6/24/2014 What is God up to?Scriptures: Matthew 4:18-25
On a certain day Jesus was on a mission: the mission was to find recruits. He was searching for individuals that would join Him in His quest to reach and save the world. Near the Sea of Galilee He found four men. These men were doing things of this life which mirrored the actions it would take to reach and heal this world. He found the first two men casting a net into the sea. Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen, were expecting a catch. Jesus also came across two other men who were mending their nets: James and John were two fishermen preparing for a catch. Its time to "mend our nets," making sure everything is secure so we are ready to reach the world. We also must be ready to "cast our nets," be ready to go out and reach the world! What is God up to in this hour? Jesus is strengthening the connection points of the church. Jesus is strengthening key relationships in the body of Christ. He is directing His church to align under proper authority. God is connecting the covenant keepers. The Lord is preparing fishers of men to cast the net for the next great catch. The disciples left their boat and it is time to be productive spiritually. The disciples left their father: it is time for our higher calling. The disciples followed Jesus: it is time for deeper teaching, intense preaching and immense healings. Colossal spiritual, natural, relational and financial healings. 6/17/2014 The King's ListScriptures: 2 Samuel 23:8-17
King David had a list of what he considered to be his mightiest of men. Amongst this list there were three specific men whom he named first: Jashobeam, Eleazar and Shammah. To David these were real men: let's look at their examples: A real man stands his ground for what is right. Jashobeam stood his ground against 800 men with just one spear. A real man stands his ground regardless of the opposition: the enemy does not stop him. A real man stands his ground when the battle looks unwinnable. Will you be this kind of Christian in the hour we live? Will you stand? A real man stands his ground regardless of his allies' actions. Eleazar stood with David when the entire Israelite army fled. He fought till he was so tired he could not lift his sword. A real man will fight on when others retreat. Will you fight when others retreat from their faith? A real man serves his King. Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field while the rest of the army fled to hide. David, his king, gave the order to go to battle and he was determined to follow the king's orders. God is looking for men who are willing to do things without being asked. Will you serve King Jesus? Will you follow His commands? Jesus has a list of His might warriors. Will your name be found on that list? Scriptures: Romans 8:18-21, John 1:10-13
What does it mean to be a child of God? There is immense diversity in God's creation: God deals in uniqueness. You are a unique person with a unique purpose. We must discover our origin. Because of the cross of Christ we are legally God's offspring. We are now the children of God, His descendants, the results of His decisions and His will. God has no grandchildren: which are the offspring from another's actions. God has no accidents: our life in Christ does not surprise Him. God's purpose take into account human error and even sin, you have been born again of God. We must discover our identity. Who you are truly matters to Jesus: we are sons and daughters. We are governed by love, devotion and affection. We are not ruled by fear, duty and obligation. We are heirs. We have the right through our Father to possess, but also a responsibility to carry out our Father's business. Then we will discover our destiny: who you will be for eternity in Jesus. To finally understand who we really are to God. Your full glory has not be revealed yet. We are being crafted, shaped, and prepared for an incredible future. The world is waiting for your personal discovery of who you really are! 6/7/2014 Jesus is a Good ListenerScriptures: 2 Chronicles 7:11-16 When you pray: God listens. Prayer is a powerful weapon; a weapon against sickness, depression, financial problems and temptation. In the Bible there are several account of powerful prayers: Moses prayed and God spared the Israelites. Joshua prayer and God caused the sun to stand still. Hannah prayed and God gave her a baby boy. Solomon prayed and God gave him wisdom. Hezekiah prayed and God gave him fifteen more years to live. Elijah prayed and God sent rain and fire. Jonah prayed and God delivered him from the belly of the fish. The thief on the cross prayed and Jesus gave him eternal life. In the midst of problems: the church must pray. Prayer can provide endless possibilities. Prayer solves problems, calms storms, heal sickness, comfort sorrows, lifts burdens, save sinners, lifts the fallen, restores the backslider, mends relationships, resolves differences, forgives sins, quenches thirst and revives a congregation. The key is to keep praying when nothing is happening. Prayer needs to be our first resort, not our last. We need to pray for what God wants and not what we want. Jesus will always do what is right and prayer gets us to move God's way. Prayer is face to face talk with God. We can get by or we can get real with Jesus. Pray regardless of what you think God's answer might be. God told Solomon: "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways." When we do these things He tells us that "we will hear from heaven |
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