I LOVE MY CHURCH

        I LOVE MY CHURCH 

You will experience a love for the church when you intentionally love the church. You will have a deep sense of love for the church when you actively and intentionally practice love for the church. The opposite is also true: When you don’t intentionally love the church, then you will not experience a love for the church. We’ll love the church when it is about relationships, not when it is like a restaurant.

Love by connecting. Being in community—in fellowship, in relationship—with each 

other is more than knowing people’s names and where they sit on a Sunday morning. We love one another when we stand alongside one another. Being connected with one another is ensuring no one stands alone.

Love by serving. God has given each of His followers supernaturally empowered abilities to encourage and help one another and the community. Did you know you have superpowers? We’re going to talk about that.

Love by giving. Yes, we’re going to talk about giving. But probably not in the way you’d expect. In fact, we won’t talk at all about tithing or percentages. We won’t even try any ill-planned guilt trips to get you to give more. We’ll simply talk about giving as an indicator of love.

Love by sharing. The love that Jesus gives to us and that we can have for one another isn’t to be hoarded within the walls of the church. The love that we are to have for one another is also meant to show our community what the love of Jesus looks like. If we aren’t sharing the love of God with our words and deeds, then we aren’t truly loving. We’ll talk about this as well.

““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” John‬ ‭13:34-35‬ ‭NIV‬

Don’t make it Harder

 DON'T MAKE IT HARDER THAN IT IS!!! This morning, I received a thought.  I, was raised very strict.  In her day church members judged others by their outward appearance (dress, hair, makeup and jewelry).  If you looked wrong, in their eyes, then you were condemned to hell.  I always though I  was not "good enough" for the Lord to accept us . 

 

       I think at times, the church's man made traditions and doctrinal opinions have hindered many from approaching the kingdom. How hard is it to be saved or restored?  Samson needed restoration.  He broke his Nazarite vows, and lost his anointing. Eventually, he cried out, "Remember me," and in that moment took out 3,000 Philistines at once. He is mentioned in the hall of faith in Hebrews 11. If he were living today, some would have told him he would be bound to a grinder the rest of his life, as punishment for his failures.  God thought different because God operates off of covenant and not condemnation. 

 

       The thief on the cross needed salvation and not restoration.  Yet he said, "Lord, remember me when you enter your kingdom."  Jesus said, "Today, you will be with me i paradise." Notice - no long prayers, no "repeat after me" prayers, just faith in Christ and a sincere, "Remember me."  In both cases, forgiveness and salvation happened instantly!! Forgiveness and salvation occur when with the heart you believe and with your mouth you confess (Rom. 10:10). Salvation is instant - but spiritual growth is progressive and takes time.

 

      People's opinion of you do not define you.  After 27 years, I  have as many enemies as  I do friends.  I never try to win over enemies and critics.  My friends don't need long explanations and enemies won't accept what you say.  I'm seriously getting to old and not interested in trying to impress people and perform in some spiritual circus to gain applause from a crowd - that like Christ saw - can turn on  dime and reach for a hammer and nails. 

 

      If you need salvation or restoration, look in one direction - to Golgotha and the cross of Christ, and allow his blood to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Let no man judge your heart - as none except the Father can see your thoughts and intents.  Get His favor and ignore the doubt peddlers and the joy killers - including a few sitting around sipping coffee, looking for the next knife to throw! Be Thankful for God, country and family.  What you may have done wrong during a generation of time, Christ can wash in a moments time.  Just ask Saul of Tarsus!! 

 

 

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Psalms 51:10-12 NIV

      

Pauls Endurance

 (8-12) The suffering in Paul’s ministry brought forth life.

1 Corinthians 4:8-12

 

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. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.

 

a.We are hard pressed: This has the idea of “hunted.” Paul was a wanted, hunted man because of what he was for Jesus. In Acts 23:12, 40 men conspired together to not eat or drink until they had murdered Paul. Paul knew what it was like to be hunted.

 

b. Yet not crushed: Living as a wanted, hunted man means terrible stress, experienced every moment of the day. Yet Paul was not crushed by this stress. He could still serve the Lord gloriously.

 

c. Hard pressed… perplexed… persecuted… struck down: Paul’s life was hard, and it was hard because of his passionate devotion to Jesus Christ and His gospel. Yet look at the triumph of Jesus in Paul’s life: not crushed… not in despair… not forsaken… not destroyed. 

 

Paul knew the power and victory of Jesus in his life because he was continually in situations where only the power and victory of Jesus could meet his need.

 

i. When we talk about suffering like this today, it is easy to think we are just saying “spiritual things,” because some of us live very comfortable lives and do not suffer much at all. Nevertheless, we should remember that everything Paul said about suffering, he said as a man who probably suffered more than you or anyone you will ever meet. This was not theory to Paul but real life experience.

 

d. Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested: Paul, like any Christian, wanted the life of Jesus evident in him. Paul knew this could only happen if he also carried about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus. There are some aspects of God’s great work in our lives that only happen through trials and suffering.

Priorities, Priorities & Priorities

 

Haggai one a minor prophet--- what priority do you give to the things of God?   

 

Priorities help us say yes & no to things that matter & don’t matter. Far more, having a consuming priority redefines how we say yes & how we live to make that yes reality.

 

“You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.””

‭‭Haggai‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Read Text:  "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Haggai 1:v9

2. Isn’t is funny how we always have reasons why we cannot serve God, but we always find the time and the money to serve ourselves?

3. Someone put it this way:

• Isn’t it strange how a 20 dollar note seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?

• Isn’t it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you’re at church, and how short they seem when you’re watching a good Netflix movie?

• Isn’t it strange that you can’t find a word to say when you’re praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to gossip about with a friend?

• Isn’t it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games, but they do whatever is possible to sit at the back row in Church?

• Isn’t it strange how we need to know about a church event three weeks in advance so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events in the last minute?

• Isn’t it strange how difficult it is to learn and share a truth about God with others, but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip?

• Isn’t it strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say, but we question the words in the Bible?

The truth is our “reasons for not praying, reading the bible and practicing hospitality” aren’t reasons at all – they are excuses

These Jewish people of Haggai’s time said, “The time is not come”

But they seemed to have plenty of time to work on their own houses.

God points at the lovely wooden panels on their homes, and he asks “How it is your house seems to be in fine order, but mine is disappearing under a carpet of weeds?” “How come you have time to build your house, but no time to build mine?”

In fact when the Lord tells them to build his house notice (vs 8) that they are to “Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house.”

Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. Haggai 1:8

Fast READY

 

                     MUST READ ISAIAH 58

How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these seven basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.

 

STEP 1: Set Your Objective

 

Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

 

Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.

 

STEP 2: Make Your Commitment

 

Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:

• How long you will fast - one meal, one day, the week.
• The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often)
• What physical or social activities you will restrict
• How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word

 

Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.

 

STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually

 

The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

• Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
• Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
• Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
• Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
• Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.
• Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2).
• Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
• Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
• Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16, 17).

 

STEP 4: Prepare Yourself Physically (just saying)

 

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.

 

Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.

• Do not rush into your fast.
• Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
• Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.

 

Next: While You Fast

 

Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

• Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.
• Limit your activity.
• Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
• Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
• Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
• Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the "blahs." Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

 

The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP 5: Put Yourself on a Schedule

 

For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.

 

Morning

• Begin your day in prayer, praise and worship.
• Read and meditate on God's Word, preferably on your knees.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.
• Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.
• Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.

 

Noon

• Return to prayer and God's Word.
• Take a short prayer walk.
• Spend time in intercessory prayer for our Cities, Region and our ministry VO leaders, for the world's unreached millions, for your family or special needs.

 

Evening

• Get alone for an unhurried time of "seeking His face."
• If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.
• Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.

 

When possible, begin and end each day on your knees with your spouse for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.

 

5 a.m. - 8 a.m.

• Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the fruit is acid. Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, or other fruit juices are generally preferred. If you cannot do your own juicing, buy juices without sugar or additives.

 

10:30 a.m. - noon

• Fresh vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts.

 

2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

• Herb tea with a drop of honey. Avoid black tea or any tea with caffeine.

 

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Broth made from boiling potatoes, celery, and carrots with no salt. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it.

 

Tips on Juice Fasting

• Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. The taste and lift will motivate and strengthen you to continue.
• The best juices are made from fresh watermelon, lemons, grapes, apples, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, or leafy green vegetables. In cold weather, you may enjoy a warm vegetable broth.
• Mix acidic juices (orange and tomato) with water for your stomach's sake.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks. And avoid chewing gum or mints, even if your breath is bad. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach.

 

Next: Breaking Your Fast

 

When your designated time for fasting is finished, you will begin to eat again. But how you break your fast is extremely important for your physical and spiritual well-being.

 

 

STEP 6: Expect Results

 

If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God's face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed. You will see answers to your prayers.

 

A single fast, however, is not a spiritual cure-all. Just as we need fresh infillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. A 24-hour fast each week has been greatly rewarding to many Christians.

 

It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. If you fail to make it through your first fast, do not be discouraged. You may have tried to fast too long the first time out, or your may need to strengthen your understanding and resolve. As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. God will honor you for your faithfulness.

 

I encourage you to join me in fasting and prayer again and again until we truly experience revival in our homes, our churches, our beloved nation, and throughout the world.

 

Next: How To Experience and Maintain Personal Revival

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life.
2. Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you. Make restitution where God leads.
3. Examine your motives in every word and deed. Ask the Lord to search and cleanse your heart daily.
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to guard your walk against complacency and mediocrity.
5. Praise and give thanks to God continually in all ways on all days, regardless of your circumstances.
6. Refuse to obey your carnal (worldy) nature (Galatians 5:16,17).
7. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Develop utter dependence on Him with total submission and humility.
8. Study the attributes of God.
9. Hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
10. Love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
11. Appropriate the continual fullness and control of the Holy Spirit by faith on the basis of God's command (Ephesians 5:18) and promise (1 John 5:14,15).
12. Read, study, meditate on, and memorize God's holy, inspired, inerrant Word daily (Colossians 3:16).
13. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
14. Fast and pray one 24-hour period each week. Prayerfully consider becoming one of the two million Christians who will fast for forty days before the end of the year 2000.
15. Seek to share Christ daily as a way of life.
16. Determine to live a holy, godly life of obedience and faith.
17. Start or join a home or church Bible study group that emphasizes revival and a holy life.

What Does 2 Chronicles 16:9 Mean?

 What Does 2 Chronicles 16:9 Mean? 

 

"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."

2 Chronicles 16:9(NASB)

 

As Christians, we are children of God, fellow-heirs with Christ, citizens of heaven and God's ambassadors in a foreign land, and yet too often we set our hopes on things of this world when life begins to spiral out of control.

 

·     Instead of maintaining unbroken fellowship with the Lord and looking to our heavenly Father for help and sustenance, too often we leave our first love and turn to our bank-balance or earthly relationships to supply our need. 

 

·     To often we look to the government for help.. or rely on our skills; our education; our inner-self or personality! It is only after we have exhausted all the natural, worldly avenues of hope that we finally look to the Lord as our last resort.

 

How like the children of Israel in this passage. They started off so well under the reign on King Asa. 

The people were obedient to the Lord; the land was purged of idolatry; enemies were put to rout and God prospered the people in their land of promise.

 

But as time passed and complacency took root, Israel's life of ease began to be threatened and King Asa sought the help of man rather than maintaining his trust in the Lord.

 

Complacency is Dangerous for Christians Because It Means You Are Not Growing

 

Webster’s definition of the word “complacency” is: “a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better: self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.” This sound like a very dangerous place to be if you are a Christian.

 

 God had delivered them out of Egypt and established them in their own land. He had proved Himself so many times to be faithful and true, and yet the nature of man is always to be independent of God, despite the testimony of His never-failing grace in our lives.

 

Like Israel we have the witness of the word of God together with our own personal testimony that God is our Defense and Defender; our Source and Supply and He is the Rock of our salvation, Whose ear is open to our every cry. 

 

But He is also our life for we have been made a new creation in Christ and have the additional privilege of being positioned in Him by grace through faith and are seated together with Him in heavenly places. Unlike Israel we all have the indwelling holy Spirit of God, Who is working in us to will and to do His good purpose in our lives - as through life's trials and tribulations He is conforming us into the image and likeness of Christ.

 

 

·     When we choose to turn to the world for sustenance and supply, in times of difficulty or ease.. it means we have turned away from Christ - and in so doing we inhibit or quench the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. 

 

·     When we start to trust in anything other than the Lord Jesus, we are looking to the wrong source of supply and allowing the old sin nature to govern our lives rather than the new life in Christ, which we received at salvation

 

The eyes of the Lord are still searching out men or women whose heart is completely His - so that by grace through faith - Christ may be formed in us.

 

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your word and the lessons we can learn from it. I pray that my heart may be completely Yours so that I may be increasingly conformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus - to Your praise and glory, AMEN.