Jacob was a dreamer

This post was presented at our Praying Over our City Meeting as we considered that our citizens have dreams and they need Jesus to help them become all they can be.

Jacob had cheated his brother Esau big time, and now Esau wanted to kill him, so his mother begged Jacob to go to her brother Laban’s home and find a wife from their clan, who served God.  She did not want him to marry any of the women near by who were wicked and worshiped other gods.

So Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.  And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon you lie, I give it to you, and to your children.  

And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

So Jacob rose early in the morning and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil upon the top of it. And he named that place Bethel, which means House of God.

Jacob also made this promise, "If God will be with me and protect me on this journey which I am making and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, and if I return safe and sound to my father's house, then Jehovah shall be my God, and this stone which I have set up as a pillar shall be a house of God. And of all that thou shall give me I will surely give a tenth to thee."  (Wow he promised to tithe.)

Jacob arrived at Laban’s home, and there he was cheated many times by Laban.  First the wife he thought he was working for; turned out to be the ugly sister.  Then Laban changed his wages 10 times trying  to prevent Jacob from being blessed, but God showed Jacob in a dream how to gain his flock of cattle, goats and sheep. 

And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chestnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.  And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.  And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ring-streaked, speckled, and spotted.

Jacob told his wives, I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, at mating season the cattle were ring-staked, speckled, and grizzled. 

Although this seems strange, and an odd thing that God asked Jacob to do, we must be open when God is showing us witty inventions or methods to become successful in life.  Understand that God can give you visions and dreams on how to be inventive and show you ways to prosper.

And the angel of God spoke unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, “Here am I.” And the angel said, Lift up your eyes, for I have seen all that Laban has done unto you. 

I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar, and where you vowed a vow unto me: now arise, take your family and get out from this land, and return unto the land of your kindred.

~ ~ ~

Have you ever found yourself in trouble and promised God  “If you will only get me out of this predicament, I will serve you and pay my tithes.”   It is a good thing to keep a vow that you might have made to God when things were a bit scary.  Remember your promises and God will remember his promises to you.

God still gives dreams and visions – but the sure way to find direction is in the Bible and in prayer.   Usually we hear the still small voice sharing what to do next.

The people in our city need God and as we pray let us ask God to soften their hearts, to open their minds and desires be ready to receive God’s will in their lives.

 

 

 

Hidden Manna

This post is from my notes during the Bible Study at Open Door Church. 

 

Our lessons continue on the Tent Tabernacle and the symbolism of the different furnishings.  Today we reflect more on the manna as we turn to Revelations 2:17.

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except him who receives it.

Verse 7 in this same chapter tells us the “Overcomer,” has eaten from the tree of Life which is Christ.  It is interesting that it is the “Overcomer” that will partake of the hidden manna, and receive a white stone with a new name on it. 

There were characters in the Bible who received a name change: Jacob’s new name was Israel, Sari became Sarah, Abram’s new name was Abraham, and Saul became Paul the apostle.

It was 40 years that the children of Israel collected manna early in the morning for 6 days.  On day 6 they collected twice as much as there was no manna on the 7^th day.  This revealed God supernatural provision for their care.

There are many interpretations for the Hidden Manna, and continual revelations of Jesus.  There is a shift in the spiritual and we are in a different season; the Hope of our calling.

God began to reveal His names In Exodus 6:1-9  And God spoke unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them - -

God has established various covenants with his people.  The first covenant was to Adam and Eve.  They were a reflection of God Himself because they were made in His image.

God gave Noah the covenant of the Rainbow to remind us of His love, and rainbows are seen everyday some where on earth.

With Abraham, there was the covenant of circumcision.

Jacob made a covenant at Bethel after his dream of the ladder of heaven.

The covenant of marriage where man and woman give and receive equally. 

God gives, we receive, but we in turn give back.

Jesus gave us the covenant of salvation when He shed His blood for us.  Our foundation is built on Christ the Solid Rock.

Eastern culture knows more about covenant.  Be specific to declare your intention.

God established covenant to give the Land of Canaan to the people of Israel. 

God says, “I am going to redeem you as Christ did on the cross.  “With outstretched arms I will deliver you and set you free.

In our daily lives we suffer many issues as we struggle, often selfishly, with a self willed attitude, seeking pleasure instead of Christ Jesus.

We seem to be in the desert with the children of Israel witnessing many miracles that proving God’s love. 

There are so many silly questions we ask: “Do you really love me?   Where are you?  I feel lost!”

We choose to be irritated to sit in self pity instead of trusting and believing what God has declared.  “Pay attention,” says God.  “Didn’t you hear me the first time?”  Our mind wanders and we loose our focus.

He reminds us that no weapon formed against us will prosper.  God is not sending evil.  We must remember it is the enemy who seeks to steal, destroy, and kill.  Set your mind on Jesus and allow your soul to be renewed by God’s word as we accept the things of the Spirit. 

God desires a personal relationship with us and a closeness to eat of the Hidden Manna.

 

IN HIS PRESENCE IS PEACE AND JOY

This post is from my notes of the Sunday Morning Service as Linda was exhorting.

 

  There is a powerful presence of God here today, but there is an undercurrent of opposition in the spirit that we must overcome.  We are to take God at His word and understand He means what He says.  Consider what is happening in your life, and what is God’s reason and revelation of His wisdom.  Are you a listener?

Seek His presence and His heart.  No matter what is going on about you, God’s way is greater.

Be careful to acknowledge His presence and allow him to fill the empty spaces in your heart.  Become awake in your soul, spirit and body, to receive from Jesus.

Paul exhorted in Romans 12:1-3 (Message Bible) Place your ordinary everyday life and give it to God.  Embrace what God sends your way, recognizing what he wants you to do.   Turn from the immature culture around you and have no part in it. 

It is important not to misrepresent yourself, and hold back, but stand firm being willing to contribute to the body as a part of the whole. 

Every single one of you is important and has a function of the body.  You are excellently formed; so be what you are meant to be and not something else.  Don’t imitate but be quick to respond to God’s voice within you. 

 

Be cautious not to allow the problems of other people to discourage you.  Be alert and don’t quit, or be offended, and no cursing under your breath.  Get along with every body and don’t insist on getting even. 

 

Share with others and be willing to give.  Reach out to others.

Do watch out for the enemy who comes for the kill, come against him with the surprise weapon of love. 

~ ~ ~

Pastor Allan took the microphone and urged us as believers to take our personal place, and not the space of someone else.   Operate on the level you are called to in a spirit of freedom.  It is below your pay grade to be the boss when God has called you to co-operate.  We are called to be Ambassadors of Christ to reconcile others to Jesus.

 

Pastor Allan mentioned he attended a meeting last Friday evening where seven churches were present.  A prophetic message came forth “God says He is pleased that my children can pray together as one.”  God desires the body of Christ to love one another and to be united in spirit.

The key is your personal relationship with Jesus.  It is absolute that you must be born again; you must have received Jesus Christ into your life.  You search other places and you do not find what you seek; you need to come and make that final choice to receive Christ Jesus.

Pastor called for those needing a miracle to come forward.  He explained the greatest miracle is to be sure you know Jesus as Lord and that you have received Him into your life.  The first miracle is eternal life and it is important to recognize that.  God desires a changed life, a complete turn around giving the reigns of your life over to Jesus.  Not your will but giving of yourself over to God’s will.

Many of the congregation came forward to the front of the church and God was present to heal, spirit, soul and body.

ALL THESE THINGS

This post was my teaching as we came to pray over our city.

 

Peter, Thomas, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples had fished all night and caught nothing; and Jesus was standing on the shore, called to them, “How’s the fishing going?”  They said, “Not so good.” 

^{John 21:6} And Jesus said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find (what you need.) They cast therefore, (changed their method) and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 

How do you imagine that Peter felt after toiling all night and catching zero?  Now his net was so full they could hardly get it to shore.

Was he happy?  Was he thrilled?  Was he excited?  Peter enjoyed what he was doing and he “loved to fish.” 

Jesus had a fire going and prepared a meal for the tired men.

John 21:15  So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than THESE?”

What did Jesus mean “THESE?”  Do you love me more than these? 

Another time, Jesus was calling disciples to follow Him.  One man said, “Let me go and bury my father first.” So he could not follow.  Another said, I must plow my ground first – then I will follow (later.)  Another said, I have great possessions and I must manage my business, so I can’t follow.

I suppose the reasons were valid, and caring for your family and your self is important, but in each case, Jesus was testing to see it they loved Jesus or if they loved “THESE things,” more than they loved him. 

So many citizens of our city are loving “THESE things;” more than they love Jesus.  What is “THESE” to them?  These things can be anything that is put FIRST instead of allowing Jesus to be number ONE.  These things are different to each person.  We will be praying that their desire for Jesus increase and that they will be willing to drop those things that bind and keep them chained.

 

To some it will be “selfish desires, including greed.”  To others it will be habits that prevent them from a full surrender - - or addictions so personal and so loved that they are held tightly instead of embracing Jesus.  Is it ONE thing or many things that are loved more than Christ Jesus?  Jesus called it “These” which must mean a LOT of things. 

Jesus continued speaking to Peter asking “do you love me?”  Peter was a rough fisherman, not used to displaying his emotions and probably did not like to say the word LOVE.  So Peter replied, “You know I like you.” (The way we love ice cream and cake.)   

Jesus asked him again making his request stronger – Do you love me?  Peter said, “You know I love you like a friend. (affection almost love.)   

The Third time Jesus asked Peter:  “Do you ADORE me enough to worship me and lay down your life for me?”  Peter had to think for awhile, because this was serious business and Jesus wanted a straight answer.   

Today Jesus wants a straight answer from each of us.  Can we lay those trappings aside, those things that still bind us ?? - - To lay them down once and for ever - -  All  THESE things AND lest we miss one, ask God to reveal anything we forgot to surrender?? 

Search my heart Oh Lord and reveal to me what I am having trouble seeing.

Manna is Glory

This post is from my notes taken during our Bible Study at Open Door Church.

 

Our teacher, Linda was ministering regarding the Tent Tabernacle and about Manna and its glory:  Manna was the bread from heaven representing Jesus as the Living Bread from Heaven.

Inside the Ark of the Covenant was placed a pot of manna, along with the 10 commandments and Aaron’s rod that budded.  The two cherubim were to protect the glory.

What was God saying to the Israelites that is relevant for us today? 

Deuteronomy chapter 8 proclaims the story of the 10 commandments given, and the reminder to them selves and to their children, how God brought them into a land flowing with brooks, and of fountains and springs.  A land of wheat, barley, vines, trees, with oil and honey.

They were to remember to bless and not to forget who fed them in the wilderness with heavenly manna.  They were to remember the wicked nations which God destroyed before their faces, and a warning if they forgot, they too would perish.

Sometimes it is hard to be humble.  We must be careful not to think, “I am better than you and you are less than me.  God blesses me and not you.”

Be careful to see others how God sees them, and be careful not to judge.

Manna, day after day, got “Old.”  Complaining was easy and murmur they did.

There is ramification of our decisions and consequences because of choices. 

Difficulties come to all, physical, financial and spiritual.  We find ourselves in a desert place of pain and suffering.

God wanted His people to rely on Him.  He told them, it is not your righteousness, but His desire to bless a people who would worship him alone.  There were times of remembrance with celebrations and festivals, along with written stories on the doors of their homes.  God told the people to create rock pillars to remind them of God’s faithfulness.

We too have reminders; as church bells ring out - - it is time to worship.  We do other things to remind us of Christ’s birth at Christmas and the Easter season, remembering his death and resurrection.

I Corinthians 10:3, 4  They all ate the same spiritual food, and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Take your ordinary life and focus on God. 

Romans 12:14-21 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.  If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Our responsibility as the body of Christ: 

Don’t compare yourself with others, be yourself.  Keep your eyes open and don’t allow yourself to become irritated.  Keep yourself pure and rejoice in Hope.  Don’t insist on Pay back or to Get Even.  Don’t take things personally and don’t be so sensitive with your feelings.

How are we to live today?  Let God take care of it.  God places a fence of protection around you.  Focus on the Manna from Heaven; Jesus is our Bread of Life. 

 

 

God Uses Dreams

 

This post is from my notes while Pastor Allan ministered at Open Door Church

Goose bumps don’t last, and we aren’t here for goose bumps.  Our desire is for genuine experiences from God; encounters that you can take with you where ever you go. 

 

What you experience on Sunday morning needs to continue through the week.  Return here Wednesday night, and take advantage of “Divine Appointment at the Hope Center on Mondays nights.  We sit around waiting for the outpouring, not realizing we are in it.  Enjoy the Holy Spirit being poured out on you and on your children. 

Have you ever done a crazy thing that is of God?  The people thought Noah was crazy as he built an ark.  People made fun of him, but Noah heard God speak giving him precise directions and he obeyed.  Thus his family and the animals were all saved.

We must learn to recognize God’s voice.  Sometimes we don’t want to hear.  Jonah heard God’s message, but he ran from it.  He had to be encountered with drastic means before he would obey.

Peter had a vision that changed his theology; he discovered that God loves Gentiles as well as Jews.

Joseph as a boy dreamed amazing dreams that came to pass.  His dream brought him into bondage, but his dream also brought him to the palace.

Gideon at the wine press saw an angel who brought him a message of deliverance.

God desires to communicate with His people.  He used a burning bush to speak to Moses.

God is speaking to you, but are you sitting on your hands.  We say when?  The answer is now.  It is time to step up and walk in what God is saying and doing.  The church of Oroville is eminence.  God’s church includes all blood washed believers who dwell in our city. 

Don’t be afraid as you listen to God’s voice.  Be bold and step out in faith and expect God to show up.  Reality is proclaimed.  Be the body of Christ and interact with others in the body. 

 

Let God show you what you are to do.  We must quit trying to the job of others.  Perhaps he is telling you to make sandwiches, to preach on the street, to clean the church.  Each person will find their place and your work will be different than mine. 

Be careful not to criticize and judge the message, but listen with an open heart.

God knows what he wants done and it includes you.  Don’t be like the unwise servant who said, “I was afraid.”  Don’t hide your talent.

Understand there are “Nut cases” out there doing strange things in the name of Jesus.  Back away from those who are weird.  Don’t mess up thinking they are of God.  If your theology needs changing, let God show you in His Word what is truth.  It must line up with the Word of God.

Some of us have big dreams, but what ever your dream, don’t allow others to discourage you by saying “It won’t work,” and “Be careful.”

We are in a season of a different level.  God’s timing is important and we must pay attention for this is the “Year of Jubilee.”

We will see miracles happen that our natural sense refuses to understand.

The harvest is ready.  Here in our city we have cool parades, and car shows and the fiddlers come to town.  We have friends coming to help us witness during these events and we need you to be a part of it.  We are preparing for a Friday night assembly and then Saturday for the harvest.  Saturday night will be a deliverance rally, to release and heal the addicts and illness. 

 

Be crazy enough to believe the dream God has for Oroville.  Be obedient to what God has spoken to you. 

 

If you are not sure, it is time to ask God, “What would you have me do?  Let God show you His dream for you and for our city.

I Have a Dream – (said Martin Luther King) by Hazel Moon

 

 

Reverend King’s dream was not the kind you have at night while you sleep, but his dream was a strong DESIRE for change and a YEARNING to make things better. 

Do you have a dream?  Do you have a desire to reach out and be used of God?

What kind of dreams do you have?  Do they include a longing and a craving for more of God?

Jesus told 500 people to wait for the Holy Spirit and to pray until God showed up. 

Perhaps all 500 were there at first, but 380 people got tired, and gave up and went home until only 120 were left in the upper room.  The hundred and twenty held on to the dream and kept praying and waiting until the fire fell with a great noise from heaven and they began to speak in other tongues.  (Acts 2)

Joseph was just a boy the youngest son, and the favorite of his father Jacob, and he was a dreamer. 

 

There are times to share what God shows you but other times it might be best to keep still and wait for the performance of what you have seen.  However Joseph was so excited that he loudly and purposely shared his dream with his older brothers.

Were his brothers happy because he was having dreams?   NOT on your life.  In fact they were jealous and hateful and determined to get rid of this thorn in their flesh.

If you know the story, they tricked Joseph and put him into a pit, but when a caravan of merchants came by headed for Egypt, they sold Joseph to the group. 

 

In Egypt, Joseph got a good job with a rich man, but his beautiful wife, tried to beguile Joseph.  When Joseph refused her charms, she falsely accused him to her husband who promptly cast Joseph into prison for several years.  However during that time he interpreted two dreams for the king’s servants.  One dream did not turn out so good, but the other servant was restored to the king’s palace.  Joseph told the servant to remember him to the King so he could be released.   Time went by until the King had a DREAM, and none of his wise men could tell him the meaning.  The servant remembered Joseph and told the King, I know a man who can tell you the meaning, and Joseph was called up out of prison.

Don’t you think it strange, how Joseph was in the dark dungy prison and suddenly he was placed into the glorious palace of the king??

That is what God does for us when we receive Jesus into our heart.  He lifts us up out of the miry pit and places us into His wonderful kingdom. 

Genesis 41:  Pharaoh’s disturbing dreams.

Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke. He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good. Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream.

God anointed Joseph to give the interpretation which pleased the King so much that he put Joseph in charge to collect wheat and grain for the next 7 years preparing for the 7 lean years.

Do YOU have a dream?  Can you imagine that the people in our city also have dreams and desire what they really don’t know what it is they need.  Someone must tell them that the answer to fulfilling any dream is to receive Jesus into their life.

 

 

Bread From Heaven

 

Our Sunday morning Bible Study at Open Door Church continued as we looked inside the ark to discover a pot of manna, the 10 commandments and Aaron’s rod that budded.  I took notes and present an edited message.

Exodus chapter 16 is the first mention of Manna.  Sometimes it is good to visit different places, and seminars offered, to consider situations in the Scriptures.  There is a “feeling” in different places.  In Washington D.C. you sense the power; while in other areas of land, there might be darkness or light.  Reading the scriptures in various places will enlighten you to what God is saying.

The Children of Israel were in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, but they had no food.  They were concerned for their family and for their children.  They were also in a state of rebellion telling God and Moses, ‘You can’t take care of us.”  There was doubt and no trust, only murmuring and complaining. 

Moses said, “You aren’t complaining to me but to God.”  In Exodus 16:6  Moses tells them, “You will know that it is God that brought you out and can keep you safe, and you will see God’s Glory.”

Moses is the representation of God’s Glory, and the manifestation of heavenly food reminds us of Creation.  Food for 6 days and on the 7^th day was rest.  God gave twice as much manna on day 6 and it was enough for two days.  Yet the people were never satisfied.

Lillian Trasher was a single lady missionary who went to Egypt and started an orphanage.  Soon she was blessed with many children.  Often there was no food, but they would pray and sing until God sent them food.  Her work in Egypt continues on even today.

There are things within us that cause reservation and discomfort and a need to trust God.  It is a transitional thing to be without and believe for provision.

Numbers 11:7 And the manna was as coriander seed, and the color thereof as the color of bdellium. 

The manna could be beaten in a mortar, ground in mills, baked in bread or made into cakes.  The taste was as fresh oil and honey.

 

They had to trust God everyday for their food, but they had to get up early and gather the manna. 

 

 

Our frustration is God given; to not be comfortable, but to move forward.  The people became tired of the same old manna.

They remembered the melons, fish, garlic, onions and cucumbers in Egypt.

I imagine they also tired of the same clothes, because their clothes did not wear out for 40 years.

God promised to give them power to get wealth, but it also was a spiritual issue.  God says He will bless them in-spite of their stiff necks because He is a Merciful God.

God gives us ideas and direction on how to get wealth and to prosper.  We must daily seek God for His bread. 

Jesus said in John 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and gives life unto the world.

He told the people that He was the bread from heaven, the living bread.  The people could not understand the application of Spiritual things, but could only relate to the physical, and it upset them.  They were experiencing only the natural.

Psalms 119:107  Oh how sweet are they words unto my taste.

The Holy Spirit is here every day to give us fresh instruction and a new miracle each day.

Hebrews 9:4 was a reference as to what was contained in the Ark of the Covenant. 

A Heart change is still necessary for us in order to partake of the heavenly manna.

 

Hunger and Thirst After God

 

 

Pastor Rodney was preaching today at Open Door Church, and from my notes I present an edited sermon.

Pastor Rodney thanked the people for their love shown during his time of sorrow from his mother passing on to glory.  At the funeral, he told how he could have shared some stories, but instead he chose to bring a message of Hope, as to how those present could be sure that they would see Mom again.  He presented a simple plan of salvation for those at the memorial.

In this world there is a lot of fear, pain and sickness, and we can’t help ourselves and are helpless without God.  Although his Mom was Pastor’s hero and his rock, and always one he could find solace, he urged us to rely on the Holy Spirit to be our solid rock and constant comforter.

We get so busy and wrapped up in doing stuff; that we forget to make room for God.  It is God who will touch our spirits and enlighten us with knowledge to make wise choices.

Some things just don’t make sense but we need to learn to trust God. 

Exodus chapter 33 is the story of Moses.  He saw a bush that was on fire, but it was not burnt up. As he approached, a voice from the bush told him that he would deliver the children of Israel from Egypt.  Moses knew the Israelites were a stiff necked people and deserved to be destroyed, but he agreed to do as God said.  He declared, I will go but only if you go with me, because I can’t do this on my own.  In our own strength, we will fail, we need God every day.

Do we desire a place where the presence of God is?  Where miracles happen?  For this to happen, we must be hungry for more because there is always more.  We must invite the presence of God and welcome His supernatural manifestations.

When our hero dies, what do we do now?  The disciples felt defeat when Jesus died, and even were difficult to convince that he was truly alive.  Jesus proved to them he was risen, and told them that he must leave but He was sending a comforter and they should seek God’s face and invite His presence in the upper room.

God knows all about you and there are no secrets hidden from God.  He knows you better than anybody, and He actually has good plans for you as you seek Him.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

So many of us are satisfied with second hand experiences, those read in a book, or magazine, or stories told from the pulpit.  Let us seek God for first hand experiences and encounters with our God. 

 

Make it your desire to hunger and thirst after His face and to seek His presence in your daily life.

Moses was so close to God that his face shone making it necessary for him to wear a veil because the people could not look at him.

Some are fearful what others will say or think about them if they surrender completely to God.

Don’t worry what others say and do, but come to God because he loves you unconditionally.

I invite you to come and have a time of prayer at the altar.

Many came to the front and there was a sweet presence of the Lord.

 

Hearing God’s Voice

 

Are You Listening ??

At our Wednesday Praying Over our City meeting, it was my desire that we learn to develop our spiritual ears and eyes to pay attention to the “Inward Witness” of God speaking to us personally.

Quickly we will look at several Bible Hero’s and how God spoke to them: 

In a Vision: Genesis 15:1 The word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. 

In a burning bush:  Moses heard a voice from the burning bush.  Exodus 3

 

Samuel as a child:  God called his name but this was not familiar to Samuel.  God spoke to him in an audible voice.  As Samuel grew and developed a close relationship with God, from his spirit he knew what God was saying. 

God sends prophets speaking out of God’s heart;

When the Israelites cried out to the Lord because of Midian, God sent them a prophet, who said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not heard. 

At times God spoke with an audibly voice, but not always; usually the Prophets just knew in their spirit what God was saying - - -because they were in tune to hear from God. 

Many times God sent an Angel to bring his message; as he did to Mary and to Zachariah the father of John the Baptist.  God also speaks through dreams; as he did to Jacob, and to Joseph. 

As Christians, we know God speaks to us through His Word, and through Ministers and teachers, but we need to cultivate and learn to listen to the still small voice within each of us.

James Goll says:  The Holy Spirit Speaks from Where He Dwells.

Where does God dwell? God not only dwells in Heaven, but if you are a child of God and have been filled with the Holy Spirit, He lives within you.

According to 1 Corinthians 6:19, "We are the Temple of the Living God." He speaks to us from where He dwells. Where does God dwell? Colossians 1:27 tells us plainly, "Christ IN us is the hope of glory."

As believers we need to be aware that God is speaking to us daily.  We must be available with open ears and open eyes to hear what God is saying to us; giving us direction and encouragement. 

Often God speaking is like a nudge or prompting that we should say a word, give a testimony, give someone a cash gift, or offer help where needed.  

If you have a prompting or a dream that something bad is going to happen, it is a warning for you to pray and put a STOP on it.  Take your authority and command it NOT to happen.   

Saul in the New Testament thought he was doing God’s work by killing the Christians. To get his attention, God took drastic measures.  God had to knock him off his horse and blind him with a shining light to change his direction. Saul heard a voice but the others with him, thought it was thunder. 

Like the wrestler, there are times God has to get us in a “Head Lock,” or Twist our arm behind our back,” to get our attention.  We are like a puppy on a new lease, dragging our heals and refusing to take the walk that if we only knew - - we would certainly enjoy it and be blessed. 

1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 

God has work for each of us to do, and he is ready and willing to give you direction with the “Inward Witness.”  

 

If your mind is crowded with many worries and cares about worldly things, there will not be room for God to speak to you.  Keep in the Word and watch your thoughts. 

Let us be like the Prophet Samuel who said, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.”

 

 

Under His Wings I Shall Abide

 

 

Our Bible Study teacher continued our study of the Ark of the Covenant.  I took notes and present an edited lesson for you. 

Exodus 25:20  And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.

Exodus 37:1-6 Bezaleel was commissioned by God as the anointed craftsman to make the ark from shittim wood and over lay it with pure gold.  Then he created the mercy seat with the two golden cherubim with wings spread.

There is poetry in symbolism as we began to study what the Bible has to say about wings.

Genesis 1:20-23, God created every winged creature to fly.  This was a reflection of winged heavenly creations.

Genesis 1:20-23  The waters brought forth moving creatures that have life, both foul and living creatures under the waters.  The earth brought forth cattle and creeping things.  God gave man the authority to have dominion over all.

Mankind has this desire to fly as expressed in the inventions of the Wright Brothers.

Psalms 104:3  God rides on the wings of the wind. 

Deuteronomy 32:10-14 tells of the Eagle stirring her nest and how she flutters over her young spreading her wings and takes them soaring as they learn to fly.

(So did the Lord to His people.)  He made him to ride on the high places.

It is interesting how God has built wisdom into the birds to be obedient to their creation.

Psalms 91:4  He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler.

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.  God sends his angels to protect you. 

Psalms 91:11  For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

The story of Naomi and her husband and two sons traveling to a far country, where the boys married; and husband and sons died. Naomi decided to return to her land, but Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law.  “Your people shall be my people and your God shall be my God,” was her reply.  Naomi tells Ruth to go glean at a certain field,  Ruth is obedient and finds favor, protection and provision.

Jesus referred to his love for Jerusalem.

Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not!

 

We discussed the lessons we can learn by watching chickens and the birds.

The woman in Revelation 12:13-14 Represents the  mother of the persecuted church.  Yet God protects and provides provision.  (The woman was given two wings; great as eagle wings for her escape.

This is a representation of protection when we are under stress and threat of destruction.

Psalms 91: 1-3 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.

 

Under His Wings