Total Recovery

2 Kings 6:4-7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁴ So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. ⁵ But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, my master! For it was borrowed.” ⁶ Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. ⁷ He said, “Take it up for yourself.” So he put out his hand and took it.

 

You are getting ready to recover all. Everything you lost was set up for your good. There were some things that weren't good for you. Stop crying over relationships. They couldn't handle where you were going. Baggage slows you down.

 

Recovery = The gaining of something you lost or taken away.

 

God has the last word.

 

Isaiah 55:8

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

 

We see several things in 2 Kings:

 

2 Kings 6:4

 

⁴ So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.

 

1. If you don't recover everything admit you lost it. Evaluate your life. You may have lost a weapon. 

    The axehead represents power of the Holy Ghost. You didn't pray, fast, read your Word like you

    said you would. You couldn't find the  strength or hold onto it. What did you lose?

 

Cross references:

1. Isaiah 55:8 : Is 65:2; 66:18
2. Isaiah 55:8 : Is 53:6

2 Kings 6:5

 

 ⁵ But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, my master! For it was borrowed.”

 

2. He admitted that it was borrowed. Your blessings belong to God and not you. We think it is our

    own selves when things go right.

 

2 Kings 6:6

 

⁶ Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float.

 

3. He went back to the place where he lost it. Where did you lose it? Did you lose it through

    fornication? When you bought the last rap album? When you went to the club? Admit where you

    lost it. Where did your tithe, anointing, prayer life go? You have to analyze your life.

 

4. He also trusted in divine power. What happened to your life you stopped believing in the   

    supernatural? He believed God. You've been taking it out of His hand.

 

1 Peter 5:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷ casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

 

Matthew 11:28

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁸ “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

 

Cross references:

1. 1 Peter 5:7 : Ps 55:22; Matt 6:25

Why are you taking it into your hands?

 

5. He hooked up with the man of God. Hook up with someone who has power. Certain blessings

    won't hit your life until you hook up with the man of God. The Children of Israel didn't get their

    blessing until Moses lead them.

 

6.  The axehead did swim. Iron isn't suppose to do that. God will do things in your life that's not

     suppose to happen. You may not know how it will happen but He will blow the mind of your

     enemies.

 

7. 2 Kings 6:7

 

⁷ He said, “Take it up for yourself.” So he put out his hand and took it.

 

 Some of you think total recovery will just come and you don't have to do anything. He put out his hand out and took it. Put out your hand. Your miracle is in the motion. God already released your miracle. You have to put your hand out and let the Holy Ghost pass you by.

It's New To Me

This message was preached by Elder Osiris McClough

Joshua 3:5-8,13-17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁵ Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” ⁶ And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people.
⁷ Now the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you. ⁸ You shall, moreover, command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”

¹³ It shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above will stand in one heap.” ¹⁴ So when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people, ¹⁵ and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest), ¹⁶ the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho. ¹⁷ And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

Joshua was the foot of the river. He was with Moses when the Red Sea was parted. God will do something new to the people but it is not new to Him. This was a brand new group that came to the Jordan. Joshua had already seen God move. He had faith. Sometimes God will do something new for you all over again. Joshua was being pursued. A river represents a situation or a problem that is to block your path to your promise. There are risks in jumping in the water to soon. When we jump head first we drown. We need to prepare and not move too fast. When you rush it doesn’t work out. Here are other situations we can come across:

1.     Cloudy water – It’s hard to see. You can’t see where you are going. We can get caught up and miss what is going on with all that is going on.

2.     Steep Banks – They prevent exits. When you get down too far you can’t get out. We move too fast and we get stuck.

3.     Undercurrent – We can get swept away and possibly dragged under the water. We feel overwhelmed with what’s going on and we became depressed, miserable, have suicidal thoughts.

4.     Strong weeds – Legs can get entangled. People in your life you drag them where you go. They become a burden and you sink. Cut them off.

Let's look at Joshua again:

⁵ Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

 Get yourself together. You can’t take some things into 2012.

⁸ You shall, moreover, command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’” 

You have to take God with you wherever you go. We lead too much and don’t want God to lead.

¹³ It shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, and the waters which are^]flowing down from above will stand in one heap.”

God is in the middle of your problem and situation. The waters become still when God moves first and become subject to Him.

¹⁴ So when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people,

When it is time to move it’s time to move. You can’t stay stagnant.

¹⁵ and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest), 

After God leads you get yourself right. You let God get into the middle of the thing you get to your harvest.

¹⁶ the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho.

When God lifts everything up everything that hinders us will get cut off. God is ready to move for all of us. 

¹⁷ And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan. 

Sweatless victory. He is ready to do anew thing before you.

2 Corinthians 5:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷ for we walk by faith, not by sight—

Reruns- God will do it all over again. There’s a new season after the rerun. You get double for your trouble. If you can just hold on God is getting ready to do something new.

Psalm 37:25

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁵ I have been young and now I am old,
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or his descendants begging bread.

You're Too Legit To Quit

2 Corinthians 2:14

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.  

Psalm 47:1

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹ O clap your hands, all peoples;
Shout to God with the voice of joy. 

You’ve come too far to quit. You can’t throw in the towel in December. Don’t let the devil play with your mind. This is the last day you pay him any attention. Do not let him drive.

See yourself on the top. He wants you to leave your church, family. Say NO! If you can hold on a little while longer. IF you hold on your family will hold on. IF you throw in the towel the devil has won. If he takes you out he won a whole nation. It’s not about you.

Joshua 24:15

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁵ If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Cross references:

1. Joshua 24:15 : Judg 6:10

We will not have a pity party. You’ve come too far to look back. Don’t lose your testimony this time of the year. It will cost you too much.

Proverbs 24:6

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁶ For by wise guidance you will wage war,
And in abundance of counselors there is victory.

You have to have the voice of triumph. There’s your victory. You may be broke on the outside but you’ve been speaking prosperity. Learn how to speak like a millionaire. Speak life.

Proverbs 18:21

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²¹ Death and life are in the ^]power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.  

Use your tongue to speak life. Stop cursing people and cussing people out. Is your vocabulary lining up with your situation or what’s on the way? You can’t live in the right now. You’ll go to the grave early. Believe in yourself. Have faith for yourself. Learn how to speak the language.

Let your next relationship be the last one because soul ties are something serious. You are still trying to deal with stuff from years ago while trying to deal with this one. If it doesn’t have potential to get to the altar break it off.

Triumphant is the act of be triumph, significant success, going through obstacle course. The devil will play a movie to get you off course when you see it speak triumphantly.

Galatians 6:9

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁹ Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

 

Psalm 71:16

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁶ I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

 

2 Chronicles 20:15

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁵ and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.

Cross references:

1. 2 Chronicles 20:15 : Ex 14:13; Deut 20:1-4; 2 Chr 32:7, 8
2. 2 Chronicles 20:15 : 1 Sam 17:47

You are weary because you are fighting in your strength. The children of Israel felt like grasshoppers when they went to spy out the land (Numbers 13:33). Joshua went in the strength of the Lord (Joshua 1). No matter how big the situation is you have to believe God and live by faith. Are you the type of Christian that praise God because He did it or because you don’t know when He is going to do it but you will praise Him anyhow? To faint is to fall out. Some of you are there spiritually. You are too close to the house. GO to the enemy’s camp and take it back.

Matthew 11:12

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men ^[take it by force.

We have to be aggressive and not take everything.  The devil knows where to throw the dart, what button to push. Life is like a 100m dash with hurdles. Some of you are about to walk into the greatest blessing. Don’t kick people out of your life. They are being used by the devil. Just love on them. You will be victorious whether the devil likes it or not. Walk around and declare that the bills will be paid. Stay away from the dram killers. They can be anywhere. Don’t walk another day without the authority of Jesus.

Exodus 12:7,22-23

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷ Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it.  

²² You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning.  ²³ For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you.

Acts 7:48

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁴⁸ However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says:

Cross references:

1. Acts 7:48 : Luke 1:32

When the blood is on your life the devil will come but he has to walk on by. Don’t let the devil rest on you, lay a nest and hatch eggs. In your prayer time Satan will make you feel like your prayers are bouncing off the wall. He’s a liar. Your prayers are shaking heaven. Faith it until you make it no. Not fake it.

Hebrews 11:1

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

It’s in you and you have to believe it until it manifests. Don’t let the devil have what is not his: joy, happiness, peace, mind, anointing, ministry, body. If God is in it the devil can’t destroy it. If it is not of God it will crumble. 

Exodus 14:13

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹³ But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.

What is God given, flesh given, or devil given? God throws you in the court of life for you to score in the scheme of the play. Just don’t step out of bounds. As long as you are not bringing shame do what you know to do. Don’t let your current circumstance rob you of seeing the bigger picture. Start putting the pieces together. Don’t pick up another wrong piece. You can’t afford to date the wrong person, work at the wrong place, go to the wrong church. If you make the wrong decision you will disqualify yourself.  There will be a corporate blessing over L.O.G.I.C. 

Get the right people around you and get rid of the wrong people. You can’t carry dead weight this season. You may think it is too late. It is never too late. You still have time to start fresh.

Preperation H

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, ⁴ for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. ⁵ We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

All around the world the holidays is the most depressing season of some people's lives. They reflect on family relationships. Most suicides happen during this time. The devil wants to weigh you down. David said that he was glad when he was told to go to the house of the Lord (Psalm 122:1). The devil will do whatever he can to make you lose focus on God.

2 Corinthians 10:4

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁴ for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

2 Corinthians 10:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

What is warfare? It is a military operation.

John 10:10

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

The devil will have you to think what is wrong.

Here are four points to look at:

1. Our weapons are not carnal. We can't fight this in the natural. Get on your knees and access the power of God. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov 18:21).The devil will use anyone to get to you. You have to have a discerning spirit and know who you are fighting against. Learn how to fight in the spirit otherwise you will fight in the flesh and you will get tired.

2. Learn how to pull down strongholds. Strongholds are demonic atmospheres around you. The more you are anointed the more devils you have to fight. You have more power than the devil. God will let you discern when the devil is plotting against you. He wants you to feel that no one loves you. Learn to take a licking and keep on ticking. When you deal with the atmosphere that means you are growing. When you deal with a stronghold angelic activity increases in your life. The devil can't touch your life. He wants to. What the devil shows you is an illusion. The movie you star in doesn't have his ending.  There's a happy ending.

3. Cast down imaginations (2 Cor 10:5). When you do it is all in the mind. Philosophical strongholds that go against what you believe tell you that it doesn't take all that praying, reading the Word, etc. You have to know that you know that what you believe is real. Don't give the devil credit. Santa is not real and neither is the Easter bunny. Jesus is the real reason for the season. Philosophical strongholds come against your faith. When your vision comes before sometimes the thought that it is not God or it can't be done because it's too big or where are you going to get the money from may come.The devil will show you the worst. When He does cast it down. When you speak the word and get God's picture the devil's image can't bother you.

Isaiah 54:17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁷ “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper;
And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Proverbs 24:16

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁶ For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,
But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.

Stop thinking because you messed up God is not going to bless you.

4. Understand the Word of God.

Hosea 4:6

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being My priest.
Since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.

Let this be the season you are full of the Word.

Proverbs 4:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷ “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

Hebrews 4:12

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹² For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Learn when, where and how to apply the Word of God.

1 Timothy 1:18

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁸ This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,

What has been spoken over you? You know it is God because you have heard the same thing from several people over several years.

Jesus is your joy. Remember that joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)

Afflictions

This message was preached by Stephen Brown at Sunday Night At the Light

Psalm 34:18-19

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁸ The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

2011 has been a difficult year for some of us. 2012 is the year of total recovery. He will give it to you triple. You are not cursed. It is the will of God. He is not after you. It is His will that He take through transition. He strips you before He blesses you.


1 Kings 17:3-5

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³ “Go away from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. ⁴ It shall be that you will drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” ⁵ So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan.

Cherith means separation. Look at separation has a blessing. When He strips He prepares you for the greater. Look at it as gain. When you lose. He has to subtract before He ads. Pay attention to relationships in your life. Some relationships are seasonal. Some are in your life so they can see the power of God in your life.

Jesus said that you will go through persecution. God is not a genie in a bottle. When He doesn't move when you want Him to it doesn't mean He is against you. God i molding you and preparing you. He is still working on you. You are anointed but you still have to go through afflictions. Afflictions are injuries in the spirit. If you want the blessings you have to go through the testing. We live to overcome every affliction. You can't quit and give up on God. When you get mad at your job you don't quit. Don't run from Him.

Matthew 5:11

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

IF JEsus and His disciples went through what makes you think you are any different?

Romans 12:14

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Psalm 119:71

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷¹ It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.

Certain things afflict us that nothing else can. Everything you go through negative isn't of the devil. That jam you are in God put you there. Jesus was lead to the wilderness (Matt 4:1) He was tempted by the devil. Don't be surprise when you have the time of your life the devil comes. No one can set you up like God.

Olives through a process when trying to get the oil out. First it is shaken and the olives hit the ground. Then the olives are pressed and crushed. Lastly the olives are beat to get more oil. You think you are ready but God is still beating you.

1 Peter 4:12

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you

This isn't new. If God put you in it He will bring you through. The tea doesn't come until it hits boiled water. He is conditioning you to a new position. Where there is a test there is testimony. Where there is misery there is a miracle.

If you don't go through God won't deal with you. IF you want to be used you have to go through the fire.

Exodus 1:12

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹² But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they ^]spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel.

Whatever God wants you to do accept it. 2011 is the year of persecution and affliction.

Single, Saved, & Satisfied

If you are single don't think you are worthless. You don't need someone to make you while. You are bad by yourself. If you are looking for someone to make you whole you will never be fulfilled. Don't get into "that's your spouse" prophesy. If you are married what you did to get your spouse you must keep on doing that to keep your spouse.

Adam was complete before Eve. He was lonely and needed a companion to compliment him. Again you have to be complete in God.

Genesis 2:24

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 ²⁴ For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

God takes your completeness and adds companionship to it. The fire gets hot around the holidays. Don't let fornication rule you. You have to keep your body under subjection. That may be your struggle but before you didn't care.

You can be single, saved and satisfied. God won't add a spouse until you are single, saved and satisfied. There's nothing like a complete person. Until then get yourself together. Remove baggage. Stop jumping from relationship to relationship. Give yourself time to recuperate. Break the soul tie before you think about bringing another person into your life.There's something about a sanctified woman. As a man you don't want a woman who goes to the club but can pray. You need a woman who can touch God. You are unstable going from relationship to relationship. You'll compare the next person to the last which is unfair. Get healed!

There are billions of people in this world. You have to choose the right one. You thought the other people you dated were the one. Women aren't supposed to look for a man. Let a man find you and stop being thirsty.

Proverbs 18:22

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²² He who finds a wife finds a good thing
And obtains favor from the LORD.

Some people don't desire to be married. They are called Eunuchs. Some were born that way. There is nothing wrong with desiring to not be married. 

Here is what to look for when dating:

1. Make sure the person you are dating is someone you love giving your time, money, etc to. Can you imagine waking up to the person for the rest of your life? Marriage takes work. If you don't want to give anything that person is not the person for you. God gave Jesus to us:

John 3:16

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

   ¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Is this the person you want to give your body to in marriage? Adam had one rib.

2. Is the person you are dating excited for you? Are you for them? When he or she achieves personal things are you excited or you don't care. Learn how to celebrate others.

Philippians 2:3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

Is he or she the 1st person you call when something exciting happens? Or do you avoid calling the person because you know the reaction will not be good. Life is about accomplishing things. Men need affirmation. Men - learn how to say something sweet to her all the time.

3. Do you want to impress him or her? After time goes on does it wear off? Men's eyes will roam when women don't keep themselves up.  Don't come to the door with rollers in your hair. Men, please pull up your pants. Don't wast other people's time.

4. Does the person ignore sound counsel/mentors? Who impresses them? If no one can talk to him or her you are in trouble. Watch the lady who talks to her mother crazy. She will talk to you the same way Does he go off on his mom? Does he speak in a respectful way? If he talks to her that way he will talk to you that way. Does he like to read. Does he have a job? It's different if he is in between jobs. Does he have goals, aspirations? What's coming out of his or her mouth?

5. If he or she flirtatious? Some people are just outgoing. If you can't handle that you need to rethink the relationship. Can you handle it if the other person is are always checking out your significant other? If they are trying to attraction attention and don't care about you that is a red flag. If you are over protective that can be a problem. If he always thinks he looks better than you beware. If he is thirsty for compliments that is also a red flag.

6. Is he or she 100% single? Are they in between women? Are there multiple women? They don't deserve your attention if he or she is not 100% single. There are no platonic friends. Something will happen eventually. Married people shouldn't have friends of the opposite sex. Learn to set boundaries.Who is she texting? Who is he texting? What is he or she tweeting about? If you can't check his or her phone you are in trouble. You have to tell others you are married and they can't call or text anymore.

You can't be envious of Godly relationships, prosperous relationships if you are not willing to do what it takes to have that. Be careful if a man always shuts you down and vice versa. When you have a dream the person has to dream along with you. Do they let you dream.

7. Do you bring him or her to your family? If you are not invited to Thanksgiving or Christmas you are not the one. If you have been dating for 5 years that is a red flag. If you are shaking up you need to kick him or her out of your house. No one is buying the cow when they can get the milk for free. Men will milk the cow until a prettier cow comes along.

8. Are you included in decisions? If they don't want to talk to you then you are not the one.

Why are the bank accounts separated? Everything is one. Stop talking about your pastor. Your husband is your covering. You have to get permission before you fast. If works both ways.

1 Corinthians 7:5

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁵ Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

You can't be blessed when blinded by sin and the gods of this world.

It needs to be you and God 1st. You can live with out sex. It is not food.

Full Recovery

This message was preached by Prophetess LaTrice Ryan.

1 Samuel 30:1-8,18-19

This message was preached by Prophetess LaTrice Ryan.

1 Samuel 30:1-8,18-19 NASB

¹ Then it happened when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid on the Negev and on Ziklag, and had overthrown Ziklag and burned it with fire; ² and they took captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great, without killing anyone, and carried them off and went their way. ³ When David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire, and their wives and their sons and their daughters had been taken captive. ⁴ Then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep. ⁵ Now David’s two wives had been taken captive, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. ⁶ Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

⁷ Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. ⁸ David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.”

¹⁸ So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives. ¹⁹ But nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves; David brought it all back.

¹⁸ So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and ^[n]rescued his two wives. ¹⁹ But nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves; David brought it all back.

In verse 1 we see disaster and in verse 4 we see depression. Have you ever cried dried tears? David also experienced death in verse 6. We meet David after he came after a great victory. In 1 Samuel 27 David has subdued Ziklag. While he was on the battle field for the Lord the enemy crept through the back door and caused havoc. Isn't it like that for us? We have have a glorious time on Sunday and a breakdown on Monday. We can pray for others but nothing happens for you. We do self examinations, we question  God. Whey does it look like the enemy is winning? Understand what God is doing in your life. He is setting you up. In order to recover you have to go through some things.

David was wining the battle outside but losing at home. He was a public success but was a private failure. You look good on the outside but going through. People will look at you and say you have it all together and you don't need anything. They don't know what it took to put a smile on your face.

You can be a public success but a private failure. You can fight the devil at church but look like you've been choked by the time you get home. David means beloved. God loves David deeply; a man after God's own heart. Chosen by God, was in the field tendering the sheep. God did not look at the outward appearance but looked at his heart (1 Sam 16:7). There are people that don't look like us but are used by God. Paul, David, and Moses were misfits as well as Jesus. God is using misfits. God will clean people up and put them in the battle field.

David is God's man, God's chosen, His beloved, called by God. He was God's man but why would God let David go through hell?

Hebrews 12:6

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁶ FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES,
AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”

When you are chosen the process causes pain but produces a positive outcome.

Romans 8:28

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁸ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

The more you go through the better you will come out. He is showing you to have integrity, love for real and to press. Put your hand to the plow and not look back (Luke 9:62). Learn to stand (Eph 6:13). God will put the rod on you.

David was learning about God. When you go through the hard times you learn about God. If David hadn't gone through he wouldn't be able to write:

Psalm 34:19

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

and

Psalm 37:1

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 
¹ Do not fret because of evildoers,
Be not envious toward wrongdoers.

David praised God through the pain. He had an understanding of what it means to praise the Lord at all times(Psalm 34:1).

God is getting ready to give you a full recovery. David's back was against the wall in 1 Sam 30:6. His close people wanted to kill him. Be weary of people who pat you on your back. The people you thought would be there will fail you. You can't depend on people more you depend on God. You can't be dependent on what man can do for you. God will allow man to disappoint you. What you have is so powerful God won't allow the devil to contaminate it. Learn to let go of things, leave people alone and watch God bless you.

God put David in a position where the people would leave David alone, the ones who loved him before. David went to get an ephod. You have to have a relationship with God to worship Him. An ephod represents the presence of God. He put on authority.

John 4:24

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁴ God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

David asked if he should pursue his love ones.Yet God was the one who allowed it to happen.

1 John 2:19

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁹ They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

Do we need to purse the thing God took from us? Sometimes you have to make sure that the one leaves is of God or the devil. Maybe you lost that thing because you weren't ready to obtain it. You can't be so ambitious that you miss God's anointing, His hand.

Are you willing to wait on Him? Have you ever moved outside of the will of God and asked God to fix it? The children of Israel didn't wait on God. God let them have it.

Proverbs 18:21

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.


We are made in God's image (Gen 1:26). Pull yourself together and tell your self that you are coming out and you are more than a  conqueror(Romans 8:37) Prophecy to yourself and encourage yourself!

Make Wanna Holla Pt. 3

Matthew 15:21-23

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²¹ Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. ²² And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” ²³ But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.”

If you holler God will do something. You may be feeling trapped in your finances, you may not feel appreciated. Cry for help! Cry out to Jesus! If you are going to cry make sure it touches the heart of Jesus. Call Jesus instead of your friends and family. Who will cry for the next generation? Think generationally.

We should be controlled in Christ. What are you going to do when God stops talking? Start meditating on the Word. If you do that sin won’t come out. Even if God doesn’t do it you should know that He is still able. Have a commitment to evangelism. Your number goal is and will always be to reach out. We should also have a commitment to holy living, to the youth empowerment, to community involvement, to excellence, to humility and love.We should stay focused. We should have a commitment to keep coming back to church.

Matthew 15:24-28

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁴ But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ²⁵ But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” ²⁶ And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁷ But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” ²⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.


She didn’t want Jesus she just wanted His stuff. He called her a dog. Can you handle the truth? Jesus said that she had great faith.

Make Me Wanna Holla Pt. 2

Psalm 34:1-6

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

     ¹ I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
² My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
³ O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
 ⁴ I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
⁶ This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.

Marvin Gaye's album was political and wasn’t meant to make you dance. This was about social issues.
In the power of the cry there is deliverance. David had just had the trial of his life in 1 Sam 21. He was running for a decade. He was anointed but not appointed. The devil is a liar. You will get to where God has for you. Average will be no more. We may be anointed but we are not appointed.

 ¹ I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
When are you going to bless God instead of asking God to bless you? You don’t thank God for the bad things but in the midst of the trial you bless His name.We see David has a resolve to praise. It doesn’t mean he walks around 24/7 saying thank you. He walks in the spirit of praise. When you do this you are prepared for the worse day of your life. It’s your praise that will bring you out.

Romans 8:18

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 ¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

 

Romans 8:18

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 ¹⁸ Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

Are you tolerating drama? God will elevate you.

Psalm 55:17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁷ Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur,
And He will hear my voice.

In the midst of your low days we will open our mouth and bless the Lord.

Psalm 34:2

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

² My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice

Psalm 34:2

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ² I will boast only in the ord;
      let all who are helpless take heart.

Whatever happens in his life we he will give God glory.

James 1:17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁷ Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

What you have is because of God and what you are about to have is because of God. Your testimony is crucial. If someone can see God doing something for you they will have hope.

Revelation 12:11

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹¹ And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even ^[a]when faced with death.

You have no strength because you haven’t given your testimony.

Matthew 5:16

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁶ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

We also see a rally for corporate praise in Psalm 34:3.

³ O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

No matter what you go through you go to church and bless Him.

Psalm 122:1

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

   

 ¹ I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

I have to pull myself up and get myself together and get to church. When we move He moves.

We see a rescue from a rough place in Psalm 34:4-5

⁴ I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.

If you have been in a low place God is getting ready to rescue. When you holler God is getting ready to lift you up. If He got Joseph out of the pit He will do it for your. When Judah showed up Joseph was lifted. Judah represents praise.

⁶ This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.

 

This poor man cried. This demonstrates the real power of a holler. Life will throw road block and hurdles. You may have to pray longer than you want to and walk higher than you wanted to. If you throw your hands up and holler God will deliver you from everything.

Your holler will get you out.