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Time to Pray
Time to Pray
Prayer and faith has joined together for thousands of years to move the hand of God. These principles are the foundation of our relationship with Christ, and our ability to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
It is one thing to pray for an immediate need. God is ever ready to hear and answer as your faith touches His heart. These type of prayers occur many times over our life with Christ.
Passion moves us to pray for a friend or loved one. Tragedies and failures move us to pray for God to intervene.
There is a call today for a different kind of prayer. Consistent prayer. Finding a time everyday to spend in prayer.
There doesn’t have to be a specific need or request. Sometimes it is very broad in nature. At other times the Holy Spirit will lead you to pray for God to move in more specific areas.
Whatever the case, it is time to pray.
It has been decades since revival has spread across this entire nation. Yes, there has been regions where God moved with great power. Many were saved and set on fire for God.
Probably because people in the region were faithful and consistent, in their prayers.
If the American church would pray for this country and it’s people, as much as it criticizes them, there would be an awesome return to Godly principles, and revival would happen across this land.
Passionate, persistent, consistent prayer will change you, and the world you live in. Here is a few of my favorite passages on prayer.
Ephesians 1:18
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.
1 John 5:14-15
14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
It is time to pray, and join it with faith.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
God has covered all the bases. Every question that arises. Every doubt and fear has been vanquished by His love and grace.
It is time to pray. Passionate, persistent, and consistent prayers.
#inHisname
How long will you wait?
How long will you wait?
Today we move forward with the greatness of God. Opportunities to share Jesus, to reveal His purpose, and to support our community, must always be our mission.
There is nothing more important than being relevant. Not only within these walls, but to everyone who walks through the door. We must also be relevant in our community.
The doors are open, and I am asking you to pray that we carry His story with every opportunity that is presented.
Matthew 9:1-7
1 Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city.
2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”
3 And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.”
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?
5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?
6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He *said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.”
7 And he got up and went home.
There are a lot of things going on in these seven verses.
First, Jesus went home. Home was a place that He once said gave their prophets no honor. Home is sometimes a difficult place to minister.
The paralytic man was brought to Him. This account is referred to similarly in Mark and Luke. I believe that Jesus was teaching us that we have a responsibility to bring needs to Him.
Jesus saw their faith. “When we bring a need to Jesus the person may not have the faith to receive. We must have the faith for them!!!”
Jesus forgave the mans sins. I find that interesting, particularly because the man didn’t ask for forgiveness.
“Jesus dealt with the most important need first.” It was also an opportunity to teach the skeptics who He was.
“Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” And he got up and went home.”
Once again Jesus is using an opportunity to teach who He is.
Mark 3:1-5
1 He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered.
2 They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.
3 He *said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!”
4 And He *said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent.
5 After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He *said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
With each of these cases get up required obedience. “Get up, pick up your bed and go home. Get up and come forward.”
Luke 22:45-46
45 When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow,
46 and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Luke 22:46 NLT
“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”
Acts 9:10-12 NASB
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,
12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.”
Acts 12:6-8
6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.
7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.
8 And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he *said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
You want freedom, you have to get up.
Acts 26:16
But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you.
Paul is blind from the bright light. His circumstances are not conducive to move forward.
In the midst of your circumstances God is saying you have to get up before you can get going.
“The Phrase Get Up-Is A Call To Action!!” Let me share just a few things that require action.
Jesus supply’s every need-Grace is sufficient.
Everlasting life-all things work together for good.
preparing a place in heaven-power to bind and release.
lives can bear fruit-free indeed-nothing impossible.
answer prayers-with us always-works greater than His.
abide in Him His words abide in you ask what you will
ask in His name and receive-With us always.
With all of these and more action is required. You must get up and believe. http://bit.ly/2fq0Ffw
#inHisname
It’s Not My Opinion
It’s Not My Opinion
I spend a lot of time in sermons, Bible studies, and yes, my blogs addressing opinions within the church world. There are those who criticize that because they believe that everyone has a right to their opinion.
We are talking about the word of God, redemption, eternal life, light of the world stuff.
There are lives hanging in the balance while people in the religious circles are defending their opinion. Attacking those of us who defend the truth of the Gospel. Not by opinion, but by the word of God. Not twisting it to confirm some religious issue. Simply telling the truth.
The truth is that God does not measure the value of someone based on your opinion. He found value in prostitutes, thieves, rebellious folks. He found value in the Jews that He came for, who rejected Him, and the Gentiles that He commissioned Apostolic ministry for.
He found value in children, working people, and slaves. People who had little knowledge of the scriptures that told of Him. People who knew every passage that announced His coming.
He found value in the sick, the diseased, and the oppressed.
The hungry and the poor.
I share all of this to remind us that Jesus loved everyone. He taught us to do the same.
I read something to day from an article on Facebook and I lost it in the feed. I would love to credit the individual because it moved me, and confirmed something that I have preached, and wrote about for years. It is very simple.
This is what was said. “When the church stops talking about Jesus, it has nothing to say.”
Many times our sermons and studies are sprinkled with our opinions. That is a normal thing, to some degree. Everyone shares from personal experience and understanding.
I read a lot. I read doctrine, theological principles. commentaries, and lexicons. All of these are valuable, and they should be used to confirm facts.
I am fully aware that there are things in the Bible that no one really understands. I have heard a number of opinions on end time, after death, and various other references in the Bible. We accept them as the Word of God, and await revelation and understanding as the need presents itself. It will come.
My overwhelming concern is the the telling of the story of Jesus. Our mission to the world is not to build denominational foundations. Walls of doctrinal and theological principles. I love to study and I love all this stuff.
Our mission is to win the lost, and then teach them to win the lost.
It will not be raving against sin that will do this. It will be telling the story of Jesus.
His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
It will not be your opinion that wins them. It will be the love of Christ that overwhelms them.
We must view everyone as if they have value in the eyes of God. Knowing that they do have value, they were made in His image. Everyone has a Divinely appointed destiny.
They are simply waiting for someone to tell them the story of Jesus.
Remember what brought this on today.
“When the church stops talking about Jesus, it has nothing to say.”
Have a great week and be blessed. #inHisname
The Quest for Excellence
The Quest for Excellence
For the most part I am a very positive guy. While a lot of folks are crying the doom and gloom of sin, I see awesome opportunities. Opportunities to share His story. Reach out in our communities. Get involved in the structures of our towns and cities, interjecting the light of Christ as opportunities present themselves.
Not necessarily with words, but with our lives and our love for our communities. Giving, teaching, blessing, and sharing with the same passion that Jesus did.
I won’t deny that I embrace every chance I get to challenge those who misrepresent the Gospel, and the 5 fold ministry.
These things are my passion, and I will never stop addressing these issues, not with my opinion, but with the Biblical authority that is very plain.
Paul often spoke in terms of being excellent. Excellent in our lives, and our presentation of the Gospel. Excellent in our communities. In our thoughts and our actions.
Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
What an awesome passage to encourage us to thrive in the excellence of our Lord. Guarding our hearts with the mind of Christ, and doing things that cause the world to see Jesus in our actions.
Jesus taught us by example to love and respect people with needs. Healing the sick, encouraging the hopeless. Feeding the poor, and forgiving the sins of the hurting and wounded.
He also taught us to stand against the religious system that failed to do this. The same religious system that rejected Him, and His love for those who hunger and thirst.
The same religious system that refuses to embrace sinners with the love and grace of God today.
I will never understand how the church expects people to follow Christ, and believe in His love and grace, when the first thing they do is tell them that this same Jesus will send them to hell.
I pray everyday that we all embrace excellence. In our thoughts, words, love, and our work. Doing our best, being our best, as we share our hopes and dreams in this amazing world.
All the while, with every opportunity, telling someone about Jesus.
Partake of Him and you will never hunger. Drink of Him and never thirst. He is eternal life, and there is plenty of room in His kingdom for everyone.
Regardless of the sin or failure He is there to forgive, and pick them up.
I love the Lord. What an awesome season for the story of Jesus. Live it, tell it, and watch it change your world.
Praying blessings for you always, In His Name.
#lovewins #hopelives. #inHisname
Awesome Message by Bishop Richard Hilton
Take a look at this great word from the Lord, shared by Bishop Richard Hilton, and awesome worship by Theresa Hilton. http://bit.ly/2wjwGZP
I love the Journey
I Love the Journey
I have spent a lot of time addressing topics that I have issues with. I never shrink away from defending Biblical principles regarding the church. In many of my posts I share the Biblical version of the Gospel. The Gospel is not open for opinion. It is clearly defined as the story of Jesus.
I have wanted to tell a little bit about myself and the journey that God has blessed me to walk. By the way I am praying that there is a lot of journey left.
In prayer I say to the Father often, I have always been in your hands, and will always be in your hands.
With all the mistakes and bad decisions I have made over the course of my life. God has always been with me. Loving, correcting, teaching, and forgiving.
Every life has a purpose. Even when you go off course you still have a purpose. You complicate the process when you move beyond His plan but He will help you move back in line with His will.
I have found myself at an age that I thought would have taken a lot longer to reach. I know that sounds weird, but the years pass so fast. Even faster than I ever imagined.
With that said I feel a greater urgency than ever. I don’t have time to deal with issues and yes, even people that aren’t going where God is taking me. That simply means that their purpose is different than mine. If I can help I will, if they have a word for me I will listen.
I am just saying that I don’t have time to waste.
I love the church, and I love the Gospel. It has been my life since I was 16 years old. I pray for the church every day. The Gospel story is the greatest message that the church has. The story of Jesus will change lives, heal divides, and strengthen relationships.
We live in an awesome season of ministry. Opportunities to change communities, reveal Jesus to the burdened and the hopeless. We have an opportunity like never before.
An opportunity to tear down walls of unbelief. To bring faith and hope to folks who have none. To help these people find their purpose in the Kingdom of God.
There are all sorts of new things, and new ideas to reach into the hearts of those who have yet to follow Christ. I am for everyone that holds true to the Gospel message.
Music can change, I love it. The presentations become more technological. These computer generated ministry helps are awesome. Still, the Gospel message is the only message that can change lives.
I am dedicated to that message. The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Confirm it from the OT. Preach it with passion and Kingdom authority. Allowing everyone, no matter their lifestyle or their depth of sin and failure to hear that amazing story.
Jesus loves them and we must do the same.
My passion is preaching personal responsibility. Our responsibility to be the light and the salt in our world. Reaching beyond walls of division, and digging deep into the darkness that surrounds the lost.
I don’t preach inspirational stories, reminding people of the good old days. When times were different, and the world was so much better.
Make the world better now, if you don’t like it. Move beyond the past, and bring your knowledge and faith in Christ to the world you live in.
Inspiring people to grow and move forward. Forgiving those who have wronged you. Letting go of who you used to be, and become who He has created you to be.
I guess I just can’t help preaching a little bit.
I have a wonderful church family. Faithful and dedicated to the message we share at Amazing Life Church.
My wife Betty is an awesome gift of God. Our kids are such a blessing, and we have friends that we love with all our heart.
When you get a chance you can subscribe to my blog. That way you will be notified when I post something new.
Be prepared. I can get controversial, and I will definitely call out with intense passion, when I hear or read something that corrupts the Gospel.
Tell your story, along with the story of Jesus. It will change lives and change your world.
With a prayer for blessings and favor to all, I will close for now.
Oh, don’t forget, I love this journey. Praying that you love yours. In His Name.
#lovewins #hopelives
The Gift of God
The Gift of God
I have been wanting to do a post for a while on what seems to be a fixation on sin in much of the church.
I am aware that the religious community will not like this but I do pray that you read the entire post. I am not the type to judge and condemn others for their beliefs. I am, however the type that will passionately address what I believe is wrong.
Let me say unquestionably, that what the Bible says is sin, is sin. I didn’t write it, and I do not have the right to alter it. With that said, and this is probably for another post. I along with all of you have a responsibility to study, and pray, for understanding. As the Apostle Paul taught us our covenant has a spiritual concept, and must be understood with spiritual discernment.
2 Corinthians 3:4-6
4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.
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.
With all this said, Here I go!!
It seems to me that there is only one sin that the church world is concerned with. I have read many posts regarding homosexuality. All kinds of amazing topics that grab attention.
5 Reasons why the church must publicly denounce it, or you will be labeled as approving it. Does that mean if I don’t call out liars that I approve of their lies. Revelation 21:8 says all liars will be in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.
What about people steeped in selfish pride and arrogance.
What about the seven abominations found in Proverbs. By the way, none are sexually related.
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.
If I don’t cry out against these, naming them, and publicly berating those involved. Does that mean I approve of it, or condone it.
The church uses homosexuality as the sole reason for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Take a look at this.
Ezekiel 16:49-50
49 Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy.
50 Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it.
The word abominations comes from the Hebrew word, Tow’ebah, strongs #8441. It means, (a disgusting thing. In a ritual sense it means, unclean food idols, and mixed marriages. In a ethical sense it means, wickedness.)
However, if you read the book of Jasher you will find that every sort of sexual sin there is, was being committed in these cities. Along with many other despicable acts of rebellion and disobedience.
It seems to me, God speaking through the prophet, was concerned about the poor and the needy. INTERESTING ISN’T IT?
Jesus put an emphasis on unbelief when He commissioned the disciples to tell His story.
Matthew 10:13-15
13 If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.
14 Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.
15 Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
Verse 15 Amplified
I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected the Messiah’s messenger].
Please understand, this is not an effort to condone or minimize anything. I am simply saying that there are many things that people are dealing with. Many of which affect the condition of the church and it’s message to the world.
I believe in being fair. If I started naming sins from the pulpit, I would have no time to share the story of Jesus, (The Gospel Message). Most people have something they are dealing with. Is one more dangerous than the other?
When did we as a church stop believing in the redemptive power of the Gospel. The message of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. When did the church stop trusting that message to change the lives of the hearers?
We as a church need to listen to the voices crying out in the world.
The people who are in desperate situations. Sexual addictions, drug addictions. Those in poverty and horrible living conditions. People being abused every day with no hope of having a normal life.
Do we in the church really believe that these folks don’t know their condition?
They need to hear a message of hope. Something that will build within them the faith to change their circumstance. Something that they can believe in. A friend that will walk with them every step as they transition from their past and become a follower of Christ.
They need to hear that someone loves them, not hates them.
Yes we hate sin, and the destruction that it causes in peoples lives and families. That is why the Apostle Peter wrote this.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I could go on for hours but I won’t. I will close with some words from an old Hymn. Words I have shared many times.
“Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.”
Be blessed and let me know what you think.
#lovewins #hopelives
God is Always Searching
God is Always Searching
Once again I have to give God Glory for His consistent presence in Amazing Life Church. He is positioning people among us to understand His presence, and how to utilize it in our daily lives.
I know He is ever with me, and with you. It is still particularly pleasant, and humbling, when you can sense Him in your daily walk. Always in you, surrounding you, and leading you day by day. Makes no difference who you are, what level of faith you have. It makes no difference if you occasionally stumble. Even if you have left the reservation for a season. He loves you, and awaits your return. Ever ready to help you find your way again.
What an awesome Father, Son, and Spirit. I come to you today, In His Name, with some thoughts titled, “God is Always Searching”
Psalms 143:1-12
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, Give ear to my supplications! Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!
2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.
4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart is appalled within me.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah.
7 Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails; Do not hide Your face from me, Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I take refuge in You.
10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
12 And in Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies And destroy all those who afflict my soul, For I am Your servant.
What a Prayer
David is pouring out his heart. Crying out for deliverance from his enemies, and direction for moving forward.
Prayer is how we build our relationship with the Father. It is our path to victory, revelation, healing, deliverance.
It is the source of our faith, and understanding of His words.
Oswald Chambers said, “we have to pray with our eyes on God, not on our difficulties.”
Prayer consists of three elements. “Petition, praise, and worship.”
There is an interesting verse found in Ezekiel 22. The chapter is all about God, and His anger towards Israel for their rebellion and sins.
Ezekiel 22:28-29
28 Her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord has not spoken.
29 The people of the land have practiced oppression and committed robbery, and they have wronged the poor and needy and have oppressed the sojourner without justice.
Ezekiel 22:30
I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.
NLT
“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.”
“No one there to defend, and no one there to intercede.”
What a sad epitaph for the nation of Israel.
“Jesus stood in the gap for us”
Paul understood the value of intercessory prayer. He shared an admonition to Timothy that would do us well to follow today.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
He is encouraging us to pray for people, and for those in authority. “Pause and calmly think of that.”
Ephesians 6:18-19
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,
19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, “ Paul said pray for me”
Romans 15:30
Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
AMPC
I appeal to you [I entreat you], brethren, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love [given by] the Spirit, to unite with me in earnest wrestling in prayer to God in my behalf.
Matthew 26:39-41
39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”
40 And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?
41 Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
God is searching for someone to pray.
When I read these last few scriptures an old chorus we used to sing, from years ago, came to my mind.
It’s me, Its me oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer.
Link to the video. Hope you enjoy. http://bit.ly/2tWLXOx
#lovewins #hopelives
When You See or Hear Jesus
When You See or Hear Jesus
Still rejoicing over the 10th Annual Backpack event July 8th. It was very successful. Even more so considering the community involvement.
God has blessed us over the years. It is faithfulness to Him, and the mission of this church that has moved us forward each year.
What an awesome God that has continued in His faithfulness to us, and to this community.
Your prayers, your giving, your love has changed the atmosphere that surrounds us.
I love the grace and mercy of God, and it’s purpose for our lives and our church. Together we give Him all the glory and honor. It has always been about him, and His unconditional love.
I want to share some thoughts titled, “When You See or Hear Jesus”
Luke 5:12-16
12 While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
13 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him.
14 And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
15 But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
I love the story of this leper. His plea for healing must have been extraordinary to Jesus. Why? Because He broke Levitical law when He touched the leper.
The law is found in Leviticus 5:3 and it was given to prevent the spread of the disease. Since Jesus was God in the flesh He could not be infected by leprosy.
“He touched the leper to spread the cure.”
“Verse 15, But the news about Him was spreading even farther.”
Matthew 20:29-34
29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.
30 And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”
31 The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
33 They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.”
34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
One saw, others heard. In both cases they took action.
When your need has overwhelmed you. Imprisoned your mind, and your thoughts. When your circumstances are beyond your ability to change.
You must see Him. “perceive who He is.” You must hear Him, “His faithful promises that will move you beyond any need or circumstance.”
You can’t just see or hear Him. You must take action!!!
Mark 5:25-29
25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years,
26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse—
27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak.
28 For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.”
29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Mark 10:46-52
46 Then they *came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road.
47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they *called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.”
50 Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.
51 And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!”
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.
Have you ever prayed for a situation and felt hopeless. It seems like your prayers never rise above the ceiling. Never reaching the Heavens.
The enemy will come and discourage. God’s not listening. This is your fault. Your problem to solve. Friends may even tell you that praying is not the answer. Just let the circumstances play out.
NO NO NO. Don’t listen to the crowd. The lies of the devil. Don’t listen to the voice in your head that says God is not listening.
Cry louder. Louder than the voices around you. The voices that say no.
Tell them this. “I have seen Jesus working in my life. I have heard Him speak words of love and truth.”
I will pray, I will weep, I will never stop calling on Jesus.
#lovewins #hopelives
The Choice is Yours
The Choice is Yours
I love the Lord, the global church, and I love Amazing Life Church.
All too often, in the church world, personal agenda’s cloud the opportunity to share Jesus. For the purpose of this thought, the word agenda is defined this way, “an underlying often ideological plan or program.”
In other words, at times, the Gospel is presented with an agenda. With that said, there should be a singular agenda in every church, and on the minds of every Christian. I am speaking of the story of Jesus and it’s power to change lives, circumstances, and even worlds.
After Moses had disrespected God and was about to die he had some things to do. He had to commission Joshua to lead the people into the promised land. As he was doing this Moses began to prophesy to the people. Here is a portion of what he said.
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
15 “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;
16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the Lord your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.
17 But if your heart turns away and you will not obey, but are drawn away and worship other gods and serve them,
18 I declare to you today that you shall surely perish. You will not prolong your days in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess it.
19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,
20 by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
The word choose in verse 19 from the Hebrew means, “to decide for.”
Know this, whatever you choose, whatever you decide for, Heaven and earth is watching.
“Yes, it matters what you choose.”
Your pursuit of life, or your journey towards death, begins with a choice.
The children of Israel for generations had problems with choice.
Joshua had the same issues with these folks.
Joshua 24:15
If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
(Get Off The Fence! Was his point.)
One big issue with choice is accountability. It is much easier to choose if you can blame someone else when your choice falls apart.
There is a passage in Psalms that really strengthens and upholds the rest of my message. It is important to understand that when you choose Him, you choose all of His resources.
Psalms 119:129-130
129 Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul observes them.
130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
AMPC
129 Your testimonies are wonderful [far exceeding anything conceived by man]; therefore my [penitent] self keeps them [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them].
130 The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.
Psalms 25:12-15
12 Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
13 His soul will abide in prosperity, And his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.
15 My eyes are continually toward the Lord, For He will pluck my feet out of the net.
Psalms 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The prophet Isaiah confirmed this as did Christ when teaching before the Jews.
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;
When you choose Him, you choose His benefits and His promises.
In what is known as the great commission found in Matthew 28, we read these words from Jesus.
Matthew 28:18-20 AMP
18 Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
With you always!!!
Today the word choose is defined basically the same. (pick out or select (someone or something) as being the best or most appropriate of two or more alternatives.)
You have to decide. Life or death, Kingdom benefits with Christ as your source for everything you will ever need. Or maybe you think you can make it on your own.
Christians are still struggling with this level of choice.
Today, the choice is yours. What will it be?
#lovewins #hopelives