This message was preached by Prophetess LaTrice Ryan
Ezekiel 37:1-5
1 The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.”
4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.
God asked Ezekiel a question. When He asks questions it's not for insight. He is omnipotent. Nothing catches God by surprise. He is testing the Word He has placed inside of you. Do you believe what you have been believing him for. When situations come you should be able to prophesy to it. God will tell you that you will live even though the doctors said that you will die. Your family is acting up but God says they will be delivered.
Psalm 7:9
9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
But establish the just;
For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.
The test won't take you out. God is setting you up for the greatest promotion of your life. You are coming out better stronger, bigger.
John 5:1-15
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”
11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’”
12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”
15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
The man was at the pool for years. Jesus asked him a question. He had to wait on others to put him in the pool. You should get tired of of waiting on people. God will supply your needs (Phil 4:19). Knowing his condition Jesus asked a question. He watched others get into the pool and saw others get healed. The man was looking for his miracle and the method but didn't realize he was talking to the Man. When Jesus comes you don't need the method. If you stop going after the method but after the Man watch God bless you.
Back to Ezekiel. He was in a valley which is a low place, between two mountains, two high points. You can't see in the valley. It's cold, scary, you hear sounds you've never heard before. God speaks to you in the valley. You think it's crazy. When you are in the midst of the valley you are at rock bottom. But there is a Rock called Jesus. In the low place you learn to pray. In the valley you hear Him. He gets your attention. You can only look up in the valley.
Ezekiel saw bones in the valley. Bones equal no growth, vegetation, no life, not moving, can't get a prayer moved, death. There's no oil. You pray,pray, and pray. You jump, shout and still nothing. God asks Ezekiel, "Can the bones live?". God gives him an assignment in the valley. He will also give you an assignment in the midst of impossibility.
Mark :522-43
22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”
31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”
32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”
40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. 43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.
Do you understand the power in your mouth? We are made in His image (Gen 9:6). If God has the power to speak to the waters, stars, what makes you think you will die and not make it? What makes you think God has finished blessing you? You still have a blessing with your name on it.
Numbers 23:19
19 “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
If God said it He will do it. God raised the girl from the dead. Get up and arise from depression, sickness, debt, struggles. You have a work to do. Get up and pray, get up and praise, get up and shout! Prophesy to yourself!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hurricane Irene
Mark 4:35-41
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
You may be in your own hurricane but you are coming out. A hurricane consists of high waves and terrible rains. It is a combination of water, air and heat. Water represents the word, air represents the Holy Ghost and heat represents the power of the Holy Ghost. When all combined the devil sends a hurricane to your life.This all comes when you are going to church and reading your Word. When the devil comes you know God is on your side.
When you see the three mixed together the devil gets mad. The closer you get to God the closer the devil gets to you. When there is a hurricane there is a large cloud that spins counter clock wise accompanied by little clouds that are moving powerful as well. It's not just the devil but his army to make you think you are losing your mind. It seems like you come out of one test to another test. That should let you know God is on your side. The devil can't fight you one on one. Think about when a bully is by himself. He doesn't do anything when he or she sees you but when he or she is with his friends that bully does all the talking and has the courage to fight you.
Remember:
1 John 4:4
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
The ocean has a very wet mass of air that covers the water. Also note that God hovered over the waters:
Genesis 1:2
2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
The warm wet mass evaporates when the hurricane comes. The hurricane comes after the water leaves. What are you going to do when the hedge of protection leaves?:
Job 1:9-11
9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
The hurricane is not from the devil. You are God's example. This is why you are going through that specific trial.
Job 13:15
15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
Can you go through the wilderness like Jesus did?:
Matthew 4:1-11
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’
and,
‘ In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Psalm 35:27
27 Let them shout for joy and be glad,
Who favor my righteous cause;
And let them say continually,
“Let the LORD be magnified,
Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
Isaiah 1:19
19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
God knows you can handle it.
Mark 4:35
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”
It was Jesus' idea to travel during the hurricane. It's rough but Jesus is saying there is an assignment. Don't look to the left or to the right. The minute Peter took his eyes off of Jesus he began to sink (Matt 14:29 -30). You need to apply God's word and grow up. Jesus is saying you are going to the other side.
Mark 4:36
36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.
There were also little ships on the sea with them. If you are going somewhere in God He will also test your friends. You will also see who your real friends are when you are going through a storm. If they can make it with you through the storm they qualify to roll with you.
Mark 4:38
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
When you are in the test of your life you think Jesus is asleep. You feel like you will scream if you hear one more testimony. But He is there.
Mark 4:39
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
A great calm came . God will not let the testing out do your blessing. What God has for you is for you.
Daniel 3:19-25
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”
They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
These three men were put in a fire. The men who threw them in the fire were killed themselves. There was a 4th man with them. When they came out of the fire they were not affected. They didn't smell like fire, nor was there hair singed. They were in the fire with Jesus. It's better to be in the fire with Jesus to be elsewhere alone.
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
You may be in your own hurricane but you are coming out. A hurricane consists of high waves and terrible rains. It is a combination of water, air and heat. Water represents the word, air represents the Holy Ghost and heat represents the power of the Holy Ghost. When all combined the devil sends a hurricane to your life.This all comes when you are going to church and reading your Word. When the devil comes you know God is on your side.
When you see the three mixed together the devil gets mad. The closer you get to God the closer the devil gets to you. When there is a hurricane there is a large cloud that spins counter clock wise accompanied by little clouds that are moving powerful as well. It's not just the devil but his army to make you think you are losing your mind. It seems like you come out of one test to another test. That should let you know God is on your side. The devil can't fight you one on one. Think about when a bully is by himself. He doesn't do anything when he or she sees you but when he or she is with his friends that bully does all the talking and has the courage to fight you.
Remember:
1 John 4:4
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
The ocean has a very wet mass of air that covers the water. Also note that God hovered over the waters:
Genesis 1:2
2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
The warm wet mass evaporates when the hurricane comes. The hurricane comes after the water leaves. What are you going to do when the hedge of protection leaves?:
Job 1:9-11
9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
The hurricane is not from the devil. You are God's example. This is why you are going through that specific trial.
Job 13:15
15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
Can you go through the wilderness like Jesus did?:
Matthew 4:1-11
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’
and,
‘ In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Psalm 35:27
27 Let them shout for joy and be glad,
Who favor my righteous cause;
And let them say continually,
“Let the LORD be magnified,
Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
Isaiah 1:19
19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
God knows you can handle it.
Mark 4:35
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”
It was Jesus' idea to travel during the hurricane. It's rough but Jesus is saying there is an assignment. Don't look to the left or to the right. The minute Peter took his eyes off of Jesus he began to sink (Matt 14:29 -30). You need to apply God's word and grow up. Jesus is saying you are going to the other side.
Mark 4:36
36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.
There were also little ships on the sea with them. If you are going somewhere in God He will also test your friends. You will also see who your real friends are when you are going through a storm. If they can make it with you through the storm they qualify to roll with you.
Mark 4:38
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
When you are in the test of your life you think Jesus is asleep. You feel like you will scream if you hear one more testimony. But He is there.
Mark 4:39
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
A great calm came . God will not let the testing out do your blessing. What God has for you is for you.
Daniel 3:19-25
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”
They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
These three men were put in a fire. The men who threw them in the fire were killed themselves. There was a 4th man with them. When they came out of the fire they were not affected. They didn't smell like fire, nor was there hair singed. They were in the fire with Jesus. It's better to be in the fire with Jesus to be elsewhere alone.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
How Big is Your Burden
The message was taught by Elder Osiris Mcclough
1 Samuel 30:1-6
1 Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, 2 and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. 3 So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 5 And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. 6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
You don't know the story when people tell you their testimonies. You walk around heavy and it's all over your face. People don't know why you are praising God so hard. It's because you are in the fight of your life. David knew how to encourage himself.
1 Peter 5:7
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Psalm 55:22
22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Proverbs 18:21
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
We have all had our midnights. God is still there. You have to look forward to the light!
1 Samuel 30:1-6
1 Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, 2 and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. 3 So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 5 And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. 6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
You don't know the story when people tell you their testimonies. You walk around heavy and it's all over your face. People don't know why you are praising God so hard. It's because you are in the fight of your life. David knew how to encourage himself.
1 Peter 5:7
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Psalm 55:22
22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Proverbs 18:21
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
We have all had our midnights. God is still there. You have to look forward to the light!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Breakthrough
This time when you breakthrough you are going to break out.
Isaiah 59:19
19 So shall they fear
The name of the LORD from the west,
And His glory from the rising of the sun;
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
Before you get to your breakthrough you have to get rid of some of things. Examples:
Scary movies
Harry Potter (The movies and Harry Potter are of the devil)
Watching what you wear and watch
Singles: Every time you fornicate you are taking yourself 10 steps back.You can't sleep with your brothers/sisters in the church. You are holding your breakthrough back.
You have to live right. POINT BLANK.
You are at the flooding point. He is getting ready to give you a breakthrough.
Isaiah 54:17
17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the LORD.
Some people don't want to leave service because the hell they have to go through. Remember that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Some of us have to go through hell if not we wouldn't pray or praise God.
A breakthrough is a military movement or advance all the way through your enemies' defense. A breakthrough is an act of removing obstruction or restriction.
Isaiah 59:19
19 So shall they fear
The name of the LORD from the west,
And His glory from the rising of the sun;
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
Before you get to your breakthrough you have to get rid of some of things. Examples:
Scary movies
Harry Potter (The movies and Harry Potter are of the devil)
Watching what you wear and watch
Singles: Every time you fornicate you are taking yourself 10 steps back.You can't sleep with your brothers/sisters in the church. You are holding your breakthrough back.
You have to live right. POINT BLANK.
You are at the flooding point. He is getting ready to give you a breakthrough.
Isaiah 54:17
17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the LORD.
Some people don't want to leave service because the hell they have to go through. Remember that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Some of us have to go through hell if not we wouldn't pray or praise God.
A breakthrough is a military movement or advance all the way through your enemies' defense. A breakthrough is an act of removing obstruction or restriction.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sex, Lies, and the Pulpit
Pastor Brown will be teaching the series "Sex, Lies and the Pulpit" for the month of September. This message will be for everyone whether you are single or married and will be from a biblical perspective. You don't want to miss it. Be sure to invite a friend.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Holy Ghost Had His Way
The Holy Ghost had His way. All we did was cry out to God, gave Him praise and prayed for each other. What a refreshing service!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Welcome to Graceland
Memphis is known because of Elvis. There are other kings known in Memphis such as Martin Luther King, Jerry The King Lawler, D.J Paul has called himself the king of Memphis as well as Yo Gotti. We are only serving one King. He is the King of Kings (Rev 17:14). He sits high and looks low (Psalm 138:6). Many people come to Memphis to go to see the room where Elvis died.
When you came to the Body of Christ Jesus said welcome to graceland. We all need grace. Grace is God's unmerited favor, undeserved goodness. You may thing it's your prayer life. It's grace that caught you. It's grace that keeps us, got us where we are, woke us up and started us on our way. You may have fallen this week but thank God for grace. Thank God we live in graceland. TGIF may mean Thank Goodness it's Friday but it also means Thank God I'm Forgiven.. If you start exposing others what can we dig up in your past? We all have issues.
2 Cor 12:8-10
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Church has taught us to work our salvation. That's not correct. We work because we are saved. We kill the flesh.
Five things about grace:
1. Grace is sufficient -
Refer back to 2 Cor 12:9. It's all we need. When we are weak then God shows himself strong. We don't need any one's approval. God left the thorn to keep Paul dependent on Him. You may have a thorn but it's not going anywhere. If you have a struggle then you know God is with you. In the past you didn't care what you did. He will keep you in the thorn to let you know that you need Him. When you think you have arrived you are in trouble.
God gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Stop judging others. You are doing the same things but hiding it. Stop looking down on someone for wearing a short dress. Be grateful she is coming to church. Grace covers all. The favor of God is better than the favor of man.
2. It's a gift -
Eph 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
There's nothing you've done to get it. think about how you were bad all year but your mom still gave you a gift for Christmas. You can't boast. It's not about you praying for hours, not missing church, etc.
Romans 5:12
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
You should thank God when you woke with no AIDS, STD, etc. Grace covered you.
3. God gives grace to the humble -
James 4:6
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
You can't look down on others because you may be in a season where you are strong. You may not have cussed someone out all year. Be glad you are in graceland. You don't know when you need grace for yourself. Are you condemning or putting your arms around others? You can't condemn those who are young in the faith. They will get to the level you are.
4. Grace works, not us -
1 Cor 15:10
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
It's not your education. It was the grace of God that kept you. It is grace that is keeping your mind, keeping favor on you. It's not the alarm clock that woke you up but grace.
5. Grace can be frustrating -
Gal 2:21 KJV
21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
How many of us made grace mad this week? You take advice by doing what you want to do. You frustrate grace by fornicating. As mad as you made grace it will still be there for you. Grace still works for you. How long will you frustrate with willful sin?
Heb 10:26
You should want to work with with grace because grace has kept you from many things. There are people watching you. You can't live just any way and expect to bring people to Christ. How many blessings are being held back because you are frustrating grace?
Psalm 23:6
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
When you came to the Body of Christ Jesus said welcome to graceland. We all need grace. Grace is God's unmerited favor, undeserved goodness. You may thing it's your prayer life. It's grace that caught you. It's grace that keeps us, got us where we are, woke us up and started us on our way. You may have fallen this week but thank God for grace. Thank God we live in graceland. TGIF may mean Thank Goodness it's Friday but it also means Thank God I'm Forgiven.. If you start exposing others what can we dig up in your past? We all have issues.
2 Cor 12:8-10
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Church has taught us to work our salvation. That's not correct. We work because we are saved. We kill the flesh.
Five things about grace:
1. Grace is sufficient -
Refer back to 2 Cor 12:9. It's all we need. When we are weak then God shows himself strong. We don't need any one's approval. God left the thorn to keep Paul dependent on Him. You may have a thorn but it's not going anywhere. If you have a struggle then you know God is with you. In the past you didn't care what you did. He will keep you in the thorn to let you know that you need Him. When you think you have arrived you are in trouble.
God gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Stop judging others. You are doing the same things but hiding it. Stop looking down on someone for wearing a short dress. Be grateful she is coming to church. Grace covers all. The favor of God is better than the favor of man.
2. It's a gift -
Eph 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
There's nothing you've done to get it. think about how you were bad all year but your mom still gave you a gift for Christmas. You can't boast. It's not about you praying for hours, not missing church, etc.
Romans 5:12
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
You should thank God when you woke with no AIDS, STD, etc. Grace covered you.
3. God gives grace to the humble -
James 4:6
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
You can't look down on others because you may be in a season where you are strong. You may not have cussed someone out all year. Be glad you are in graceland. You don't know when you need grace for yourself. Are you condemning or putting your arms around others? You can't condemn those who are young in the faith. They will get to the level you are.
4. Grace works, not us -
1 Cor 15:10
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
It's not your education. It was the grace of God that kept you. It is grace that is keeping your mind, keeping favor on you. It's not the alarm clock that woke you up but grace.
5. Grace can be frustrating -
Gal 2:21 KJV
21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
How many of us made grace mad this week? You take advice by doing what you want to do. You frustrate grace by fornicating. As mad as you made grace it will still be there for you. Grace still works for you. How long will you frustrate with willful sin?
Heb 10:26
You should want to work with with grace because grace has kept you from many things. There are people watching you. You can't live just any way and expect to bring people to Christ. How many blessings are being held back because you are frustrating grace?
Psalm 23:6
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
You Are Chosen!
1 Peter 2:9
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Because you are blood washed you are as chosen as the children of Israel. Make definite in your hear that you are chosen. What does it mean to be chosen? It means to be selected out of all the numbers of possibilities. God chose you to stand in the gap in your family. He chose you to pray things through. Don't look down on your family. Be glad you are chosen. You may have to go through more hell because but it is an honor to be chosen. He will put no more than you can bare. Have you wondered why certain people didn't make the basketball team? They didn't have what it took to make the team. Others don't have what you have to make it.
Matt 22:14
14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Called - having the ability.
Chosen - you answered the call.
A lot of people don't have the maturity to answer the call. You have the grace to handle what you are going through. They need to get off your glory if they don't know your story.
Luke 6:12-13
12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
Jesus called many but chose 12. Be glad you have what God is looking for. We are not just called, we are chosen even if we are still working things out.
1 Cor 1:27
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
God chose us because we are weak. We are chosen because we fall into the foolish (i.e bad credit but you still qualified for the car, you smoked, did drugs, fornicated).
Joel 3:10
10 Beat your plowshares into swords
And your pruning hooks into spears;
Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’”
David had 5 stones (1 Sam 17:40 - 57). Even though you are weak you are still chosen. You may not have any education but you still believe God for that job. You have never preached before but still believe God to impact the world one day. Your child has ADHD but you still believe that your child will be the best student. Your child may be in special education classes but you will believe he will do well on the ACT. We will lean on Jesus even if no one else will support us. Keep grinding until you shine.
Eph 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
You are not hear because of you. God chose you before the foundations of the world (Jer 1:5) Your ancestors were praying for you. You may not know what your last name means but you can write your destiny.
John 15:16
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
He chose me and ordained me so that what I get I keep it. You have not because you ask not (James 4:2).
John 15:18-19
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
If the world hates you Jesus was 1st 1st. If you are liked a lot it's because you are part of the world and you are not different.
Luke 6:26
26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
For so did their fathers to the false prophets.
People should be talking bad about you. Stop thinking haters hate you because of you. It's the favor on you. If they are mad now wait until a few years from now. Be thankful you don't look like what you are going through.
Psalm 89:3
3 “I have made a covenant with My chosen,
I have sworn to My servant David:
A covenant is an agreement that can only be broken by death, sealed by blood. If God is everlasting and He can't die and the covenant can only be broken by death, as long as you live God will be with you.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Because you are blood washed you are as chosen as the children of Israel. Make definite in your hear that you are chosen. What does it mean to be chosen? It means to be selected out of all the numbers of possibilities. God chose you to stand in the gap in your family. He chose you to pray things through. Don't look down on your family. Be glad you are chosen. You may have to go through more hell because but it is an honor to be chosen. He will put no more than you can bare. Have you wondered why certain people didn't make the basketball team? They didn't have what it took to make the team. Others don't have what you have to make it.
Matt 22:14
14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Called - having the ability.
Chosen - you answered the call.
A lot of people don't have the maturity to answer the call. You have the grace to handle what you are going through. They need to get off your glory if they don't know your story.
Luke 6:12-13
12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
Jesus called many but chose 12. Be glad you have what God is looking for. We are not just called, we are chosen even if we are still working things out.
1 Cor 1:27
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
God chose us because we are weak. We are chosen because we fall into the foolish (i.e bad credit but you still qualified for the car, you smoked, did drugs, fornicated).
Joel 3:10
10 Beat your plowshares into swords
And your pruning hooks into spears;
Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’”
David had 5 stones (1 Sam 17:40 - 57). Even though you are weak you are still chosen. You may not have any education but you still believe God for that job. You have never preached before but still believe God to impact the world one day. Your child has ADHD but you still believe that your child will be the best student. Your child may be in special education classes but you will believe he will do well on the ACT. We will lean on Jesus even if no one else will support us. Keep grinding until you shine.
Eph 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
You are not hear because of you. God chose you before the foundations of the world (Jer 1:5) Your ancestors were praying for you. You may not know what your last name means but you can write your destiny.
John 15:16
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
He chose me and ordained me so that what I get I keep it. You have not because you ask not (James 4:2).
John 15:18-19
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
If the world hates you Jesus was 1st 1st. If you are liked a lot it's because you are part of the world and you are not different.
Luke 6:26
26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
For so did their fathers to the false prophets.
People should be talking bad about you. Stop thinking haters hate you because of you. It's the favor on you. If they are mad now wait until a few years from now. Be thankful you don't look like what you are going through.
Psalm 89:3
3 “I have made a covenant with My chosen,
I have sworn to My servant David:
A covenant is an agreement that can only be broken by death, sealed by blood. If God is everlasting and He can't die and the covenant can only be broken by death, as long as you live God will be with you.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Fight of My Life
The message was preached by Evangelist Albert Clark, Jr.
Judges 3:1-3 KJV
1Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
2Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
God is doing something. You know He is and you don't want to be left out. There is a shift and if you are not careful you will miss out.
Isaiah 55:9
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Sometimes it's hard to understand the things of God. It is hard to understand why Daniel was thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6) or why God allowed Shadrach, Meschac, or Abednego to be thrown into the fire (Daniel 3). Prayer got them into the fire but their praise got them out of the fire.
Psalm 47:4
4 He will choose our inheritance for us,
The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah
God chooses our inheritance. Sometimes we make bad decisions but God still chooses our inheritance. He is in control. All that you have been through is working for your good (Rom 8:28). In spite of limitations God will:
Phil 1:6
6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
You may feel like God has left the work incomplete. You may not see it but God is working on your behalf. He specializes in working behind the scenes. We can't see in our flesh. It won't let you see God working things out on our behalf. When we operate in the Spirit we know God is able to do anything. Get out of the flesh. It doesn't matter what is going on. because you know that you know that God spoke a Word.
Numbers 23:19
19 “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
If He said it He will do it. God protects the Word over your life.
Jeremiah 1:12 KJV
12Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.
You have people looking at you laughing and saying it won't happen. God is watching over His Word.
Phil 2:5
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
There are some things you will have to face.
Phil 4:19
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Psalm 37:4
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
We go through things we don't understand what He is doing. He never leads us to failure.
2 Cor 2:14
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
He led you because he knew you could handle it. Just in case it gets too hard He will make a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13). The devil though he had you but you got away. God leads us to victory.
Back to the book of Judges; God has brought us through many things and we should be thankful for the goodness of the Lord. God tells the children of Israel that He has something for them but they need to do something for Him. God has blessings for us but we have to do something for him.
Joshua 1:7-8
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
You may have to fast, separate from people, make some changes. God gives us instructions and we don't want to obey at times.
Isaiah 1:19
19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
They did not obey God. Generations were left behind. There are 5 things they had to deal with to receive from God and these are also applicable to us today:
1. Strong holds - You say you won't commit that sin anymore but you still do it. Paul sought God 3x concerning his affliction.
2 Cor 12:7-10
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 910 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Cor 10:4
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
2. They had to go through a fortress -
What they needed was blocked by a wall. No matter how hard you fight you can't get pass it. Your blessing, deliverance, break through is blocked. Just shout! Israel shouted:
Joshua 6:20
20 So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
Don't say a word to your enemies. There is a song that says, "If I hold my peace and let the Lord fight my battle".
3. Migration - People from other nations came together against Israel.People will get together to come against you. The enemies of Israel didn't even like each other.
Isaiah 54:15
15 Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me.
Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.
Isaiah 54:17
17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the LORD.
Luke 1:74
74 To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
4. Wine press - A wine press is used to make wine, juice, to get the oil out of olives. A hole is dug deep in a rock. It is filled with either grapes or olives. People will get in to crush the grapes or olives. Do you know what it feels like to be crushed? There is heartache and pain. Seems like people walk all over you and it seems like it got worse when you fasted and prayed. It was so because God is trying to get what is in you out of you.
5. Barren place - In spite of what you encountered the last 6 years, place of lack, hindrance, stagnation, defeat, you couldn't go forth.
Nahum 1:12
12 Thus says the LORD:
“ Though they are safe, and likewise many,
Yet in this manner they will be cut down
When he passes through.
Though I have afflicted you,
I will afflict you no more;
You were in a bad place and your demise was for sure. You may have had a miscarriage while in this place. It doesn't mean that you can't conceive. Miscarriage means a spontaneous end to a pregnancy before the fetus is ready to walk independently You have been wondering what has been going on. You've been miscarrying when God speaks a Word. You have to carry it full term. You have to believe what He says. Faith with out works is dead (James 2:14). Hold onto it until God brings it to pass.
The current generation of children of Israel didn't know God like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, etc knew God. You're experiencing miracles others in your life haven't experienced. God had to show them He is the same god of yesterday. If the same God delivered you in 1998 and in 2005 He can do it again. God also has to show that he is the same God to them like He is to you. If you've never been a position where you will lose your house you will never know He can sustain you. If you've never been in a position where you were sick then you would never know God as your healer. God had to show the children of Israel war, to show them how to fight.
The war is just about over. He is putting the finishing touches on His people.
Judges 3:1-3 KJV
1Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
2Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
God is doing something. You know He is and you don't want to be left out. There is a shift and if you are not careful you will miss out.
Isaiah 55:9
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Sometimes it's hard to understand the things of God. It is hard to understand why Daniel was thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6) or why God allowed Shadrach, Meschac, or Abednego to be thrown into the fire (Daniel 3). Prayer got them into the fire but their praise got them out of the fire.
Psalm 47:4
4 He will choose our inheritance for us,
The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah
God chooses our inheritance. Sometimes we make bad decisions but God still chooses our inheritance. He is in control. All that you have been through is working for your good (Rom 8:28). In spite of limitations God will:
Phil 1:6
6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
You may feel like God has left the work incomplete. You may not see it but God is working on your behalf. He specializes in working behind the scenes. We can't see in our flesh. It won't let you see God working things out on our behalf. When we operate in the Spirit we know God is able to do anything. Get out of the flesh. It doesn't matter what is going on. because you know that you know that God spoke a Word.
Numbers 23:19
19 “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
If He said it He will do it. God protects the Word over your life.
Jeremiah 1:12 KJV
12Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.
You have people looking at you laughing and saying it won't happen. God is watching over His Word.
Phil 2:5
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
There are some things you will have to face.
Phil 4:19
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Psalm 37:4
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
We go through things we don't understand what He is doing. He never leads us to failure.
2 Cor 2:14
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
He led you because he knew you could handle it. Just in case it gets too hard He will make a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13). The devil though he had you but you got away. God leads us to victory.
Back to the book of Judges; God has brought us through many things and we should be thankful for the goodness of the Lord. God tells the children of Israel that He has something for them but they need to do something for Him. God has blessings for us but we have to do something for him.
Joshua 1:7-8
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
You may have to fast, separate from people, make some changes. God gives us instructions and we don't want to obey at times.
Isaiah 1:19
19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
They did not obey God. Generations were left behind. There are 5 things they had to deal with to receive from God and these are also applicable to us today:
1. Strong holds - You say you won't commit that sin anymore but you still do it. Paul sought God 3x concerning his affliction.
2 Cor 12:7-10
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 910 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Cor 10:4
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
2. They had to go through a fortress -
What they needed was blocked by a wall. No matter how hard you fight you can't get pass it. Your blessing, deliverance, break through is blocked. Just shout! Israel shouted:
Joshua 6:20
20 So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
Don't say a word to your enemies. There is a song that says, "If I hold my peace and let the Lord fight my battle".
3. Migration - People from other nations came together against Israel.People will get together to come against you. The enemies of Israel didn't even like each other.
Isaiah 54:15
15 Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me.
Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.
Isaiah 54:17
17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the LORD.
Luke 1:74
74 To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
4. Wine press - A wine press is used to make wine, juice, to get the oil out of olives. A hole is dug deep in a rock. It is filled with either grapes or olives. People will get in to crush the grapes or olives. Do you know what it feels like to be crushed? There is heartache and pain. Seems like people walk all over you and it seems like it got worse when you fasted and prayed. It was so because God is trying to get what is in you out of you.
5. Barren place - In spite of what you encountered the last 6 years, place of lack, hindrance, stagnation, defeat, you couldn't go forth.
Nahum 1:12
12 Thus says the LORD:
“ Though they are safe, and likewise many,
Yet in this manner they will be cut down
When he passes through.
Though I have afflicted you,
I will afflict you no more;
You were in a bad place and your demise was for sure. You may have had a miscarriage while in this place. It doesn't mean that you can't conceive. Miscarriage means a spontaneous end to a pregnancy before the fetus is ready to walk independently You have been wondering what has been going on. You've been miscarrying when God speaks a Word. You have to carry it full term. You have to believe what He says. Faith with out works is dead (James 2:14). Hold onto it until God brings it to pass.
The current generation of children of Israel didn't know God like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, etc knew God. You're experiencing miracles others in your life haven't experienced. God had to show them He is the same god of yesterday. If the same God delivered you in 1998 and in 2005 He can do it again. God also has to show that he is the same God to them like He is to you. If you've never been a position where you will lose your house you will never know He can sustain you. If you've never been in a position where you were sick then you would never know God as your healer. God had to show the children of Israel war, to show them how to fight.
The war is just about over. He is putting the finishing touches on His people.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Icy White Night
Mark your calenders. L.O.G.I.C is having it's 2nd annual Icy White Night service with guest speaker Dr. Jamal Bryant on 08/25/2011 at 07:00 pm.
We hope to see you there! Click here for directions.
We hope to see you there! Click here for directions.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Rules Have Changed
The message was taught by Elder David Foster
2 King 6:4-6
4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
6 So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.
They moved to Jordan with Elijah because the prior place was too small. Since they were in a new location they needed to build a new house. Many times we ask God for things we are not ready for. God is not an unjust God. He will give it to you before your time. Because they moved before they were ready it caused them to get into trouble. If the ax was not was not recovered the borrower was going to have to pay for it.
There were times when Christians were challenged when we were told no. We went to God. Now we take it and roll over. We are becoming passive. We are not average people. We are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). Men didn't have the Holy Spirit on them. Adam was in the garden. We were redeemed by the blood of Jesus after the fall. We became man that never existed before. Animals can not speak and words are powerful.The atmosphere has to line up with our words. We are so busy trying to be like the world but we are to be set apart (Rom 12:2, John 17:15-18, 1 Pet 2:9, Math 5:13). We are using the world's tools instead of Christ's tools. The world says we need a boat to cross the water but we can walk on water:
Matt 14:29
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
The world says to climb the mountain but Jesus said we can speak to the mountain:
Matt 17:20
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
The devil was with Jesus for a season. We also have to endure. Inside every situation is a revelation. He is taking you down the street for a reason. Learn the lesson.
Let's look at 2 Kings 6:4 again:
2 Kings 6:4
4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
We face different things in our lives. There are some things that we are not prepared for. It can cause us to sink.
Hebrew 12:1
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
God has hired our enemies:
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Even your enemies are working for your good. We spend our lives looking for blessings but we should be looking for our enemies.
Psalm 23:5
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
God is getting ready to prepare a table for you.
2 Kings 6:4
4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.
The iron didn't swim until it got to the top. God is getting ready to blow you up but He won't do it until you get to get to the top. God has to magnify you in front of your enemies. The iron didn't float. If the water lifted the iron that would have been another miracle. If the water kept it from drowning that would have been another miracle as well. We know that when we are drowning it gets worse when we kick and fight. The more you fight the more you sink. You've been taking the advice of others who told you to fight back. But the bible says to be still (Psalm 46:10). It's not until after you are still you will float to the top The battle is not yous (2 Chron 20:15). Stop trying to fight in your own strength.
An ax is sharp, it shines, and it is heavy. Many people walk around and are sharp. You can't tell them anything. They are shiny on the outside, appear to have everything together. Then there are those who are heavy because they are deep. Those qualities are not enough to save you in a dire situation.
Buoyancy- The relationship between liquid and an object. Because of the relationship the water has with the axe it caused it to sink. Water represents the Holy Spirit. You have to be fully submerged and then will you be fully changed.
The enemy is mad at us for two reasons:
1. He got kicked out of heaven. He used to be over the music.
2. He left a vacancy for a job.
Don't give up and hold onto God.
2 King 6:4-6
4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
6 So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.
They moved to Jordan with Elijah because the prior place was too small. Since they were in a new location they needed to build a new house. Many times we ask God for things we are not ready for. God is not an unjust God. He will give it to you before your time. Because they moved before they were ready it caused them to get into trouble. If the ax was not was not recovered the borrower was going to have to pay for it.
There were times when Christians were challenged when we were told no. We went to God. Now we take it and roll over. We are becoming passive. We are not average people. We are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). Men didn't have the Holy Spirit on them. Adam was in the garden. We were redeemed by the blood of Jesus after the fall. We became man that never existed before. Animals can not speak and words are powerful.The atmosphere has to line up with our words. We are so busy trying to be like the world but we are to be set apart (Rom 12:2, John 17:15-18, 1 Pet 2:9, Math 5:13). We are using the world's tools instead of Christ's tools. The world says we need a boat to cross the water but we can walk on water:
Matt 14:29
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
The world says to climb the mountain but Jesus said we can speak to the mountain:
Matt 17:20
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
The devil was with Jesus for a season. We also have to endure. Inside every situation is a revelation. He is taking you down the street for a reason. Learn the lesson.
Let's look at 2 Kings 6:4 again:
2 Kings 6:4
4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
We face different things in our lives. There are some things that we are not prepared for. It can cause us to sink.
Hebrew 12:1
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
God has hired our enemies:
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Even your enemies are working for your good. We spend our lives looking for blessings but we should be looking for our enemies.
Psalm 23:5
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
God is getting ready to prepare a table for you.
2 Kings 6:4
4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.
The iron didn't swim until it got to the top. God is getting ready to blow you up but He won't do it until you get to get to the top. God has to magnify you in front of your enemies. The iron didn't float. If the water lifted the iron that would have been another miracle. If the water kept it from drowning that would have been another miracle as well. We know that when we are drowning it gets worse when we kick and fight. The more you fight the more you sink. You've been taking the advice of others who told you to fight back. But the bible says to be still (Psalm 46:10). It's not until after you are still you will float to the top The battle is not yous (2 Chron 20:15). Stop trying to fight in your own strength.
An ax is sharp, it shines, and it is heavy. Many people walk around and are sharp. You can't tell them anything. They are shiny on the outside, appear to have everything together. Then there are those who are heavy because they are deep. Those qualities are not enough to save you in a dire situation.
Buoyancy- The relationship between liquid and an object. Because of the relationship the water has with the axe it caused it to sink. Water represents the Holy Spirit. You have to be fully submerged and then will you be fully changed.
The enemy is mad at us for two reasons:
1. He got kicked out of heaven. He used to be over the music.
2. He left a vacancy for a job.
Don't give up and hold onto God.
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