January 2017
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22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30	31

From The Heart

January 31, 2017

From the Heart

There is a word that can’t be completely avoided in my posts. The word is, I. I use it when necessary to say, this is what I believe, or what I think. Used in a broad sense to clarify my positions or feelings.

Talking about myself is not something that I like to do. My life is not about me. It is all about my Savior. His love and grace that has moved me forward. That has picked me up from failure. Loved me without exception.

There are many times in prayer when I have difficulty hearing. All the clamor of the day and the tragedies of life sometimes drown out that still small voice.

In these times I say something to Him that I have said for years. “Father, I have always been in your hands, and I always will be.”

That may sound simple, but I feel it sort of bridges that silent gulf and let’s Him know I am listening.

Believing that He will keep on speaking. When the racket dies down, I will hear.

I know there may be some read this that don’t believe that God speaks in any way but through the Bible. I have to say that the Bible is my constant source of Him speaking to me. Through prayer and revelation His words of life ring loud. Still I love that still small voice in prayer.

Bringing comfort in chaos. Revelation in confusion. Peace in storms. And on and on His love keeps giving.

Well into the last half of my life, I have come to realize the things that should have been. Decisions that I never should have made. People I never should have let into my life. Looking at my life and the life of others. Seeing what could have been done, or should have been done.

For the most part it is not relevant. I can’t change a thing.

What it does for me as a pastor is this. When I see gifts in people’s lives. Talent that needs cultivating. I look back sometimes, so I can see the things they should not do. Then, because of my experience I can help others reach their potential much quicker. Maybe even help them avoid mistakes that could slow their purpose.

You see, everything in life is education. We shouldn’t continue in regret for our own mistakes. We must move beyond them and help others with what we have learned.

I mentioned above about people that I shouldn’t have let into my life. There are several types of people that you should avoid confiding in if you can. I will share the two types that are most common. There are people who may come to you because they see success or favor in your life or ministry. They will make you believe that they are on your side and will help you any way they can.

This requires prayer before you go further because they really could be sent from the Father, to do just what they said. Often they are people who are trying to ride your wave of success.

Thinking that if they stay around you long enough they can use your hard work to advance themselves.

I don’t mean to sound negative. This is from my heart and years of experience.

The second group have no such agendas. They are generally good people, who you may be able to help move forward, in their God given destiny. You do need to be aware that many of these amazing folks are not going where you are going. Their dreams may be much smaller than yours. Embrace them with the goal of helping them reach their potential. Take their counsel with much prayer.

These two groups of people can be found in many areas of life. From ministry to business they exist.

It is just life.

Going forward from a mistake or failure has an element of fear. Will you be respected? Considered to be serious in your endeavor. Will they blow it again? These and more are questions that people will have in their minds. Not everyone. Just the ones who really don’t want you to rise above your mistakes.

It is ok. This is just life.

There will be others that will encourage you, and embrace you, as you move beyond these things. Find these people. Listen to their counsel and accept their help.

The negative ones. Pray for them, but ignore them. They are not going where you are. Their dreams are small if they even exist. It doesn’t always make them bad people. It takes all kinds to build a church and a business.

Surround yourself with winners. At least people who want to win. To dream. To work hard, and to believe.

It is what Jesus did. Do what He did!!!

PS. Please forgive me for all the I”s in this blog.

My life and my heart belongs to Jesus. The source of everything good in me, and in the world.

Dressed For Battle

January 26, 2017

“Dressed for Battle”

The healing power of the Gospel moves forward in our world as we pray and deliver the message to the people that God puts in our path. It is a message of life and not death. Strength in weakness, faith in the midst of tragedy and failure. It is the greatest story ever told. Tell it everywhere you go. The Good News will create hunger and change in your world.

I want to begin these thoughts with Ephesians the 6 th chapter.

Ephesians 6:13-18 NASB

13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS

WITH TRUTH , and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ,

15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE ;

16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION , and the sword

of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

This reading gives you a general view of the weapons and protective gear that we must develop in our lives to become powerful in Kingdom Authority.

I want to read these verses again from the Amplified, and one by one share some thoughts on each verse.

Ephesians 6:13 Amplified

Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to successfully resist and stand your ground in the evil day of danger, and having done everything that the crisis demands, to stand firm in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious.

That word stand in these passages from the Greek means, “to make firm, fix, establish,-to uphold or sustain the authority or force of anything.” There is nothing in the battle for our destiny that teaches us to settle. We will successfully resist, do everything to stand. We will be prepared, and victorious.

We are going to have some fun with this next verse.

Ephesians 6:14 Amplified

So stand firm and hold your ground, HAVING

TIGHTENED THE WIDE BAND OF TRUTH personal

integrity, moral courage AROUND YOUR WAIST and

HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS an upright heart.

In the KJV and the NASB waist is rendered loins. This is important to understand for in the Jewish culture as

well as other cultures the loins were considered to be the

source of reproductive power. The word truth comes from the Greek word, al-ay’-thi-a, and it means. “what is true pertaining to God and the duties of man-truth as a personal excellence.” It also means, “of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly.”

Now if we move forward in Christian principles and understand today the source of reproductive power in

the Kingdom of God. We will have to understand how we as Christians produce other Christians. Christians are born out of the preaching of the Gospel. The telling of the story of Jesus. Sharing our personal testimonies and praying for those who have not followed Christ.

So what is the source of truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes

to the Father but through Me.” Same Greek word I defined earlier.

What is the source of reproductive power in Christianity? The words we speak.

Proverbs 18:20-21 NASB

20 With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be

satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Matthew 12:36-37 NASB

36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.

37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your

words you will be condemned.

Ephesians 4:29 NASB

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

These are amazing passages that tell us the importance of what we speak. Do we share words of life or words of death? Is our speech uplifting or does it leave people confused and discouraged?

Wrap the truth of the Gospel around your tongue. Your life will reveal Jesus and change the world you live in.

Ephesians 6:15 Amplified

and having strapped on YOUR FEET THE GOSPEL OF

PEACE IN PREPARATION [to face the enemy with firm-

footed stability and the readiness produced by the good

news.

Ephesians 6:16 Amplified

Above all, lift up the protective shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Being covered with our persuasion and confidence in the saving power of Jesus Christ. Completely confident in His love and purpose for our lives.

It will stop every wicked tongue and false accusations that the enemy forms against you.

Ephesians 6:17 Amplified

And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION , and the sword of

the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Protect your minds from doubt and fear. Allowing the Word of God to comfort you, lead you, and develop you in Kingdom Living. (Let the same mind be in you that was in Jesus)

Ephesians 6:18 Amplified

With all prayer and petition pray with specific requests at all times on every occasion and in every season in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition interceding in prayer for all God’s people.

Message

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

The value in warfare of being a collective. A unified group of believers that have each others back in times of need.

Thanks for looking today. Praying blessings and favor in your walk with Christ.

The Process of Forgiveness

January 25, 2017

The Process of Forgiving

Forgiving is often one of our hardest challenges. Wounds take time to heal. In our minds we have to reason with the offense, and why it happened. It is simply our human nature.

It is also true that the process of forgiveness takes time according to the degree of the offense. Some things are easy, while others can be difficult to let go of.

I am not condoning withholding forgiveness. It is just a fact of life. As Christians we have to rise above the offense and forgive. It is more for us than it is for the person that caused the offense. There is an old saying that says some people are still being controlled by someone in the grave. They have never let go of the offense.

Let me say to those who are hurting. I am not trying to lessen the pain you bear. As a Pastor I have heard stories that I can’t even comprehend. Abuse, persecution, abandonment, and far greater. Offenses that would be difficult for anyone to forgive.

Let me repeat an earlier statement. “It is more for us than it is for the person that caused the offense.”

The writer of Hebrews speaks to a root of bitterness that grows in our hearts if we fail to pursue peace.

Hebrews 12:14-15 NASB

14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

There is also another issue that is critical to us as Christians, and our relationship with God.

Ephesians 4:32 NASB

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Forgiving because we have been forgiven. We didn’t deserve it. They may not deserve it. We must do as He did. There is an even stronger reference to this in the Lord’s prayer.

Matthew 6:9-13 NASB

13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]

Look closely at verse 12. The short version is, “treat us like we treat others.” There is a huge wow in this passage. Forgive us, as we forgive others.

Remember-“It is more for us than it is for the person that caused the offense.”

Here is the part that many question. Do I have to forgive and forget. In other words if I forgive do I have to continue to deal with the person. I do not believe that God has an issue with going on with our lives.

I call it coming to an understanding of who someone is, and if they are moving towards the same goals as you are.

There are times in our walk with Christ that we get involved with some one based on what we see and hear. Forming a relationship before we really know who this person is. Trust me. My good nature and willingness to trust everyone has, more than once, created problems with the wanna bees. People who want to use your pulpit to advance themselves and their own agenda.

This Happens to individuals as well. Pray and seek the Lord before you give your trust to someone you don’t know well. Anybody can type up a resume that looks great. Say all the right things and then turn things upside down.

You must forgive, but nothing says that you have to continue to allow these people in you life.

Philippians 3:12-13 NASB

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

Move forward in the purpose for your life. Don’t let the hurt and pain another caused to hinder your life any more.

God has an amazing destiny for you. One that will change you and the world you live in. I am praying blessings and favor for you and your life in Christ.

Thanks for looking!

What about Them?

January 20, 2017

“What about Them?”

This year is moving fast. Not only in time, but in involvement in our community. God has been moving in people’s hearts to see this ministry bear the fruit that God has positioned us to bear.

Ever since we started the backpack event at Amazing Life Church, our mission has been to serve our community. We have also been committed to provide a safe place for any and everyone to hear the awesome story of Jesus.

The only walls we have standing are the ones who hold back religious persecution. Those who use the Bible to divide God’s people, and alienate others who want to know Him.

“These walls will stand strong, as we continue to do what Jesus did. Minister in every way we can, to everyone we can.”

Jesus spent much of His time refining religion. He tried to put God first in the hearts of His priests but they would not hear. The concept of God being present, and in them was something they could not embrace.

As a result He moved God and His power beyond the singular control of the Levitical priesthood. He empowered common people to build His future church, and establish His presence in the hearts of man.

He took people who lacked education, and most lacked wealth. Many were common sinners, some prostitutes. Some housewives. Tax collectors and fisherman.

He chided the Jews for their unbelief. Healed lepers, blind men, demon possessed. He fed thousands with a prayer. Many of these unnamed men and women followed Him. He sent forth people to establish His works and many more were touched by His words and deeds.

After His ascension He empowered His church to work the works of God.

His ministry was rough on the religious community. He caused them to look beyond the normal standards of service. He taught that service must be shrouded in humility.

That word shrouded has 2 meanings. It means to conceal or hide something. It is also speaks of the garment that dead people were wrapped in.

Many years ago, even before God moved me here. He began to deal with me about the focus of my preaching. He moved me away from what was normal. Simply put everybody preached against sin. The sins for the day would vary, based on news cycles or whatever our favorite preachers would establish each week. That was considered hard, tell it like it is preaching.

One day God showed me what hard preaching was. Like the story of Isaiah I shared last week, He showed me a picture of who I was. I didn’t like it. He showed me wasted time. A critical spirit. The need for prayer. Most notably, He showed me my failure to love as He loved.

It changed my life and made me a rebel in certain circles. A title that even today I am proud and honored to claim. Compromise they say. Afraid to tell the truth.

I have never feared God’s truth. He is Truth. His way is Truth. His life is Truth. I love Truth. The truth is, the hardest preaching is not preaching sin. It is preaching that makes us look at ourselves. Saint or sinner. Preaching that challenges our faith and our love. Preaching that demands we forgive. Preaching that moves us to hunger for more of His presence. Preaching that challenges us to love sinners and tell them, without prejudice. The story of Jesus.

It is this preaching I embrace today. It is this preaching that will change us, and as a result, it will change the world we live in.

There is no greater revelation than that which comes from seeing ourselves, saint or sinner, for who we really are. Seeing what God sees.

I have found myself many times referring to portions of Psalms 51. David’s prayer of repentance. Although I have never been guilty of the sin he had committed. Sin is sin, is it not? Failure to love. Being critical. Wasting your time or your gift. Pride, arrogance, and so on and so on. This is part of David’s prayer.

Psalms 51:10-13 NASB

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.

Message

God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home.

This prayer speaks to a very important trait that all of God’s people must obtain.

Being in a position to reveal God, and to day, the path to God, Jesus. In a manner of authority and accountability. A position of humility and repentance.

I find it awesome that a prayer from a repentant OT figure can be relevant today. Cleanse me, renew me and give me strength. Embrace me with your presence. Restore my joy and my willingness to obey. “All of this so I will be able to tell your story!!!”

In The Gospel of John chapter 21 Jesus had risen and found some of the disciples at the sea of Tiberias.

Preparing to go fishing. When you get down to verse 15 you find Jesus challenging Peter. Do you love me more than these. Peter responded several times in the affirmative.

Just above verse 18 is the title, “Our Times Are in His Hand” Then Jesus said this.

John 21:18-23 NASB

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”

19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He *said to him, “Follow Me!”

20 Peter, turning around, *saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

21 So Peter seeing him *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”

22 Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Preach-What about Him?

What about you today? Your relationship. Your dreams. Your faults and failures.

Who Are You?

January 18, 2017

Who Are You?

Who are you? This is an issue that Christians deal with often. Understanding who we are in Christ, and the gifts that have been passed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Are we able, qualified, worthy? These and many more questions arise when God begins to tug at our hearts with a dream or a purpose.

The mission and purpose of God in your life is not something that can be accomplished without the transformation that takes place at redemption. People have tried to cheat the process but it never works.

Do you remember Acts 19?

Acts 19:13-15 NASB

13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.”

14 Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

It may not seem relevant to the passage but those three words came to me a few nights ago while in prayer.

Who are you? Now I didn’t doubt that God knew who I was. That was not the question. Did I know who I was in Him and can I multiply that concept in someone else. Teaching the kingdom authority that Christ transferred to us by His Finished Work.

The Bible is filled with people who understood their relationship with God and His abilities transferred to us. The most common of these powerful characteristics is the power that comes from prayer.

I don’t think any of the principles from God carries more weight than prayers that are prayed in faith, and from compassion. These prayers will move God to answer. I think sometimes that people either don’t believe, or they feel unworthy of His kingdom principles.

Many people in the church are more convinced of their unworthiness than they are of His worth. Our inability has taken on greater focus than His ability.

This is likely a result of not knowing who they are in Christ.

When we have servant meetings in our church I always refer to Jesus in the upper room. They did not understand when He washed their feet. He told them to do as He did. He was teaching them and us that power was not given to lord over people’s lives. It was given to serve, to strengthen, to encourage, and to reveal Kingdom principles to those who would hear.

The power of God is clothed in humility. Used to advance the Kingdom of Christ and to reveal Jesus to the world.

So who are you? As I finish these short thoughts today I want to quote the Apostle Peter.

1 Peter 2:9-10 NASB

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

This is who you are. Walk in it and change the world you live in!!

Be blessed and walk in His favor. In Jesus name

“Birthing a Movement-Willingness to Obey”

January 16, 2017

“Birthing a Movement-Willingness to Obey”

Obedience to day is generally defined this way, “compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority.” Let me share a couple of thoughts for you to ponder throughout this message.

1^st-Willingness to obey is not always active obedience. By definition it is willing to obey. We have a constant duty to obey basic Christian principles.

Beyond these basic principles there will be times when God gets very specific with us and gives us a mission or dream. A purpose with cost, that will only bear fruit if we obey.

Willingness is defined as, “the quality or state of being prepared to do something” The short version of willingness to obey is, “ready to comply.”

2^nd-For our purpose today, Willingness to obey means. “The responsibility to be in position to quickly be dispatched to an assignment.”

Isaiah 6:1-8 NASB

1 In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.

2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.

3 And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.”

4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.

5 Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs.

7 He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

There is a lot of stuff going on in these passages. Isaiah was having a vision of the glory of the Lord. In the 1st 5 chapters he had already had a vision. Saw a word from God. Prophesied the removal of leaders and in chapter 4 he shared his version of the Branch coming. Branch being the Messiah. In chapter 5 he shared prophetically a parable from the Lord.

Isaiah was a prophet. Seen visions and heard from the Lord. Now he found himself in one of his visions. In that vision he was in the very presence of God and His heavenly Glory. This is what he said.

Isaiah 6:5 Message

I said, “Doom! It’s Doomsday! I’m as good as dead! Every word I’ve ever spoken is tainted – blasphemous even! And the people I live with talk the same way, using words that corrupt and desecrate. And here I’ve looked God in the face! The King! God-of-the-Angel-Armies!”

The word unclean is translated from a Hebrew word which means, “impure with a reference that says ethically and religiously.”

The word lips is of course relating to the lips. It also means language or speech.

Sounds to me like Isaiah was hanging with the guys too much. Talking about folks. Questioning God about who would deliver and when. Maybe he was trying to get everybody to like him. Who knows. Yet from what we do know, by his own admission. His mouth was a problem.

The NT has a couple of things to say about this.

Matthew 12:34 NASB

You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

James 3:2 NASB

For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

There is a statement that holds true still today. Isaiah recognized it. Christ taught it, and James confirmed it.

If our lips are not clean, neither is our heart!!!

When we get in the presence of God everything about us is revealed. Perhaps that is why some are satisfied just to be near His presence.

I am not quite finished with Isaiah.

He cried out when he saw himself for who he was. God in His mercy sent an angel with a coal from the fire. It was a holy fire. He touched the prophets lips and said your sin is forgiven. Isaiah may not have been aware of it but at that moment he was positioned to be dispatched on an assignment. But was he willing to obey. Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?”

I can imagine there was a pause. The angels leaning forward, eyes fastened on Isaiah to hear the reply. His mouth cracked open slightly and the noise hushed.

“Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

“If you can use me, knowing me. Then send me” Flawed and failed

“What if God gave you a vision of being in the same room?” Would you like what you saw?

The Peaceful Transition of Power

January 11, 2017

“The Peaceful Transition of Power”

This is a phrase I have heard a lot lately. It is a commitment of honor from an administration leaving power. The commitment is to provide the information and help needed for a new power to develop their administration and get familiar with the office they hold.

I know this is a thumbnail of the process, and please don’t think that I am about to write a political discourse. I use this example to share some thoughts, and introduce a transition of power that happened more than two thousands years ago.

Let me share one of the introductions of this world changing event, and transfer of power. These are the words of Jesus.

John 14:16-17 NASB

16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;

17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

Jesus care and concern for His followers is one of the hallmarks of His ministry. This is an undeniable altruism.

His followers were concerned at Him leaving so He was beginning to comfort them and assure them that He would not leave them without heavenly help and a heavenly connection. One that would be inside them and easily accessible.

I love this stuff. The presence and purpose of God is the strongest force on earth. Utilized for His glory and the care of His people. Those who follow Him, and those who don’t. This global and unified purpose has changed the world for over two thousand years. It’s power has not diminished, yet I wonder if our understanding of it’s use has evolved to something it was never intended to be.

The service of Christ was enveloped in humility. His ministry was not exclusive to those who believed in Him. He reached for and never gave up on those who would not believe. Even reminding them from His time on the cross of Psalms that pointed to Him and what was happening.

The power He transferred to His church and the individual members is all about service, and multiplying. Serving our world in whatever means we can. All the while telling the story of Jesus and His love for all mankind.

Here is His statement shortly before His ascension.

Acts 1:8 NASB

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

These Disciples would very shortly become Apostles. They were given the commission from Jesus to carry His story throughout the world. He knew they would need Divine authority. They would also need Divine help. They gathered together in an upper room along with approximately 120 people. They took care of business and then the transition of power began.

Acts 2:2-4 NASB

2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

This may not have been viewed as a peaceful event. People gathered to hear the story of Jesus. Even hearing it in their own language.

This event empowered the small group of people to go forth with the anointing that Christ passed down. The anointing to tell the story of Jesus and confirm it with the miraculous power of healing and Dominion Authority.

It has rattled entire worlds for over 2000 years.

It is amazing the relevance that an event that long ago continues to be the driving force of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This gift has not faded away with faithless theology. It has not been dismantled or invalidated. At least not by the Father.

When you read the scriptures with an open mind I pray you remember the words of the Apostle Paul in His second letter to the church in Corinth.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 NASB

5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

This awesome transition of power is still relevant today. In the hearts of all of us who believe in the Words of God and the life He represented. I would ask you when you pray to pray this way. Pray as our Lord taught us to pray.

Matthew 6:9-13 NASB

9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

I pray blessings and favor for you. Thanks for looking.

What Must We Do?

January 9, 2017

What Must We Do?

I read an article the other day with some very disturbing statistics. The article said that in America, approximately 200 million people do not go to church. It went on to say that many of these have never even been to church.

Now I am something of a simple guy who believes the answer to most problems is really not that complicated. If you read very many of my sermon notes you will find two things that appear regularly.

First you will find that I love the church. It is the hope for the world. Revealing Jesus and telling His story is the way the church was built by the Apostles, and the only real way to continue to build it today.

Secondly you will also find this. I believe that we must accept much of the blame for this decline in church attendance. The Gospel has been changed from it’s original meaning. The word means good news, and Vines dictionary goes on to define good news. The telling of the story of the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

The message has become Jesus plus whatever someones agenda is. The message should be just Jesus.

I am not saying that we ignore or change the things in the Bible that we must leave behind to follow Christ.

I am saying that we must give unbelievers a picture of someone that loves them like they are, and will help them to become who He wants them to be.

I love Proverbs 4:18 “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.”

Jesus said He was the light of the world. John 8:12. “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

But wait. Matthew 5:14-15. “14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

If Jesus is the light of the world, and He has transferred that to His church. Then we are responsible to be the light. Instead of crying out at the overwhelming darkness. “Shine the light of Christ Brighter”

As Pastors we must teach Biblical principles. Theology that will create hunger and thirst for the things of God. We must move our congregations from the elementary principles to the deep things of Kingdom Authority.

Yet our mission as a singular world wide Body Of Christ is to multiply.

2 Peter 2:9. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

So, What Must We Do? John 6:27-29.

27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”

28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”

29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

Be blessed and Favored by His Amazing Grace.

Dozing on your Destiny

January 9, 2017

Dozing on your Destiny 1 8 17

January 8, 2017
Amazing Life Church
“Dozing On Your Destiny”
Greet People
We are almost finished with the first 8 days of 2017.
The presence of God has been awesome these first few
days as the heavenly connection is maintained in prayer.
The only difficulty I have had is putting in order all the
things that God has put in my heart.
Betty and I have prayed for this work and the faithful as
the year has changed. Praying blessings and favor for
you always.
I have some things to share before my message so I will
get right to it.
I have mentioned that this is the beginning of the 14 th
year for Amazing Life Church. It has been an awesome
time in the Lord. The Jewish Rabbi’s and theologians
did a lot of work regarding numbers. I want to share just
a thumbnail of their description of the number 14.Page 2
In the Bible, the number 14 has a double meaning. It
refers to the numerical value of the name David in
ancient Jewish numerology. It also references the
number seven, which in ancient Jewish numerology is
the number for spiritual perfection. As 14 is twice
seven, its use implies a double measure of that virtue.
Preach-A double measure of spiritual perfection. I love
this. There are more examples. Look it up.
Secondly, we are going to talk a lot about destiny and
purpose. That is nothing new but I will do my best to
come at it with a fresh approach. Truthfully I intend to
ramp it up a bit.
It has come to my attention that there are those who
don’t believe in destiny or purpose. It is very sad when
someone believes their life has no meaning.
I want to read you something.
Read Poem
I want to share some thoughts today titled, “Dozing On
Your Destiny”Page 3
Remembering the story of Jonah brought this title to
mind. God gave him a purpose. Something that He
wanted Jonah to do. As the story goes Jonah didn’t want
to do it so he boarded a ship going in the opposite
direction. Went down in the ship and went to sleep. Not
an uncommon thing that continues to happen. Even
today.
Take note. When God has positioned you to do
something He usually will not let you dose on your
destiny for long. He may even use the world and
worldly events to wake you up.
We have a responsibility to shine the Light of Christ.
When darkness grows darker, we must shine the Light
brighter.
Getting ready to preach!!
Psalms 78 was written by Asaph. It is called a Maskil of
Asaph. There were several meanings for the word
Maskil. The more modern definition was enlightenment.
The most common definition from the time period is, a
Psalm that teaches something. We will go with that one
since that is what I am going to do with it.Page 4
Psalms 78:5-7 NASB
5 For He established a testimony in Jacob And
appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our
fathers That they should teach them to their children,
6 That the generation to come might know, even the
children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell
them to their children,
7 That they should put their confidence in God And not
forget the works of God, But keep His commandments.
Amplified
5 For He established a testimony (a specific precept) in
Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He
commanded our fathers That they should teach to their
children [the great facts of God’s transactions with
Israel],
6 That the generation to come might know them, that
the children still to be born May arise and recount them
to their children,
7 That they should place their confidence in God And
not forget the works of God, But keep His
commandments.
Even though this is OT it is a very important and
relevant precept for today. Passing God forward is
critical in Christianity and our personal purpose.Page 5
The word testimony in this passage comes from a
Hebrew word which means, “to witness, evidence. The
root word means admonish or charge.”
Even Paul understood the eternal value of speaking
Jesus in to people’s lives.
2 Corinthians 3:1-3 NASB
1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do
we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or
from you?
2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and
read by all men;
3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared
for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the
living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of
human hearts.
Preach-Telling the Story of Jesus
For the next few weeks I will be sharing some very
important traits regarding Revelations and movements.
To carry spiritual revelations and movements to birth
requires a process. It is much like the birthing of a child.Page 6
The child is formed in the womb. It is protected,
nourished. It’s members are formed and it continues to
grow. Until such time that it can not be contained in the
vessel it began in.
A vision, revelation, dream, a purpose is much the same.
It is planted in our hearts. It grows, becomes more
relevant, it’s purpose becomes clearer. God positions
other things to cause it to live beyond our hearts and
minds. Then there will come a time that it can no longer
be housed in your heart or mind. It must be born to bear
fruit and give God glory.
One of the most important traits we must embrace to
bring revelation or a movement to birth is, “A Spirit of
Readiness”
In Luke 12 Jesus is teaching and giving instructions to
His disciples. The beginning of verse 35 is titled, “Be in
Readiness.”
Luke 12:35-40 NASB
35 “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.Page 7
36 Be like men who are waiting for their master when
he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may
immediately open the door to him when he comes and
knocks.
37 Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find
on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he
will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the
table, and will come up and wait on them.
38 Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in
the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
39 “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had
known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not
have allowed his house to be broken into.
40 You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at
an hour that you do not expect.”
These passages are often taught regarding the second
coming of the Lord. How about for a moment we
consider this.
What if He knocks on the door of your heart with a
dream. A movement. A purpose. Will He find us dozing?
Preach-Should We Not be Ready!!

What’s On The Table Today?

January 5, 2017

Thanks for taking time to Visit Living Hope

As a Pastor I have to prioritize my time. Everyone in ministry, business, or jobs with great responsibility understands this. We choose priorities each day. The things that we need to accomplish to fulfill our responsibilities. Pastors also have to deal with the unexpected events that can happen on a daily basis.

We have an awesome example in Christ of staying focused on His purpose, yet stopping along the way to answer a call of faith or meet a need.

Jesus said in John 4:34 NASB. “Jesus *said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.“

We must understand, as Jesus did, that every thing that comes our way is an opportunity to touch a life for the Kingdom of God.

If there is a tool that should be utilized more than any other it is prayer. Many times our days are ending before we have ever found time to get alone and pray. I dealt with this for many years. I meant to set a time, stop for a while and pray. Something always came up and before I knew it the day was done. Time to rest and start again.

Finally my hunger and thirst for more of Jesus took over. I had to set a time where there was a much smaller chance of interruption. Almost 2 years ago I began to set my alarm for 2:30 am. It wasn’t long before I was waking at 12:30 or 1.

I can say with a huge amount of thanksgiving that this hour or so everyday has changed my life and my ministry.

There is no way to duplicate the effect that prayer has on our lives. The connection with God is strengthened. Revelation becomes clearer and more often. We must not overlook the life and ministry of Jesus. He often found Himself getting alone to pray. It must be our example today.

If we really want to serve our congregations. Fulfill our purpose and do the will of the Father. We must find the time to get alone and pray.

So let me end today with a question. Is there something on the table that can wait, so you can get alone and pray?

Have a blessed day. Full of favor and grace.

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