Veils that Cover

Veils that Cover

 

Our morning Bible Study at Open Door Church, was led by Sister Helen, as she opened with Exodus 34:29-30  regarding Moses coming down from the Mountain with the two tables of stone.  Moses had been in God’s presence and his face shone so brightly that the people could not look at him.  He was obliged to put a veil upon his face so he could speak to the people. 

The lesson continued reading from 2 Corinthians 3: 15-18 telling us that so often as we read the Bible, there is a veil on our heart.  However when we turn to the Lord the veil is taken away and there is liberty. 

2 Corinthians 4: 1-18 reveals that the Gospel is hidden to those who are lost because the enemy has blinded their minds to prevent them from following Jesus.

As Christians there are often things hidden in our hearts, when we fail to handle the word of God rightly.  The light of the gospel will illuminate hidden sins so they can be dealt with.  Once enlightened, we are to renounce those things that don’t please God.

The Word brings conviction that leads to repentance.  We are then to follow the instructions give by God and begin to do those things that please Him.

How is that working out for you?

Saul whose name was later changed to Paul, was blinded by a great light and a power that brought him to his knees.  He had been persecuting the Christians, but a voice spoke and asked him, “Why do you persecute Me?”  Saul could only say, “Who are you Lord?”  He was given instructions and was gloriously converted and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

As time went by he was the one being persecuted and many times beaten and left for dead.  All in all he rejoiced that he was found worthy to suffer for Christ Jesus.

He knew that in time he would be presented before our Father God and receive his crown. 

In life we all have problems and troubles, yet it is only a light affliction for the moment.

We are reminded to look not at the things that are seen, but at things that are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

One of these days, it will be our turn to be presented before our Father God.

 

I’ll Never Tell

I’ll Never Tell 

There are some things that are best kept on a “Need to Know” basis.   

In a marriage, there are intimate details that should be kept in the bedroom, for the Bible says the Marriage bed is Holy. 

At times, Jesus told those he healed; “Do not tell others what has happened here, but keep it to yourself.”   

It makes you wonder why Jesus would not want them to broadcast their testimony, but He had his reasons.  What had happened was a sacred healing - - so personal, it was only between Jesus and the one receiving ministry? 

Some testimonies of your wicked past – probably don’t need to be open to the public.  If God leads you to share them - - by all means go ahead.  It will no doubt encourage others if the timing is right. 

Gossip should stop at your ears and not be spread.  Pray about the situation and tell God all about it.  He will never tell !!

 

Sometimes it is a good thing to be silent, and  “Not tell everything you know.” 

 

 

The Battle is the Lords

Our Bible Study at Open Door Church continued that situations occur in our lives and it seems necessary that we go through them to strengthen our Faith.

Our lesson was on the Children of Israel who were oppressed by the Philistines. 

David was a lowly shepherd boy, distained by his brothers and left out in the wilds for weeks at a time to tend the sheep.  He did not consider himself “lonely” because he used his harp to play and sing praises to his God.  At times he practiced with his sling. 

One day his father called him to take some grain and 10 loaves to his brothers, along with ten cheeses to the captain.  Bring back a report on how the war is going on.

You know the story how David heard the taunts of Goliath, and asked what shall be done to the man who slays this giant?  The brothers made fun of David and said, what are you doing here?  Get home where you belong!  David replied, “The Lord has sent me.”

His brothers called him a braggart when he told how he had slain both a bear and a lion that tried to take his sheep.  Word came to King Saul that a young boy was saying he would go to fight the champion.  The King told David, “You are not prepared to fight, so here is my armor for you to wear.”  David refused the armor, because it did not fit and he had not proved it.  He told the King that God would fight this battle.

1 Samuel 17: 42-47  And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog,  that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”

(David rose up with righteous anger.)  And said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

This battle was to be a “One on One; Winner take all.”  These men were seasoned warriors on both sides and here comes this untrained lad speaking boldly that “God has done it before and He will do it again.”  David killed the giant with one smooth stone and cut off his head with Goliath’s own sword.  The Children of Israel SHOUTED and chased the Philistines and won a great battle that day.

 

In life we come upon situations that seem unbeatable, and the enemy giant looms large and threatening.  Even our family and friends may have negative words for us.

 

We must remind ourselves that our God is BIGGER than the stormy circumstances. 

 

Our weapons are not of this world, and we do not fight against flesh and blood, but we have spiritual weapons to fight against the forces of evil and darkness. 

 

A SHOUT is good at times, and Praise, thanking God for his goodness and for the answer.  Singing is another weapon and boldly prophesying as you sing.  Sing declarations that the battle is already won. 

 

Dance can be a weapon, and if you can’t dance, then do a holy jump. 

 

Pray and intercede, using all your Spiritual weapons until your burden lifts.  Then you will know you have the victory.

 

 

 

 

 

UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Do Not Harbor Unrealistic Expectation regarding your mate or others !
You cannot harass anyone to produce fruit !

 

 

Our Prayer Walk at the Dam on Wednesday - - weather wise - - was so windy we sat at one of the tables and first prayed for Pastor’s step dad undergoing surgery in Sacramento.  Pastor was not with us as he had traveled to Sacramento to be with his family. 

Three of us ladies were there, as we shared the focus and then prayed God’s will over Oroville.  What is God’s will?  “God is NOT willing that anyone would PERISH." 

Soon we were joined by a fourth lady.  As we continued each one saying a prayer, then we began to share what the Lord was telling us.  It is amazing to share testimonies.   

I stated; You have heard it said, “It is better felt than telt.”  And “It is better caught then taught.”  The reason I said this, is that - - of course we are in God’s presence especially on Sunday and then during the week - - but since the first of this year, I have been doing some different kind of book reading;  Books that deal with up to date God encounters in the lives of every day real people.  Books that share the Supernatural, including dreams, visions, and experiences with the Holy Spirit in the heavenly plain. 

 

While reading these new to me books, I am CATCHING a new excitement that is being formed in my spirit. 

I am reminded when the babe leaped in Elizabeth’s womb when she heard the voice of Mary the mother of Jesus.  As I am reading these books - - at times, my spirit actually leaps for joy. 

We were holding hands at the dam, as we thought we were saying our final prayer before leaving – when all at once another lady pressed in and joined hands with us.  I glanced at her not sure if I recognized her because it has been so long.   

After prayer, we felt it necessary to stay a bit longer.  She poured out her heart only briefly telling us she loved Jesus and may not be where others including her husband think she should be in Christ.  It was evident she was hurt and burdened.   

I told her we loved her, and a lot of what we think people are saying about us, is the devil trying to discourage us. 

 

(I do pray no one is gossiping here, because much of gossip is only OPINION with a smidgen of truth that needs to stay in your mouth.)  Remember there is always two sides to every story.  (Possibly both stories are unrealistic.)

As we allowed her to speak, the Lord gave me a word that I shared only in part.  Each Christian is on a different page in their walk with Jesus.  We cannot expect others to get on our page, because it is a PERSONAL walk with God.  We grow as we continue in the Word even if it is only a chapter each day (or two – or one.)  We must give others the freedom and the right to grow in Christ at their own speed.   

Soon she left, hopefully not offended, but hopefully with something to consider.  We prayed that the Holy Spirit would minister to her and to us as we also prepared to leave. 

On the way home, the Holy Spirit said to me.   

“Those who are married, often have UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS, about their spouse.  A time of prayer and Bible reading together is good, but in some cases the other person must be released and be FREE to have their own personal quiet time with God, and allowed to grow on their own terms. 

So how can a married couple have a “happy marriage?”  First tell the other person daily “I love you.”  Second, treat each other with courtesy as if they were an honored guest.   

Watch your words, and be careful how you try to control the other person.  Do little kind things for the other person, that they will enjoy - - such fixing dinner, or bringing one flower.  If the other person is ranting - - (this is hard) BE QUIET and listen.  Later you can sweetly give your opinion after the dust settles. 

Lastly – read this again: 

“Those who are married, often have UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS, about their spouse.  A time of prayer and Bible reading together is good, but in some cases the other person must be released and be FREE to have their own personal quiet time with God and allowed to grow on their own terms.

 

There is Expectations - - and there is Reality !!

The Gift of Helps

 

As Pastor Allan ministered, I took notes and digested his sermon.  He stated his desire was to equip our Church to become leaders. 

In July we began an evening School of the Bible, and in the second week, two students fell out, due to situations and discouragements.  This caused Pastor to be upset, angry and he asked God "Why do we have to endure this fluctuating of souls?  I don’t want to do this." 

 

God said, to keep on keeping on and continue to prepare those you have to work with.

The body has many members, and there are different callings to ministry.  Not all are apostles, prophets, teachers, but all can contribute in the ministry of Helps and Administrations.

1 Corinthians 12:28-31  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, HELPS, ADMINISTRATIONS, varieties of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.  All the gifts work by Love, and without Love – we are nothing.

When this church was founded there was no structure, no budget, only a desire to teach.  Here is where Pastor said he needed to repent, as he failed to teach the church to walk in love and to create relationships with the leaders and with each other.

Leaders get sick, or a family situation causes them to not be able to fulfill their position for a certain day.  There must be those in the ministry of helps ready to step up and take charge for that day. 

 

We are in need of Children’s ministry workers, to relieve our teachers.  By alternating, they will be able to enjoy the service.  Those desiring to participate in teaching need to be prepared spiritually and in the Word.

 

Also our kitchen staff needs helpers to serve the meals to the after church crowd.  This can be a rotation of perhaps once a month. 

What is the purpose of Open Door Church?  It is a place anyone can come to not worried how they look with only a desire to know the living God.  An open door must also have an open heart. 

God operates in Seasons.  Pray and ask for wisdom and strength for the shift into the next season.  

God desires praise and worship, but he mostly requires unity.  A Pastor cannot do everything all by himself.  The church needs workers who will become leaders.

Although we desire to experience freedom of the Holy Spirit, the Pastor’s job is to use the shepherd’s crook to cull out those who spread nonsense.  How does their life line up with the Word, or do their prophesies bring confusion?

As a company of believers we should all be operating in our Holy Spirit Gifts.  We are each one set apart for the ministry to do as God directs.  We are to build up each other by helping and carrying the load.

Some might say, sweeping floors and cleaning toilets is beneath me, and is a “waste of my ministry.”

Actually we should not despise the little things, for God wants commitment and dedication to a given task no matter how small.  Be prepared to do what God is asking you to do. 

Followers are good, but we also need leaders.  There are levels of authority and you can step in where needed to reach a certain level, and maintain that level.

What I am asking is for agreement, a covenant and wisdom and discretion on how to handle things in this body.  

 

Begin now to seek God on how to qualify yourself to become a leader in this body.

 

 

If Necessary - - Are We Prepared to Suffer for our Faith?

If Necessary - - Are We Prepared to Suffer for our Faith?

 

Our Bible Study at Open Door Church began with several scriptures from Jeremiah and also Lamentations.  These are poetic books with deep meaning.

Jeremiah was called by God as a young lad.  He was shy and humble, but God gave him a special anointing to be a prophet and speak boldly the words of God.

False prophets were in the land and Jeremiah called them out.  This caused him enormous problems. 

Trials come at times to us all.  Often it is because of our choices, but not always.  There are times that trouble comes allowing us to grow and trust in God.  Remember that we are IN Him.  We can learn how to deal with difficult times and know God is with us.

Our teacher mentioned she knew a woman who was severely and ritualistic abused as a girl.  God gave her a dream and she went on to become a missionary.  She ministered to children who had been forced to kill as an initiation, and their anguish was so deep. 

Consider how God can use sorrow to understand the pain in others.

In Jeremiah’s day, the Jewish Nation was worshiping idols and other gods.  They were also reaching out to ungodly nations and doing terrible things.  Jeremiah preached repentance, and he was rigorously mocked.

Pashur the Priest put him in stocks because Jeremiah had said to repent and stop worshiping idols and other gods.

He also prophesied war was coming and for the people to go with their Chaldean capturers and live in their land.  Jeremiah Chapter 38 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live. They will escape with their lives; they will live.’ ³ And this is what the Lord says: ‘This city will certainly be given into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.’”

These words did not set well with the Princes who wanted to kill Jeremiah.  Here the National and Religious leaders were against Jeremiah and his words to serve God and live a Holy life.  He did not whine and say “I am a victim.”

The King gave permission to do with Jeremiah as they wanted, and they cast him into a deep dungeon where he sank in the mire. 

EbedMelek, a Cushite, an official in the royal palace spoke to the King; “These men have done evil to God’s prophet.”  The king took pity and commanded them to take Jeremiah out of the pit.  Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured.   All of his prophesies came to pass as he had said.

The King of Babylon had respect to God’s prophet and brought him to his people.

Lamentations 3: 22-26  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;  it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Peter said, it is necessary when hardship comes to NOT give up, but hope and trust for God to give you strength to go through triumphant. 

The trial of your faith is valuable and important and more precious than gold.  Some situations are allowed to prove our dedication, so do NOT be defeated, but stand tall and be strong in the Lord.

 

Anointed Feet

Oil of Anointing

 

Today was our hour of prayer as we prayed over our city.

I asked our prayer partners to consider Praying in different areas of our city for spiritual insight so that your prayers release blessings where ever you walk. 

(Joshua 1:3,8) “I will give you every place where you set your foot…Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night…Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Although we walk by faith - - it is a wonderful thing to “FEEL” God’s presence with our human body.

Recently as I pray and worship Jesus, I have noticed a tangible anointing in my LEFT hand, which puzzled me.  I was wondering why the anointing was in my left hand and not my right hand?

I did a search and found a testimony by Richard Roberts, son of Oral Roberts.  He stated: 

 

“I was in my hotel room praying and getting ready for a healing service, when all of a sudden, I felt warmth in my LEFT shoulder.  The warmth then moved down my arm and into my LEFT hand.  Suddenly, I knew it was the power of God and His anointing.  I began to weep as I felt His presence sweep over me.  Immediately, I remembered how my father, Oral Roberts, used to feel God’s presence in his RIGHT arm flowing down into his RIGHT hand.  In fact he wouldn’t go into a healing service until he felt that anointing shooting out of his RIGHT hand. 

As I thought on this, God began to teach me that each person is different, and some will sense God in their body in various ways. 

I began to understand that you cannot put God in a BOX and expect Him to always operate the same way as in previous times.

Then I mused.  If God’s anointing can be in either hand, and also in various parts of our body, why not our FEET? 

So our thought for today is - - -As you walk around in your city doing your daily errands, or visiting places you must go, believe that your FEET are claiming this area of your city for God.

 

 

Seek God With All Your Heart

 

Pastor Allan thanked his family members for traveling to witness the finality of the adoption of their daughter.  She is no longer their foster daughter but is now their legal daughter.  I took notes and edited his sermon.

Pastor stated it is our responsibility to nourish and raise up our Children to serve God.  We are called to be the High Priest of our homes.  If we neglect to properly raise our kids, they may fail to step into their appointed call from God.

It is often difficult to rest in the presence of God, because we get caught up in doing God’s work; we forget to stay in His presence.  We can’t do it all, but it is essential to take time to get away with Jesus – just you and Him. 

Holy Spirit we ask you to give us more so we can be your receptacle to flow out. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for more.  Shut out the clatter and noise around you and soak in His presence.

Psalms 119:1-2 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!

There is so much nonsense in our world and so much ready to defile us.  Understand if it is not beneficial and not good, it is time to turn the channel.  Cover and protect your mind.  Stop doing those things that are not pleasing to God.  Determine what defiles you and quit doing it.  Some things are good but not necessary.

There are things others do with a good conscious, but you can’t.  Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and toss out what God says must go.  There are some places you can’t go because the temptation may be too great to participate.  Walk away from those type of things because it will defile you. 

Don’t justify what you know is wrong.  How often do we grieve the Holy Spirit by refusing to listen to Him?  Pay attention to that tugging at your heart.  It is time to stop indulging and call sin just what it is - - sin.  Realize that the world is watching you!

Proverbs has answers to a good life, and gives us wisdom to bless us.  There is the offer of Life or Death, and the choice is yours.  Decisions based on God’s word will bring Life.

Our Christian Walk is a personal one, and there is no time for stubbornness and rebellion.  Don’t get me wrong.  Everything will not be coming up roses, and there will be struggles, but we can’t preach and debauch all in the same week.

Soon compromise becomes comfortable, and we wonder why our children come up with foolish notions.  We can’t be a pretender. 

It is getting so that we must consider forming another Christian School in our city, or home school our children. 

Our favorite TV shows are becoming defiled.  All of a sudden, they are bringing in homosexual relationships into the series.  We must shut it down, and protest.

Why do we take prayer requests and ask people to come forward for prayer?  It is because God shows up.  This is when we stir up our hearts and flush out the works of the flesh.  The enemy wants us to take backward steps and relax our walk with God.  Satan does not like the call of God on our lives.  He tempts, condemns, and discourages by attacking our mind.  We must keep our focus on Jesus and our mind stayed on Him.

Read the Bible for yourself each day – that you might not sin.  Take time to search the scriptures and ask God to show you His face.

Walk in God’s Law and meditate on His precepts.

Psalms 119:3-7 They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments. I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments.

 

Parable – The Dentist



I am in Pain !!

Are you struggling with an old temptation that has returned?  Are the “Pleasures of the World” calling your name? 

 

Is there an attitude that will not let you go?  Such as Fear, Anger, Revenge, Bitterness or Resentment and you find it Difficult to Forgive those who have hurt you? 

~ ~ ~

God gave me this parable that may help you.   

Let us say that you are entertaining a tooth ache.  Aspirin does not help so you go to the dentist.  He takes an ex-ray and after examination determines that you have an ABSCESSED and INFECTED tooth.  It must be removed because it is LIFE threatening.   

The dentist has to work fast, so he grabs his equipment and the nurse holds you down by your shoulders.   

Now this is going to HURT and there will be some BLEEDING, as the dentist works to pull out the diseased tooth with its long roots.   

Out it comes with a lot of puss and ugly stuff.  The dentist uses some special CLEANER to flush out all the poison, gives you a shot of ANTI-BIOTIC, AND tells you that he got it all and you can now rejoice. 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Do you understand or must I explain?  Some will need it explained so here goes !

The infected tooth is your temptation, habit, ungodly desires, or an addiction that the Holy Spirit says MUST be removed from your heart.  It will hurt because your flesh still wants to keep this (tooth). 

 

When you realize keeping the (tooth) will cause your death, you allow Jesus to remove it; while the Holy Spirit holds you down to complete the work. 

 

Jesus uses his Precious Blood to flush out the venom that was seeking to destroy you.  The Holy Spirit gives you a jolt of His Electricity to let you know you are free. 

Oh yes, do not sign up to get an "implant" to replace your missing (tooth.)

Fasting and - - Hungering and Thirsting

FAST - when you Hunger and Thirst for God's Righteousness

 

Open Door Church had a guest speaker, Roger, who reminds me of the Jewish men who pray at the wailing wall because Roger bounces as he prays and preaches.

He began his message by challenging us to determine that we are going to walk in the presence of God. 

We were born into things we had no choice, and many were pulled into situations that seemed we had no control - - But God changed that when you found Jesus.

Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.”  Posture yourself before Christ to receive His anointing so He can use you.  Let your soul hunger and thirst for God to desire more of His presence in your life.

Luke 18 tells the story of the proud religious leader and the humble tax collector.  The one exalted himself and the other was modest and self-effacing as he cried for mercy.  Going to the temple will not save you.  We must hunger and thirst after righteousness. 

It is better to live a life of repentance as it will keep you from being “Religious.”

Sampson got his strength from being consecrated Holy unto God, but he was seduced.

God has sons and daughters to wrap their arms around the pillars and take down the house.

Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to let God use you.

Psalms 42:2   “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”  Deep calls to deep.  Bust open the waters. 

There is a Fast unto God.  Fast the darkness, Fast the garbage – push it away.

You have been invited to a feast at the Kings table.  Our token is the Holy Ghost.  Jesus longs to share fellowship with you, and He anoints your head with oil and with His fragrance.

Revelation 1:7-8 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.  Even so, Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

God is searching for shepherds, like David.  It doesn’t matter how rich, talented you are, but are you hungry and thirsty?

Arise, shine, and go and sin no more.  Let addiction fall away and poverty must go.  The word is active and alive and let God fill you with his glory.  Prepare your heart and take some time to fast and pray. 

The body repairs itself in fasting.  God will release blessing and understanding to you as you seek His face.

Many are fasting and praying for America as this is the season and we must listen to what God says.

When you deny yourself food, - - feast on God’s word.  Roger stated that he often goes on prolonged fasts only drinking water.  It is a time to pause from all the nonsense.

If you have never fasted before, don’t get crazy and weird and start a 40 day fast.  Use wisdom and begin with one meal and then an entire day, and be sure to drink water.

We are shakers and our desire is to shake our city our state and our Nation for God.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Why Fast?  

Interesting information from: Whatchristianswanttoknow.com/ and edited

Fasting is meant to be a private act between us and God. We are warned by Jesus himself not to be proud of or boast to others that we are fasting in the hope they will think we are 'spiritual' and close to God (Matthew 6:16 - 18).  Fasting for biblical purposes should draw us closer to God. It should help us break away from the desire to satisfy our own lusts and materialism.

Here are Seven reasons a Christian should fast today.

1. Because Christ Expects it of Christians

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16-18 are not words of a command. He does not tell us that we have to fast. However, He expects that we will. He said, “when you fast…” He was making an assumption that a Christian would fast.

2. For Guidance

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23)

3. For Intensity in Prayer

David fasted and prayed for the child that he fathered with Bathsheba. David knew he had sinned, but his fast was not to restore fellowship with God. Apparently restoration was already taken care of.  His prayer in 2 Samuel 12 was for the life of the child.

4. As a Sign of Mourning

Nehemiah heard about the destruction of Jerusalem and was moved to fast and weep for his beloved city.

5. To Show Humility in the Presence of God

The man after God’s own heart, King David, said that he fasted for the purpose of humbling himself before God (Psalm 35:13).

6. For Worship

… fasting without the right attitude does not touch the heart of God.” Along with humility before God, fasting can be a way to worship God.

7. For Spiritual Strength

While Jesus faced the temptation of Satan, He fasted for 40 days. There is a principle of spiritual strength that is demonstrated in fasting in the life of Christ (Luke 4:1-11).

Mark 9:29 shows that the disciples needed power from God that comes only through fasting. Matthew 17:20 and 21 say that fasting and prayer coupled with faith in God can work spiritual miracles.

Boundaries Set by God

 

Humans want to Explore, Discover and Experience new Things - most are good

 

Our Bible Study at Open Door Church was about trials and our reaction to them.  I took notes: 

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were living in freedom to pretty much do as they pleased.  They would fellowship with God each evening and during the day they could enjoy the beauty of their paradise, and eat from all the trees except one.  God had given them only one rule and that was to avoid two trees.  One tree was the “Knowledge of Good and Evil” and the other was the tree of “Life.” 

Genesis 2:16-17  And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

They had been given “Free Will” and could choose to obey God or go their own way.  At first they were happy to obey God, but then sly cunning words were spoken by their enemy telling them that this tree was to be desired and it would make them wise.  The voice said, “God is preventing you from enjoying something wonderful.  You shall not surely die.”

It was decision making time and Eve listened and looked until the craving for something forbidden was too much, so she yielded,  took some of the fruit and gave to Adam; and they both ate and died.

Adam and Eve did not die physically on that day, but they died spiritually.  They became a sinner in rebellion against God which later on would result in physical death as well.

We live in a fallen world with trials and trouble that happens to mankind.

What is it that we as believers care about?  What are our Godly responsibilities when situations arise outside our control?

The Holy Spirit may use circumstances to bring you to your knees to pray, and to acknowledge God’s will.  There is frustration in the struggle to make correct choices.

Our thought life is vivid and we are tempted to become discouraged and give up.  Recognizing where negative thoughts come from will expose the Father of Lies as the source.  Don’t believe the Lie.  Adam and Eve believed the lie and created our troubles.

God called Jeremiah to be His prophet telling him he was chosen while still in the womb.

Jeremiah 1:4-6  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”  Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”

Jeremiah believed the lie he heard in his head that he was not good enough and was only a child.  But God said to go forth and proclaim my word.

The heart of the Father God is only good for you, so if there is anything evil in your life, it is time to repent and turn from it and to receive a new heart.

Jesus continues to call:  Return unto me and I will wash you in the blood of the Lamb, and give you my Righteousness.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

 

What is it that you want God to do for you?

 

Pastor Gamal Hanna from Tema, Egypt was guest speaker at Open Door church as I took notes: 

He brought greetings from Egypt and the orphanage founded by Lillian Trasher the Mother of the Nile.

Rev Hanna called a young boy to the front and told us to, Rejoice in your Pastor and also rejoice in the children who are tender and open to the moving of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 18 tells us of a blind man sitting by the roadside begging who heard the commotion.  He asked, “What is happening?”  The answer was “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” The blind man cried loudly, “Jesus son of David, have mercy on me.”  

 

Luke 18:41 Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” And he replied, Lord I want to see.  His healing began with faith and an encounter with Jesus the healer.

Each and every one has a mission, and God wants to meet with you individually.  The Lord calls you by name and you can have an encounter with God.  Jesus asks the question today; “What do you want me to do for you?”

Jericho was a heavily guarded city. But anointed legs marched around the walls six days and finally on day seven at a signal from the priests, they shouted and the walls fell down. 

 

Lord anoint our legs so we can walk worthy and take our city for God.

The blind man had been sitting.  Also the lame man was sitting, but Peter told him to rise up and walk.

It is important to “Ask.” Ask and all things shall be added unto you. 

Each one the Lord approaches receives the question, “What would you have me do for you?”

Stop talking, stop pouting, stop feeling sorry for yourself and allow Jesus to minister to you.  Bring your heavy burdens because Jesus offers rest, and he is ready to meet all your needs. 

Jesus is real, he is alive and His Presence is available every day.  Find your way to Jesus, and get rid of everything that hinders you from coming to Jesus. 

The beggar wanted money, the blind man wanted to see.  Each had a request, and suddenly - - immediately he received.

What is it you need?  What do you expect?  Sometimes we think we need provision – or a blessing, perhaps soundness of mind and body.  The truth is our most pressing need is Spiritual.  Do you need to repent and get right with God?   

If you have not yet given your heart to Jesus, this is your primary need to be born again.

Ask and you shall receive.  Jesus is always ready, and the question is; are you ready?

Forgiveness is available as you forgive others.

Make sure first things first.  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

King Solomon asked for wisdom, and God was pleased and told him he would also give him riches, honor, and respect.

Your opportunity is now:  What is it that you want God to do for you?