Monday, January 30, 2017

Be Intentional


 

Pastor Allan was ministering and from my notes I present his edited sermon.

God expects us to be open and willing to receive.  As you enter your personal prayer closet, breathe in and ask for open eyes to see, and open ears to hear from the Holy Spirit.  Not just on Sunday morning, but every day, take a behavior check.  Ask, “Lord what changes in me do you desire?”

Often we have fear of missing out, but don’t miss out anything God has for you.

We have entered into a new season – a season of Hope for our Nation.  I believe what is happening in the White House is God’s plan.  Understand it is NOT a man to follow, but to follow God.  Pray that God will use him, and the many Christian advisors assisting him.

Don’t get caught up in the different things or arguments you hear or view.

Last week I attended a ministers meeting of several denominations.  We were all of one accord as on the day of Pentecost, and our cry was “God do something great for our communities and for our Nation.

It is time to set aside our mindset of opinion.  Getting right with God, our salvation is the first step, then seek a close relationship with Jesus.  Be humble to walk in repentance.

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.

Relationship with Christ must continue – there can be NO turning back, only go forward in Him daily.

If you want to see others transformed, you must be a follower of Christ for others to follow you.  Maintain your relationship with Jesus.  Don’t justify being tired or discouraged; repent from those seeds of doubt in your heart.

Before we take communion, we pause to examine ourselves.  “Search me and show me what it is you want to remove?  What should I cast aside?  What ever it is, reveal it to me.  Clean up the stench and remove that which offends you Lord God.  I surrender; take me and lift me out of the pit.  Strengthen my relationship with you, as I determine to move forward.”

The Prophet Joel walked the streets of his city and it was so bad he lamented, telling the people to repent and to fast and pray  God heard and answered. 

Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

Joel 2:19  Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

The Lord promised to do great things and restore all the canker worm and locust had destroyed.

We are in the season of restoration.  He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. God will show wonders.  Call on the name of the Lord and be delivered.

On the Horizon is Hope.  United we stand whether we claim to be Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Pentecostal or some other denomination; just know God is over all who believe on Jesus.

Prophesy is being fulfilled in our day.  We have a covenant with God to bless.  Our part is to repent and follow Jesus.

Be intentional to prepare your heart.  Set your alarm and wake up on purpose to pray. Acknowledge the Father, acknowledge Christ Jesus, and acknowledge the Holy Spirit.  Worship and adore each one individually.  Recognize the importance of each person in the God head.

Concentrate and plan to worship and receive. 

Set a particular time.  Don’t get so busy and caught up in life that you neglect your “time with God.”  Be intentional and take time.  Evaluate your priorities.  God desires your ministry to succeed but not at the neglect of your family.  Get intentional to meet with God first, then family, then work or  ministry.

Be intentional; about all you do especially your relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Be intentional to fellowship by inviting someone to lunch or out for coffee.  
 
Be intentional to join with others in the various meetings and activities of our church.  Make plans to help and bring relief to our single mothers with children, our widows, and  those caring for elderly parents.

 

4 comments:

TC Avey said...

It's great hearing of the unity between denominations!

This part really spoke to me, "Don’t justify being tired or discouraged; repent from those seeds of doubt in your heart."
It's so easy to get tired and discouraged and use that to justify not spending time with God or use it as an excuse to not act loving toward others.
As you said, we need to repent of those "little sins" because they hinder our relationship with God, they hinder others seeing Christ in us. It's time to let His light shine!

Great post. Thank you for shring.

caryjo said...

Thank you and bless you for sharing the Word.

Unknown said...

Prayer is being answered. And I continue too everyday. This nation is only here because of the sovereign hand of our Father. May we confess our sins and may He open the hearts and minds of our people so He'll heal this nation.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Good words. May the Lord have his way in our hearts, our families, our communities, and our nation!