NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS AND HOW TO KEEP THEM

As I began to wake up this morning, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me and teach me; “How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions.”  I quickly got up and went to my computer to write it all down.  The Holy Spirit desired that I share this with our church today.  At church, I went to our Pastor and shared that the Lord has given me a word for today, and asked, "is it okay for me to have about 5 minutes."  He said yes.  I asked him if he would you like to review it? as I offered him the written paper.  “No,” he said, “I trust you.”  It was good he did not look at the paper, because that might have handy-capped him with his sermon today. You see, the Holy Spirit often is telling more than one person what He is desiring to say for that day and time.  Usually each person will have a different slant, but it will all fall in place.

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Most of us have at one time made a New Years resolution, and by the next day we have broken it.  Our intentions were good, but the pull was just too great. 

We like Adam and Eve, have been given a “FREE WILL” or the power of choice.  We can by sheer grit and determination decide to make a decision to quit those things that have been giving us trouble.  We know the difference between right and wrong and some things are simply right and others are definitely wrong. 

Each year we make a list and say to ourselves, I will give up certain practices, and will stop doing this or that.   We grit our teeth, and lock our jaw and say, I will put this aside and quit doing this - - -  

In the past we have made those decisions by our desire and our “Free Will.” 

Now may I ask:  “How has that been working for you?  - - Hum-mm?? 

The power of Free will is strong – but I must tell you that it is NOT STRONG ENOUGH.  We make certain choices by our own self – our own weak and spindly Free Will and wonder why we fail. 

Today I desire to present to you God’s way to over come - - Once and for all - - and be FREE of those things that have held you down in the past. 

Not by our own will because our will is feeble, tired and exhausted, but by using the “WILL of GOD.” 

Jesus prayed in the garden;  “I give up, I surrender to YOUR WILL GOD.  Not my will but thine be done.” 

Some of us have walked in darkness in the past, but Jesus promises if we will follow Him and fully surrender to HIS WILL (not our will) then he will remove the darkness and place within us the LIGHT of LIFE which is the Will of God.  

John 8:12 “Jesus, said, 'I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.'" 

So I lay before you a choice:   To use your FREE WILL and make a quality decision to SURRENDER your will to God’s WILL.  God's will is for you to be FREE, to be blessed and to prosper.  God's will is Good, and He desires only the best for you.

It is time to receive God’s Will, not your own will, and his strength, not your own strength, and you will be able to walk free for the rest of your earthly life. 

So in review:

1.  I will Surrender my own Will and exchange it for God’s Will.

2.     I will Invite Jesus into the dark rooms of my heart bringing with Him; His Light of Life.

3.     I will Invite Jesus to live in me, the LIGHT of LIFE and daily I will allow the Holy Spirit to be my guide.

 

The Light Shined in the Darkness

As Pastor was speaking, the Holy Spirit was sharing with me which has been added to this message.

 

Pastor Allan was reading from John chapter 1 and then he continued reading the Christmas story: 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shined in the darkness; and the darkness could not put it out.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word became flesh and He was the Light of the World.

Perhaps during 2017 there were dark moments, but the light was still there and was not extinguished.  The Holy Spirit was active in the beginning and also at the conception of Jesus in the Virgin Mary.  Light has come as the star shone over the place where the young child was. 

May the Light of Life during 2018 shine over you and your family.  May God’s will be revealed to you in all its brilliance. 

2018 will be full of surprises, both good and not so good.  Understand that God is not sitting still but He is standing and even moving to establish what His plans are for you.

Do not fear, Do not doubt, but realize that God’s love is greater than any adversity.  God is busy applying strength, boldness and confidence where knees are weak.

God is active and is working to restore relationships that were broken.  Do not frustrate the grace of God, but be willing to allow Him to fulfill His will in your life. 

Allow God to rebuild the bridges that have been washed away.

Jesus came as a tiny baby, and even as a young child, His presence was a blessing to many.  The shepherds rejoiced, Simon and Anna prophesied of His future as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

It is the season of busyness as we prepare for dinners, gifts, and fellowship; but let us slow down to enjoy all that Christmas means.

Christ was born for a reason.  His life and death and resurrection fulfilled prophesy.

His eternal life is available today to all who will receive Him. 

Come, Oh come all ye faithful and let us adore Him.  He is Emanuel who is God with us and God in us. 

Let us approach 2018 with joy and anticipation for all that God will reveal to us as we seek His face.

Chili Rellenos

Chili Rellenos via Aurora Snider

The day was cold, and we decided to assemble one of our favorite easy recipes. I mixed the eggs, flour and milk and then grated the cheese.

I decided to strain the egg mixture over the finished product to get out any flour lumps.
Here is our favorite recipe and quick to fix.

Chili Rellenos Easy and Simple

1, 7 oz can chopped chilies (Ortega)
½ cup grated Cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Jack cheese
2 T flour
2 eggs
1 can evaporated milk
1, 8 oz can tomato sauce

Sprinkle ½ chilies in a 9×12 Pyrex baking dish. Layer the cheddar cheese next.
Add the rest of the chilles. Top layer is the Monterey Jack cheese.
Beat eggs, flour and milk in a bowl and pour over the top of the mix in the pan.
Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Then pour over the top, the can of tomato sauce.
And bake 15 minutes more. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

We cut any left over into serving size pieces, wrap and freeze.

For a Pot Luck - double the recipe and bake in a long cookie pan.  

Check your Own Heart

A digested Lesson taken from my notes at our Bible Study at our church.

 

 

Our Bible study taught by teacher Linda focused on the story in John 5:10-47 about the man at the pool who was healed after his encounter with Jesus.

At Jesus command - - the infirmed man was now able to walk and carry his bed, but alas it was the Sabbath day.  Jewish leaders were quick to ask him, “Who told you to pick up your bed and walk on the Sabbath?”  At first the man was not sure who had healed him, but afterwards, Jesus found him and said, “Behold you are made whole, but go and sin no more lest a worse thing come upon you.” 

The Jews immediately upon discovering it was Jesus; wanted to kill Him not because He healed on the Sabbath, but because the way he spoke of His Father God, making himself equal with God.  Jesus told them, “It was the Father who has given me authority, but marvel not on this for the hour is coming when the dead shall arise.  The Father has committed judgment onto the Son, and as I judge as I hear the father say.”

Jesus continued to urge them to “search the scriptures as they testify of me and my time has come.”

As she wrote on the white board, our teacher asked us to help her compile a list of the attitudes of the religious leaders in this story - - -

Their robes were not clean, and they glorified themselves as they followed traditions.  

They were full of pride, and abused their power.  They were dishonest, unholy and their ego was unhealthy.  A spirit of control was their tool, and they were selfish, hateful and dishonored others.  They had a fear of death, but set unholy boundaries,  were judgmental, hypocritical, and angry with those who did not agree with them.  Murder was in their heart. 

 

Why were they so angry?  Did the teaching and ministry of Jesus present a new way of living that they were contrary to?

Our teacher gave us scriptures as in Proverbs about a merry heart makes a cheerful face, and the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving.

You might want to research these few scriptures and others like them - -  

Zechariah 7:8-10 true Justice is to not oppress one another and to care for the widows and others.

Psalms  51:16-17 God loves a broken and contrite heart.

Proverbs 15:7  16:7 God gives supernatural peace and makes even our enemies to be at peace with us.

Hebrews 13:16 Do good sharing with others, listen intentional to develop a good relationship.

Matthew 5:44  Love your enemies, bless them that curse you and pray for them.

1 Timothy 2:14  Pray for leaders and those in authority for wisdom and for salvation.

1 Timothy 5:1-4  Honor to whom honor is due and respect others.

Luke 5:16  As was his routine; Jesus withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

As Christians we need to be careful when God begins to move in a way we may not be familiar with, lest we rise up in criticism.  Check your own heart and also the Scripture and see if it is in the Word of God.

Our own self-righteousness may think these Jewish leaders were awful, terrible and dreadful, but stop and consider if perhaps we are at times harboring these same or similar attitudes. 

God requires us to reflect on our personal thought life and to be deliberate in our choices to think on those things that are pure, gentle, loving and of good report.

What does God expect of us?

Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

 

 

Write Out Your Prayers

 Pastor Allan welcomed everyone and I took notes about the service

Write Out Your Prayers

Our Sunday morning Service began with an opening prayer by one of our young men. 

Bible Teacher Linda shared a hand out about the Gospel and presented a short admonition.   A young man led the worship as he sang and played his guitar while the other instruments accompanied him.  

Pastor Allan began speaking;  The last several weeks we have taught on different kinds of prayer and that prayer is the foundation of our Christian walk with God.  The only way we can learn to pray is to just do it.  

Begin by expressing what is in your heart.  Pray in your secret place or where ever you are.  Lift up a prayer through out the day. 

Jesus gave us a model of how to pray.  Worship first, ask for God’s will, and your needs.  Ask for forgiveness but be willing to forgive others.  Request to be delivered from evil and not to be tempted, and exalt His name.

Matthew 6:9-13  Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Pastor then asked two young men to pass out a gift pen to everyone and then a half sheet of blank paper.  He requested us to write out a prayer to God that has not yet been answered.  Time was given to do this.

Then Pastor asked us to fold the paper in half and exchange it with a neighbor not looking at the prayer.  Pastor asked us to hold up the prayer paper and pray for it.  Next he asked us to walk to the rear of the church and pin the prayers to the bulletin board and then return to your seat.

Pastor stated that God is working on those requests and now he asked if anyone needed physical healing to raise their hand.  Many hands went up.

Pastor requested that we pray for those near us that God would administer healing to them now.

He reminded us that we are sitting at the table and it is up to us to take and eat.  God desires an active church and we have a responsibility to conform to his will. 

As a church we are going to be proactive in prayer.  We pray over our city and stand up for what is right.  We ask God to separate the wheat from the chaff and establish His will in this place.  God desires a holy people.

Pray for the peace of Israel and pray for the peace over our city.  God is welcome at our city council meetings.  Pray for our godly Mayor and our chief of Police and other Christians who want God to make our city "Great Again."

God is requiring a willing heart to conform and make choices pleasing to God.
Pastor closed with a short prayer: 

"Lord continue to reveal to us how to pray so that your will is accomplished on earth as it is in heaven."

Begin Your Encounter with God Early

           From my notes I present a digested Bible Study Lesson from our church.

Begin Your Encounter with God Early

First thing in the morning, begin your encounter with the Holy Spirit.  As you begin your day, perhaps as you wake up, acknowledge God is with you and in you.  

God is there, even in your shower or bath and in the private areas as you prepare your day.  Have reading supplies next to your bed and a writing tablet with pen or pencil to write your prayers or dreams.  

Understand you may communicate with God as you drive your car, as you walk and do your chores.  God is listening.

Our study was from John chapter 5:2-5.  “Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.”

(The sheep gate was the first gate to be re-built in Nehemiah 3:1)  Sheep were gathered there in preparation for the Temple sacrifices.  

The man at the pool, needed spiritual healing as well, as evidenced when Jesus told him NOT to sin any more - - lest a worse thing come on him.

(From 'Got questions.org:') The Pool of Bethesda was the focus of a local Urban legend about healing, but Jesus showed that faith in religious legends and superstition is misplaced. 

It was at this pool that Jesus performed a miracle showing that He is greater than any human malady and that superstition and religious folklore are foolish and feeble substitutes for faith in God.

There was a logical explanation for the waters being stirred, as water was often released from an upper pool to add to this pool.  Today we have pools of healing such as Palm Springs, and the Hot Springs; their waters contain minerals and some claim to find relief there.

To our knowledge the Pool of Bethesda probably did not have healing minerals, but according to legend an Angel troubled the waters and first one in was healed. 

The power of belief was so strong that some actually did receive their healing after entering the water.

As Christians, we must research the scriptures when you are being taught by teachers or preachers.  Go to the Bible for yourself. 

Jesus asked the crippled man, lying there for 38 years, “Do you want to be healed?”

(Today, some may not want to be healed because they will lose their disability check and need to go to work.  It is sad when people lose their initiative.)

Jesus had told the man to get up and take your bed and walk; (Jesus did not wave his hand over him, but only using faith filled words.)  Jesus does not do magic, but his power is supernatural from heaven.

The Jews seeing this man carrying his bed on the Sabbath day; were furious upon discovering it was Jesus that healed him.  Community tradition said, don’t carry your bed on the Sabbath. 

Are you carrying a bed that you need to lay down?    Perhaps a bed of tradition that needs to be set aside and allow the Bible to be your guide.

Stand in the Gap

          Pastor Allan's Sunday sermon from my notes

A Call to Intercession

                                

Pastor Allan was ministering.  - - It is necessary to pray and step up our prayer life by increasing our set time of prayer.  God wants a greater opportunity to continually change you into His image. The only way God can change you is in prayer.  There are different kinds of prayer.  Pray with the Holy spirit, pray in agreement with others, pray as you worship and intercession.  Intercession is when you stand in the gap for a specific person or persons. 

We have a Godly mayor and we need to pray for our Mayor and her staff, pray for our city.  Pray for our chief of police.  Intercede for a city that may not be yours as Abraham did for Sodom and Gomorrah.

God said to Moses, “Get down from this mountain, for the people have sinned and I will wipe them out and make of you a great nation.  Moses bargained with God and stood as an intercessor telling God “No, you can’t do that, because what would other nations say after you brought them out of bondage?”  God listened to Moses and changed His mind about destroying them.  However because they had corrupted themselves God punished them, but did not wipe them out.

God has heard the cries of His people here in the United States.  He orchestrated an election to put President Trump in a Position; that amazed the so called majority.

What is going on in our city?  Many are in need; physically, mentally and spiritually. 

There is a need for jobs, and a solution for the homeless and those battling addiction.  Is there hope?  Can there be change complete and not just to enable those with problems.

Jonah rebelled at first, but finally he obeyed and gave the message to a large city.  He walked for three days over the miles preaching to repent or God was going to destroy Nineveh.  The King put on sack cloth and ashes, and repented as did the people.  God changed His mind when he saw their change of heart. 

As we intercede, God will answer.  We think some are a lost cause and there is no hope for them.  But the Holy Spirit says to pray for them anyway.  Pray that their minds will be turned from evil and embrace the truth of the Gospel.

Intercede for the “Dope House,” and for the “Red Light Houses.”

Do you want to see changes in your neighborhood?  Intercede for them.  They are not happy, and are in a hell of their own making.

There are so many scriptures that tell us that God will restore and heal our land as we humble ourselves and pray.

God loves the world and all in it, including those we may disdain.  God sent a sacrifice to save them.  He sent the Lamb of God to turn their hard hearts to righteous living.

God has beautiful orchards and lands, but some have been left to wither.  Due to the heat of summer, they weren’t watered and cared for.  This can be applied to our citizens in our city.  We need a culture of prayer and intercession. 

There are places in our city where you can’t walk in safety, but they are the ones that need Jesus.

Intercede for others, and be reminded that someone has interceded for you.

Jesus said in John 17:8-9 For I have given unto them the words which thou gave me; I pray for them which thou have given me; for they are thine.

Jesus is our High Priest in heaven and continues to intercede for you.  

Hebrews 7:25,26  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens - -

Singing your Prayers IS a Spiritual Weapon

All week the Holy Spirit has been giving me an exhortation and prophesy to share over my church on Sunday.  At the end of the exhortation, you will find the prophesy that has been edited for you to sing over yourself.  God showed up so powerful as this was given today.

Singing your Prayers IS a Spiritual Weapon against your troubles.

In the Bible, Singers were appointed to praise the Lord as the army went to war –

2 Chronicles 20:21-22  Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the enemy.

Notice the Bible says they were “saying;” perhaps as a chant similar to the rhythms of chanted prayer by the monks, in the form of plainsong.

Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us that God is musical and He rejoices and sings over you. - -  

The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:18-19 to…be filled with the Spirit, (by) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and “SPIRITUAL SONGS,” SINGING and making melody in your heart to the Lord…

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:16:  Let the WORD OF CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and SPIRITUAL SONGS, SINGING with Grace in your hearts to the Lord.

·      In these two verses from Paul - -You may not have noticed the words SPIRITUAL SONGS, so you might ask “What is a Spiritual Song?”

·         

·       The answer should be plain; it is a Holy Spirit Anointed song, in tongues or in English as you allow the words to flow from your spirit.   Your song will be powerful coming from the Father’s Heart.

·         

You can sing a prayer.  You can sing a blessing. You can sing a prophesy.

(Sing over yourself this prophesy)  Jesus is here now showering His blessings for what ever is my need.  I will reach out and receive.  His healing power is coming forth, being poured over my head and flowing down over my body.  I am allowing the gentle touch of the great physician to administer supernatural healing treatments to my eyes, to my ears, neck, shoulders, backs, arms, wrists, hips, legs, ankles feet and toes.  Jesus is shaping and correcting my internal organs and mending my heart, my blood and blood vessels.  I am allowing the breath of the Holy Spirit to fill my lungs this day as I breathe in HIS life from the Living Christ who is the same today as He was Yesterday.

Jesus is also saying to me: 

“You are loved, you are mine, you are forgiven – now follow me. - - -

If the Holy Spirit has ministered to you today, please write it out as a testimony and share it with your Pastor.

Enjoying a Shabbat Meal in Israel

Enjoying a Shabbat Meal in Israel

  

At our weekly meeting to pray over our city; I shared a short lesson on Intercession by J. N. Manokaran from India.  In August of this year 1000 ministers and leaders from many churches across India met to intercede for their city and for India.  

Brother Manokaran wrote: Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah even though they were not his cities.  He was concerned because his family lived there and he tried to bargain with God not to destroy the cities.

As we finished our lesson, I shared a story from my visit to Israel and the Friday evening Shabbat meal our Tour Guide arranged for us to enjoy at a traditionalist Jewish home. 

The Shabbat table was elegantly set with a beautiful table cloth, lovely china, and goblets .  The meal was in courses and each serving was meaningful for fellowship, love and family.  Wine (or sparkling drink,) then bread, Matzo ball soup, salmon, side dishes and lastly a lovely desert.  

We were given a booklet about the Shabbat meal stating the history and some interesting facts.  I noted that a Spiritual Song is usually sung without words, but it comes from the heart and is a loving embrace over the family.

I was moved to sing a Spiritual song over this family but fear overtook me because I did not want to embarrass my granddaughter and her married family who sat near me.  I thought perhaps, I could still sing to the family in the kitchen who had so graciously served us - - but I was being whisked away. 

Out in the dark street it was a long walk to once again board our bus to return to our hotel.  For my safety my arm was linked with Laurel my granddaughter’s mother-in-law.  As we walked I began to sing in the spirit, with guttural singing, and a few words in another language.

                                                                              

When I finished the song, Laurel asked, “What was that?”  I told her it was the Shabbat Song from my spirit over this evening.  “That was beautiful,” she replied.

Back to our Praying over our City meeting - - After sharing this story I gave a short message how we can sing over our city and sing our prayers.  I encouraged our people to sing as they pray.  If they are embarrassed to sing here, then sing at home as they pray.

Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us that God is musical - - 

The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:18-19 to…be filled with the Spirit, (by) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and “SPIRITUAL SONGS,” SINGING and making melody in your heart to the Lord…

So what is a Spiritual Song?  Simply it is a song that comes from Your heart as you listen to the Heart of God.  

Why not begin now to practice singing your prayers?

Jesus Redemptive Power Displayed

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

Jesus Redemptive Power Displayed

As we study the early chapters of the Gospel of John, we view Jesus with some serious encounters.

1.     Nichodemus: a prominent teacher of the Law, coming secretly at night to speak with Jesus.

2.     The Samaritan woman:  an outcast by her line of work and culture.

3.     Government officials and religious leaders who questioned his authority.

4.     Chronically sick man:  Jesus the great physician healed the man.

In chapter 4, we noted the names of God given to Jesus:  Gift of God, Messiah, The Christ, The Savior of the World, and Healer.

John 4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that said to thee, Give me to drink; thou would have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Jesus told the woman plainly, I am the Messiah.

John 4:25-26  The woman said unto him, I know that Messiah will come, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.  Jesus said unto her, I that speak unto thee am He.

John 4:42  The Samaritans came at the woman’s word but after hearing Jesus they declared: “This is indeed the Christ, the savior of the World.

John 4:46-52  Healer: The nobleman believed the words of Jesus and his son was healed in that same hour. 

How can I encounter Jesus? 

Realize the Holy Spirit is in your every day life. Acknowledge that He is here with me now.

As we eat with an attitude of thanksgiving; our food will be a blessing to our body.

As we cook and prepare a meal, we can be blessed.

Singing and praying together in fellowship.

In our accomplishments we know Jesus is helping us do well

Make a conscious decision to encounter Christ daily as you go about your duties; At home, in your car, at work, or at play.

John 14:26 But the comforter shall teach you all things. 

At the baptism of Jesus there was an explosion as heaven opened and a dove set upon him.  A voice from heaven spoke:  This is my beloved son, hear ye him.

Jesus already knew what was in the hearts of those watching.  Some questioned, but others believed.

Jesus has redemptive power to cleanse your mind and memory.  Some of us may have dreams that disturb us.  Many times those types of dreams are from the accuser, but even in a dream you can rebuke Satan and tell him to go.  Turn to Christ Jesus and apply His redeeming power over your dreams and over your thoughts.

If you are troubled about your past, invite Jesus to bring you peace.  If forgiveness is needed it is good to say verbally, “I forgive you” (even if the person is not there.)  Then forgive yourself for being involved, even if it was abuse or rape and you feel guilty though it was not your fault.  

Understand that Jesus does not accuse you, and He has already forgiven you.  Allow The Holy Spirit to bring you joy and restoration.