Podcasts about nkjv so

 Ep.366 – Run With Horses Podcast – Stewarding Your Time Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** If you are like me you have a long list fo things you would like to see accomplished this week. Time always seems in short supply with way more to do than time to do it. in the middle of the busyness, what is God doing? How can we keep Him first in the middle of the rat race. That our topic today! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! ### 1. Stewardship of our Time: “Redeeming the Time” Passage: Ephesians 5:15–17 (NKJV) “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Principle: Every minute is a gift. We must “buy back” each hour from distractions by aligning our schedules with God's priorities—especially the Great Commission. ### 2. Wisdom in Planning: “The Plans of the Diligent” Passage: Proverbs 21:5 (NKJV) “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, to poverty.” Principle: Thoughtful, prayerful planning prevents wasted time and creates margin for gospel opportunities (e.g., inviting neighbors, mentoring new believers). ### 3. Counting Our Days: “Teach Us to Number Our Days” Passage: Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Principle: An eternal-perspective reminder that life is brief. When we internalize our limited hours, we'll prioritize what lasts—making disciples. ### 4. Purposeful Living: “Doing All to the Glory of God” Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Principle: Every task—work, rest, family time, evangelism—should be offered as worship. That reshapes even “routine” minutes into Kingdom service. ### 5. Prioritizing Prayer & Communion: “Jesus Prayed Early” Passage: Mark 1:35 (NKJV) “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Principle: Jesus structured His day around communion with the Father—our ultimate source of wisdom for time management and disciple-making. ### 6. Eternal Urgency: “For What Is Your Life?” Passage: James 4:14 (NKJV) “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Principle: The fleetingness of life compels urgent obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). ### 7. Single-Mindfulness: “Deny Yourself” Passage: Luke 9:23–24 (NKJV) “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Principle: Self-discipline in scheduling (saying “no” to lesser things) frees us to “lose” our lives in service—especially in making disciples. ### 8. Balance Work & Rest: “Six Days You Shall Labor…” Passage: Exodus 20:8–10,12 (NKJV) “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…6 for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth…12 ‘Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long…'” Principle: Biblical sabbath—and honoring family—establish healthy rhythms that prevent burnout and protect time for disciple-care. ###9. Investing in Others: “Do Not Steal” (as Stealing Time) Passage: Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV) “Let him who stole steal no longer… but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” Principle: Our work (and your time!) isn't just for self—but for generosity. Freeing up “spare” hours to invest in new believers. ### 10. The Great Commission as First Priority Passage: Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always…” Principle: Every time-management decision must be filtered through: “Will this help me obey Jesus's command to make disciples?” **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2** ### Part 2: Practical Advice for Using Time to Be and Make Disciples ### 1. Begin with a Paradigm Shift: Time is Kingdom Currency  • Time is not just something we “spend”; it's something we invest. Just like money, time can be stewarded for temporary or eternal purposes.  • Regularly ask: “Is this activity helping me know Jesus more deeply or helping someone else follow Him better?” “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…” (Ephesians 5:15–16) ### 2. Build Life Around Jesus's Priorities, Not Just Adding Him In  • Many busy Christians are trying to fit Jesus into their schedule instead of building their schedule around Him.  • Suggest starting with these 3 buckets and planning around them:  • Time with God (Being a disciple) – prayer, Scripture, Sabbath, silence.  • Time with others (Making disciples) – intentional meals, mentoring, small groups.  • Time on mission (Living sent) – workplace witness, neighborhood engagement, volunteering. ### 3. Combine Your Calling With Your Calendar Help them redeem ordinary rhythms by integrating disciple-making into:  • Meals – “Who can you eat with this week that needs encouragement or the gospel?”  • Commutes – Use it for prayer, audio Bibles, check-in calls with mentees.  • Family time – Lead short devotionals, model hospitality, include kids in ministry moments.  • Work breaks – Strategic encouragement or follow-up with someone God's placed nearby. “Disciple-making doesn't always need new time blocks—it often needs intentionality in existing ones.” ### 4. Create a Disciple-Making Weekly Rhythm Encourage a simple rhythm:  • Daily: Time with God, open eyes to opportunities.  • Weekly: 1 relational touchpoint (e.g., coffee, call, prayer walk).  • Monthly: One deeper investment (e.g., mentoring conversation, service together).  • Quarterly: Retreat or reevaluation—Am I growing? Is anyone growing because of me? ### 5. Say No to Say Yes Help them see that every “yes” is a “no” to something else.  • Challenge: “What are you doing that someone else could do, so you can do what only you can do?”  • Sometimes the most spiritual thing they can do is decline a good thing for the sake of the best thing (Luke 10:41–42 – “Martha, Martha…”). ### 6. Use Tools with Intentionality  • Calendar: Block time for people, not just tasks.  • Alarms/reminders: Prompt prayer, Scripture, check-ins.  • Apps: Bible apps, group chats for discipleship groups, accountability tools.  • Notebooks or journals: Record prayers, disciple progress, insights from Scripture. ### 7. Don't Go Alone—Form a Band of Disciple-Makers  • Encourage small discipleship bands of 2–4 people with shared goals and check-ins.  • Ask: “Who's helping you follow Jesus better? Who are you helping?”  • This builds encouragement, accountability, and shared momentum. ### 8. Encouragement: Grace Over Guilt, Progress Over Perfection  • Remind them that they are not earning God's favor by being busy for Him.  • Jesus is not measuring productivity; He's forming people.  • Celebrate small, faithful steps. Even 5 minutes of prayer for someone is eternally significant.  • God multiplies what we surrender, even if it's small (loaves and fish principle). “You may feel behind, but Jesus is not. He's patient, and He delights in every act of love in His name.” ### Challenge  • “Imagine if every one of us made just one disciple this year.”  • write one name they'll pray for or pursue this month.  • You don't need more time—you need more focus and faith. **(5:00 – 1:00)**  Doctrine Today Jesus and His Present Ministry The Holy Spirit's Role in Disciple Making. Dispensational Baptist view of the End Times Understanding Theology is Important The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making Church Role in Discerning God's Will Barriers to Disciple Making Spiritual Warfare Jesus – Incarnation God's Sovereignty Sin and the Call to Make Disciples I. Introduction: The Clear Call of Jesus  • Matthew 28:18–20 (NKJV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”  • The Great Commission is not a suggestion, but a command.  • Discipleship is not optional for the believer—it's our identity and mission.  • Briefly affirm your audience's desire to follow Jesus more faithfully. II. The Nature and Consequence of Sin  • Romans 3:23 (NKJV) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  • Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV) “But your iniquities have separated you from your God…”  • Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us…” Key Points:  • Sin is not just moral failure—it's a barrier to intimacy with God and others.  • Sin entangles and weighs down believers, keeping us from active obedience.  • Our mission to make disciples is spiritual warfare—sin compromises our witness, our clarity, and our power. III. Sin's Direct Impact on Discipleship A. It Weakens Our Witness  • 1 Peter 2:11–12 (NKJV) “…abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable… that they may, by your good works… glorify God.”  • Our credibility is tied to our character. Ongoing, unrepentant sin dulls our message. B. It Diminishes Our Passion  • Revelation 2:4–5 (NKJV) “…you have left your first love. Remember… repent and do the first works.”  • Sin numbs the heart. A lukewarm heart does not multiply disciples—it replicates complacency. C. It Breaks Fellowship and Unity  • John 13:34–35 (NKJV) “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  • Sin disrupts love and unity, weakening the Church's witness and the environment in which disciples are formed. IV. Repentance and Restoration for Disciple Makers  • 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…”  • Psalm 51:10–13 (NKJV) “Create in me a clean heart… Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.”  • Repentance is not the end of ministry—it's often the beginning of renewed fruitfulness.  • David sinned greatly, but through repentance, his voice became a song of redemption that still disciples us today. V. Living Holy to Make Disciples Effectively  • 2 Timothy 2:21 (NKJV) “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself… he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master…”  • Holiness is not perfection, but readiness—an availability for God's use.  • Personal holiness fuels spiritual authority and fruitfulness in disciple-making. VI. Conclusion: Renew the Mission  • Luke 9:23 (NKJV) “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”  • Philippians 2:15–16 (NKJV) “…shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…”  • The world needs disciples. The church needs disciple-makers. Jesus is still calling.  • Let us repent where we've fallen, recommit where we've grown weary, and re-engage the mission with holy fire. **(1:00)**  Busyness can suck that life out of you. One reason is that other activities intrude on the work that God is doing in you and through you. Be proactive and put God first in every activity, every day. It's not always easy but it's always right. – “Thank you for listening today!  -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Don't be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running." **(00:00)**

Marketplace Entrepreneur for the Kingdom of God • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org Please help us fight back and take a stand: www.ToddCoconato.com/give We are in a critical hour where the lines between sacred and secular are blurring—not because we're compromising the Gospel, but because God is invading every sphere of society through His people. The Church is not confined to the four walls of a building. In fact, many of the greatest battles and victories of this generation will not take place in pulpits, but in boardrooms, offices, construction sites, online platforms, and homes. You don't have to be a pulpit preacher to be in full-time ministry. If you're called to the marketplace, then you're on the frontlines of spiritual warfare, influence, and kingdom advancement. 1. Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 2. Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” 3. Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV) “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” 4. Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” 5. Acts 18:1-3 (NKJV) “After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila… with his wife Priscilla… because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” 6. Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV) “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” 7. Isaiah 60:1-3 (NKJV) “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” 8. Luke 19:13 (NKJV) “So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.'” 9. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV) “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 10. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NKJV) “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth.” 11. Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV) “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy… or he who gives, with liberality… he who leads, with diligence…” God is raising up Josephs, Daniels, Deborahs, and Esthers in the marketplace—leaders who can manage resources, interpret dreams, influence kings, and save nations. You may not stand in a pulpit, but your calling is no less holy. Your business is a platform for truth, your clients are a mission field, and your profits can fund revival. This is the hour to rise up as a kingdom entrepreneur—set apart, filled with the Spirit, and unashamed of the Gospel in the business world. CCLI: 21943673

The Church That Turns the World Upside Down • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give   1. Acts 1:4-5 (NKJV) “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,' He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'”   2. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”   3. Acts 1:14 (NKJV) “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”   4. Acts 2:1 (NKJV) “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”   5. Acts 2:2-4 (NKJV) “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”   6. Acts 2:6 (NKJV) “And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.”   7. Acts 2:12-13 (NKJV) “So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘Whatever could this mean?' Others mocking said, ‘They are full of new wine.'”   8. Acts 2:16-17 (NKJV) “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.'”   9. Acts 2:21 (NKJV) “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”   10. Acts 2:37-38 (NKJV) “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?' Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”  

The Devil Thought He Won • Friday Service   If you'd like to support the ministry, please visit: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Learn more at: www.PastorTodd.org   1. 1 Corinthians 2:8 (NKJV) “Which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 2. John 19:30 (NKJV) “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” 3. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “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.” 4. Isaiah 53:10 (NKJV) “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” 5. 2 Corinthians 4:8–10 (NKJV) “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 6. Philippians 2:8–11 (NKJV) “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name…” 7. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” 8. Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 9. Romans 6:4 (NKJV) “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” 10. Revelation 1:18 (NKJV) “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” CCLI: 21943673

It Was Won on the Cross: Complete and Total Victory • Sunday Service   If you'd like to support the ministry, please visit: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Learn more at: www.PastorTodd.org   Today, I want to speak a message that is both timeless and urgent—“It Was Won on the Cross: Complete and Total Victory.” In a world full of chaos, compromise, and confusion, many believers are living below their spiritual inheritance. Why? Because they don't truly understand what was purchased at Calvary. The finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross is not just a historical event—it is a living reality that gives us power, identity, and authority right now. This message is a call to return to the power of the cross and to own what was done, so we can walk in complete victory in these end-times. 1. Colossians 2:14-15 (NKJV) “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 2. John 19:30 (NKJV) “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” 3. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 4. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” 5. Romans 6:6-7 (NKJV) “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.” 6. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 7. Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV) “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” 8. Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” 9. Ephesians 2:13-14 (NKJV) “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” 10. Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” It was won on the cross. Total victory. Not partial. Not future. NOW. In a world that's shaking, you don't have to. In a world that's deceived, you can walk in truth. In a world that's fearful, you can be bold. Because you are anchored in what was finished at the cross. Own it. Walk in it. Preach it. Live like it's true—because it is. CCLI: 21943673

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬So if you're looking for ultimate security, know that you can't be good enough, successful enough, or amazing enough to earn it for yourself.God alone is the keeper of your soul, and you can be confident in Him. Happy Easter Monday people of God !!

The Prophetic Significance of Purim in 2025: A Call to Courage and Awakening • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give As we approach Purim in 2025, we must recognize that this is not just an ancient Jewish holiday—it is a prophetic message for this very hour. The story of Esther, Mordecai, and Haman is more than history; it is a blueprint for the spiritual battle we face today. The enemy has set traps, decrees, and wicked schemes against God's people, but Purim reminds us that divine reversals, supernatural intervention, and bold faith will lead us to victory. God is calling His remnant to rise up like Esther and Mordecai, to recognize the times, and to stand against the Haman spirit that seeks to destroy faith, truth, and righteousness in our day. Purim is a call to courage, fasting, discernment, and action. Let's dive into the Word and uncover why this moment in 2025 is critical for believers to understand and walk in the spirit of Purim. 1. Recognizing the Times: The Battle of Light and Darkness Esther 3:8-9 (NKJV) “Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, ‘There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain. If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed…'” 2. The Call to Boldness: You Were Born for Such a Time as This Esther 4:14 (NKJV) “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 3. Fasting and Prayer Release Breakthrough Esther 4:16 (NKJV) “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” 4. Divine Reversals: What the Enemy Meant for Evil, God Turns for Good Esther 9:1 (NKJV) “On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.” 5. The Scepter of Favor: Authority in the Courts of Heaven Esther 5:2 (NKJV) “So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.” 6. The Haman Spirit Will Hang on Its Own Gallows Esther 7:10 (NKJV) “So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided.” 7. The Call to Celebrate and Remember Esther 9:28 (NKJV) “That these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants.” 8. No Weapon Formed Against Us Will Prosper Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) “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.” 9. Be Strong and Courageous Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 10. The Lord Will Fight for You Exodus 14:14 (NKJV) “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” This Is Our Purim Moment Purim in 2025 is a prophetic call to: • Wake up and recognize the times. • Fast, pray, and seek divine strategy. • Stand in courage and take action. • Believe in the power of divine reversals. • Walk in authority and favor.

Word for Today:Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Word for Today:Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬“So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.”

24_01_25 -Ep.348 – Run With Horses Podcast – Spiritual Disciplines - Fellowship Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith — **(28:00)** Today we continue our survey of the spiritual disciplines. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(27:00 – 23:00)** Caregivers Corner Stages of Spiritual Growth – Questions to Ponder Young Adult and Parent **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Solitude, silence, fasting, simplicity, meditation, Study, worship, prayer, fellowship, service. Fellowship As A Spiritual Discipline Introduction Fellowship : a deep, spiritual, and relational bond among believers in Christ, united through the Holy Spirit. Fellowship is often undervalued as a spiritual discipline but it is essential for Christian growth, accountability, and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 - 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 1: Biblical Foundation of Fellowship 1.1. Fellowship in the Early Church Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV) "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Fellowship was not just social but an intentional, spiritual practice. Community: teaching, breaking bread, prayer, and sharing in each other's needs. 1.2. Theological Importance of Fellowship 1 John 1:3 (NKJV) "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." Fellowship with one another is rooted in our fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. It's not just about socializing; it's about participation in the life of God through Christ. 2: Fellowship as a Spiritual Discipline 2.1. The Role of Fellowship in Christian Growth Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Fellowship is a necessary part of Christian life because it encourages us to love one another and perform good works. Regular gathering in worship and fellowship for mutual encouragement. 2.2. Fellowship as Encouragement and Accountability Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV) "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Fellowship involves mutual care, helping each other through struggles, and bearing one another's burdens. 3: Fellowship and the Importance of Community for Spiritual Growth 3.1. Using Spiritual Gifts Within the Community 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NKJV) "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all." Fellowship involves the active use of spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. Not isolating one's spiritual gifts but using them in the context of community for the mutual edification of all believers. 3.2. Living Out the "One Anothers" of the New Testament Romans 12:10 (NKJV) "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Ephesians 4:2-3 (NKJV) "With all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." We all have a call to "one another" living: love one another, serve one another, bear with one another, and forgive one another. These relational commands can only truly be lived out within the community of believers. Fellowship, in community, is where we practice these commands. 3.3. The Community and Spiritual Growth Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Fellowship in community provides the context for mutual sharpening and growth. Accountability, prayer, correction, and encouragement are critical in the spiritual formation of every body of believers. 4: Practical Ways to Cultivate Fellowship 4.1. Intentional Relationships Romans 12:10 (NKJV) "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." Because we are all so busy, making fellowship a priority is important, creating opportunities for one-on-one and group connection. 4.2. The Role of Shared Meals and Hospitality Acts 2:46 (NKJV) "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart." Fellowship is deeply connected to shared meals and hospitality in the early church. What are practical ways this could be applied today? 4.3. Prayer and Spiritual Conversations Matthew 18:20 (NKJV) "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Prayer meetings, small groups, and discussing Scripture are ways to cultivate deeper fellowship. 5: The Power of Fellowship for Mission 5.1. Evangelism Through Fellowship John 13:34-35 (NKJV) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Fellowship serves as a witness to the world of God's love, drawing others into the faith through the community of believers. Our relationship with each other draws others in. 5.2. The Global Fellowship of Believers Philippians 1:5 (NKJV) "For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Fellowship is not just a local practice but a global reality for the church as a whole. Christians are united in the mission of spreading the gospel. Conclusion Summarize: importance of fellowship as a spiritual discipline, its role in spiritual growth, and its impact on mission. How are your fellowship practices and how can you deepen your relationships with fellow believers. Make fellowship an intentional part of your Christian walk, both in personal relationships and in the broader church community.   **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**   **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**     **(5:00 – 1:00)** The Mission of the Church The mission is rooted in the Great Commission, the call to make disciples of all nations, as well as the call to love, serve, and witness to our communities. The Great Commission The local church is primarily tasked with evangelizing and making disciples. Jesus gave this clear command in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV) This mission to go and make disciples is not just for individual Christians but for the collective body of Christ, the church. Every church, whether large or small, is called to be part of this global mission to spread the gospel. The Church as a Witness The local church also serves as a witness of God's love, truth, and holiness to the world. Jesus said in Acts 1:8: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NKJV) The local church's mission extends beyond its walls. It is called to bear witness to Christ, not just in its immediate community (Jerusalem), but also to the surrounding areas (Judea and Samaria), and even to the ends of the earth. This requires both local outreach and global mission efforts. The Church as a People of Fellowship and Discipleship A central aspect of the local church's mission is fostering a community where believers can grow in their faith. In Acts 2:42, we see the early church's commitment to fellowship and discipleship: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42, NKJV) Through teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, the church strengthens its members to live out their faith and equip them to serve in the mission of Christ. A local church is a place where Christians come together to grow deeper in their relationship with God and each other. The Church as a People of Service The local church is also called to serve both its members and the surrounding community. In Galatians 6:10, Paul encourages the church to actively do good: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10, NKJV) This service is a practical outworking of the love of Christ. It involves caring for the needy, providing for the poor, and supporting those who are suffering. Serving within the church and in the wider community is part of the mission to represent Christ and His love in tangible ways. Conclusion To sum it up, the local church has a clear and vital mission: to make disciples, to be witnesses of Christ, to foster fellowship and discipleship among believers, and to serve those in need. This mission is not just about activities; it's about living out the gospel in every area of life. As we seek to fulfill this mission, we can be confident that Christ is with us every step of the way (Matthew 28:20).   **(1:00)** Philippians 1:6 – "...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." – “Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running. **(00:00)** AD: If you want to support the Run With Horses Podcast and Radio Show, the best way you can do that is by telling other people about it and leaving a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Another way is by checking out our books. Our goal is to support your spiritual growth in any way we can. A link to each of our author pages on Amazon is in the show notes. You can find all our shows with links to the most popular podcast apps at rwh.podbean.com. Thanks for joining us on the journey! https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith    

24_12_07 -Ep.341  - Run With Horses Podcast  - Developing Biblical Character   Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast   Susan's New book – Parenting Manual https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo   Norman's New book – Pursuing Godliness Together  - It's a practical, quick read! https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04   ---   **(28:00)** Today we consider Biblical Character, what it is and how to get it!   Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together!   Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”   **(27:00 – 23:00)**      Spiritual Habits -     **(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1 Part 1: What is Biblical Character?  1. Definition of Biblical Character      • Definition: Dictionary definition of character 1. "Moral or ethical strength: integrity. Biblical perspective on character 1. Character as inner moral strength 2. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV): "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Biblical character is the moral and spiritual qualities that align with God's Word, reflecting His nature and will in a person's life.          ◦ Rooted in the word “character,” which implies a distinctive mark or engraving. Biblical character involves being “marked” by God's nature.      • Key Passage: Romans 5:3-4        "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."     • A. Integrity 1. Definition: "The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles"2. Job 2:3 (NKJV): "And the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.'"      • B. Faithfulness 1. Importance of being trustworthy 2. Luke 16:10 (NKJV): "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much."   2. Examples of Biblical Character in Scripture      • Abraham (Faith and Obedience):         ◦ Genesis 22:12: "And He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.'"          ◦ Emphasis on obedience to God despite personal cost.      • Joseph (Integrity and Forgiveness):         ◦ Genesis 39:9: "There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"          ◦ Focus on Joseph's integrity and forgiveness in Genesis 50:20.      • Ruth (Loyalty and Devotion):         ◦ Ruth 1:16: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God."      • Daniel (Faithfulness):         ◦ Daniel 6:10: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days."    3. Why Biblical Character Matters      • Reflection of God's Nature:          ◦ 1 Peter 1:15-16: "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"      • Witness to Others:          ◦ Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."      **(00:00) END PART 1**   **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**  Part 2: Developing Biblical Character  1. Foundational Principles for Developing Biblical Character      • Commit to God's Word:         ◦ Psalm 119:11: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."          ◦ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.         ◦ Spiritual habit of daily Bible reading and meditation.          ◦ Study and Meditate on God's Word  - Joshua 1:8 (NKJV): "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." - Practical tips for Bible study and meditation         ◦ Practical tip: Use a reading plan to engage with Scripture regularly.      • Prayer for Transformation:         ◦ Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."          ◦ Develop a habit of daily prayer asking God for character growth.          ◦ Cultivate a Strong Prayer Life  - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV): "Pray without ceasing." - Different types of prayer and their importance in character development     • Community and Accountability:         ◦ Relationship - Building authentic connections 1. With God: Prayer and personal devotion 2. With others: Accountability and fellowship         ◦  1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NKJV): "So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us."         ◦ Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."          ◦ Be involved in a discipleship relationship or small group for encouragement and accountability.          ◦ Embrace Accountability and Community - Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV): "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." - The importance of Christian fellowship in character growth   2. Practical Steps to Build Character      • Practice Humility:         ◦ Philippians 2:3-4: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."         ◦ Practice Obedience and Submission to God  - James 1:22 (NKJV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - The role of obedience in shaping character      • Respond Well to Trials:         ◦ James 1:2-4: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."          ◦ View difficulties as opportunities for God to refine character.      • Serve Others:         ◦ Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."          ◦ Develop selflessness through acts of service.  * Develop Spiritual Disciplines (4 minutes) - Fasting, solitude, service, etc. - 1 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV): "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness."   3. Encouragement to Continue Growing      • Ongoing Process:         ◦ 2 Peter 1:5-7: "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love."          ◦ Sanctification is a lifelong journey.          ◦ Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."         ◦      • Final Exhortation:         ◦ Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."    Call to Action:     • Reflect on one area of character that needs development this week.      • Commit to one practical step (e.g., memorize a verse, journal about a trial, seek accountability).      • Pray daily for God's help to grow in character.     **(5:00 – 1:00)**     Doctrine of the Month - Salvation *The Need for Salvation Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”   Define salvation as deliverance from sin and its consequences. Briefly discuss the universality of sin. *Sin Problem Explain sin as rebellion against God (1 John 3:4 - Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.). Emphasize the separation sin causes between humanity and God (Isaiah 59:1-2 - 1 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.). *God's Standard Discuss God's holiness and the impossibility of humans meeting His standard (Romans 3:10 - 9What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” 13“Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; 14“Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” 15“Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17And the way of peace they have not known.” 18“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”).   Reflect on your need for salvation and your personal standing before God.    **(1:00)**     - “Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful!   -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.   **(00:00)**              

Why God is Raising Up Davids and Esthers for Such a Time as This? • Friday Service   To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org   We will delve into the stories of David and Esther—two remarkable figures in biblical history who were raised up by God for critical moments in their respective eras. Their decisions to embrace God's call shaped not only their destinies but the destinies of nations. As we go through their stories, I want us to reflect on why their obedience was crucial and how their lives serve as a prophetic mirror for us today. We are the modern-day Davids and Esthers, and the decisions we make now will have a profound impact on our families, communities, and the world. Scripture 1: David's Anointing 1 Samuel 16:12-13 (NKJV): "So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, 'Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!' Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah." Scripture 2: Esther's Rise to Queenship Esther 2:17 (NKJV): "The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti." Scripture 3: David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NKJV): "Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands.'" Scripture 4: Esther's Dilemma Esther 4:13-14 (NKJV): "And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: 'Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'" Scripture 5: David's Leadership 2 Samuel 5:3-4 (NKJV): "Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years." Scripture 6: Esther's Boldness Esther 5:1-2 (NKJV): "Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter." Scripture 7: David's Worship 2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NKJV): "Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet." Scripture 8: Esther's Intercession Esther 8:3 (NKJV): "Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews." Scripture 9: David's Legacy 1 Kings 2:1-3 (NKJV): _"Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: 'I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses 1 Kings 2:1-3 (NKJV) Continued: "…that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn." Scripture 10: Esther's Victory and Legacy Esther 9:1 (NKJV): "Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king's command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them." Conclusion: We Are Modern-Day Davids and Esthers In the stories of David and Esther, we see individuals who were called by God for specific purposes in critical times. They were not perfect, but they were willing to say yes to God's call. Their obedience, faith, and courage changed the course of history. We are the modern-day Davids and Esthers. The times we live in are marked by challenges and opportunities, and God is calling us to step into our divine assignments. Just as David faced giants and Esther faced a powerful enemy, we too face spiritual battles and cultural challenges. But God has equipped us with His Spirit, just as He did with David and Esther. We need to understand that our obedience to God's call is not just about our personal destinies; it's about the destinies of those we are called to influence and lead. If Esther had not stepped up, her family would have perished, and the Jews could have been annihilated. If David had not faced Goliath, the Israelites might have been defeated. Our actions today can have far-reaching consequences. God is raising up Davids—people after His own heart who will lead with integrity, worship Him wholeheartedly, and face the giants of our time with unwavering faith. God is raising up Esthers—men and women who will stand in the gap, intercede for their people, and use their influence to bring about justice and deliverance. The call is urgent. We must take a stand now. Our world is in desperate need of leaders who are willing to say yes to God's call, no matter the cost. Just as David and Esther were positioned for a specific time and purpose, we are positioned in this time for God's divine purpose. Let us, like David, be people after God's own heart, and like Esther, be willing to take bold risks for the sake of others. When we align our lives with God's will and step into our divine assignments, we will see His power at work in and through us, bringing about transformation and victory. Let us pray.

Word for Today: Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Good Friday: God is Still Good • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Good Friday is a day that is etched in the absolute, you know, one of the foundational elements of our Christian faith and it's a day with deep sorrow, yet profound hope, because it commemorates the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, the eternal sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ. It's a day that appeared to mark a victory of darknes, and I want to I want to point this out, because right now we're in a very dark time in our nation and in our world. It's a very dark time, but remember, there was another dark time, far more dark than today and that was when Jesus Christ himself, fully God and fully man, was crucified on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) - "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." Mark 15:37-39 (NKJV) - "And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NKJV) - “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." John 19:30 (NKJV) - "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." Romans 5:8 (NKJV) - "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Joel 2:28-32 (NKJV) - “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams,Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls."

What To Do When Heaven Shows Up In Your World –Part 3 Luke 2:1-3 NKJV And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Ceasar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.  So, all went to be registered everyone to his own city. Luke 2:4-5 NKJV Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. Luke 2:6-7 NKJV So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Luke 2:8-11 NKJV Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.   Do not be afraid Luke 2:12-14 NKJV And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:15-20 NKJV So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.  Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

“Allow yourself to be so filled up with the truth of God's Word, that there's not space for the lies to take up residence.” New York Times bestselling author and podcast host, Crystal Paine, shares about her motherhood journey and transformation from parenting for approval to love-centered parenting. Listen in as Crystal gives practical wisdom, fills our minds with truth and reminds us to anxiously anticipate God's faithfulness each day. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org   ABOUT OUR GUEST Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, host of The Crystal Paine Show podcast, and a New York Times bestselling author. Her desire is to help women across the globe live with more joy, purpose, and intention in their everyday lives. She lives with her husband and six kids in the Nashville, Tennessee, area, where she is actively involved in her local church. Her biggest passions are helping women understand how the gospel can radically transform their lives, raising awareness for foster care, going on adventures with her family (locally, domestically, and internationally), finding great deals at the grocery store, having heartfelt conversations, and trying to read too many books at one time!   SCRIPTURES  Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 ESV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30 NKJV I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:18-23 NIV Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV   LINKS Crystal Paine's Website BOOKS Love-Centered Parenting: The No-Fail Guide to Launching Your Kids The Time-Saving Mom Money-Making Mom Say Goodbye to Survival Mode ebook Gratitude Journal for Kids   MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Share MIP Support Our Mission

In this episode, we are discussing what position we are looking at in our situations. Is it through the wounded person's eyes or the person who you are today? James 1:19 - NKJV - So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; When we look through the eyes of a wounded person we are not quick to listen, slow to speak, or slow to anger. Make decisions from a place of self-value. 5 - Self Value Non-Negotiable Way To Make Decisions Stay in Integrity Stay in Authenticity Stay Close To Jesus Make Decisions From Only A Place of Self-Value Act Quickly but without haste Website: www.thinkhappywithtammy.com Etsy Store - Think Happy With Tammy - custom-designed T-shirts, mugs, journals, and wall art. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tammy-phillips3/message

Introduction‌Hebrews is an amazing book. It is a book of contrasts. It contrasts the Old Covenant given through Moses with the New Covenant first prophesied through Jeremiah in the Hebrew Scriptures and later inaugurated by Yeshua at the last supper, a Passover seder, and at the cross. It was written to Jewish people not long before the second Jewish Temple was destroyed by Rome in 70 AD. Some scholars believe that it was addressed to Jewish believers only, to Jews who were born again but weak in their faith. For several reasons, which I hope to cover with you as we go through this book, I do not believe that. I believe the epistle was indeed written to born again Jews who were weak in their faith, but also to Jews who might be interested in Yeshua but had not made a profession of faith in Him. And I also believe that the author certainly hoped that the epistle would be read or explained to Jews who had no apparent interest in following Jesus; this latter group may have included people who practiced traditional Judaism - the Temple was still standing when Hebrews was written - some who were serious about their religious practice and some who may have gone along with the practice of the Jewish religion because of pressure from their peers. And this book has great application for all of us today, both Jew and Gentile.Let's begin today by reading and then discussing the first verse of the epistle. All Scriptures in this series will be from the NIV unless otherwise stated.Hebrews 1:1 “1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,”God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways. What does that mean? There were 16 writing prophets, men sent by God to proclaim His word and to make a written record of what they said. These written records survive today as the prophetic books of the Tanach or Old Testament. One of those prophets was not sent to the Jewish people although they must surely have known of his message. That was the prophet Jonah who was sent to proclaim the need for the people of Nineveh in Assyria to repent of their sins and indeed they did so and God did not bring disaster upon them.So, many prophets were sent over a great many years - hence, “at many times”; the Analytical Lexicon of the New Testament gives a translation for this as bit by bit. That makes sense to me. We have a very patient God. He doesn't give us His truth all at once because He knows that we couldn't handle it. Bit by bit might be a good thing for us to keep in mind as we share God's truth with people. We want to be careful not to feed a person who only has the ability to consume one piece of bread with a 7 course meal. We need to take our Heavenly Father's example and His truth bit by bit, at least in the beginning.And the message was also given in various ways. What does that mean? The great law giver, Moses, considered by many Jewish people to be the greatest prophet of all, and who wrote the Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible, wrote about the first Passover in ancient Egypt and the need for a blood sacrifice to preserve life. The shed blood came from lambs. Those things pointed to the first coming of our Messiah, the Lamb of God, and to the cross.‌But Moses also wrote about something that came even earlier. That was the very first mention in the Bible of a deliverer, our Messiah, who would in the future crush the head of the serpent who at Satan's direction deceived Eve and so led Adam and Eve to disobey God which caused something to happen that we call The Fall. God intended for us to live forever but because of the disobedience of our first parents all of us are born spiritually dead and have limited physical life spans. Let's read about this:Genesis 3:14–15 (NKJV)So the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”‌The Seed that the LORD is talking about here, her Seed - the Seed of the woman - is the deliverer, the Messiah, whom we now know is the Lord Jesus. This is the first time in the Bible that a Deliverer is mentioned. This is the first foreshadowing of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus.‌The LORD speaking through Moses again said something of a profoundly prophetic nature in Deuteronomy:‌Deuteronomy 18:18–19 “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.”These verses speak of a future deliverer who like you, meaning like Moses would deliver His people from slavery and death but the deliverance by the future deliverer would be permanent. This was a prophecy about Jesus, Yeshua, and of His earthly ministry.Another prophecy of a future deliverer is inPsalm 2 where the LORD talks about His Son:Psalm 2:7–8 “I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”‌And the Lord gives us a further hint of His coming Son in the book of Proverbs:‌Proverbs 30:4 “Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!”Folks, God the Father has a son and He has told us about Him in the Old Testament.And then we have a prophecy given to King David from the prophet Nathan who was not one of the 16 writing prophets, but was a prophet nonetheless. Listen to the Lord speaking through Nathan to David:1 Chronicles 17:11–12 “When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever.”The Lord is here speaking of the throne of the Messiah Who will be King of Israel and Whose throne will be established forever. That will begin when this present age is over and Messiah, the Lord Jesus, will reign for a thousand years from Jerusalem. That time will follow the rapture and the 7 year tribulation. That time is drawing nearer every day. Maranatha! Come quickly Lord Jesus!Then there was Isaiah who told of the Messiah who would come by virgin birth and who would be God Himself and God with us:‌Immanuel means God with us and that's exactly who Yeshua was when He walked among us 2,000 years ago. Folks that prophecy was fulfilled about 700 years later when He was born in Bethlehem. And Isaiah also prophesied this:Isaiah 9:6 “6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”‌This prophecy has only been partially fulfilled as of the date of this message - October 2023 - but rest assured that it will be completely fulfilled soon when Messiah Yeshua returns to rescue Israel, to judge the world, and to set up His 1,000 year reign.‌Later in his book, Isaiah prophesies about a person who would come, a Servant, who would suffer and die for our sins. This was indeed a prophecy about the Lord Jesus. He comes first as a suffering servant and only later as King and ruler, at His second coming, which we expectantly wait for now. Those of you who attend a traditional Jewish synagogue might wonder why this Suffering Servant of Isaiah, chapter 53, is not mentioned or taught about. This prophecy is so clearly about Jesus the Messiah that it is abhorrent to many Jewish leaders. That is why it is not taught.‌And then the LORD sent Jeremiah the prophet through whom the LORD promised a new covenant:‌Jeremiah 31:31–34 “31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.””What a wonderful promise from the LORD through Jeremiah! That New Covenant is was inaugurated with Jesus' death and it will be completely fulfilled after all Israel is saved at the end of the 7 year Tribulation.Romans 11:26–27 “and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.””And there are many more examples that I could give you but I don't want to tire you out.We will be talking about the New Covenant in this series because it is restated in the letter to the Hebrews. The prophecy of the New Covenant was made a reality when Jesus the Son of God gave His life and shed his blood for us on the cross.So we begin the New Testament book of Hebrews. It is an exciting book and one that is full of contrasts. It is also a book that cannot be understood without a knowledge of the Old Testament and that is why we've been talking so much about these Old Testament prophecies today. Yes, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,”‌My friends, the content as well as the sequence of these prophecies could never be devised by man. It's not a possibility. Just as the set time for God to send His son to earth, there was a set time - a time set by God - for each of the prophecies that we've discussed in this message to happen. Galatians 4:4 talks about God's set time. I'd like to read it to you:‌Galatians 4:4 “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,”Next time we will see what God has done and is doing in these last days. We'll look further into the book of Hebrews:‌Hebrews 1:1–2 “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”‌We'll look into verse 2 next time.‌Folks, for those of you who do not know Jesus and have not accepted Yeshua as your personal Lord and Savior, especially my Jewish brothers and sisters but also my Gentile brothers and sisters who are likewise special, I beg of you: please call upon His name and ask Him to save you today. Please don't wait! You could die today and be separated from God for eternity. You don't want that.‌Until the next time, my friends. God bless you.‌ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit awolinsky.substack.com

“There's a new opportunity tomorrow to learn from what we did today. It's not about the punishment or the condemning, but making sure we see the problem in light of His power.” Today Aubrie welcomes Jonathan Evans to the podcast. Not only is he a speaker and an author, but Jonathan is also a former NFL fullback that serves as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks. Listen in as he teaches us how we can incorporate the principles of God's Word into the daily tasks of raising children. Don't miss the simple and practical tools Jonathan gives us to keep ourselves and our children on God's best path. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org ABOUT OUR GUEST A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a master's degree in Christian Leadership, Jonathan Evans is a mentor, author, speaker and former NFL fullback who serves as the chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys and co-chaplain of the Dallas Mavericks. As part of his commitment to developing the next generation of devoted Christian leaders, he travels the country speaking at churches, conferences, men's events, banquets and student-athlete events. Jonathan also serves with his pastor, friend and father, Dr. Tony Evans, both in the local church and the national ministry. Together, the two of them have written Get in the Game, and in 2021 he released his first stand-alone book, The Time Is Now. Jonathan's newest book is Fighting Your Battles: Every Christian's Playbook for Victory over Life's Challenges. He and his wife, Kanika, are the proud parents of five children. The family resides in Dallas, Texas. SCRIPTURES  Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord. Psalm 128:1-4 NKJV  So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 NKJV And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV   LINKS Stories From the Storyteller App Jonathan Evans on Instagram Jonathan Evans on Facebook   BOOKS Stories from the Storyteller Fighting Your Battles: Every Christian's Playbook for Victory Your Time Is Now: Get What God has Given You   MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Register Your Moms in Prayer Group Support Our Mission

I promise you he's using at least one of these in your life today

I promise you he's using at least one of these in your life today

What drives the heart of a Christian? What comfort or assurance can be given to high schoolers about to leave the safety of their hometown, and suddenly be immersed in the free-for-all of college life? Addressing the high school graduates and congregation of Compass Community Church, Pastor Seth Dean answers this question in light of the Apostle Peter's statements in the 3rd chapter of his first epistle. In order to stand firm in the face of violent trials and persecutions - even the jeering of fellow students for trusting in Christ - a Christian must honor Jesus Christ as Lord. Many messages have been preached on this passage - many times the focus has been of an apologetic nature. And especially when we're considering sending teenagers off to campuses of both Christian and secular colleges, men in the pulpit like to drive into them the idea of being ready to defend their faith. Now, there is nothing wrong with that. But in my experience, young men and women who have been told that this is the beginning of their independence and subsequently their adult lives, are often thinking less and less of defending the Christian faith and thinking more and more about what their future looks like. Now is a time when they are dreaming of what they will do for themselves. And this isn't bad in and of itself. It is good to consider the future. It is good to think on the big questions and imagine the best outcomes: excelling in your field, finding the perfect job, finally finding that ever-longed-for spouse, and laying a good foundation for your future. There is nothing wrong with that at all, unless you are considering all of this in the idea of throwing off the faith of your fathers in pursuit of these material blessings. Or perhaps you aren't considering abandoning it altogether, but are aware of your own frail weakness - and feel wholly unprepared to speak on behalf of Jesus Christ or in defense of Him lest you make a mockery of yourself or your faith. Or perhaps you are firm in your faith, trusting completely in the meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the cross, but have trepidation about what to do if this situation should arise or that situation - what to do if your faith should lead you to be reviled by others. This message is for all of you. In fact, it is a message for the entire Church. It strikes not at man's will to simply weather a storm. Rather, it calls to the man's heart. For, as our Lord says,"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” “[Luk 6:45 NKJV] So, this message is to all of us who call ourselves Christians, but who struggle with proclaiming the excellencies who called us out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of His Marvelous Light. Sermon preached at Compass Community Church on June 4, 2023. For more information on that church, please contact Pastor Lee Reems at lee@wercompass.org

5 Best Practices to Preach the Word of God as a Prophet Have you ever stood up to preach and suddenly your mind went blank? You were filled with the spirit the moment before and then suddenly… you felt dry 

5 Best Practices to Preach the Word of God as a Prophet Have you ever stood up to preach and suddenly your mind went blank? You were filled with the spirit the moment before and then suddenly… you felt dry 

1 Kings 17:12 NLT: But she said, "I swear by the Lord your God that I don't have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die." NKJV: So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”

How many can you check off?

How many can you check off?

You're marked with a formidable prophetic DNA that your pastor needs. It's not your gifts, your skill sets, or any other abilities. It goes deeper than that. It's your pearl of great value and offers the most empowerment when you operate in it.

You're marked with a formidable prophetic DNA that your pastor needs. It's not your gifts, your skill sets, or any other abilities. It goes deeper than that. It's your pearl of great value and offers the most empowerment when you operate in it.

Joseph was promoted as a slave and prisoner. He developed a discipline that gave him unlimited favor. These skills gave him the ability to organize himself, his circumstances, and others! This skill is yours to learn today as Apostles Craig and Colette Toach train you in prophetic discipline. Move on to maturity. A Message From Your Spiritual Parents

Joseph was promoted as a slave and prisoner. He developed a discipline that gave him unlimited favor. These skills gave him the ability to organize himself, his circumstances, and others! This skill is yours to learn today as Apostles Craig and Colette Toach train you in prophetic discipline. Move on to maturity. A Message From Your Spiritual Parents

In this episode, Host Chae Cole encourages listeners embarking on a healing journey. Chae suggests that healing is a process and that it may not happen overnight, but we can make strides to become the healthy and whole version that God intends for us to be. Listen to this episode to be encouraged on this journey! Scripture: ‭Luke 17:14 NKJV - So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. Host: Chae Cole Instagram: @Coletherapy Website: https://www.coletherapy.com Email: therapycole@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/coletherapy/support

The Twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14) "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14) It is no coincidence that there are twelve apostles. Jesus clearly intended it to be so! The 12 apostles are to be seen as the progenitors of The church, Paul tells us, "the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (Ephesians 2:19-20). We see the number 12 throughout Revelation relating to both the apostles and the tribes of Israel: The Woman clothed with the sun has a crown of 12 stars (Revelation 12:1). The names of the 12 tribes of Israel are inscribed on the 12 gates to the city (Revelation 21:12) The 12 foundations of the city wall bear the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). The 12 foundation stones,The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones ( Revelation 21:19-20) There are 12 gates of pearl, one for each tribe (Revelation 21:21). The trees along the banks of the river bear 12 kinds of fruit (Revelation 22:2). So who are the twelve apostles of the Lamb? To whom does the "twelve apostles of the Lamb" refer? Is this the original twelve apostles? or does Mathias replace Judas? Or does this refer to someone or something else? Paul and Barnabas are both called apostles in the book of Acts: 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out -Acts 14:14 (NKJV) The Holy Spirit had set them apart earlier in Antioch: 1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. -Acts 13:1-3 (NKJV) So neither Paul nor Barnabas were self-proclaimed apostles but were set apart by the Holy Spirit. Note that even though Acts refers to them as apostles, there is still a distinction made between them and the other twelve apostles, with one example being in Acts 15 where Paul and Barnabas go back to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders about the matter of circumcision: --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anthony-wilson/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/anthony-wilson/support

The Spiritual Law of Blessing Being a spiritual child opens the door to generational blessing. Find out how to submit yourself to a spiritual parent to break satan's influence and begin a new bloodline. Answer the questions: How do I find my spiritual parent? How does being a spiritual child release blessing? How do I get rid of curses? Before you listen 

The Spiritual Law of Blessing Being a spiritual child opens the door to generational blessing. Find out how to submit yourself to a spiritual parent to break satan's influence and begin a new bloodline. Answer the questions: How do I find my spiritual parent? How does being a spiritual child release blessing? How do I get rid of curses? Before you listen 

Seize the Moment Nothing fulfils me more than sharing and expounding the Word of God. It was one of my thrilling moments- fulfilling, yet concerning as I seized the moment to expound the truth of God's Word to couple of the Christian young people I work with. I had a sense of fulfilment because it had always been my desire to see people- young and old, truly understanding what the Word of God says about them, and walking in it, by sharing the Word. Feelings of concern came when thoughts of doubts came- “what if they do not understand, or they decide not to do anything about the truth they are taught.” Two scriptural verses came to mind- Ephesians 5:16 “So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes.” ‭ I Corinth 3:6-7 “I planted the church, and Apollos came and cared for it, but it was God who caused it to grow. This means the one who plants is not anybody special, nor the one who waters, for God is the one who brings the supernatural growth.” ‭‭ Our responsibility is to keep sowing and watering the seed of God's Word, by not giving up. God, himself at the fullness of time will cause the growth of the seed. Will moments of doubts and concern come? Yes! It will. However, we need to keep reminding ourselves to live in the Word. Our calling as Christ believers is a call to live by faith not by feelings. Living life of faith not of feelings. Deliberately taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” ‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ So, what am I trying to say as I wrap up? -Do not be discouraged -Take full advantage of every day, to live it for God's purpose -When discouragement sets in, remind yourself of God's Word in I Corinth 3:6-7. God Himself will turn things around at the fullness of time. -Take charge of your thoughts. Someone says “the mind is a battlefield”. It truly is. Take every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ as advised in II Corinth 10:4-5. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/abimbola-arawande/message

What is the foundation on which I will build my life? You will build your life on the wisdom of this world or of the Word. Genesis 3:1 // “Did God really say…” When my opinion doesn't align with Scripture, I assume that I am wrong. Psalm 119:81 (GW) // My soul is weak from waiting for you to save me. My hope is based on your word. Matthew 7:24-25 // “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” 3 Attitudes Toward the Word of God: 1. Gratitude James 1:16-18 // Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. Romans 10:17 (NKJV) // So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God 2. Humility James 1:19-20 // My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. How do I make my life line up with what it says? “If your god never disagrees with you, you might just be worshiping an idealized version of yourself.” - Timothy Keller 1 Thessalonians 2:13 // And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. “The sign of a God-changed heart is that I like for God to tell me how to live.” - Pastor Chris Hodges 3. Hunger James 1:22-25 // Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

SELF-PITY IS LOUD!!!!! God's voice is quiet 

SELF-PITY IS LOUD!!!!! God's voice is quiet 

Every worship leader is tempted by self-importance. It's satan's attempt to undermine the purity and power of untied worship. Defend yourself from these attacks with three cures for any form of pride and vainglory. Miriam prophets, protect your church from this deception of the enemy. Usher in a pure spirit during worship. The Cure for Self Importance Do the prophet dance. What's the prophet dance? It's when you put your right hand up, then your left hand, and you say, “Not my will but yours be done, Lord.” Then shake it all about. For more instructions, click play now! Get Your Free E-book toachministries.com Related Episodes The Miriam Anointing: Prophetic Leader of Worship and Song (Ep. 274) The Miriam Mandate: The Prophet Anointed to Worship (Ep. 265) What's Your Prophetic Type? Miriam: The Worshipper (Ep. 256) Scriptures Used in This Episode Numbers 12:2 (NKJV): So they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. Numbers 12:10 (NKJV): And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper. Join Our Community! https://www.apostolic-network.com Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the next generation of prophets. Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Watch Our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: NextGen Prophets Instagram

Every worship leader is tempted by self-importance. It's satan's attempt to undermine the purity and power of untied worship. Defend yourself from these attacks with three cures for any form of pride and vainglory. Miriam prophets, protect your church from this deception of the enemy. Usher in a pure spirit during worship. The Cure for Self Importance Do the prophet dance. What's the prophet dance? It's when you put your right hand up, then your left hand, and you say, “Not my will but yours be done, Lord.” Then shake it all about. For more instructions, click play now! Get Your Free E-book toachministries.com Related Episodes The Miriam Anointing: Prophetic Leader of Worship and Song (Ep. 274) The Miriam Mandate: The Prophet Anointed to Worship (Ep. 265) What's Your Prophetic Type? Miriam: The Worshipper (Ep. 256) Scriptures Used in This Episode Numbers 12:2 (NKJV): So they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. Numbers 12:10 (NKJV): And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper. Join Our Community! https://www.apostolic-network.com Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the next generation of prophets. Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Watch Our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: NextGen Prophets Instagram

Greetings! It's good to have you with us today. Paul's Show of Solidarity— If you've been with us recently, you'll know that in our study of the book of Acts we have at last come to Paul's arrest here in chapter 21. He's trying to build bridges and discredit false rumors that are spreading about him and Christianity. It says in…. Acts 21:27-22:24 (NKJV)— 27 Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30 And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. “Beaten by Peacekeepers"— Some time ago on the news following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we saw a large number of Russian protestors who chose to stand up and peacefully yet publicly demonstrate their opposition to the war against Ukraine. But of course they don't have freedom of speech like we do here and so Putin has been having these people quickly arrested, sometimes beaten, and then carried away to prison, where many of them could spend up to ten years. And one image that was emblazoned on my mind was that of one of these protestors (a man) being picked up and held off the ground by a few of these so-called “peace-keepers” as another “peace-keeper” ruthlessly beat him with a black baton. And the man was being held in such a position that he couldn't cover himself in any way. All he could do was receive blow after blow. Beating Paul— Well that is the condition we find Paul in at the opening of our passage today. The unbelieving Jews have stirred the crowd into a frenzy and they are beating him. And they have no intention of stopping. They are intending to beat Paul to death; no trial, no imprisonment; no, they want Paul dead. Paul (and the message he bore) was, in their minds) to dangerous for him to be allowed to live. Now thankfully God intervened before they were able to carry out their plan. It says in… Acts 21:31 (NKJV)— 31 Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. The Commander Comes— Now around the temple was built Fort Antonia. And they were supervising constantly to make sure that no riot would brake out in Jerusalem and particularly the temple. Now [The commander of the troops at this time was {a man by the name of} Claudius Lysias (23:36). He was commander of a regiment (a special group, part of a legion) of Roman soldiers and was the senior Roman official in Jerusalem.] The word [“commander” (Greek, chiliarch ) {means that he} was responsible for 1,000 soldiers (a regiment)…and he was stationed at the Fortress of Antonia.] It says in verse 32 that… Acts 21:32 (NKJV)— 32 He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Battered & Bruised— Now you can imagine how badly shaken, battered and bruised Paul is at this point. He probably has to be picked up off the ground. But he's obviously a great physical threat to everybody around him, because it says in… Acts 21:33-34a (NKJV)— 33 Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; {then it says} and he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another. Absentee Accusers— By the way, its interesting how the initial instigators of all of this are now curiously silent if not altogether absent. They've stirred the pot and are the true cause of the riot, but now seem to have withdrawn. So you have this mob (this large body without a head) that doesn't even know why they are there. And because of that, the commander cannot figure out either who Paul is or what he has supposedly done. And so it says in… Acts 21:34b-37 (NKJV)— So when he could not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the barracks. 35 When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. 36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!” 37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I speak to you?” He replied, “Can you speak Greek? {This surprised the commander because Greek was the language of cultured, educated men, not common criminals as he had at first assumed Paul to be. It was an indication that he was from out of town. And yet Paul could be a troublemaker from somewhere else. Greek was commonly spoken in Egypt, so Lysias thinks he may be a then well-known Egyptian troublemaker. And so he asks Paul…} Acts 21:38 (NKJV)— 38 Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?” “The Egyptian”— Now this Egyptian to whom the commander is referring had tried to lead a revolt against Rome (21:37-38). He had taken a large number of people up to the Mount of Olives and promised that the walls of Jerusalem would fall at his command and that the Romans would be driven out. However, Governor Felix swept in with a bunch of Roman troops and routed the Egyptian and his followers, with the loss of many lives; and yet the Egyptian had escaped. So the commander had thought (probably because of the violent animosity of the crowd) that Paul was this Egyptian. The “Assassins”— Now Lysias describes the followers of this Egyptian as “assassins”. And these “assassins” that he is referring to were actually a terrorist group that had arisen during the time when Felix was governor. Their strong Jewish nationalism caused them to fiercely set themselves against not only Rome, but also against those of the Jews who collaborated with Rome. And the latter were, in fact, the primary targets of these assassins. Now the word “assassin” (Sikariōn) actually derives from the Latin word for dagger (sica). And that was for good reason, because what these assassins would do is they would mingle with the crowds and quickly and stealthily stab their victims. And after they did this, they would do one of two things. Sometimes they would simply melt away into the crowd. Other times they would be so brazen as to feign shock and actually join the mourners in order to escape being detected. I mean, these were scary guys. And they would be particularly active during the Jewish festivals like Pentecost. And so this reaction from the crowd coupled with the fact that these assassination attempts were common, it would have been very natural for Lysias to assume that the crowd had caught one of these assassins in the act (or maybe even the Egyptian himself). However, Paul quickly dispels that idea. It says… Acts 21:39-22:2 (NKJV)— 39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, 22:1 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” 2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Their Own Language— Now speaking to them in their own language caused them to get even more quiet because it showed them that he was likely not a Diaspora collaborator with the Gentiles, whom many of them may have supposed him to be. And he addresses them in a words that shows solidarity with them. He calls them “Brethren and fathers”, just as Stephen had done in 7:2. And here Paul says “hear my defense”. Six Defenses– And the Greek word is apologia. Paul is making an apology for the Christian faith. Now that doesn't mean what it would mean today; that he says “I'm sorry”. No, apology comes from the Greek word apologia and means to “make a defense” or “to state the case for”. It is where we get our word Apologetics. That is what is behind the admonition in 1 Peter 3:15 to “be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have”. Well, that is what we will see Paul do in and throughout the remainder of the book of Acts, as we will find him giving six separate defenses of both himself and of Christianity. The first is before an unruly mob here at Jerusalem (21:27ff.), the second is before the Sanhedrin in 22:30ff, the third before Felix in 24:1ff, the fourth one before Festus (25:1-12), the fifth one before Herod Agrippa (25:13ff), and the sixth one before the Jews at Rome (28:17-28). And so here we find the first one. He stands on the stairs and makes an apologia to them in their own language. And next week we will see what he says. The Fruit of Suffering— But you know, one of the things that we will continue to see as we move through these final chapters in the book of Acts (which focus on Paul's ministry in chains) is the truth that God will often use our greatest trials; our greatest tribulations; our greatest hardships to produce some of his greatest fruit. Mind you that it was during his imprisonment at Rome that Paul wrote four New Testament books; Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. And you know, that makes me wonder if Satan didn't regret the many persecutions he had helped instigate towards Paul; because of just how much fruit came out of those persecutions. I mean whenever Satan sought to crush Paul (and really many of the early Christians) through imprisonment, persecution, and even death, all that he ever succeeded in doing was helping to scatter the seed that would further expand and strengthen the Church. And Paul's life stands as one of the greatest demonstrations of that principle. And that is a principle that is true for you and me as well. It is often through our hardships that God can produce the greatest fruit for His kingdom. And so I want to encourage you, whatever hardship you might be going through now, don't linger in discouragement. Know that God is using that hardship for His glory; and that that hardship (if you let it) will draw you nearer to Him and help to bring about His amazing plans and purposes for your life and for the lives of others. And one day those sufferings will hardly even be remembered. I love what Paul himself writes in… Romans 8:18 (NKJV)— 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Let's Trust— Let us look forward to that future glory as we lean on God in the present and trust in Him and in His perfect plan for our lives. Amen.

Your prayer anointing that WINS BATTLES before they begin and RELEASES MIRACLES when you need them. You feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders because you pick up the prayer burden first. But, do you know the 5 natural talents that God gave you to lead intercession and make it look easy? Pull on every gift that God's given you to unlock your prophetic anointing. Don't miss this season, click play while the door for spiritual promotion is open. Your Grace and Anointing Although you're terrified, people look to you to lead them in prayer. This is part of your anointing! God created you to lead and today you learn how to do that while resting in your anointing. Always have the answers in tough times and pray prayers that work. This is your grace. Answers and spiritual impartation await. Listen, share, and grow. The Most Powerful Resource on Prophetic Identity Ever Created The Prophetic Mentorship Package Related Episode The Nehemiah Mandate: Chosen to Lead Intercessory Prayer (Ep. 266) What's Your Prophetic Type? Nehemiah: The Intercessor (Ep. 257) Scriptures Used in This Episode Nehemiah 1:4-5 (NKJV)So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said: “I pray, LORD God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, Join Our Community! https://www.apostolic-network.com Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the next generation of prophets. Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Watch Our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: NextGen Prophets Instagram

Your prayer anointing that WINS BATTLES before they begin and RELEASES MIRACLES when you need them. You feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders because you pick up the prayer burden first. But, do you know the 5 natural talents that God gave you to lead intercession and make it look easy? Pull on every gift that God's given you to unlock your prophetic anointing. Don't miss this season, click play while the door for spiritual promotion is open. Your Grace and Anointing Although you're terrified, people look to you to lead them in prayer. This is part of your anointing! God created you to lead and today you learn how to do that while resting in your anointing. Always have the answers in tough times and pray prayers that work. This is your grace. Answers and spiritual impartation await. Listen, share, and grow. The Most Powerful Resource on Prophetic Identity Ever Created The Prophetic Mentorship Package Related Episode The Nehemiah Mandate: Chosen to Lead Intercessory Prayer (Ep. 266) What's Your Prophetic Type? Nehemiah: The Intercessor (Ep. 257) Scriptures Used in This Episode Nehemiah 1:4-5 (NKJV)So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said: “I pray, LORD God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, Join Our Community! https://www.apostolic-network.com Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the next generation of prophets. Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Watch Our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: NextGen Prophets Instagram

Pastor David shares Sunday in Dickinson. Faith comes by hearing. We all have a measure of faith: Romans 12:3 We are called believers for a reason! If we are born again, we are born again because of faith, for we are saved “By grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8).” Faith grows out of the Word of God: Romans 10:17 The woman with the issue of blood heard the Word, meditated on it, spoke it, and acted on it. Mark 5:25-34 Why? Because somewhere along the line, she heard of Jesus, and “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).” Communion 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Paul reminds of communion Luke 22:14-20 Jesus institutes communion The Bread of Life Daily: Matthew 6:11 NKJV Give us this day our daily bread. We eat food regularly to sustain our bodies: so also we need to feed our spirits with the Word of God. Prayer and communion strengthen our faith and provide spiritual nourishment and refreshment Miracle bread: this is God's supply! We can see God's miraculous provision in Exodus 16:14-15 NKJV And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as frost on the ground. (15) So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, "This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. And in Matthew: Matthew 14:17-21 NKJV And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." (18) He said, "Bring them here to Me." (19) Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. (20) So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. (21) Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Showbread: the Showbread symbolized God's divine presence: Leviticus 24:5-8 NKJV "And you shall take fine flour and bake twelve cakes with it. Two-tenths of an ephah shall be in each cake. (6) You shall set them in two rows, six in a row, on the pure gold table before the LORD. (7) And you shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, an offering made by fire to the LORD. (8) Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. Unleavened bread: deliverance Exodus 12:17 NKJV So you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this same day I will have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance. Living bread: This is the Bread that gives us a new kind of life: “Zoe” life, an abundant life (John 10:10) John 6:48-51 NKJV I am the bread of life. (49) Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. (50) This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. (51) I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. The bread was broken for our healing 1 Peter 2:24 NKJV who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. Acts 10:38 John 14:19 NKJV "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. The Blood of the Lamb The cup symbolizes Jesus' Blood that was shed at Calvary. The Blood was shed at Calvary for the remission of sins Redemption power in the Blood Matthew 26:28 NKJV For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. There is no remission of sins without the shedding of Blood Hebrews 9:22 NKJV And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. There's protection in the Blood Exodus 12:12-13 NKJV &39 For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. (13) Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

‘The LORD will perfect that which concerns me' Psalm 138:8 (NJKV) ‘Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.' Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV) ‘There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD's counsel—that will stand.' Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV) So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30 (NKJV)

Pastor David shares Wednesday in Dickinson. Foundational Text: Psalm 145:8-16 It's easy to hear the Word of the Lord for the year in January, stand on it until February, maybe even March, then forget about it. But if you want the Word to work for you, you've got to see it through. We have been given a Word for this year: 2022 is the Year of the Open Hand of God. In the midst of more chaos and disorder, I will open my hand and freely give to those who refuse to be shaken by it. The importance of the prophetic word I would like to establish today the importance of this Word from the Lord. You cannot receive from that which you do not honor. The Word is unprofitable where it is dishonored. In other words, the amount of importance that you place on a Word from God is the amount of benefit you will receive from that Word. Matthew 13:57 (NKJV) So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” A person can honor the Word concerning finances and be blessed financially while at the same time be ignorant concerning healing and give no importance to what the Word has to say about healing and so walk in sickness and pain all their life, even though healing is no less true, no less God's will, than our financial prosperity. What's the difference? That one person honored God's will for finances but did not honor His will for healing. I've seen this happen in my own life! The purpose of prophecy: To bring edification, exhortation, and comfort 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 1 Corinthians 14:3 (ERV) But those who prophesy are speaking to people. They help people grow stronger in faith, and they give encouragement and comfort. It is a weapon which is to be wielded so that you may wage a good warfare 1 Timothy 1:18 Where is the battle fought? 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 The battle is fought in our mind 2 Corinthians 10:5 (TPT) We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. So the purpose of this word from God is so that you will demolish every deceptive and lying thought that the enemy throws at you by strengthening your faith, encouraging you, and comforting you. As thoughts, imaginations, and circumstances try to tear down everything that God has said, stand on this Word from Him: THIS is MY YEAR and the Hand of God is open to me because I REFUSE to be shaken by the chaos and disorder all around me! Psalms 91:7-8 (NKJV) A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. The Word of God for you: Daily Word: There is a Word from God for you every day, and that is found by spending time with Him in His presence daily, reading your Bible. That is your “Daily Bread.” (Matthew 6:11) A Word in Due Season: There is also a Word from God for you for the season that you are living in. Isaiah 50:4 (NKJV) "The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. Proverbs 15:23 (NKJV) A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Here's what we need to do: Give this Word extra attention Give this Word extra focus Give this Word talk time: Talk it! Say it! Give this Word extra thought Timothy was in a specific season as a new Pastor of a church exploding with growth. He was a young man with a nature of being timid and afraid. Paul gave him instruction and encouragement. Then he said, 1 Timothy 4:15 (NKJV) Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Meditate on the Word! Μελετάω (STRONGS) Meletaō Mel-et-ah'-o From a presumed derivative of G3199; to take care of, that is, (by implication) revolve in the mind: - imagine, (pre-) meditate God has given us a Word. Give it attention. Focus on it. Speak it! And meditate on it.

Make certain you're doing what God wants. Haven't you ever felt pushed to make a decision? Your heart longs to honor God but you're also unsure. You think, “Jesus, I hope this is you or I'm about to mess up big time.” Skip that feeling. Notice the signs of what God wants you to do and never feel pushed again. Show Notes:Get active. Boost your day by being obedient to God. Recognize how He speaks to you through people, circumstances, and other physical ways. You've never heard God like this before, so get ready to understand Him a lot better. Add some fuel to your prophetic process with Apostles Craig and Colette Toach. “When God gives us direction, He speaks to us through our circumstances.” - Colette Toach What You Will Learn God Speaks All The TimeWhy do people always say the same thing to me? Is God trying to give me a message? Hear Jesus the First TimeDo you keep having the same thoughts? Perk up your ears… It's time to listen to God's voice. How to Trace the PatternsSee the ways God gets your attention. Never miss God's voice again. Scriptures That Tune Your Ears to Hear God's Voice John 14:26 NKJVBut the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Isaiah‬ ‭30:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left. Galatians‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Sponsor the NextGen ProphetsBe the reason another prophet gets trained Get Your Free E-bookhttps://www.nextgenprophets.org/  Get Personal Help From the NextGen Prophets TeamSign Up to the Community of Apostles and Prophets Watch our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries 

Make certain you're doing what God wants. Haven't you ever felt pushed to make a decision? Your heart longs to honor God but you're also unsure. You think, “Jesus, I hope this is you or I'm about to mess up big time.” Skip that feeling. Notice the signs of what God wants you to do and never feel pushed again. Get active. Boost your day by being obedient to God. Recognize how He speaks to you through people, circumstances, and other physical ways. You've never heard God like this before, so get ready to understand Him a lot better. Add some fuel to your prophetic process with Apostles Craig and Colette Toach. “When God gives us direction, He speaks to us through our circumstances.” - Colette Toach What You Will Learn God Speaks All The TimeWhy do people always say the same thing to me? Is God trying to give me a message? Hear Jesus the First TimeDo you keep having the same thoughts? Perk up your ears… It's time to listen to God's voice. How to Trace the PatternsSee the ways God gets your attention. Never miss God's voice again. Scriptures That Tune Your Ears to Hear God's Voice John 14:26 NKJVBut the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Isaiah‬ ‭30:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left. Galatians‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Sponsor the NextGen ProphetsBe the reason another prophet gets trained Get Your Free E-bookhttps://www.nextgenprophets.org/  Get Personal Help From the NextGen Prophets TeamSign Up to the Community of Apostles and Prophets Watch our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries  Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach   Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com  Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets  Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextgenprophets

Matthew 7:24 MSG These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. I must accept its AUTHORITY. I Thessalonians 2:13 NIV And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. I must assimilate its TRUTHS. By LISTENING to God's word. Romans 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Luke 8:18 NIV Therefore consider carefully how you listen… By READING God's word. Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” By RETAINING God's word. Psalm 119:11 NIV I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. I must APPLY its principles. James 1:22 NIV Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Try this: 5 minutes a day in Prayer 5 minutes a day in Worship 10-15 minutes a day in the Word. https://coastalcommunity.tv --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coastalchurch/message

Ephesians 5:28 NKJV So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.

 Hebrews 4:12,AMP- For the word of God is living and active and full of power, making it operative, energizing, and effective.It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit, the completeness of a person, and of both joints and marrow ,the deepest parts of our nature, exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. A very important lesson every believer has to come to terms with is the reality that God's word is living, spiritual reality. Jesus told us His words are Spirit and life. Here's the deal, there are 2 Greek words translated word in the NT Logos- the written word of God. Our bible.Rhema- the revealed, spoken word of God. Individual revelation. It's when the written becomes the revealed that it produces change in humanity. This is when Hebrew 4 becomes effective, showing the difference between soul and spirit. As well as exposing the thoughts and intents of the heart. Something to keep in mind, spiritual truth and natural truth don't always agree. And this is where faith comes in. Accepting, believing, and acting are the fruits of faith. Romans 10:17,NKJV- So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.CEV- No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. We have to understand, the written becoming the revealed only happens through faith. And I cannot over emphasize the importance of speaking the rhema of God into our situation, into our physical world. Now when it comes to confession, it's not simply about saying something we've heard or memorized. It has to be a revelation to us. This is why Jesus made statements like, “according to your faith…”The spoken word is how spiritual realities are transferred into our physical reality. Unfortunately, the majority doesn't really believe this truth. Primarily because we've tried it and didn't see immediate results. 2 Corinthians 4:13,NKJV- And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak. Understand, Paul is writing this right in the middle of some of his most challenging situations. He's actually quoting the Psalmist who went through difficulties praising and walking out God's victory. Something else to keep in mind about this passage, this “same spirit of faith” according to Romans is the same Spirit that brought Jesus back from the dead. Remember, according to our key text, God's word is the only source exposing the difference between these two worlds we are currently living in. This is why the Holy Spirit, just a few verses later in the same chapter in 2 Corinthians makes this radical statement. 2 Corinthians 4:18,NKJV- While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Think about it, because we have the same spirit of faith, we choose to not look at things that are seen, and according to what is written, we believe and we speak. Is it possible that when believers exercise the rhema word of God, we're actually bringing the unseen into the seen? One of my favorite examples of this is in 2 Kings 6, Elisha and his assistant. Elisha told him, there are more with us than with them.Then he asked the Lord to open his eyes. Today, what you and I have to acknowledge, actually accept, is the reality that God's word is the doorway into Paul's unseen, the world of the spirit, the eternal. Seriously, what do you think the Holy Spirit meant when He told us to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh? I think He's actually waiting on His people, heirs to start exercising our spiritual senses. Remember, Elisha asked God to open the eyes of his assistant. What… Think about this, how many times did Jesus say things like, “ he who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The harsh reality is, until the born again make room for transformation in our soul, we have no option but our natural senses. SPIRIT- Kingdom of God, made like Him, dominion, authority, faithSOUL- Free willBODY- intelligence, carnality, emotions, senses, unbelief And this is why faith is the absolute in the unseen world of God's Kingdom. Why would Jesus tell us things like, “all things are possible to him who believes.” Think about our story in 2 Kings, Elisha took the entire Syrian army captive by exercising the spiritual world. Hebrews 11:3,NKJV- By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. You getting this, things seen didn't come from this visible world. Here's the deal, at some point we've got to stop assuming things of that world will just manifest in this one simply because we've processed it intellectually, or even memorized a scripture. We have to have revelation from Him. We've got to see it. Why? Because just like in this natural world we have to develop our sense, our abilities. It's exactly the same in the spirit world. Hebrews 4:12,AMP- For the word of God is living and active and full of power, making it operative, energizing, and effective.It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit, the completeness of a person, and of both joints and marrow ,the deepest parts of our nature, exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. Truth is, most of the time it's not asking God to do something, it's us transforming to the place where we begin accesses His world. Jeremiah 29:13,NKJV- You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. With all your heart is 100% spiritual. Other dimensional.Think about it, God's not hiding from us. 1 Corinthians 15:44-45,NIV- If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. Colossians 1:15-16,NLT- Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. I think we should be able to have conversations about the unseen world of God, the Kingdom of Heaven without making it weird. Jesus constantly talked about it. At the same time, we've got to understand that as one of His born again, He sees, expects, and addresses each us us as heirs, in our new life, not our humanity. We have to understand, God will not violate the freedom He gave us. But without revelation from the Holy Spirit, embracing a completely new way of living will remain a mystery. Notice the first thing Jesus tells them is repent. In other words, change what you're thinking and doing. Romans 12:2,NKJV- Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Hebrews 4, The word of God is living, active and full of power, exposing the difference of the soul and spirit, exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. This is why Jesus said, My words are spirit and life.

Part 1: The Bible's abundant proofs that self-defense is Godly, and it MUST be learned and sought out. The Bible was never against self-defense. Some wrongly believe that defending yourself against tyranny is anti-Christian. Self-defense is not only morally righteous, but often God Himself commands it. Sometimes God commands it where not one person among the enemy is left alive. Not only that, but the Bible has references that gives a right to a pre-emptive strike on an enemy preparing itself to attack you. Did you know that? Don't give me the same dumb excuse and religious garbage I have heard so often, “That was under the Old Testament, but that is not for us today". God has not changed! (Malachi 3:6) Foul religious traditions cause many to believe stuff that contradicts Scripture. Don't you be one of them. Look at these versions of what Jesus said in Mark 7:13: …making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. NKJV You revoke God's word by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many other similar things. HCSB And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others. NLT Do you really think God will honor your traditions passed down to others, making up rules that nullify God's Word? And you're doing many other similar things. The Passion Translation So that the speechless donkey (in the KJV: dumb ass) naysayers get over their stupid selves, let's begin in the Newer Testament portions of Scripture and work our way into the Older Testament body of Scripture. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are safe. (Luke 11:21) Granted that Jesus is using this as an analogy for someone with demonic strongholds, but that is not the only thing that can be learned from the verse. Notice that if this was a strong man, then that strength came through training. Couch potatoes are not “strong” men. Couch potatoes are the little (or fat) sissy boys that can't even take a punch. They have little muscularity except around their mouth and thumbs as they viciously play their silly little video games and eat trash for food. It is only those that do something to train their body physically that will become strong. There is no way around it. Even at 55 or 65, if you stop training or retire from training, you become a useless blob that is unable to defend or protect themselves, much less anybody else. In my early 30's, I was into running. They weren't long runs, but I was usually doing 4 to 5 miles 4 times a week. At the park I went to, I kept seeing this man that looked old in his face but looked like a 20 y/o athlete in his body. He was in his seventies and began his exercise program 5 years before the time I met him. He had suffered a massive heart attack and had a triple bypass. While recovering, he decided to change his eating habits and began an exercise program. By the time I met him, he was running 4 ten-minute miles M-F, and he would do faster sprints before going to some tall bleachers at the park. The bleachers were not for sitting! He never sat down! He would run up and down those tall bleachers numerous times. After each lap, he would do 30-50 pushups! That went on for about 20 to 30 minutes. I was stunned because I was in great shape, but this man took it to another level at 72 years of age! There is no excuse for you and me as we age!   I was blessed to have a dad that early on challenged me with martial arts, boxing, weight training, and so on. Dad owned a gym when I was a little boy. I grew up in that environment. Even my barely 5' tall mother could do squats at the time with 400 lbs.! My mom and dad were tough folks, though they were kind and friendly. When I was about 11, after I got a very bad beat down, my dad found a new Karate instructor from Japan that didn't even know any Spanish or English, except for a few words. Those were the days when training was done in the tropical heat in Puerto Rico, and there was no padding on the floors or anywhere on our bodies! I practiced other arts throughout the years, both Japanese and Korean. I also practiced with the Samurai sword or katana, jo, bokken, and some other things. The thing that has been my constant companion in training since the early 90's are the forms-kata and the additional shorter forms called suburi that I practice with a 5-foot (correction- 4ft.) staff (jo). Actually, the correct height of your personalized jo should be the height from the floor to your arm pit, but who's checking? I started supplementing jo practice back in 1994 with various weighted metal core bars with an exterior rubber sleeve. I train four or five times a week, so many people in my neighborhood have seen me do these exercises repeatedly. I've taught my sons the jo forms. People joke that we are the ninja family! Inside the house, I sometimes train with weights on my ankles and do katas with weights in my hands. Well, it works for me.  Why did I tell all that? I want to be like Caleb at 85! He's one of my heroes. …Here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain!... (Joshua 14:10-12 NKJV) So, what is your excuse? Caleb was 85 when he made that statement. I love this man of God's spirit, physical prowess, and resolve at an age when most men are dying off or dead! I desire to be like Caleb at 85! We don't have to be sickly and decrepit just because we are 70 or much older. I'm not in my 70's yet, but it won't be too long, and I will get there. The keys here are being an on-fire man of God, right eating, right living, right exercising and training, and as needed, right supplementation. I've had my physical challenges and issues that were difficult. With God's help every single one was overcome. A few times, I needed medical help because I was in unbelief, but I came out victorious, and I will not quit! Getting back to our initial text: Being fully armed develops as we train in defensive and offensive tactics. What else do I see in that verse? How are you going to guard your house from thieves or other intruders if you don't study the layout, perimeter, and set up an alarm system or other device? All that from one verse! But when one stronger than he comes to attack and overpower him, the stronger one will empty the arsenal in which he trusted. The conqueror will ransack his kingdom and distribute all the spoils of victory. Luke 11:22 How much could we get from that verse? Look at what Jesus is saying and do not just look at the opportunity He took to use this analogy. Again, look at words like attack, overpower, empty his arsenal, conqueror, ransack, and distribute the all the spoils of victory. All these images of violence (when needed) are coming from Jesus, but not the traditional weenie “bones-with-skin-stretched-over-it” version of Jesus often taught in Sunday school and through Hollywood's ignoramus portrayals! Their versions of Jesus look like a bad cartoonish figure, a puny, long-haired, unkept freak who could be a drug addict, and one with zero muscularity. It's deceptive and disgusting. Frankly, I hate those perverted images of Jesus. Anybody that could walk 15 or 20 miles in a day, and then preach and minister to the entire population in the area was no weakling, hippie-type, love guru! He was strong and He was courageous. I am not an advocate of living violently. Not at all. I like peace. No, I love peace and quiet. I don't engage in wrangling or fussing and fighting. Violence should ONLY be necessary in extreme cases, and it should never be a lifestyle. So, don't get me wrong, but let's remove any weird ideas about Jesus, self-defense, and our part in all this. I am going to write something that will trigger a lot of folks, but do I look like I care about offending people with the truth? I don't! If you are a real man, don't hang out with weak men. Hang out with strong and courageous men. I will never hang out with girly beta males! Jesus didn't either! He didn't pick flower children for His inner circle of disciples. He picked armed fishermem (remember Peter cut off a man's ear with his sword and he wasn't aiming for his ear), a revolutionary zealot that never left home without his sword/knife, two armed tough guys (sons of thunder that could kill evil people and not blink), one tough "hombre" that didn't care about all the insults and hatred against his elected profession (a tax collector), and his other chosen men that were ready to rumble when they came to arrest Jesus. None of these guys were girly beta males! Jesus could command crowds of 5000 men and 4000 men (not counting women and children) with His voice and gestures! That was no small feat to command such large crowds of men (let alone women and children) to sit on the grass and quiet down while He prayed, and the miracles of food multiplication followed. He must have had a booming and commanding voice! Girlie betas move over because a real man showed up! Even after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus you see that Peter faced the government leaders that commanded them to stop preaching about Jesus, and he told them to their faces, “We are going to obey God first, and if you command us to stop preaching or to shut down our church services, we will not obey you!” That is easily understood from Acts 4:18-20 and Acts 5:27-30. Civil disobedience, resistance, and rebellion against the onslaught of tyranny in government was done, but there was obedience towards God and His commands! Something else you need to see here that dispels the myth that Jesus was some pushover. The leaders that commanded the apostles to stop teaching were shocked because they could tell from these men's boldness and courage that they had been with Jesus! Jesus was so bold and courageous that the Sanhedrin could see the same things in the apostles. That was a real man, Jesus my Lord! Bold and courageous! He made a lasting impression! (See Acts 4:13.) Beta-girly-males would have been long forgotten. You were never going to forget Jesus after meeting Him! The boldness, the courage, the command of His presence, His anointed and powerful words, the fire in His eyes, were unforgettable. He was THE true Alpha male, a bold and courageous example to follow into manhood!       Let's talk about a man's man, a real example in Scripture for all believers. The patriarch Abraham was called the father of our faith or the father of those that believe, depending on the Bible translation you are reading. That verbiage came from none other than the apostle Paul. He also exhorts us to follow in the steps of the faith of Abraham, and that he (Abraham) is the father of us all in Christ. (Romans 4:11, 12, 16) That will be shocking in a minute. Rarely mentioned, here is a faith action by Abraham that should be emulated. When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit… (Genesis 14:14 NIV) When he was still called Abram, he kept 318 trained servants at his command ready to defend him and his loved ones. Talk about being extremely well prepared for confrontation, this patriarch kept his own trained defense and attack force! That meant that these men were trained in the use of bow, spear, shield, unarmed combat, tactics, cavalry, and whatever they had available at the time. That is the father of the faith of real Christians, and we are heirs to the blessings God gave Abraham, and part of those blessings involves self-defense, armament, tactics, and so on! (Galatians 3:14, 29) Read it again and weep if you are still hanging on to devilish pacifism dreams of nothingness. Pacifism is NEVER taught in the Bible. Having peaceful relations with people are good until they are not. We will always be peacemakers, until the enemy tries to take us out. Then, and only when peaceful relations fail, actions to defend family and friends may be necessary and righteous. Part of the curses for disobedience under the law involved defeat by foreign enemies and armies, to the place that you lost your land and everything in it, such as cities, houses, crops, possessions, and even family. There would be no way to protect your daughters and wife from being ravished by foreigners under the curse. See Deuteronomy 28:25-37, 47-52. Though Jesus paid an awesome price to redeem us or set us free from the curses pronounced under the law (Galatians 3:13), people are still the subjects of the curse through disobedience. The redemption was never automatic. It is to be received by faith, or by trust and obedience. Obviously, the blessing for obedience is the exact opposite of the curses. Blessings will include protection, power, preparation for battle, and being armed to the teeth naturally and spiritually! See examples in Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 11:22-25. When God's people obeyed, everywhere they went, they defeated their enemies in battle, and nobody could stand against them because God was with them. Today we would include as part of the blessing of Abraham on us training with firearms, hand to hand combat, ordnance, ammunition, transportation (land, sea, air), communications, navigation, and many other things. Unfortunately, most of these things are only taught in military environments, but all believers should include some training in the “martial” or war arts to some level of proficiency. All men, but also any woman that wants should join in. I'm talking scripturally. I think in most cases, we are far behind in this blessing. I know that personally, I am not as far up the ladder as I'd like to be, but I am constantly educating myself. I don't stop.  Sorry to burst your “prayer only” bubble, but prayer is good in its place as communication with God. I ask daily for God's help and wisdom. If you don't do that then you are shortchanging yourself because you cannot prepare smartly without His direction. You and I don't know everything, BUT He does! He will even reveal things to come, things that are hidden, as needed! He will unveil the truth about everything we could ever face, but we must come to Him first. (John 16:13-15) Not only do I know the power of prayer, but I also pray to God daily. Prayer is not a substitute for prep work to defend church, family, friends, county, state, and our country from enemies both foreign and domestic. No sir, we put our trust in God as our Help, Protector, and Defender (Psalms 91). We pray daily. Also, we should already be engaged in preparing the “horses” for battle! We prepare profusely and trust God for the victory! A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory is from the Lord. (Proverbs 21:31 NET) We will get valuable insight by preparing to fight, BUT our trust is not in chariots or horses (today armed vehicles, guns, rifles, etc.). We put our trust in God as the one that gives the victory, but we should be prepared to defend our people and families! Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we depend on the Lord our God. (Psalms 20:7) A horse disappoints those who trust in it for victory; despite its great strength, it cannot deliver. (Psalms 33:17) Now look at this verse from the lips of Jesus! He said to them, “But now, the one who has a money bag must take it, and likewise a traveler's bag too. And the one who has no sword MUST sell his cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36 NET) What? Wait a minute! Do you mean to tell me that Jesus taught that "anti-Christian" and "anti-Christ-like" message? Yes, the real Jesus of the Bible taught that we MUST buy a weapon! MUST is a command and not a suggestion! The sword today could still be a literal sword, but the main weapon in our day is a gun, rifle, or shotgun. Every household MUST have at least one weapon and know how to use it! That is a command of Jesus that is rarely if ever taught as one of the commandments we are told to preach to the whole world. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:18, 20a NET) Oops! The church at large has defiantly and erroneously refused to teach about the command of Jesus to have at least one weapon at your house! Doesn't all this begin to paint a very different portrait of Jesus than the churchy Jesus? How many churches have you heard teaching that you MUST own at least one weapon? How many churches teach concealed carry license classes or have a gun range? I know a few. Oh boy, I am really treading on garbage religion now! What do a lot of churches have? Some add to their already dead environment a cemetery next door to bury their dead. So lifeless and weak! Many have silly, sissified, and unscriptural classes that do nothing to prepare people for life and all the dangers out there! No classes on trusting God for protection, healing, anointing, power, AND self-defense! Jesus was very different than the inert and weakling “Jesus” pushed by the traditional religious hacks. If He was ministering in person today among us, He would have been banned from preaching or teaching at most churches because His message would have been considered too strong, uncompromising, controversial, revolutionary, and too ballsy to be accepted in 99.9% of churches, especially in the West. He would have been de-platformed from all social media, had his accounts frozen and seized on Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, and so on. He would have been maligned for years by the MSM. The government would have brought false charges against him through many lying witnesses. He would be arrested, tried, found guilty, given a death sentence, and finally, they would murder an innocent man. Sound familiar? It should. That's exactly (without the modern stuff) what happened to Jesus 2,000 years ago! Nothing new under the sun. It was all a religious and secular government conspiracy to silence a powerful, anointed, godly, and highly revolutionary voice! They failed because He was raised from the dead and He became the most influential man-the Son of God, to ever walk on this earth! And He is coming back soon! This time, Jesus is coming as the conquering King of kings, and Lord of lords, and NO ONE will stop Him or interfere in any way. No world government, not even the Beast's one-world government of the antichrist will be able to stop Jesus. The antichrist and his minions will be cast into the lake of fire, and all those under his control will be killed and cast into hell on the day of the physical return of Jesus. All the armies of the earth will be arrayed against Jesus and His people. They will be killed by the sharp sword coming out of His mouth, and the vultures will gorge themselves on the dead bodies of those that dared to resist Jesus! See it in Revelation 19:11-21. It's going to be more violent than anything this world has ever seen, because it's going to happen within a few moments of time. The bodies of the dead will be piled up along with their kings, generals, strong warriors, and a huge amount of the world population with them. A vulture Octoberfest is coming, and it will make all other celebrations pale in comparison! Here is another shocker. All of that mayhem happens as a manifestation of love! God is love! Remember? (1 John 4:8) God is love and Jesus was and is still love because he was God manifested in a human body. (John 1:1-3, 14) Here's the real teaching of Scripture that opposes the modern but false Christian thinking and wrong theology. Love is not always nice, nor does it always play nice. Love will sometimes kill its enemies because it has a wrath side to it. It's undeniable and those that don't get that just don't understand love. They are confused because they don't know the Scripture. If 1 Corinthians 13 is all you think you know about love, then you are woefully ignorant of the wrath side of love.  Yes, you can give an enemy food and water, and that way demonstrate love, fulfilling the words of Jesus to love your enemy. If they turn and attempt to kill you, then you have every right to defend yourself and kill them first. That would also be love, mercy, and compassion. Sounds like a paradox, but it is crystal clear in Scripture, and you will see it if you stick around. On Being A Gentleman  In this two part series, I don't discuss much about manhood and integrity and their intimate connection, and  I also leave out what it means to be a gentleman. My subject is about manhood and self defense.Being a gentleman is almost a completely lost art in this generation! It is an integral part of what it means to be a man. So sad to see a women that gets all flustered when you open a door for her, stand up and offer her your seat because all others were taken, or when you are kind or helpful towards her, and she falls stupidly all over herself thinking it was flirting or something improper. No dummy, it was not sexual harrassment or making an unwanted sexual advance to say you look nice or because he served you cup of coffee! It's called being a gentleman, something modern girly males know nothing about, and many modern woman easily misunderstand. Not all, but many.  Hey mister, do you still open the door for your wife or girlfriend? When you pull into the gas station, do you get out and pump the gas for her? No, silly boy, it is not servitude, it's not even being flirtatious, it's being a gentleman. How about pulling the chair out for a woman to sit at a table before you sit down?   Covering a woman with the coat off your back because she's cold even if you don't know her well, or taking her to her car under your umbrella is not trying to get in bed with her, it's being a gentleman.  I remember in middle school, when I had one of my first real girlfriends. Gentlemanly boys would wait outside the girlfriend's classroom and carry her books to her next classroom! Does anybody out there remember that? Try that today and most girls would think you are a weirdo. So sad to see how far down the toilet womanhood has gone. Yes, the offense runs both ways! No one is exempt. How about washing a woman's car even when there are no romantic overtures, and the woman thinks you are out of line and trying to get something from her? It is a sad state of affairs today. The art of being a gentleman has basically perished in much of the West.   I could go on for a very long time. How about working and having a job and not mooching off people? Yep, it's the gentleman way. That doesn't mean people can't help you along the way. If you are too proud to be gracious when somebody extends a helping hand to you, you have a problem with pride. Gratitude is so important in a man. A gentleman says "please" and "thank you." No it's not just southern hospitality, it's being a gentleman.  I haven't always been perfect at this. There have been many times I have excelled at and a few times I was selfish. Thank God for the Blood of Jesus that washes away our sins when we repent and confess our sins to Him. A real Gentleman will have morals about him. He would rather die than commit adultery!  For the record, there is no such thing as a whoremonger, thief, party animal, drunkard, or homosexual that could ever be called gentlemen. Gentlemen serve God and would fight to the death to protect family and country.  I know there are some jerks out there that want to take advantage of women and try to butter them up, but those are the perverted. Gentlemen are not like that at all!  I saw a a real gentleman in my dad, and I have endeavored to get that into my sons. Some very fortunate, happy, and blessed women will marry these great boys of mine some day! Those three women (for my triplet sons) will once again enjoy the kind and strong heart of a gentleman. I'm raising real men. No sissies here! Why did I write all that is what I am asking myself right here. God only knows who will read this and be helped.  Be blessed! Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon. Let me bring the truth of the matter out clearly. I am totally against violence. I believe in going low, keeping my mouth shut when necessary, and I am a firm believer in deescalation when confronted with someone expecting a fight. I am a peacemaker. I hate fights and I hate violence. Violence is the LAST thing on my map. If I have to fight, I have already failed at de-escalation, diplomacy, and communication. There has never been a greater truth than to harden yourself with training and learn to fight and defeat an enemy so that you never have to fight! It is a deterrent. So many years have passed since I first began training in martial arts. I still train, just to a lesser degree. In all those years, I only used my training a few times, and never because I instigated the violence. I did know how to stop the violence. Thank God! I never look for fights and I don't instigate violence. I have learned the "martial" art of talking my way out of potentially violent encounters. That has served me much better than my fists or a firearm. Just a note for those that may want to misinterpret my words in this article and push violent actions, and use me as an excuse. 

(Ephesians 3:1-2) “Beloved friends, because of my love for Jesus Christ, I am now his prisoner for the sake of all of you who are not Jews, so that you will hear the gospel that God has entrusted to me to share with you.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭TPT‬‬ My heart goes to you today, a believer and minister of Christ, who has to constrain or restrain himself or herself so as to let the lift of God shine to those in darkness- To you who have to deny yourself or inconvenience yourself of rights, time and other resources or even loved ones in order to spread the Gospel of Christ- God's love to humankind; so as to make God proud in all you think and do. ‘Just want to remind you that Father feels your pain, He sees your dilemma and hears your prayers within your heart and the ones you say out. God sees you. He sees your tears and He will reward you accordingly as the Bible says - “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15:58‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:9 MSG‬‬ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/abimbola-arawande/message

When you want to hear God, you have to be expectantly waiting for him to talk. This requires spending time in His presence, prayer, and seeking him daily. We need to spend time in the word and hearing the word being preached and taught so that we get the most of understanding what he wants to say to us each day. Have a blessed day friend and family! Every Day is a New Day! Romans 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God Romans 10:17 AMP So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ Pastor Sean Pinder: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Z2kSgKAHFRmcoQAYLvOlw

Imagination is a tool God has blessed us with.Isaiah 46:10Imagination gives us the opportunity to see the end from the beginning and to form a vision.Imagination distorted leads us into a realm called Fantasy.Fantasy is setting your heart or your mind on something that is unrealistic, impossible, or improbable.The Realm of Fantasy is where we chase the satisfaction of life by our own means. Fantasy hinders us from experiencing the fullness of God's goodness. What are some of the ways we get into the Realm of Fantasy?1 - THEY ARE BETTER2 - I AM BETTER3 - IF I ONLY HAD4 - CALLED BUT INACTIVE5 - THINGS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAYGod created imagination and it has a purpose. Satan manipulates and pushes us towards fantasy, but God pushes us towards vision.Vision is the ability to see with our spiritual eyes the things that God has set for us.Proverbs 29:18 KJVVISION VS. FANTASYVision is something God gives. Seeing what God hasn't given is Fantasy.Inspiration is the gateway to Vision. Sensuality is the gateway to Fantasy.Fantasy is the realm of self-gratification.What gives power to fantasy is a lack of vision and a goal of satisfaction.Philippians 4:8 NIV - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJVRomans 12:2 ESVHow do you renew your mind and cast down imaginations? You'll need:1 - UnderstandingProverbs 4:7 NKJV - Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. In all your getting, get understanding. You can not do anything outside of your understanding.When we flirt with information and don't have the level of depth we need, we end up easily misled.Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJVThrough wisdom a house is built,And by understanding it is established;By knowledge the rooms are filledWith all precious and pleasant riches.2 - DiscernmentIf your ratio of general information is higher than the truth coming from the Word, it is going to be difficult to walk in inspiration. Colossians 2:8 NIV - See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. James 1:5 NKJV - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.3 - Clarity of FaithRomans 10:17 NKJV - So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.Hebrews 11:1 NIV - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.God is not asking for blind or visionless faith. 4 - To Study the Word of GodIf you're going to move out of fantasy, you're going to have to work. 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousnessStudying the Word of God allows you to see truth, know truth, and understand truth..In the path between Vision and Fantasy lies a battle for the heart.Proverbs 4:23 TPT - So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.

“She would not stop praying until she knew God had broken through.”  Today Stacy continues her conversation with Bible college professor, speaker and fellow podcast host Jasmine Alnutt.  Join us as we resume our journey through history looking at the praying moms behind some of the heroes of the faith.  You will be inspired as you hear jaw dropping accounts of what a difference a praying mom can make!  About our Guest: Jasmine Alnutt has been teaching at Calvary Chapel Bible College campuses for over 12 years. Her courses include Missionary Biographies, Church History, and Women in Church History.   Jasmine currently serves as a Joyful Life Women’s Ministry leader at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and co-host of the Women Worth Knowing Podcast. She is from Washington State and graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She served as Dean of Women at Calvary Chapel Bible College before serving in London, England, as a missionary.    Scripture:  Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV) So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. John 14:2 (NKJV) In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.   Books: “Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret”- by Dr and Mrs. Howard Taylor   Links: http://graciouswords.com/women-worth-knowing-podcast/ https://momsinprayer.org/new-to-moms-in-prayer/ https://momsinprayer.org/join-a-group   To give to the ministry of Moms in Prayer: Support Our Mission | Moms In Prayer International Moms in Prayer International- www.MomsInPrayer.org

  24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self- control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid (became frightened, “trembled” in at least 7 translations, terrified, much alarmed) and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you.” (Acts 24:24, 25 NET- parenthesis- my comment) Faith in Christ was defined in this passage as a message that expounded on righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come. What? Really? Does that sound like most modern-day “gospel” messages concerning faith in Christ?  Some would say that there is no need to tell sinners they need self-control or to speak of judgment because that would not be very loving towards them, but Paul did that. Some may think that to speak to sinners about righteousness is a waste of time, or not something that will be conducive to their conversion, and that it may turn them off to the gospel. Tell that to the Apostle Paul. The text calls righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come a “faith in Christ” message. That was the gospel message that Paul preached. Have our gospel messages been missing some things? Most evangelicals think that John 3:16 is the only gospel message there is! Paul preached more than a "God or Jesus loves you" message. He preached more than a "believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess with your mouth that He is Lord" message! (Romans 10:9) It was more varied and it included themes not generally thought of as pertaining to a gospel message. Righteousness, self-control, and judgment as the definition of ministering faith in Christ sounds almost identical to what Jesus said the Holy Spirit was sent to do, and it is not even close to an evangelical type gospel message. “And He, when He comes, He will convict (lit., expose, convict, reprove, rebuke) the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:8 NKJV) What Paul stated to Felix was identical to what Jesus said to His disciples about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Paul used the term “self-control” when talking about “sin”. The connection between sin and a lack of self-control should be obvious. If you sin, it is because you did not exercise self-control. Self-control is control of your actions by the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Self” infers that the action starts with you. The Holy Spirit is your Helper. (John 16:7) In other words, the Holy Spirit will not make you obey God’s Word, but He will help you to do what is right according to God’s Word. The word convict (Gr. elegcho) in John 16:8 is translated in Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon as “reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault.” The same word is found in 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13, 2:15; Hebrews 12:5, and in the words of Jesus: Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will]. (Revelation 3:19 Amplified) Rebuke, that is, to reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault must come when a lack of self-control is evident. (See also elegcho in John 3:20, 1 Corinthians 14:24, and Ephesians 5:11.) Sin is the result of a lack of self-control that opposes God’s Word and commandments. James 1:14-16 in the Amplified Bible clarifies the process of sin from lust or some evil desire, to conception, and finally, to execution.  The word elegcho in Luke 3:18, 19 is translated rebuked: 18 And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil deeds that he had done. John the Baptizer was proclaiming the “good news” or the gospel to the people, and it was not at all sugar and spice and everything nice. Go back into Luke chapter three and begin reading at verse three. You will see all the elements of rebuking, such as “reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault.” He called those practicing sin “offspring of vipers”! That was not your typical sermonette with all smiles, soft tonalities, and niceties! 7 Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Luke 3:7-9 NET) To top it all off, he called Herod the tetrarch to account because of his adulterous relationship with the wife of his brother. Verse 18 says that John’s rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account was THE GOSPEL, the proclamation of the good news! And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. (Luke 3:18 NKJV) Good news of the gospel? Does Luke chapter 3 sound like our interpretation of what is a good gospel message? No, it does not! Something is missing from gospel messages if they only preach salvation, healing, and the blessings of God! Yes, there is something terribly missing if that is all the people hear out of a preacher or pastor. Sometimes, there must be rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account. These cannot be left out when necessary, that is, IF it is a real gospel message. John was a minister according to the meaning of a true gospel message. It may not seem like everything John the Baptizer preached was good news, but that would be an assessment from a human perspective. From the Scriptural perspective, and therefore from God’s viewpoint, it was all good news because it brought conviction and correction. Regardless of whether the people heard and received the messages, or they rejected them. John’s gospel message called people to account and allowed the Father to work on their hearts so repentance would come, and real change could take place in their lives! Think about that. A real gospel message is preaching and teaching whatever the Spirit of the Lord gives you. If it comes from Him, regardless of anyone’s feelings or offense at it, it will carry the anointing to set the captives free.  Did you get that? Even though Jesus was tough and no-nonsense often, He was specifically anointed to announce the good news or gospel message. (Luke 4:18) Power stood behind His messages. The preaching of the true gospel always manifests the power of God in some way. (Romans 1:16) If nothing happens and there is not a message that shakes things and people up, then it did not come from the Holy Spirit. Look at Matthew 23 where Jesus viciously rebukes the hypocritical among the Pharisees, and slams Jerusalem for killing the prophets sent to it. Read the whole chapter. It's an eye opener concerning “good news”. Does the following sound like any "good news” message we know of today? Remember, Jesus said this, and it was not "sugar and spice, and everything nice." I say this because many think all Jesus taught was love and acceptance (tolerance), and He was always soft toned, and tame as a little lamb. Nothing could be further from the truth! Here are some excerpts from the fiery preacher and astonishing powerhouse known as Jesus: "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!... Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation... Fools and blind... You make your followers twice the sons of hell that you are... “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence... For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness... "  And, one more for the road: "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" (See Matthew 23.) Jesus was no pushover, monotone, long-haired, guru of love, sissified, “kumbaya” preacher! He didn’t put up with sin, hypocrisy, unbelief, or talking against God or His Spirit. He was tough, no-nonsense, strong, and never capitulated or quit, and he was THE bearer of the good news of the gospel! He didn’t just say “believe the gospel”. No, He told people to REPENT, and that was first! (Mark 1:14, 15) In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, His rebukes and calling into account were hard and often harsh. It is true He also praised the churches when they did what was right, but He held nothing back in His messages to the churches when a sharp rebuke was necessary. Go study the two chapters! It will set straight that “good news” preaching from Jesus (Luke 4:18, 19) included much more than “good news” according to our understanding. In Mathew 11:20-24 one can read the Master's rebuke against the cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum because even though great miracles were done in them, they refused to repent. He condemned Capernaum to hell (Hades)! That was good gospel preaching but wait because there is more. So, you want acceptance or tolerance in the words of Jesus? Here is His idea of acceptance and tolerance for those that refuse to repent and continue in their sin. Are you ready? It's a spanking for the backside! 23"And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:23, 24 NKJV) There's your tolerance.  I’ll never forget one brother in the Lord, himself a minister and teacher, that told me before I stood to preach and minister, “Brother, just preach Heaven to them. Give them Heaven!” That sounded really good. Of course, if it came from the Lord, it would be His will done on earth as it is in heaven, but there was something else involved with his statement. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time. I knew something was off, but it took me a while to learn from the Lord what it was. If all you do is preach “inspiring verses” or uplifting and positive messages without the other as the Lord leads we have been talking about, then we have missed Heaven’s idea of good news. Are you ready for a shift in your thinking? It will shock all those that think “gospel” is sweetie pie and kind preaching. It will shock all those that think we should have sweetness in our gospel message because if it gets too harsh people will leave or tune out the message.  Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, and he had an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. (Revelation 14:6 NET) Next follows the eternal gospel proclaimed by this angel, but pay close attention to the content. It covers areas not traditionally understood as a gospel message. 7 He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!” 8 A second angel followed the first, declaring: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great city! She made all the nations drink of the wine of her immoral passion.” 9 A third angel followed the first two, declaring in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and takes the mark on his forehead or his hand, 10 that person will also drink of the wine of God’s anger that has been mixed undiluted in the cup of his wrath, and he will be tortured with fire and sulfur in front of the holy angels and in front of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke from their torture will go up forever and ever, and those who worship the beast and his image will have no rest day or night, along with anyone who receives the mark of his name.” 12 This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: ‘Blessed are the dead, those who die in the Lord from this moment on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so they can rest from their hard work, because their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:7-13 NET) Gospel announcement included revelation, instruction, rebuke, correction, mention of God’s anger and wrath, the lake of fire for the followers of the beast, and the hour of God’s judgment! It pointed out the immorality of those following Babylon’s example. Notice that gospel preaching includes faith in Jesus, but also mentions obedience to God’s moral commandments. It even speaks of the coming judgment where believers will be rewarded for their good works. Wow, all that and a call to the fear of God to headline that gospel message! Does that sound anywhere near to what many believe to be the gospel message? Gospel includes a whole lot more than salvation, healing, deliverance, and the blessing of God. Gospel can include more than telling people about the plan of salvation and the Lord Jesus.  I am not saying every message has to be the same and include all these elements. What I am saying is that the definition of gospel preaching has been limited and much has been left out because churches have gotten away from preaching anything that could offend or make people feel uncomfortable. Actually, if a gospel message doesn't make you feel uncomfortable at some point, it is not from the Holy Spirit. (See John 16:8.) When the message is the mighty and unstoppable two-edged sword of the Word of God that divides between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart, there will be discomfort, and the Lord will confront you! (Hebrews 4:12, 13) When you feel your very thoughts and intentions are on display before God as the Word is preached, you will not feel comfortable, and that is good! There should be a fear of the Lord flowing as the ministry of the Word and the Spirit comes forth. (Acts 2:43, 5:11) Let me tell you something. When anointed ministers preach and teach, the message will get you! My God, I felt that way when my dad preached! When pastors Rodney Howard Browne and Tom Laipply (and a very few others) preach the Word something will shake you up and sometimes the power of God will grip you! Those are the type of messages we need today.  Here is more proof of what I am writing about. 9 Realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers—in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. 11 This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:9-11 NET) What? Paul says that these are in accord or agree with the glorious gospel message. That means that within the gospel message there will preaching against these sinful lifestyles and practices. Why, because at times there must be exposing of these things. There must be correction and calling to account even before the lawless, rebellious, ungodly, sinners, unholy, profane, murderers, sexually immoral, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers and for all those that live contrary to sound teaching. That means that sound gospel teaching will teach people to live contrary to all those things mentioned or inferred.  The references in Luke, Revelation and First Timothy reveal that the gospel includes all these elements usually not associated with “gospel preaching.” What gospel message are you listening to or preaching? In general, many in the body of Christ have gotten away from such preaching themes. Messages have been watered down to the place they often sound like psychological hogwash and not like the Bible. It is more self-help positivity and affirmation messages rather than messages that preach and teach the Scripture without compromise! At one church I attended, they brought in some foolish person to teach that women see through pink glasses and men through blue. Could you imagine that instead of going to the Scripture, they were teaching that nonsense to couples at Church? It was all talk with ZERO anointing! It was all an offshoot of the “women are from Venus” and “men are from Mars” psychobabble that is really against the sound teaching of Scripture. So many churches have moved away from real strong gospel messages, and have embraced messages of self-help, cotton-candy, sugar-coated fluff meant to “inspire” the senses instead of informing, rebuking when necessary, correcting weird and wrong ideas, exposing sin, and revealing the truth of God’s Word. Churches have often become country clubs and entertainment venues with no power from heaven, no anointing, and no conviction. Some started with an anointing, and later lost it by trying to become respectable and likeable.  Some have gotten away from ministering to the sick through the laying on of hands (of course, dead churches don’t do that anyway), and many no longer pray in public for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. I am speaking about so-called Spirit-filled churches or Pentecostal, Charismatic, Full-Gospel churches. Many no longer have altar calls. If they pray for people to receive Jesus, it is done without an altar call. Everybody is led in a prayer and the “saved” no longer make a public confession of their faith in Christ Jesus. Have you noticed that some churches let altar workers pray with those that stay after the service is dismissed? It is disrespectful of the Gospel and the Savior, Jesus Christ! It disrespects the anointing of the Holy Spirit to relegate ministry after a service is dismissed! In those “mickey mouse” churches, the pastor rarely prays for people personally. Other churches, instead of teaching the saints according to God’s Word, they entertain their audience for an hour! Hollywood style entertainment has invaded many churches with their “broad is the way” (known as Broadway) replacing the straight and narrow way Jesus taught. 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14 NKJV) So, what did Paul preach according to the faith in Christ to Felix and Drusilla? Here it is in a nutshell. Righteousness: The main points: * It is a gift (Romans 4:23-25, 5:17) received upon initially believing and trusting in what Jesus did and provided for us when God raised Him from the dead and we confessed Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9, 10). *The gift can be interrupted by sin, but confessing our sins before the Lord, we can be forgiven and cleansed from all un-righteousness, restoring our relation to God. See 1 John 1:7-10, 2:1,2. *Righteousness includes righteous living according to God’s moral commandments. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him… Little children let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous… In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (1 John 2:29, 3:7, 10 NKJV) See also Titus 2:11, 12; and compare it with Titus 1:8, where a leader must be “righteous”. If righteousness is only a gift that has nothing to do with conduct or lifestyle (Christian character) then why bother to list it as a qualification? No, Paul taught that righteousness is also a lifestyle of doing what is right. See also 1 Timothy 6:11-“pursue righteousness, godliness” and 2 Tim. 2:22- “flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Even after our initial cleansing in the blood and the renewal in the Spirit that placed us in His righteousness, we must pursue righteous living as an everyday reality. Self-control Main points: Self-control is “self-restraint, temperance, control of one’s passions, desires, and sexual impulses.” It means to control yourself according to God’s word and commandments, His requirements. You dominate your body’s unruly desires. The Holy Spirit will not do it all for you. He requires your personal and individual participation. He will empower you to have dominion over your body and rule over any passion or evil desire that would try to get you off the Word and holiness. God’s armor is His personal armor, but we must put it on. God will not put His armor on you. (Eph. 6:10-17) We are to put off the old man and put on the new man. (Eph. 4: 22, 24) We cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and we put on the Lord Jesus (Romans 13:12-14) The above means that every Christian has a daily responsibility. Every day we are to take up our cross and follow Him. If we do not put on Jesus today, then we are without Him during that day. If we do not put on the armor of light daily, then it never will come on you on its own. Nothing is automatic in God’s kingdom and you have responsibilities, orders, commandments, requirements, duties, and something is demanded of you daily. Some have said, “Oh, I just couldn’t help it. I just had to do it.” Lies, Lies, Lies! That person didn’t submit to God and did not resist the devil. (James 4:7) They yielded to the unrenewed mind, conformity to the world, and the old man. They yielded to works of the flesh. Nobody made them do anything. They did it! Examine every time you ever did something wrong. I have and I know that I yielded to sin because I flat out desired the wrong thing. I let the wrong thing get into my mind and work on my flesh, and I sinned! It was not God’s fault but my own. An admission like that demonstrates spiritual growth when you are willing to admit or confess your faults and receive forgiveness and cleansing from the Lord. (See James 5:16. And 1 John 1:9.) That truly demonstrates humility when you admit your wrongs and come before God in repentance. (See Proverbs 28:13.) The humble are the ones that get the grace (1 Peter 5:5, 6). Examine yourself whether you are in the faith! Isn’t that our main text from 2 Corinthians 13:5? Coming Judgment Main points: Eternal judgment in Hebrews 6:1, 2 is one of the principal teachings of Christ. Eternal judgment is both for the righteous and the wicked. There is eternal judgment and a judgment that comes on those that refuse to repent and continue to practice sin. *Judgment on the wicked: Revelation 20:4, 12, 13, 21:7. *The judgment seat of Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:10. *Judging yourself so you stay out of  coming under God’s judgment while on the earth: See 1 Corinthians 11:29, 34. First John 1:9 is a great and powerful gift to the followers of Jesus. It is our way out of certain judgment and our way back into cleansing, forgiveness, and the unchanging righteousness of Jesus. For forgiveness and cleansing, all we have is His shed blood for us. He is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins (1 John 2:1, 2), and His blood cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) Much more could be said about all this, but that is sufficient for today. In case you didn’t get the scoop in my previous articles on useless masks, vaccines, and more: Canadian doctors and medical professionals reject the closures, lockdowns, quarantines, and masks: https://medicalkidnap.com/2021/03/10/canadian-doctors-speak-out-against-government-covid-restrictions-masks-and-vaccines-not-needed/ At the end of the article, listen to the 11-minute video presentation. Doctors from other countries speak out: https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/doctors-around-the-world-issue-dire-warning-do-not-get-the-covid-vaccine/ Mask mandates: Medical studies on the use of masks reveal a few shocking things: *Masks are useless at stopping viruses from infecting a person wearing one, and from stopping the virus from escaping the mask if someone is infected. Keep in mind the fact that ALL viruses are much smaller than the microscopic openings in the material used for masks. "It's like using a chain link fence to keep out mosquitos!" I heard someone else say that, but I don't remember who it was or I would give them credit because it really gives you a mental picture of what I am saying here. *Masks hinder the intake of air for breathing (up to 30%) and hinder the exhaling of carbon dioxide into the air. That means that what you are rebreathing under the mask is partly carbon dioxide (a waste product that is unbreathable) and not the air you need to live! That contributes to the diminished function of a lot of internal organs! There is evidence that surgeons have decreased mental acuity after 4-6 hours in the operating room after using a surgical mask. The real losers here are the little children being forced to wear masks for hours a day. What do you think oxygen deprivation together with carbon dioxide inhalation is doing to their developing brains and internal organs? It is child abuse and it is criminal. Here follows an article by Dr. Margarite Griesz-Brisson MD, PhD. a Consultant Neurologist and Neurophysiologist with a PhD in Pharmacology, with special interest in neurotoxicology, environmental medicine, neuroregeneration and neuroplasticity on the child abuse and criminal demand to mask up children: https://www.globalresearch.ca/covid-19-masks-crime-against-humanity-child-abuse/5726059 *Studies indicate that continual use of masks will have a detrimental effect on the immune system and will contribute to infections in the gums and lungs. Look at this article: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mask-mouth-dentists-warn-prolonged-use-of-masks-leading-to-poor-oral-hygiene Dr. Lee Merritt on the falsehoods of masks: https://www.americasfrontlinedoctors.com/custom_videos/mask-myths A surgeon speaks out on the falsehood of the general population wearing masks: https://principia-scientific.com/surgeon-destroys-myth-if-masks-dont-work-why-do-surgeons-wear-them/ Penile shrinkage because of mask usage: https://nationalfile.com/study-chemical-that-causes-penile-shrinkage-found-in-face-masks/ Men, masking up is death to your manhood! Take off that stinking mask! Your wife will thank you! Interviews with Dr. Richard Urso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4BfPl2EzMI https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/conservativebusinessjournal/id/17376962 The medical profession is slowly but surely revolting against all the lies of Covid-19, and they are coming from different countries around the world.  In some countries, and in some local socialist governments (NYC and others), they are implementing an ID card to prove you have been vaccinated or you can’t go into a business or eat at a restaurant. That is just like wearing the emblem of the beast! The same has been done with mask wearing. Sometime back, I tried to get my little boys ice cream at two different shops on Treasure Island (next to St Petersburg Beach) and they would not serve me without a mask! Did I yield? No way! I went through a Chick-Fil-A drive through and got each one of my boys an Ice-Dream! Haha! Trust me, it’s not an advertisement. Chick-Fil-A closed in store service and tripled up on their drive-thru operation. They also capitulated!   “May no man eat fruit of you hereafter forever?” Mark 11 anyone? That may have been Jesus’s attitude and words to a non-productive ice cream shop, I mean, fruit tree. Hmm! Nazi-like measures similar to those used against Jews in Germany are in place! Jews were forced to identify their businesses with a special emblem (a star) so Germans faithful to the Third Reich would not buy from them or sell them anything. In many places, you can’t buy or sell unless you have on a mask, and still, churches don't get it and try to defend their closure actions and capitulating ways. At a SunBank/Truist bank, I was told that to come into their lobby to open an account, I had to wear a mask! Do you know that many states have laws on their books that prohibit wearing a face mask inside a bank and most businesses? It wasn’t that long ago that if you wore a mask inside a bank, you were considered a criminal trying to rob the bank! I refused to wear a mask in their bank, so, I couldn’t open the account there. Food, money, grocery stores, government buildings, and what else is coming? If that doesn’t sound like preparation for the antichrist's one-world government in training with the mark of the beast, then I don’t know what would! Saint reading this, are you still yawning and sleeping? Vaccination, forced vaccinations, vaccination passports: Article and 55 minute interview with Dr. Kaufman: https://vaccineimpact.com/2020/censored-dr-kaufman-they-want-to-genetically-modify-us-with-covid-19-vaccine-loses-his-job-and-willing-to-go-to-jail-to-resist/ The associated deaths and side effects from the "vaccines" are running into multiplied thousands and maybe millions all over the planet. Now a new phenomenon is taking shape among the vaccinated as brain function after vaccination in many can begin to go haywire. The root of these dire problems with people passing out, going into an intense mental fog, and losing perception of reality, is being only now taking center stage among the vaccinated. There a huge amount of reports of non-sensical auto accidents because of these issues among the vaccinated. This is no joke and no conspiracy theory. It may take weeks or months before this begins to make headlines, but I have already read many reports about this terrible vaccine side-effect, and here is the science behind it.  Vaccines can modify DNA permanently and contribute to Mad Cow Disease like symptoms and illnesses in humans: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/science-mrna-vaccines-alter-dna/ https://naturalnews.com/2021-04-08-mrna-vaccines-may-cause-your-body-to-churn-out-prions-eat-your-brain-mad-cow-disease.html# 8 ways that the mRNA vaccine can kill you by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny: https://www.brighteon.com/3ef68971-87ad-4ac5-9a1c-8552364d8ccd https://rumble.com/vd0vrj-interview-with-sherri-tenpenny-about-dangers-of-vaccines.html New medical research reveals that the Pfizer mRNA vaccine can lead to the development of common neurodegerative diseases. I hope the government doesn't bury the research, so I suggest you download it and keep a copy for your records, especially if you stupidly took the experimental "vaccine". That way, when you get crippled from some neurodegenerative disease, you can try to sue Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, or Astra Zeneca for damages. News flash: The government has released big pharma from liability for any injuries or deaths resulting from the "vaccines." Basically, that means that if you get a neurological disorder, a debilitating disease, or die from the experimental "vaccine", big pharma cannot be sued. Below is the PDF of the research paper that recently came to light, though it was accepted by the SciVision Publishers (medical journals and medical research site) January 18, 2021. That was 4 months ago from me publishing this article! News like this can really travel slowly. This should be FRONT PAGE news on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and the rest of the alphabet soup devil-inspired news networks! Don't hold your breath because the fake news, mainstream media, are corrupt and in bed with the devil. This paper will not see them light of day on any major news channel or social media. It doesn't fit their agenda or lying narrative. It took Nationalfile.com to report it.   https://nationalfile.com/report-pfizer-vaccine-confirmed-to-cause-neurodegenerative-diseases/ PDF research paper: https://scivisionpub.com/pdfs/covid19-rna-based-vaccines-and-the-risk-of-prion-disease-1503.pdf The side effects of these demon-inspired experimental gene modifiers erroneously called "vaccines" will have a huge effect among the vaccinated population. Watch for a huge increase in senseless accidents of all kinds and generally people losing their minds and ability to concentrate and carry out everyday activities. It will be a plague unto itself and demonstrate that the supposed cure is a million times worse than the coronavirus!  More than 52,000 medical professionals worldwide have signed the Great Barrington Declaration at https://gbdeclaration.org/ calling into question the draconian Covid 19 policies, procedures, and vaccinations: https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/covid-has-caused-tens-of-thousands-of-medical-doctors-and-scientists-to-wake-up-to-corruption-in-the-medical-industry/ Israel’s “vaccination passport” and the violation of the Nuremberg Code: https://vaccineimpact.com/2021/israelis-cry-out-to-the-world-to-stop-mandatory-covid-injections-as-lawsuit-is-filed-in-international-criminal-court-over-nuremberg-code-violation/ Chananya Weissman: 31 Reasons Why I Won’t Take the Vaccine. Some points have to do specifically with what is going on in Israel, but we see the same nonsense in the U. S. A. New York Teachers for Choice: https://nyteachersforchoice.wordpress.com/2020/09/20/top-10-reasons-why-a-covid-vaccine-should-not-be-mandatory/ Mandatory vaccines, or forcing people to get vaccinated, is a direct violation of the Nuremberg Code that was established after WW2 to counteract Nazi policies and practices. These are all signs of the times where the antichrist system is being pushed to set things up for the still future man of sin or lawlessness. This is not funny! Listen to this medical doctor on what Bill Gates is doing NOW with injections: https://media.gab.com/system/media_attachments/files/073/075/235/original/214821d7b2498c91.mp4 I hope that struck your heart and made you shiver. Yes, the mark of the beast and the antichrist are pretty close. Look at the latest official info (May 2021) on deaths and injuries from the experimental gene altering jabs falsely labeled as vaccines that already reported. These numbers are way behind the real numbers but it shows you where all these injections are doing to the people receiving them and there are many more yet to be reported.  https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/genocide-in-the-u-s-continues-3848-deaths-118902-injuries-following-covid-injections-children-now-being-reported-as-dying-also/ We must take a stand and become the restraining factor against Satan's agenda. The protests are going on all over the world. There is a complete media blackout on these protests going on worldwide. Video of just ONE day of protests against the overreach and removal of our human rights by tyrannical governments:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvXXgPHyPFE Why are not churches protesting? Where is the righteous indignation and anger against evil!  Now to today’s podcast message:

Message Outline: https://bit.ly/3cuBV0MToday is our last Sunday in our “Overcoming Faith” Campaign. We’re on a spiritual journey designed to strengthen & build our faith, to see God’s miraculous power released in and through our lives in a fresh way. We’re receiving: Fresh Faith to lay hold of all of God’s promisesFresh Faith to overcome life’s challengesFresh Faith to walk in:God’s Peace & Joy, Provision, Protection & HealingFresh Faith for God’s will to manifest in our lives, families, city & nation Last week we spoke about how to pray the Prayer of Faith: Find a promise in God’s Word that covers your specific needTake this Scripture to God in prayer, along with your needReceive the answer/provision to your need at the time when you prayThen continue to thank God that He has answered your prayer, and that He has met your needToday we will talk about how to walk by faith.Most of us know the common saying: “Seeing is believing”. Yet the Bible exhorts us to “believe without seeing”.If we choose to “believe without seeing”, we will (eventually) “see what we believe”. 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NLT)For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.2 Corinthians 5:6–8 (NKJV)So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7For we walk by faith, not by sight.8We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.This Scripture speaks about our new resurrection body that awaits us in heaven. And is also tells us to walk by faith and not by sight. When we become born again, we learn to walk by faith instead of by sightThis is not only true concerning our new body that awaits us in heaven, or concerning heaven itself, but concerning all of God’s promisesWe don’t see heaven with our physical eyes, yet we believe in it’s existenceWhy? Because the written Word of God tells us about it!We don’t see our new resurrection body with our physical eyes, but we know we will have it at the time of our resurrectionWhy? Because the written Word of God tells us about it!So the Word of God becomes our new parameter and modus operandi for living instead of the things we can see, feel and touchWalking by faith then means:walking by the written Word of GodWalking by the leading of the Holy Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14)Thomas refused to believe without seeing: John 20:25–29 (NKJV)The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”26And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”28And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”29Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”Thomas said: I must see physical evidence before I am willing to believeJesus said: Thomas, do not be unbelieving, but believingRefusing to believe without seeing physical evidence is called UNBELIEFJesus said: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believedThose who have not seen and yet believe are those who “walk by faith” and not “by sight”1 Peter 1:7–9 (NLT)These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.Apostle Peter commends the saints for loving God even though they have never seen God. Instead of demanding visible proof of God’s existence, they chose to “walk by faith”. The Bible says: We walk “by faith” (2 Cor. 5:7)We stand “by faith” (Romans 11:20)We live “by faith” (Gal. 2:20)We overcome the world “by faith” (1 John 5:4)We are sanctified “by faith” (Acts 26:18)We are justified “by faith” (Romans 5:1)“By faith” we have access to God’s grace (Romans 5:2)Hebrews chap. 11 lists the heroes of faith who “by faith” did astounding things (18 times “by faith”)The example of Abraham & Sarah who walked by faith:Hebrews 11:11-12 (NKJV) By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.12Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.In the natural, it was impossible for Sarah to have children. She was barren, and at a certain time she was past the age of child bearing. Furthermore, Abraham also was too old to produce children. And yet, they had a son called Isaac. Question: How did Sarah receive strength to conceive?Answer: She received strength to conceive “by faith”!Sarah: Heard God’s Word (His promise) about a sonShe believed it in her heartShe confessed it with her mouthShe acted on the Word & came together with Abraham to conceive IsaacSo then, walking by faith is:Hearing what the Word saysBelieving in your heart what the Word saysConfessing with your mouth what the Word saysDoing what the Word saysAgain, walking “By faith” means 4 things:Hear what the Word of God saysBelieve in your heart what the Word of God saysConfessing with your mouth what the Word saysDo what the Word says     

2 Timothy 1:1-7 New King James Version   Greeting 1 Paul, an apostle of [a]Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Timothy’s Faith and Heritage 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the [b]genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Fear? From Apocolyto: Flint Sky: Those people in the forest, what did you see on them? Jaguar Paw: I do not understand. Flint Sky: Fear. Deep rotting fear. They were infected by it. Did you see? Fear is a sickness. It will crawl into the soul of anyone who engages it. It has tainted your peace already. I did not raise you to see you live with fear. Strike it from your heart. Do not bring it into our village.   Genesis 26:24 (NKJV) And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, “I [am] the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I [am] with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.”   Exodus 20:20 (NKJV) And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”   Numbers 14:9 (NKJV) “Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they [are] our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us. Do not fear them.”   Deuteronomy 1:21 (NKJV) ‘Look, the LORD your God has set the land before you; go up [and] possess [it,] as the LORD God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.’   Joshua 10:8 (NKJV) And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.”   Judges 6:23 (NKJV) Then the LORD said to him, “Peace [be] with you; do not fear, you shall not die.”   1 Samuel 22:23 (NKJV) “Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you [shall be] safe.”   2 Kings 6:16 (NKJV) So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who [are] with us [are] more than those who [are] with them.”   1 Chronicles 22:13 (NKJV) “Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the LORD charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed.   Psalm 56:4 (NKJV) In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?   Psalm 118:6 (NKJV) The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?   Isaiah 35:4 (NKJV) Say to those [who are] fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [With] the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”   Lamentations 3:57 (NKJV) You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, “Do not fear!”   Haggai 2:5 (NKJV) ‘[According to] the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’   Zechariah 8:13 (NKJV) And it shall come to pass [That] just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, So I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, Let your hands be strong.’   Matthew 10:28 (NKJV) “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.   Matthew 10:31 (NKJV) “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.   Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV) So we may boldly say: “The LORD [is] my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”   Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw [some] of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.   1 John 4:18 (NKJV) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.   Ezekiel 30:13 (NKJV) ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “I will also destroy the idols, And cause the images to cease from Noph; There shall no longer be princes from the land of Egypt; I will put fear in the land of Egypt.   Romans 8:15 (NKJV) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”   Genesis 15:1 (NKJV) After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I [am] your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”   Exodus 14:13 (NKJV) And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.   Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God [is] with you wherever you go.”   Joshua 10:25 (NKJV) Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”   Psalm 56:11 (NKJV) In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?   Proverbs 3:25 (NKJV) Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;   Isaiah 8:12 (NKJV) “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.   Jeremiah 42:11 (NKJV) ‘Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; do not be afraid of him,’ says the LORD, ‘for I [am] with you, to save you and deliver you from his hand.   Matthew 14:27 (NKJV) But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”   Revelation 1:17 (NKJV) And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

Matthew 5:13-16,MSG- Let me tell you why you are here...  You’re here to be light... God is not a secret to be kept...If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—SHINE!! Here’s the thing, being light comes from an assurance that God will be exactly who and what He told us He would.  So if he says, shine, shine. What every believer has to come to terms with is the fact that God is absolutely sending each of us into this broken, corrupt, confused, deceived world for one reason!! Don’t think I’m going to hide you under something, I’m putting your out there to shine. Daniel is one of my favorite example of this. Especially right now, with the climate of our world. Daniel 1:6-7,NKJV- “Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.” Babylon wanted to erase all trace of God from the earth. This is where God inspired hope comes in. Remember, hope is this fixed, confident expectation. And according to Romans, we are to be bubbling over with this kind hope. This is why the book of Hebrews reinforces the reality that our faith is substance, assurance, the confirmation of the things we HOPE for. Here’s one thing for certain, the more we allow the Holy Spirit to inspire us, the brighter our hope, our confidence in Him shines. Understand, God is sending each of us into the world, but we will never change the world being conformed to it. Paul quoting the prophet Isaiah says, “Come out from among them a be separate” (Remember Moses) Daniel 6, King Darius places Daniel over all the nations affairs because God gave Daniel an excellent spirit. But all the corrupt politicians tried setting a trap for Daniel. They changed the laws of the land. Please understand, satan hasn’t changed, he still wants desperately to erase all trace of God. And in the natural it all looked like their plan worked. They threw Daniel in with the lions. Everybody say, “But God!” There’s not one time in scripture where there’s great victory without great challenge. So, hold fast your confession of hope! Because we are light! The enemy knows all he’s got to do is shake our feelings just a little, so lets prove him wrong. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5,CEV- “We are sure about all this. Christ makes us sure in the very presence of God. We don't have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own. God gives us what it takes to do all we do.” Zechariah 4:6,NKJV- So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” Stop worrying about what’s going on around you. Stop looking at the things that are seen, and get focused on the things that are unseen. Hebrews 2, paraphrase,  It’s crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we’ve heard so that we don’t drift off. God didn’t put angels in charge of this business of salvation that we’re dealing with here. He made us like Him with the brightness of Eden; Then He put us in charge of His entire handcrafted world.  Ephesians 2, Because of His great love for us He made us alive together with Christ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 2 Peter 1:3-4,NKJV- His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature. Until we embrace this revelation concerning who we are, this world we’ve been born into and the realities of it will remain some mysterious, out of reach idea that’s really not for us to understand. From the beginning, God’s original assignment to Adam is still His plan; “I’ve given you dominion over all the earth.” Understand, we’re not just citizens of Heaven, we’re heirs to the Kingdom, appointed ambassadors of our King, assigned here to establish the very same dominion our Father gave to Adam.  Empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is why Peter tells us in the book of Acts, when the Holy Spirit shows up and infills the believers, “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” Joel, The day of the Lord is upon you. Ahead of you lies a land as beautiful as Eden.The Lord says, Turn to Me, give Me your hearts, for I am merciful and compassionate, filled with unfailing love. Look, I’m sending you new wine and oil, enough to satisfy. Don’t be afraid. Instead be glad and rejoice in your God! I will restore all that was lost, stolen, or destroyed. And you will know that I am the Lord you God. Isaiah 43, paraphrase,  Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon, and bring your enemies down as fugitives. I am the LORD, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King.And just like I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses and drowned them beneath the waves, I snuffed them out like a smoldering candlewick.That’s nothing compared to what I am going to do. I am about to do something new. Look it’s already! Can’t you see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Remember what Peter says, what you see here today is the start of what was prophecied by the prophet Joel. God empowered His church to establish His Kingdom on this earth. Make no mistake, God is returning for a glorious church, without spot or blemish. Ephesians 5,25-27,32,NKJV-  “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” God is without a doubt preparing His bride, the church for His return. So until He does, lets be about His work. Let’s shine with a fixed, confident, expectation, with some God inspired hope. It’s interesting Peter quotes Joel at the birth of the church. Joel actually means, “Yahweh is God” We have to see spiritually, what Joel was, to a deceived, rebellious, confused people of Israel, the church of Jesus Christ is to the world today. Both Joel and the church called for repentance of the people, both were vessels of revelation, inspired expressions of hope, and both prophetic voices to the people. Listen to Jesus’ words again in Matthew 5, You’re here to be light, if I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there—SHINE!!  

Hello everyone! Today is the third part in a multi part series called “Pain” after speaking with a lot of interviewees there is a lot of pain that starts the seed of unforgiveness and in this episode we will talk about “Sibling Pain”. Check this out! Show Notes: My apologies I tried to do a video of the podcast where you all could see me... But it failed lol. I will be sticking to audio podcasting from now on :) "You Can Forgive Your Parents" by Marshall Segal (https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/you-can-forgive-your-parents) Forgiveness - The Tale Of Two Sister by Regina (https://www.spiritual-experiences.com/real-spiritual-story.php?story=431) Family is Built Not Born by Pastor Stephen Chandler (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1BzNsIf45M&t=2s) Forgiving My Brother by Derrick Dominguez (https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/forgiving-my-brother) Bible Verses: "But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also." Matthew 5:39 New Living Translation (NLT) "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 NLT "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37 New King James Version (NKJV) "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men." Romans 12:17 NKJV "If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you." Proverbs 25:21-22 NLT “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath" Ephesians 4:26 NKJV "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23-24 English Standard Version (ESV) "The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions." Galatians 5:17 NLT My Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynestaten/ Leave me a Voice Message! https://anchor.fm/dwayne-staten5/message Schedule a Coaching Session: https://dwaynestaten.setmore.com/ Music: Moody by Jay Someday https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_moody Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/WJHTZpx9d2o

God has given us his Holy Spirit to guide us. If we are listening, he will alert us when we get out of our lane. When our lives move outside the boundaries of the Word of God, the Holy Spirit is faithful to let us know. I've heard people say, “I have Jesus.  Why do I need the Holy Spirit?  What does the Holy Spirit do in a believer's life anyway?”  The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sinHe guides us into all truthHe reveals Christ to usHe sanctifies usHe empowers usHe fills usHe teaches us to prayHe produces in us the fruit or evidence of his work and presenceHe gives us spiritual giftsHe anoints us for ministryHe brings unity to the body of ChristHe reveals the deep things of GodHe teaches usHe brings things to our remembranceHe comforts usSo, Who is the Holy Spirit?  The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is not a mist, a cloud, or a strange feeling. He is the Spirit of God.  In John 16, Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure. He wanted them to know they would not be alone, he would give them the Holy Spirit to be with them and to live in them.“I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7 NKJV)So what is the Holy Spirit doing in our lives today?The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin.The Holy Spirit shows us who we really are rather than what we pretend to be.  This happens before we come to Christ and after we come to Christ.  It's not until the Holy Spirit speaks to our heart and makes us aware of our sin and our need for Christ that any change happen.“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8 NKJV)The Holy Spirit brings us freedom.“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV)It is through the power of the Holy Spirit we gain freedom in our lives.  It's through His strength we are able to resist temptation.  It is through his power we are able to live Godly and Holy lives.The Holy Spirit teaches us what we need to know and reminds us of what we need to remember.“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  (John 14:26 NIV)Has this ever happened to you?  You are talking with a friend when just the right verse of Scripture pops into your head.  How did this happen?  At just the right moment?  It is the Holy Spirit.The Holy Spirit empowers us to witness for Jesus.“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8 NIV)Today's Challenge: Ask God to fill your life with His Holy Spirit. Begin to seek God and ask him to lead and guide your life by His Spirit. Listen for his voice. Cooperate with his leadership. Ask the Lord to help you to walk daily in the power of the Holy Spirit.Visit the website: 5MinuteDiscipleship.comFollow on social:Facebook.com/5minutediscipleshipInstagram.com/5minutediscipleshipClick here to learn how you can start your own podcast.

Choose Joy with Tisa podcast | Simple prayers for a complex world www.tisajones.com Pray this Prayer for More Joy | Choose Joy with Tisa | Daily Effective Prayer //Daily Effective Prayer – New Leaf Series ***Daily Prayers*** CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/tsjones?sub_confirmation=1 ***PRAYER OF SALVATION*** https://tisajones.com/112-prayer-for-salvation //PRAYER PLAYLIST Prayer Meditation Music https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dnTidTksSVzJKof5IpAc_l3sGPnkiGI Prayers for Health, Healing and Wellness https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dnTidTksSU3QLMtsah6IaCyYPljvAO6 Prayers for Safety and Protection https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dnTidTksSWbNIDdaiqluHY5s731eoOx Prayers for Strong Faith https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dnTidTksSUOWMjVTYZ0bi2NY6dP1SkO Prayers of Encouragement https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dnTidTksSUPEr-QDvS7YUyM9k5Wigof Prayers of Hope https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dnTidTksSWguUQCqbh4ViyZL37tvWsk Prayers of Praise https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dnTidTksSXAL5UW0QK0LO9bqxRIomZa Prayers of Prosperity https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dnTidTksSUvLttJYB8k-KXfTf5Rz8PX Meditate on these verses with this prayer: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.15.11.NKJV for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.14.17.NKJV You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:11 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.16.11.NKJV Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. Psalms 126:5 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.126.5.NKJV “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/php.2.1-2.esv #newleaf #moremonday #choosejoywithtisa © Copyright https://tisajones.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/choosejoywithtisa/message

MANIFESTED GLORY 31 Trusting the Word of God in Crisis Pastor Sally Snow – 7/26/20 I. TRUSTING THE WORD 1. The Word of God is proven! Proven: demonstrated by evidence to be true or existing; tried and tested; found to be true 2 Sam 22:31-33 NKJV As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 32 "For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? 33 God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect. Ps 9:10 NKJV And those who know Your name will put their trust in You Jehovah – Self existent eternal God who is revealing Himself! Jehovah Rapha – The Lord my Healer The Good Shepherd The Door of the sheep Adoni – the Lord Way, Truth, and the life Light of the World My Helper Waymaker Miracle worker Promise Keeper Light in the Darkness The Secret Place Covenant Keeper! A Carpenter A Holy King Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace; King of Kings and the Lord of Lords Immanuel – God is with us! Fairest of 10,000 El Shaddai – All Powerful All Mighty God Protector Rock Savior Deliverer Messiah True Vine and the Vine dresser! Balm in Gilead The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost! Lord of Hosts Lord strong and mighty The Lord mighty in Battle God of the Angel armies Lilly of the valley Rose of Sharon He is the Oil and the Wine Bread of Life The Living Word Water of the word Elohim – My Strong Creator Jehovah Jireh – The Lord my Provider Jehovah Rapha – The Lord my Healer Jehovah Nissi – My Banner of Victory! Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord my Righteousness Jehovah M’keddish – The Lord my Sanctification Jehavah Shalom – The Lord my Peace and Prosperity Jehovah Shammah – the Lord Who is Present! Jehovah Gumelua – The God of Recompense Lion of the Tribe of Judah And the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world! Ancient of Days The Son of God Redeemer The Great I AM JESUS And He is CALLED… the Word of God! 1. His name is called the Word of God. John 1:1-3 NKJV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:14 NKJV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 2. We can trust the Word of God because His word is truth and will never end. John 17:17 NKJV Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. Num 23:19 NKJV "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? Matt 24:35 NKJV Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Ps 138:2 NKJV For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Mal 3:6 NKJV "For I am the Lord, I do not change…” Heb 13:8 NKJV Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 3. The Word gives me patience, comfort, and hope! Rom 15:4 NKJV For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 4. The Word of God is alive and powerful. Heb 4:12 NKJV For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. MSG God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. 13 Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it — no matter what. Rom 1:16 NKJV For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes Rom 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Matt 4:4 NKJV 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" 5. When I become a doer of the word it has the power to strengthen me for the crisis. Matt 7:24-25 NKJV "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 6. The Word is our armor and the sword of the Spirit. Eph 6:12 Protecting power! Proactive Power! Helmet of salvation 2 Cor 5:17 NKJV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Breastplate of righteousness 2 Cor 5:21 NKJV For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Belt of Truth John 8:32 NKJV And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Feet Shod 1 Cor 15:3-4 NKJV …Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures… Shield of faith Prov 30:5 NKJV Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. MSG "Every promise of God proves true; He protects everyone who runs to him for help. How did Jesus quench the fiery darts? It is written - Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God! It is written - you shall not put the Lord your God to a foolish test! It is written - that you shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve! The Sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God! 7. The word makes us fully equipped for serving Him! 2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 8. Angels respond to the Word of God in crisis! Ps 103:20 NKJV Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 9. God cannot and will not ever break His word or promises! Heb 6:13-18 MSG When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. 14 He said, "I promise that I'll bless you with everything I have — bless and bless and bless!" 15 Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him. 16 When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. 17 When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee — 18 God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. Isa 55:11 NKJV So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Ps 107:20 NKJV He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. 10. His word promises that He will keep me in crisis. Isa 43:1-3 NKJV "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior Ps 68:20 NLT Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death. Matt 6:31-34 NKJV "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matt 6:11 NKJV Give us this day our daily bread. 11. Absolute trust in His promise and His faithfulness to bring it to pass will cause me to receive it! Heb 11:11-12 NKJV By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude — innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. Rom 4:18-21 MSG When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made the father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham!" 19 Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. 20 He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, 21 sure that God would make good on what he had said. Ps 61:2 NKJV When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Habakkuk 3:19 AMP The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army. He makes my feet like hinds feet and will make me to walk, not to stand still in terror but to walk and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering, and responsibility. Isa 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You Because he trusts in You.

Nehemiah 4:6 (NKJV) "So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work."

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you are disqualified. (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV) What is being in the faith? Without question, it is faith in Christ Jesus. I don’t think any believer would argue with that, but just in case, here are some verses about it: Acts 3:16, 6:7, 14:22, 16:5, 26:18; Romans 3:22, 26; Galatians 3:22; Philippians 1:27, where a parallel is drawn between the gospel of Christ and the faith of the gospel; Colossians 1:4, 23, 2:5, 7, 12, and so on. First Timothy 3:13 settles it for me: “in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” The following portion of the Scripture tells us exactly how the faith in Christ is defined. Do you want to know what the Apostle Paul called the faith in Christ? It is clearly stated when Paul preached to Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla. 24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self- control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid (became frightened, “trembled” in at least 7 translations, terrified, much alarmed) and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:24, 25 NET- parenthesis- my comment) Faith in Christ was defined in this passage as a message that expounded on righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come. What? Really? Does that sound like most modern-day “gospel” messages concerning faith in Christ? That was the essence of Paul’s gospel message. Some would say that there is no need to tell sinners they need self-control or to speak of judgment because that would not be very loving towards them, but Paul did that. Some may think that to speak to sinners about righteousness is a waste of time, or not something that will be conducive to their conversion, and that it may turn them off to the gospel. Tell that to the Apostle Paul. The text calls righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come a “faith in Christ” message. Have our gospel messages been missing some things? Righteousness, self-control, and judgment as the definition of ministering the faith in Christ sounds almost identical to what Jesus said the Holy Spirit was sent to do. “And He, when He comes, He will convict (expose, convict, reprove, rebuke) the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:8 NKJV) What Paul stated to Felix, and what Jesus said to His disciples, were both referring to the same thing. Paul used the term “self-control” when talking about “sin”. The connection between sin and a lack of self-control should be obvious. If you sin, it is because you did not exercise self-control. Self-control is control of your actions by the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Self” does not infer that you are by yourself or that you are alone in this matter. It infers that the action starts with you. The Holy Spirit is not your enforcer, but He is your Helper. (John 16:7) In other words, the Holy Spirit will help you to do what is right. He will not make you obey God’s Word, but He will help you to do what is right according to God’s Word. The word convict (Gr. elegcho) in John 16:8 is translated in Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon as “reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault.” The same word is found in 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13, 2:15; Hebrews 12:5, and in the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:19: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. (NKJV) Rebuke, that is, to reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault must come when a lack of self-control is evident. (See also elegcho in John 3:20, 1Corinthians 14:24, and Ephesians 5:11.) Sin is the result of a lack of self-control that opposes God’s Word and commandments. James 1:14-16 in the Amplified Bible clarifies the process of sin from lust or some evil desire, to conception, and to execution.  The word elegcho in Luke 3:18, 19 is translated rebuked: 18 And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil deeds that he had done. John the Baptizer was proclaiming the “good news” or the gospel to the people, and it was not at all sugar and spice and everything nice. Go back into Luke chapter three and begin reading from verse three. You will see all the elements of rebuking, such as “reprehend severely, call to account, CORRECT, to show one his fault.” He called those practicing sin “offspring of vipers”! That was not your typical sermonette with all smiles and niceties! 7Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Luke 3:7-9 NET) Then, to top it all off, he had the gall to call Herod the tetrarch to account because of his adulterous relationship with the wife of his brother. Verse 18 says that even with all of John’s rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account that it was THE GOSPEL, the proclamation of the good news! And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. (Luke 3:18 NKJV) Good news of the gospel? Does Luke chapter 3 sound like our interpretation of what can be included in a good gospel message? No, it does not! It makes one wonder if something could be missing from our gospel messages if it is only preaching about salvation, healing, and the blessings of God! Yes, there is something terribly missing if that is all the people hear out of their preacher or pastor. Sometimes, there must be rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account. These cannot be left out when necessary, that is, IF it is a real gospel message. John was a minister according to the meaning of a true gospel message. Even Jesus was tough and no-nonsense often, and He was specifically anointed to announce the good news or gospel message. (Luke 4:18) Take a look at Matthew 23 where He viciously rebukes the hypocritical among the Pharisees, and slams Jerusalem for killing the prophets sent to it. Read the whole chapter. It's an eye opener. Does the following sound like any "good news message" we know of today? Remember, Jesus said this, and it was not "sugar and spice, and everything nice." I say this because many think all Jesus taught was love and acceptance (tolerance), and He was always soft toned, and tame as a little lamb. Nothing could be further from the truth! Here are some excerpts from the fiery preacher and astonishing powerhouse known as Jesus: "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!... Therefore you will receive greater condemnation... Fools and blind... You make your followers twice the sons of hell that you are... “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence... For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness... "  And, one more for the road:  "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?"  Jesus was no pushover. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3 His rebukes and calling into account were hard and often harsh. It is true He also praised the churches when they did what was right, but He held nothing back in His messages to the churches when a sharp rebuke was necessary.  Now read in Mathew 11:20-24 and the Master's rebuke against the cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum because even though great miracles were done in them, they refused to repent. He condemned Capernaum to hell (Hades)! That was good gospel preaching, but wait because there is more. So, you want acceptance or tolerance in the words of Jesus? Here is His idea of acceptance and tolerance for those that refuse to repent and continue in their sin. Are you ready? It's a spanking for the backside! 23"And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:23, 24 NKJV) There's your tolerance.  I’ll never forget one brother in the Lord, himself a minister and teacher, that told me before I stood to preach and minister, “Brother, just preach Heaven to them. Give them Heaven!” I knew something was off, but it took me some time to learn from the Lord what it was. If all you do is preach “good or inspiring verses” and uplifting and positive messages without the other we have been talking about, then we have missed Heaven’s idea of good news. It may not seem like all of what John the Baptizer preached was good news, but that would be an assessment from a human perspective. From the Scriptural perspective, and therefore from God’s viewpoint, it was all good news because it brought conviction and correction. John’s gospel message called people to account and allowed the Father to work on their hearts so repentance would come, and real change could take place in their lives! Think about that. Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, and he had an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. (Revelation 14:6 NET) Are you ready for a shift in your thinking? It will shock all those that think “gospel” is sweetie pie and kind preaching. It will shock all those that think we should have sweetness in our gospel message because if it gets too harsh people will leave or tune out the message.  Next is a sample of the eternal gospel, but pay close attention to the content. It covers areas not traditionally understood as a gospel message. 7 He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!” 8 A second angel followed the first, declaring: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great city! She made all the nations drink of the wine of her immoral passion.” 9 A third angel followed the first two, declaring in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and takes the mark on his forehead or his hand, 10 that person will also drink of the wine of God’s anger that has been mixed undiluted in the cup of his wrath, and he will be tortured with fire and sulfur in front of the holy angels and in front of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke from their torture will go up forever and ever, and those who worship the beast and his image will have no rest day or night, along with anyone who receives the mark of his name.” 12 This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: ‘Blessed are the dead, those who die in the Lord from this moment on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so they can rest from their hard work, because their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:7-13 NET) Gospel announcement included revelation, instruction, rebuke, correction, mention of God’s anger and wrath, the lake of fire for the followers of the beast, and the hour of God’s judgment! It pointed out the immorality of those following Babylon’s example. Notice that gospel preaching includes faith in Jesus, but also mentions obedience to God’s moral commandments. It even speaks of the coming judgment where believers will be rewarded for their good works. Wow, all that and a call to the fear of God to headline that gospel message! Does that sound anywhere near to what many believe to be the gospel message? Gospel includes a whole lot more than salvation, healing, deliverance, and the blessing of God. Gospel includes more than telling people about the plan of salvation and the Lord Jesus.  Here is more proof of what I am writing about. 9 Realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers—in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. 11 This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:9-11 NET) What? Paul says that these are in accord or agree with the glorious gospel message. That means that within the gospel message there will preaching against these sinful lifestyles and practices. Why, because at times there must be exposing of these things. There must be correction and calling to account even before the lawless, rebellious, ungodly, sinners, unholy, profane, murderers, sexually immoral, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers and for all those that live contrary to sound teaching. That means that sound teaching will teach people to live contrary to all those things mentioned or inferred.  The references in Luke, Revelation and First Timothy reveal that the gospel includes all these elements usually not associated with “gospel preaching.” What gospel message are you listening to? In general, many in the body of Christ have gotten away from such preaching themes. Messages have been watered down to the place they often sound like psychological hogwash and not like the Bible. At one church I attended, they brought in some foolish person to teach that women see through pink glasses and men through blue. Could you imagine that instead of going to the Scripture, they were teaching that nonsense to couples at Church? I exited and never went back after the first few minutes of the man’s psychological talk. It was all talk with ZERO anointing! It was all an offshoot of the “women are from Venus” and “men are from Mars” psycho-babble that is really against the sound teaching of Scripture. So many churches have moved away from real strong gospel messages, and have embraced messages of self-help, cotton-candy, sugar-coated fluff meant to “inspire” the senses instead of informing, rebuking when necessary, correcting weird and wrong ideas, exposing sin, and revealing the truth of God’s Word. Churches have often become country clubs and entertainment venues with no power from heaven, no anointing, and no conviction. Some started with an anointing, and later lost it by trying to become respectable and likeable.  Some have gotten away from ministering to the sick through the laying on of hands (of course, dead churches don’t do that anyway), and many no longer pray in public for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. I am speaking about so-called Spirit-filled churches or Pentecostal, Charismatic, Full-Gospel churches. Many no longer have altar calls. If they pray for people to receive Jesus, it is done without an altar call. Everybody is led in a prayer and the “saved” no longer make a public confession of their faith in Christ Jesus. Have you noticed that some churches let altar workers pray with those that stay after the service is dismissed? The pastor rarely prays for people. Other churches, instead of teaching the saints according to God’s Word, they entertain their audience for an hour or two! Hollywood style entertainment has invaded many churches with their “broad is the way” (known as Broadway) replacing the straight and narrow way Jesus taught. 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14 NKJV) So, what did Paul preach according to the faith in Christ to Felix and Drusilla? Here it is in a nutshell. 1. Righteousness: The main points: * It is a gift (Romans 4:23-25, 5:17) received upon initially believing and trusting in what Jesus did and provided for us when God raised Him from the dead and we confessed Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9, 10). *The gift can be interrupted by sin, but confessing our sins before the Lord, we can be forgiven and cleansed from all un-righteousness, restoring our relation to God. See 1 John 1:7-10, 2:1,2. *Righteousness includes righteous living according to God’s moral commandments. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him… Little children let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous… In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (1 John 2:29, 3:7, 10 NKJV) See also Titus 2:11, 12; and compare it with Titus 1:8, where a leader must be “righteous”. If righteousness is only a gift that has nothing to do with conduct or lifestyle (Christian character) then why bother to list it as a qualification? No, Paul taught that righteousness is also a lifestyle of doing what is right. See also 1 Timothy 6:11- “pursue righteousness, godliness” and 2 Tim. 2:22- “flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Even after our initial cleansing in the blood and the renewal in the Spirit that placed us in His righteousness, we must pursue righteous living as an everyday reality. 2. Self-control Main points: Self-control is “self-restraint, temperance, control of ones passions, desires, and sexual impulses.” It means to control yourself according to God’s word and commandments, His requirements. You dominate your body’s unruly desires. The Holy Spirit will not do it all for you. He requires your personal and individual participation. He will empower you to have dominion over your body and rule over any passion or evil desire that would try to get you off the Word and holiness. It is God’s armor, but we must put it on. God will not put the armor on you. (Eph. 6:10-17) We are to put off the old man and put on the new man. (Eph. 4: 22, 24) We cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and we put on the Lord Jesus (Romans 13:12-14) The above means that every Christian has a daily responsibility. Every day we are to take up our cross and follow Him. If we do not put on Jesus today, then we are without Him during that day. If we do not put on the armor of light daily, then it never will come on you on its own. Nothing is automatic in God’s kingdom and you have responsibilities, orders, commandments, requirements, duties, and something is demanded of you daily. Some have said, “Oh, I just couldn’t help it. I just had to do it.” Lies, Lies, Lies! That person didn’t submit to God and did not resist the devil. (James 4:7) They yielded to the unrenewed mind, conformity to the world, and the old man. They yielded to works of the flesh. Nobody made them do anything. They did it! Examine every time you ever did something wrong. I have and I know that I yielded to sin because I flat out desired the wrong thing. I let the wrong thing get into my mind and work on my flesh, and I sinned! It was not God’s fault but my own. An admission like that demonstrates spiritual growth when you are willing to admit or confess your faults and receive forgiveness and cleansing from the Lord. (See James 5:16. And 1 John 1:9.) That truly demonstrates humility when you admit your wrongs and come before God in repentance. (See Proverbs 28:13.) The humble are the ones that get the grace (1 Peter 5:5, 6). Examine yourself whether you are in the faith! Isn’t that our main text from 2 Corinthians 13:5? 3. Coming Judgment Main points: Eternal judgment in Hebrews 6:1, 2 is one of the principal teachings of Christ. Eternal judgment is both for the righteous and the wicked. There is eternal judgment and a judgment that comes on those that refuse to repent and continue to practice sin. *Judgment on the wicked: Revelation 20:4, 12, 13, 21:7. *The judgment seat of Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:10. *Judging yourself so you stay out of judgment while on the earth: See 1 Corinthians 11:29, 34. First John 1:9 is a great and powerful gift to the followers of Jesus. It is our way out of certain judgment and our way back into cleansing, forgiveness, and the unchanging righteousness of Jesus. For forgiveness and cleansing, all we have is His shed blood for us. He is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins (1 John 2:1, 2), and His blood cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) We have much more to say about all this, but that is sufficient for today. Hear the podcast Repentance Part 10 and be mightily blessed!

Today we look at what Practical Tips the Bible has for us in Acts 12:12 Acts 12:12 (NKJV): So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. In this episode, I talk about: • How Peter paused before he left town to consider what was best for everyone • How to be wise & think about choices instead of just making them Head to www.LisaNormanProject.com/Coaching to take your First Step to Loving Your Chaotic Life & Finding The Happy Moments God wants you to have! Chat more about this episode or anything else with Lisa on Instagram @LisaNormanProject Get 5 time-saving tips for when life feels chaotic at: www.MamaWithMoreHappy.com Take a Quick Personal Assessment to start feeling like you again here: www.LisaNormanProject.com/Personal-Assessment

When the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions were implemented in March 2020, in Australia, I asked God what He wanted me to do during this time. He simply said, 'Tend to your garden." I knew He meant literally, as our garden was long overdue some TLC. But I also knew He was speaking metaphorically about areas in my life, family relationships and other activities I'm involved in. What has God been saying to you during COVID-19? Tending the literal garden For me, tending to the literal garden wasn't going to be a complex activity. It just involved a plan - with achievable goals, time, a little money, and sunshine. Over the past six weeks we have transformed our front path, planting seeds to create a border of white cottage flowers. What a joy it has been each morning to walk out the front door and see the growth. Another section of the garden has been weeded and had turf laid. In the midst of those improvements a stunning white Camellia tree has bloomed, dropping petals white as snow on the newly laid turf. So beautiful. Our youngest daughter has planted seeds to create flower borders around two trees. The shoots are starting to come through now. Doing this gardening together with her is part of the other 'tend to your garden' that God was speaking to me about. Tending to relationships Through our journey of having four children and one with cancer who obviously required more attention, understanding the concept of love languages has been essential. They have helped immensely in working to restore relationships with our other children. For more information on love languages, see 'The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.' Over the years we had purposefully implemented routines and strategies to increase the frequency that we 'spoke' each child's love language. Strategies that God used to bring healing into relationships. For example, for those with a love language of Quality Time, we identified specific times during the weekly schedule. They often happened in the car on the way to sporting activities. So guess what happened when the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions came in? Sport stopped, and along with it those precious Quality Time moments. The flow on-effect? Increased tension and frustration as the love tanks were suddenly running very low! How do we do this now? There was frustration for me as well as the children. I was so angry with the enemy for attempting to destroy what God had restored. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV However, I am grateful for all God has taught me over the years about the enemy's attempts to steal, kill and destroy. A couple of key scriptures that help me in these times of frustration - although sometimes only after I have loudly expressed my frustration! .... For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 NKJV God says, 'Do it this way.' So with the help of the Holy Spirit we have created new ways of 'speaking' each child's love language in this COVID-19 season and possibly beyond. And yes, for one child, that does include time in the garden. Praise God. He always has a plan and it is good. Another area that I knew God was referring to with the 'Tend to your garden' response was a ministry group I am involved with. In January this year God spoke to me about doing something new with the group. I was excited about what He had said, but did not know how to implement it. Sure I had ideas, but none of them seemed to be feasible, so I did nothing. Yesterday I was outside at sunrise preparing the ground for laying the turf before the forecasted rain came, when God spoke to me about that new thing. He said something like, 'Now is the time to do that, and do it this way.' The strategy was brillant, masterful! Thank you God. In January, how could I have known that COVID-19 would impact our country in this way? And that there would be a flow-on affect impacting the way our group operated? How could I have known that this would be the perfect time to implement what God had spoken to me about? The answer to all these questions is, 'I couldn't have known.' Only God knew. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV Make space to hear what God wants to say So why am I sharing these stories? Because I really believe God has at least one thing, probably more, He wants to say to each of us during this time. And His words to us, as always, are critical for our future. They give us purpose and the strategies on how to achieve that purpose. How are you going to make space in your day to hear what God wants to say to you? For some more thoughts on hearing from God please visit these posts at https://wendyrobinson.com.au God hears our heart's cry God's timing and our patience God is listening - Day 22 - Drawing Closer to God devotion

This show is The Sound, Pulse, and New Wave in the Christain music Industry Today!! So Get your ear bubs, or Ipod,or smartphone as we are giving you the family the next artist!!! Biblicial Referance for this show family!!! Matthew 20:16 NKJV So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.  All Indie Artists that hae a voice that does get heard due to the iron curtain we give that open airway to those that truly have a gift from God to be hearded!! So back as enjoy the sounds of TPV Wired Up!!!

God has given me a scripture to start today's post, Proverbs 8:14. But I have no idea what will happen after that, so I am trusting the Holy Spirit will guide me and bring revelation. Let's see where He takes us. "You will find true success when you find me, For I have insight into wise plans that are designed just for you. I hold in my hands living-understanding, courage, and strength. They're all ready and waiting for you." Proverbs 8:14 TPT I read this scripture last week. It encouraged and challenged me. It encouraged me with the thought that God has a wise plan designed just for me. And He has a wise plan designed just for you too. It challenged me with "You will find true success when you find me" - what is "true success?" And what does it mean to "find God?" I don't have a succinct answer to what is 'true success,' but for me, I know that is has something to do with the closeness of my relationship with God. My heart is to keep drawing closer and closer to God. Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting. James 4:8 TPT Oh look, there are another few challenges .... cleanse your life... keep your heart pure... stop doubting. I need some help with those actions. Thank you Holy Spirit that you are my helper. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 NIV And thank you God that your grace is sufficient for me every time I get it wrong. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV Going back to Proverbs 8:14, God has a wise plan that is perfectly designed for each of us, and when we are weak and rely on God, we have more of Christ's power is us. The power that raises the dead to life. Here is Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, asking God to give them wisdom, revelation, and to experience the power of God. I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know him through your deepening intimacy with him. I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling—that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that he finds in us, his holy ones! I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you! This is the mighty power that was released when God raised Christ from the dead and exalted him to the place of highest honor and supreme authority in the heavenly realm! And now he is exalted as first above every ruler, authority, government, and realm of power in existence! He is gloriously enthroned over every name that is ever praised, not only in this age, but in the age that is coming! And he alone is the leader and source of everything needed in the church. God has put everything beneath the authority of Jesus Christ and has given him the highest rank above all others. And now we, his church, are his body on the earth and that which fills him who is being filled by it! Ephesians 1:17-23 TPT AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! WOW! When I started writing this post, I had only two things, firstly the scripture from Proverbs 8:14, and secondly a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide in writing this post. And look where we ended up - with a declaration about Jesus and His power .... And now he is exalted as first above every ruler, authority, government, and realm of power in existence! He is gloriously enthroned over every name that is ever praised, not only in this age, but in the age that is coming! Ephesians 1:21 This is exactly where we need to be - focusing on Jesus - the author and perfecter of our faith. 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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV So what is the purpose of this post? To encourage you, on occasions, to wander through the scriptures, don't stop at the first one you read, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in where to go next. Let Him direct your time in the Word, and be open to what He wants to reveal to you. Time spent in God's Word, with an open heart, will always be a blessing to you. To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Genesis 8:6-8(NKJV) So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. 7 Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth. 8 He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground.

By Pastor Brandon Dirmann Scriptures (All NKJV) - Ephesians 6:10-18 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— - Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - Romans 10:17 (NKJV) - So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - 2 Corinthians 4:13 (NKJV) - And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, - Matthew 12:34 (NKJV) - Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. - Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[a] 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. - Ephesians 5:18-20 (NKJV) - And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, - James 2:26 (NKJV) - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. - Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) - And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. - Mark 2:5 (NKJV) - When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” Message Points The shield of faith is to protect you from the fiery darts of the wicked one. These arrows are the words, accusations, and lies of the enemy shot at you to cause your world to become a raging inferno of fear, worry, anxiety, anger, doubt, and self-will. There were two different types of Roman shields Show Shield (Used in parades and ceremonies)Battle Shield (Like a door to fully cover a solider from top to bottom in battle) The shield of faith is a battle shield. It is not for ceremony or show, it is a full covering to protect you from the attack of the enemy. The Roman Shield Thin piece of metal wrapped in layers of animal skin so that it was both light and durableOiled daily so that it was not brittle and would not crack in battle when it was needed the mostSoaked in water so that it was resistant to flaming and exploding arrows shot by the enemyThis is a picture for us of the “Shield Of Faith” which is to be strong and durable, easily used, and soaked in the oil of the Holy Spirit and the water of God’s Word so that it is resistant to the enemies “fiery darts” WHAT IS FAITH? 1.FAITH IS BELIEVING Faith = The Greek word “Pistis” which is a conviction of truth. It is confidence, trust, belief, reliance, and persuasion. From a biblical NT sense, it is a divine persuasion by which the Holy Spirit convinces us of God’s reality as the creator and originator of all things and Jesus as the Messiah through which salvation comes. This conviction and divine persuasion is more than just belief; it is conviction to the point of action. Belief and conviction in Gods reality through the word of God is the foundation of faith and the “Shield of Faith”. 2. FAITH IS SPEAKING Meditate means to mutter under your breath, to chew on God’s Word. It means to “chew the cud” which is a word picture of bringing God’s word back to mind to chew on it. New age meditation is to clear the mind, but Biblical mediation is to fill the mind as one chews on and mutters God’s Word. Meditating on God’s word is how our “Shield of faith” is oiled with the Holy Spirit and soaked in God’s Word to prepare it for battle. 3. FAITH IS DOING Faith is a culmination of BELIEVING, SPEAKING, & LIVING according to God’s Word. This is how we take up the shield of faith. 4. FATIH IS CONNECTING Our shield of faith is strengthened when it is connected to other believers.

Thank You, God “I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭NKJV “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90:12‬ ‭NKJV “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:34‬ ‭NKJV‬ “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:17‬ ‭NKJV‬ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/choosejoywithtisa/message

By Pastor Scott Jefferson Dictionary: “a usually simple and clever tip or technique for accomplishing some familiar task more easily and efficiently” Scriptures  - Genesis 6:5 (NKJV) - “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” - Genesis 6:8-9 (NKJV) - “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” - Genesis 6:13-22 (NKJV) - “And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. 15 And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17 And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. 21 And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.” 22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. - Genesis 6:14-16 (NKJV) - “Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. 15 And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks.” - Genesis 6:19-22 (NKJV) - And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. 21 And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.” 22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. - Hebrews 11:7 (TPT) - “Faith opened Noah’s heart to receive revelation and warnings from God about what was coming, even things that had never been seen. But he stepped out in reverent obedience to God and built an ark that would save him and his family. By his faith the world was condemned, but Noah received God’s gift of righteousness that comes by believing.” - James 2:20 (NKJV) - But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? - Genesis 7:16 (NKJV) - “So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.” - Genesis 7:17-18 (NKJV) - “Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18 The waters prevailed and greatly increased on the earth, and the ark moved about on the surface of the waters.” - Genesis 8:15-16 (NKJV) - “Then God spoke to Noah, saying, 16 “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you.” Message Points 1. Obedience Knows And Does What God Says 2. Obedience Always Requires Faith 3. Obedience Can Releases God’s Miracles In Your Life

I saw something this week that made me cry. I seem to spend a lot of time at the pool these days, with three of our four children involved in regular squad training. As I may have mentioned before I have found it to be a blessing as I have uninterrupted time to pray, read and write - time for me! Most other parents appear to be enjoying some 'me' time, or having a chat time with other parents or going swimming too. But this week I saw something different, a vision impaired swimmer training. His father wasn't sitting down having 'me' time. Rather he was walking up and down the pool with each lap his son swam and tapping him with the cane just before he reached the end of the pool. I cried when I watched them. I cried because of the selfless act I was witnessing. I cried because it reminded me of the hours and hours that went into Victoria's rehab, especially the physical therapy for her left hand and arm. I cried because I was seeing the love of a father in action. And it made me think about how much our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to help us, including 'tapping' us before we 'hit the wall,' or 'tapping' us so we can start getting ready for the next 'lap'.' The prompting of the Holy Spirit, always wanting to guide and direct us. Paul allowing the Holy Spirit to direct his travels through Asia is a great example of listening to God's guidance. Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10 NKJV So what about in our lives? How good are we at recognising the prompting of the Holy Spirit? Especially when it is something unexpected that we are being asked to do or say. It takes courage to move to that new level of trusting that what we are hearing or sensing is actually from the Holy Spirit. Someone challenged me earlier this week about being bolder in a certain area of ministry. It was an area that I knew I had been growing in, and I was seeing how God was using it to help and encourage others, and bring breakthrough. But it did not always sit comfortably with me, as I didn't always understand what God was doing (surprise surprise). I needed to move to a greater level of trusting God, and understand that when the 'tap' came from the Holy Spirit, I needed to just do it, otherwise it would have implications for other people. And I certainly don't want to get in the way of what God wants to do in people's lives. He loves each of us and wants to see us all moving forward into His purpose for our lives. But that takes trust and obedience on our part. Let's determine to continue to keep moving forward, growing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and God's word. In the same way that nursing infants cry for milk, you must intensely crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word. For this “milk” will cause you to grow into maturity, fully nourished and strong for life — especially now that you have had a taste of the goodness of the Lord Jehovah and have experienced his kindness. 1 Peter 2:2-3 TPT Let's not settle for where we are now, but rather let ourselves be 'tapped' by the Holy Spirit, listen and obey, so that we can be vessels for our Heavenly Father's love, showing His kindness to others. To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

For a long time, actually years, I would ask the question of God, 'How did we get here?' with here being a not so good place. Now I find myself asking Him the same question, 'How did we get here?' but with a heart overflowing with gratitude. So many things to be thankful for. But in those challenging years, when I asked that question from the not so good circumstances, I knew it was important to also actively be seeking something to thank God for. Sometimes the only thing that came to mind was what Jesus had done on The Cross - the gift of salvation. Of course that is no minor thing, it is a life-changing gift Jesus gave to each of us. But when your world appears to be falling apart, it can be so easy to focus on all things negative and even lose sight of Jesus' gift of eternal life. In those times of trauma and crisis, our perspective can, I have found, become easily distorted. Finding those one or two things to be thankful for enables us to come to the place where we remind ourselves that there is a God in Heaven, and He loves us. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 TPT This week I was preparing for a talk an event in a couple of weeks and God reminded me about the importance of thankfulness. It was a time almost nine years ago, only three days after I had been told, "There is a mass in your child's brain." Here is an excerpt from my book about that morning when I came to a place of thankfulness, enabling me to see that God had gone before us, and He was with us. How wonderful it was to wake up at home on Saturday morning, rather than in the hospital. We were confident that the surgeon would do his very best for our daughter, and even more confident that our God would get us all through, no matter what the outcome. However, in the midst of this trauma, I was still a mum with very raw emotions. It was my daughter who was in a fight for her life. It was a beautiful summer morning and I went for a ride on my bike. As soon as I rode down the driveway, the tears began to flood. I called out to God, with an ache in my heart, ‘She is only three years old, why does she have to go through this?’ I spent the next thirty minutes riding around our local streets, pouring out my heart to God. I returned home with peace in my heart and the strength from God to continue through the day. The rest of the family was still sleeping when I returned from my ride. So I sat down with my journal and began thanking God for all the good things about this horrendous circumstance. I came up with a list of twenty two things to thank God for. My list included things like friends with the specific knowledge needed for the diagnosis after the initial doctor’s misdiagnosis. My mum’s renewed passport arriving on the day of diagnosis, so she was able to be with us on the following day. Victoria’s health and well-being, aside from the impact of the tumour, she was healthy and not in any pain. My sister and her family, who lived in New Zealand at the time, just happened to be holidaying in Byron Bay, Australia. They had planned to visit us the following week, so they came down a week earlier. Marshall’s school teacher had already been in contact with parents via email, two weeks before the first term of 2011 commenced, which meant I was able to email her about our situation, and she called on the Junior School teachers to pray. I had finished breastfeeding Alexandra in December, so didn’t have to do a quick painful wean. Earlier in the week I had done a lot of cooking for school lunches. The freezer was full of muffins and cupcakes. Now, when I think about that time, I wonder how I was able to only three days after hearing some devastating news, come to this place of finding so many things to be thankful for? I believe the answer is two-fold; Firstly, God's grace - it really is sufficient for every situation we find ourselves in. 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. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV Secondly, years of practice (prior to hearing that news), of choosing in the times of disappointment and anger (eg miscarriages; marriage challenges; business difficulties) to process with God, drawing closer to Him and growing in my understanding that God is good all the time. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 NKJV Through each of those previous circumstances I had cried out to God, told Him exactly how I was feeling, found comfort from that still small voice, and His promises. Little did I know that all those experiences were preparing me and my heart for this situation with Victoria. And for whatever else our future holds. God is continually equipping us for our future. And learning to be thankful in all circumstances is a key aspect of that equipping. In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP Thankfulness brings us to that place of knowing that God is with us, He has not abandoned us. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV Finding at least one thing to be thankful for, especially our salvation, enables us to lift our eyes to Jesus, our Saviour. 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,  looking unto Jesus, the author and [finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV So today, lets take some time to be still and consider what it is that we have to be thankful for, lift our eyes to Jesus and offer a prayer of thanksgiving. To find out more please visit https:/wendyrobinson.com.au

I used to think about courage in terms of doing 'big' physical things, like going on the giant swing at a Sport and Recreation camp, climbing out on the yard arm of a tall ship, and jumping off the 10m diving platform (I've never done that!). But then I heard a sermon about having courage for the 'little', but often life-changing moments, like starting a conversation with someone you don't know, opening a letter that you know you may not like the contents of, and learning how to confidently say how you really feel. Hearing that sermon, and it was quite a few years ago now, changed the way I approached the 'little' yet 'big' moments in my life. I started to see these moments as opportunities to build courage - essentially building a greater trust in Jesus. However, these moments/opportunities required more than trust, they required me to actually do something. I could say to myself, I trust You God, and then leave the letter unopened on the table for days. Am I really trusting God? No. It was not until I actually opened that letter that the trust went into action and I became courageous. And wow did that feel good! In my listening appointment with God this week, one of the things I felt God say to me was, 'have courage to let me do the work I want to do in you.' My immediate response was, 'Need more courage - I need to get more equipped!' . I know that over the years God has increased my courage, but this sounded like I was soon going to have some God-given opportunities to grow that courage to the next level and I didn't want to have fear sabotage the work God wanted to do in me. Earlier in the week I had set up a playlist called 'Courage' and it included songs like, 'You're gonna be OK' by Jenn Johnson; 'Take Courage' by Bethel Music; 'Your grace finds me' by Matt Redman; 'Lions' by Skillet; 'This I believe' by Hillsong Worship; 'Whom shall I fear' by Passion; 'No Longer Slaves' by Bethel; 'Break every chain' by Jesus Culture and 'Another in the Fire' by Hillsong United; 'Oh Fear (My God is Near)' by Moriah Peters. So I added some more songs to the list and started playing them and declaring their truth Then I made a list of some scriptures relating to courage .... Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way; he’s the source of my salvation to defend me every day. I fear no one! I’ll never turn back and run from you, Lord; surround and protect me. Psalm 27:1 TPT Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NKJV Also David told Solomon his son, Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 28:20 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 NLT Remember to say alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do. 1 Corinthians 16:13 TPT We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 NLT For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV So now I daily worship and mediate on these truths, declaring that God has indeed not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind, and when the prompting from the Holy Spirit comes, step out trusting that He has gone before me. No fear, in Jesus Name. Perhaps there is something in your life that requires you to step out and be courageous, and yet you hesitate. I pray that as you read this post and take time to read again the truth from our God, that trust and courage will rise up and you will be able to just do it - in Jesus Name. Trust that God has gone before you. For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. 1 Timothy 1:7 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

TODAY’S EPISODE BIG QUESTION What are the BLANKS You REQUIRE BEFORE you BELIEVE?   BIG IDEA Whatever you REQUIRE FIRST – the BLANK – reveals where your REAL DEVOTION LIES!   WHAT/WHO IS ON THE THRONE? The REAL AUTHORITY over your life is whatever lies in your BLANK!   FIRST? YOU DO NOT HAVE TO… SEE FIRST UNDERSTAND FIRST VERIFY SCIENCE FIRST HAVE THE AFFIRMATION OF YOUR GROUP FIRST YOU CAN SIMPLY CHOOSE GOD FIRST!   A BIG BLANK “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH, THEREFORE I CAN’T BELIEVE GOD’S PROMISE!”   ROMANS 12:3 NKJV [Paul said] For I say… to everyone who is among you… GOD HAS DEALT to EACH ONE a MEASURE OF FAITH. ACTS 10:34 KJV [Peter said] Of a truth I perceive that GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS.   THE FAITH ADVANTAGE – IF HE RESPECTS PEOPLE WISDOM:  JAMES 1:5-8 NKJV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 [he is] a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. VICTORY:  1 JOHN 5:4 NKJV For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. MOVE MOUNTAINS:  MARK 11:22-23 NKJV So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. 23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. ANSWERED PRAYER:  MARK 11:22-24 NKJV So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. … 24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive [them], and you will have [them]. PEACE:  ISAIAH 26:3 NKJV You will keep [him] in perfect peace, [Whose] mind [is] stayed [on You], Because he trusts in You. PHYSICAL HEALING:  Mark 5:25-34 NKJV 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?" … 34 And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY:  1 PETER 5:8-9 NKJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, … WORD OF GOD - POWER:  Hebrews 4:2 NKJV For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard [it]. DEEP REST:  HEBREWS 4:3 NKJV For we who have believed do enter that rest… HAPPINESS:  PROVERBS 16:20 NKJV He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy [is] he. RICH PRESENCE OF GOD:  JOHN 11:40 NKJV Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" PLEASE GOD:  HEBREWS 11:6 NKJV But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.    MARK 9:21-27 NLT "How long has this been happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father. He replied, "Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, IF YOU CAN." 23 "WHAT DO YOU MEAN, 'IF I CAN'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." 24 The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my UNBELIEF!” 25 When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. HEBREWS 4:1-2, 6 NKJV - 1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the GOSPEL WAS PREACHED to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH in those who heard [it]. ... 6 Since therefore it remains that some [must] enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of DISOBEDIENCE (UNBELIEF – KJV)…    2 KINDS OF UNBELIEF BASED ON IGNORANCE A REBELLIOUS ATTITUDE   ROMANS 10:17 NKJV So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.   If you have God’s Word for something…you have faith for it!   SIMPLE CHOICE Faith is activated by a choice, and everyone has the ability to freely choose!   CALL TO ACTION Out of everything we talked about today, what is your ONE NEXT STEP that you need to take?   ASSESS WHAT ARE YOUR BLANKS CHOOSE TO RE-SURRENDER TO GOD FIRST PUT GOD’S WORD AS YOUR FIRST AND FINAL

2019/4/21 Pastor Richard Welsh 韋日卓牧師 Categories: Video: https://hongkong.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/jesus-resurrected-king Jesus: Resurrected King! 耶穌：復活的王!   1 John 3:8 NLT [8] But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 約翰壹書 3:8 CNV “犯罪的是出於魔鬼，因為魔鬼從起初就犯罪。因此，　神的兒子顯現了，是要除滅魔鬼的作為。”   1. “It is finished!” “成了！”   (John 19:30 NKJV) So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. 約翰福音 19:30 CNV “耶穌嘗了那酸酒，說：“成了！”就低下頭，斷了氣。” 2. Victory over death 超越死亡的勝利!   Revelation 1:18 NIV I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. 啟示錄 1:18 CNV “又是永活的；我曾經死過，看哪，現在又活著，直活到永永遠遠，並且拿著死亡和陰間的鑰匙。”   1 Corinthians 15:55 NKJV O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? 哥林多前書 15:55 CNV  “死亡啊！你的勝利在哪裡？ 死亡啊！你的毒刺在哪裡？”” 3. The power of the resurrection is in us! 復活的大能在我們裏面!   2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 哥林多後書 5:17 CNV “如果有人在基督裡，他就是新造的人，舊事已經過去，你看，都變成新的了！”   Romans 6:4-5 NKJV Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. 羅馬書 6:4-5 CNV “所以我們藉著洗禮歸入死，與他同葬，為的是要我們過新生命的生活，像基督藉著父的榮耀從死人中復活一樣。 我們若在他死的樣式上與他聯合，也要在他復活的樣式上與他聯合。” John 10:10 NKJV The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 約翰福音 10:10 CNV  “賊來了，不過是要偷竊、殺害、毀壞；我來了，是要使羊得生命，並且得的更豐盛。”

TODAY’S EPISODE BIG QUESTION What are the BLANKS You REQUIRE BEFORE you BELIEVE?   BIG IDEA Whatever you REQUIRE FIRST – the BLANK – Reveals where your REAL DEVOTION LIES!   WHAT/WHO IS ON THE THRONE? The REAL AUTHORITY over your life is whatever lies in your BLANK!     JOHN 20:24-29 NKJV The other disciples therefore said to Thomas, "We have seen the Lord." So he [Thomas] said to them, "UNLESS I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I WILL NOT BELIEVE." …27 Then Jesus said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand [here], and put [it] into My side. DO NOT BE UNBELIEVING, BUT BELIEVING."   FIRST? YOU DO NOT HAVE TO… SEE FIRST UNDERSTAND FIRST VERIFY SCIENCE FIRST HAVE THE AFFIRMATION OF YOUR GROUP FIRST CHOOSE GOD FIRST!   2 CORINTHIANS 12:1-2, 4, 7 NKJV [Paul said] … I will come to VISIONS and REVELATIONS of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether IN THE BODY I do not know, or whether OUT OF THE BODY I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up TO THE THIRD HEAVEN. ... 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard INEXPRESSIBLE WORDS, which it is NOT LAWFUL FOR A MAN TO UTTER. ... 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. EPHESIANS 3:17-19 AMP [Paul prayed] … that Christ may dwell in your hearts THROUGH your FAITH. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, 18 be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully EXPERIENCING that amazing, endless love]; 19 and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal EXPERIENCE] the LOVE OF CHRIST which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without EXPERIENCE]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the FULLNESS OF GOD [may have the RICHEST MEASURE of the DIVINE PRESENCE, and become A BODY WHOLLY filled and flooded with GOD HIMSELF]!   EXPERIENCE IS The INVOLVEMENT IN what is happening, rather than abstract reflection on an event. The CONSCIOUS AWARENESS of time, space, thought, imagination, emotion, sensation, environment, relationships, memories and purpose.   1 CORINTHIANS 2:7, 9-10, 13-14 NKJV [Paul said] But we speak the WISDOM OF GOD in a mystery, the hidden [wisdom] which God ordained before the ages for our glory, ... 9 But as it is written: "EYE has not seen, nor EAR heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But GOD HAS REVEALED [them] to us through His SPIRIT. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. ... 13 These things we also speak, not in words which MAN'S WISDOM teaches but which the HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the NATURAL MAN does not RECEIVE the things of the Spirit of God, for they are FOOLISHNESS to him; NOR CAN HE KNOW [THEM], because they are SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED.   KNOWLEDGE??? Apologetics, Christian philosophy and the sciences give comfort, BUT CANNOT GIVE FAITH!   ROMANS 10:17 NKJV So then FAITH [comes] by HEARING, and HEARING by the WORD OF GOD.    SIMPLE CHOICE FAITH is activated by a CHOICE, and EVERYONE has the ABILITY to FREELY CHOOSE!   HEBREWS 4:1-2, 6 NKJV Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the GOSPEL WAS PREACHED to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH in those who heard [it]. ... 6 Since therefore it remains that some [must] enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of DISOBEDIENCE (UNBELIEF – KJV)…   CALL TO ACTION Out of everything we talked about today, what is your ONE NEXT STEP that you need to take? Pull out your phone and email it to yourself right now. NAME THEM! ASSESS WHAT ARE YOUR PRESENT BLANKS CHOOSE TO RE-SURRENDER TO GOD FIRST PUT GOD’S WORD AS YOUR FIRST AND FINAL  

Legacy - Something handed down from a predecessor. Usually associated with money or property. The original assignment God gave Adam and Eve had to do with the family.Genesis 1:28 The term, “be fruitful and multiply” goes deeper than just having babies.We were recreated in Christ and we should bear the fruit of God in our lives!2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation (A species that has never before existed) ; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.God will never lead you to do so much for Him in ministry that it destroys your marriage and family. How to Build a Family Legacy1. Live Jesus out in front of themGenesis 12:1-3 (NKJV) Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you.2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."To bless his family he had to leave his family.The best way to win your family is to PUT JESUS #12. Pray for your familyStand on God’s promises for your family members.Acts 16:31 (NKJV) So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."3. Pass down your historyPsalms 71:17-18 (NKJV) 17 O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works.18 Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.Psalms 145:3 (NKJV) Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.Psalms 145:4 (NKJV) One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.

TODAY'S EPISODE NOTES    TO BE BUILT MEANS I MUST… THINK it till I FEEL it, FEEL it till I DO it, and DO it till I LIVE it!  ____________________ MANY PEOPLE … SING the Word TALK the Word QUOTE the Word ANALYZE the Word Put the Word on magnets and BUMPER stickers TATTOO the Word to their arms STUDY the Word (Greek/Hebrew) WRITE PAPERS on the Word Set Word promises on SMALL CARDS around their house Listen to the Word on Cd and MP3 Go to CONFERENCES for the Word YET still refuse TO DO THE WORD! ____________________ BUILT THINK IT FEEL IT DO IT [LIVE IT]  ____________________ MARK 11:22-24 TPT Jesus replied, “Let the FAITH of God be in you! 23 Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great FAITH and having no doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and BELIEVES that what he says will happen, it will be done. 24 This is the reason I urge you to BOLDLY BELIEVE for whatever you ask for in prayer—BELIEVE that you have received it and it will be yours.  Real Faith in the Word says, “If God says it is true, it is.”  If God says He is the strength of my life, He is.  So I go about doing my work because He is what He says He is, and I am what He says I am.” If He says I am STRONG, I am. If He says I have JOY, then I do. If He says SERVING OTHERS gives meaning to my life, then that is what I do. If He says that GIVING FINANCIAL to His Kingdom is what multiplies my own resources, then I give. If He says that MY FORGIVENESS OF OTHERS is a choice of obedience that frees up my life, then I forgive. If He says that I HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN and guilt has been removed, then I am forgiven and act as though no more guilt exist. ____________________ HEBREWS 4:1-3 TPT Now God has offered to us the same promise of entering into his realm of resting in CONFIDENT FAITH. So we must be extremely careful to ensure that we all EMBRACE THE FULLNESS of that PROMISE and NOT FAIL TO EXPERIENCE IT. 2 For we have heard the good news of deliverance just as they did, yet THEY DIDN’T JOIN THEIR FAITH WITH THE WORD. Instead, what they heard didn’t affect them deeply, for they doubted. 3 For those of us who believe, FAITH ACTIVATES THE PROMISE and we EXPERIENCE the realm of confident rest!   2 KINDS OF UNBELIEF Based on IGNORANCE God’s Word Based on DISOBEDIENCE to integrate, regulate and activate God’s Word Choose not to THINK it Choose not to FEEL it Choose not to DO it Choose not to LIVE it ____________________  JAMES 2:17-19 TPT So then FAITH that doesn’t involve ACTION is PHONY. 18 … I will show you FAITH by my WORKS (actions/activations) as proof that I BELIEVE. 19 You can BELIEVE all you want that there is one true God, that’s wonderful! But even the demons know (BELIEVE) this and tremble with fear before him, yet they’re unchanged—they remain demons. ____________________  FAITH:  CAN I DO THIS? ROMANS 12:3 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to EACH ONE a MEASURE OF FAITH. ROMANS 10:17 NKJV So then FAITH [COMES] BY HEARING, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.  ____________________ TO BE BUILT MEANS I MUST… INTEGRATE God’s Word into my THINKING REGULATE God’s Word into my EMOTIONS ACTIVATE God’s Word into my DOING   TO BE BUILT MEANS I MUST… THINK it till I FEEL it, FEEL it till I DO it, and DO it till I LIVE it!   ____________________ HOW WILL I…  BUILT THINK IT? FEEL IT? DO IT?  

BUILT - NEW PREACHING SERIES When the storms of life come, are you BUILT? When the rains descend, floods rise and winds blow, are you unshakeable and unmovable; are you unstoppable? Is the storm: A relationship A disappointment A fear A compulsive and destructive behavior An under resourced vision A biological weakness TODAY'S EPISODE NOTES  PSALM 127:1-5 NKJV (Solomon said) Unless the LORD BUILDS the house, They labor in vain who BUILD it; HOUSE – represents any and every sphere of your life: Spiritually/Walk with God/Prayer Life/Faith Life Physically/Health/Strength Mentally/Emotionally Socially/Relationally/Family/Single-ly Financially/Vocationally Ministerially LABOR IN VAIN (Emptiness) - Putting confidence in things like: Working harder Talents Education Finances Politics Governments Who you know   QUESTION:  HOW DOES THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE? _________________ MATTHEW 7:24-27 NKJV (Jesus said) Therefore WHOEVER hears these SAYINGS OF MINE, and DOES THEM, I will liken him to a WISE MAN who BUILT his HOUSE ON THE ROCK: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who BUILT his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. _________________ To be BUILT means I must integrate, regulate and activate GOD’S WORD into my thinking, feeling and doing! _________________ BUILT THINK IT FEEL IT DO IT _________________ HEBREWS 11:3 NKJV By faith we understand that THE WORLDS WERE FRAMED by the WORD OF GOD, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. JOHN 1:1 NKJV In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD WAS GOD.  2 PETER 1:4 NKJV (Peter said) … (we) have been given… exceedingly great and precious PROMISES, that through these you may be PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption [that is] in the world through lust. HEBREWS 4:12 NKJV For the WORD OF GOD [is] LIVING and POWERFUL… _________________ GOD’S WORD IS A … Piercing Sword Revealing Mirror Producing Seed Shining Light Consuming Fire Shattering Hammer _________________ ISAIAH 55:11 NKJV So shall MY WORD be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall NOT RETURN TO ME VOID, But IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH what I please, and IT SHALL PROSPER [in the thing] for which I sent it. JEREMIAH 17:5-10 NKJV Thus says the LORD: "Cursed [is] the man who TRUSTS IN MAN and MAKES FLESH HIS STRENGTH, whose HEART DEPARTS FROM THE LORD… 9 "The HEART [IS] DECEITFUL above all [things], and desperately wicked; who can know it? 10 I, the LORD, SEARCH THE HEART, [I] test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the FRUIT OF HIS DOINGS. _________________ DIVINE GUIDANCE:  CAN I BE CONFIDENT? JOHN 10:4-5, 27 NKJV (Jesus said) "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for THEY KNOW HIS VOICE. 5 Yet they will by NO MEANS FOLLOW A STRANGER, but will FLEE FROM HIM, for they do not know the voice of strangers. … 27 My sheep HEAR MY VOICE, and I know them, and THEY FOLLOW ME.” _________________ FAVORED:  WILL THINGS WORK OUT? 1 CORINTHIANS 15:10 NKJV 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. _________________ FAITH:  CAN I DO THIS? ROMANS 12:3 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to EACH ONE a MEASURE OF FAITH. ROMANS 10:17 NKJV So then FAITH [COMES] BY HEARING, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD. _________________ HOW WILL I… BUILT THINK IT? FEEL IT? DO IT?  

Jesus then said to the crowds gathered around him, "When you see a cloud forming in the west, don't you say, "A storm is brewing"? And then it arrives. And when you feel the south wind blowing, you say, "A heat wave is on the way." And so it happens. What hypocrites! You are such experts at forecasting the weather, but you are unwilling to understand the spiritual significance of the time you're living in." Luke 12:54-56 TPT What happens to you when you read this scripture? For me there is a prompting, 'Look up, look around, see what is really going on. Don't choose not to look.' I am convicted. Everyone knows that our world is changing. I was reminded again this week that not all change is good. Not all new things are positive. Here is a simple example... As a child I remember having Sunday dinner at my Grandparents home, and watching the series 'Anne of Green Gables'. How we loved to see what trouble Anne was unintentionally going to get into each week, and of course to see if there was going to be any movement forward in the relationship between Anne and Gilbert. It was a fun, clean TV show. Recently another television version of this classic story has been created. I found this 'modern' version to be a bit different to the original version. It has beautiful cinematography, but it also includes scenes of abuse that Anne had experienced prior to living with Marilla and Matthew, the scheming and betrayal of travellers to the town of Avonlea, and a child's discovery of their sexual orientation. Gone is the innocence of the original Anne of Green Gables TV show. I shouldn't have been surprised, I've seen plenty of the TV/You Tube/Gaming output that is around today, but I was disappointed. I know these additions to the TV Show are many people's experiences of life, and I don't mean to ignore that truth, but did this beautiful classic innocent childhood story need to be infused with them?  Is this a reflection of the world we are living in? This continual need to bring the dark side forth? Apparently so, as we are told in 2 Timothy 3:1-5... But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!  2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV Okay, so after reading that perhaps you aren't you feeling so positive about life and the future? How do we live in the world but not of the world? How do we keep our eyes on Jesus despite what is happening around us? 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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV We have to continually choose to believe God's word is true, that we do have the victory through Jesus Christ. "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NKJV We need to declare victory with our mouths, particularly over this next generation, who live in a world of less and less innocence. They need to hear about Jesus and His love for them. They need to experience expressions of God's love - kindness, grace and mercy - through us. God wants them to know that in Jesus Christ, they have the victory too... Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NKJV So let's not shy away from what we see happening around us every day, being comfortable in our worlds, but rather let's be willing to understand the spiritual significance of the times that we live in, continually asking God what part He wants us to play in this world. Remembering that Jesus has the victory always and forever. Amen! To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au