Deliverance is the Children’s Bread

Jesus can and will Break Every Chain

 

I subscribe to Elijah List, an On-Line Christian Newsletter.  Different ministers write articles usually about spiritual gifts, prophesy, dreams and visions,.  Unusual, but scriptural was a recent article on Deliverance by Kyle T, Miller with a sample prayer:

Jesus commanded His disciples: 

And as you go, preach, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8

I read the article with interest and copied the suggested prayer for anyone who is being driven and sincerely desires to be free. 

This is what happened the next day, Sunday at church:

I took a few copies of the prayer with me along with the Short Bible lesson I pass out each week to those who come early for coffee.  I spied a young Asian man and I offered him the lesson on respecting our anointed ministers.  

 

I asked him if he knew Jesus.  He replied, “As a Hmong, I am a traditionalist.”  I believe in families.  I said families are good, and let me pray for you.  I prayed that Jesus would reveal himself to this young man and show him truth and how to live a better life.  I gave him one of the deliverance prayers and left for the down stairs Bible Study room. 

I did not realize the man was following me.

He was welcomed into the class room, and he said something was burning in his soul.  He did not know how to explain it.  Teacher, Linda suggested that he sit across from Donald and for Donald to pray for him.  Donald took his hands and prayed a wonderful prayer.  The man rose to leave and I quickly took one of the Bibles from the case and asked him if he had a Bible.  He hesitated, so I said, “Here is one for you, it is free.”  He put the Bible in his back pack and left.

After class, a tall man with the shaved head stayed to speak to Sister Helen.  He was struggling.  I sat across from them as Helen explained that often there are generational spirits that drive a person to do certain things.  They spoke for quite a while and I could tell he was in pain.  When it appeared their conversation was ending, I spoke up. 

 

“Do you really want to be set free?”  He said that he did.  I handed him the deliverance prayer and asked him to repeat it after me.  I asked him to insert the name of his problem in the blank space.  He began but when he got to the place to name the problem he began to choke and sputter.  I encouraged him to go ahead and speak out the name, because it is just us here.

He managed to get through the prayer, and was weeping.  I handed him a Kleenex which was gratefully received, and we departed for the morning worship.  The man sat on the front row and during the service Pastor Allan was led to lay hands on his head and pray over him.  At the end of the service Pastor asked all who needed a touch from God to come to the front.  The altar was soon filled. 

You may be one who is struggling with something that seems to control you.  It is not you, but is outside of you pushing you to do things you really don’t want to do. 

I am adding the Deliverance prayer here for you to pray and name what ever it is that is driving you at times.  Know that Jesus can and will break every chain.

~ ~ ~

 

A Prayer for Deliverance

If you would like God to set you free, please repeat this after me:
Dear Lord, I thank You that Your Son Jesus was made a curse so that I could be redeemed from the curse. Lord You know the issue that I have problems with. I repent for yielding to _____ (name the spirit(s) that have been enslaving you.)

I also stand in the gap for my generations on both my mother's and father's side, repenting for their yielding to _____ [name the spirit(s)]. I command these spirits and all spirits associated with them to leave now! In Jesus' name!

 

"In the name of Jesus Christ, I command the spirit of  ___________  to leave me now, in Jesus' name!"

 

Stand in the Gap

For Our Church, Our City, and Our Nation

 

Pastor Allan was preaching as I took notes and present an edited message for you.

Pastor stated that our society is entering a season of change and we need leaders who will not compromise. 

 

Many say I am only one person, what can I do about it?  You have heard people make statements like: My vote doesn’t really count; or I’m not educated or capable. 

You might remember in 1963 that one woman, Madalyn Murray Ohair, single handedly had prayer and Bible reading removed from the public schools.  She was one Voice used by Satan to destroy many lives.

 

One Voice – One person can change public opinion for the better. 

Ezekiel 22:30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.

For someone to stand in the Gap, they intercede on behalf of another.  They rescue and plead for someone, even taking their place.  We can stand in the gap for different things; for salvation, for healing, for deliverance.

God is not a man, He speaks to the elements.

Jeremiah 5:6 Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; See now and know; and seek in her open places if you can find a man, if there is anyone who executes judgment, who seeks the truth, and I will pardon her.

Isaiah 59:16  He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor;

God seeks for ONE person to stand in the Gap for the city to prevent Judgment.

In the Bible I am reminded of men of God who were willing to stand in the Gap

Moses stood in the Gap and pleaded with God not to destroy the Children of Israel. God was angry with the Children of Israel and wanted to execute judgment on them, but God listened to Moses.

Samuel was another who cried out in behalf of Israel and God answered his prayer.

David’s heart was inclined towards God and he worshiped in behalf of his people.

Psalms 106:45  And for their sake God remembered His covenant, and relented according to the multitude of His mercies.

You have family members who are not walking as they should.  We put our self in their place and we cry out to God to have mercy.

Jesus came down from heaven to fill the Gap.  He interceded as He fulfilled the promise of a redeemer.  Jesus stepped up and took our place as He suffered a horrible death. He was willing to die, to be resurrected and to be seated in order to fill the gap and make a bridge between earth and heaven.  Jesus is the only way to the Father, and we can become a bridge for someone who needs Jesus. 

Peter and John stopped at the crippled man, who cried out for alms.  They became the voice of God and the man was healed.  Don’t walk past, but stop. You can be a voice.  Cry out the names of those who need Jesus.  Be noisy. 

If one person in 1963 can change for the wrong, may we sacrifice, fast and intercede and be heard to change our Nation.

Take advantage to stand in the gap when you are worshipping. We all have needs.  Some today are suffering in their bodies, while others are still struggling in their addictions.  We as believers can enter the throne room, stand in the gap and seek their peace.

Some are attending church alone, because you have a difficult time to get husband or wife, or even your children to attend church.  Stand in the gap for them.

You as one person standing in the gap – can and will make a difference.

 

 

 

 

Can You Afford Not To - - - ??

This is a True Story from my book "Rescue the Stories, Book Three."

Can You Afford Not To - - - ??

We had arrived in Oklahoma early before Bible College began; so we were working the early part of summer.  I had some business cards, and fliers printed with advertising; “We do roofing and repairs.”

The next block near our house seemed a good place for me to do some door to door.  I planned my speech, “Hi we are your neighbor and I would like to leave this business card and flyer with you. Please call us if we can be of assistance.”

So far so good, and I went on to the next house.

I was met by a young gentleman and his two children. He exclaimed, “I know you, we went to the same church in Oakland, California.”

Several years had passed, but now it was all coming back to me. He invited me in, and was almost in tears as he began to pour out his sad story.

To have more income, his wife had taken a waitress job, and met someone, who she said, “Made her feel real special,” and now they were getting a divorce.  WOW! I was shocked and surprised.

I asked him if they had been attending church, or if they had some spiritual council.

No. he related, they had not been serving the Lord at all, but he did want to make a new start for himself. I offered to pray with him to re-consecrate his life to the Lord, and suggested that he begin to attend a certain church near by.

Yes, I remember this couple well. In Oakland, they had been faithful church members, but one day, they announced that they would no longer be attending church. “We can’t afford to attend church,” they continued, “We have just bought a house.”

They reasoned, “Because all our money will be needed for the house, we cannot afford to tithe.”

They concluded that having made this decision, to stop tithing, they could no longer afford to attend church.

The board members set out to visit them, and encourage them not to drop out of church, for what ever the reason.

“No, they declared, “We have made our decision, and that is that.” The board members told them that they hoped they would change their mind and reconsider, but as the board members left, they felt they had lost the battle.

Many times, in life, I have used the phrase, “I can’t afford it.” The truth was, I could afford it, but in the long run, it would be a luxury that would prove to be a liability.

“I Can’t Afford it,” are words, that we should shout, when we are tempted to quit serving God, to stop attending church, to not read our Bible, and even to stop giving of our tithes to the Lord.

Say it again, Loudly this time:   “I Can’t Afford Not to. . .”

Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Who Are The Anointed Ones?



Who Are The Anointed Ones?

Each Wednesday prior to praying over our city, our Pastor has allowed me to present a short teaching.  The Holy Spirit has been giving me something different for each week.  I do hope this message ministers to you.

~ ~ ~

2 Kings chapter two tells the story of Elijah and Elisha.  The Prophet Elisha had witnessed his mentor Elijah GO UP into heaven in a chariot of fire and a whirlwind.  He picked up the mantle of Elijah that fell off from him, and went back, and stood by the river bank of Jordan; Taking the mantle of Elijah, he hit the waters and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?”  As he struck the waters, they parted from one side to the other, and Elisha went over. Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah does rest on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.  They offered him honor and respect.  This was because they recognized He was an anointed Prophet.

Elisha went from there to Bethel. As he was on the way, some youths came out of the city and mocked him, and said to him, "GO UP, you baldy. GO UP, you baldhead." 

Elisha had just experienced honor and respect from the sons of the prophets, and now this !!  Behold a bunch of rowdy young men having a bit of fun ridiculing the anointed prophet. 

Let me tell you, this did not set too well with Elisha and also with God.  God is not pleased when we gossip or speak wrongly about those who are anointed.  Elisha spoke a curse on these young men and 42 perished that day because they showed disrespect to the anointed prophet. 

Elisha did not touch the young men, and it challenges us to allow God to take vengeance when we are wronged. 

Who are the Anointed? 

First off, you would probably say it is the Pastor, and the Spiritual Leaders, and you would be correct.  However let us consider who else is anointed. 

We as Christians are Anointed by the Holy Spirit.

1 John 2:20  But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

2 Corinthians 2:21  And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 

With this thought in mind that all Believers in Jesus are anointed, then let us be cautioned to be careful of what we say about one another.  This includes making jest and joking about our brothers and sisters in Christ.   

There was an instance in David’s life when he was running for his life because King Saul was chasing after David to kill him.  David and his men hid in the back of a dark cave, and behold, here came tired King Saul to find a sleeping place in the same cave.  David’s men told him, “Now is your chance to kill King Saul because it appears God has delivered him unto you.” 

Again we must be careful when we interpret what is God’s will and what is not. 

David may have thought long and hard, but in the end he said this:

1 Samuel 24:6  “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” 

 

When King Saul woke up, David followed him out of the cave showing the King a part of his robe David had cut off.  King Saul realized he was wrong in trying to kill David - - because David was ALSO anointed. 

How can we apply this lesson?  Watch our attitudes and our words using caution to not spread gossip or participate with those who stir up trouble.  We must give our ministers the respect and honor they deserve and understand that they seek God for direction.  Therefore we follow our Pastors as they follow Jesus.   Paul said this:  “Follow me as I follow Christ.” 

How can we apply this lesson as we pray over our city?  We are reminded to humble ourselves as we come to pray; and to confess our sins and to seek God’s face.  It is then that God will hear our prayers and answer according to what we have asked.

 

You are Anointed to Pray and to Intercede for the Lost in our city.

 

 

You Are Anointed to Intercede for the Lost

 

 

The Bronze Laver and Living Water

Continual Washing of the Living Water

 

Our Bible Study Teacher reminded us that in the beginning the waters covered the earth and God divided the waters from the land.  As Linda ministered, I took notes and present an edited lesson here for you.

In the Garden of Eden, dew fell during the night and watered the garden.  There is Spiritual dew from heaven that refreshes our Spirit when we read and study God’s Word. We are filled to overflowing as we drink from the river of Life. 

 

There is a washing that occurs for our spirit as we dig deep into God’s Word.  Things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His Word.

Exodus chapter 40  Outlines the vessels to be used in the Tent Tabernacle and how they were to be washed, sanctified and anointed.  The Laver was to be filled with clean water.

Exodus 40:9, 11 And you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is in it, and shall hallow it, and all its utensils: and it shall be holy. And you shall anoint the laver and its base, and sanctify it.

(From an article by Juanita Bynum, in Charisma Magazine:)  OLD TESTAMENT PRIESTS WERE CONSECRATED TO GOD THROUGH THE USE OF SPECIAL OILS. TODAY, WE MUST BE SURE WE DON'T MIX THE WRONG ELEMENTS WHEN WE SEEK TO CARRY HIS ANNOINTING.

The anointing oil was a blend of ingredients specific and exact, and the oil made by combining them could be used for no other purpose.  I believe this oil is an illustration of the anointing that God pours upon our lives. Notice that the oil was made from five ingredients: myrrh, cinnamon, cane, cassia and olive oil.

The oil blended of sweet spices was used to sanctify the vessels including the anointing of the priests and their assistants. 

In Revelations 8:4  it speaks of our prayers as sweet smelling incense unto the Lord.

Exodus 40:30 And Moses set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, for washing.

Notice there was only one way into the Holy Place.  Before the Priest could enter he must be washed and anointed.  This reminds us that Jesus is the ONLY way of Salvation and when we are washed in His blood and anointed with the Holy Spirit we are assured of our entry into Heaven.

In life when we need direction, as we read our Bible, the washing of the Word over our minds is continually cleansing us.  There is death to the old way of living, and life to the New walk. 

We are reminded that the Laver was made from brass mirrors and as one gazed into the water there was a Godly reflection.  As we look into God’s Word, it is like a mirror reflecting Jesus.  Jesus is the Living Laver, and we are continually washed by the Word.

Consider that Salvation is a done deal, but as we walk on this earth, our feet travel in the dust and dirt.  It is necessary for a continual washing.

Our teacher referred to John 13 when Jesus took a towel and a basin of water and washed the feet of his disciples.  Peter at first was embarrassed and refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet.  Jesus stated, “Unless you submit, you will have no part with me.”  Peter quickly repented and said, “Not just my feet, but my hands and my head also.”

Our teacher desired to illustrate this with a set of beautiful bowls and pitchers.  She also gave each person a lovely scented candle to remind us of the sweet smelling incense.

As each person in class held out their hands over the basin, water was poured and a paper towel supplied.  Next as each person removed their shoes a clean basin was placed under their feet and water applied.  I was the only one wearing panty hose, but not a problem.  One of the brothers carefully splashed water over my shoes and ankles and gently wiped them with a paper towel.

It is important to realize that the Holy Spirit in us is as Rivers of Living water flowing out from us.  Take time to feed on God’s word, not to just continually receive to become fat, but to give out and allow the water to flow freely out to others.

 

Faithfulness and Commitment.

 

Sunday, I was led of the Holy Spirit to share a short word the Lord had been giving me. 

I am reminded of something J.F. Kennedy once said, “Think not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”  I would expand this to say, Think not what your church can do for you, but what can you do for your church.

Years ago, a couple desired to start a church in our city, and I was approached.  Yes, I will help you and so we were 3.  They had some friends in Marysville, who agreed to also help so we were 5.  The first Sunday in walked another couple and we were 7.  From that small group of committed and faithful believers, we soon became a large church. 

 

What does a church need?  Faithfulness, and commitment. 

I was reminded that when Jesus began his ministry he selected 12 uneducated men to be his disciples.  But these men had character and were committed and faithful. 

 

Not everyone liked what Jesus was teaching.  The religious leaders found fault and criticized him.  At one time a large crowd decided to leave.  Jesus looked at his disciples and asked, “Are you going to leave also?”  His disciples replied, “Where would we go, for you have the words of Life.” 

You may not always agree with everything that is done in your church, but please do not be a part of the problem, but be a problem solver. 

 

May we all make that decision to be Faithful, and Committed to follow Jesus and God’s Word. 

 

 

 

 

SPEAK A BLESSING

 

  Speak a Blessing:   Our Focus as we are getting ready for Wednesday’s Prayer meeting.  

An excerpt from James Maloney’s book; (The Dancing Hand of God - Volume 2  Unveiling the Fullness of God through Apostolic Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

 

One of the keys found in the apostolic anointing is to unveil the blessing of God and show that you have a part to play in inheriting that blessing. You must make actual what Christ already provided for you.

 

Job 22: 28 says, “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways."

 

I think the words above “A THING” is speaking of blessing (light shining on our way.) So one could say your role, is to declare a blessing and testify of favor. There is power in a blessing, and it is power we desperately need to tap into!

 

I share these characteristics with you.

 

1. We are to have strong, spiritual relationships with the other members of the Body — we are all to be valued and encouraged as one group.

 

2. We experience spiritual growth in the Body — we press on into deeper and deeper levels of knowledge (unveiling) in God.

 

3. We possess a spiritual vibrancy — lively, joyful, happy.

 

4. We are spiritually Tran-generational in our viewpoints — meaning, the blessing is passed on to the younger generation.

 

(I am preparing a new lesson for our Wednesday Prayer and will post it soon.) 

 

 

It is Time to Serve

 

 

As Pastor Allan ministered I took notes and present a digested Sermon here for you.

You have noticed that there are changes, and not everyone is happy.  Some do not like the new chairs that replaced the pews.  Others are murmuring because we no longer serve a free lunch after church.  Not everyone was pleased with Jesus and some were offended at His words.  Jesus was only concerned if He was pleasing his Father.

Understand that as Pastor, I seek God first and also consult with mature other Pastors.  It is good if we can all go in the same direction and allow God to create in us a new mind set.

Recognize why we are here and know that we are to love and serve one another.

First we are here to worship God and to enter into His presence.  Even before you arrive, it is important for you to cry out to God in your secret place and prepare your heart.  It is then God will bring “Revival” into the corporate community outside our church. 

 

Revival begins as we allow the fire of the Holy Spirit to burn out all in our lives that is not pleasing to God.    People come to church with serious spiritual needs and we as a body are here to minister to them.

Last week as we prayed over those who came forward, a woman was completely delivered and set free.  I saw her a few days later and her face was wreathed in smiles.

I must confess.  I ask you to let us know when you are sick, than I fail to do likewise.  This week I spent some time in the hospital.  Sister Linda came and shared what she has been teaching about “Water.”  I was a captive audience, and she blessed me with her visit.  Some time back, I had a surgery, I didn’t tell you about.  I say this to let you know that I don’t have it all covered.  I am human and I need your prayers and your support.

Jesus came not to do his own will, but to do the will of His Father which was to offer eternal Life to all who believe in Him.

John 6:38-40  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. - - For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day."

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to equip and guide us.  Faithful teachers and Preachers will prepare and train you to go out and share the Gospel with others.

The apostles rose up and began to speak and minister like Jesus.  The Religious leaders told them to be quiet, but they said, they could not be still but must obey God.

We realize in some places there is much suffering for the sake of the Gospel, but many no longer pray that persecution be stopped, because the persecuted church is prospering and souls are being saved.

Philippians 2:5-9  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and being made in the likeness of men. He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name- -

Jesus had every right to exalt himself, but in doing the Father’s business, He humbled himself in love.

We must humble ourselves according to - - 2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Humble yourself, pray, seek God’s face, turn from our sins, then God will hear and answer your prayers.

May we desire to be like Jesus and to Love and Serve others.  It is not wrong to come asking for help, but there also comes a time to mature and consider the provision of others. 

I am here to please God almighty and I am here for you.  Are you here for me and for each other?

It is time to serve.  May we ask, “How can I serve you Lord Jesus.”

 

 

 

Don’t Come Down off Your Throne !!

 

As we pray over our city each Wednesday morning, Pastor has allowed me to give a short teaching along the lines of prayer.  This lesson  was important to remind us not to get discouraged and stop praying because you are tired or think you do not see results.

 

 

 

Don’t Come Down off Your Throne !!

 

 

Jesus ascended into heaven after showing himself to his followers for 40 days and then he took up His place at the Father’s right hand and is now Kings of Kings, Lord of Lords and our High Priest. 

 

Jesus is king over all other kings and as High Priest, he is Lord over all other Priests.

 

Hebrews 1:8  But unto the Son he says, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.

 

As we come to pray over our city, let us realize that as Believers in Christ, we stand in the office of a king and a priest.

 

Revelations 1:6  And has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Revelations 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:

 

Early in history God declared to Moses in Exodus 19:6 "You shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.

 

What does a King do? 

 

     A King rules over his household (kingdom) which may be far reaching.  

     A King makes declarations that must be carried out.   

     A King is a Godly example, and rules with authority.

 

What does a Priest do? 

 

     A Priest stands before God on behalf of someone else.  

     A Priest stands in the gap for others and is a watchman  

     A priest makes intercession for others and presents a case to God

            as a lawyer would do.

 

How does being a king and a priest apply to you and me?

 

In the Beginning Adam and Eve's sin caused death to be king, but Jesus died and rose again inorder to set up a kingdom in our hearts.  We are to reign in life as a King.

 

Romans 5:17  The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to be king over all, but all who will take God’s gift of forgiveness and acquittal are kings of life  because of this one man, Jesus Christ.

 

Spiritually, we are to reign in life and take control of ourselves, in the ‘here-and-now!’  

 

Where do kings rule and reign? 

 

They have dominion in their particular sphere of influence or kingdom.  

 

Paul said we “Reign in life.” We have the authority to rule and reign and have the “say-so” in our life—in the life we have here on earth!  We can make choices and decisions.

As Priests where and how do we minister?

 

Paul said:   Romans 15:16  I am sent to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God - -

     A Priest shares the Gospel.
     A Priest intercedes for the Lost
     A Priest stands in the Gap for their family and loved ones.

Nehemiah 6  The enemy tried to persuade Nehemiah to come down (off his throne,) But he said:   “I’m doing a great work; I can’t come down.”

In the Spirit, you need to see yourself as a king – and a Priest –

 

You have a responsibility in your immediate life to rule and watch over your domain; and you also act as a Go between for others and God as you pray and intercede.

 

In life there will always be problems and situations to discourage you and try to get you to come down - - - and stop your ministry of intercession and worship. 

 

But remember you are a king and a priest, - -

So don’t come Down Off Your Throne !!

 

 

Washing of the Water

 

Our Bible Teacher took us first to the Old Testament Tabernacle to view the Laver.  I took notes and present an edited message here for you.

Before the children of Israel left Egypt, they were to borrow articles of value from the Egyptians.  This included brass mirrors as well as silver, gold and precious jewels.  God instructed Moses to have talented men craft the furnishing for the Tabernacle.  The Laver was to be made from the brass mirrors.  Looking down into the water the priests could see the reflection of God in the mirrors. 

 

They were instructed to fill the Laver with clean water.  The Priest was to dip the water out of the Laver and wash his hands for service prior to slaying the sacrifice.  Before the Priest would enter the holy place to burn incense, he was to again dip from the Laver and wash his hands and feet so they would not die. 

As we meditate about water, we read from Genesis 1:2 as the Spirit hovered over the waters.  (We also think about how a Satellite hovers and rotates around the earth.)

Genesis 1:6 God spoke to allow earth to be in the middle of the waters. Then God divided the waters, creating salt water oceans and salt lakes, and also producing clean water rivers, streams, lakes and waters under the earth. 

 

In verses 20, 21 tells us that from the waters was produced living creatures, including whales and every kind of winged birds and creatures after their own kind.  God also made animals after their own kind and man was to have rule over the earth and the created beasts.  God said it is good. 

 

Verse 26 God fashioned man in His own image. 

We look at our children to see their likeness is like us.

The reflection in the Laver was a visualization of God.  Consider how much reflection we are for Him.

Genesis 2:10-14 A river went out of the Garden of Eden to irrigate, and parted with four heads for other rivers.

It may surprise you how much water it takes to grow our food.  It takes 240 gallons of water for one loaf of bread.  It takes 56 gallons for a simple sandwich.  Much water is necessary for cooking, washing and cleaning.  Huge reservoirs are necessary for our cities.  Water ways and canals are built for farmers for their animals and crops.

71% of our earth is covered by water.  Our bodies average about 57 to 60 percent water.

Water is a resource needed for life.  The Spiritual Water of Life must be received to know God through Christ Jesus.

In the days of Noah water came from the deep in addition to rain from heaven.  Water was in this case a Judgment, but then the waters receded and caused the earth to rearrange itself.  God gave Noah a rainbow as a sign and promise to never destroy the entire world again by water.

Exodus 30:17-21 Speaks of pulling water out from the Laver in order to keep the water clean and reminds us of the washing of regeneration.

Ephesians 5:25-27.  Christ loved the Church that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water and by the Word.

God makes us holy and without blemish, and His Word continually washes us as a representation of the Laver in the Tabernacle.

John 15:3  We are clean through the Word. 

 

The Word of God is water to cleanse us, and His Holy Spirit is water to nourish us.

 

 

Are you Easily Offended?



Why?  oh Why?

Are you Easily Offended? 

Did someone in the Church “tick you off, and punch your button.”  Perhaps you need to examine your attitude and see if you really have a reason to be upset.  Let’s be a problem solver and NOT become part of the problem. 

What kind of persons may volunteer to be on the prayer team, worship team, teach children or others?   Seems everyone wants to minister, but perhaps lives should be put in order first.  For instance this is what the Bible says about qualifications for leaders and workers. 

1 Timothy 3:2  An overseer of the Church, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober, of good behavior, respectable, hospitable, able to teach - - -  Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or fond of sordid gain,  but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.  Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

Now why would a person NOT be asked to join the prayer team, or other positions?  

1. Let’s be honest. If not married, is the person living in a shack up adulterous situation?

Today’s Society tells us that it is okay to move in with your lover and live as husband and wife and not be married.  But that is NOT what the Bible says. 

2. Is the individual actively battling an addiction and they are off the wagon more often than they stay on the wagon?   

We are NOT Judging those who are endeavoring to change and get their life together, and understand that we still love them and trust they will profit from good Bible teaching and seek to alter situations that are not pleasing to God. 

There are times that a Pastor may request someone to step down from a volunteer position, but certainly that does not mean they are being kicked out of the church.

Some programs in the church may be changed or discontinued for good and various reasons.   

Let God Judge and by all means if you are upset, learn to forgive.  Realize there is always a valid Biblical reason behind every decision that makes you angry.  Anger is not good for you so let it go. 

 

Give your leaders the benefit of the doubt that they are doing what God has told them to do.

 

Reminder: 
Jesus only fed a crowd twice NOT every day and NOT once a week.  - - Why was this?   

It was because He knew they were NOT interested in Him as the bread of Life, but were only interested in the FREE Lunch.   Did Jesus stop loving the crowd?  Don't be silly and think such wicked thoughts.  Of course he loved the homeless and the hungry, but He was sent to save the Lost and preach the Gospel telling them to get right, stop sinning and Love one another.