Praying Over Our City using our Spiritual Weapons.

This Post is a review of the teaching I gave at our Praying Over our City Meeting.

 

Hannah was Sincere and her Deep Agony caused the Priest to consider that she was drunk ??

Hannah was in deep agony as she prayed asking God for a child.  She was so serious she made a vow that has always caused me concern; because she promised to give away her child after she had weaned him.  In those days the child might have been 4 or 5 years old when she took him to Eli the Priest and declared this is the son I prayed for and he is to be dedicated to the work of the Lord. 

All that time while she was crying out; – God’s plan was in effect and he was waiting for her promise from her own lips. 

Do you always keep your promises to God?  Sorry to say, I have missed a few.   

God has a plan for our City, our State and our Nation.  We are part of that plan and as we pray and intercede he is working behind the curtain setting the stage - - The curtain is ready to be lifted bringing the next scene which is almost ready. 

As we pray over our city, do not hesitate to pray in the spirit and in other tongues.  Tongues are important and should never be down played.  It is the important prayer language that pleads with God with words we cannot know and probably do not fully understand.  We will KNOW somewhat of the thought of what we pray, just not the entire picture.  As we pray in tongues, we pray according to God's Will.

2 Corinthians 10: 3-5  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty in God for the tearing down of strongholds, arguments and rebellious fortresses.  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ - - 

I shared a hand out with a suggested prayer for us to follow today.  Let us read the prayer out loud with our voice and mean it from our heart.

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(Hand Out)

What is Intercession and Intercessory Prayer?   By Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Have you ever felt an unexplained burden on your heart to pray for the masses, for unnamed others, for your community or the world at large? The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who lifted up others in prayer, and Ephesians 6:18 tells us to: pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying. 

God has chosen intercession as the primary means in which He releases His power now and forever. Jesus operated in the principle of intercession when He created the earth by speaking the Word to the Father (Genesis 1)). He releases His power now and will rule the nations forever in partnership with His people through intercession.

• Intercession causes us to internalize God’s Word and changes us.
• Intercession imparts life (John 6:63).
• Intercession changes the spiritual atmosphere of cities and nations.

Example Intercessory Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come to you today and thank you for the privilege of praying for others. I've been the recipient of others' prayers so often, I understand how powerful intercessory prayer can be. I ask you first to cleanse my heart and show me if there is any unconfessed sin in my own life so that my prayers for others will not be hindered. I thank you that through your name, I can come boldly before you and pray with confidence, according to your will and know that you hear me.

A Prayer for the Sick

I lift up those in my neighborhood, in my city, and in my church. Begin with those who follow you, and help them influence others for good. Let them be salt and light, pointing others to you. Deepen their love for you and for the people around them. Guard them from hypocrisy or from giving in to temptations that could harm the cause of Christ. Raise up leaders who will serve you faithfully at all costs. Turn the hearts of fathers toward their children, and families toward you. Help them to exemplify your values, and make them bold in their faith. Strengthen my own family and those closest to me, Lord.  May our love for you help us to love and forgive others and make a difference in our world.

I pray for teachers, for students, and for all those in authority and leadership, both locally and throughout the world.   Give them your mind, and surround them with godly counselors who will exercise integrity and work for justice, morality, and freedom. Help them to esteem you, not dismiss you. Send revival, Lord.

I pray for the lost, the hurting, the lonely, the sick, the bereaved, and those who are imprisoned—behind both visible and invisible walls. Send your comfort, your peace, , and your calming presence to those who are without hope. Protect the defenseless, and hold them close to your heart. I pray for laborers to tell the good news of Jesus to people around our world. Jesus, my heart cries out for persecuted believers, too. Make them brave, and give them your powerful protection. I pray you will bring swift justice to those who want to destroy the innocent and those who carry your name. Bind the power of Satan, and strengthen believers everywhere.

So many needs, Jesus, but you are adequate for every need. Your name is powerful, and your power is great. So it's in your name that I pray—and believe.  Amen

 

BREAKING BREAD TOGETHER

Our Bible Study Review from my notes during the Lesson at our Church

 

Breaking of Bread Together

 

As our Bible study began, our teacher set a small glass of grape juice before each member and passed a plate with a large round loaf of bread.  We were to break off a piece of bread as we feasted on the bread and “wine.”

Our lesson resumed with Jesus at the Jordan River, and John bore witness that Jesus was the Son of God. 

After being baptized in the river, Jesus walked away as John’s disciples announced “Behold the Lamb of God.”  John’s disciples began one by one to follow Jesus and wanted to know where He stayed so they could be with him.   It was powerful emotions that drew them to Jesus Christ.

Daniel in the Old Testament, was given a vision and he declared: 
Daniel 7:13-14   I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Jesus began to call different men and said:  "Follow Me."   One such man was Simon the fisherman, to whom He gave a new name, “Peter” meaning a stone. 
 

Follow Me

 

Jesus found Philip who ran to find Nathaniel and told him, “We have found the Christ.”  Nathaniel gave a rude remark saying is there anything good coming out of Nazareth?  However he was willing to come and see.  Nathaniel was a man educated in the Jewish law.  He understood the prophesies concerning the messiah.

As he approached our Lord, Jesus declared, “Behold an Israelite in who is no guile.”  Nathaniel remarked, “How do you know me?”  Jesus made a statement, “I saw you when you were under the fig tree.”  This comment immediately changed Nathaniel’s stance and he declared; “Thou art the King of Israel.”

Jesus answered, “Verily I say onto you, Here after you shall see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man:”

Some believe with almost no effort while others struggle to accept truth.  May the sword of God’s Word cut deep into hearts as truth is revealed?

The first chapter of John takes us from;‘In the beginning was the Word’ to revealing Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Messiah.  The allegiance of John’s followers is transferred over to Jesus as they declare, “This is the King.”

This was a huge shift in their belief to accept Jesus as Lord and to follow Him. 

 

It is not recorded if there were any reactions from their parents, who were entrenched in Jewish Culture and tradition.  Jesus was a New and Living Way as He revealed the Father and the Kingdom of God.

Our Bible teacher reminded us that in the banking system, employees handle real money and learn the feel, the look, the fabric so that when they see the counterfeit, they immediately know that which is false.

John’s disciple’s hearts were open and it took little to convince them that this was real.

Those of us who experience a life changing experience as we receive Jesus as Lord, will always know the reality of our encounter with God.  No person or circumstance can convince us otherwise. 

 



ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

 

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

God is moving and working in our lives.  An encounter with God should be usual in our lives.

Saul had an amazing encounter.  He was headed in the wrong direction to destroy God’s beloved children.  Then God took charge.  As Saul was riding his horse thinking he was doing a good thing; suddenly God struck him down, revealing a greater purpose to serving God.

Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me?

The one seeking to destroy ended up spreading the New Truth about Jesus. 

He thought he was helping God and we often do the same.  We see someone and try to correct, and cause more harm than good.  We must use caution who we criticize even those in a different religion or something we do not agree with.

Here at Open Door Church, we welcome all.  We must be careful not to build walls.

Saul was struck blind for a season as Jesus revealed Himself in a personal encounter.

We must remain blind to what is going on around us, and be open to the Holy Spirit allowing him to fall and flow as He wills.  It requires us to be available for an encounter with God.  Not just a one time thing, but daily be in His presence.

The strength of that encounter changed Saul to Paul.

The Holy Spirit power will change you.  What you receive today from the sermon is not meant to last you all week.  You are to feed on God’s Word and seek Him daily at home.  He is ready to encounter you in your ‘secret place.’

Paul was learned in the Jewish culture and tradition and he knew the Old Testament scriptures.

Suddenly he was encountered, struck with a bright light, and he heard a voice: “Why are you persecuting me?”

Saul immediately knew who this was.   For three days he was physically blinded but his spiritual eyes were opened.  God ordained him to go to Damascus and discover what was assigned to him. 

Many times he was called up by the leaders and governors about what he was preaching. He had to tell them, that he had experienced an Encounter with God.

Acts 22:1, 9  Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now unto you. And those that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of him that spoke to me.

Maturity will show us many things.  We must ever be open to learn and to follow Christ.

God continues to amaze me as He delivers and sets people free.  He encounters individual persons.

Jesus encountered a woman at the well.  He asked her for water, and an amazing encounter occurred. The master mover of directions set the ground for revival in her country.

As we encounter God, Jesus enables us to be the church.  You are the church.

 

 

Do you want to see revival transform lives where you are?  Jesus said, you shall receive POWER after that the Holy Spirit is poured out on you.  On the day of Pentecost, there was a sound of a rushing wind, as tongues of fire appeared upon those present and they spoke in other languages.  That day they encountered a new dimension in God and received power to minister to the world.  Peter the fisherman, became Peter the preacher that day.

Each of us can be used of God in our personal world.  Seek His Face daily for your personal encounter with the Holy Spirit.

 

SALT and Living WATER will Heal our Land

 

Matthew 5:13 “You are the SALT of the earth.” 

At our Praying Over our City Meeting, we will zero in on “Healing our Land:” Our city, our State and our Nation needs healing.  Our obligation is to humbly pray and seek God.

Let us bring salt to our barren earth as we pray over our City, State and Nation today.

I was reminded of the verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.

Today’s lesson we will consider Elisha as he took up his new ministry.  Prior to this he had only been a servant, seeing to all the needs of his Prophet Elijah.  His request was to have a double portion of the anointing of Elijah, and the promise was “if you SEE me, you shall have your request.”  We need to “SEE,” Jesus daily and remain in His presence.

2 Kings 2: 12 – 22  And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

(Elisha Succeeds Elijah)   And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah does rest on Elisha. And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants (50) fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, “You shall NOT send. And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They  searched three days, but found him not. And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, “Did I not say unto you, Go not?”

Notice the son’s of the prophets paid no attention to Elisha’s words “Do not go.”  They had to prove for themselves that his words were true - - Does every one you share Jesus with; listen to YOU?  - -  Don’t give up.

Elisha Heals Jericho's Waters:  And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray you, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees: but the water is terrible, and the ground barren. And he said, Bring me a NEW cruse, and put SALT therein.

And they brought it to him. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus says the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spoke.

How can we apply this Bible story to our city and nation?

 

1. Understand although Elisha had in his hands the mantle; a symbol of God’s power (we hold our Bible) –

2. Elisha spoke and declared, Where is the God of Elisha?  Perhaps there was some fear and trembling in his voice. However he stepped out in faith and struck the water with the mantle.  We often must take those first steps by faith before the water will part for us. 

Elisha was feeling pretty bold by now, and when there was a problem in the city because their water was awful and not fit to drink or use and nothing would grow because the LAND was barren - - Elisha asked a strange request:  Bring me some SALT in a “NEW” clean bowl.  .  Realize at first look - - the water was not good enough to use, but salt caused it to become the living fresh clean water of excellent use. 

 

We are to be the “New born again” Holy vessel full of salt to bring healing to our citizens.   Be kind and gentle and let others see your well watered salty life. 

Notice Elisha made a bold declaration a pronouncement, or you might say he prophesied; “Thus says the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.” 

Let us bring our new vessel filled with SALT” as we make our bold declaration of faith that our land be healed as we pray over our city.

 

Water Baptism

Our Bible Study Sunday Morning by Linda, and taking notes to present an edited message.

 

 

The Christian principles of our nation are based on what has been handed down from the Jewish Holy Men of God, who wrote the Bible.  Our faith is not religion, but a personal relationship with God. 

Leviticus 11:24-40 mentions laws of cleanliness and washings.  Certain animals were forbidden to eat.  Water to drink and cook with, must have a natural flow or a clean cistern.

Leviticus 11:36 Nevertheless a spring or a cistern, in which there is plenty of water, shall be clean - -

In 1850, Doctor Ignaz Semmelweis saved lives with three words: “Wash your hands.”

The laws of cleanliness given to Moses, were for health but there were spiritual meanings as well.

Jeremiah 17:13 O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters.

Jesus declared - - John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water

Jesus told the woman at the well “But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Our lesson turned to John baptizing Jesus.  Jesus went down into the water, John baptized him and Jesus came up out of the water.  Amazing a voice from heaven spoke the words:  “This is my beloved Son, Hear ye him.” The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove.  Here we have God the Father speaking; Jesus is in the water, and the Holy Spirit descending. – 

Understand that it is the blood on the cross that saves you, not baptism.  Our practice of water baptism is in obedience to Christ command to be baptized as a testimony to the world that we have died to our old life and have risen to a new life in Christ.

Many were sprinkled as a baby, prior to their free will being acknowledged.  Might it be good as a grown up person to be baptized again with our understanding. 

 

We do not judge those who were sprinkled as an adult, because the very ceremony has great meaning to them.

When possible, we prefer to get into the “Water” and stay there soaking in his presence.  Our attitude of obedience is important.

Let us consider the question, “Why was Jesus baptized?”  Jesus made an intentional decision, “I must needs be baptized.”  This baptism was to declare His Heavenly Father as his God.  The Holy Spirit descended and a voice was heard showing approval of what Jesus did.

John’s eyes were opened to see the truth of who Jesus was.

Isaiah 53:11  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Philippians 3:8-9  Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

It is important to understand the reasons to be baptized and to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection. 

 

The last commandment of Jesus was  Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - -  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen

 

 

 

"I Am Stirring the Waters"

For our Wednesday day of praying over our city, I shared this short devotional by David Lebo or Hedgesville, WV.  As we realize Jesus is stirring the water, and He is the pool with five porches - - - We can have a part in the salvation of the citizens of our city.  The Pool is available to come to the people.
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Jesus is the Pool

 

"I Am Stirring the Waters of the Pools of Bethesda!" (John 5:1-14)

In the gospel of John, there is a great picture of God's fivefold ministry that many, perhaps, would miss in a fast reading. But if you read through it again, you'll discover that this particular pool in Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, was surrounded by "five covered porches."

"These FIVE porches are My five coverings in fivefold ministry," says the Lord God Almighty. And in that day, the angel would come down into the pool and stir the waters; and the lame, the blind, and the paralyzed would all lie there waiting for that moment when that one angel sent from God would stir the waters so they could jump in and be healed. There was one catch. You had to be the first one in.

In that day, there was one man in particular who had been an invalid for 38 years. He could not make it into the pool fast enough to be the first one in. So then, Jesus came by that special day and He noticed this one man lying by the pool and He asked him the question, "Do you want to be made well?" And the sick man replied, "I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred."

This man is much like the Church today, who gives excuse, after excuse, why they can't jump into the pool. All excuses have been eliminated! Why? Jesus is the pool; and the pool now comes to you.

Today, the Pool Comes to You! Hallelujah!

"And I, the Lord God, am stirring the waters in this time. I am not just sending My angel, not just one angel; but THE I AM is stirring the waters—but it is through My FIVEFOLD Ministry—My FIVE-FOLD COVERINGS! It's a picture of the Church. Can you see it? The pool of Bethesda has five coverings or five porches, and it is a pool of MY Spirit," says the Lord. "It's the Holy Spirit—a container of My POWER!

It's a picture of My Church. It's a pool, a container, a vessel of My Holy Spirit without measure that I am stirring! And each and every one of My Believers in the Church today that can jump into the 'pool' can receive what they need and be healed in this time, this side of Heaven."

The lame man by the pool of Bethesda did not jump into the pool of water but instead, jumped into the "pool" of Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." This happened on the Sabbath day. You see, Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath and He is our “Rest;” He is the pool!

The pool came to the lame man. Jesus is the fullness of God in the earth, and He comes to you today to bring you rest, to bring you the true Sabbath day rest. So you can become a new creation in Jesus and become full and complete in Him.

He is the fullness of God incarnate. When you come into Jesus, you can be full and complete not lacking any one thing! Hallelujah!

Jesus is the Pool!

We see here in this pool of Bethesda, that this is a picture of fivefold ministry or five coverings over a pool of water, where a multitude of people are trying to get what they need if they can just get in. You see, Jesus is the pool today! Will you come to Jesus today? Will you come to the pool? And will you come into God's government, and into His fivefold ministry, His five porches? It's God's government. It's God's order. It's God's pattern.

Will you allow it to be established in your life and in the Church today? Jump into Jesus and get all that you need! Jump into Jesus; He is the Pool of Bethesda and He carries all that you need.

"I am building My 'Pools of Bethesda' all across the world in this time. They contain a pool of My Holy Spirit, a pool of My anointing power for miracles to be released that have no limits," says the Lord God Almighty.

"And this pool is underneath My five porches. It is my fivefold ministry, part of My government in the earth. Will you help establish these 'Pools of Bethesda' all across the globe? Will you be a part of this? And if you will say, 'Yes, Lord. Yes I will,' I will allow you to raise up fivefold ministry in your midst. And if you say, 'Yes, Lord, yes,'" God says, "Yes, I will. I will raise up the 'Pool of Bethesda' all over again in this hour.

Every Believer on the face of the earth can go to a 'Pool of Bethesda' and jump into it and receive all that they need.

"You see, I am releasing gifts of miracles, supernatural signs and wonders, and gifts of healing right now, more than have ever been released before. I, the Lord God, if you say, 'Yes, Lord, yes,' I will absolutely, positively, blow your carnal minds with what I am about to do in the earth.

Miracle after miracle after miracle, not just one at a time anymore, but 30 and 40 at a time! The limitations are coming off of My people to believe Me for the impossible.
Do not look with the sight of your eyes. If their condition bothers you, close your eyes, for this is the faith realm here, for I AM the God of the impossible, and there is nothing that I cannot do.

"I am building My 'Pools of Bethesda' and stirring the waters afresh and anew in your time today! Will you be a part of this spiritual building? Will you be a part of this release of My power and My anointing in the earth today?" says the Lord. "Open your heart and receive My Word engrafted into your spirit. Let it become a part of who you are, and the truth shall set you free. The truth shall set you free!"

JUMP INTO JESUS AND RECEIVE ALL THAT YOU NEED!

 

Eternity in our Hearts

This post is from my notes at the Bible Study lesson at our Church

The Angel Gabriel Visits Zachariah

 

It was Zachariah the old Priest’s time to execute his priestly office; to enter the Holy Place and burn the incense as the people prayed outside and waited.  The people began to worry as he was taking so long for they did not know he was being visited by the angel Gabriel.

A child of destiny was being promised to an elderly couple who were too old to bare children.  How can this be? Questioned Zachariah.  The angel replied, “Because you doubted as a sign, you will not be able to speak until the child is born.”

This child John the Baptist was to become the one to herald the coming of the Messiah.

John was to be set apart and the angel said, He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall not drink wine or strong drink, and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even in his mother’s womb.  

 

Zachariah returned home and true to the angel’s word, his wife Elizabeth conceived and she hid herself several months.  Elizabeth was educated and knew the Old Testament prophesies, concerning the Messiah and wondered at these things.

Her cousin Mary was also visited by the angel Gabriel as he declared, “Fear not for you have found favor with God, And, behold, you shall conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus.”  

 

Mary wondered: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 

Gently the angel explained, “The power of the Holy Spirit shall overshadow you and this holy child that shall be born of you shall be called the son of God.  His name shall be Jesus for He shall save his people from their sins. 

 

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” 

After many days, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and at the sound of Mary’s voice, the babe leaped in Elizabeth’s womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.  These two special women began to worship God and Mary sang of what was to come to pass as they marveled that they had been chosen for this time.

As a grown man, John began to preach repentance, and the people asked if he was the one who was to come.  John declared, “I am not he, but I am a voice crying in the wilderness but there comes one after me who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” 

John 1:29-39 is the story of John declaring Jesus to be the Lamb of God. 

 

Some of John’s disciples began to follow Jesus, telling their close friends, come and see for we have found the Messiah. 

Today as we receive Jesus into our life, Eternal Life is placed in our hearts.  We are born again and changed. 

 

When Jesus was raised from the dead, his resurrection life was eternal and this life is available to us   Paul explains this simple truth as he writes to the Ephesian church.

 

Ephesians 2:4-7  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

 

A Spirit of Influence

 

 

 

 

Pastor Allan was speaking as I took notes and present his edited sermon:

 

We are not exempt from problems, and if we aren’t careful we focus on our trouble and fail to trust God.  Some will use alcohol to numb the thing that is bothering them, instead of giving it to God.

There is a spiritual shift happening.  God is getting ready to do amazing things and He is plowing our hearts. 

How many know that in your quiet time, God speaks to you?  (Many raised their hands.)  Sometimes after dreaming, I wake up reciting scripture. Some dreams are so real that when you wake it is still there.  In our self consciousness we are still in a position of worship even in our sleep.

Seasons are changing and there is a shift in our weather.  God is also doing a shift in the spiritual.  We can see things happening.  One thing is many churches are uniting for special events. 

How do we navigate through this change?  The early church practiced fellowship; they made disciples and shared the gospel.  Evangelism goes out to the world.  We must tell others about Jesus. 

It is good to prepare by attending classes, but we must all have a willing heart to share what God has done for you.  Be open all the time for opportunity as it arises.  Is the Word in your heart and not just in your cell phone.  Open your Bible because inside you will find answers for your need.

How are your neighbors?  Sometimes we have good neighbors, and other times not so good so we need to keep yourself in check.  Your neighbors are watching your life and they know you are a Christian.  They will seek you out when they need prayer.  Be ready.

The enemy does not want you to evangelize.  He will tell you it isn’t your job, that you can’t do it.  Actually people are hungry and they are seeking truth.

1 Corinthians 9:16  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Paul was a brilliant educated Jewish man, but he became like as all men to gain some.

He became a partaker of weakness for the sake of the gospel.  He was willing to minister to the despised gentiles to win them to Christ.

Pastor confessed, that at one time he loved to gamble, but God gave him an opportunity to preach at an event for the Veteran’s that was held at the very place that destroyed him.

Pastor belongs to a group of Christian bikers who meet once a month and people ask them questions about the cross on their jacket.  Be led of the Holy Spirit to give your testimony when a situation arises.

When a big ministry comes to an area, like Billy Graham, there was much preparation and cooperation by many churches.  Many came to the front to receive Jesus and cards were filled out and shared with the cooperating churches for follow up. 

Don’t hold on to things that bog you down.  They may be things, or perhaps a habit that has you bound, let them go if they prevent your freedom in Christ. 

Understand that you have a spirit of influence, so allow God to use you.

 

Who Was Benjamin?

Benjamin shall be my Servant

 

We hear much about Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph upon whom he bestowed a coat of many colors.  This Joseph was sold into slavery because his brothers were jealous and despised his visions and dreams, yet he continued to received favor even as a slave, as a prisoner and eventually favor found him as a ruler over Egypt second onto the King.

You will remember the 7 good years where grain and corn was stored in warehouses, and the 7 years of famine which caused many from foreign lands to come to Joseph to purchase food. 

News of food in Egypt caused Jacob to send his son’s to purchase food.  Immediately Joseph recognized his brothers, but the 14 years in the sun had tanned and matured him and they did not know their own brother.  Joseph taunted them, calling them spies and to prove their good intentions, Joseph demanded that they bring their youngest brother Benjamin, with them on the next sale of food.  He also demanded they leave Simeon as a token of their honesty.  

 

Gen 42:14 But Joseph said to them, “It is as I spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies!’ ¹⁵ In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. ¹⁶ Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!” ¹⁷ So he put them all together in prison three days. 

You will remember that when their food ran out again, they were forced to convince their father Jacob to allow Benjamin to return to Egypt with them.  Joseph was overjoyed to see his young brother, and had a feast for them, giving Benjamin more food and more clothing than the others.  As the brothers left to return home, Joseph told his servants to hide his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack of food.  Soon, they were stopped with accusations of thievery.  Joseph had said, who ever stole my cup shall become my servant. 

Naturally when the cup was discovered with Benjamin, the brothers could not contain themselves tearing their clothes as they returned to Joseph with tears and Judah spoke up begging him not to harm their young brother Benjamin.   

You will remember that finally Joseph asked everyone of his servants to leave as he wept and revealed to them that he was indeed their lost brother Joseph - - but God had ordained all this to happen for a reason. 

Israel's first king, Saul—a tall, strong, regal-looking man—was a Benjamite. His reign began well: "And Saul answered and said, "Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?" (I Samuel 9:21).  God even "gave him another heart" so that he prophesied with the prophets. 

Philippians 3:5-6 Introduces another son of Benjamin: ".the apostle Paul, circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 

Benjamin was the least and youngest of Jacob’s 12 sons.  His tribe was the smallest but from his linage came the first King of Israel, King Saul.  And later the apostle Paul who wrote many of the epistles that reveal deeper truths available to us as Christians.

 

So what can we learn from this story.  Benjamin was the least in the kingdom, and at times we feel small and ineffective, but understand that within you is the power to be King and rule and reign.  You may also become an Apostle, which means “A Sent One,” to share the Good News about God’s Love. 

In our own way, we can be a part of the whole picture and move mountains together.  As we pray over our city, may we be reminded that many of our citizens feel inferior, small, not good enough, but God is able to change them into another person by his regenerating power.

Being Teachable or Being Gullible

 

The overhead projector flashed a picture of a baby bird with its little mouth wide open, for all the Bible School students to view.

The instructor explained that baby birds trust their mother to put the correct ingredients in their mouth, such as worms and bugs.

However because the baby bird is so trusting, let us say (the enemy) comes along and begins to put BB shots into its little mouth. This gross error would eagerly be accepted by the baby.

Our instructor continued, by saying that there are a lot of so called Christian books, commentaries, various ministries on TV and other avenues of learning that may or may not contain solid eatable Spiritual food for our little Christian bird mouths to devour.

Yes, we desire to have a teachable spirit so as to consume the truth from the Word of God, when adequately taught by anointed preachers, teachers, instructors and missionaries. Now it is true that as we study the Bible, we will need books, and other helps that will assist us as we endeavor to accept TRUTH.  A good daily devotional book or magazine is always a good help to begin our day.

In a Bible School, students are expected to have open minds to consider if what they are being taught lines up with the scriptures. If it does match the bible, well and good, but if not I- - t is time to lay down the beautiful teaching you are reading.

The warning to consider, is that all footnotes in our Bibles are possibly NOT inspired, so be sure to take that into consideration when studying.  One well known man of God used a small Old Testament footnote to prove a point that he had learned from some German theologians. This resulted in a blatant teaching error, many still believe it today.

One instructor suggested that if it is “Weird,” that it is NOT of God, and to steer clear. Our sensitive spirit will reveal if what we are being offered is counterfeit teaching. Beware of strange doctrine. The Bible is our source.

So yes, have a teachable spirit, but please do NOT be gullible.

Luke 20:21 They questioned Jesus, saying, "Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth.

 

Ages to Come

This Post is from digested notes taken at our Bible Study at Church

 

 

Christ has brought us salvation for a reason; so that for all eternity we will stand as a living testimony to the incredible riches of His grace and kindness, that He freely gives to us with Jesus the anointed one. 

As we focus on verse 7 of this passage we will understand that we are to be a living witness of His grace.

Ephesians 2:4-10 (ESV) ⁴ But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Place your name in the scriptures above where it says "us," and "we."  Understand that Salvation is a personal relationship with Christ Jesus.  Jesus is our personal Savior.

Why did God place eternity in our hearts?  All who believe, and we being part of the “all” are included in this eternal fact; Eternity lives within us.

John states in his gospel chapter one that Jesus the Word became flesh and dwelled among us.  He lived, died, and rose again to receive us onto himself.

John 1: There was a man sent from God whose name was John, a witness to bear testimony of the Messiah.  John operated as a man, and was not that light.  His speech and ministry shaped the way for Jesus.  He articulated of the Light being the true Light, yet the world knew him not.  Some did not receive Jesus, but those who did were given “Power” to become Sons of God.

Light illuminates and chases out the darkness.  John begins his Gospel with the words, “In the beginning.”  Genesis chapter one does likewise.  “In the beginning,” the word was spoken and the world was manifested.  Light came.

Matthew chapter 11:1-19 tells us that John being in prison is questioning whether Jesus is the Messiah.  He may still believe that the Messiah would set up a physical kingdom in that day and bring about Godly rule on earth. 
 
John sent messengers to Jesus asking; “Are you the one?”  Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Jesus honored John of whom it is written “Behold I will send my messenger which shall prepare the way. 

Today is the day of Salvation, by receiving Jesus the Light of Eternity into our heart and life.  If you have not already done so, you can now invite Jesus to enter your heart and make you a new person in Christ.  His promise is to give you eternal life beginning now.