Jacob’s Blessing.

This post is an edited Sunday sermon from my notes as Pastor Rodney spoke.

Genesis 27:1-4 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” he answered.  Isaac said, “I am now an old man and don’t know the day of my death.  Now then, get your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me.  Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die.”   Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau.

Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite and she helped Jacob trick his Father into giving Jacob the blessing.  When Esau returned and discovered that Jacob had received the blessing, he wept and asked his Father is there was only one blessing, and could he have a blessing also.  Isaac was very sad, and told Esau that he would indeed be blessed but he would serve Jacob.  Eventually Esau would break the yoke off his neck.

At times we see others blessed and question “Are there any blessings left for me?”

Esau was jealous, angry and hated his brother violently with threats of murder.  Their mother Rebekah, urged Jacob to leave and go to her brother’s home and God will provide him with a wife and bless you.  Jacob did as she asked, and although he had the promise of the blessings, it seemed that what goes around comes around.  He was deceived and cheated many times by his uncle.

Jacob continued to claim the promise even when things weren’t going so well.  He pressed in and the promise went before him.

Many years passed, and eventually Jacob and his family returned home and the broken fellowship with his brother was restored.   They wept on each other’s necks and declared God is good and His blessings abound.

Understand that you have the promise of blessings, so keep the promise ever before you knowing that God is good all the time.

 

 

 

Spiritual Laws in Both Kingdoms

This post was the message I brought at our meeting "Praying over our city."

  

If you have taken any soul winning instruction, you may have heard about the “Four Spiritual Laws.”

1. God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.

2. Man is sinful and separated from God.

3. Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin.

4. Jesus must be acknowledged as savior and received by faith into ones life. 

In the natural, there are laws of the universe:  The Law of Vibration (everything moves,) The Law of relativity, (Practice relating your situation to something worse than yours, and you will feel good about where you are.) The Law of Cause and Effect, states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. We also know about the LAWS of sowing and reaping.  The Law of Polarity states that everything has an opposite.  The Law of Rhythm states that everything has a natural cycle as do the tides, and the law of gravity. Law of Gestation states that everything takes time to manifest. The Law of Transmutation states that energy moves in and out of physical form. Your thoughts and words are creative energy. 

In the Old Testament, God gave Moses many laws including the 10 commandments.

There were laws,  rules and regulations how to make the sacrifices and the priest must be clean physically and spiritually before he could administer the sacrifices.  God planned everything to be legal for sins to be carried away.

Today we are going to consider a deeper view of Spiritual Laws.  Just as there are natural laws that govern the physical universe, so there are spiritual laws that govern your relationship with God.

Jesus was continually asked by the skeptical leaders; “Is it lawful to do this or is it lawful to do that?”  They hoped to trap him with their legal tactics. 

Jesus gave us spiritual keys to the kingdom to bind and loose with words. 

Jesus gave us the legal right to boldly enter the Holy of Holies. 

Jesus gave us authority to speak, to proclaim and to declare His will on earth. 

He taught the laws of enforcement with love and mercy when He prayed, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Jesus also taught about the law of agreement, when two or three agree.

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus was all pre-planned in eternity past and was officially authorized by the Father and carried out lawfully to make a legal way for our salvation.

The spirit world operates with spiritual laws, and this includes satan and his kingdom of darkness.  The devil knows he can legally touch those who will give him entrance by their choices.  He crouches as a lion waiting for people to give him an open door.  Many have ignorantly given satan open doors because they failed to understand what they were doing.  They gleefully followed their friends who urged them on.  Participation in certain practices will open the door to the devil and bondage.

There are many dark doors that prevent prosperity, and blessings; dark doors that are stopping our joy, happiness and peace for Christians and non Christians alike.

We are aware of the doors most visible such as unforgiveness, harboring grudges, attitudes of mood by allowing our thoughts to wander, sexual sins, and addictions of various kinds.

There are also dark doors of curses that go back decades even back generations in many families because of occult practices and other agreements made legal with satan at one time, but are still even today holding people in bondage.  We may not be at fault in this matter but are reaping what others have sown.

Intercessors must be aware that the battle is in the spirit world to boldly pull down strongholds of blind eyes and deaf ears so that our citizens will be able to see and hear truth.  Pray and make declarations using words because words are powerful.

Before we come to war, it would be good to first close any open doors in our personal life.  Ask the Lord to search your heart and - - and closing any open doors - - as we do at communion time.  Coming with a clean heart is the only way we can advance and win.

~ ~ ~

A portion of today’s lesson was adapted from Laura Gagnon’s video “Why can’t I get my breakthrough?”  You may want to view her video on You tube.  She prays a powerful prayer over you at the end:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHl4YB4swuo

Meet God at the Watch Tower

This post is from my notes at the Sunday Morning Bible Study

 

Find a Place to Meet with God

The prophet Habakkuk had found a place where he could meet God and they would hold a conversation.  This is what each of us must do.  To find a place where we are comfortable and meet God so He can speak to us and us to Him. 

Habakkuk 2:1  I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will look forth to see what he will speak with me, and what I shall answer concerning my complaint. 

The prophet was upset with God because he had figured out what he thought God should do; and things were not happening according to the prophet’s plan.  He was willing to listen and then God spoke and told him to write it all down.

Habakkuk 2:2 Then the LORD said to me, "Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.

It is good for you to keep a journal and write down things God is saying to you.  Be still before God and listen for answers.  Write down your dreams and visions and even your prayers.  Be still and wait to receive from God.  The important thing is our heart attitude.

Sit and wait for this is a relationship and is not to be hurried.

Our foundation of Faith is to daily meet God and it is okay to ask questions. 

How does it help you or the Body of Christ?  Is the message from God for every one, or simply personal?  It will become clear as you wait.

The prophet’s vision was timed for later, but it was true and at the right time it would be fulfilled.

Be careful not to be proud or lifted up.  Realize the just shall live by faith.  We must trust even if we don’t understand.

Faith is humble submission and personal loyalty to Him as our savior and Lord.  Looking only to Jesus as the basis of our salvation and acceptance before God; and acknowledging His absolute right to give orders and to have the final word about what is right and acceptable behavior and conduct on our part. 

 

As His people we are to have a moral uprightness and steadfastness to follow His ways no matter what the prevailing evil around us.  Regardless of the situation is and what ever happens - - we chose to remain upright and trust God.

We are not to worry, for God is in control and He will take care of us and bless us. 

Every day, come to “your tower” to meet God.

At my work place, I must make sure I am doing everything according to the “rules” of the company, State and Federal.  The rules may not be according to my opinion, but I am to follow them regardless.  Continue to check your attitude. 

We follow Christ and acknowledge he has given us guidelines, procedures of importance.  We are not to compromise and take short cuts.  Be comfortable as you obey God.  He demands moral uprightness and expects us to follow His will.  He calculates everything to shift into His general plan regardless of our present culture.  His “right” is absolute and there is NO turning with Him.

What God shares with you, understand it may come to pass at a later season; however  though it delays, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

 

 

The Heart Speaks

Notes from the Sunday service at Open Door Church

 

 

 

The service was different today, as Pastor Allan was speaking from his heart.

 

Have you ever had one of those days when God seems so far away? 

Let us come boldly into His presence.  I am so thankful I am not the person I was yesterday or the same person I was in the past.

If you are experiencing different things from the usual, perhaps you are the one who has changed your position. 

 

Are you too busy to read your Bible every day?  What is occupying your time?  Are you spending too much time on face book?

We must co-operate with God.  He is always available - - we may have shifted our position.  Am I making sense? 

We need you Jesus,  Holy Spirit we need you, I just want to be in your presence God.  The Holy Spirit is here today.  He has shown up.  We can praise the Holy Spirit, That is what Holy Spirit wants.  He delights in the praises of His people. 

At this point different people from the congregation came forward with their Bible and read scriptures on worship and praise.  All was orderly, and different ones said amen in agreement.

Thank you God for provision; You are our provider.  He gives us what we do not deserve.  He is worthy of our praises. 

 

We claim our schools, our neighborhood for God.  We claim boldness to be an effective missionary here in our city.

We need to practice worship at home where we are constantly seeking to be accountable to God.  For our ministry and our church to be blessed, we must follow His direction.

If I shift and move away from His direction; God is still moving but not as He wills.  God wants this place to be a place of refuge, and a place of prayer. 

What is on my heart?  To be 24/7 in His presence.  I am not speaking about a confessional, but a place where people can connect with God and He will speak to them.

We have ministers we admire, but we can’t be like them.  We can desire to have their passion, but if we try to be like them, we put ourselves in a box.  We need not a box or a ball field, or a world, but we need a universe.  A heavenly place here on earth where we can rest. 

People pursued Jesus and they wanted to be near Him.  He was and is the answer to every need and to every problem.

 

We need to be in His presence 24/7.

 

 

Blessings in the Natural and also in the Spiritual

To view the story of the afterglow following this prayer meeting click HERE

 

 

 

Proverbs 10:22   The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Good News Trans:  It is the Lord's blessing that makes you wealthy. Hard work can make you no richer.

 

I am reminded of Pastor Allan’s sermon Sunday when he said there is the Natural and there is the Spiritual. 

 

Jesus told a story about workers who agreed for a certain wage to work in the vineyard.  Through out the day more workers were hired, and at the end of the day, they all were paid the same.  The twist is that the first workers complained and did not think they were being treated fairly.  Logically they thought they should have more because they had labored longer than the rest.  The Master reminded them that all of them were saved by Grace and not of works lest they should boast. 

In the Natural - -  Have you ever received a gift that you did not work for, and did not earn? 

 

In the natural at one time, as we left with our four young children to visit the worlds fair in New York; our Pastor’s wife phoned and told us to come by on our way out of town.  Robert got out of the car and spoke with pastor in their yard.  It turned out Pastor gave Robert $450 for us to use on our trip.  There were no strings attached, and it was freely given.  Pastor said "We want you to have a great time on your trip."

In the spiritual - -

Salvation is our gift and it available at a valuable price, but to us it is offered freely.

There are spiritual blessings that God desires to pour out into the natural with provision, and “wealth” that you did not earn the normal way by work.  God’s spiritual Kingdom does not operate the same way as the natural world. 

I am not suggesting that you are going to be blessed with a new car, or a new house just dumped into your lap - - but I have heard of people here in our city being blessed with a new (or almost new) sofa, a desk chair, or a washing machine. 

Although I am careful when I shop and spend money, - - God does not want us to live beggarly and to barely get along living from hand to mouth. 

When the Bible says “He makes us rich,” it means he supplies us with MORE than enough.   

God has records, and he will be passing out rewards in heaven; but he will not be rewarding us according to the amount of work we do for him.  He will be rewarding us both spiritually and materially according to His measuring cup; and his measure is larger than ours. 

Today I have brought a copy of Laura Gagnon’s prayer of blessing over our cities, and our Nation.  As we use this as our guideline for today, note that we are declaring blessing over our city. 

 

Blessings that the citizens did not earn or work for; Blessings in the natural and also in the spiritual. 

(Here below is the Prayer of Declaration:)

 

A Declaration of Blessing  by Laura Gagnon, Escondido, CA 

Father, I declare blessing on everyone in this geographic region. Send this word out and let Your angels fulfill the administration of this blessing.

I declare a release from the things that bring bondage, stress, and worry. Let there be a release from the things that deplete people's strength, steal their time and bring them into spiritual slavery. I release the Spirit of the Lord to break them free from all constraints, ungodly yokes and covenants. I loose them from the things that have had them shackled and bound.

I declare we are breaking new ground in 2017. I declare this is the year of the pioneers to break forth and lead the way. I declare 2016 is the year for shifting and restructuring to make room for the release of the Kingdom of God. Let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven O God!

I declare restoration for the losses of previous years. Let angels be released to administer justice and restitution on behalf of Your people. "Let all that was theirs and all rightful proceeds be restored to Your people now, in Jesus name." The thief is caught. In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ I command the thief to repay every loss at no less than a 7-fold return according to Proverbs 6:31.  

I decree over the people in this region supernatural cancellation of debt, as it is written in Deuteronomy 15:1,2. Let there be forgiveness of debts, both in the natural and in the spiritual as the Lord’s remission has been proclaimed.

I declare the accuser who divides must be cast down according to Revelation 12:10. I declare the God of peace has crushed the enemy under Your feet, and ours. Let there be a sudden turnaround in relationships that have been fractured, divided and estranged. Let families be made whole in Jesus name. I declare healing to the family trees. I declare God's family tree in the body of Christ is healed. I declare that you are trees of healing to the nations in Jesus name.   

Father, let the tangible results of Your glory manifest in each person's life. Pour out Your blessings upon Your people. I ask You to please give them things they have not had to work for.

I ask You to shift things around in such a way as to cause Your people to receive things they couldn't possibly imagine.  Bless them exceedingly, abundantly above all they could ask or think according to Ephesians 3:20.

 

Give them divine appointments and open doors into places they couldn't get to without Your intervention, according to Revelation 3:8 and Isaiah 22:22. 

Let Your favor do for them the things they cannot do for themselves.  You are God Almighty; You can do anything! I ask You to open Your hand and release the blessings of Your storehouses to Your people and I thank You for hearing me.  In Jesus name, amen.

 

 

 

Angel’s Wings

Our Wednesday lesson has been posted in full  - but this is after Glow - -

to view Wednesdays message Click HERE
 

 

I felt a gentle breeze as my hands were lifted in prayer at our prayer meeting Wednesday morning.  No one else seemed to sense the soft wind.

 

As I lay in my bed that night, I asked Jesus "What was that breeze I felt today?" He said to me, "That was the angel’s wings as they left to answer the prayers you all prayed today."

Hebrews 1:14  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation? 

Our lesson was on receiving what you did not earn and did not necessarily deserve.  Our prayers were to bring blessings on our local citizens both saved and unsaved. 

 

Several needs were mentioned and we asked God to supply abundantly even though it might seem impossible in the Natural.  God’s Spiritual kingdom works differently than our natural abode here on earth.  God specializes in things thought impossible.

 

Allow God to amaze you with answers even when you hardly believe that He can do it for you. 

Then today I was shocked to receive a check in the mail for $66.19 that I did not earn and apparently I deserved.  It was a refund for an overpayment to my insurance on my automobile. 

That was quick and I did not even ask for it.  God works in ways to surprise us at times.

I do believe that Angel’s Wings create a soft Breeze as they leave to do God’s bidding.

Are you Praying and believing?   - - There they go - - -

 

 

Speaking our Minds and Hearts

This post is from my notes and our Teacher’s outline of our Sunday Bible Study

 

 

Speaking our Minds and Hearts

Reading from Habakkuk 1:12-17 we see the prophet acknowledging God’s holiness but questioning God from all eternity for choosing the Babylonians to bring judgment against the sinning Israelites.  The prophet likens the Babylonians as fishermen pulling in a good catch and almost worshiping his rod and reel for helping make his day.  The prophet is speaking his mind telling God are you sure this is the thing to do?

Consider our own attitude to those around us who seem engrossed in worldliness. 

Watch your sharing with others when you are angry.  Perhaps you are in rebellion against God. 

 

Habakkuk was angry at God.  We must take care not to accuse God because he knows the end from the beginning.  After all God knows you like a book.  It is time to trust God when things don’t look so good.  Things will go better if you live for God and follow His law. 

 

We have the ability to use “Free Will” and to make choices.  God is angry with the wicked - - but does He still love them? 

Think:

Sometimes we have a hard time being completely honest with God.  We read certain passages of Scripture, such as in the Psalms and here in Habakkuk, we are encouraged to know that not only is God okay with our honesty, but He even invites it.  Most prophets speak on behalf of God to us; Habakkuk speaks on behalf of us to God – and he does it with honesty that might make some people blush.

When you read Habakkuk’s bold words - - “This outrage! Evil men swallow up the righteous and you stand around and watch!  - - How do you feel?

Does the same level of honesty in Habakkuk’s words show up in you when you talk to God?  Why or shy not?  Is that good or bad?  What might happen in your life if you could speak to God with such honesty? 

Pray: 

Consider  your life - - your friendships, place in life, expectations, dreams, goals, hopes, job, school situation, and so on.  About which of these areas do you wish you could speak honestly with God? 

Take the risk and tell God exactly what is on your mind.  Resist censoring yourself.  Speak honestly and openly assured that God is capable enough to handle your honesty. 

Live: 

Know that God invited your honest communication with him at all times because above all, He wants your heart. 

Proverbs 13:34  Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Natural and Supernatural

Sermon Sunday Morning at Open Door Church digested from my notes

 

Pastor Allan was speaking,  We need to be here.  We need to experience the Corporate Presence of God in this place.  What God really wants is for you to recognize his omnipotence, His glory and His presence in the congregation; and then take it with you.

I am tired of a mind set of independence, for we are a team, a body of believers.  We can’t put God in a box, and He must be allowed to move freely to work in our lives. 

 

God desires to correct, to fix and to lead us as He shows us the way to go.  Understand His plans may not be what you expected.  He moves in His way regardless of the bent of the people.  His desire is to save, heal and to deliver from bondage.

I desire my children to receive the Promise, and a move of God in this generation. 

People are searching and know not that their need is for God.

Some in this church have put expectations on people to control them. Understand that we are not the Holy Spirit telling people how to live. 

What is the model of God’s will?  What does God have for us as a corporate body and as individuals?  Everyone of us has a personal agenda; and often it is instead of being willing to allow God to have His plan.

We need miracles like it was in the Bible. 

 

God I claim miracles to meet the needs of the people.  Many are the needs, physical, financial and spiritual.  We need a revival in the hearts of our people. 

 

Pastor asked anyone with a need to raise their hand.  He moved among the people addressing several with needs for a job, some to overcome habits, and faith for healing.

We must stand in the gap for those who are suffering.  Those who are in impossible situations - - may they receive their miracle.  We must believe instead of question why.

When we are in God’s presence and we pray, all Hell shakes.  Posture yourself to understand the natural reveals the spiritual.  Let us view each other in the spiritual view. 

I Corinthians 15:46 However, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

When Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit ascended upon him in the form of a dove.  We have experienced the dove, the flood, and the fire in the natural, and there are spiritual applications as well.

God’s desire is that we be healthy in the natural and also in the spiritual.

When others look at us I want them to see Jesus. 

The believers at Antioch were called Christians, because they were known as little Christ’s.  The term may have been meant to be ridicule, but the truth was they were reflecting Jesus so much that they were like Christ.

That is my prayer for this church that we will be so like Jesus that miracles and the supernatural will be natural.

 

Don’t Look Back

Don’t Look Back   (by Hazel Moon)

 

 

As I prepared for our Wednesday lesson for Praying over our city; the Forest Fires raging in the hills caused me to think of fires in the Bible.

I was reminded of Lot and Abraham and how Lot pitched his tent toward two wicked cities.  Lot became an important person and often stood at the gate giving advice. 

God spoke to Abraham telling him that he was going to destroy the wicked cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, but Abraham protested and bargained with God.  Finally God told Abraham, I will save Lot and his family but no more. 

God sent two angels came (in the form of men) to warn Lot - - and the evil of the city was revealed as the men of Sodom, both young and old came to Lot’s door demanding that he give them the two angels so that they could have relations with them.  Lot stepped outside to haggle with the men.  Finally the angels pulled Lot back inside and blinded all the evil sodomite men so that they could not find the door and eventually they left. 

Lot told his son-in-laws who were pledged to marry his daughters that they must flee, but they only scoffed and refused to believe.  (How like so many today that make fun of Christians and will not believe.)  Slowly Lot gathered his wife and two daughters as they hesitated to leave, but the angels finally had to take their hands and lead them out. 

Genesis 19:17 As soon as the angels gathered them outside, one of the angels said, "Run for your lives! Don't look back and don't stop anywhere on the plain! Run to the mountains, or you will be swept away!"

Genesis 19:24, 26 Then the LORD rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah.  But Lot's wife looked back as she lingered behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. 

She was nameless, only known as Lot’s wife, but she hesitated to leave the place that had been home to her these many years.  Sin was familiar to her, and she had affiliations and importance in these places.  She was given an opportunity to change by leaving and begin afresh life, but no - - she paused, and delayed, and finally looked back. 

 

It was almost as if she had pledged herself to the affairs of the city and a contract had been made in the spiritual world of satan that held her in chains and she was bound. 

We can learn from this story that when we leave the past - - it is not good to look back with regret. 

How can we apply this to our city as we pray?  Unknowingly many have made agreements and contracts with sin and God wants to destroy the contracts in His fire. 

Many in our city are bound with huge debts of sin that they cannot pay.  Jesus volunteered to pay the price and clear theirs and our debt - - He took our place.   

Colossians 2:14-15 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

 I was reminded of the old hymn "NO Turning Back"  what a great reminder.
You might enjoy this on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLpXTR554Gk 


 

What Purpose the Law?

This Bible Study is from my notes as our Teacher Linda brought the Message

 

 

The Prophet Habakkuk wanted God to bring judgment on the wicked who had broken God's law.  He observed the enemy God sent to punish the people as being terrible, dreadful, and fiercer than avenging wolves.

 

Paul was writing to the Galatian Christians - -

Galatians 3:2-3 O foolish Galatians! This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

They had begun in the Spirit and reverted back to law.  How does this work in relationship with Christ and the Law?

Galatians 3:13-14  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,” that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

No man is justified by the Law – it is evident the just shall live by faith.  What purpose then the Law?  It was added because of sin until the promise of Christ should come to be our mediator.

Before Faith, we were under the Law which was a schoolmaster or tutor to bring us to Christ.  Those who are baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

I John 3:4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

Know Jesus was manifested to take away our sins.  In Him there is NO sin.  So consider this, those who abide IN Christ sin not.  Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin;  (on purpose or plan ahead to sin.)  And if we do sin – we are to repent quickly and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

His commandment is to Love God and to love one another, and when we keep this commandment, we dwell IN Him and He abides IN us by the spirit.

The wicked surround the righteous.  It is a common thing because we do live in this world. 

Psalms 13:1 How long oh Lord will you hide your face.  It seems my enemy exalts themselves over me.

David like Habakkuk was crying out to God for vengeance.  “Do you really Care?”  Even in the midst of all this, I trust you Lord, and I will sing.

We question; “Why aren’t my prayers being answered?  My children and loved ones are not serving God as they should.”

I realize personal choice is involved and each person has a self will for the paths they take.  My heart breaks for those not following Jesus.

Habakkuk prophesied a long time, and it took many years for Assyria to fall.  It took Babylon 3 years to siege on Jerusalem.  Daniel also prophesied and 7 more years passed.  Babylon over-came Jerusalem and took captive the educated people to work for them.

North Korea is proud and boastful.  Other nations believe they are superior to the USA.

As Americans we have access to knowledge, and we have our computers and smart phones and we say: “We are Strong.”

We are to realize that Israel is God’s child still, and God is displeased with those who plan against his Holy City and His people.

Here in the USA our borders have been breached, by 9/11 and other terrorists.  Fires and floods rage and seeming by natural means.

We are to pray for our leaders and our Nation.  Pray for motivation for those who oppose righteousness that they will decide to unify.

 

 

 

CHANGE YOUR POSITION

Digested Sermon by Pastor Rodney taken from my notes”

 

I was headed down the wrong path, but the Word came and was applied to my heart to repent and turn to a new pathway.

Today if you have a problem, God is able to apply an application to bring relief and freedom to your soul.  If you are in dysfunction, God is able to turn your sorrow into joy.

Luke 10:13 Woe unto you, Chorazin! woe unto you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they would have a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 

When you see mighty works of God - - take care that you believe and change your position to agree with God and His Word.

Jesus came to visit at Martha’s house.  She was blessed with a nice house and plenty of food to prepare a feast for Jesus and his disciples - - but her heart was troubled when she viewed her sister who was not working as hard as she was.  “What about her?

Luke 10:41  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and distressed about many things

We must keep our eyes focused on Jesus and not judge those around us. 

On occasion we don’t talk and communicate.  We fuss and complain.  Our attitude may be to despise others as not as good as us.

Martha was proud of her good works and she wanted others to work as hard as she was doing. 

Not all of us are called to preach.  Not all of us are called to hospitality.  We may just need to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him.  To grow and develop a relationship with Jesus.

He knows the beat of our heart and our desire to draw close to Him.

We don’t know what Jesus was teaching that day, but He was bringing the “Word” and it ministered to Mary’s heart. 

There is only one way to heaven.  We celebrate Jesus who provided the way for us to change our position.

He knows exactly where we are and he knows our situation.

Come sit at Jesus feet; and make your position secure.

 

Pastor Rodney called those who needed prayer to come forward and many came to be prayed for.

Hear and Believe

 

Our Bible teacher was ministering and from my notes I present a digested message:

We are in a season of the times when the situations that trouble us, must be countered with Faith knowing God is in control.

Allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you and apply the Word of God to your situation. 

I understand conflict and how people twist the scriptures.  When they see how God is blessing others, suddenly jealousy shows up. 

 

Habakkuk knew the dull ears of the people in his day were hard of hearing truth.  They chose to believe a lie because it was more convenient. 

Habakkuk 1:5  "Look, you scoffers, and watch, and be utterly amazed, and perish; for I am working a work in your days which you will not believe, though it is told you.

Habakkuk himself even wondered if God hears and will save His people from destruction.  Habakkuk had no answer except to wait and see what God would do.

We all face problems in life, but God says He will take care of the problem - - and if we honor Him, that He will bless us.

Proverbs 3:9-11  Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

It is important not to envy sinners when they seem to be blessed more than us.  Know that God is watching both them and our attitude toward the unsaved.  Do not allow doubt and fear to defeat you when you are having a trial.

John the Baptist found himself in prison because he preached against sin and upset the Kings wife.  He had been preaching that Jesus was the Messiah and had baptized Jesus, heard God’s voice and seen the presence of the Holy Spirit; but now he doubted. 

 

John sent his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one or do we seek another?”  Jesus told them to go back and tell John, the blind see, the deaf hear and the Kingdom of God is at hand.

John probably knew he would die in prison, but he wanted assurance that he had fulfilled his calling.  John honored Jesus even in prison; and was greatly encouraged after hearing what was being done.

2 Kings 4:8-37 is the Story of Elisha and the great woman who built an added room on the wall of her home as a resting place for the prophet.  Elijah asked what may I do for you, but she refused saying her needs were met.  Gehazi, Elisha’s servant mentioned the woman is barren and without a child; so Elisha told the woman, after a season, you shall embrace a child, and after a time a son was born.  The boy grew up, but sadly one day he suffered a sun stroke and died. 

What a let down – the promise was NO more.  The great woman refused to accept defeat and confronted Elisha until God raised her son from the dead and was given back to her alive.

Habakkuk was discouraged with a heavy burden.  Disaster was all around, and that “feeling” of being let down, was more than he could bear.  God responds, “Not to worry, I will raise up the Chaldeans for they are terrible, swift and fierce to punish my sinful people.  You won’t even believe it though you will hear it.

Our job today is to Worship, repent and pray.  Be intentional as you pray for our leaders. 

Don’t be moved by what you see.  Trust in God and Believe His Word.



 

Guidance to Reveal God’s Will.

This is the Way - Walk in It.

Each week as we meet to pray over our city, I present a short teaching before we pray.  Today I gave a handout by Rev. James Goll with Ten Essentials for Guidance by the Holy Spirit.  I will add it to the end of my short remarks.

Guidance many times comes as we read God’s Word.  Usually we are led by the inward witness of the Holy Spirit.  We do not always realize that it is God speaking because to us - - it seems to be our own thoughts and we think it is just me.  As Believers we must begin to recognize that God is always speaking and looking out for our best. 

Jesus at one time said, “I must needs go through Samaria.” 

Because Jesus was so close in relationship with His Father God, and so full of the Holy Spirit, He was always aware of the promptings of God’s voice.  He KNEW that He knew - - and in this case it was He needed to make that visit because someone in Samaria required Living Water.

Paul and his company of friends made plans to take the Gospel to Asia.  Now it is not wrong to make plans, because the Bible warns of being slothful and not prepared.  In one place it says not to make plans because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.  Here there must be a balance.  However Paul had some plans; but the Holy Spirit warned Him not to go to Asia.  The Bible does not say how this warning came; if it was an inner prompting, a dream or vision or perhaps one of the prophets traveling with them using the gift of the word of knowledge. 

 

That very night as Paul was sleeping, he had a vision of a man calling from Macedonian to “Come over and help us.” That settled it, they had their word and now they had confirmation by a vision to change their plans.  The Bible does not indicate that they were upset about the change; rather they willingly decided to follow God’s Guidance.

Circumstances can dictate a direction that you probably did not expect.  Even then all direction what ever way it comes must line up with God’s Word and not contradict your personal inward witness of right and wrong.

David was fleeing from King Saul who wanted to kill him, and he and his men discovered a nice dark cave to hide in.  That same night King Saul also found the same cave and decided it would be a nice place to sleep.  David’s friends said, “Look how God had made these circumstances to be in your favor and now you can kill King Saul.”  David knew he could not kill Saul, because we must always honor and respect our leaders (and our parents) even if we do not agree with them.

Circumstances often will give us guidance, but again they must line up with what you know to do is right and good.

God is interested in your everyday life and He cares about you and the little things that seem so trifle.   I used this personal story to illustrate.

Yesterday as I returned home, I noticed my dog Joy running to meet me from behind the garage.  Usually she is on the porch and both dogs come to greet me.  I was strongly impressed to walk behind the garage and see what was going on.  In my garden area, I discovered the hose was running and water was going everywhere. The day before, I had watered my chard, and apparently I had forgotten to turn the water off.  Circumstances caused me to discover this and correct it.  It is good to give thanks when God brings you guidance.

As we pray over our city, we will allow the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers for our neighborhood, our city our State and our Nation. 

~ ~ ~

You may want to review the following hand out by Prophet James Goll.

"10 Essential Principles of Divine Guidance"

James W. Goll, Franklin, TN

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13 NASV

The Geiger Counter and Hearing God

A German physicist invented the Geiger counter in 1945. It is an instrument used for detecting the presence and intensity of radiation. When radiation is detected the device makes a distinct clicking sound. The closer you get to the substance and the greater intensity of its matter, the louder and faster the clicking noise becomes.

I have often thought that learning to hear God's voice can be a lot like a Geiger counter. As you process what you are hearing and apply important checks and balances, there is an inner witness that you learn to pay attention to. You check in with the Holy Spirit; you listen to your "knower"; you weigh what you heard against the Word of God; you evaluate the content and fruit of the message; and you bear witness or you don't – it either clicks or it doesn't.

When you are filled with the Holy Spirit there is a divine guidance system that comes with the package. Learning how to cooperate with Him to recognize His voice and avoid the subtle deception of the enemy takes time, but there are distinct principles (or clicks) that we can learn to quickly distinguish.

Ten Principles of Divine Guidance

Discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit is more of an art form than a rigid technique. Yet there are basic ground rules that are essential for each of us to apply. Here are Ten Principles of Divine Guidance will help you recognize God's direction in your life.

1. The Will of God is Made Known in the Word of God.

Some people start trying to listen to the subjective when they've never first been grounded in the objective. They don't have a gauge to judge what they're sensing, hearing, feeling, thinking, or what I call "knowing."

When the Scripture is hidden in your heart, you have an internal gauge of truth. It aids you in evaluating every thought and voice that may come your way. God's core values become rooted and established in your heart when you have read and memorized the Word. So the first guidance principle is always that the will of God is made known in the Word of God. God's Word is the final judge in all guidance.

2. The Will of God is Confirmed through Circumstances.

This principle can be a "little tricky" if used in isolation. It must be merged with the other guidance principles. So let's get this basic point down. God really wants you to hear and obey His voice – so He will even go out of His way to confirm His Word. How? Yes, at times through circumstances, and even through extreme circumstances if He needs to!

I realize there are some exceptions to this principle, but God does guide us circumstantially as well. Ask in faith for Him to guide you and lead you. Push fear aside and even ask God to prove Himself to You. He loves a dare and will take you up on it!

3. 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."

Have you listened to your heart lately? What is beating in your heart? The Holy Spirit is Heaven's Representative in all true guidance. God guides from the place God resides. And the people said, "Amen!"

4. Divine Guidance Comes from Meeting God's Conditions.

Isaiah 58 is an incredible passage of Scripture where God's chosen fast is brilliantly described in detail. It speaks about honoring God and the observance of the Sabbath. Removing the pointing of the finger and feeding the poor are also addressed. Several key conditions are listed along with the attitudes they require.

God's corresponding promise is listed in Isaiah 58:11, "And the Lord will continually guide you." But the conditions are listed first. What are the conditions that must be met for your promise to be unlocked? Meet the conditions and His eye will surely guide you.

5. True Guidance is Accompanied by the Peace of God.

There is peace in the midst of a storm. Peace does not mean there is no storm. Peace does not mean there's no warfare either. There is a center of quiet that is in the midst of the turbulence of life. True guidance from God does not push you; it brings peace and satisfaction.

James 3:17 says, "The wisdom which comes down from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." I love the order. Pure, peaceable, gentle... Isn't that everything you would want hearing God to be all about? Don't you want to bear good fruit? God is not the author of confusion but mercy, gentleness and peace.

6. Much Guidance from God Comes Unaware.

Much of our guidance comes undetected. Why? Because of His marvelous ways! Also because we've asked Him to continually guide us! We want to do His will. Divine guidance means God is moving in our lives and impressing our minds with His thoughts so that we can make wise decisions.

Psalm 25:9 wisely depicts, "He leads the humble in justice, and teaches the humble His way." Again, a condition is spoken which unlocks the provision. Humility is the doorway whereby we learn not just the will of God, but the ways of God. I love God's gentle nudges and whispers in the night. Don't you? (Photo via James Goll)

7. Divine Guidance Does Not Mean We Know All the Details.

Uh-oh, that isn't what you wanted to hear. The problem with guidance is often that we want the rooftop experience where we can see the beginning from the end. We want to know the grand call that concludes with X, Y and Z! Now the Lord wants us, in a sense, to have a rooftop view. But often in our daily walks it's only the A, B and C's you gaze upon.

Most of the time, you will only see what is three feet in front of you. Here is a word of wisdom – enjoy the walk in the park. Life is more than just another meeting or the next hot word with gigantic details. Life is precious. Live it to the fullest. If you obey your A, B and C you will get to R, S and T and eventually finish your course of X, Y and Z!

8. The Process of Guidance is Not Always Pleasant.

Isaiah 55:8-9 declares, "My thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are your ways My ways declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." The New Testament teaches us that we can have the "mind of Christ". But many of us still have struggles with our own thoughts, opinions, reasoning, traditions, and strongholds that are contrary to His.

Well, God likes coming in and busting those up. He has determined that we will never be the same again. He calls us to authentic lifestyles where bearing our cross is not a pain but a delight. So the process might be painful for the moment, but the end result will be His life expressed through us in exchange for our own efforts.

9. Hearing God Speak Should Prompt You to Action.

Daniel 11:32b promises, "but the people who know their God will display strength and take action." I want to be a person of faith and does exploits in the name of the Lord. Don't you?

Many times people are looking for the next thing, the next word, and the next calling. I have a word for you today. Have you completed the last orders God gave you? Sometimes people are trying to get to the next thing, when they have not completed the last thing. I say to you, "What was the last thing God said to you to do? Have you completed it?" Then get busy!

10. Guidance is a Skill to be Learned over a Lifetime.

It's not a one-time experience where you heard God speak once and then you rehearse the same old testimony all the rest of your life! It is a lifetime walk with Him! Hearing God is a skill to be learned and passed on to others.

I learned early on a basic life principle. For the most part, when it comes to guidance, I can hear the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Spirit for others. But when it comes to me and my individual life and walk with Him, I hear Him the same way others do. Through a relationship built over a lifetime!

There is something that will never fade or ever circumstantially go away – it is RELATIONSHIP with God. Be like John the beloved and lean your head upon the chest of your Messiah and Master. Listen for the very heartbeat of God. Cultivate a friendship with Jesus. True guidance is not just a one-time thing or a one-night stand, it is finding the Guide Himself and walking in His Ways

Dr. James W. Goll
Founder of Encounters Network • God Encounters Training e-School • Prayer Storm  - - Website: www.encountersnetwork.com / www.prayerstorm.com