Prophesy as you Pray

This post was our lesson on Wednesday morning as we prepared to pray over our city,

our State and our Nation.

 

 

Prophesy as you Pray    By Hazel Moon

 

As we prepared to pray over our city, we consider that we can and should use the gift of prophesy to make declarations and to proclaim blessings over our citizens.  We declare for our citizens - - open eyes and open ears so that understanding is revealed about God’s love and mercy.

The scriptures given at the end of this lesson from the Old Testament reveal that groups of prophets followed the major Prophet and gleaned from his anointing to prophesy.  These groups were not necessarily leaders, and in some cases they were messengers who simply showed up - - and the overflow anointing flooded them and they prophesied. 

 

So in order to prophesy, there must FIRST be deep desire to operate in the Holy Spirit Gifts and an active relationship with Jesus. 

 

Knowing this - - understand that you as a simple person may prophesy !!

Paul was teaching about spiritual administrations and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians  12:1  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.      (In this chapter, Paul goes on to clarify each gift and how they should function in the body of Christ.) 

Paul explains that not everyone was outfitted in certain ministry gifts or gifts of the Holy Spirit.  (This is probably not God’s fault, because the blame lays with the slothful Christian who needs to seek after and desire to be used of God in special ways.) 

1 Corinthians 12: 29-31  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 

Paul continues in chapter 13 declaring that most Christians can certain use some LOVE, and unless you are operating in the gift of love - - you might as well forget the undertaking of the before mentioned gifts. 

Paul in chapter 14 appears to downplay LOVE – and is urging Christians to get down to business; to long for, crave and yearn and seek for God’s Holy Spirit gifts. 

1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 

Paul is NOT against tongues, because he declares that he speaks in tongues more than you all. 1 Corinthians 14: 18  
(Pray that you speak in tongues more than Paul) 

 Tongues are important and should be utilized daily because praying and praising in other tongues will edify the believer.  Praying and singing in other tongues will lift you up and out of the natural realm and will elevate you into the Spiritual kingdom.  Because once you are out of yourself and into God’s domain, you will find it comfortable to manifest your gift of prophesy - - and other gifts. 

When you are lifted up in the Spirit, almost every word that comes out of your mouth will have goose-bumps attached.  (Your simple words will be anointed to pierce into the hearts and souls of others.) 

This is the kingdom position where you can prophesy blessings over your city, your loved ones and over your household. 

Your prayers over our city, our State and over our Nation can and should contain prophetic blessings and descriptions of how you desire God to move in the hearts of those who need Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5: 19-21  Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

Paul also urged - - Forbid NOT to speak in other tongues.  Tongues and Prophesy can work together.

Do not hesitate to pray in other tongues and to prophesy over your city. 

 

As you Prophesy, allow the Holy Spirit to give you words in your Native tongue to speak. 

 

It is interesting to notice those who prophesied in the Old Testament were not all "Leaders."

There were groups of prophets who usually followed one of the main prophets so they could learn from them.  There was also an anointing that seemed to surround the main prophet and those following him would “catch” that anointing and begin to prophesy.

 

1 Samuel 19:19-24  It was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

 

Samuel gives the new King Saul instructions:

"Afterward you will come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is; and it shall be as soon as you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and a lyre before them, and they will be prophesying. "Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man."

 

2 Kings 2:15  Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho opposite him saw him, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they came to meet him and bowed themselves to the ground before him. (showing respect)

 

1 Kings 18”4  for when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.)

 

Nineveh is Laid Waste

This post was from my notes taken during our Bible Study Sunday Morning.

 

Nineveh at one time was Glorious

The Prophet Jonah was a very spiritual person and he had a personal relationship with God.  He often heard God’s voice.  He was also a exceptionally opinionated person. 

 

Because of his knowledge of the wickedness of the people of Nineveh, he hesitated to do what God asked of him.  God said, “Jonah, I want you to go preach to this wicked and corrupt people in Nineveh.”

Consider what is happening to the church in our day.  Evil is not only in the world, but sadly to say, it has infiltrated many in the church world.

Jesus spoke about the oppression that Religious leaders were doing in his day.  They were guilty of misusing the law and also their power and authority as leaders. 

Jesus was criticized by the religious Pharisees and challenged at every turn.  He spoke out against them with Godly authority and used his voice as if He were God speaking.  Jesus said, “don’t judge me, because you are then judging God.  Understand that God can do anything He desired to do and God is innocent of any wrong doing."  This angered the leaders even more.

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied that Justice shall be done.  Jesus told the leaders that their very words will judge them.  Jesus spoke truth and the leaders refused to receive it.

Church leaders then and now, must be hold and above reproach.  We as a people must have open ears to hear God speak to us as individuals, and be willing to make changes God requires.

The prophets spoke that the people’s hearts were hard and needed to become soft as a child’s innocent enthusiasm.

The mighty works that Jesus did needd to be recognized and God given the praise for his love and mercy.  Jesus remarked that if these works were done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented.  How much more is judgment come to you?

The leaders were “Religious” keeping the law and their rituals, but their heart was far from God.

This reminds us of Jonah.  God is righteous and a God of Judgment, but He is slow to anger.  God is also merciful when a sinner turns in repentance and comes to Him.

The Prophet Nahum predicted the fall of Nineveh.   We do reap what we sow.  The people were worshiping idols and committing sexual sins and were killing their babies as sacrifices for their false gods.

Nahum 1:11 There has one come out of you, that imagines evil against the LORD, a wicked counselor.

God was extremely concerned with their worship of idols and false gods made of wood and stone, and the corruption that was included in their worship of these gods.  Their leaders were corrupt, horrid, drunken and not fit to lead.

Nahum reviews how God loved them and delivered them in the past from Egyptian bondage.  Nahum give a stern rebuke to Judah to return to God and to listen to God’s prophets.

Nahum 3:15  Nineveh that bloody city shall be torn in pieces and devoured by fire and by the sword.  Your strong holds shall collapse and your people shall be taken into captivity.

The proclamation comes to pass and Nineveh is laid waste. 

What can we learn from today’s study?  

 

It is a reminder to us all that God is in control and He is all powerful.  May we kneel at His feet and worship him only.

 

 

 

Law is a Burden

This post is from my notes as Pastor Allan ministered Sunday Morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Law can be a Burden

A meeting has been called to thank God for preserving our city when a few months back there was a warning of eminent danger of the dam breaking and flooding our land.

God desires to pour out his mercy on this region and he wants to flood us with spiritual blessings.  God wants to move in our city by His Spirit.

It seems at times I can only take in so much of his pouring out of his Spirit.

Jesus was asked a question by the religious leaders; “Why aren’t your disciples fasting?”  Jesus replied, they have no need to fast while I am with them, but later on they will fast.

God’s plan of redemption began way before the cross and continues after the resurrection.  It is mind boggling to realize that God had a plan even before Adam and Eve.  Because of His love and His knowledge of man’s heart, his plan was to redeem mankind.  Jesus was willing to become the volunteer to complete God’s purpose.

God gives us opportunity to repent and follow His Word.

The book of Romans reveals that we are IN/Christ and the “Law” does not affect the Christian.  The Law is for the unbeliever.

God loves us regardless of our situation, and he draws us to follow Jesus and walk a holy life.  Jesus simplified the law by saying that we are to love God and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. 

If we are not bound by the law, then why do we impose the Law upon others?  If we are not careful, we take God’s Word and make it impossible to follow Jesus.  There is a natural balance in following Christ.  Not too far in either direction or we get off kilter. Keep the balance.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  Romans 6:1-2  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 

To continue to live in sin is nonsense and an absolutely NOT.

Pastor says, he grew up in a strict church with many rules, and as a teen ager, he rebelled.  It was later he realized it was a relationship with Jesus that he needed.

Keeping rules can be bondage, and become a “religious spirit.”  Following culture, tradition and rules can lead to bondage.  Understand that those in other lifestyles and other cultures, are loved by God and He desires them to discover truth in His Word. If we aren’t careful, we can push seekers away.

Romans 14:1-5   Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.  Who are you to judge one another?

One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.  But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.  For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord.” 
So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

God may not require of me what He requires of you.  We must be careful not to put a stumbling block in the way of others.  What you allow in your life may be an offense to others.  Don’t destroy your brothers with your careless living.

In stead of judging others, it is time to worry about yourself and to get your own house in order.

Nothing is unclean of itself, but if you are convicted of the thing, they you should abstain.  It is important for your life to be an example to those who are weak.  You are responsible first for yourself and then for others. 

Some things that we know are certainly and morally wrong, and other things are excusable.  Be careful not to break off relationship with your friend because they are still bound and you are free.  Love them and pray for them, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict them. 

Pastor interjected:  I know some Godly ministers who still smoke cigarettes.

If God tells you NOT to do something, then stay away from it.  I Corinthians 6:12  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Some things may be “legal,” but they are not appropriate and I will not be pulled under the power of it.

The body is not for sexual immorality, but the boy is for the Lord, therefore glorify God in your body.

May God convict individuals without judgment, but gently reveal how to walk holy before God.  Not with a spirit of Religion (law) but a spirit of surrender to the will of God.  Allow your head knowledge to become heart knowledge and more Godly minded.

Be a person who wants more of God, Discover for yourself what God wants from you.  I challenge you to read the Bible for yourself, and allow him to give you new wine skins.

 

God Will Defend You

This post is from notes taken at our Bible Study Sunday mornings at church.

 

We can learn as we study God's Word

The prophet Zephaniah is speaking for God regarding the sinful cities now known as Egypt.  These cities were proud and careless and the heart of their nation was lifted up.   

They were disobedient worshiping other gods instead of Lord Jehovah.  The people followed after witchcraft and wizards and sorceries of all kinds.  They were looking unto fortune tellers and false prophets instead of seeking God for direction.  

 

The entire nation was so ingrained in unrighteousness that God wanted to wipe them all out in order to cleanse even the generational curses. 

God sent prophets to warn the people and to tell them that He was planning to send enemies to destroy them all. 

King Hezekiah in 2 Kings Chapter 19; became afraid of what God was going to do and he cried out to God for mercy.  At the same time as he was praying, God was speaking to the prophet Isaiah sending him to the King telling him not to be afraid because God would defend them for King David’s sake.

2 Kings 19:35-36 And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. 

So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.  And it came to pass, as the wicked king was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that two of his sons smote him with the sword: And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

All this is ground work for us to understand the artistic culture of the past and the huge buildings statues and roadways they engineered.  God said he would level all this and only animals would dwell there.  Those who might pass by would hiss and make fun of what was once great.

We as Christians must pray and intercede for our nation who in many ways is similar to this nation we view from Old Testament Bible times. 

God knows our going out and our coming in and He desires our heart to be fixed toward Him.  Pray for our Nation and for those whose heart is turned in other ways that are not pleasing to God.

 

The Barren Woman weeps - - Because she has no Babies

A New Born Baby

The Barren Woman – is heart broken - - Because she has no Babies !  The Bible lists several women who were barren, but God heard their cry and answered their prayer.

 

We have been praying for our city as we weep because we need some NEW BORN again Christians. This post is a review of our lessons on Wednesday at Open Door Church.

 

Genesis 11:30 “Now (Abraham’s wife) Sarah was barren; she had no child.” 

 

Genesis 25:21 “And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” 
(In this case it was the husband who prayed for his barren wife.)

 

Judges 13:3 “And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman (Sampson’s mother) and said to her, “Behold, you are barren, but you shall conceive and bear a son.” 

 

1 Samuel 1 - - Hannah, Samuel’s mother had no children - - so she wept and silently prayed with only her lips moving, but God heard her cry.

 

Luke 1:7 “But the (Priest Zachariah and his wife) had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.” 

 

Isaiah 54:1 ““Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.” 

 

A barren woman knows deep sorrow, because she desires to have a child.  We can see that in each of these Bible instances, God intervened and caused each woman to bring forth children. 

 

These stories are speaking about literal human babies.  Today I want us to consider Spiritual new Born Babies who need the “MILK” of the Word, and as they grow in Christ are ready soon to digest the MEAT of the Word. 

 

1 Peter 2:2   As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

1 Corinthians 3:2  I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, because you weren't ready for it. And you're still not ready!

 

You have heard people commenting about the cute babies and make remarks, how they wish they could stay little all the time.  Honestly that would be a shame for that to happen, because babies are supposed to grow, learn, mature and become self sufficient.

 

Babies are messy - - they are noisy they fuss and scream when you want them to be quiet they throw up, need their diapers changed, need you to nurse and feed them because they can’t hold a spoon.

 

When they begin to crawl, they put things in their mouth that should not be there, babies want their own way and let you know it.

 

Babies must learn good manners, to be polite, and obey rules so we make provision for them to be taught.  Some things they will learn by experience the hard way.

 

The sad thing is when an adult still has to be spoon fed, and given a bottle, or a pacifier to make them happy.

 

Hebrews 5:14   But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

 

We must get ready for an influx of new babies (new born again Christians) who will need to begin with the basics from God’s Word. 

 

It is time each of us make preparations to become a “Mother (or father) in Israel” for those who need a mentor to teach and help them along the way.    It is time for us to review the Basics ourselves so we can assist others.

~ ~ ~

 

Tips toward Spiritual Growth   by Mary Fairchild  (edited )

 

Here are 4 essential steps to move you forward toward spiritual growth. Though simple, they are vital to building your relationship with the Lord.

Step 1 – Read your Bible daily.

Find a Bible reading plan that’s right for you. A plan will keep you from missing anything God has written in His Word.   

Step 2 – Meet together with other believers regularly.

• The reason we attend church or gather with other believers regularly (Hebrews 10:25) is for teaching, fellowship, worship, communion, prayer and to build one another up in the faith (Acts 2:42-47).

Step 3 – Get involved in a ministry group.

Most churches offer small groups and many ministry opportunities. Pray and ask God where you should “plug in.” It’s the people who really “get plugged in” that find their purpose and soar in their walk with Christ.

Step 4 – Pray daily.

Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t have to use big fancy words.

There are no right and wrong words. Just be yourself. Give thanks to the Lord daily for your salvation. Pray for others in need. Pray for direction. Pray for the Lord to fill you daily with His Holy Spirit.  You can pray with your eyes closed or open, while sitting or standing, kneeling or lying on your bed, anywhere, anytime. So begin to make prayer a part of your daily routine.

Additional Spiritual Growth Tips:

• Follow the Lord in Believer's Baptism
• Avoid Backsliding
• Create a Devotional Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Run to the Heavenly Father

Today was Mother's Day, and although I went to Sunday School, and the worship portion of Church, I had to leave because my daughter and her husband had planned to take me to dinner to celebrate the day.  So - - I do not have a recent sermon to post - - but I am posting an older sermon for your viewing:

I want My Daddy

Matthew 18:1-6  At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said,  Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me.   

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

The sermon at Open Door Church, was a bit longer but this is a digested message to keep your interest.

Pastor Allan was in the motion of putting his guitar down when his young 5 year old daughter escaped from the baby sitter and ran down the Church aisle calling for her daddy.

He took her tiny hands in his and prayed with her to have a good lesson in children’s church and kissed her on the top of her head.

He mused; A child’s will and desire is only thinking about themselves. 

The driving force to see her dad sent her running to meet Him.  Although this was an awkward time for Pastor, he acted as a gentleman like unto our Father God.

With God there is NO inconvenient time for us to run to Him.  God has a tender heart and is always a gentleman and does not force His will upon us. 

Children emulate their parents.  

Who are you emulating? 

Realize we are children of the living God and we are precious in His sight. May all doubt and fear be stripped away as we willing run to the Father God.  Do you realize that God is in you even in your brokenness?  A respectful yet humble person can get things done for the kingdom.

As the Pharisee was praying, he was bragging about how good he was.  He was proud and his heart was hard.  

How is your heart?  Is it hard or soft?

At times we get caught up on what we can’t do, and fail to recognize what God is doing for us and for those around us.  He never stops loving you, no matter what.

The more we praise God and desire Him, He will show up.

This is important, that we learn to forgive and to accept forgiveness.  

May we earnestly desire to serve God out of Love, and not out of obligation.

Press in because you want to love and worship Him.  The bent over woman pressed in and touched the hem of His garment and was immediately made well.

If we just do enough to get by – that is not pressing in.  Let’s not do average anymore, but press toward the mark of the High Calling.  No low bars, but let us raise the standard.

What was Christ’s standard of living?  He walked in the dust, but He spent many nights alone with God in prayer. 

Allow Jesus to take away all that is ugly and nasty in our lives and to reflect in our spirit and in our faces the joy of the Lord.  

Be still and let God be God.

Un-forgiveness prevents us from loving people.

Sometimes it is difficult to forgive; someone stole our innocence, someone abused us, they cheated us, they stole from us.

When you hate and judge, you are judged.  When you fail to forgive it hurts you worse than it does them.

We are searching for acceptance, like a little child who is desiring to be welcomed and to find a place.

No matter how long you have served our Lord, you are still a work in progress, so keep pressing in and keep running to the open arms of the Heavenly Father.

Be a Zerubbabel

This post was a lesson taught by Hazel at our praying over our city meeting.

Be a Zerubbabel and Shout Grace to your Mountain

Zechariah 4:6-10 Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.

Who are you, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain: and he shall bring forth its headstone with shoutings, crying, Grace, Grace unto it.

Then the word of the Lord came to me:  “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.
 “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”

(Those who have made fun of this day of small beginnings will celebrate when they see Zerubbabel holding this important stone. Those seven lamps represent my eyes—the eyes of the Lord—and they see everything on this earth.)

~ ~ ~

In our city we have a large mountain of poverty; many are on welfare and disability.  A large crowd of our citizens are homeless, some have been released from jail, and others are bound by alcohol, drugs and addictive habits. 

Thankfully, we also have recovery programs in our city where many are doing the work toward recovery.  Some have experienced being made new in Christ Jesus.  All in all there is a great need in our area for jobs and industry. 

God often reveals himself on the mountaintop.  Mountains and hill tops are mentioned in the Bible over 500 times.

In the Old Testament, we consider Mt Ararat where the Ark positioned its-self after the flood, Mt Sinai where Moses received the law and the 10 commandments. Perhaps Abraham and Lot were on a mountain as Lot looked over the plains and chose the well watered land and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 

The book of Matthew, in particular, has six significant mountain scenes: Jesus’ temptation (4:8); the Sermon on the Mount (5:1); a number of healings (15:29); the Transfiguration (17:1); Jesus’ final discourse (24:1); and the commissioning of the Apostles (28:16).

Perhaps the most significant mountain scene in the Gospels, however, is the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus is accompanied by Moses and Elijah, who themselves encountered God on the mountaintop in the Old Testament. Now, they encounter God through Jesus and Jesus, in turn, is seen as the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).

Not to forget the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-49, Act 1:9-12.) Jesus prays here before his arrest and crucifixion. Later he ascends into heaven with a promise that He will return in like manner. 

All those mountains remind me that often we face a mountain of trouble in our lives.  Jesus taught that it was acceptable to speak to the mountain and tell it to go and to be removed.

Prayer Starter:

Lord God, I speak to the mountains of discouragement, sickness, ungodly habits, doubt and unbelief, fear with its torments and tell them to go in Jesus Name.  I release courage, comfort, health, faith, harmony, peace, boldness and provision in all its forms to replace these mountains.   Thank you Lord Jesus for your faithfulness.

God Almighty

This post is from my notes taken at our Bible Study Sunday morning at church.

 

 

 

The setting is in the days of Jonah who refused to preach to Nineveh because in his eyes they weren’t worth saving.

The prophet Micah was prophesying about the last days when war shall be no more, and peace shall reign.  He continued to prophesy that God would punish Assyria because of their cruelty and spirit of war.  God would bring vengeance upon Nimrod and cut off witchcrafts and Sooth Sayers, and tear down the graven images, and they would no more worship the work of their hands.

Micah 4:1-4  But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.  And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.  But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.
Micah 5:6  And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian,

God was cleaning house.  Micah continued in chapter 6 that if the people would humble themselves and pray, God would hear and rescue them and bless them. 

God demands that we worship Him only and the children of Israel forgot so quickly.

Jonah went to Nineveh to preach repentance, and the king and the people did listen and repent for a season. 

We are the people and we sit in darkness.  Our nation is full of rebellion and wickedness.  We ourselves must be careful how we live and walk before others who watch our behavior.  

God threw up his hands and said, “Go for it.  It is in your face, and you will reap what you sow. 

Micah continued in chapter 7 asking “Where are the good men?  He could only view people who did evil with both hands earnestly.  They were rebellious children who dishonored their parents and God. 

It is most necessary and foremost for us to have a relationship with our Father God.

We must consider our actions, our pride, stubbornness, selfishness and complaining.  If we want God’s blessings we must obey His will and follow His plans for our lives.

Micah 7:7  Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Confess your sins and decide to allow God to guide and lead you in paths of righteousness. 

 

Be careful who you trust in this world.  Place your trust in God Almighty and in no other.

 

Let’s Get Real

This post is from my notes as Guest Pastor David ministered Sunday Morning.

 

 

Pastor David began by praying, “Lord give us hearts and minds for understanding.”

Often many seem to be a prisoner of their past; but recognize that your past is not a life sentence.

“Satan will take you further than you mean to go, and it will cost you more than you expect to pay.”

Get on with your life commit to our Lord Jesus Christ, and totally serve God.

An early time with the Lord is beyond understanding.  Pastor David confessed he tries to get up ahead of everybody for a personal quiet time about 4:00 am.  God will begin to speak and we may hear what we don’t want to hear but it will be what we need.

The Lord spoke to me saying, “These are my people too, but they are in various stages of spiritual growth.  They need to be fed the Word.”

Now let’s talk about your wife, and what are you doing for her?  Take care not to be critical.  It is so easy to find fault, but it doesn’t build anyone up.  Instead criticism destroys, and is a total tool of the devil to tear up relationships.

You do not want to disqualify who God wants to use.  I am a follower of Christ and I want to be real.

Yes, we do need to look and examine things in the right way; but not in judgment. 

“Judge not that you be not judged.”   We are quick to see the splinter in someone’s eye when there is a big log in our own eye.  We are to get rid of our own fault then you can help others.   Our judgment is to be by the Word of God:

I Corinthians 5:9-12  I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not entirely with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must you needs go out of the world.  But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.

We can’t leave this world, for we will need to witness to such as these.

We need to speak about forgiveness.  Be quick to apologize and to ask forgiveness.  Satan will condemn even after you are forgiven.  Understand he is the accuser. He brings up past failures; simply know that he is a liar and that Jesus sees you as not under condemnation.  We need to come to grips with that because God is the Judge.

Yes, we must be concerned about others, and when we speak, we can ask God for the right words to say.  It is necessary to have respectful relationship between our fellow man, and to Love One Another.  To pray for them, encourage and lift them up.  We all have a ways to go.

Pastor David relates:  We have a program to help released prisoners become the Man of God they need to be and to learn how to become a Dad to their children whey they have been gone for so long.  (In prison)

Pastor David closed in prayer and invited those who would like personal prayer to come forward.  Many came forward.

“Father, I thank you for everyone present here.  May they be open to listen to what you desire them to hear.  I ask your blessing upon the lives of those who have been misused; and that you will restore joy and peace to their lives.