Pursue God More in 2016

Pursue God More in 2016

 

Pastor Allan was speaking about 2015 as I took notes and present his digested sermon.

 

2015 brought us lots of ups and downs, but we have Jesus.  There were lots of spiritual victories and good wins. 

 

The presence of God has been so real in our services and as we enter 2016 we need to keep our spiritual eyes and ears open for His leading.  We are expecting great things for the coming year.

 

Our society is moving quickly toward being Anti-Christ, but the Bible will continue to have the answers.   

We have the Holy Spirit to comfort, bless, guide, and we are blessed with anointed ministers to preach truth.

 

Things in this world may change, but our God never changes.  The Word of God is sure and perfect.  Our job is to spread the Word. 

The best way to do that is to be faithful to live our live as an example for others.

 

Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

 

No matter what decisions are made – God will do as He pleases.   Our goal for 2016 is to Pursue God further than we did last year.

 

In the Garden God said, Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed, He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.  

 

God’s plan for salvation has never changed.  His plan was in effect prior to the fall, and He made provision for a Savior.  God has not forgotten you.

Between Mary being obedient and Jesus being willing to become the provision for the ultimate sacrifice, God's plan was put into action.  We are challenged to press forward, no matter what.  No backward steps, only ahead, we must press forward.

If you are not satisfied where you are in Christ, know this, that God has not changed His plan for you.  His love never changes.

Jesus Cried out.  "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

This past week, someone came into the church and took Pastor's jacket.  My friend wanted to go after her, but I said, "Let it go, I forgive her."

In 2016 let us love a bit more and forgive more often.  Having said this, be ready for a test, because the test will come. 

When people come into our church, we need to show them love and acceptance, for this may be the only time we will see them.  The more we learn to forgive, it increases our capacity to love. 

Through the Spirit of Love, comes Kindness and Joy.

The "church" as a whole has relaxed their stance on "Good and Evil."  We need to get back to the basics.

Let God use you in 2016.  First "Believe."  We must not forget who it is we serve. 

Are we going to believe City Hall who tells us Jesus Christ is not acceptable?  Are we going to believe the doctors' bad report?  Who are we going to follow?  Are we going to pursue the world or God?

It is not wrong to have nice things, just thank God you are blessed and don't allow things to come between you and God.

Jeremiah 29 - and you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

God will listen when you cry out and seek His face.  Getting close to God is a necessity, and more important than breathing.  Taking steps backward only makes things worse.

No matter who is elected in November of this year, it will not change God's plans.

This is the season to pursue God.  What worked last season will not work now.  The leaves fall off the trees, but Spring is coming with new blossoms and fresh fruit.  The old songs are stale; we need new songs in the Night.

Happiness is circumstantial, but joy is everlasting.

So it really doesn't matter if Pastor Allan's jacket is stolen - - Joy, Joy, Joy in my heart.

This season, we are done with Christmas, but we are not done with Hope.
 

Acts 16:24-25 the jailer was told to keep Paul and Silas secure. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.  But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

No matter what their circumstances Paul and Silas knew how to praise and worship God.

We know of a man who spent 35 years in prison, where he found Christ and began a ministry where he was then located.  Serve Jesus where you are and praise Him always.

A change of scenery doesn't change you, for God is always the same and His love and His plan never changes.

Our desire is that Open Door Church will experience a move of God never expected before; and may God in 2016 be our strength, our provision and comfort as we go out to enter our personal mission field.