Strength Come

There I was working on my lesson for Wednesday and my black ink ran dry.  I needed to print the hand outs for our prayer meeting the next day; and as I went to change the ink in my computer, all I had was colored ink and no black.  What to do?  So I loaded up my dogs and we drove to Wal-Mart as they now sell ink.

While shopping, I noticed a young Asian couple and the wife was carrying their baby. Suddenly she began to buckle up and fall, as the gentleman grabbed the baby. A woman near by, took the child from him so he could attend to his wife on the floor.

I stopped to watch and really didn't gather all my wits about me except - - - I slowly and quietly moved over to where she lay, and placed my hand on her bended knee, and spoke; "Strength Come." 

Soon she was able to sit but I told her husband not to get her up too quick because she needed some time to recover herself and rest a bit. 

Then I went on.  Now pay attention for this is a lesson for you on how our Enemy comes to bring condemnation telling you that you did not do enough, and you could have done more. - -

While I was driving home, Satan, planted thoughts in my mind: "She needed something to eat and you had soda crackers in your purse, saved from last time you had soup with Ruby.  You should have seen that she got a drink of water." 

That was true, I did have crackers in my purse, but at the time they were far from my mind, and I did not consider giving her water at the time.

Yes, all that was true, but even though the devil is a liar, he can use truth to beat you over the head. 

I did NOT need to repent, because I did what I was led to do at the time, and I believe I did the right thing. So I am at peace. However, I do trust she is doing okay now.

 

Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge

 

Today we take One further Step - -

 

Parents often step in when children are fighting, and even if their child is wrong, they will defend their darling.  God is like that.  God is not happy when others attack his kids, or mistreat them with words or actions.

 

Most of us at one time or the other have been wrongly or even rightly accused of being a mean hateful person.  As a Christian, we even fester and fuss before letting it go, and quoting to ourselves, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.” 

 

God has a way of causing; “What you sow is what you reap,” to accomplish his purpose.

 

After Cain murdered his brother, God cut him off from his family members, and sent him and his wife to the land of Nod to become a vagabond.  Cain remarked “my punishment is “more than I can bear and people will want to kill me.”  God said, “No because whosoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.”

 

God is Long suffering, patient and kind, but many times in the Bible, God simply got “ticked off” and rained fire and brimstone on those who sinned, such as the two cities Sodom and Gomorrah.  Other times in his anger against blatant sin, He opened up the earth and swallowed whole families even though they were of the Children of Israel.  

 

God puts up with a lot of foolishness and nonsense, but eventually He says, “Enough is enough” and He takes action.

 

In the New Testament, God struck Ananias and his wife Sapphira, dead because they lied to the Holy Ghost. 

 

There were other occasions when God was angry and ready to punish those who were disobedient to his will, or were harming one of his sons or daughters – but because there was an intercessor, his hand was stayed.

 

While Moses was in the glory cloud face to face with God and was receiving the commandments and the law, - The Children of Israel provoked God as they quickly turned to worship the golden calves that Aaron fashioned for them.  Exodus 32:7-10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou brought out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted them-selves.  They have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.  And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people:  Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them:

Moses spoke up and reminded God of his promises to Abraham, and said, “What would the surrounding nations say about a God who delivers and then wipes out his own children.”

Moses was begging God “Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge.”

 

Luke 23:34 Jesus was terribly mistreated by his own people, and as he was dying on the cross, He cried out to God; “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”  He was asking God, “Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge.”

 

Acts 7:  Steven was mightily used of God performing miracles that upset the Jewish leaders.  As he spoke about Moses and the prophets and acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God who was killed by them, but now was alive for He rose from the dead - - they clinched their teeth, and began to yell and stone him.  As Steven lay dying, he saw Jesus reaching out to receive him, and he cried with a loud voice, “Lord Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge.”

 

Today as we prepare to pray over our city, let us ask God to have mercy on those who are living contrary to God’s will.  Ask God to NOT send vengeance on those who have been deliberate in their sinning and turning their back on Jesus.  Can we pray: “Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge.”

 

Understand that each of us as Children of God, when persons come against you and trouble you that we are not to retaliate, or “pay back,” but to leave the vengeance to God.  Romans 12:19-20.

 

Often we find ourselves gloating and hoping that God will avenge us and “Get them good.”  We are happy to imagine how God will bring his wrath on them for hurting and offending us.

 

I would like us to take an unusual step that we normally do not take:  Instead of desiring those who persecute us to suffer the wrath of God and His vengeance; Might we consider asking God to NOT hold those persons accountable. 

 

Yes, we are considering those really awful persons who have given you trouble - - Those mean and vicious persons who have maliciously said unkind things to you, told lies about you and your loved ones, and perhaps make fun of your faith in Jesus.  Those persons who have stolen from you, abused you, harshly mistreated you; Those persons who showed you NO respect but wiped their feet on you.

 

Can we find it within ourselves (through God’s love and mercy that resides inside us) to pray, Lord, Lay Not their Sin against me - - to their charge?

 

I assume that in your heart you have already forgiven these persons or person who came against you. 

 

Are you willing to take the next step and intercede for them that trouble will not be their friend?  Because you are praying:  “Lord, Lay Not their Sin against me - - to their charge.

 

Plead the Blood of Jesus

Today we met to Plead the Blood over our city. Not just ANY Blood, but the precious Blood of Jesus must cover our citizens, our families and our friends.

Only the Blood of Jesus will save, heal and make a person, whole in their spirit, soul and body.  His blood was pure, and did not have the nature of Adam.  The baby Jesus did not have any blood from his mother's blood from Adam. The blood of Jesus came from His Father who was God. 

This meant his blood was unique and was able to flow from Calvary and cover the sins of the world.  It is because of His blood that we may boldly enter the Holy of Holies and approach God for ourselves.

Lord we plead the blood to cover our sick city.  I sprinkle the Blood of Jesus over broken hearts, sad attitudes, sin in all of its forms, and disease, virus, flu and all infirmities.

 Reading a portion from Hebrews 9:22-28 (KJV)
 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

 

Prophets Old and NEW

Edited from our Wednesday Meeting Praying Over our City
 

 

I just returned from a Prophetic Conference at Bethel, Redding, California, and at our Praying Over our City, I gave a short review:

One of the speakers reminded us that Super Natural is not Super Weirdo, but Natural to the Spiritual Person. And we are SPIRIT, live in a body and have a Soul.   God speaks to us in our spirit but often it seems like it is our own thoughts.

The prophets in the Old Testament often warned but they also could ‘see’ into the future and would tell what would happen.  Samuel saw Saul’s lost donkeys and told him they were safe. Many times their message was full of gloom and doom. 

New Testaments prophets are to speak positive good words of what is in the heart of God as they listen to His voice.

Jesus is still speaking today, even though He is in heaven.  Of course He speaks through the Word, but today more and more Jesus speaks to the Believer in their inner person. 

Peter is preaching:  Acts 3:21-22 God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.  For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 

(Notice at the time Peter is preaching this, Jesus is in heaven doing all His speaking from there to the listening spiritual ears of believers.)

Hebrews 1:1-2  God, who at former times and in divers manners spoke unto the fathers by the prophets,  Has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 

 

(Again Jesus is speaking to us from heaven and we must prophesy the words He is saying to us.) 

Revelations 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

 We have at least 3 witnesses saying that the spirit of prophecy is the testimony (or words) from Jesus speaking from Heaven to your heart so you may share them at appointed times. 

God is rising up a Prophetic Culture of Believers who are learning to listen and then speak out the Heart of Jesus over situations.

I shared a bit about something interesting at the Prophetic conference.  A group of the students from the School of the supernatural were on the platform and were asked how they saw or heard before they would prophesy.

One young Asian woman said she loves numbers and the Lord often shows her numbers about a person as she illustrated. She gave 4 numbers and said it is part of an address and asked if it meant anything to anyone in the audience. A gentleman stood and said yes. She proceeded to give the street name and the man said, yes that is my church. She said, is your name Joshua, and he said yes. Each time, she gave praise to Jesus for telling her about this man. Then she prophesied that something was going on in his church, but The Lord was making it alright, and his ministry would grow and be blessed.

 

Actually this was a combination of two spiritual gifts. The word of Knowledge (knowing something you would not normally know.) and prophesy telling the person what God is willing for them to have in the future.

 

Then we had the lesson and something stirred within me. The name Edith came to my mind, and I asked if the name Edith meant anything to the ladies sitting there.  All seemed puzzled - - So nothing.  I said, “Well that was a test.” (Test for me to learn to obey.)  Awhile later one of the ladies said, “What if she was my friend, but she is now in heaven?” So we rejoiced that Edith is in heaven. I suggested we all need to learn to develop our listening and see what God will do in our midst.

After the meeting we dismissed, and I turned and started to re-enter the church because I thought I had forgot my bottle of water. I opened the door and Pastor Allan said, is there anything you need sister? I said, No, I thought I forgot my water, but the Lord just told me that I put it in my purse. Back to the car - - and sure enough there it was.

Learn to Listen to God's voice and go ahead and give God credit for telling you.

"Partnering with the Angels."

 

 

 

 

"Partnering with the Angels."   Highlights from

Chapter 3, “Secrets of the Seer” by Jamie Galloway

 Jesus is King.  Although he came as a servant, He is now King.  God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit are one triune God.  To ask God to do all the work himself is like asking the King to mow the lawn.  A king has servants and God has a host of heavenly beings.   

When the Kingdom of God is expanding, then the dominion of His rule expands, and the enemies of the Kingdom weaken. 

Jesus named the enemies:  Sickness, broken hearts, poverty, oppression and death. 

Angels heed the voice of His Words.  God wants to speak through you, because you are His voice on the earth to activate the heavenly kingdom. 

Psalms 102:19-22 The LORD has prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, you his angels that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will. Bless the LORD, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Angels wait and listen for the voice.  God’s words come out of our mouth.  Angels agree with God’s words and take action.

Matthew 18:16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 

We agree with God’s word, and speak and the angels hear from the Holy Spirit and move to do God’s will. 

There may be times we have entertained angels and did not realize it.  Hebrews 13:2 Be kind to strangers, for some have entertained angels unawares.

Various persons in the Bible did not consider it was an angel visiting until later. Peter was released from prison by an angel.  The angels who visited Lot came in the form of men.  Abraham did not suspect the three (3) men who came to announce that he would have a son, were angels until later.   

Elijah could see into the spiritual atmosphere and was able to view the army of the Lord on horses ready to protect them from the enemy. 

Angel visits were through out the Old and New Testament.  Angels shut the lion’s mouths and preserved Daniel. 

Angels came to minister to Jesus after he had fasted for 40 days.  Jesus was tempted and battled to keep his will tuned to the Father’s will. 

Saul who became Paul, saw a bright light that blinded him.  He heard a voice telling him where to go and what to do.   

Angels often appear as lights carrying gifts.  James 1:17  Every good and perfect gift is from God. This kind of gift comes down from the Father who created the heavenly lights. These lights create shadows that move. But the Father does not change like these shadows. 

Heaven is full of light and glory.  Often when angels appear they seem as flashes of light from the corner of your eyes.  Be aware next time this happens to you, because angels are all around. 

Hebrews 1:3  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 

Hebrews 1:13-14 Now to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand until I make your enemies your footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 

Angels create an atmosphere for the presence of God.  The more you seek Jesus and His presence; it will be revealed to you, there is more than just knowledge that angels exist to experiencing a life filled with angelic activity.   Angels love to worship God and they join in when you worship Jesus.   

Entertaining angels is not worshiping them, but partnering with them to minister.

Angels refuse worship and John was chastised when he bowed to an angel.  “Only worship God for I am a servant like you are,” the angel told him.

Angels perform the Word of God.  Psalms 103:20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 

We speak God’s Word and angels respond.  The angel told Daniel, I have come because of your words.  Daniel 10:12  Declaring the Word of God brings heaven to earth. 

Angels are on assignment to ensure that God’s Kingdom is growing and to bring assistance so that Jesus is Glorified.   

Every time a work of God is done on earth by His people, the Kingdom expands and the enemy is weakened. We obey and acting out of generosity, cast a demon off an oppressed soul, speak life; bring healing to a broken heart or body;  Give to the poor, raise a child in grace and wisdom, we help expand the Kingdom of God on earth. 

When angels become aware of the works of God being accomplished, they step into a place of action.  

In the last days angels will preach the gospel.   Record numbers in foreign lands are testifying they came to Jesus after a vision, a dream or a visitation by an angel. 

Psalms 34:7  The angel of the LORD encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them. 

Angels hear us speak and are activated to do God’s will on earth.  Angels are in motion as they hear God’s words through your voice.

How Does God Judge?

Please follow me at my new site:  CHEWING THE BREAD OF LIFE

Our Bible Study began with taking communion, and a reading from the Bible, about Remembering Christ’s death; that his blood was shed, and his body was broken for you and me. 

God was displeased with King Saul who in direct disobedience had taken it upon himself to light the sacrifice.  God’s judgment was to lift the Holy Spirit from King Saul.  Instead, a spirit of melancholy and jealousy troubled him.  Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse, because one of his sons was to become anointed as a new king. 

1 Samuel 16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."

God was pleased with David’s son Solomon who later became king, but God warned him:   1 Chronicles 28:9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

Peter reminds us that we are special.  God has chosen to dwell in us and we are in Him.  Jesus reminded us that He is in the Father, and the Father in Him, and He is in us; by the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 2:9 You are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

As Jesus ministered on earth, many of the Religious leaders judged him.  They accused Him of having a devil, and that he was preaching strange doctrine.

Jesus said in the law it is written by 2 or 3 witness’s truth will be made known.

John 8:15-19  “You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. “But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. “Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. “I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.” So they were saying to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.”

Jesus spoke of his death, and that soon He would be leaving.  The people and also his disciples did not understand and they questioned, where is he going?  Why does he say in a little while?

Jesus confronted them, because he knew they wanted to kill him.  The leaders denied that anyone wanted him dead, but knew in their hearts that he was speaking truth.  The people claimed to be the seed of Abraham, but Jesus told them, if that were so, you would believe me, but because you do not believe, your father is the devil for he is a liar and a murderer from the beginning. They thought as long as they did not steal and murder they would be okay.

The Jewish people were attacking Jesus very being and especially His words; feeling that they justified in trying to kill Jesus.  They told Jesus, you are not yet fifty years old, and how can you speak of being with Abraham?  Jesus said, before Abraham was, “I AM.”  Jesus was using the Old Testament name of God that was given to Moses, (tell them “I AM” has sent you.)  This statement placed Jesus as God and they knew his meaning.  Now they were serious about putting Him to death – saying he blasphemed.

Jesus willingly took the assignment to go to the cross and shed His blood, and his body to be broken.  Upon his resurrection, Jesus became our High Priest.  The Priest could not enter the Holy of Holies unless he was without sin and had been purified.

Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in LIFE by one, Jesus Christ.

Samuel came to anoint David to become the new King.  God said, “Don’t look on the face or his height.  God had rejected King Saul because of his sins.  The Lord looks on the heart and chose Solomon to become the next king. 

Understand that when you accept Jesus as your Lord that he creates in you a clean heart.  Jesus intercedes in heaven for you that your faith will not fail. 

Allow the Holy Spirit to show you how to respond when you are challenged for your faith. 

Keep your heart (attitude) right and your ears ready to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.

A Heavenly Language

I will still be using Chewing the Bread of Life Blog but am posting this message here as well - -

Does Heaven have its own language?  Is this Language more powerful than any other?

 

Speaking and Praying in other tongues is using a Heavenly Language.  Often others will hear in their own language your words, but what you speak and what they hear may be two different things.  To you it may be gibberish, but to the hearer it is a language.  Interesting !  

On YouTube is a very good message about Tongues and reasons for using this gift.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omJ64XuEnMo  

After viewing this very informative video, I had some thoughts that may interest you.

Remember Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis?  What language do you think they spoke?  It must have been the same language that God speaks, and I doubt that it was English.  Consider that they spoke a Heavenly Language and communicated with God in God’s natural tongue.  This language had power and strength when believed to accomplish the impossible.  Adam and Eve took this language with them when they were escorted out of the garden.   

As people grew in number they decided to build a tower to reach heaven.  They were all speaking this Heavenly Language derived from the beginning in the garden.  God knew that they could accomplish anything they set their mind to do; and were in agreement with one another.  Even a tower to reach heaven?  Impossible you say, but God thought otherwise. 

God made a decision and that was to remove the Language of Heaven, bring confusion and disburse to everyone different earthly languages.   Now their communication with each other was like babble and they could no longer understand each other.  This resulted in a separation of groups each leaving with their family; going in different directions and the building of the tower stopped. 

When Jesus gave the 400 who gathered on the mountain the instructions to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit - - only 120 considered his commandment important.  We still have people today who feel this Baptism of Fire and speaking in other tongues is really not important, but Jesus thought it was extremely necessary.   

 

Jesus said, “You shall receive POWER after that the Holy Spirit Baptizes you.” 

The prophets of old prophesied that this out pouring would happen and that marvelous encounters with God would occur.   

What is the secret to the Glory and Power to generate the Works of God?   

God was restoring the Heavenly Language where nothing would be impossible to those who pray using their gift of tongues.  After Pentecost - - the Heavenly language would activate heaven’s door to open gifts that could be sent down from heaven to mankind with power to do the greater works of Jesus.   

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord 

Are you willing to activate the most powerful weapon in the armor of God?  It is to loose the tongue to pray in Heaven’s Language.  This language calls forth the angelic host to come and partner with you to do the miraculous.   

It is time to set aside your preconceived ideas that tongues are okay, but not really needed. 

Take note what is happening around you when you lay aside your prodigious traditional thinking and embrace the power that is available to you, in utilizing your Heavenly Language. 

Understand that knowing and doing are two different things.   Set aside time to pray using your gift. 

When I walk in my yard, when I drive my car, I sing in tongues, and generate a change in the atmosphere, so can you.

Moving to a new blog - Please follow me there

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, I am making some changes with this blog "A Joyful Noise"   - -

I am re-opening my other blog and changing its name to "Chewing the Bread of Life."  this is the site address:   I will be posting there for now:  https://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/


Please click on https://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/ and then enter your e-mail address in the follow box. 

Thank you for your co-operation.

Blessings to you all. 
Hazel Moon

Praise in the Storm

From my notes I present a digested Bible Study at our church

 

 

Our Bible Study lesson began with Matthew 14:22-36, John 6:16-21 and Mark 6:47-51. These are three versions of the story about the disciples leaving in their boat without Jesus; as He stayed behind to pray.

The darkness of night plus the wind and waves of a storm were giving the fishermen deep trouble.  Suddenly in the shadows they could see a figure of a man walking on the water toward them.  Fear struck their hearts thinking this must be a ghost, but Jesus spoke and said, “It is I, do not be afraid, but be of good cheer.”  

 

Peter still doubting, but exercising boldness, said, "IF it is you, bid me come to you."  Jesus replied, “Come,” and with courage, Peter made that leap of faith and began to walk on water toward Jesus.

 

However the circumstances of life overcame Peter as he took his eyes off Jesus, and he began to sink.  “Lord save me,” Peter cried.  Jesus reached out and lifted him up above his problems and together they walked to the boat.  Immediately the storm was stilled and the terrified disciples welcomed Jesus and Peter into the boat.  They worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Jesus was revealing to them His glory a bit at a time. 

The Children of Israel were just leaving Egypt and Moses requested God to go with them,  God said His presence would be with them in their journey.  Moses then asked to see the glory of God  Exodus 33:14-23  and God said:

“You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Later Moses met with God for 40 days on the mountain, and just being in God’s presence caused his face to shine.  The people were terrified to see the glory of God surrounding Moses. 

We must not judge the disciples or the people who were frightened of the glory, because at times we too are guilty.  We hesitate to take that extra step and enter the glory cloud where the Holy Spirit will be able to show us great and mighty things.

The disciples did not understand that Jesus was to become the sacrifice for the sins of the World.  They were being told almost daily, but their understanding was thickened and dull. 

 

When John proclaimed “This is the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world,” their ears were not attuned to receive truth.  They had a different scenario in mind expecting Jesus to take over the government and become King, so they were not open to hear the message of death and resurrection.

We question and ask:  Why is there suffering, pain, fear, emotional distress and death in this world?  Does God do this? 

As we look at Job, we see that it was the devil that caused destruction to Job’s family and his wealth.  God allowed this to happen, but God did not cause it.  This was a test to see how Job would respond if he lost children and worldly goods.   During the pain and suffering, God revealed himself to Job and taught him that through it all, God was still there with him.  God asked Job to lean on Him.  

 

God also asks us to lean on Him.  Trust is strong and God is revealing his glory to us as we seek Him.

Jesus wanted to take his disciples to a higher level of faith - - no matter what circumstance we are facing.  The disciples were like a yo-yo believing and doubting even after Christ death and resurrection. 

 

Jesus gently was opening up their understanding as he taught them for 40 days.  At Pentecost they were infused with the glory of God and began to realize that there was more and God was making his power available to them.

If we are in a storm of life, may we learn to praise God IN the storm as praise and worship will bring us peace, because Jesus is taking us safely to the other side.

 

God’s Plan for 2018

From my notes I present a digested sermon as Pastor Allan ministered on Sunday.

 

 

 

The atmosphere at church was charged with the presence of God, and Pastor hesitated to pull away and begin preaching.

 

He began:  I don’t know about you, but 2017 for many of us, we experienced bad things; Sickness, death, fires, and threats of a flood and destruction.  But through it all, God was protecting, and keeping us in His care.

 

We try to figure out things for ourselves and maybe we would have done things differently, but we must enter a New Year with eyes wide open with NO regrets.

 

There were positive things too in 2017.  We were encouraged about the unity at the prayer service at the State Theatre. 

 

Our attitude is important as we enter 2018.   Know God has a good plan for you – A Hope in God.  He knows exactly His plans, but it is important to stay in His will.

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

 

Psalms 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."

 

Understand that God always has YOU on His mind, for a good future, and that is good.
 

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

 

There are pressures, and we sometimes allow things in our life that should not be there.

God loves you and He desires you to be free from things that hinder you.

Psalms 145: 18-19 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

This New Year, continue to have conversations with God.  He desires to prosper and bless you.  Realize it is the enemy who does not want God to bless you.

 

Learn to claim answers to your own prayers, and don’t depend on Grandma’s prayers.

God desires to bless you, but there are conditions.  Walk in His truth and in His Way.  Keep a tender heart and keep seeking God.

 

At Christmas time, we turned on the TV and there was a program about “Treasure seekers,” who have given all their fleshly life looking for what may or may not be there.

 

The truth is that the treasures of God are real and not fantasy.  His will is to bless and his plans are good.

 

Seek Him and know He wants to be found.  Your Heavenly Father knows you need certain things. 

 

Don’t worry about tomorrow, but seek first the Kingdom of God and all these other things will be added onto you.
 

One of my favorite things is to listen to others tell of the great things God has done for them.  Serving God is exciting, with out ever a dull moment.

 

Lastly I would encourage you to ask, “What can I do for God in 2018?  How much more can I give?  Pray for your neighbors even those in conflict with you.  Show God’s love to others.  You might not be able to change the world, but let God change you. 

 

Without Love all good works are simply nothing.  You are missing it if you are not ministering with love.

 

God loved us and gave us His Son.  Receive the fullness of His love.  All service to God in interlinked with love.

1.     God loves you and has a good plan for you.

2.     Operate in His will to know what his plan is.

3.     Go deeper in God, seek His face

4.     Love others.

 

You might say:  “You want me to go where?  To do what?  You want me to give up that?

If you really want a deeper level then we must be willing to obey.

 

But someone hurt my feelings !!   Honestly so was Jesus hurt, betrayed, beaten, criticized, but He did not allow his hurt to stop Him from fulfilling His destiny.

 

What is holding you back?  Are you willing to set it aside and step forward?

I encourage you to engage in prayer daily.

 

Realize God’s plan for you is Good.