Cast your Care

This edited post is from my notes during our Sunday Bible Study.  Linda and Donald were co-teaching.

1Peter 5:6-7  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. 

Our Bible study opened with Donald bringing a review of John 14 when Jesus told his disciples not to be troubled or anxious.

Jesus had just told them he was going away, and they were confused not knowing where he was going and why they could not go with him.

They wanted to follow Jesus, but they didn't know where he was going.   Jesus said, I go to my Father and we are one.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  Jesus said, I am the way to the Father.

He gave them encouraging words saying, "In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.  Jesus said, he was going to prepare a place for them, but He would return and take them onto himself. 

Jesus came to reveal His Father, and the disciples asked, "show us the Father." Jesus continued and said, "We shall make our abode with you and in you. 

He that believes in me shall do the works that I do and even greater works, because I go to the Father."

Jesus continued; "I am in the Father and He is in me, and the Father who dwells in me does the works.  Jesus listened to the Father's voice and then did what he heard. 

Jesus made available healing of all types:  Spiritual, physical Health, our minds and our Decisions, of demons, of emotions, relationships; You are my healer, my all in all.

We too much develop our inward listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  

We ask, "How can we know and believe?  Translated this means to accept, agree, and confirm what the Bible is telling us.  Our hearts will be quickened with joy as we receive truth.

Jesus said, "Let your heart not be troubled, because I will not leave you comfortless, because I will send the Holy Spirit soon to be your comforter.

Jesus says, come follow me.  Are you on the pathway to follow Christ?  If not perhaps you need to make a change in direction.  You have a choice and when you chose to follow Jesus you are never alone.  He is with you always and brings you peace.

In My FATHER'S HOUSE are many mansions.

View on You Tube: In My Father's House Click HERE 

Today's post is from the lesson given at the Praying Over our City meeting

John 14:2  In My FATHER'S HOUSE are many mansions.

Reading from Ephesians chapter 2:5-6  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Notice this verse is telling us we are seated with Christ in heavenly places spiritually, while we are yet physically here on earth.  (Two places at once.)

Let's take a look at where my Father's House might be.    

Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, and as we think about it, just where is this Kingdom?   Can it be in heaven and also on earth at the same time?  Located in heaven and also in our hearts?

These questions cause us to consider that heaven is closer to us than we once thought.

Here in our city, we are the County seat, with a court house and a District Attorney to rule.  Our state has a capital building and the Governor of our state lives in the Governor's (__________­­­___) yes a mansion, which is a beautiful enormous home in a lovely neighborhood.   As we think about mansions we usually consider a mansion to be a lovely, large, luxurious and grand palace.

In Washington DC we have the mammoth White House where a lot of business is always going on.  The President has living quarters there, and there are special rooms for meetings, large and small.  There is a huge ball room, and various dining areas.  The President's "mansion" is huge and compartmentalized.  A great amount of things are happening there both public and also secret things.  Some activities are on a 'need to know basis,' even for those in authority.

We can liken The White house to the Father's house, where a LOT of activity is going on.  Many rooms and people perhaps music, chatter, and secret things.

Jesus said He came down from heaven, but he is also in heaven.  John 3:12,13 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of  heavenly things?  And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 

Paul gave us something to think about when in Hebrews chapter 11:

Abraham  looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

Where was this city?  It was both physical and spiritual.  It was the promised land, but also the final resting place.

Paul continued to speak about a country:  (earthly and also heavenly)

Hebrews 11:16  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 

When we think of heaven, usually we consider that Jesus is building us a mansion that will be our final home.  But today let us expand our thoughts to take in not just a building, but God is preparing for us a better country including a whole city.

What is it about the Father's house?  In God's house there are many mansions.   The word house and mansion means place of abode?  Is the Father's house expandable with special meeting places to be alone with Him?  - - perhaps even now as we enter our personal secret place.  In my father's house there are spacious banquet rooms, libraries, spa areas with tubs and oils.  - - and we haven't even gone outside to explored a bit.

We are meeting to pray over our city.  May we consider that God is preparing for us to take a "city," my city, and of course YOUR city for Him.  Let us expand that and realize he is also promising us a country - - - which can and should include our county, our state and our Nation.

God is Always Available

From my notes I present a digested Sunday Morning Sermon

Pastor acknowledged that we are in the Glory Cloud and miracles happen in the presence of God.

Zero in on God and do not pay attention to things going on about you.  We must come into an understanding of what God means when he says, "I am the Same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

We can stand on the scriptures Psalms 46:1 HCSB "God is our refuge and strength a helper who is always found in times of trouble.  We will not fear even when mountains shake or waters roar with turmoil."

Our hope is in Christ.  The world is in fear and doubt, but as believers we have Hope and our trust is placed in Jesus who delivers us from destruction.

Psalms 46:4,6  There is a River - it's streams delight the city.  Nations rage, kingdoms topple, the earth melts when He lifts His voice.

God's voice vibrates and moves situations.  He is always available for me and you as we come to Him with our need.  

declare that God will bring you through in victory.

We are talking about our daily struggle, to be lifted up above the trouble, as we quiet down and get still before God.

Ps 46:10 Be still and know that I am God, who is exalted among the Nations exalted on the earth above all else. 

At times we go through the motions, because it is expected, but we are doing this in our own power.

On the quick side is when we yield to the Holy spirit and allow Him to go before us as we follow.

We get ahead and think God should follow us.  Truth is; we must trust and depend only on Him.   Not performance, but his perfection.  In him will I trust for He is my refuge.

God is not insane.  He says things that seem impossible, but He is God of the possibility.  God's weakness is stronger than our might.  This is why we must allow Him to work in our life.

All is not lost.  That what you can "SEE" into the Spirit is able to manifest in the Natural, as we reach out in faith.  See it done.  God is at work now. 

Speak the good things that you are IN Christ.

 This post is from my notes as our teacher ministered the Bible Lesson

Spiritual Warfare - Art

As our Bible Study began, our teacher reminded us to acknowledge every good thing in you which is in Christ.

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 

When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our comforter, to empower us to serve, and to instill in us gifts to use to help others.

The spiritual world is unseen with our physical eyes, but there are battles going on all the time.  There is Spiritual warfare that attacks our minds with doubt and unbelief.

As we speak out we will be building up our faith as we say words, such as "I shall not fear for God is with me,"  "I am the Righteousness of God In Christ."  "I have peace in every situation, because I have received the gift of peace and assurance that God is at work behind the scenes," 

It is good to write out the scriptures and keep them with us to verbally make our confession for victory.  They will constantly remind us that Healing is ours, Happiness is ours, and we shall Prosper and have Good Success.

Our enemy the devil uses people for his purpose and he has influence over people and cultures in the spirit realm.  Satan is a liar, a thief, a murderer and he uses others to attempt to destroy people, nations and you and me.  Jesus has given us authority in Christ to defeat our enemy the devil. 

As we acknowledge all we are In Christ, and our "New Man Person," becomes real to us in our heart not just our head, we can overcome satan by using our words, saying the scriptures and the Name of Jesus and pleading The blood of Christ which is all powerful.

Revelations 12:11 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb."  We overcome the attacks of the enemy by holding onto our Faith in Christ and standing Fast in the Liberty of which we have been set free.

1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that we have powerful spiritual gifts to use in our walk with Christ: Discernment using the Word of wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, special faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles; prophecy, seeing into the spiritual world, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. 

Our teacher cautioned us to take heed not to teach fables and be caught up in endless genealogies which do not edify us or others.   Fear God and walk humbly before Him.

Remember the words of Jesus who gives us His grace, His mercy and discernment so that we can walk worthy of our calling, and reach out to bless others.

Live Peaceably with One Another

From my notes I present the Bible Study, at our church on Sunday

Things happen and we face various circumstances.  Some are jealous because others prosper, or rebel because they are not allowed to do certain things.

This occurs in various cultures, work places and can also happen in churches.

We must learn how to come against a "spirit of Jealousy."  Thoughts are planted by the devil in our mind and we either accept the idea, or reject it.

When we invite Jealousy to occupy our mind, we are agreeing with the devil, and the devil is a liar.

John 8:44 (b) He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own will: for he is a liar, and the father of lies. 

1 Peter 4:1-8 reminds us that we once walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, banquets and abdominal things, but no longer do we welcome these habits or lifestyles into our dwelling.

Our enemy also enjoys placing in our thoughts a "spirit of Rejection" that says, you are not worthy of God's love or His blessings.  Our enemy tells us that we are not good enough and that we should earn God's love by sacrifice and doing good works.  

It is not wrong to sacrifice or do good works, but realize our motive must be right.  We can never EARN our salvation because Jesus freely paid for you and me to have our sins forgiven and to receive Eternal Life.

We must be sober and watchful because the enemy is tricky and enters unawares if you open the door.   As we practice discernment, we can catch the enemy up front before harm is done.

Understand that you have authority to command spirits of Jealousy or Rejection to leave, to stop, to cease and to be no more.  Replace these thoughts with thoughts of love and goodness.

The spirit of "Offence," and the spirit of "Anger" are another spirits that many of us need to deal with and overcome.  It is best not to give in to these things that try to overtake us.

Peter continues to remind us "Above all else have fervent love for one another, preferring the other before ourselves, and to use hospitality without grudging.  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the "Oracles of God."

Our words are important, that we speak words so that God is glorified.

As the Holy Spirit gives us words to share, may they be with discernment and kindness even as we prophesy, so that our words help and bring mercy and comfort.

Peter urges you and me to humble yourselves and cast all our anxiety on Jesus for He cares for us.

Discernment is Necessary

This post is from my Notes taken while our Pastor preached at our Church on Sunday

There are some things you have always done it that way, and you are sure it is in the Bible.  We have the right to change our mind about wrong teaching, or silly rules.

Religion is tradition without power. 

As we consider the Lord's Supper, Jesus said; "Do this in remembrance of me."  Jesus came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it.

As often as you do this, consider my body and my blood.  How often was not stated.  Many churches serve communion on the first Sunday of the month, while others serve communion every time they meet. 

Here at Open Door, we serve communion at no particular set time.  Then in our Bible Study Class, our teacher has been serving to the members every week.  

How often is not the question, but the important thing is to discern the body of Christ as you eat the bread, and to consider his blood as you drink of the cup.  Discern and Examine your heart and make sure you are right with God before you partake of the Lord's Supper.

Jesus took our sins, infirmities and diseases on His body on the tree, and we need to remember how he suffered as they crucified him.

Jesus kept saying, remember how I walked with you, and remember my words. 

It is not just a cracker, or bread we hold, but it is the broken body and the blood of Christ as we partake of it.

It become part of us; body and spirit.  Communion is not an after thought, but we do this in remembrance, contemplating and consider all that Jesus did at His expense and to cover us with His blood.

The Law required an innocent lamb to be slain for sin.

Jesus suffered and died for our justification to give us His righteousness.  You are Holy and in right standing with God.

Tradition becomes burdensome and a meaningless ritual.  What determines your salvation?  Not tradition, but opening up your heart to receive Jesus.

Think about it.  Consider and accept his body and blood to become part of your flesh and your spirit.  

His body was broken for me.  The Life is in the Blood, and His Blood has set me free.

Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice of your broken body and your shed blood.

God Gives Good Gifts

Edited Notes taken during our Bible Study taught by our teacher Linda at our Church

What is the Church doing with her resources?  

What are you doing with your gifts? What do you desire to do with your gifts?

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 

The Covenant that God gave to Moses included Blessings, IF the people would worship and serve God only.  If they rebelled and chose not to serve God, they would reap the opposite of blessings.  God said, if you do this, I will do that and if not it will be to your hurt.

On the day of Pentecost the 120 believers were in the upper room, because Jesus had told them to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Promise of the Father.  They were all in one accord in obedience to Jesus command.

Suddenly - - several things happened. The Physical and Spiritual senses were all involved:   A LOUD sound, (hearing) a rushing mighty wind (feeling) - that FILLED the room (the Glory presence of God - bringing awareness) and tongues of fire (seeing) and unknown languages (speech).  There was evidenced power from on high that shook everyone involved.  This was something new and exciting that had never happened before.  Peter was enabled to preach a powerful message with the result of thousands believing on Jesus. 

God set up the government of His church, 1 Corinthians 12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

God also give nine special gifts of the Holy Spirit available to all believers:  “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”  (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Out of God's treasure there are many other gifts that He has given to us as believers:

God sent his own Son, Jesus to bring us Salvation and Eternal Life.

God provides supernatural Strength in times of need, and grants us protection from harm.

God provides us with peace, confidence and boldness.

God grants us freedom from fear and anxiety.

God pours out His love so that we are able to live peaceably with others.

Paul urged us to desire Spiritual Gifts and reminded us that all of God's gifts operate by LOVE. 

As we desire to use our gifts, some may question; What is my gift?  

May I suggest that you ASK God to first of all baptize you with His Holy Spirit and power.  Then ASK for other gifts.  Do not fear because God only desires to give you GOOD Gifts.

Asking God is the key to receive what ever you need from Him.  God delights to bless you with His mighty gifts so that you will be able to touch the lives of your family, neighbors, and co-workers with His power.  

Many will begin with simple gifts such as hospitality, sharing, giving, loving, caring, but understand these are not lesser gifts, for they are stepping stones to expand your gift and outreach as God motivates you to do so.

Be open to the Holy Spirit's leading and direction and allow Him to give you gifts, and even more gifts in due time.