When God Speaks: Keep Walking

Early Sunday Morning, I read Romans 8 prior to preparing to leave for church service. Imagine my surprise when Pastor Charles referenced several verses from the chapter I read only a few hours prior to the sermon.

Life Center Ministries 7/8/2018 11:00 am service

Sermon Points: We Need Giants

• Why we need things that strengthen us.
• Some doors are obvious, some are not
• We must keep walking; we must get close
•  It's a picture of faith; it doesn't look like you can do it.
• Promises are protected from those who are half-hearted (keep walking in faith)

• Abram (Abraham) left everything to follow God's direction and promises.

• given the Promised Land
• name will be great
• will be blessed
• will be made a great nation
• will be a blessing

• Are we willing to leave or do we say, "No, I'm fine?"
• "We must change the we think, the way we inform ourselves and obey."
• The promises of God will make us into something great. 
• The promises of God release His blessing on us and cause our life to be significant.
• We become blessed and become a blessing to the world around us.
• Grace is given, we explore it by faith. 

• The 10 spies went to Canaan and 8 gave a bad report while 2 spoke in faith.
• Be careful what you say about what you see.
• When you are afraid, everything seems scary.
• Trust in God's ability to open doors for us and through us. 
• It may look like we are surrounded (by enemies), but we are surrounded by Him (God).

• Giants (enemies) are always around us.
• Trust God, He is with us (our weapon)
• Only see giants when advancing
• Our Promise Land is being conformed to Christ
•  Live our lives in love and walking and carrying the blessings of God wherever we go.
• Giants who keep us from being conformed to the image of God
• "I'm right."
• discouragement
• disappointment
• self-interest
• self-pity
• what's in it for me

Romans 8:31 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³¹ What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?

Romans 8:34 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³⁴ Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. 

When you are in a big trial remember Jesus is interceding for us (praying). 

Romans 8:35 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³⁵ Who shall ever separate us from the love of ^[a]Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 

Romans 8:38-39 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³⁸ For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is our promise!

 

Inside Out or Outside In

 

My earthly father has spoken words throughout my life that have pointed me toward the heart of my heavenly Father. Although unknown to my earthly father, these words have encouraged, confirmed and guided me numerous times. Most recently my earthly father stated, "when you are here, it takes a day that is inside out and turns it outside in." It is important that you understand the back story to dad's statement.

Back in February, dad suffered a massive right-sided stroke. This means that the left side of his body has been affected by paralysis. Dad sleeps most of the time, but is able to wake up with verbal stimulation. Can you imagine being imprisoned inside your own body, completely dependent on others to meet you most basic needs? It is understandable that he would feel as though his known world up to this point would feel turned "inside out."

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, inside out can be described as "in or into a confused or disorganized state"(Merriam-Webster,  2018). Everything my dad has known about the world around him, his physical body and the interactions between the two have now been thrown "into a confused or disorganized state" (Merriam-Webster,  2018).

Understandably, this confused and disorganized state could have a dramatic, negative influence on dad's soul impacting his emotional state. Yet dad says his inside out world can be positively influenced from the "outside in." 

Our heavenly Father has empowered us through His Spirit to positively influence others from the "outside in," but how do we prepare ourselves to be a conduit through which God's Spirit flows through us? We must recognize our need to be influenced by His Holy Spirit; we must cry out to God from our inside out. From the depths of our soul, we cry out for the Lord to influence us, so we can positively influence others.

We cannot allow our souls to reign freely in situations of confusion and disorganization. I am reminded of a Disney movie, Inside Out. This movie depicts a little girl's soul (Riley) as being controlled by various characters representing different emotions. Such a cute movie, but as Christians, we cannot allow "Joy" to be overtaken by "Sadness" as was the case in the movie. If we allow God's Holy Spirit to influence us, then Joy will moderate the other emotions. 

 

(Docter & Del Carmen, 2016)

Psalms 73:26 (KJV)

 

My flesh and my heart faileth: 

but God is the strength of my heart, 

and my portion for ever.

  

Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV) 

Then he said unto them, 

Go your way, eat the fat, 

and drink the sweet, 

and send portions unto them for whom 

nothing is prepared: 

for this day is holy unto our Lord: 

neither be ye sorry; 

for the joy of the Lord is your strength. 

The song, From the Inside Out speaks of a soul crying out to the Lord asking to be consumed by the Everlasting (God). It is in this way we are recharged emotionally and anointed to influence others from the outside in.

Whether we cry out using another person's song or whether we use our own words, a sincere cry to the Lord will prepare us to influence others for good, because He ALWAYS hears a sincere cry...ALWAYS!

 From the Inside Out by Joel Housten

References

Docter, P., & Del Carmen, R. (Directors). (2016). Inside Out [Video file]. Milano: Walt Disney studios home entertainment.

Housten, J. (2012, March 25). From The Inside Out - Hillsong United Miami Live 2012 (Lyrics/Subtitles) (Song to Jesus). Retrieved June 5, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com

/watch?v=9j7ZdKtGcSo&feature=youtu.be

Merriam-Webster, Inc. (2018). Inside Out. Retrieved June 3, 2018, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inside out

2017: Backflow, Tidal Wave

"Backflow, Tidal Wave."  When I asked the Lord about 2017 a few weeks ago, this is what I felt He said.  For many years, I have asked the Lord about the upcoming year, but this is the first time it has stirred a sense of foreboding.  For this reason, I am evaluating whether this is truly from the Lord or from the source that uses fear to control. 

The Holy Spirit has been gracious to reveal the meaning of His symbolic communication over the years.  In faith, I speak the part I understand.

1 Corinthians 13:12

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) 

¹² For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood by God].

According to Webster's online dictionary, backflow is defined as "a flowing back or returning especially toward a source."  The Lord is calling us to return to Him, doing the things we know He has commanded and steering clear of the things we know He has denied.  The only way to determine the difference between right and wrong is to consult the Source, God.  Intimate, one on One communication is the key. 

The second part, "Tidal Wave" is well known in the physical.  I remember the horrible tidal wave (tsunami) which swept over coastal Japan in 2011, causing widespread death and destruction.  The "Tidal Wave" that the Lord is referring to also has devastating destructive power.  Those of us who refuse to return to the Source and/or who hold onto things which we know are sinful or not permissible, may incur the destructive force of this spiritual Tidal Wave.  The consequence of sin is painful.  God allows us to choose, choose wisely.

I really don't know if this "Tidal Wave" will affect people simultaneously on a large scale or if each of us will experience our own unique Wave, but what I do know is clear...

stop holding onto sinful activities, impure thoughts, coarse talk!  Love your neighbor as you love yourself.  Don't get caught up in the twisted reports inspired by the evil one to induce us to fear those who are not like us!  Realize, that we are not our own, but that we have been bought with a price.  Jesus gave Himself for us.  God, made man, His Spirit is in control.  To stand against Him is a futile pursuit.  His fierce love will draw our hearts back to Him. 

Holy Spirit, empower us in Your Grace.  Cause us to hear You.  Empower us to obey You.  Give us courage in the midst of trials and Peace in the midst of storms.  Be our Helper as You have in the past.  You are our refuge and our strength, a present help in times of trouble.  Cause us to come back to You, our Source, to release our grasp in things which ultimately harm us.  Let our gaze be shifted to eternal things, which places the appropriate value on temporal things.  All for the glory of One, Who was and is and is to come, Jesus!  AMEN!

Nehemiah 6-9: As One Man

Nehemiah 8:1-3
Amplified Bible (AMP)

Then all the people gathered together as one man in the broad place before the Water Gate; and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel.

And Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of both men and women and all who could hear with understanding, on the first of the seventh month.

He read from it, facing the broad place before the Water Gate, from early morning until noon, in the presence of the men and women and those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.

As one man...

What mental image do you have when thinking about this phrase?  It's obvious that "all the people" equal many more than just one man.  Let me propose to you that "as one man" is referring to a heart quality shared by all the people.  The people as a whole unit, as one man, desired to know God's heart as expressed by His Word.  These people were attentive to the reading of the Law, because in their heart, they all desired to do right, to live according to God's directives. 

Later, in chapter 8, verse 9, the people wept when hearing God's Law.  Apparently, this "one man" was being convicted of how far from God's holy mark they had been living.  Yet Ezra encourages this "one man."

Nehemiah 8:10
Amplified Bible (AMP)

Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.

How does this story apply to the church at large today?  Are we attentive to God's law?  Do we share a common desire to hear, then obey?  Do we feel the sting of conviction when what we think or do doesn't line up with living the way God desires?

I am not writing about following the law as a mechanical manual, us being religious robots who walk through life feeling condemned, who work, and work to prove worthiness.  Let it never be!!!

Freedom is conviction of His Spirit, empowered by grace, living knowing we are loved by God!!!  Having this corporate heart attitude through out the church (His Bride) qualifies us as being gathered together "as one man."  Excitedly anticipating God's direction, feeling our heart being stirred for change we will embrace the Spirit's conviction. 

As we listen attentively to what God is saying, together with a like heart's desire, then we become one in the eyes of God.  Jesus isn't coming for many brides, He is coming for one Bride, "one (hu)mans, His unified people!

Sooo, the next time fear induces you to "politely ignore" a brother or sister in Christ or hold those people whom you judge as sinners at arms length, remember the people who gathered together, attentive to God's Law, being seen by God as "one man" and choose to be unified for a holy change!

We need each other!  It's the way God designed His Church!  We must forgive and encourage and hold each other up! Some may even need to contact a brother or sister whom they have mistreated. Living in this way, God sees us as one man!!!  Jesus, sees us as His radiantly beautiful Bride!!!

In the name of our Bridegroom, Jesus...AMEN!!!

Nehemiah 1-5: A Sign of Mercy in the Western Sky

Nehemiah 1:5-7
Amplified

⁵ And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments,

⁶ Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You day and night for the Israelites, Your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites which we have sinned against You. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned.

⁷ We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses.

 

How many times have I missed the mark? 

 

It's sobering to think about the times in my life when I committed sin, both willingly and ignorantly.  Yet, I am not a solitary sinner.  All of you, like me, have sinned.  If we desire, the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to right and wrong, the way God sees it.  When the "eyes of our heart" perceive missteps (sins), grace will empower us to turn away from that thing which drives a wedge between us and Jesus.  You see, my friends, it's not about following rules and regulations; it's about following the Ruler and Regulator of the universe.  He is the King and, we obey because we love Him.

 

 

 

June 28, 2015

 

 

Yet, in our unfaithfulness, God is faithful!  He gives us a sign of His mercy in the night sky.  As Jupiter and Venus converge, some believe this celestial event is similar to what occurred in order to form the Star of David, which pointed the way to Jesus.  As you look into the western sky, remember Jesus and ask Him to empower you to see sin the way He does.  This kind of heart loves God more than self, and it is a heart which is blessed with His loving-kindness and mercy.

 

This heavenly sign once again points the way to Jesus.  Do you seek Him?  Look to the west in tonight's sky.  See the sign.  Pray that your spiritual eyes are opened to see like Him.  Bless you, my friends.  May grace empower you!!!