Be a Spot Fire

Spot Fires are Contagious

 

 

Pastor Allan was speaking and from my notes I present his digested message.

The Woman suffering with an issue of blood, pressed in because she expected to receive.  It was not of who she was, but because of who Jesus was.  Many have been searching with extreme needs; financial, health, deliverance including addictions.  God has abundance for us.  Reach out because today is your day.

God says, “I will show you great and mighty things.  You have not because you ask not.  You need to meet Jesus and press in until you touch Him. 

No more excuses. No more synthetic help.  Our help comes from God. 

Pastor asked those needing to touch, to come forward and form a line across the church.

There followed a time of laying on of hands, as many fell under the power of The Holy Spirit.

After a time, Pastor wanted to explain:  During the prayer time, if you fell down, it is because you touched Jesus.  We are here to build up what God wants done.  When God meets a need, it is the responsibility of the person to walk in what God requires.

I worked at one time in the forest fighting fires.  The danger in the forest is the “Spot Fires,” as they spring up in the unknown.  The wind catches balls of flame and distributes them here and there creating larger fires.

Revival in our city will come as “Spot Fires” from our testimony reaches out to others.  The wind of the Holy Spirit will sweep over our city as you and I speak out what God has done for us.  Do not get me wrong and think you must light real fires that destroy.  The fires I speak of are Spiritual fires that will changes the lives of those they touch.

On the day of Pentecost when the Fire fell as recorded in Acts chapter 2, Peter referred to the prophecy in Joel 2:28   And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

That day recorded in Acts 2, was the beginning of the fire of the Holy Spirit. 

 

Church History over the years has recorded spot fires here and there. One of the largest outpourings was in 1904-1905 in Azusa Street, California. Many Pentecostal denominations were born at that time, including the Four Square and Assemblies of God.  The fire of the Holy Spirit changed people’s lives and changed communities.

Today we are saying, “Lord give us more.”  Be crazy to ask and receive, I hope it is okay, but if not I am doing it anyway.  Understand that God loved Oroville. 

In the God Rush days, Oroville was a wicked city for many.  Myers Street was the “Red Light” district.  But God has a plan for Oroville and Spot Fires are burning here.

There has been much talk about sanctuary cities.  God’s plan is that Oroville be a Spiritual Sanctuary.  We all must be a part.  We must be willing to change our thinking and make a choice to become a spot fire.

What you feel in this place is God’s presence.  Our church will fill as we promote the presence of God. 

Reading from acts 16:16-40 is the story of a young girl with a false spirit of prediction.  She was a slaved owned by a group of men and they profited from her fortune telling. 

 

"The girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ ¹⁸ She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned round and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her."

Her owners were very angry because their lively hood was gone.

We need to gain our Freedom for drug addicts in our city, and in our county, so their dealers will be angry. 

Speak out and declare freedom for those who are bound.  Once delivered, it your responsibility to walk free. 

 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the programs with 12 steps and they do help.  We desire the power of God so strong that chains are broken. 

 

Are you in prison?  Paul and Silas were put in prison for their prayer of deliverance for the girl.  They sang and praised God in the Prison, and God came in and caused their chains to fall off.  This is what God want to do in Oroville.

Not just recovery, but Transformation and complete restoration to sanity.  I am talking about the most deplorable situations.  Prayer and worship is all good, but we need people willing to say Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.

Allow God to use you as a Spot Fire in our community. 

Angels and Cherubim

 

Our Sunday Morning Bible Study at Open Door Church began as our teacher displayed miniature replicas of the Ark of the Covenant with the two cherubim on the mercy seat.  From my notes I present an edited message as we studied about angels and cherubim.

The first mention of cherubim was in the garden when Adam and Eve were forced to leave because of their sin of disobedience.  A flaming cherubim guarded the gate of the garden blocking the entrance.

It is incredible the different types of angels.  They have the power of choice as we are reminded that some chose to follow Lucifer.  Their responsibilities are varied.  They are beautiful, powerful and are representatives of our God. 

Michael seems to be a chief angel, and Gabriel a messenger angel.  Angels guard, protect, minister and there is a death angel.

There are layers of angels in the spiritual dimension.  An angel appearing to a person might look like a human, and dress, hair and complexion similar to those they know.  Not always does an angel appear with wings, but there are times when they do.

Exodus 25:17-22 were instructions about the ark and the Mercy Seat.  It was to be covered with pure gold and inspired craftsmen were to create a border and replica of two cherubim kneeling and facing each other with wings out stretched.  This was a sign of protection over the ark where God’s glory covered it.

Our teacher noted that from her studies, she believes God actually assigned two real cherubim to guard the ark.

The enemy desires to destroy everything holy.

The tent tabernacle is a pattern of heaven.  The veil with its colors of blue, purple and scarlet had cherubim’s woven into it.  The anointing oil with its pure incense of sweet spices was offered as the people were blessed by the High Priest.

As we are praying and thinking about the majesty of God, let us consider the worship involved; people, animals, priests sacrificing the animals, incense and prayer.

Isaiah 66:1-2  66 Thus says the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? Where is the place of my rest?  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, says the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.  (God is looking at us as we are to be His temple.)

Psalms 148:1-6 says, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord all His angels.

We must check ourselves when we fear and become anxious.  The information we have is usually the small picture.  The big picture is in God’s hands.

In Christ Jesus dwells all the fullness of the divine.  Jesus made peace through his death on the cross for us.

Ezekiel 28:14-19 tells of the fall of the anointed cherub.  Because of his beauty and pride making himself equal with God, he persuaded a large group of angels to follow him.  Unfortunately this was because they had the power of choice. 

As Christians may we be careful of our attitudes and realize God is supreme.  As we minister it is all Him and all honor and praise is directed toward Jesus.

Plan and Prepare – but do Not be Afraid because God is in Control.

 

Plan and Prepare – but do Not be Afraid because God is in Control.

Many here in our city had returned to their homes to pack if another evacuation order is announced.  Workers at the dam are frantically laboring 24/7 hauling rocks.  Large cement trucks are pumping concrete to cover the rocks to fill the large hole made by the emergency spillway of our Oroville dam.  The regular spillway is being used to lower the lake, even though it also is injured.  Many are in fear that the dam will break.  However stores have reopened, gas stations were ready, and church was announced as usual.

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is Word of Wisdom, and the Lord was giving me something to share during church.  As Pastor Allan stepped to the pulpit I approached him and asked if I might give a word?  He said, yes in just a minute as he had something to say first.  Then he gave me the microphone.

“In the Old Testament the Prophet Elisha and his servant were home.  As morning came, the servant went outside to discover the enemy army had surrounded their home.  The servant was very scared as he told Elisha, ‘We are done for, all is lost, we will surely die because the enemy is here to get us.’

Elisha’s words were “Calm down, don’t be afraid, the Lord is on our side, because if you could only see there is more of us than there is of them.”  Elisha prayed and asked God to open the eyes of his servant so he could see the angel army with wings spread protecting them from all harm.

My word to you today is “Keep Calm, and do not be afraid.  Know that there is a huge army of angels over our city.  Big angels with large wings are hovering over our dam.  Big angels are protecting each of us for God is in control and it is not time to fear but time to remain calm.” 

2 Kings chapter 6: (The enemy King was wanting to kill The Prophet Elisha)

12 And one of the Kings servants said, “None of us are telling your secrets, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”

13 So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.” And it was told him, saying, “Surely he is in Dothan.”

14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

 

BE THE CHURCH

 

Pastor Allan was speaking about the historical things happening now in our city; with the damaged spillways of our Oroville, Dam, and the recent evacuation of the city.  From my notes I present his edited sermon.

We all handle situations differently.  Especially difficult is the waiting for the unknown.  I don’t care whose fault it is, just fix it and get it done.

Three things I would like to touch on today:

1.     Don’t worry

2.     Be prepared

3.  Be the church.

1.  Don’t Worry:

In the Bible, Jesus always said, “Do not fear or be anxious about anything.  Worry does not solve the situation, and it can cause physical problems.  Worry keeps you from doing what you need to do.  Self medicating does not help, so let us be part of the solution and not become part of the problem.

We are not in the habit of displacing thousands of people, and our first concern is to protect our family.  We look at the storm, but we need to be focused on Jesus.

Use wisdom and good common sense, and pay attention to what is happening around you.  Keep calm even when others are going to pieces.

Matthew chapter 25 tells the story of the ten virgins.  Five were prepared, while five missed the wedding due to neglect.  It pays to be prepared and to be ready.

2.Be Prepared: 

Have a plan how you will react in case of any emergency.  We don’t know about tomorrow.  Where is your center of gravity?  Don’t lose your balance.  What does it take to knock you off balance?  Are you in the Word?  I don’t mean a corporate reading of the Bible, but your personal daily study of God’s Word.  Our foundation is not faith in the Oroville dam, but our trust is in God.  Focus on the Spirit instead of the physical realm. Look at this as spiritual, and flow in the Spirit. 

Understand the God has a purpose for our city.  The physical is controlled by man, and the spirit is controlled by God.  Allow God to be in control

3.  Be the Church: 

I Peter 1:1  Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To the temporary residents dispersed in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen.

The early Christians were scattered due to persecution and turmoil, but they used every opportunity to spread the gospel.  God used what man did to spread the gospel.

If you are evacuated for any reason, no matter where you land; be the church.  Don’t be afraid to pray in public, and share your testimony with others.  Encourage rather than join in with those who complain and find fault.  Be careful to press in and not get on the condemning side.  Be a person of prayer and be willing to pray with others who are upset and suffering.  Be a blessing;  Be the church.

I am as guilty as the next person.  We have been praying for divine appointments and fail to notice we are being given those everyday.

The bottom line is; this crisis will go away and we will get comfortable and forget to stay focused.  Keep your plan intact for when ever it is needed.

Paul often said:  “Pray for me.”  I your pastor need your prayers and you need the practice.  Pray for one another.

Don’t worry, but be watchful, sober and vigilant knowing that God is in control.

We get caught by surprise, but God looks at His watch and says, “Just in time.”

The disciples in the boat when the sudden storm came up were frantic, but what was Jesus doing?  He was asleep.  When he was awakened, he merely said, “Peace be still.”

Father, I think you for your protection and we trust in you. 

 

Prepare us to be the church. 

 

 

You are God’s Temple

 

As we study the Old Testament Tent Tabernacle our teacher reminds us that the temple is a representation of heaven.  From my notes I present a digested message from our Bible Study.

The Priests were deliberate in their preparation to worship God.  They were the one who killed and burnt the sacrifice for the sins of the people.  They were committed as they fulfilled the duties of each day.  There was continual washing of feet and hands showing how God desires cleanliness of soul and spirit as well as our physical being.

Jesus prepared the way so that we could enter the Holy Place.

Hebrews 10:19-22  Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,  by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God,  let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

We have a great High Priest and have been given the right to enter into the throne room.

Hebrews 4: 14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Revelations chapter 7 mentions a great multitude and a loud voice saying Salvation unto our God which sits on the throne.   The garments of the multitude were white for they had been washed in the blood of the lamb.

The Tent Tabernacle had a thick veil separating the Holy Place from the Holiest of Holies.  Only the Priest could enter where God dwelt among the Ark of the Covenant.

Our teacher showed us a video about the family craft of creating tapestry.  This must have been similar to the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.

II Chronicles chapter 3 tells us the veil was made of Blue, Purple and Crimson and find linen.  It was wrought with Cherubim’s there on.

Hebrews chapter 9 reminds us WHO we ARE, and why we do what we do.  Our foundation is in Christ and there is no other way.  The blood of goats and calves was only temporary to cover sins. 

Jesus shed His blood once and for all to remove our sins.

We are to understand that according to 1 Corinthians 3:16, We are God’s temple.  Don’t defile the temple by being deceived or being made a fool of.  Be wise.

Eating, Drinking and Making Merry

 

 

Our meeting to pray over our city was cancelled for this Wednesday due to the Flood warnings and evacuation with the upset of so many households. 

 

This is not a time to stop praying but a time to intercede for our City, our County, our State and our Nation.

 

May we be watchful over our personal lives, our household and encourage all those we are in contact with to make Jesus first in their lives.   

The concern and fear about our Lake Oroville and the failed Dam Spillway - -  is not over but people are returning home to pack and prepare if another evacuation is called for.  

Eating Drinking and Partying: Our world just finished rejoicing over a Super Bowl Game and the Entertainment Industry with their awards - - but how many are preparing their spiritual suitcase to be ready when Jesus returns to catch away His beloved.

Matthew 24:37-44 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Go and Sin No More

Go and Sin No More

 

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

Today there is a lot of panic and fear about our Oroville Dam and the full lake. 

Let us look at things in the Spirit what can we learn?  The last 4 years we have diligently prayed for rain, and now we ask God to slow it down.  The overflow water is uncontrolled, but people are working frantically to control water – but no man can control it. 
 

Understand in the Spirit, we can control the Holy Spirit by quenching and grieving the Holy Ghost.  God says, come into the living water as He desires to pour out blessings; but we must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to have control.
 

Next week is our Fifth Anniversary of our church.  God had laid it on my heart to start a church and my wife was in agreement with me and God.  I had no money, no organization, only a call straight from God.  I went to the landlord and told him I have a desire from God, but no money.  The Landlord said, you mean you have a desire but no money?  He asked me to present a business plan, and then said, “Move in next week, rent free for one year.  At the end of the year we will open your books and decide how much you can pay.”
 

Our first service we had 45 people.  God has a specific plan for this church.  Our motto is “Come as you are, but don’t leave as you came.”
 

We do not condone sin, however we welcome you here no matter your life style, just be willing to listen to the Holy Spirit.  Don’t be critical of others.  Allow God to work in their lives and in your life. 
 

 

It is difficult to understand how someone who declares they are a believer, yet can go out and commit abdominal sins. That is not what God desires and He wants to change believers into His image.
 

John 8:1-5 Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They said unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what do you say?
 

Jesus acted like he didn’t hear them.  He stooped and wrote in the sand with his finger.  Then he spoke unto them.  He that is without sin among you; let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

One by one the men left and after a few minutes, Jesus stood and asked the woman, “Where are your accusers, has no one condemned you?”  She replied, None Lord.

Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you, but go and sin no more.”

The woman was wrong – her sin demanded death, but Jesus says, “Follow me and no longer walk in darkness, and I shall give you the light of life.

How many here today struggle with things day after day.  Let’s get real, I am not a good man.  I am not proud of my past and you probably feel that way too.  We deserve death.  Just because I think your sin is worse than my sin doesn’t make it right.  It is not my job to condemn but my job is to present Jesus the way of deliverance. 

We embrace – to love not judge, and are very real about this.  Understand the Word of God and what He expects.  He says to come out from among them and be separate from the world. 

His desire is that you understand the whole thing to live like Jesus did.  Once you come to Jesus, your sins are covered, and then you allow God to transform you by the washing of His Word and by the blood of Jesus.  Daily there is repentance, as we ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and point out what needs to change.

Come as you are and He will receive you and give you a new heart, then He says, “Go and Sin no more.”

 

Rejoice – The Sacrifice Has Been Accepted !!

 

 

Rejoice – The Sacrifice Has Been Accepted !!

Our Sunday Bible Study has been observing the Tent tabernacle and its furnishings.  All is a picture of Christ and His Sacrifice one time for all.

The outer court is where the people came to make a sacrifice for their sins.  The priest would slay the animal and burn it on the “Brazen Altar.”  A laver for washing of the Priests hands and feet was situated in this outer court but close to the Tabernacle where God dwelled.

Inside the Tabernacle a heavy veil separated the inner court Holy Place for the Holies of Holies.  In this inner court, the Priest first washed their hands and feet before entering.

Inside there was a Table of shoe bread where 12 loaves of fresh bread was placed each day.  The golden Lamp Stand was also tended daily with fresh oil and it burned continuously.  Closer to the Veil was an altar of incense where a special mixture of sweet oils was burned.  The smell of the incense seemed to float out to the people and the Priest raised his hands in a blessings.

Once a year did the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant overlaid with pure gold was the only piece of furniture.  There on the Day of Atonement, the Priest would offer the blood of sacrifice and incense before the mercy seat. The lid of the ark was intricately carved from gold, with two angels bowing and their wings touching.  Two staves were threaded through hoops to carry the ark, as it was critical that no one touch the ark; lest they be struck dead as it was holy.  Inside the ark were the 10 commandments, a bowl of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded.

Why do we study this Old Testament Tabernacle?  What is done in the natural becomes a symbol of what is happening in the Spiritual; physical and supernatural.

In Exodus 25, God said to Moses, “Make me a sanctuary.”  He gave Moses the plans and filled craftsmen with wisdom and cunning to build the Tabernacle.  

God desired to dwell among the people.  Now we have Jesus and he lives IN us.

All this was a reenactment of what was to come, and the pattern in heaven duplicated on Earth. 

Twelve precious stones were set in a breastplate worn by the High Priest.  These jewels represented the 12 tribes of Israel and were close to God’s heart.

Israel was preparing for the Nest temple, and it is incredibly exciting as the end times unfold.

Our teacher brought a video for us to view, illustrating the washing of hands and feet signifying the spiritual cleansing before the blood sacrifice.  An Innocent animal’s blood was shed making atonement for the soul.  There was more washing of water asking God to show mercy on us.  Some prayed bowing down, while others with faces and hands were raised to heaven. They rejoiced that the sacrifice had been accepted. 

It was the blood that makes the atonement and Jesus was our substitute as he died on the cross.

God spoke that all would be done according to His plan, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

John 1:29  John declared that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that was done prior to this death.  Jesus died once and for all, and now He sits at the right hand of the Father.

He does not get back up on the cross.  Once was enough to save us.

The Old Testament Priest, laid hands on the scape goat declaring the sins of the people were on the animal.  He then released the goat signifying our sins are carried away as far as the East of from the West. 

 

God was pleased with the obedience of Jesus and we can "Rejoice because the Sacrifice Has Been Accepted." 

 

 

God was

Lost and Found – Foolish or Wise?



My Son was dead but now he is alive.

 

As I prepared this lesson a portion of it was on my heart since Sunday, but for our Wednesday Prayer meeting, I decided to include the other two stories found in Luke chapter 15. 

Jesus was teaching and the publicans and sinners were ready to hear and believe but the religious leaders were complaining and finding fault with Jesus because of the type of people following him.  I asked the question, “Who were the sinners listening to Jesus?  Were they the “Red Necks” of today, or were they Gentiles also listening to Jesus?  Regardless of the crowd sinful or not, Jesus welcomed them because they needed a Savior.   

Luke 15: 1-3  Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.  And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them.   And he spoke this parable unto them, saying;

 

I found you - now you are safe - -

A man had 100 SHEEP and one WAS LOST.  Let us think about this and consider:  How did the one sheep get lost? 

1. Maybe he wandered off by himself looking for greener grass.

2. Was he rebellious and didn’t want to listen to authority?  (The shepherd’s voice)

2. Could he have fallen down and hurt him self and couldn’t get up without support?

3. Perhaps, he followed the wrong crowd that abandoned him leaving him lost. 

I hope you are paying attention, because I am preaching now. 

How did the shepherd feel when he realized the sheep was missing?  He was very upset.  He loved his sheep and every one was precious to him; so he gave the care of the 99 sheep to his friend, and went searching until he found his lost sheep and returned it to the safe fold. 

~ ~ ~



Rejoice with me - I have found my coin.

LOST Coin.  Woman with 10 silver coins discovers one is missing.

How did the poor woman loose such a valuable coin?  Was she careless? 

Perhaps - - she was not careful when she put her coins away.

It was important to her to find the silver coin, so she was diligent and searched until she found it. Then she rejoiced and told her friends the coin has been found.

~ ~ ~

A CERTAIN MAN had TWO SONS - - and the younger was rebellious and said, give me my inheritance now.  This was unusual, because the inheritance was not divided until the death of the father.  However the father heeded the boys pleading and gave him a large sum of money.  In a few days the boy gathered up his goods and left home traveling to a far off country.  It seemed he desired to get away from the restraints of the father’s home.  Notice that he went to a FAR country removing himself from the father’s presence. 

There he met up with others who influenced him to have a good time living it up with careless and riotous living and spending.  Soon all his money was gone and a famine was in the land.  Here he was broke and hungry.

Now let us think and consider:  How did he lose his money?  We could make a long list how his money went down the drain.  Here is the Short list:  Wine, Women and Song with games of chance.

Now he was broke and looking for work.  A kind farmer took pity on him giving him a job feeding the pigs. 

The body was so hungry even the pig food looked good to him.  He had hit bottom.

Jews were not to have anything to do with pigs, so this was as low as he could go.

Finally he came to his senses and made a decision.   He realized his father’s servants were better off than he was at this moment.  He would return home and beg his father to let him be a servant.  

All this time, his father was watching and waiting for his son to come home, and when he saw him a far off, he ran with outstretched arms to take him in to his bosom.  The father said, “Come let us have a feast and celebrate because my son was dead and now he is alive.”  He put a beautiful clean garment on the boy and a gold ring on his finger.  The boy was home and all was wonderful.

That is what Jesus does for us when we come to Him.  He puts His robe of His Righteousness on us and prepares a banquet for us.   

I was reminded of a time when our children were little, and our church would have a pot luck dinner.  Those with families were to bring a main dish, a salad and a desert.  The long table was spread with a boundless supply of delicious food.  My children came to me and asked;  “Mama, which is ours?”  I replied, the entire table is for you, to enjoy and take as much as you desire.”  That is the way with our Jesus.  We think we have arrived and know it all, but truth is there is always more.  There is More to receive from God, because the table is full and ready for us to partake. 

Now as we prepare to pray over out city, we will consider that in our city there are many who have once tasted the goodness of God but for various reasons they have ended up in desperate situations.

Understand that God in his mercy continues to search for those who are lost and desires that all would come to salvation.  The price has been paid for everyone to come to the banquet and receive all that God offers for them.

 

Consider all this and think about how happy the young son was to be home again.  Do you suppose after a few days that he would think to himself - - - “I wonder if I should leave all this and go back to the pig pen.”

      The answer should be clear - - Once you are “Home,” there is NO turning back.

 

Walking with Jesus

Rise Up !!

Our Sunday Morning sermon at Open Door Church was by Pastor Rodney and from my notes I present an edited message.

The stories are found in Luke 8:40-56, Matthew 9:18-26 and in Mark 5:21-43; Pastor Rodney selected the scriptures from Mark’s gospel.  Jesus had returned from Decapolis where He had cast out unclean spirits from a deranged man.

Mark 5:21  And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.  And, behold, there came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet,  And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lays at the point of death: I beg you to come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

Jesus went with the man and the people followed and thronged him pushing and shoving and suddenly Jesus was interrupted as he journeyed to heal the sick girl. 

Jesus asked, “Who touched me?”  Jesus was walking in the Supernatural and his followers were used to facts and what was natural. They thought they had the answer.  Sometimes we think we have the answer but we fail to see the Supernatural.

Their remark sounded reasonable that of course someone touched Jesus because everyone is pressing and forcing their way to be close to Jesus.  However a small woman crawling on her knees, fearfully and trembling confessed that she in faith had touched the hem of His garment and was healed of her 12 years of suffering that her doctors could not cure.  She had plugged in to the power source to receive healing while others were merely reaching out with their inquisitive and curious hands and minds. Jesus told her to go in peace and to be whole of her plague.

While Jesus was still speaking to the woman, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain messengers saying: “Your daughter is dead, so there is no need to trouble Jesus any further.”  Those bringing the message of doom were speaking fact as they knew it, but Jesus understood something else and said to the ruler, be not afraid, only believe.

The messengers were saying, “Don’t bother Jesus, all is lost, you might as well give up, there is no hope now, you can just quit all this believing in Jesus stuff.”

The truth is there folks; don’t allow a bad report to control your faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus had just healed a chronically ill woman, so could He raise the dead?

As they arrived at the home, Jesus only allowed Peter, James and John to accompany him and Jairus into the house.  Inside there was a loud demonstration of wailing and weeping going on.  The situation was serious.  Where were the people of faith?

Jesus did not want any distractions but to only focus on the present need and to conquer death.   However here was this big commotion of bawling and howling as was their custom.

Jesus spoke and asked “Why all this ado?  The girl is not dead, but only sleeps.”

At those words, they laughed him to scorn. But Jesus took no notice of their ridicule and put them all out of the house.  Taking only the girl’s parents and Peter, James and John, they entered into the girl’s chamber where Jesus took her by the hand and commanded her to rise. Immediately the girl rose up and walked. All but Jesus were astonished with great astonishment. 

 

Jesus told the parents to “Give her something to eat.”  When Jesus told them to give her something to eat he was showing he is interested in the small details of life as well as those that are life threatening situations.

Many today walk in darkness and in Spiritual death.  Jesus is ready to restore them to life in Him which is Life eternal.  Then we must be ready to give them something to eat.

 

 

Our Prayers are as Incense

 

Our Bible study began with a mention of the furniture in the Tent Tabernacle.  All this was a representation of Christ Jesus and a reflection of our worship of today.  From my notes I present an edited lesson.

Revelations 8:1-5  And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.  And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.  And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thundering, and lightning, and an earthquake.

The prayers of the Saints were added to the incense; you might ask Why?

Through out history God talks about His people.  At creation, He met with Adam and Eve in the evening and walked and talked with them.

It is incredibly important to God to listen; to process the petition and participate.  He has the ability to fellowship with his creation and there is now free access to fellowship with our creator 24/7 in the Holy of Holies.

Song of Solomon 1:3 - - Thy name is as ointment poured forth - -This is an allegory of marriage and the Church and the fragrance of the Church.  We are a sweet savor onto God.

II Corinthians 2:15  For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved,

Jesus was made a little lower than the angels; coming to earth in human form to live among us and experience all that mankind endures.  He overcame all even death.

Hebrews 2:9- But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

As we search the scriptures, we see confirmation to all that we believe.  There is a reflection of  submission rather than rebellion.  Not an attitude of selfishness saying, “I want to do what I want.”  “It is my body and it is my right.”  Sins are committed in the name of inconvenience.   Let us be lovers and not haters.

See how precious we are to God and how He desires our fellowship.

Ephesians 6:18-20  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Regardless of how you feel “personally,” we must love and care for people and watch our reaction when we are faced with something we do not agree with.

In this world there are terrible situations that create “deep grief” that can be carried for years causing dreadful scares in the mind and emotions.

Forgiveness is necessary, but speak in “love,” for many of these do NOT know Jesus.

We can pray for the sick and afflicted.  And if they are a Christian their prayers mingle with ours.  Our prayers are as incense. 

Psalms 141:2-3  Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.  Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

There was silence in Heaven for half an hour, and fire from the altar was cast down to the earth to burn.  Revelations 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.