you know my heart, and you bring the joy of salvation.  Recognize our heart is in this home, and you are a part of it.  What ever it is that I am doing that is "off line,'  pull me back to be connected to your Holy Spirit and to  your plan, Fill me with your strength, your energy, joy, enlightenment, revelation and anointing.  

May God bless His word for today. 

Why are Some Prayers Not Answered?

From my notes during our Bible Study, I present an edited message:

To abide can mean:  Remain, Lodge, continue, sojourn, endure and await.

Jesus practiced abiding with His Father, each day, early in the morning.

We are to consider following his example so that we too may be able to draw strength and sustenance from the vine and bear fruit.

In our Bible Study each student participated by taking a promise from a small promise box; reading from it and commenting on what it meant to them. 

We discussed prayers and why some prayers seem not to be answered.  What might block our prayers.

1. Husbands in their treatment of wives:  1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

2.  Lifestyle (not taking proper care of ones body:)  Addictions: fornication: Anger and wrong thinking.

1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

3.  Diet  Proverbs 23:20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags,

4.  Not getting enough sleep;  Psalms 127:2 For so He gives His beloved sleep. 

5. Stop sinning:  John 5:14:  "Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."

6,  Unforgiveness:  Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

7  Fasting may be needed: Mark 9:29 "This kind only comes out by prayer and fasting."

Jesus was baptized by John with Water, then the Holy Spirit came upon Him setting him apart for His earthly ministry.  John declared:  Jesus will baptize believers with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Jesus then went out into the wilderness for a 40 day period.  He enjoyed the environment, and the animals in the desert, and took time to meditate on the Goodness of His Father God.  

During that time Jesus was tested by Satan who tried to tempt Jesus to sin and worship Satan.  Jesus quoted scripture and would not yield to the devils urging.  

After 40 days, angels came and ministered to Jesus bringing him bread and drink.

Jesus rejoiced to find one lost sheep.  It is a big deal to be saved from hell. 

John 15:11.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Celebrate the fact that Jesus completed the Father's plan, and now He comforts and abides in us, and offers us Spiritual gifts to use.

Strength From Above

Strength from Above

Today's message is to encourage Prayer Intercessors to draw strength from the Heavenly manna found in the secret place of worship.  It is there that we are refreshed as we drink from the living water and feast of the Bread of life.   Let us be reminded that it is not in our own strength that we minister, but we are empowered with the Spiritual manna and living water that enables us to touch heaven and bring heaven down to earth.

I am reminded of the happening in 1 Kings chapter 19:   King Ahab told his evil wife Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I don't make your life as the life of one of them by to-morrow about this time.  And when Elijah saw that, he arose, and ran for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, and left his servant there.  But he fled a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper-tree: and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is enough; now, O Jehovah, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.   Tired and upset as he was, he lay down and slept under the juniper-tree; and, behold, an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there at his head was a cake baked on the coals, and a cruse of water. And he did eat and drink, and laid down again. And the angel of Jehovah came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you. And he got up the second time, and did eat the Heavenly manna and drink the water of life, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights until he reached mount Horeb; and God met him there.

As intercessors, there are times we find ourselves exhausted, and discouraged over some remark by others, or we enjoy a pity party thinking "What Good are my prayers anyway?"  Perhaps we need to find that secret place again under the Juniper tree of life and eat the Heavenly provision baked by the angels for us there, and drink the refreshing bubbling water of life that springs up like a fountain.  In the strength of that heavenly food, we shall continue with our mission to storm the gates of hell and awake the sleeping and lost to receive Jesus.

I was reminded of Gideon who thought he was weak and not able to conquer the enemy. But The LORD  turned to him and said, "Go in the strength I give you, and deliver my people from the power of the enemy.  Don't forget that it is, "I Am" who is sending you?" 

Peter urged us to get into the Word of God; "like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation."  (1 Peter 2:2)

In Hebrews chapter 5, we are encouraged to go deeper into God's Word and grow; For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

David in the Psalms reminds us that God prepares a banquet with NEW wine and meat for those who seek after righteousness.   This is why it is so important after receiving Jesus, to seek for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the NEW wine that causes us to become bold and confident.

Jesus declared in John 6:51; "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever ...  We know the symbolism in the Lords supper and the communion that represents the body of Christ and the life giving Blood of Christ that was shed for our sins, and for our healing.  There is strength and power in the communion sacraments.

Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 10:4 And all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ.

John in Revelation chapter 2 declared:   'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.'   Yes to him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna.

The Prophet Isaiah reminds us:  But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31
 

God told Joshua (Joshua 1:9)  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

 

Galatians 6:9 encourages us "Be Not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."  - -  Be not weary in praying for your family, your friends, your city, State and your nation, because soon you shall reap a harvest.

When we are tired, there is a secret place of rest, of abiding where we soak up His presence and can expect to be energized as we relax and partake of heavenly food prepared for us by the angels.  Then we rise up and go forth in strength to strength and are made strong by His might; so that we are able to pull down walls, tear up barriers and rescue those who are perishing.

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Oh Ye of Little Faith

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Oh Ye of Little Faith

Jesus looked for faith, and at times he found great faith, but other times he was making a statement by saying: - "Oh Ye of Little Faith"   He was not surprised at their lack of faith, but he found it necessary to bring this to the attention of his believing disciples as he made a point:

On the mountain, Jesus was preaching about worry and anxiety and said: O ye of little faith? “Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

On another occasion while Jesus was peacefully sleeping on a boat, the disciples woke him up frantically saying, Don't you care that we are perishing in this storm?  And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”

One time the disciples had forgot to bring bread.  Jesus replied: “O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Don't you understand, and remember the feeding of the five thousand, and also the four thousand.  Must I remind you that I am your provider?

1.  Let us consider our necessary need for provision; for food, water and clothing

2.  Let us consider our need for safety from danger

3.  Let us consider our search for truth that will bring results

Today I encourage you to pray over your city, your State and your country with its great needs:  Provision, safety, and truth.  It is important to come believing that our bold prayers are reaching out to make a difference.   I am reminded that at times we are faithless and weak but do not get discouraged:  Take a look in the book of Acts chapter 12. 

King Herod was anxious to please the Jews, so he killed James the brother of John, with the sword, and when he saw it pleased the Religious leaders, he put Peter in prison, with four squadrons of soldiers and guards, chaining his hands before bringing him to trial.

Peter's Christian friends held an all night prayer meeting on his behalf requesting God to intervene.  About midnight, while Peter was calmly sleeping, an angel touched his side and said, "Put on your shoes, and get your coat, because we are leaving this place."  The chains that bound Peter fell off, and He quickly obeyed the angel, thinking he was seeing a vision.  The heavy iron gates opened of their own accord, allowing them to pass, and at the main road the angel disappeared.  It was then Peter realized this was real; so he headed to the house where the Christians usually met and knocked on the door.  

A young girl named Rhoda, came to the door but not opening it, she ran to tell those who were praying, "It is Peter at the door." 

Their response was one of doubt and unbelief - - That can't be true, that is impossible, we know he is in jail.  Rhoda exclaimed, come see for yourself, it is he.    Finally they opened the door and Peter told them how the angel came and set him free.  After a time of rejoicing, Peter left to go to another place of safety. 

We must not be too harsh in our judgment of Peter's Christian friends, because we have been there and done that.   It is time to remember when the fire fell on the day of Pentecost - To remember the conversion of Saul to Paul, to remind ourselves of the times we have seen God deliver us from a spirit of doubt and instead pour out upon us a spirit of faith, confidence and assurance.

Let not your heart be troubled, know that if God has ever done it before - He will do it again.  May I encourage you to come pray over your city believing that chains will fall off its citizens, and angels will escort men and women from their prison of sin and shame to follow Christ Jesus.  Be strong and boldly use your faith and know your prayers matter.

Pruning the Vine

                   This post is digested from my notes during our Sunday Bible Study

So That You Will Bear Much Fruit

Our Bible lesson was from John 15, and we were considering the Vine and the branches. 

We also considered trees that produce fruit such as the olive tree that brings us olive oil used for healing, anointing as well as cooking.  

Then there is the almond and walnut trees which are harvested by using machinery to shake the tree causing the nuts to be collected. 

This shaking at times may seem violent to the tree, and as we apply it spiritually, we at times are shaken so that we will produce fruit.

The husbandman prunes the vines, carefully taking away the dead branches so that fruit will blossom and grow bountifully.  

We liken the cutting away to our selves as God trims us of attitudes, habits, wrong thinking and false teaching so that we may prosper.

Are you willing to allow God to prune away selfish pride?  Are you agreeable to release Man's plans and error that we may have picked up?  Are you willing to accept flat truth, and not tainted by opinions of others?

The vine has good roots that go deep, and it is fed by the living water and the warmth of the son/sun.

Jesus said, you are clean through the word, and IF you abide in me, you shall ask what ever you will and I will do it for you.  The big question is; "If you abide?"

The Father gave authority to Jesus and Jesus gives authority to us.  Go forth and produce.

Jesus walked in the Glory because he met early each day with the Father and soaked in His presence. 

Jesus promised, 'I will give you another comforter and He may abide with you forever.  I will not leave you comfortless.

Jesus said, all things the Father has, are also mine.  The Holy Spirit shall take of mine and show it to you.  The Holy Spirit will reveal truth to you as you are open to his will.

We are reminded that Jesus was hated without a cause, and at times we might be criticized, or made fun of.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, and understand there is nothing that can separate you from his Love and His care.

Communion is More than a Ritual

Pastor was ministering as I took notes.  

He was reading from 1 Corinthians 1:26,27  "Not many wise, not many noble are called, but God has chosen the foolish things to confound the wise;   (Or those who claim to be wise) - - and He has chosen the weak things to confound the mighty.

Pastor said, I am speaking about our relationship with Jesus.  We must seek Jesus daily and not just on Sunday morning.  Each of us has a responsibility to prepare our hearts and minds to become equipped to share with others about Jesus.

May I encourage you to take the Bed Rock Prayer walk on Saturday night.  God is revealing things going on in the neighborhood. 

He is calling you to step out, not necessarily because you are ready - - (yet.)

2 Corinthians 5:21 He made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we may become the righteousness of God In Him.

1 Corinthians 1:30  Grace and peace be to you, but from Him you are in Christ Jesus who for us became wisdom from God, as well as our sanctification and redemption.

As we prepare to take communion today, may we remember His death and all He accomplished for us - until He comes again to receive us onto himself.

- -  Many came to kneel at the alter as we sang and worshiped God, after communion many again came to the front for special prayer.

How Did Jesus Prepare for Ministry?

This post was from my notes taken at our Bible Study on Sunday Mornings.

Jesus Preparing for the Day

Our Bible Study centered around Jesus being the Vine, and we are the branches, but Jesus had roots in His Father God and always listened to obey what was required of him.

For Jesus to abide in the Father it was necessary to do certain things.  Especially to spend time in a secret quiet place with His father God.

1.  Prayer:  Early in the morning Jesus prayed to get the plan for the day.  Mark 1:35  Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

2. He Prepared:  John 15:1-17  Jesus knew there was life flowing from His Father God, as he chose to abide in Him. 

What does the word "Abide" cause us to think about?  Perhaps: to remain, stay, lodge, sojourn, continue, endure, wait patiently.

3. Fasting:  Jesus fasted for forty days as He prepared for his ministry.  The Bible does not record a second long fast, but it was many times Jesus went without eating because his meat was to do the will of the Father.

4. Forgive:  Jesus taught us to walk in forgiveness if we desire to be used of God.  Jesus taught not to forgive 7 times but 7 times 70 which was to say, always be ready to forgive again no matter what the count.

5.  Celebrate:  Luke 15:3-10  Rejoice and be glad when sinners come to Jesus.  Be happy when the Lost have been found. 

6.  Memorize scriptures:  John 7:15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”   

(As a young child of 12 years old, Jesus knew the scriptures.  No doubt he was taught at home, but he also regularly attended Synagogue and always listened and asked questions.)  We can learn a lot by listening to anointed ministers and teachers and personal bible study.

We are encouraged by David in the Psalms 119:11;  To hide God's word in our hearts that we might not sin against God.

7.  Submission:  Jesus said in John 6:38  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Jesus was willing to go to the cross in submission to God's plan of Salvation for you and me.

As we consider sharing our testimony with others, often our words fall on deaf spiritual ears.  Stubborn hard hearts are not willing to hear.

Often our life style will speak louder than our words.  People watch then they listen.

When you do a kind deed, they may ask; "Why are you doing this?"   Or they may ask; "Why do you attend church and meetings?"

Understand a question may be answered.  They asked and now are open to listen.  At times we have no idea what God is doing, and at times like that it is time to trust.

Be prepared and follow what Jesus did to get ready to minister.  You will discover changes in you that will bless not only you, but others as well.

Living Water for a Dry Thirsty Land

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Living Water for a Dry and Thirsty Land - (Message by Hazel given at Praying Over our City meeting)

As we consider praying over our City, our State and our Nation, I am reminded of several places in God's Word that it speaks of thirst.  Jesus said; "Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be satisfied."

David muses in Psalms 63: 1 "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."  (Focus on Jesus and bring his glory and refreshing to our city as you pray today.)

The prophet declares in: Isaiah 44:3  For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon your children, and my blessing upon your offspring:

In the Old Testament, King Saul knew of David when he defeated the Giant, and the people heard David sing and play his harp onto the Lord.  Saul called for David to come play and sing when he was sad and depressed,  but he noticed how the people seemed to like David.  A wicked spirit of jealousy arose in the kings heart and he tried on two occasions to throw a spear at David and kill him.  David fled for his life, and gathered onto himself certain soldiers and followers as Saul tried to find him and cause him harm.

On one occasion after a tire-some journey, David was thirsty and longed for a drink saying, "Oh if only I could have a drink from the well in Bethlehem near the gate, and his men heard him.  As the story goes, Three of his valiant men risked their lives to get some of that thirst quenching water, but when they presented it to David, he could not drink it, but poured it out as an offering to God.  David considered to drink the water would be like drinking the blood of these men and he could not do it.

On the cross Jesus said, "I thirst," and they offered him vinegar to ease his pain, but he refused it and instead chose to suffer for you and me.

Jesus told the people, if you give a cup of cold water to someone in my name, it is as if you did it for me.

I am reminded of a story Jesus told of a rich man and poor Lazarus.  They both died, and Lazarus was safe and secure in Paradise, but the rich man was suffering in the fires of hell.  The rich man lifting up his eyes, could see Lazarus and he cried out, Oh that I might have a drop of water to quench my thirst in this terrible place.  

God said to him, it is not possible for one to go back and forth, but in life you had your good times and Lazarus his suffering, and now it is all set.  All of a sudden the rich man remembered his brothers and knew they were heading for this hot place.  Please send Lazarus back to tell my family to repent and not come here.  God replied,  If they don't pay attention to the prophets on earth, they will not listen to one who comes back from the dead.

Jesus rose from the dead and is now alive for evermore, and he offers living water to all who thirst.  It is a wise person who will listen to the prophets who walk the earth today and come and receive salvation at the cross of Jesus where the living water flows.

John 4: Jesus answered the woman at the well, "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Today as we pray over our city, may we understand that many of our citizens are thirsty for the living water, and Jesus is the one who can satisfy their longing.  We pray for hard hearts to be softened, spiritual eyes and ears to be opened and understanding to come that Jesus is the Answer to all of Life's needs.