Sunday, July 31, 2016

Responsibility


Go Evangelize
 

Pastor Allan was ministering as I took notes and present an edited sermon here for you.

“Don’t worry how you look when you worship, just lose yourself in the Spirit.  There is no time for self awareness, of how others may perceive you.  It is God we are worshiping and He is pleased.  Our responsibility is to please God, so go ahead and lift your hands, wave a banner, dance, and fall on your knees because it is okay.

If God decides to change the program; our responsibility is to follow His leading.

I believe in the five fold ministry; Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers.

You may not think you fit into any of these ministries, but I declare we can all be evangelists. And Evangelist goes and shares his testimony of what Jesus has done for him.

Just after the resurrection of Jesus he told his disciples to Go, make disciples and teach them how to follow a righteous and holy pathway.

Matthew 28: 18-20 Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Pastors preach and teach, and the congregation receives the Word and take it out to others.  It is the responsibility of each person to live for God.  You cannot force anyone to make changes in their lifestyle, but you can share what the word says. 
 
When someone you respect falls, you are not responsible, but you can and should pray that they recover themselves.

Each of us has a gift and we may prophesy, speak in tongues, but the question is, “How does your personal testimony add up?

In the work place and also in church denominations, there are standards for those who manage and lead others.  God has a standard for his children, and first and most important it is to be washed in the Blood of Jesus.  God requires a consecrated and righteous life. 
 
It looks bad to the world if our ministers are not walking holy before God.  The world is our best critic as to how a Christian should behave.

Don’t be weighted down by worry and concern when others are not toeing the line.  That is their responsibility before God, and yours is to pray that their faith fail not.

Many pastors lose sleep over their wayward sheep, but actually they need to keep preaching the word of God, and God has promised that His Word will not return void.

We get comfortable just being “us,” but because Jesus told us to GO, we are responsible to listen to how He instructs us to obey the Great Commission.  How can we teach others?

1.     We can share our testimony and ask the person to receive Jesus.

2.     We can invite them to a Bible Study or to our church.

3.     We can show them what the Word says about a walk of faith.

4.     We can encourage them to begin to daily read God’s Word and pray.

5.     We can show them the scriptures about, “The Holy Spirit" and a deeper life in God.

6.     We can teach them that God loves them very much and they can love God in return.  (It is easy to love back when someone loves you first.)

Pray down the Holy Spirit to give you words to bring about “change” when you are sharing with others.

We enter God’s house and almost immediately we sense God’s presence.  We get refreshed, and encouraged, and then it is time to leave and take His presence back with us into our homes, and into our daily lives.  Be effective for God in your home or you will never be effective out there.

I can’t fix you, but it is your responsibility to get on your knees and repent, confess and get right with God. 
 
Don’t take offence when you are corrected by a brother or sister.  Be humble and listen and then it is your responsibility to decide if they are right and if you need to make changes.  Be willing to obey the Holy Spirit's leading.

(Pastor confesses,) It is not always easy for me, because I am being processed just like you.  There will always be a situation that arises. Watch your attitude and reaction.  Let’s be real and become worthy examples of Jesus.

You are responsible for yourself.  Be willing to say, “I am sorry, please forgive me.”  Watch your thoughts and your words.

Be bold to repent when you realize you have sinned.

Philippians 2:7 Jesus humbled himself to leave heaven and become like us and then to die for us.

We must die to self.  Put “self” on the back burner and prefer one another giving them respect and honor.

Commit your way unto God and tell Him, “God, I trust you.”  No matter what happens, I trust you.

Jesus asks us to take up our cross and follow him daily.  “Continue in my Word’s,” says Jesus.

God desires to use you, and He is greater than your struggle. 

God is calling you to live for Him; It is your responsibility to answer His call.
 


 

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Nothing But the Blood


 

“What can wash away my sins?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus,” resounds the old hymn.

Our Bible Study teacher was reaching from John 6:41-58 as Jesus was teaching in the Synagogue. I took notes and present an edited lesson for your enjoyment.

Jesus was remembering the Old Testament sacrifices where the blood offerings were preeminent. Bread offerings were also presented with grain, meal, oil and frankincense applied for a sweet order unto God.

That day as many were listening to Jesus teach in the temple, as he began to speak of himself as being the living Bread of Life, and whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. 
 
Jesus began to look forward to the Lord’s supper, so the next words were not understood by the multitude of listeners.  Jesus said, I give you my flesh to eat and my blood to drink.

These words were extremely offensive to the listeners, because to eat or drink blood was strictly forbidden in the Law of Moses.  It was a Big deal NOT to eat blood.

The crowd took Jesus words literally and could not understand the spiritual implication, and it was too much for their thinking.

In the Old Testament, the people brought a pure lamb for a sacrifice as they asked forgiveness for their sins. 

Today we as believers, come to Jesus our Lamb of God, and it is His blood that will wash away our sins.  In order to be saved, we must come to Jesus and receive the salvation so freely offered.

The Jewish culture experienced all the offerings including the Passover Lamb. Jesus had participated in these ceremonies from a young child.  He knew full well that as time passed, he would become the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.

1 Kings 1:50-53 tells the story of Adonijah who was afraid because of his treason against his own brother King Solomon.  He fled to the temple and held on to the horns of the alter and begged for his life.  Solomon declared that if Adonijah remained a man of honor, he would not slay him.

When we make a decision to follow Jesus, His blood protects us from judgment and washes away our sins.  We are then to follow Jesus and walk in His righteousness and holiness.

“In Him we live and move and have our being.”

Deuteronomy 10:12-14  The Lord requires us to serve Him in fear and reverence, and to keep his statutes and commandments.  

Deuteronomy chapter 28 lays out the blessings for following God and the cursings for rebellion and going our own way.

In the Old Testament, the fire was to always burn and never go out. 

After Jesus returned to heaven, on the day of Pentecost - - fire was released upon the believers as they prayed to receive the Holy Spirit.  God desires that we remain burning for him. 

In the book of Revelation, God speaks of a certain church body who were neither hot or cold but were luke-warm.  In a few words, this caused God to be sick at his stomach.

May we ever remain burning with hot fire and zeal for our Lord.

Our teacher mentioned to continue to pray for the Pastor in North Korea who is in prison, and others believers who are being killed and persecuted for their faith in Jesus.

They are our brothers and sisters for we are all one blood from Adam.

 

Monday, July 25, 2016

Where is the Lamb?


 
Pastor Rodney was preaching for the Sunday Morning service as I took notes and present an edited message.

In Genesis chapter 22, Abraham was tempted by God.  This was a test of obedience.  God spoke, “Take your Only Begotten Son Isaac and sacrifice him unto me.  (Abraham was familiar with the wicked nations who worshipped other gods and sacrificed their young children to Molech or Ashtoreth.)  He thought to himself, “If my God is demanding this terrible act, then I must obey.”

As they journeyed up the mountain, Isaac asked, “I see the wood and the fire, but where is the Lamb?”

Abraham answered, “God will provide.”  The son trusted his father and knew it was for the best, even though it appeared an awful wrong would soon happen.

The Angel of the Lord appeared and called his name, “Abraham, Abraham – do not lay your hand on your only son.  Behold there is a ram caught in a thicket, sacrifice the ram.  Because you did not withhold your only son, I will bless you and also bless all your offspring through many generations.

Abraham sacrificed the ram that God provided, and returned off the mountain and life continued on as he served his God.

Jesus was tested in all points like we are tempted, yet He was without sin and did not yield to temptation.  He realized God’s purpose for his life to provide for your salvation.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus became the Lamb that was sacrificed to provide our salvation.  He did all He could do, and the final action for your salvation is up to each individual to choose Jesus.  We have a free will and must decide to follow Christ.

Jesus must have wondered if there was another way, when it became time for him to be crucified.  But no there was no other way. Jesus needed to follow through with God’s eternal plan, and be willing to shed His blood for you and for me.

Once we are born again, we are set apart and declared Holy unto God for His service.

Even though at times, circumstances seem bleak, just begin to walk and talk as the Bible tells us to do.

As believers in Christ, we are a family with countless brothers and sisters. 

Abraham’s heart was tender and he did not question God’s ridiculous request.

How do we react to God’s voice?  His voice is gentle, never demanding, and He gives us a choice to follow or not.  He always leaves the decision up to you, but He promises blessings to those who obey, and not so good happenings to those who disobey.

God is NOT the one who damages lives.  He gently calls, “Come out away from the enemy who seeks to destroy you.”  God only desires to bless you.  His promises are true, and He will show up and provide a clear path for you. 

Serving God will be worth it all.

 

 

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Who Was Jael In The Bible?


Come and Rest Where it is Safe !!

 

This was a lesson I gave at our Wednesday Morning Prayer Over our city Meeting. 

Exactly who was Jael?
 
Why is it important for us to know?  She was Strong and did what she knew she had to do.  She was a heroine who snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat in helping Israel defeat a much larger, and far superior Canaanite army during “the time of the Judges.”

Israel Attacks the Canaanites


During the time of the Judges “There was a woman prophet named Deborah. She was judge of Israel at that time.  Deborah held council under the Palm Tree of Deborah, and one day, the Israelites came to her to ask what to do about their enemy Sisera the Canaanite warrior coming against God’s people.  

(Judges 4:4-5) and Deborah sent a message “to Barak, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go and gather 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun, and lead them to Mount Tabor.  God says, he will make Sisera, the commander of King Jabin’s army, along with his chariots, and his army come to you to the Kishon River.  I will help you defeat Sisera there.”  

(Judges 4:6-7). “Barak, a mighty Hebrew warrior said to Deborah, “I will go and do this if you will go with me. But if you will not go with me, I will not go.” (Judges 4:8) and Deborah the Judge agreed to go but told Barak “But because of your fearful attitude, you will not be honored when Sisera is defeated.  The Lord will allow a woman to defeat Sisera.”

(Judges 4:9). And so “Barak and his men attacked Sisera the commander of the Canaanite forces.  During the battle, the Lord confused Sisera and his army and chariots.  They did not know what to do. Barak and his men defeated Sisera’s army, leaving not one man alive except their leader Sisera who left his chariot and ran away on foot.”  

(Judges 4:15) Now Sisera got away and “ran to the tent of a woman named Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite.  Their family was at peace with King Jabin of Hazor.  That is why Sisera ran to Jael’s tent” He believed that he would be safe there.

Jael’s Heroic Acts  (Jael knew Sisera was the enemy.  We must know our Enemy. We do not war against flesh and blood, but we war against the hosts of satan.)


It so happened that “Jael saw Sisera coming, so she went out to meet him and said, “Sir, come into my tent, and rest.  Don’t be afraid.” So Sisera went into Jael’s tent, and she covered him with a blanket.”  

(Judges 4:20). Sisera was very tired, so he lay down sleeping. “Jael found a tent peg and a hammer.  She quietly went to Sisera putting the tent peg to the side of his head and hit it with a hammer.  The tent peg went through the side of his head and into the ground, and Sisera died”  

(Judges 4:21). At that very moment “Barak came by Jael’s tent, looking for Sisera.
Jael went out to meet Barak and said, “Come, and I will show you the man you are looking for.” So Barak entered the tent and found Sisera lying dead on the ground.”  

(Judges 4:22). This was a great day for Israel as “God defeated King Jabin of Canaan for the Israelites. So the Israelites became stronger and stronger until they defeated King Jabin of Canaan. The Israelites finally destroyed him” (Judges 4:23-24) which is why it was written that “Jael will be blessed above all women” (Judges 5:24) because of her heroic act.
 

That is why the Song of Deborah was written for “On the day that the Israelites defeated Sisera, Deborah and Barak sang this song” (Judges 5:2-31) in tribute, first and foremost to God but Jael was hailed as a heroine and was part if this Song of Deborah and gave Jael a right and fitting place in the history of Israel. 

Praying over your City – your family and for the Nation 

Jael was a woman whose name meant STRONG.  She did what had to be done even though to many it would seem messy.  

When we are dealing with the devil, we need to be STRONG and FIRM.  See yourself stomping on Satan.  Whack him with a tent stake and hammer if you must.   :-)

Ephesians 6: 10-11  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 

The enemy is cunning and clever.  He will appear as an angel of light telling our citizens, and family that sin is acceptable and it really doesn't matter?  The devil will say, Everybody else is doing their own devices of sin, so: “Why not join them.”   Realize there is an invisible world, and there is an invisible war. 

How can we attack the forces of darkness as we pray?  Come before God with clean hands and a heart of compassion.  Use the spiritual weapon of Binding and Loosening.

1.     Use your authority to bind the “strong man” and command him to stop his tactics.  Loose the Holy Spirit to counter attack the plans of the devil.

2.     Bind the lies people are believing and release Truth and understanding.

3.     Bind deaf ears that refuse to hear the gospel, and Loose hearing ears to consider receiving Jesus .

4.     Bind blind eyes that are rejecting Jesus to see Him in dreams and visions.

5.     Use your authority to break the chains that hold citizens in bondage to sin in its many forms.

6.     Bind lust in it’s various forms, and loose Holiness and Purity.

7.     Take authority over witchcraft, the occult, Spiritism and false gods of culture such as the Chinese false gods and American Indian spirit gods. - -  

     This includes false “religions” such as lodges, clubs and cults that deny Jesus and his Blood sacrifice.  Loose to replace these false spirits with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit over the many lives steeped in the occult and other false activities.  

8.     Cry onto God with a voice of triumph.  “Jesus is Lord over your city and its citizens.”

 

Friday, July 22, 2016

Breaking Satan’s plans for Children


 
Oh NO, I Did Not Want This to Happen !!

 
Surprise Pregnancy is an unplanned happening and usually the unborn child experiences “Rejection in the womb.”

That spirit of Rejection follows the child after he or she is born. The spirit of the unborn child knows they were initially not wanted, and will strive for love, to be noticed, and will seek approval and acceptance from others.  (True Acceptance is found in Christ) 

The spiritual nature of both bio-logical parents of the unborn child will affect the emotional and spiritual temperature of the child.  The history in the background of both bio-logical parents will create generational curses while the child is still in the womb that will follow the child and seek to destroy the child. 

What were the circumstances at the conception of the child?  Were the bio-logical parents fornicators? Were they addicts of any kind?  Or involved in witchcraft, the occult or Spiritism? 

If the pregnancy happened because of promiscuity, lust, incest or rape the unborn child experiences a “Spirit of LUST” that will follow him or her until it is broken by intercession and spiritual war fare. 

The spirit of LUST in a girl child will cause her to gravitate to men, touching and hanging on men, wanting to be hugged or held by men, and possibly wrapping her legs around men. 

A simple binding and loosening is a good first step to break these spirits.  Come before God with clean hands, a pure heart having been washed in the Blood of Jesus. 

1.  Take your authority and bind the Spirit of Rejection.
      Next Loose a Spirit of Acceptance.   

2.     Take your authority and bind the Spirit of lust.
      Next loose a Spirit of Holiness and Purity.   

If the child is present, be careful of your words in their hearing.  (Your battle is NOT with the child but with invisible spirit forces that are following the child) - -

Afterward in the child’s presence, pray a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus that this child is covered with the blood of Jesus that makes the child Holy and Pure.  Continue to verbally thank God while the child is with you, speaking words that this child is not rejected but is accepted and loved by Jesus, by their mother and dad and other family members. 

During the morning prayer time at church; I had been binding and loosening.

Binding REJECTION and LUST over the citizens of Oroville and Loosening Holiness and Purity.  

Then I noticed a young girl, about 6 years old seated on the altar near me.

I don’t believe she was aware that I began to bind and loose over her as well.  I was cautious. 

When she came to me, it was then that I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving over her and told her that she was NOT rejected but she WAS accepted and that Jesus loves her very much and has great plans for her.

There was a noticeable change in the girl recognized by others.  Keep your children surrounded with your prayers covering them with Holiness and Purity.

 

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Keep the Fire Burning


 
Our Bible Study at church was a study of the types of offerings given during the Tabernacle in the wilderness, I took notes and present an edited lesson here.
BURNT OFFERING:  In the court before the tabernacle, where the people attended, was an altar, to which they must bring their sacrifices.  The entire procedure was Holy and was systematically carried out in order.  The fire shall ever be burning upon this altar; it shall never go out.  Fresh wood was added every morning to keep the fire burning.
The priest would lay hands on the animal as an act of atonement for the people.  The animal must be perfect and without blemish.  After the animal was slain, the skin was removed and given to the priest to use or sell.  The animal was washed and cut in pieces and placed on the alter.  This offering became a sweet savor unto our Lord a continual process looking forward to Jesus.
Leviticus 6:9-13  This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning on it.  And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen trousers shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire has consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.  And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes outside the camp unto a clean place. And the fire upon the altar shall be burning on it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.
There were five offerings which included: The Burnt offering, the Peace offering, Sin offering, Trespass Offering, and the Meal Offering; each being Holy unto God.  Each offering had to be done correctly and reverently.
MEAL OFFERING:
Leviticus 2:1  "When anyone offers a grain offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it."

The Meal Offering is an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord." Like the burnt offering, it is a sweet savor to God.

Each offering was made onto God but each in its own special way was representative of Christ Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. 

Jesus spoke in John 6:35  "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.

The next statements of Jesus made were so deep as He spoke of Spiritual things, but the people could only relate to the material things.  His saying was not literal but spiritual and they failed to understand.

John 6:51-53 - - I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”  So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.  Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Some of the people said, “this is a Hard saying” and they could not understand as they turned away and refused to follow Jesus any longer.

The Last Supper was a memorial to Jesus and the symbols of the bread and the cup were again a token of his body and blood.

It is believing on the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus that can change lives.  How has his body and blood changed you?
 

 

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Let Your Light Shine


 
 
Pastor Allan was ministering as I took notes and present here his digested sermon.

Moses was tending his sheep in the desert when he noticed a bush that appeared to be on fire, yet it did not burn up – it just kept burning.  His cursorily got the best of him and he decided to investigate. As he approached the bush, the voice of God spoke and told him to take off his shoes for he was standing on Holy Ground. 
 
What he heard next disturbed him greatly because God had a big task for Moses to do.  His many excuses were met with answers, yet Moses continued to argue because he was comfortable with his life as it was and really did not look forward to obeying God.

Moses told God that he was not qualified to lead the Children of Israel. 

You are probably thinking the same thing that you are not qualified; but the fact is God desires to use you and He will qualify you spiritually. 

God used Moses by showing signs and wonders to the Pharaoh.  The people were amazed at all the miracles God was doing for them.  However - - -

How soon they forgot and wanted to return to the old life of slavery they were use to. They wanted to go back to where life was comfortable.

Our flesh causes us to have conflict with things God is asking us to do.  We like the old method of doing things, and change is not comfortable; yet God is asking us to yield to Him and to His will.

Be willing to accept God’s move without complaining or criticizing.  Welcome the different.



God has called us to be lights in our world, using opportunities He has given us.

 
Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

God is asking you to participate in the harvest of souls.  How do you feel about that?

Often we have dreams of splendor and doing BIG things for God.  However God is asking us to be faithful in the little things.

There are various ways to let our light.  Don’t worry about where you are at in your Christian walk, but have a willing mind and a teachable spirit.

People are suffering and they need a good word of encouragement, and a prayer from you.

Often there is around us a spirit of complacency and contentment of the way things are.  God is on the move and we must be ready to move with Him.  God is looking for fruit on the vine and those willing to use their full potential.  Allow Him to give you His vision and direction.

You may ask, “What is down the road?”  I honestly don’t know, but getting into the presence of God will reveal his will to us. 
 
I love our worship service here at our church, but it is time for us to take the presence of God with us out into the real world and to be His light.

Seek the Spiritual gifts available for you, and allow God to equip you so that you can reach out to others in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Use every opportunity that comes your way - - because you have the ability to become a World Changer. 

Yes, Let your Light Shine.
 
 
 

 

Friday, July 15, 2016

Book Review: OverCome Failure


 


 
 
“Overcome Failure:  Get Back on your Feet” by Dr. Ifeoma Samuel, is a book that will take you from defeat, disappointments and failure to a place where you realize that with Jesus you can accomplish the mission that is set before you. 

I was sent a free review copy of the e-book, and the following book review is my personal opinion after reading the book:  

This book can be used as a devotional, and also would work well in a Study Group.

In life there are daily opportunities for us to fail.  We often perceive ourselves as a failing spouse and parent and then there is our career as well as our writing experiences with not so friendly publishers. 

Each of the sixteen chapters stand alone, and Dr. Samuel has placed Bible scriptures to confirm each lesson.  At the end of each lesson is a suggested prayer to cement what you are digesting.

She has used Biblical examples of those who failed and those who learned to speak success into their self talk.  Personal examples also reveal her humanity as she struggles with health and individual problems in her work and published books.

Along with this book is a companion journal with spaces for you to write your thoughts and how certain scriptures have spoken to you. 
 
I enjoyed the book immensely and recommend it for those who struggle with failure in any of its many forms.

 

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Unqualified? It is Time to Get Qualified !!



Studying God's Word

 
You may have heard people say, “God qualifies the Unqualified.”

The truth is NONE of us are qualified - - We must minister in the Strength of Jesus and not in our own strength.  

Consider Jesus our High Priest.  Jesus was NOT qualified to be our High Priest because he was from the tribe of Judah, and not the Priestly tribe of Levi.  Hebrews chapter 7 tells us that God himself qualified Jesus to become our High Priest.  He used the example of Melchizedek a Holy Priest who was appointed Priest by God even before Moses set up the Tabernacle and Priesthood.  Jesus is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.  He was qualified and approved by God for His position.   

2 Corinthians 3:5  It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
 
Isaiah felt unqualified but God met him and qualified him. 
 
Isaiah 6:5 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."   

Hebrews 13:21, NLT May the God of peace EQUIP (qualify) you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. Amen.

Anonymous has said it this way:   Isaac was a day dreamer, Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper and denied Christ, David had an affair and tried to cover it up with murder, Noah got drunk. Elisha was suicidal, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer and he was way too religious.

Timothy had too many ulcers, Gideon was insecure, Miriam was a gossiper, Martha was a worrier, Thomas was a doubter, Sara was impatient, Elijah was moody, Rehab was a prostitute, Samson – he liked prostitute. Isaiah preached naked for three years, John the Baptist ate bugs and had second thoughts about the very Messiah he baptized.

Jeremiah was way too emotional, Moses stuttered, Zacchaeus was too short, Abraham was old and Lazarus was dead. God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called!

Understand we are all human and we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, but let us examine something else that is extremely important. 

 
IT IS TIME TO GET QUALIFIED in our Mind and in
our Emotions!! 

If YOU are called to minister and you believe you are Unqualified; Then according to the Word of God it is time for you to become QUALIFIED.  Some things you will simply need to learn to do for yourself ! !    - -  Such as  - -  

1.  Daily get into the Word of God to seek truth.  Begin in the New Testament.
      Acts 17:11 Now these Jews at Berea were noble and received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if the things Paul was teaching were so.

2.  Continue in His Word – and pray daily using the Lords Pray for an example.

3.  Learn to resist evil and stand firm. 
     Ephesians 6:13  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

4.  Seek for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.  Use your new prayer language to pray when you don’t know how to pray.
     
     Romans 8:26  In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not   know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words;

5.  Learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and then OBEY His voice. 

     2 Timothy 2:15  Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

     2 Timothy 3:16-27  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 

In John 8:32, Jesus told his disciples that if they continued in His word they would be His disciples,    - -  But on their part they would have to learn how to resist evil, obey His commands and trust Him. In doing these things, they would come to understand His teaching, be led by His Spirit, and also learn where their hope and trust were truly anchored – IN Him.

Jesus’ response is this: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
 
Paul was NOT qualified at first - -
 
It is interesting that when Paul became a Believer, he did not start right out preaching and working miracles.  Most people do not realize this when they read about Paul falling off of his horse on the way to Damascus.  Remember from the time he was a young boy, Saul of Tarsus enjoyed Old Testament training; All that he needed to become Paul the Apostle was to get a revelation of Jesus and the New Covenant. 
 
He took time out to reflect, to seek God’s face and pray by traveling to Arabia and staying there for 3 years.  It was later he spent time with the apostles and they further contributed to his learning.   In many ways he was already qualified in the Old Covenant, but now he was New Creation Qualified.
 

Priscilla and Aquila helped a young Jewish man who needed to be qualified.

Acts 18:24-28  At that time a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was an educated man from Alexandria. He knew the Scriptures very well.  Apollos had been taught the way of the Lord. He spoke with great power. He taught the truth about Jesus. But he only knew about John’s baptism.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Priscilla and Aquila heard him. So they invited him to their home. There they gave him a better understanding of the way of God.  In public meetings, he argued strongly against Jews who disagreed with him. He proved from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

Should all new believers go to Bible School  for three years, or visit the desert to hear from God?  

Probably NOT - - unless God sends you there. – but do join a Bible Believing church who offers regular Bible Studies where you can enter into discussions and learn more about God’s Word.
 

1.     Be Loyal to your Church

2.     Be faithful to your Church

3.     Give Tithes and offerings to your Church

4.     Share the gospel with friends and neighbors.

5.     Pray with those who have needs and expect answers.

6.     Volunteer for street ministry, mission work or visitation.

James 1:22 ESV  Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV  For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

If you think you are unqualified - - It is time to get qualified !!