GOD’S Amazing Plan a Fruitful and Flourishing Life
GOD’S Amazing Plan a Fruitful and Flourishing Life
John the disciple of JESUS prayed for a friend and HS took that simple prayer and put it in the Bible to show us GOD’S will for all of us.
“Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering.” 3 John 2
John 15 is JESUS talking to HIS disciples knowing He is about to die. In less than 24 hours HIS body will hang on a cross while His life slips away.
JESUS just finished washing their feet and teaching them about communion. Now they go out into the dark night out of the city wall down into the Kidron valley climbing up towards Gethsemane. Just before reaching the familiar spot of prayer they pass through a vineyard and JESUS stops and reaches out and grabs some branches on the vine and stops to teach this in the dark night.
“I AM the sprouting vine and you’re MY branches. As you live in union with ME as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you – but when you live separated from ME you are powerless.” John 15:5 TPT
Jer. 29:11 GOD has plans for our lives to prosper but we don’t know the details. But we do know HE plans for us to be fruitful and flourish. HE did not want to leave them on earth wondering:
What is GOD up to in my life? Why isn’t my life turning out the way I expected? The disciples must have been wondering this too!
Of all the things JESUS held in HIS hand to make this life lesson memorable not what HE did not hold in HIS hand:
- Map – Bible
- Money
- But a mature grapevine. PIC:
“I AM the true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is My FATHER. HE cares for the branches connected to Me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest.” John 15:1-2 TPT
GOD’S care for the fruitless – by propping up “takes away” from the ground – lifting up from the dirt to be supported by trellises.
PIC:
GOD’S care for the fruitful – by pruning – reshaping according to HIS design and plan to yield more fruit.
What fruit is GOD looking for from my life?
1. Fruit of the SPIRIT – Gal. 5
2. Souls saved – discipled – Mtt 28:19-20
3. Works ordained by GOD “Even before we were born GOD planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!” Eph. 2:10 TPT
Fruit is evident on the outside when
the HOLY SPIRIT is living on the inside!
JESUS said, “As you live in union with ME as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you – but when you live separated from ME you are powerless.”
John 15:5 TPT
“As you live in union with ME” John 15:5 TPT
“He who remains in ME” MEV
He who abides in ME” KJV
Ill. You can abide in a church building w/o abiding in CHRIST. You can abide in USA and not abide by the laws. You can be married and living in the same house but not be abiding in a marriage. You can be born again but yet not abiding in CHRIST. Remember JESUS is talking to HIS disciples not lost people.
Once you are born of the Spirit of GOD a supernatural mystery begins inside you. You still have the same issues, same temperament but you have the kingdom of GOD in you. The kingdom of GOD clashes with the old kingdom of self as you bring your life under new management. Obedience to GOD is about loving and surrendering to a better kingdom.
You can obey GOD without loving HIM. (Pharisees – religious)
But you can’t love GOD without obeying HIM.
Apart from love, obedience is just an obligation!
“You must continually let MY love nourish your hearts. If you keep MY commandments, you will live in MY love.” John 15:9b TPT
The result of living in the love of GOD is fruitfulness:
“As you live in union with ME as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you . . .” John 15:5b TPT
This is the life we always wanted! Why did it take so long to surrender to GOD’S plan?
Fruit grows not from striving but from LIFE flowing within.
Ill. It is like learning to float in a pool. You have to let go of the side of the pool, keep some air in your lungs. This goes against all your natural instincts at first. You have to learn to relax and relinquish control of your life to GOD. Let Him have HIS way with you.
“By this is MY FATHER glorified, that you bear much fruit.” Jn 15:8
How important is bearing fruit?
JESUS said, “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain (eternally), BECAUSE whatever you ask the FATHER, FOR MY SAKE, HE will give it to you!” John 15:16
The main reason you are still here is for HIS SAKE, and to bear fruit.
“created in CHRIST JESUS for good works.” Eph. 2:10
We are not here to fulfill our dreams but GOD’S plan – and bring HIM glory.
Title of today’s message: GOD’S amazing plan for you to have a fruitful and flourishing life
Conclusion: Say this out loud:
“Today is a gift from GOD. I will not waste it!”
Eliminating Hurry #7
Eliminating Hurry #7
Review from last week:
“There is enough time in everyday to do gracefully, and without hurry, everything GOD wants you to do.”
Did this sentence come to mind for anyone in this past week?
“My dearest brothers and sisters, take this to heart:
Be quick to listen, but be slow to speak, And be slow to become angry, for human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote GOD’S righteous purpose.” James 1:19 TPT
Ill. Linda Segaille made me a sheet for me to do list. Show a copy and read it. 1. Wake up and get up. 5. Go to bed/sleep. “Supervisor LORD JESUS”
Who is dealing with tiredness and fatigue more than usual?
- When we get over tired, we are more vulnerable to temptation and to demons attacking us.
One of the tactics of the enemy is
“To speak words against the MOST HIGH and wear out the saints of the MOST HIGH.” Daniel 7:25
“Wear out” = reduce little by little so subtly that it is almost imperceptible by us, until there is nothing left.
5 ways Satan is trying to wear you out:
1. Wear out the physical body – sleep! Constant stress, tension.
2. Wear out your hope.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Proverbs 13:12
- People give up and return to their sin.
Example: Israel without water
Hope deferred can have a good result:
“We count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (James 5:11)
Job had hope deferred, but finally got to see what GOD intended and was doubly blessed!
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers’ temptations, Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4
5 ways Satan is trying to wear you out.
1. Wear you out physically – are you doing more than GOD asks?
2. Wear out your hope.
3. Wear out your spiritual life – too busy for prayer and WORD.
4. Wear out your time – Paul with Felix “some other time.”
5. Wear out your dedication. “Samson was pressed daily by Delilah until his soul was vexed to death. And he told her all his heart.” Judges 16:16-17
How do we resist Satan wearing us down, trying to drain us?
1. Realize this is not just flesh and blood = Go beyond the appearance of flesh to the spirit.
It’s time to go deeper than most people are willing to go which is beyond the outward appearance.
“Be inwardly transformed by the HOLY SPIRIT through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to DISCERN GOD’S will . . .” Romans 12:2 TPT
- You’ve been thinking people are your problem. Your thinking needs to change in order to discern how GOD thinks.
2. James 4:7 “So then, surrender to GOD. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony.” (Because of the ONE who stands with you!)
- But I can’t see him! But you can discern him by the Sspirit.
- I Cor. 12:10 – discernment of spirits – human, demon, GOD?
Watchman Nee “. . . let us realize that if we patiently endure, the work of Satan will most certain certainly continue; . . . but if we speak out to resist him, then Satan is forced to retreat.”
- Your mouth is holding the sword of the Spirit.
PIC: JESUS w/sword coming out of mouth.lly submit my life and circumstances to GOD, and I resist Satan and all his works trying to drain me. I am will not wear out. I will not be drained. ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom will I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?” Psalm 27
When I am resisting hurry, worry, and flurry (anger),
I am resisting Satan and his attempts to drain me!
“There is enough time in everyday to do gracefully, and without hurry, everything GOD wants you to do.”
Living from The Source and Root of Your Life
Living from The Source and Root of your Life
When JESUS fed the five thousand with only three loves and two fish. No one was more amazed than HIS twelve disciples. They in the front row handing out food and saw the miracle firsthand. As soon as they gave out food – more instantly appeared in their hands. This was a wonder and wow moment for sure.
PIC: JESUS feeding 5k:
Will you be obedient when I give you an assignment? Listen to ME and I will show you your assignment. You have no idea how far reaching it may go. I will give you revelation that you asked Me for. But it will not be revelation for you alone. The revelation I give you is for you to feed others. It will not always be to the multitudes. Sometimes it is for just one person. So listen and go where I send you and give out freely what I give to you.
Ill. I am more amazed than anyone how each week GOD feeds me and then I take what He is feeding me and feed you so you can feed others.
- A mother breastfeeding her baby. What food she eats becomes milk in her breast to be able to feed her baby! A miracle.
PIC:
JESUS knew that the night before Passover would be HIS last night on earth before leaving this world to return to the FATHER’S side. All throughout HIS time with the disciples, JESUS demonstrated a deep and tender love for them. And now HE longed to show them the full measure of HIS love. John 13:1
For over 3 years JESUS (LOVE incarnate) has shown the disciples love that is patient, kind to all, unselfish, gentle, good to all, never stops believing the best for people, love that never gives up on people.
But now on this last evening on earth HE longs to show them the full measure of HIS love. There is so much more!
Paul prayed for believers to overflow with love in Ephesians 3. Here is part of that prayer:
“I pray that . . . the resting place of HIS love will become the very source and root of your life. . . endless love beyond measurement that transcends your understanding – this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of GOD . . . so GOD’S mighty power will accomplish more than your greatest requests, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination.” Eph. 3:14-21 TPT
One last evening with HIS disciples. JESUS (love incarnate) would have one last opportunity to model for them what life looks like when GOD’S love is the very source of all you do.
Before the evening meal had begun, the devil had already deeply imbedded betrayal into the heart of Judas. So JESUS got up from the meal and took off HIS outer robe and took a towel and wrapped it around HIS waist. Then HE poured water into a basis and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with a towel. John 13:2-7 TPT
- Peter objected. JESUS said, “If I don’t, you won’t”
- You don’t understand yet, but soon it will become clear.
By removing their sandals and washing their feet HE was removing every defilement so they could place the sole of their feet upon the new covenant of inheritance.
- The sandal often used of covenants in Hebrew culture. Ruth 4.
- Moses was to remove sandals to receive a new assignment and the authority that came with it. Ex. 3:5
After washing their feet, HE put HIS robe on and returned to HIS place at the table. “Do you understand what I just did? . . . So now put into practice what I have done for you, and you will experience a life of happiness enriched with untold blessings!” vs 12-17
Proper preparation should be made before taking communion.
- It is not a normal meal where the focus is on food but on Christ.
- It is a time of serious self-examination with the LORD present.
- JESUS is ready to wash defilement off your feet. “Peter, you are already clean – you just need your feet washed.”
JESUS said, “To fulfill the scripture that says, ‘the one who shares supper with me treacherously betrays me.’ I am telling you this now, before it happens, so that when the prophecy comes to pass you will be convinced that I AM WHO I AM.” Vs 19
- JESUS quotes Psalm 41:9
- To eat with someone and then betray them was treacherous.
John asked JESUS, “Who is going to betray YOU?”
“The one I give this piece of bread to after I dipped it in the bowl.” Then HE handed it to Judas.
- This is the love of CHRIST – to give choice food to HIS enemy.
“And when JUDAS ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him.” Vs 27
Judas partook communion without examining his own heart.
Judas partook communion religiously without believing it.
Judas partook communion just to look acceptable to others.
“So Judas left quickly and went out into the dark night to betray JESUS.” Vs 30
“Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are retelling the story, proclaiming our LORD’S death until HE comes. For this reason, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the LORD in a wrong spirit will be guilty of dishonoring the body and blood of the LORD. So let each individual first evaluate his own attitude and only eat the bread and drink the cup. For continually eating and drinking with a wrong spirit will bring judgment upon yourself by not recognizing the body (the church). This insensitivity is why many of you are weak, chronically ill, and some even dying. If we have examined ourselves, we should not be judged.” I Cor. 11:26-31
Correct it with HIM and follow HIS instructions.
Then proceed to take communion on your own.)
JESUS said, “A new commandment I give you now: Love each other just as I have loved you . For when you demonstrate that same love I have for you, everyone will know that you are my true followers.” John 13:34-35 TPT
JESUS told the disciples that where HE was going they not able to follow HIM yet but one day they would.
Peter who JESUS called the rock argued – LORD, I am able to follow you right now. I would die for YOU! I would take a bullet for you. I would die on YOUR place!
JESUS answered, “Would you really lay down your life for me, Peter?
Here’s the absolute truth: Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will say three times that you don’t even know ME!” vs 38
Why did JESUS give the sign of a rooster crowing?
- Peter was like a crowing rooster, strutting in pride.
- Rocky got cocky and forgot where true strength comes from!
I imagine every time after this that when Peter heard a rooster crow it reminded him to humble himself before the LORD.
- Tradition says that Peter the most prominent leader of all the 12 disciples became a very humble and meek man after this.
We see the evidence in his writings in 1st and 2nd Peter. For example:
“In every relationship, each of you must wrap around yourself the apron of a humble servant. Because: GOD resists you when you are proud but multiplies grace and favor when you are humble. If you bow low in GOD’S awesome presence, He will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in HIS hands.” I Peter 5:5-6 TPT
Getting and Maintaining a Throne Perspective 2 Corinthians 4-5
Getting and Maintaining a Throne Perspective 2 Corinthians 4-5
Review: 7-16 GOD has a plan, but I don’t know it fully – Jer. 29:11
“There is no panic in heaven, only plans.” Corrie Ten Boom
7-23 Transformed thirst from Jacob’s well to JESUS’ well
A prayer for transformed thirst:
Lord, forgive me for taking my thirst to be satisfied to other things than YOU. Places of distraction, self-indulgence, amusements, are all ways I have tried to numb my emptiness or pain. Show me how to bring my thirst to YOUR well of living water so I will thirst no more! In JESUS’ name, amen.
Here on earth Satan aims his biggest guns at Christians who are living the Spirit led life.
- Satan’s hope is by keeping the pressure on you that you will relapse back to the false comforts of the flesh and discredit X.
Satan’s 3 main demonic attacks:
1. Obsession – to get you so distracted or attracted to anything other than GOD. It could be a problem you can’t stop thinking about. It could be a person you are attracted to. But something is capturing your focus. You can’t focus on GOD. Demonic attack.
2. Oppression – pressure from the outside coming against you. One thing after another bombarding your life. Stress
Ill. Man at doctors’ office. Doctor asks to talk to wife privately. “Your husband can’t handle any stress – he is hanging by a thread.” What can I do? “When he wakes up in the morning play soft music, give him breakfast he wants, backrubs. Don’t let the kids cause any stress or loud noise. If he gets grumpy don’t argue with him – let him win. If you do this he will live.” Driving home the husband asked the wife, “What did the doctor tell you?” “The doctor said you’re gonna die!”
3. Depression – a wrong focus on a lie that this life is all there is.
Florida has become the waiting room for eternity. Many people move here to retire and spend the remainder of their lives looking for some pleasure to fill their time. There are plenty of activities to fill your time.
- Put hourglass on stage. You get busy and the next thing you know your last day on earth arrives faster than you expected.
Why did GOD plant a church here in the fastest growing retirement community in the US?
To remind this pleasure-seeking world that there is more to life than this earth life. There is ultimately, eternity and GOD to face.
“For one day we will all be openly revealed before CHRIST on HIS THRONE so that each one of us will be duly recompensed for our actions done in life whether good or worthless.” 2 Cor. 5:10
- Take a good look at this throne.
- Judgment for our sins fell on CHRIST on the cross.
- Different levels of reward given to believers after death.
- Some will have no rewards yet still will be saved.
Part of our training here on earth is to navigate through various trials of this life allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to produce appointed fruit.
JESUS said, “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” John 15:16
Paul told Christians they were, “created in CHRIST JESUS for good works.” Eph. 2:10
We are not here on earth to fulfill our dreams, but GOD’S dream – that we bring HIM glory according to HIS PLAN through our yielding to HIM to bring about an abundant and fruitful life!
“We view our slight, short lived troubles in light of eternity. We see our difficulties AS THE SUBSTANCE that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t FOCUS OUR ATTENTION on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal. 2 Cor. 4:17 TPT
Difficulties produce an “eternal weighty glory substance” that is below the surface and mostly unseen by the natural eye. This requires a radical supernatural change in how we think.
Eternal glory is what keeps you stable through storms
PIC: Keel
- Glory keeps you upright when everything is upside down
- The main purpose of a sailboat keel is to counteract sideways forces from wind and waves and keep the sailboat right-side-up in the water.
Moses asked GOD, “Show me YOUR glory” = all My goodness
Mt Sinai law given with glory – lightning, thunder, dark clouds majesty
Ezekiel saw glory of GOD – angels and flashes of lightning – power
Ill. How does this work practically? When you go through a trial that you consider the worst time of your life – but after you can see how it became the best time of your life spiritually.
- Going to jail getting busted was the best thing that happened to you. The trial that you dread becomes a trail to bring you to the end of yourself and to the beginning of GOD. “It was the best of times and the worst of times.”
When you had no one else to turn to – you turned to GOD. When you had no place to go – you went to GOD. “We view our slight, short lived troubles in light of eternity. We see our difficulties AS THE SUBSTANCE that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison . . .” 2 Cor. 4:17 TPT
“For we live by faith, not by what we see with our eyes.” 2 Cor. 5:7
So how do I focus on what I can’t see?
By faith. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word (rhema) of GOD” Romans 10:17 (Rhema #4487 to speak or utter).
“Faith, then, is birthed in a heart that responds to GOD’S anointed utterance of the Anointed One.” Romans 10:17 TPT
- Faith comes when GOD speaks to your heart, and you obey.
Obedience becomes your genuine expression of worship!
Worship is focused adoration on GOD. You can go deeper!
1. Enter gates with thanksgiving – Psalm 100:4
2. Enter courts with praise – expressive, demonstrative
3. Come let us worship and bow down – Psalm 100:6
Thanks and praise are an intentional choice, but worship is a response of experiencing the glory of GOD.
We are told to give thanks always and praise GOD at all times. Why?
This derails Satan’s attack to distract and derail you from trusting GOD. When you praise GOD especially in difficult times, you are intentionally enthroning HIM on top of your circumstances!
Make GOD the king of your mountain. Keep pushing off discouragement, depression, defeat like a bill goat. Then you will eventually see the glory of GOD manifested.
PIC: king of the mountain:
Ill. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in jail for obeying what GOD told them to do. At midnight they thanked and praised GOD they were still alive, and GOD said amen with an earthquake. The weighty presence of GOD came into that jail. All the prison doors were opened and yet none of the prisoners left. You know the glory of GOD filled that prison and no one wanted to leave. You know the rest of the story. It was miraculous.
Ill. Few times here at GT we have known the weighty presence of GOD fill the room and no one wanted to leave. There was free unrestrained worship – some sang spontaneous songs, some in tongues, some flowed with dance, some on the floor. We were suddenly catapulted into the heavenly realm. We were joining with angels before the throne.
When you really worship you are transitioning however briefly from earth to heaven, experiencing the glory of GOD. Back on earth you have to still deal with your troubles and issues, but you carry with you now an experience of the weighty glory of GOD that helps you.
In the middle of storms raging and winds howling you experience GOD
“Be still and know that I AM GOD.” Psalm 46:10
In the midst of pain and suffering is the ideal time to worship GOD.
Drinking from Jacobs well or JESUS’ well?
Drinking from Jacobs well or JESUS’ well?
“JESUS arrived at the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Wearied by HIS long journey, HE sat on the edge of Jacob’s well, and sent HIS disciples into the village to buy food, for it was already afternoon.” John 4:8
Jacob was the twin of Esau who connived to get the blessing away from Esau for himself. He was a deceiver for most of his life until an amazing encounter with GOD changed his character. GOD changed his name from Jacob to Israel.
One man but two parts:
Jacob = deceiver, who acts out of the flesh.
Israel = prince who prevails with GOD by the SPIRIT
But like for most of us transformation is usually not a one-time event. It is a process and the same was true for Jacob being transformed into a prince with GOD.
This well was a historic site. Jacob’s well from over thousands of years ago. Everybody knew it as Jacob’s well, a place to get necessary water. Put your spiritual eyes on to see more than just a natural well.
Jacob’s well supplies the water for the Jacob-life inside each of us. Fed by Adam’s fall, this water flows through all humanity.
The Jacob-life:
- Wants to manipulate
- Wants to control
- Wants to charm
- Wants to strive to make things hap
JESUS (a living well with living water) sits on the top edge of Jacob’s well as a lid, to stop people from drinking from this well and offers a living one. (A well sat upon a well!)
Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water. JESUS said to her, “Give Me a drink.” Vs 8
Why did JESUS ask her for a drink? HE could have got it HIMSELF.
Look beyond the physical story here. The water JESUS wanted was the refreshing and satisfying pleasure of her devotion.
HE says to each of us, “Nothing satisfies ME except you!”
“If you only knew who I am and the gift that GOD wants to give you, you would ask ME for a drink, and I would give you living water.” 10
She is still only operating in the flesh and the natural.
The woman replied, “but sir, you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is very deep. So where do you find this living water? Do you really think that you are greater than our ancestor Jacob who dug this well and drank from it himself?”
JESUS answered, “If you drink from Jacob’s well, you will be thirsty again, but if anyone drinks the living water that I give them, they will never be thirsty again. For when you drink the water I give you, it becomes a gushing fountain of the HOLY SPIRIT, flooding you with endless life!”
“gushing fountain” Greek “hallomenou” a verb always used for people, meaning an activity of the HOLY SPIRIT, a Person!
The woman replied, “Let me drink this water . . .” JESUS said, “Go get your husband and bring him back here.” “But I am not married” the woman answered. “That’s true,” JESUS said, “for you have been married five times, and now you are living with a man who is not your husband.” Vs 15-18
When we are living dominated by the flesh we are married to 5 husbands: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch.
5 husbands, but 6 men. 6 is the number of men. Ill. She had been in and out of relationships thinking if she could only find the right man. Each time she was disappointed. Man cannot fill that place in your heart that only GOD can fill.
Her jaw must have dropped to hear JESUS say this. 5 times married and now just living with a man – obviously she had given up on marriage.
Our hearts can never be satisfied with what is on earth. We must drink the living water that comes from heaven.
Christ becomes the 7th husband Who satisfies!
We are to be the bride of CHRIST. This is the relationship we were made for. The only one that will satisfy our heart and HIS!
PIC: I am my beloved’s:
“You must be a prophet!”
Then she proceeds to ask HIM a spiritual question. You Jews say we should worship GOD in Jerusalem and my people say Mt Gerizim. Which is the right church?
JESUS said, “From now on, worshipping the FATHER will not be a matter of the right place but with a right heart. For GOD is SPIRIT and HE longs to have sincere worshippers who adore HIM in the realm of the SPIRIT and in truth.” vs 24
Note: GOD is seeking worshippers not worship!
Religion teaches GOD dwells up there and we are separated down here. But GOD has always wanted to dwell with man. Eden – GOD was there. In the wilderness – GOD was there in a wilderness tabernacle. It had 3 parts like us.
Outer court – our body
Holy place – our soul
Holy of Holies – our born again Sspirit
Salvation is only when the HS comes inside you. Before salvation HS was outside you wooing you to GOD. But there has to be a time you receive HIM inside you to stay.
The Christian life is not lived by imitation but by inhabitation!
But wait there’s more!
HOLY SPIRIT comes in you = salvation, Jn 20:22
HOLY SPIRIT upon you = baptism of HS, Acts 1:8
HS comes in you for your sake.
HS comes upon you for others sake. Ministry and power.
Just because you are born again does not mean you automatically worship GOD in SPIRIT and truth.
PIC of wilderness tab:
The veil of the flesh – go beyond the flesh of what you see and feel.
The veil of the soul – go beyond the mind and intellect.
Jn 16:15 – HS will show us things of GOD
I Cor. 2:9-10 – HS unveils unimaginable things
What is GOD looking for in worshippers?
Ill. Malachi 1:10 GOD was so sick of religious worship services said to close the doors of the church. Today thousands drag themselves to church services to be miserable for an hour so they can feel they have done their duty to GOD.
First place we learn of worship is Job chapter 1:20 . It does not look like a worship service. It was the worst day of Job’s life. We see tears and anguish and he throws himself at the feet of GOD and worships. Things did not get any better after this! He still had 42 chapters to live before things got better. But in the end he was a changed man who knew GOD personally like never before.
From this we learn worship has little to do with sermons or songs. IT has to do with surrender to God even with I don’t understand why. I worship GOD because HE is eternal, trials are not. GOD is more important than family or fortune!
The great and supreme commandment:
To love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Mark 12:30
When we worship GOD – we are changed on the inside. People who know you will see the change in your eyes and hear it in your voice and watch you do things you have never done before!
All at once the woman left her water pot and ran off to her village and told everyone, “Come meet a man who told me everything I’ve ever done!. . . Hearing this, the people came streaming out of the village to go see JESUS.” Vs 28-30
Conclusion: GOD is faithful to use anyone to reach others if we are honest to tell others JESUS knows everything we’ve ever done and
Still loves us!
From wonder to wow, to worship!
If you are still craving satisfaction from the world – you need to ask JESUS for a drink of living water.
If you need to be born again – come, receive and drink.
If you need baptism of HS – come and receive
The biggest hindrance to people receiving or following the HOLY SPIRIT is pride. GOD resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Eliminating the Hurry Addiction #5
Eliminating the Hurry Addiction #5
“Walk with ME, work with ME – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace . . .” Matthew 11:29 Message Bible
I became a hurry addict long before I was aware of it.
Occasionally I relapse and catch myself speeding like I need to hurry when I have no reason to be in a hurry.
Ill. Like driving to work and I know it’s 45 speed limit but I like to push it to 55 but suddenly I see a police car and tap on the brakes and watching in my rearview mirror I breathe a sigh of relief when I see he is still parked on the side of the road.
- I am not paying attention, but I am causing myself anxiety by not going the speed limit. I am more relaxed driving the speed limit.
Waiting in line at the grocery store. Suddenly out of the corner of my eye I see a new register about to open up. I make a mad dash for that register hopefully to beat out all the others looking to beat me!
Ask yourself, “Why am I in such a hurry?”
- Maybe I’ve been driving a long time and I am in a hurry to get home so I can sit some more in my easy chair?
- Getting to be first in line at the grocery will store will enable me to win an award for best time management for the day?
- Even in preparing this teaching for tonight there is a little squirrel inside saying to me, “Hurry up and get this message prepared?”
Addiction to hurry test:
1. You are behind a driver who has not noticed that the light has turned green. How do you respond?
a. Give them a moment to notice the light has changed.
b. Blow your horn immediately.
c. Blow your horn and express your irritation verbally.
2. You are in a slow-moving grocery line with time to spare. What are you most likely to do?
a. Engage in conversation with someone.
b. Look for a faster moving line.
c. Become irritated.
3. In conversing with others, how often do you interrupt them in mid-sentence?
a. Not very often.
b. Some of the time.
c. Very often.
4. How much time do you devote to prayer and meditation on the WORD?
a. At least an hour?
b. Half an hour.
c. Less than a half hour.
I believe the quality of our remaining life on earth will be greatly determined with how well we adjust our pace to the leading of Holy SPIRIT.
Scriptures to measure your pace:
“I leave the gift of peace with you – MY peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but by MY perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead be courageous.” John 14:27 TPT
There is a deep soul peace that Xns are entitled to. It defies understanding but you must claim it.
“Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed ONE, Who called you to peace as part of HIS one body.” Col. 3:15 TPT
“Now may the LORD HIMSELF, the LORD of peace, pour into you HIS peace in every circumstance and in every possible way. The LORD’S tangible presence be with you all.” 2 Thes. 3:16 TPT
You have the anointing to experience the peace of GOD in any situation, no matter how trying it may be.
Measure your pace using the following version of the 23rd psalm by Toki
Miyashina:
The Lord is my pacesetter, I shall not rush.
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness,
which restore my serenity. He leads me in
ways of efficiency, through calmness of mind,
and HIS guidance is peace. Even though I have
a great many things to accomplish this day,
I will not fret, for HIS presence is with me,
HIS all-importance will keep me in balance.
HE prepares refreshment and renewal in the
midst of my activity by anointing my head with
the oil of tranquility, my cup of joyous energy
overflows. Surely harmony and effectiveness
shall be the fruits of my hours, for I shall walk
in the pace of my LORD, and dwell in HIS house
forever.
Why are we addicted to feel we have to run everywhere?
We run to get things done. Accomplishing things makes us feel good.
We run because the clock is running. Where has the time gone?
We run because we have too much to do. Dropping some things?
We run to catch up. We feel we are falling behind schedule.
We run to avoid being late. Time management problem?
We run because we feel pushed to get things done.
We run because we feel the pressure of the world around us trying to conform us into its mold.
“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the HOLY SPIRIT through a total reformation of HOW YOU THINK. This will empower you to discern GOD’S will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in HIS eyes.” Romans 12:2 TPT
You will have to be intentional about eliminating hurry and you must start with your thoughts and your mouth:
“Be quick to listen, but slow to speak. And be slow to become angry, for human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote GOD’S righteous purpose.” James 1:19 TPT
Unconditional Surrender
Unconditional Surrender
“I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. Jer. 29:11
Good news – GOD has a plan for us.
Bad news, we don’t know what, when, how, or what that looks like.
“Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1
Ill. Word from GOD to me to tell AJ. “Take one day at a time.”
Life graphs:
Jaeger life institute graph:
“HE made us, and we are HIS. We are HIS people, the sheep of HIS pasture.” Psalm 100:3
HE did not make us without purpose in mind, without destination.
We belong to HIM. We are HIS people and are living in HIS appointed pasture – this is not random. GOD has plans for your life. Would you like to know what HIS plans are for your life? You don’t need to know! In fact it is not for you to know the details, just know it is true – HE has plans for you.
Ill. During intercession Monday a week ago in a time of quietness GOD took me here.
I said to GOD, “LORD, I am ready to listen to anything YOU have to say to me. I surrender to YOU LORD.” Instantly I wrote in red ink,
“I want unconditional surrender like the Americans demanded of Japan after dropping the bomb.”
Unconditional surrender means there are no terms just total surrender without knowing what the outcome of what that surrender may look like. I surrender to YOUR plans even without knowing what they are!
Ill. Immediately in the SPIRIT HE took me back to review some parts of my life. Back to elementary school HE showed me that HE had me selected by a teacher to stand on stage during some kind of production, play and I was to hold a microphone and be the Master of ceremonies. I was so shy but still this was HIM working out HIS plans for me.
Years later in High School on stage again with microphone winning a talent show. Why? Part of HIS training and plans.
A year later in Marine Corps bootcamp specifically positioned me to be appointed the GUIDE of my platoon, and then highest score on rifle range, then made honor man of my platoon and a meritorious promotion. After this assigned to administration which I never wanted but the placement was divine to connect me with a young man who led me to the LORD.
Later by being in administration I became an influence to my commanding officers and those in leadership. Now in hindsight I can see it was all part of HIS plan.
Got out of Marines intending on college and come back in as an officer. GOD had other plans – to become an officer in HIS army.
Detour to Bible College – become pastor then onward to Leesburg to become youth minister in large church. Preached on TV and started to believe all that compliments people told me about me. Thinking my next stop would be to pastor a large church even though I was young.
Instead GOD’S next stop was a little church in the forest in Astor. I did not want this – neither did Pam. Here I received my first prophecy from a prophet. “There will be an exodus and you will start a church that I have told you about.” It was a wilderness assignment that GOD knew we needed for over 6 years.
Then to FBC FP for ten years in a troubled church. ten years later the prophecy in Astor came true – an Exodus.
Then GT started 20 years ago. IF GOD would have showed me the details of HIS plan 40 years ago it would have scared me to death. I would have run the other way. Because at that time it was nothing I had any desire for whatsoever.
All along the way I have never known what GOD’S plans for me were! All I know is HE has plans; my part is to surrender and trust.
GOD reveals things incrementally. HE is changing us from the inside out by changing how we think.
“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the HOLY SPIRIT through a total transformation of HOW YOU THINK. This will empower you to discern GOD’S will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in HIS eyes.” Romans 12:2 TPT
Job had surrendered his need to understand GOD to be able to see GOD.
Abraham had to surrender his need to understand GOD to follow GOD
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding (opinions), in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path.” Prov. 3:5-7
“Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to GOD marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender your lives to GOD to be HIS sacred living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights HIS heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.” Romans 12:1 TPT
Authentic Worship is surrendering to GOD’S call to follow HIM into the unknown.
Ill. In Luke 9 JESUS gave authority over demons and disease and to proclaim GOD’S kingdom had arrived at HIS disciples. With this HE gave them strict instructions not to bring 6 things along:
No staff – no identity for yourself
No bag = no extras just in case
No food = opportunity to trust
No money = in case things go wrong
No extra tunic = no vanities of how we will look
No offenses = shake off the dust – If we don’t kick off the dust of rejection and offenses then they will become the story we tell, the message we preach, and the highlight of our ministry!
HE calls us to do the same!
Ill. Abraham at age 75 was called by GOD to separate from everything that was familiar to him, uproot from his comfortable surroundings and let go of possessions and material security – to follow the LORD’S led to an unknown place. The LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country, from your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Gen. 12:1
Ill. In Bible College I remember a young student wisely told me. “You are not here to get a degree. It is the experience itself that GOD wants you to have.” Surprisingly in 40 plus years of ministry no one has ever asked to see my degree. GOD did not send me to Bible college to get a degree but to get experiences I needed.
To HIS disciples JESUS says, “follow Me” – without disclosing where that will take us.
“I am the Way, the Truth (reality), and the LIFE. No one comes to the FATHER except through union with ME.” Jn 14:6 TPT
- JESUS does more than take us to heaven at death. HE brings us to the FATHER. The FATHER IS the destination!
What will it take to get us to THE FATHER?
- Different things, people, and experiences for each person.
Surrendering the unknown is not passivity. It is to yield to HOLY SPIRIT and trust HIS leading even when you do not understand why.
Ill. To give away money when you need money.
To pray for healing when you need healing. To give forgiveness when you have been treated wrong. To bless when you have been cursed.
Story about E.V. Hill and Benny Hinn on TBN. “GOD why do YOU use BH and produce valid miracles?” “Because he does not hesitate when I tell him to do something he does not understand.”
“As you yield (tap on the brakes, slow, stop and wait, or speed up) freely and fully to the dynamic life and power of the HOLY SPIRIT, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life.” Gal. 5:16 TPT
To yield doesn’t mean you don’t use your will power. You have to use your will power to think differently; to stop struggling and to yield.
It's not struggling – but yielding.
It's not effort – it is union.
JESUS said, “As you live in union with ME as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you – but when you live separated from ME you are powerless. . . but if you live in life-union with ME and if MY words live (take hold) powerfully within you – then you shall ask whatever you desire and it will be done.” John 15:5,7 TPT
Unconditional Surrender
Hindrances to Relationship - Eddie and Beth Taylor
Hindrances to Relationship
Grace Tabernacle - July 9, 2023
(Eddie)
Good news:
Genesis 2:23-25 (NKJV) And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." [24] Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. [25] And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Perfect relationship. Deep connection. Real intimacy.
Goal for not only marriage / all relationships
Amos 3:3 (NKJV) Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
Why aren’t we living it? Simple word: SIN
- Adam & the woman sinned. Introduced sin into the human race. It affects every relationship.
There are HINDRANCES TO Connection….but here is the Good news:
Big Idea: Jesus’ blood removes every hindrance to connection.
Today we want to look at several hindrances to connection in the Genesis 3 account and how to overcome them.
(BETH)
HINDRANCE 1 : DECEPTION
Genesis 3:1-5 (NKJV) Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" [2] And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; [3] but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' " [4] Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. [5] For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Deception blocks connection
- (v.1) “The serpent was more cunning” People aren’t your enemy…the enemy is the enemy. (John 8:44/John 10:10)
o Not your spouse.
o Not your kids
o Not your boss or coworkers
o Not your pastor
- The enemy is the enemy
She started right…she rehearsed the truth (vv3-5
o Lie 1: “did God really say” - yes, He did.
o Lie 2: don’t touch (nowhere in Bible) God is not author of confusion
o Lie 3: “you will not die” (they did... spiritually first, relationally second, finally physically)no death gene.
o Lie 4: “You will be like God” (they already were!)
Genesis 1:27 (NKJV) So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
- Good news: Jesus is perfect truth
John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Big Idea: Jesus’ blood removes every hindrance to connection .
(EDDIE) – Eden (Pleasure)
HINDRANCE 2: PRIDE, LUST & TEMPTATION
First, don’t talk with snakes.
Genesis 3:6 (NKJV) So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
- They gave into temptation. Why?
- NT gives answers:
James 1:14 (NKJV) But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
1 John 2:16 (NKJV) For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
- She was good for food (lust of flesh)
- She saw pleasant for the eyes (lust of eyes)
- Desirable to make one wise (sinful pride of life)
They took the bait…
Your pride and lust tempt you to:
- take advantage of others
- mistrust others
- deceive others
Listen to Proper pronouns: “I feel… vs. you always”
Better way: the way of humble service.
Humility gives us both the entrance to and the ability to stay in deep connection/intimate relationships.
We must prefer one another.
Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) [Let] nothing [be done] through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Good news: Jesus empowers us to accept/ prefer one another
Romans 12:10 (NKJV) Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
One step: Find a place to serve. Food Pantry?
Big Idea: Jesus’ blood removes every hindrance to connection .
(BETH)
HINDRANCE 3: RELIGION
Genesis 3:7 (NKJV) Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.
Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with God and his people through Jesus Christ.
Christianity is God reaching for man. False Religion is man trying to earn connection with God.
Good news: Jesus didn’t come to fix you, He came to LOVE you.
Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
One step: Build community, join a small group
Big Idea: Jesus’ blood removes every hindrance to connection .
(EDDIE)
HINDRANCE 4: SHAME
Genesis 3:8 (NIV) Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
In the South we say “shame on you”. Beth and I here to announce
SHAME OFF YOU !!!
Good news: Jesus’ blood destroys shame.
Romans 5:5 (NIV) And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
One step: Freedom small group
Big Idea: Jesus’ blood removes every hindrance to connection.
(BETH)
HINDRANCE 5: FEAR
Genesis 3:9-10 (NKJV) Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" [10] So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."
(Every form: panic, worry, anxiety, dread)
Good news: Jesus’ love cast out all fear.
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.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Big Idea: Jesus’ blood removes every hindrance to connection.
(EDDIE)
HINDRANCE 6: BLAME SHIFTING
Genesis 3:11-12 (NKJV) And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?" [12] Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.
Genesis 3:6b (NKJV) …she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
-he didn’t take any responsibility for standing there. He should have spoken up.
Blame shifting ties you and everyone around you up in bondage.
Good news: Jesus’ love sets us free.
2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV) Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
(Beth)
Conclusion: The Antidote to Barriers to Intimacy – Blood of Jesus
Genesis 3:21 (NKJV) Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.
-first blood sacrifice
John 1:29 (NKJV) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
-Lion and lamb
Big Idea: Jesus’ blood removes every hindrance to connection .
Accessing the Throne of Grace Series: #5 The Anointing of Grace
Accessing the Throne of Grace Series: #5 The Anointing of Grace
“Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. 4:16
This grace is the power of the Helper, the HOLY SPIRIT, the Anointing.
- The Anointing is in every born-again Christian – I John 2:20
- The Anointing is the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, “Helper”.
- You can yield, or grieve, or quench the Anointing.
Prior to the New Covenant the HS would light upon people to do supernatural things but then lift off afterwards.
Example: HS came upon King Saul, and he prophesied like prophets, but scripture says later HS left him and a demon spirit tormented him ( I Sam. 16:14).
David was Anointed to lead Israel but later prayed Psalm 51:11.
Samson had the Anointing but also lost it (Judges 16:11).
JESUS:
“I saw the SPIRIT come down from heaven as a dove and remain on HIM.” John 1:32
The dove was at home with JESUS. JESUS never grieved HIM away.
Today born-again believers have the HOLY SPIRIT!
JESUS said, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” “Remember I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The FATHER is in heaven seated on the throne.
JESUS is seated at the right hand of the FATHER.
HOLY SPIRIT is living in through born-again people now.
HE wants you to seat HIM on the throne of your heart now.
Your relationship with GOD today is via the HOLY SPIRIT.
How well do you know HOLY SPIRIT?
How can you get to know the HOLY SPIRIT?
1. HIS WORD – feed to discern how HE leads.
2. HIS Ways – discern when Anointing leads and lifts.
How spiritually mature are you? (the gap?)
How long does it take you to discern HS and obey HIS lead?
How long does it take you between sin and repentance?
Ill. Example: How long does it take you to admit you were wrong? How long does it take you to apologize? For some, hours, days, months or years?
HOLY SPIRIT flows like wind, water and oil.
PIC: Zech 4
Warning to Christians: “Do not grieve the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger . . . along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in CHRIST GOD forgave you.” Eph. 4:30-32
The chief way of grieving HS is by unforgiveness or bitterness which will cause the anointing to lift, because you will not yield to HIM.
But when the dove remains, you find grace to forgive and not throw up someone’s past. Like medicine you may have to take the rest of your life, so also is forgiveness, otherwise the anointing of grace lifts.
The moment the Anointing lifts, (due to grieving HS), the flesh pours in to take the lead!
With the Anointing you do what is unnaturally supernatural (SPIRIT).
Without the Anointing you do what is natural (flesh).
GOD will let us experience what life is like with HIM leading and what it is like without HIM leading.
GOD”S WORD tells us the things that GOD likes, compassion on people, forgiveness, mercy, love that reaches out to help. HE also tells us things HE hates, backbiting, gossip, slander, unforgiveness, grudges, pride, etc.
I think the sins of the church are far worse than sins of the world. The world sin without having the knowledge of GOD that we have for the most part. But the church sins in full awareness of GOD and that HE sees and hears all our conversations – yet we act like HE doesn’t.
“HE that planted the ear, shall HE not hear? HE that formed the eye, shall HE not see?” Psalm 94:8
Ill. One day a lover of GOD named JOB lost everything dear to him. He was grieving until his church friends showed up then things got worse.
“Why is GOD doing this to me?” – no answer is satisfactory to a grieving person at that moment.
Instead his church friends tried to get JOB to confess some sin because bad things don’t happen to godly people! This caused him more grief.
Job shifted to blame GOD. “This is not fair. GOD is not right to do this to me.” Then everything got quiet, and the LORD answered out of a whirlwind. HE did not answer Job’s questions or explain HIMSELF to JOB. Instead for 4 chapters GOD asked JOB questions that JOB did not know the answers to like:
Where were you when I formed the earth? Did you shut the sea with doors to stop from flooding the earth? Do you know where light comes from? Have you visited the storehouses of snow? Does the eagle soar at your command? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons? Will he who argues with the ALMIGHTY instruct HIM? Stand up like a man and I will ask you some questions!” Job 38-42 (GOD’S 77 questions).
Job humbles himself and repents and GOD restored everything that Satan stole from him.
Every time people see the glory of GOD they humble themselves
and repent:
- Job – Job 42:5
- Isaiah – Isaiah 6
- Abraham – Gen. 17
- Moses – Ex. 3
- Joshua – Josh. 5
Ill. I’ve heard people say things like, “When I get to heaven I am going to ask GOD why He let this or that happen. Why didn’t He intervene. But no one will be standing in line to ask GOD these questions. Finally we will see that GOD knows what HE is doing and fall on our faces and say, “GOD thank YOU that I did not ask that stupid question!”
Conclusion: ill. I’ve never seen GOD physically or heard HIM audibly. But I’ve had some wonderful times of experiencing HIS glory. Every time I fell on my face with repentance and humility and awe of HIM.
Eliminating Hurry! Message 4: Surrendering Control
Eliminating Hurry! Message 4: Surrendering Control
“Come to ME. Get away with ME and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Take MY yoke upon you - Walk with ME and work with ME – WATCH HOW I DO IT. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. KEEP COMPANY WITH ME and you will LEARN TO LIVE FREELY AND LIGHTLY.”
Mathew 11:28- 30 Paraphrased and Message Bible
Are we in an apprenticeship to JESUS?
“Walk with ME and work with Me. Watch how I do it. Keep company with Me and you will learn. . .”
Disciple – a person who has intentionally walks and works with JESUS to pattern his life after HIM.
An apprentice is someone under a master and in a position to learn a trade, and art, or a trade. An apprentice will make mistakes but will keep practicing to be able to master a skill.
Or are we our own boss and just checking in with HIM every so often?
Ill. Maybe you did not realize this but when you decided to follow JESUS and you called HIM LORD – that meant HE was your leader, boss, the head of your life from then on! You signed on as an apprentice to follow HIM! Many only signed on for the fire insurance and not for the LORDship of changing our life!
Looks look at the wording of this covenant in Romans 10:9-10:
“If you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS, and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
“ If you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS . . .”
- Confess – to agree and say the same thing as GOD says.
- LORD – Master, owner, King, the Authority over my life.
Most frightening verse in the Bible is Matthew 7:21:
“Not everyone who says to ME, ‘LORD, LORD,’ will enter the realm of heaven’s kingdom. It is only those who persist in doing the will of MY heavenly FATHER. On the day of judgment many will say to ME, ‘LORD, LORD, don’t YOU remember us? Didn’t we prophesy in YOUR name? Didn’t we cast out demons and do many miracles for the sake of YOUR name? But I will have to say to them, ‘Go away from ME, you lawless rebels! I’ve never been joined to you!” Matt. 7:21 TPT
“Fifty percent of people in the church are not born again.” Billy Graham
Paul writes in such a way to help us realize we are no longer the boss of our lives if we have made JESUS LORD.
“All things are lawful to me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything. Food is for the belly. . . Do you not know that your bodies are parts of CHRIST? . . . Do you not know that your body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT, who is in you . . . and that you are not your own. You were bought with a price. Therefore glorify GOD in your body and in your spirit, which are GOD’S.” I Cor. 6:12-20 MEV
“Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to GOD’S marvelous mercies? I encourage you to SURRENDER yourselves to GOD, to be HIS sacred (SUBMITTED), living SACRIFICES. And live in holiness (SEPARATION TO HIM), experiencing all that delights HIS heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.” Romans 12:1 TPT
These are daily practices for an apprentice to JESUS:
Surrender to GOD as your LORD = true worship
Submission to GOD = constant realigning
Separation to GOD = available for HIS purposes
Sacrificing to GOD = yielding control, denying self-rule.
ill. A personal area of struggle for me is yielding control to GOD. This has revealed some anger issues that I have.
Anger can be one manifestation of wanting control!
Wherever you have areas of struggle you should locate scriptures that deal with that issue and meditate with the LORD about it. HE wants to help! Here is my right now scripture I am meditating on to find help (grace) to help in my time of need in overcoming anger.
“My brothers and sisters, take this to heart: Be quick to listen but be slow to speak. And be slow to become angry, for human anger is NEVER a legitimate tool to promote GOD’S
righteous purposes.” James 1:19 TPT
Is it helping me? So far. But as an apprentice I know I will be tested many times. The goal is not memorized scripture. The goal is a supernatural change of heart that comes from the life-giving WORD of GOD.
Verse 21 of James 1:
“Instead with a sensitive spirit (meek) we absorb GOD’S Word,
Which has been implanted in our soul, FOR THE WORD OF LIFE HAS POWER TO CONTINUALLY DELIVER US.” James 1:21 TPT
What keeps our souls from not absorbing the WORD?
Ill. Absorb like a paper towel absorbs water. (Take dry and wet towels.)
If the paper towel is already full of absorbing something else then it will not be able to absorb more. If you are full of yourself, full of anger, full of rage or whatever – you will not be able to absorb GOD’S Word.
You can read it, but it is like water on a ducks back. It does you no good until you meditate upon it with HIM.
Just as a paper towel will not absorb water if it is already absorbed something else. We will not absorb GOD’S WORD if our soul has already absorbed something else!
“So this is why we abandon (throw out) everything morally impure”
(demonic activities – see Acts 19:19 for believers to clean house).
James 1:20 TPT
“And all forms of wicked conduct (evil excesses). Instead with a sensitive spirit (meek) we absorb GOD’S Word,
which has been implanted in our soul, FOR THE WORD OF LIFE HAS POWER TO CONTINUALLY DELIVER US.” James 1:21 TPT
“FOR THE WORD OF LIFE HAS POWER TO CONTINUALLY DELIVER US.”
Accessing the Throne of Grace Series
Accessing the Throne of Grace Series:
“Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Context:
1. “There remains a sabbath rest for the people of GOD.” Heb. 4:9
2. “Let us labor therefore to enter that rest, lest anyone fall by the same pattern of unbelief ( Old Testament Israel that died in the wilderness short of entering the promise land).” Heb. 4:11
Context:
3. “For the WORD of GOD is alive, and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit . . .” Heb. 4:12
4. “We have a High Priest (JESUS) Who sympathizes with our weaknesses . . .” Heb. 4:14
Summary: Our confidence to access to the throne of grace is based on;
1. There still remains a rest for believers to enter today!
2. This rest is not automatic – we must labor in faith for it.
3. The Word of GOD is what our faith rests in.
4. JESUS knows our weaknesses and sympathizes with us.
“Let us then (because of these things, as a result of these things)
- come with confidence (faith in Who GOD is and what HE says)
- to the throne (the absolute ruler and authority) of grace
- to receive mercy (JESUS sympathizes)
- and to find grace (ability from GOD)
- to help us in our time of need (in answering our prayer). Heb. 4:16
GOD wants us to come to HIM with confidence so that when we pray HIS will, we will find sustaining grace to help us in our time of need.
Ill. How many of you I have heard stories how when you moved here your house sold quickly and things happened so fast you were amazed. Why did that happen so quickly? Because you prayed in accordance with the WORD/will of GOD.
“This is the CONFIDENCE that we have in HIM, that if we ask anything according to HIS will, HE hears us. So if we know that HE hears whatever we ask, we know that we have whatever we asked of HIM.” I John 5:14-15
Prayer is not about getting our will done, but HIS will done on earth.
Our first priority is to find out what is GODS revealed will for us to pray concerning our situation.
The backstory: Abraham picked up Hagar and Egyptian when they wrongfully went to Egypt. Sarah is barren but gives Abraham this Egyptian woman as a wife to bear him a child. Sarah is despised by Hagar and Sarah treats her harshly so that Hagar runs away.
If we heard about the trouble between Sarah and Hagar how would we have prayed about this?
Hagar in her distress has an awesome encounter with GOD.
Wednesday night I asked people this question.
JESUS became real to me when . . .
Most answered in a time of crisis, when they had no-where to turn, or no-where to go. Hagar would answer this question today in the same way. Sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better!
The LORD appears to Hagar and tells her to return to submit to the authority of Sarah. Then the LORD tells her – your pregnant with a son and you will name him Ishmael because GOD has heard your affliction, your trouble, your burden.
Ishmael = GOD hears
Then GOD prophesies about Ishmael to Hagar about his destiny. He will be a wild man and his hand will be against every man. He will dwell in the presence of his brothers, or he will live in defiance of his half-brothers or away from them (JEWS and Arabs) – GOD is telling her that her son has a future.
She is so impacted by this encounter she called GOD
El- Roi – You are the GOD who sees me
Hagar can face the future and hard circumstances that may come by having confidence in the Word GOD told her.
Now 13 years have passed. Ishmael is now age 13 and Isaac is born to Sarah. At Isaacs circumcision ceremony Sarah hears Ishmael mocking Isaac. Sarah wanted Hagar and Ishmael to leave, and GOD told Abraham to listen to his wife. The son of the bond slave will not be heir with the son of promise. So in the morning Abraham did the hard thing and gave Hagar and Ishmael bread and water and she departed into the wilderness.
“When the water in the skin was gone, she placed the child under one of the shrubs. Then she went and sat down across from him at a bow shot, FOR SHE SAID TO HERSELF, “Let me not see the death of the child.” She sat across from him and lifted up her voice and wept. Gen. 21:15-16
She is expecting her son to die – but GOD expected her to believe HIS promise!
Sad difficult times!
Hagar believed in GOD, but in her difficult circumstances she was having trouble believing GOD.
And GOD heard the boy’s voice. Then the angel of the LORD called to Hagar out of heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you Hagar? Do not be afraid, for GOD HAS HEARD THE VOICE OF THE BOY WHERE HE IS. Arise pick up the boy and hold him in your hands, for I will make him a great nation.” Then GOD opened her eyes and she saw a well of water . . . GOD was with the boy, and he grew and became an archer and lived in the wilderness . . . Gen. 21:17-21
“Cast your burden to the LORD, and HE will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22
- Burden = an appointed thing from the LORD to you.
- Sustain = not take away the burden but give you grace to sustain you through it as part of your own journey to maturity.
Prophetic word for some who have wayward loved ones:
“Raise your weary head and refrain your voice from weeping. If GOD has made a promise to you then look with faith to the future. Hold that promise in your heart now. In GOD’S eyes it is already done.
Your loved one is a gift to you from GOD. Don’t allow the way they are acting or what they say to distract you or crush your faith. Refuse to accept the lie that there is no hope. GOD knows exactly where they are, and HE will deal with them. Release them to HIM. Stomp out the flames of fear with faith. Cast this burden on the LORD and sustaining grace will come to you today!
Eliminating Hurry Part 3
What has GOD done in your life this past week that you want to give HIM praise for?
Finish this sentence: JESUS became real when . . .
Eliminating Hurry Part 3
“Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”
Quote from JESUS in Matthew 6:34 TPT
“If there is a secret to happiness, it’s simple – be present in the moment we are now.”
“Worry is paying interests on trouble that is not due!”
“To walk with JESUS is to walk slow, unhurried pace. Hurry is the death of prayer and only impedes and spoils our work. It never advances it.” Walter Adams mentor to C.S. Lewis
Our digitally distracted life of speed is probably the greatest threat to our spiritual lives. Before the invention of the clock you went to bed with the moon, got up with the sun. There was a rhythm to life, seasons and the year. People today sleep 2 ½ hours less than people a century ago.
Ill. Just in my lifetime we have seen the death of the LORD’S day or Sunday sabbath. How many of you remember grocery stores, gas stations were closed on Sunday? You couldn’t buy beer on Sunday!
- In Israel my last time I loved how things started shutting down on Friday afternoons for Sabbath. It was done from a legalistic view, but it was so noticeable how quiet everything was on Saturday. It was almost as if you could the world take a deep breath and sigh. Today early Sunday mornings I hear lawn mowers, weed eaters. Our world has changed.
With internet, I-phones, Facebook, 24-hour television our attention span is dropping every year.
Humans Attention Span is dropping every year!
Year 2000 = 12 seconds
Today = 8.25 seconds a decrease of 25%!
A goldfish has an attention span of 9 seconds!
We are the most highly addictive generation that has ever existed.
Addicted to food, sugar, tv, internet, I-phones.
Ill. IF you think you are the exception to the rule then try this. Turn off your cell phone for just 24 hours – can you? Most say no because someone may need them etc.
- It’s easy to justify that our fast pace of digital life is normal – but is it? What is this lifestyle doing to our souls?
Ill. A story is told of a man who traveled to Africa. Intent on a fast trip he hired locals to carry his supplies. After one exhausting day of travel on foot and a restless night’s sleep he gets up to continue the journey. The locals he hired refused to move an inch. He yelled, he tried to bribe them, but nothing worked. Naturally he tried to understand why. Their answer: “We are waiting for our souls to catch up to our bodies.”
They knew how to listen to their bodies talking to them to slow down.
2 reminders for us:
1. We are created in the image of GOD
“GOD created man in HIS own image . . .” Gen. 1:27
- Potential to flourish and thrive and rule the world.
2. GOD created man out of dust.
“GOD formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life . . .” Gen. 2:7
- The original biodegradable containers – limited – finite – mortal.
JESUS said, “Come unto ME all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take MY YOKE UPON YOU and learn of ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For MY YOKE is easy and MY burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
This scripture is a template for us. Put your life up next to this and compare. If you are getting the same results – awesome.
But if instead you live with a simmering anxiety, mild depression, high levels of stress, emotional burnout, little or no sense of the presence of GOD – then something is off! Put on the brakes and live in this scripture until HS shows you what is wrong.
JESUS called people to become HIS disciple (become an apprentice). Be with HIM. Become like HIM. Do life the way HE does it. Model HIM. This is an invitation to a new way to carry life – a yoke to HIM.
Yoke = HIS way to balance or shoulder the weight of life that sometimes can become heavy and wearisome.
Another way JESUS taught and illustrated this was John 15.
JESUS and the vine.
“Abide in ME and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in Me.” John 15:5
A vine has to have something to hold it up its branches, or else it will die. It needs some kind of structure, a trellis so it can grow properly.
Your trellis is your disciplines you practice following JESUS.
Ill. Following JESUS is not just something you can do just by going to church on Sunday. Try that in your marriage!
Following JESUS has to make it into your daily schedule and practices, or it will never happen. A disciple practices certain disciplines he has learned from JESUS.
Ill. If you read biography of famous people you admire you look for things they did to become successful and maybe try to do them.
But if you read the gospels as the biography of JESUS successful life you see the things HE did and copy it. JESUS got up early in the morning to pray so maybe you do the same.
But JESUS never commands us wake up in the morning and have a quiet time, read your Bible, go to church, give your money.
Instead HE just does these things then says to people,
“Follow ME”
“If you’re tired of the way you’ve been doing it and want rest for your souls, take up the easy yoke, copy the details of My life.”
Series: Accessing the Throne of Grace
Series: Accessing the Throne of Grace
“Let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and FIND GRACE to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Today’s message: Part 3: Three postures of heart to access grace
Ill. Last week a visiting 4-year-old girl asked me after service what is the throne? I told her it is a picture GOD’S throne that is invisible but very real – like GOD who is invisible, kind of like air you are breathing now but you can’t see it.
“For he who comes to GOD must believe HE exists (though invisible) and that HE is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM.” Heb. 11:6b
Access to the throne of grace requires:
1. Faith like a child – believe without seeing.
JESUS called a little one to HIS side and said to them, “Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, and learn heaven’s kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in. Whoever continually humbles himself like this gentle child is the greatest one in heaven’s kingdom.” Matthew 18:2-4 TPT
Possible exercise: As you get older you can become less childlike in your faith. You become cynical, doubting. You know there is more, but your heart has been hurt, rejected, disappointed and it is hard for you to receive from GOD like a child like you use to.
GOD wants you to adopt the posture of a heart of a child – this will activate your faith.
Can you drop your guard and do something that might feel foolish? Take a deep breath. IF you can then physically do what I am about to tell you. If not at least imagine it.
Imagine JESUS before you saying, “Come here child.” Hold up your arms like you did when you were wanting your parent to pick you up. Fingers open and face towards sky.
Let Me pick you up and give you what your heart yearns for – the love of a Father Who adores you. Yes I do.
HE holds you. You feel shame and other things just fall off you.
You freely confess, “FATHER, I’ve doubted YOU. I believed I needed to protect myself and have not opened myself fully to YOU. I want to receive YOUR love into all these broken places in my heart now. I surrender to YOU – I surrender to love.
2. Fear of GOD = awareness of HIS Presence.
“When we don’t feel the need to pray, meditate on the WORD, or be in church, we have lost our fear of GOD.”
For leadership:
“When working for GOD becomes more important than our time alone with GOD, we have lost our fear of the LORD.”
“In America you can become a successful pastor and a failure as an apprentice to JESUS; you can gain a church and lose your own soul.” John Mark Comer
Access to the throne of grace requires:
1. Faith like a child – believe without seeing.
2. Fear of GOD = awareness of HIS Presence.
3. Humility that overcomes pride (the sin not one admits).
The Bible always lists pride with the worst of sins – “sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery . . . slander, pride.” Mark 7:21-22
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven are detestable to HIM: a proud look. . .” Proverbs 6:16 KJV
There is a good pride, where we need to take ourselves seriously.
There is a bad pride, taking ourselves too seriously.
ill. While attending Bible College we came back home for a break and attended our church we got married in. Talking to the pastor he must have spotted some pride in me because I never forgot this, “Let me give you some advice, don’t take yourself too seriously.”
I consider myself an apprentice to JESUS. Everyday life is my classroom. GOD has some projects for us that may not seem important but have valuable life lessons we must learn.
PIC: Karate kid and Mr. Myogi
Ill. Like Karate Kid movie. The kid gets beat up by bullies and saved by and little old man, Mr. Myogi. The boy asks the man to teach him martial arts. The man agrees the boy shows up for his first training day and is disappointed because he is to wash and wax his car slowly. IT seems there is no purpose, but there is a great purpose.
Big lessons come in small packages: Proverbs 30:24-28
1. The ant = diligence and preparation
2. The coney = hides from predators in rocks
3. The locust = cooperation w/o a leader
4. The lizard = small but gets into palaces,
also able to let go in order to go on in life.
PIC lizard w/o tail:
Whatever GOD assigns for you to do, HE wants you to FIND grace at HIS throne of grace to do it.
Grace is GOD’S unmerited favor, but also HIS ability, anointing, and power at work in our lives to do what HE assigns us to do.
“The grace of GOD has appeared to all men . . .” Titus 2:11
But not all men receive it. You have to humble yourself at the throne of grace to be able to find the grace you need.
But HE continues to pour out more and more grace upon us. For it says, “GOD resists you when you are proud but continually pours out grace when you are humble. So then submit yourself to GOD, resist the devil and he will flee.” James 4:6-7 TPT
“Let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and FIND GRACE to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
3 postures of heart necessary to access GOD’S throne of grace
1. Faith like a child
2. Fear of the LORD
3. Humility
Eliminating Hurry Part 2
Eliminating Hurry Part 2
Ill. Heard on news last week a huge decline in teens getting jobs for summer. Normally there is an increase of teens getting jobs for summer. Commentators sited it was dues to teens feeling too much anxiety/pressure. This younger generation can’t handle the pressure!
- Books sales have increased 25% on topic of anxiety.
According to Medical News Report, 1 in every 5 people suffer from some form of anxiety. A mild form of anxiety may be worry over something unreasonable to PTSD and OCD. This is just a sign of what is to come!
GOD told Daniel that in the end times things would speed up:
“Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Dan. 12:4
Ill. Many of you have wireless technology that your grandparents would have been amazed at. “Alexa, play this song, or lock the front door, turn on the security system, set the thermostat.”
- All this technology is slowing our lives down, but our hearts are speeding up. We are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, hurried.
The solution is not getting more time but learning how to be less hurried in our hearts.
JESUS was a Rabbi (Teacher) and modeled the way we are to live life. To follow HIM would mean you become HIS apprentice, live every day with HIM and learn how HE lived HIS perfect life.
“Come unto ME all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
“I rest, you rest, My rest you rest” Jon Jackson
“Take MY yoke upon you” = the beam of balance. A yoke to JESUS will slow you down to HIS pace.
PIC of scales:
This is learning process – to slow down and bearing HIS yoke is being aware of HIS PRESENCE – like before I speak to check with HIM. Before I do something to check with HIM. Does HE have a better way?
“Learn of ME” – learn by everyday practice of being led by ME.
We never become experts at hearing GOD or following the HS. We learn – we make mistakes – we try again.
Ill. JESUS told HIS disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they had been endued with power from on high – HS. We also do well to wait upon HS to lead us – before we speak, before we do something.
Rushing around is not anything you can do when you are yoked to JESUS!
4 practices for unhurrying your life:
1. Silence and solitude – personal retreat? A day to be unavailable from I-phone and email, messages?
- Quiet yourself in the inside – Psalm 46:10
2. Sabbath = to stop. Pause, rest, selah. Do not work 7 days a week! Give one whole day devoted to your relationship with GOD. Isaiah 58:13-14
3. Simplicity – downsize, clean out closets, garage. Clutter invites confusion.
4. Slowing - drive the speed limit in the slow lane. Make a complete stop at stop signs. Get to appointments 10 minutes early. Intentionally slow down your day.
Questions:
1. What do you think JESUS meant by taking HIS yoke upon you?
2. Why do you think JESUS always took HIS time?
3. What can you do to slow down?
Hurry is incompatible with LOVE
How does hurry and busyness rob me of the capacity to love like GOD?
“Love is patient” I Cor. 13
Hurry is incompatible with JOY
Hurry is incompatible with PEACE
Hurry is incompatible with Patience and all fruit of the SPIRIT.
Hurry and the issue of control are connected. Learning to let go of control will help you in eliminating hurry from your life.
Ill. Last week I told you about my encounter with God and HIM telling me,
“I am about to give you CPR (contentment, peace, and rest).”
Why “about to give me”? Why not now? Now it has been ten years later, and I believe it has to do with control.
Not able to receive it from HIM until I first learn to let go of control of some things.
Ill. For me one issue was control of the church due to previous hurt, betrayal, and disappointment from the previous church. This church was established with the pastor has the final say so on all matters. That was done to protect myself from betrayal and hurt again. But you can’t live that way – trying to protect yourself. You have to release this to GOD and let HIM lead you.
Ill. Same type if a woman has been betrayed and divorced – it is hard to trust a man again – but this is really an issue of letting go of control to GOD.
“As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to GOD, because HE was my friend.
But instead of leaving HIM in peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help, with ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried, “How can YOU be so slow?”
“My child,” HE said, “What could I do?
You never did let go.” By Tim Hansel
Ill. Fall is our favorite time of year because it illustrates the beauty and value of letting go. If the trees never let go of their leaves new growth would not be possible.
Sermon series: Accessing the Throne of Grace Finding Grace and Rest from the Promises
Sermon series: Accessing the Throne of Grace
Finding Grace and Rest from the Promises
“Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Finding grace at the throne of grace
1. Salvation grace – Ephesians 2:8-9 activated by faith.
2. Spirit-led grace – Romans 12:3 activated by faith.
Context is Hebrews 3-4.
A warning from a familiar example of unbelief:
“If you would only hear HIS voice this day! Don’t make GOD angry by hardening your hearts like your ancestors did in the days of their rebellion, when they tested ME in the wilderness . . . though they saw MY miracles for forty years they still doubted ME. . . I said, ‘They always wander in their hearts like they do with their feet, they refuse to learn MY ways . . . so I said they will never enter the calming rest of MY SPIRIT!” Heb. 3:7-11 TPT
A warning to us today:
“Be attentive, brothers lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart hiding in you. For it will lead you astray and make you unresponsive to the living GOD.” Heb. 3:12 MEV/TPT
Unbelieving about what?
A promise from GOD.
A promise from GOD is a summons to make an appearance somewhere ahead. It is HIS way of calling you into your inheritance.
Promise land = a place GOD called Israel to go by believing GOD’S promise and partnering with HIM.
You must rightly divide the WORD of GOD by the HOLY SPIRIT, or you could end up shipwrecked in your faith. For example: I have heard many parents of wayward children wrongly quote as a promise.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Ill. Seen many a parent of a wayward child worn down almost put themselves in an early grave by doing everything earthly possible, but that child still chooses wrong path.
You cannot guarantee the way your children will turn out! Someone in church will come along and beat that parent with this verse saying doesn’t the Bible promise this! No, that is a proverb, not a promise!
If you try to take proverbs and turn them into promises you will lose your faith or shipwreck your faith.
A proverb is a proverb.
A parable is a parable.
A prophecy is a prophecy.
A promise is a promise.
Most of the time when GOD gives us a promise there are conditions of our faith in order to activate it. Believe – trust – obey what HE says.
“Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by HIS Divine power. . . as a result of this He has given you magnificent promises so that through the power of these promises you can experience partnership with the Divine Nature.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 TPT
A promise from GOD is a live promise. It has self-fulfilling life with it!
Ill. Just as an acorn is a seed that has everything in it a tree needs. Inside that seed is a root system, bark, branches, sap, leaves and more acorns waiting just to be planted in good soil.
PIC of oak tree with root system showing here.
365 times the Bible tells us to fear not.
But Hebrews 4:1 tells us one thing we should fear!
“Since the promise of entering HIS rest still remains, let us fear lest any of you should come short of it. So we must be careful to embrace the fullness of that promise and not fail to experience it. For the gospel was preached to us as well as them. But the Word preached did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith in those who heard it. For those of us who believe, faith activates the promise, and we experience the realm of HIS rest.” Hebrews 4:1-3 TPT/MEV
Ill. Abraham is an example of a man taking a promise of GOD and entering GOD’S rest (surrender) until the promise was manifested.
“In spite of being nearly one hundred years old when the promise of a son was made, Abraham’s faith was so strong that it could not be undermined by the fact that he and Sarah were incapable of conceiving a child.” Romans 4:19 TPT
- In spite of facts what his body said. In spite of facts what the doctor would say. In spite of what the world would say “you’re crazy”.
Facts can change but truth (GOD’S promises) never change!
Ill. How many of you can testify that at one time the fact was you had cancer, or a death sentence pronounced over you? It was a fact, but GOD gave you a promise to hold onto.
In this life you and I are going to have some troubles, burdens, and some big challenges to face just like everyone else in the world. But the difference between person of faith and an unbeliever is to be so stark, so obvious that it would cause unbeliever to want what we have!
Xns may have some of the same issues as unbelievers:
Marriage problems, financial, wayward children, health challenges. But the difference is we are told where to go to get our help.
PIC of HEB. 4:16
“to help” = nautical term called “frapping”. To secure a sail that is getting away from you. To tie it down, secure it.
Ill. Facing a trial and your emotions are getting away from you. GOD will help you bring them back under your control.
“So this rest is still a live promise. It wasn’t canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn’t keep renewing the appointment for “today.” The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people. God himself is at rest. Let us labor to enter that place of rest, not drop out through some sort of unbelief or disobedience.” Heb. 4:8-11 Message
Concl: Recall a promise is a summons from GOD to appear at a certain place. HE is calling us into this SPIRIT led living like JESUS.
No hurry, no flurry and no worry. HE is calling us all to this place of HIS throne of grace to find grace and enter HIS rest about our issues today. This is for today. Will you access the throne of grace today. Will require humility – honesty – faith. It’s up to you.
Becoming GOD’S Resting Child Psalm 131
Becoming GOD’S Resting Child Psalm 131
“A song of the stairway”
The subscript in the passion translation bible indicates.
PIC: life incline up or down
Context: written by David when running from Saul.
This is one of the shortest psalms to read but one of the longest to learn. It speaks of the process of maturing in GOD. HE has a plan of maturing for each of us. HIS goal is that we become HIS resting child.
Taken from the Passion translation:
LORD, my heart is meek before YOU. Psalm 131:1
(Question: IS MY HEART MEEK BEFORE GOD? How would I know?)
This stairway upward to the life GOD has for us starts when we reach this place in our heart being meek before GOD.
MEEKNESS is the fruit of the SPIRIT resulting in a quiet trusting heart from walking with GOD. (Gentle, flexible, trusting).
1st man described as meek was Moses – a man with anger issues!
Righteous anger is directed at an issue – JESUS cleanses Temple.
Unrighteous anger is directed at a person – Moses anger at people.
- JESUS described HIMSELF as meek – Matt. 11:29
David said, LORD, my heart is meek before YOU.
David was not naturally meek, born that way. No one is. He had to go through GOD’S maturity school of trials to become this way.
What is GOD’S process of making our hearts meek before HIM?
In JESUS’ sermon on mount HE teaches us GOD’S process of attitudes of the heart that HE wants in us for us to be able to live the best life possible.
GOD’S 3 step process to meekness in Matthew 5:3-5:
1. Poor in spirit = totally dependent upon GOD owning nothing.
- Resulting in inheriting heaven’s kingdom.
2. Mourn = Greek word almost identical to word wait.
- Resulting in comfort by seeing what you long for.
3. Meekness – gentle, flexible, surrendered before GOD.
- Resulting in inheriting the earth.
PIC of saying: When you leave everything in GOD’S hands:
How do you know when your heart is meek before GOD?
Ill. I remember at FBC FP when the church was dividing. I resigned because I believe GOD told me to. But to others it looked like I was quitting getting beat.
PIC:
A meek heart before GOD is both teachable and leadable, and flexible to the leading of the Holy SPIRIT.
Ill. Abraham had to have a meek heart before GOD to receive instructions to go to a land that I will show you – w/o details.
- How do you explain this is your wife? Where are we going? I have to know so I can pack the right clothes.
ill. Paul and Silas had to have meek hearts before GOD when the HS forbid them to go into Asia without any explanation.
Ill. Our wedding anniversary is 9-11. Our 25th was 9-11 when the towers were attacked. For months in advance of this we were trying to plan a trip to NYC with friends but were getting frustrated that things were not working out for this to happen. We tried everything and it was not working out. Finally we went to Gatlinburg and then saw on tv the devastation and could see GOD’S hand had been preventing us even in our stubbornness to try to force it happen.
JESUS modeled meekness: the SPIRIT-led life for us!
“I only do what I see the FATHER doing.”
Ill. JESUS tried to explain this mystery to Nicodemus.
“You all must be born of the SPIRIT from above. For the SPIRIT blows (breathes) as it chooses. Like the wind, you can hear its sound, but you don’t understand where it came from or where it is going. So it is in the hearts of those who are SPIRIT-BORN.” John 3:7-8 TPT and paraphrased
Since our Spiritual birth is so mysterious, how much more will a life of living by the SPIRIT be mysterious to us?
Did you know you cannot hear GOD speaking to you from HIS WORD unless your heart is meek before HIM?
“. . . receive with meekness the implanted WORD, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:19
TEACHABLE – FLEXIBLE – LEADABLE
LORD, my heart is meek before YOU.
I do not consider myself better than others.
I am content not to pursue mysteries that are over my head
Such as YOUR complex mysteries and wonders – that I am not yet ready to understand. Psalm 131:1
I am humbled and quieted in YOUR Presence.
Like a contented (weaned) child who rests on its mother’s lap.
I’m YOUR resting child and my soul is content in YOU. Psalm 131:2
Ill. A child feels safe and secure and content around its mother. If it cannot see its mother it may become fearful. Children feel insecure that is why weaning a child from the breast to a bottle or a cup is a process of building trust.
Sign of a weaned child is when the child can rest peacefully on its mothers’ lap without the comfort of getting the breast like he use to get.
Maturing is having rest and peace without needing comfort from anything other than GOD’S Presence.
GOD’S GOAL FOR YOUR LIFE:
“I am YOUR resting child, and my soul is content in YOU.” Verse 2c
CONCL: Today you are hearing the voice of the HS through this message about a place GOD want to take your life. HE has been after you about this for years. Today HE wants you to decide to trust HIM and turn over the rest of your life to HIM and let HIM lead you the rest of the way. Will you?
O people of GOD, your time has come To quietly trust, waiting upon the LORD
Now and forever. Psalm 131:3 TPT
Becoming GOD’S resting child – Psalm 131 TPT
The Woman God Sees:Surrendered Mirrors
The Woman God Sees:Surrendered Mirrors
Have you ever wondered if God sees you….if He even knows you and sees what is going on in your life? Today we will see in Scripture what God desires to see in us. (All women should have a mirror)
In the book of Genesis 16:1-16 we read the story about Hagar, who was purchased in Egypt to serve Abraham’s wife, Sarah. She is also the one that Sarah gave to Abraham to have a child for her since she was barren. When Hagar became pregnant she flaunted it before Sarah, so Sarah treated her so harshly that she fled into the wilderness. The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness. The angel of the Lord told her to return to her mistress and submit herself to her authority. He also told her that He would multiply her descendants exceedingly. Then the angel of the Lord told her she was pregnant and would bear a son and that she would name him Ismael. Now read Gen.16:13 MEV (overhead)
Then she called the name of the Lord that spoke to her “You are the God who sees,” for she said, “Have I now looked on Him who sees me?”
Now visualize with your imagination what the wilderness tabernacle looked like. I know we have a picture but visual this was a huge tent in the desert. On the overhead we see the picture of the tabernacle. There is an altar of incense, a lamp stand, altar of burnt offering and a bronze laver. Show pics
The bronze laver was a giant basin made of bronze and filled with water. Show pic of bronze laver
All the furnishings had specific measurements and details given except for the laver. God did not communicate the laver size.
We read in the OT that priests could not enter into the tent without first washing at the laver. God specifically placed it at the entrance of the Holy Place to keep the priests from going in with dirt from the desert and to keep the priests from going in with dirt from the desert and from the sin in their own lives. The soil wasn’t just dirt from the desert but the pollution of their attitudes, thoughts, unkind remarks and so on. Much like ours today…..
In the NT today we don’t have to wash in a laver but Ephesians 5:26 says to be holy and clean, washed by the cleansing water of the Word! God’s Word alone is the detergent for the dirt in our lives. (overhead)
Now let’s focus on the laver itself…. Ex. 38:8 NIV says, “They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who had served at the entrance of meeting.” (overhead)
Now this is interesting…..women served at the entrance to the temple. This is OT…..yes, God used women then in the Tabernacle and He wants to use each of us today. Women throughout the Bible served God in many ways. You are very useful in His kingdom.
The Israelite women that had been set free from Pharaoh, donated their brass mirrors to be used in the making of this brass laver used in the tabernacle. This would have been a special treasure to women to have a mirror that they could see their reflection in, to fix their hair or makeup (yes, they had makeup).
The point to note here is that this laver was made from the “surrendered mirrors” of the women. These mirrors were brought up from Egypt as some to their treasures of redemption.
Redemption=the action of regaining or gaining possession of something (overhead)
What was that something they had regained? FREEDOM FROM THE SLAVERY OF EGYPT
Life Lesson #1 (overhead)
Through their willingness to donate their mirrors…God was teaching the women the necessity of surrendering their images of themselves to Him, in order for Him to remake them into the proper reflection of His image. (overhead)
Usually the thing we treasure is what we see in the mirror, ourselves. We love our flesh, the products of the work of our hand, our clothes, our friends and even our reputation.
But a poor self-image is just as bad!
Now let’s think about these women for a minute…
They were slaves….as a slave, many were probably raped, molested in some way, abused with beatings etc.
Because of this, they more than likely formed an image of themselves that was not God’s image of them.
Maybe some of you have been raped. I believe they say that about 50% of women in the church have been. Maybe you were molested as a child or even older. Maybe you have been abused by beatings, told you were stupid, ugly and other things. Maybe you have had an abortion. The enemy will use ALL these things to cause us to have a distorted image of ourselves.
Question: are you willing to surrender your mirror (the image of yourself to be free from the slavery of that image) (overhead)
Let’s use our imagination for a minute…..
Imagine with me that the priest is up early on a beautiful sunny morning and he is going through his daily routine to perform his priestly duties. As he walks along he thanks God for the day and he enters the tabernacle wall through the colorful gate. (overhead picture of colorful gate)
This gate was made of blue, purple and scarlet fabric woven into the white linen.
This gate is very significant…..it is a wide gate and was the only way into the Court, and represents Jesus who said of Himself,”I am the door, whoever enters through Me, will be saved. John 10:9 NIV (overhead)
Also in John 14:6, Jesus says, “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”(overhead)
Just like they had to enter the gate and go past the brazen altar (where sacrifices were made) which only covered their sin….it represented the perfect sacrifice of Jesus that was to come.
The priest would offer a sacrifice on the altar for his sins and the people’s sin. Then he would move toward the bronze laver to do the ceremonial washing he is required to do. (Remember what the laver is made of)
Imagine the sun is shining brightly as he stands at the laver to wash. He catches a reflection of himself. While he is looking at himself he is probably contemplating his own appearance and assessing his own abilities.
While we are looking at ourselves in the mirror, what is our focus? Ourselves, of course!
Someone once said, “Self is so subtle, so cunning that it would do anything for attention. Self would rather be anything but ignored. It would rather be loved and desires to be noticed.” (overhead)
Let’s go back to the priest as he looks into the laver. As he sees his reflection, God reminds him to cleanse himself.
Life Lesson #2 (overhead)
I believe God still reminds us today to cleanse ourselves of ourselves and focus on Him and how He sees us. (overhead)
I would say this would be like denying ourselves so we could enter into the holy place of living with God supernaturally.
II Corinthians 3:18:
But we all, with open face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (overhead)
Isn’t that the goal for all of us, to be changed into His image….to reflect the glory of Jesus in us.
Hopefully, each woman has a mirror that was given as you entered.
Now look at yourself in the mirror. Many times what we see is only a mask we have hidden behind and not the real you. We can deceive ourselves. By gazing into the laver of God’s Word, your old mask will be washed away. You may groan at the weaknesses when they are revealed, but through the cleansing, the reflection of Jesus can be uncovered. God wants His image to shine through you but your image of yourself, whether poor self-image or proud self-image, will have to be surrendered first.
Tell story of traveling and vision of woman with beautiful face and then pulling off a mask.
(Things are not always as they appear.)
Invitation:
Let’s bow our heads and have a time asking the Lord what image He wants you to be cleansed of today. Allow yourself to be stripped and washed clean. Maybe washed of guilt from something in the past, maybe failure to do or not do something, maybe an addiction to anything, maybe anger, unbelief……whatever it is, even some prideful thing you have clung to for your sense of self-worth…ask God to show you something then open your eyes in FAITH expecting Him to do just that. When you feel you are ready to completely release your image for God’s image, then get up and come to the front and surrender your image.
Pray: Thank You Lord that we do not have to go to the wilderness tabernacle for the priest to offer sacrifices for us but our hearts can be the tabernacle where we offer ourselves to You. May we surrender our image of ourself to you and become the image of Jesus our Savior to the world.
Numbers 11 and 12 in the Bible
Numbers 11 and 12 in the Bible
Tonight will be last teaching on numbers in the Bible.
11 represents disorder, incompleteness of government.
In Gen. 32:22 we read of the eleven sons of Jacob.
Ill. Remember Jacob had 12 sons but eleven of them turned on and betrayed Joseph sold him as a slave and lied to their father about his death.
Joseph spent 11 years in Potiphar’s house (Gen. 37:9).
Veterans Day (Remembrance Day) is always 11-11.
World War 1 ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
(we suffered such loss from the disorder of war and now we are incomplete – we’ve lost the people who were with us.
In Acts 1:26 the eleven apostles realized they were incomplete in their testimony and needed to add a twelfth.
Eleven is associated with urgency. The phrase “it’s the eleventh hour” suggests that time is running out because the clock only goes to twelve.
Samson is an example of disorder and number eleven:
He lost everything because he would not put GOD and his calling first. Delilah betrayed him for eleven hundred pieces of silver!
It was 11-22-63 that USA began to disintegrate by taking prayer and the Bible out of schools. Madelyn Murray O’Hare.
Assassination of President Kennedy – Nov. 22, 1963 (11 X 2).
Ill. In 1980’s government set up the 9-1-1 emergency system in US.
Interesting we all knew what 9-1-1 meant before 9-11 ever happened!
Think about this. How many of you know what December 7 is remembered for? Pearl Harbor on December 7. WE don’t refer to that date as 12-7 but we all refer to September 11 as “9-11”.
9 = Judgment and 11 = Disorder
Facts about September 11: Coincidence or GOD incidence?
After September 11th there are 111 days left in the year.
The first place to hit the towers was Flight 11.
Flight 11 had 92 on board (9 + 2 = 11).
Flight 11 had eleven crew members (2 pilots, 9 stewardesses).
Twin Towers standing side by side look like number 11.
The first fire unit to arrive at the towers lost 11 firemen.
New York City has 11 letters.
Afghanistan has 11 letters.
“The Pentagon” has 11 letters.
Ill. Exactly one year to the day after 9-11 the New York lottery had a bizarre thing happen. The ping pong balls that randomly reveal the winning 3 numbers were – you guessed it 9 -1 – 1.
Christopher M. Rump a professor who studies probability at Univ. of Buffalo said, “there was a one in 1,000 chance for that to happen!”
When GOD is preaching using number 11, HE is usually telling us we are out of order and not submitted to HIM.
NUMBER 12 – Perfect Government = GOD is in charge of something.
Twelve tribes of Israel. JESUS had twelve disciples.
New Jerusalem city has 12 gates and 12 foundations.
It is 12,000 furlongs, wall is 144 (12 x12) cubits. (Rev. 21)
144k Jewish Evangelist in Rev. 14.
Ill. This is why JESUS rebuked Peter for pulling a sword and cutting off the ear of the High Priest. HE declared that HE could call on 12 legions of angels if HE wanted to stop the people from arresting HIM.
“Don’t you realize I could ask MY FATHER for angels to deliver Me? Instantly HE would answer ME by sending twelve legions of angels. Matthew 26:53
Legion = 6k army. 12 legions = 72k angels.
Remember one angel obliterated a 185k army of men in one night.
See Isaiah 37:36
The first recorded words of JESUS were at age 12.
12 baskets left over from feeding 5k.
Moses sent our 12 spies.
There are 12 months in a year because GOD rules over every year.
60 minutes in an hour (12 x 5).
24 times zones. (More if count International Date Line).
24 elders around GOD’S throne.
The word “Savior” is used 24 times in the Bible.
GOD preaches through the number 12 when HE has a message about something to do with perfect government.
Finding GOD’S throne of Grace: series Hebrews 4:16
Finding GOD’S throne of Grace: series Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then come boldly (confidently) to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. 4:16
Context is Heb. 3 the example of OT Israel that saw all the miracles of GOD yet died in the wilderness short of the promised land that GOD gave them.
Ill. Journal 5-4-23. Pouring out from GOD’S Throne like stairs is waves and waves of mercy to great you.
HE alone understands you and your struggles. JESUS is so kind and sympathetic High Priest that HE sends out waves of mercy to great you. Like the prodigal son the very moment you decide to return to the FATHER you look down and waves of mercy are already washing your feet like waves rolling upon the shore at the beach.
Context of this throne is Chapter 3-4 of Hebrews, which is a warning to us who have been given the promises of entering GOD’S rest – that we should fear we come short of it.
“Therefore, since the promise of entering HIS rest remains, let us fear lest any of you should seem to come short of it.” Heb. 4:1
- All through Bible GOD tells us to fear not.
- Only here HE tells us to fear one thing.
“We who have believed have entered this rest.” Heb. 4:3
- This is salvation rest we are born again
“Those who first heard of the good news of deliverance failed to enter faith’s rest because of their unbelieving hearts. Yet we still have the opportunity to enter the promise of the faith rest life. There still remains another special sabbath type rest for the people of GOD.” Hebrews 4:6,9 TPT
Salvation rest – when you are born again.
Spirit- led rest – when GOD is enthroned above all and your life is marked by surrender, submission, sacrifice to HIM.
NOTE: the people of GOD have salvation rest but there remains a special rest for us to obtain.
Ill. This is what I have been looking for all my life. After I got saved I had peace with GOD and salvation rest. But I knew there was more to this life than just knowing you are going to heaven when you die.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed.
We are perplexed, but not in despair.
Persecuted, but not forsaken,
Cast down, but not destroyed. . . for our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things seen, but at the things not seen.” 2 Cor. 4:8,9, 17-18.
“Shaken but not stirred.” Quote from OO7
See Hebrews 4:16 from the Passion translation Bible:
“So now we come freely and boldly to where LOVE is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and find grace we urgently need to help us in our time of weakness.” Heb. 4:16 TPT
How do you know you are at GOD’S throne of grace?
1. You are surprised to find waves of mercy washing your feet, washing away guilt, condemnation, shame, regret from you so you can begin to see GOD clearly.
2. You spontaneously begin to worship and enthrone GOD because you finally see Him as HE really is.
3. You are empowered by grace to do anything HE says regardless of the cost or humiliation to you.
You find grace to reconcile with someone.
You find grace to let go of things GOD tells you.
Grace to start moving in the direction HE tells you.
Bring GOD your crushing burdens and find sustaining grace.
“Cast your burdens to the LORD and measureless grace
will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22
Cast = to throw, fling off, hurl.
First use is Gen. 21:15
3 examples of people finding the throne of grace:
1. Hagar and Ishmael – ill. Set up the story.
They wandered in the wilderness. When their water was gone she cast the child under one of the shrubs. She went a little farther and said to herself, “Let me not see the death of the child.” and lifted up her voice and wept. And GOD heard the boy’s voice. Gen. 21:15
Then the angel of GOD said to Hagar, “What is the matter with you Hagar? Don’t be afraid, GOD has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Pick up the boy for I will make a great nation of him.” THEN GOD opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. Gen. 21:17-19
2. Rich young ruler – he didn’t find grace – LOVE was not enthroned, no surrender, submission, or sacrifice.
3. Zacchaeus – lived a self-dominating life. But when he enthroned LOVE he repented and voluntarily made things right with others.
See Luke 19:8.
Most people today don’t seem to quickly humble themselves and be star struck with JESUS as Zacchaeus was.
It seems that most today have to get to the point of breaking before they will humble themselves to come to the throne of grace. So GOD waits for us to learn - that trying to live our lives without HIM will cause our burdens to eventually crush us.
Concl:
The Throne of grace is available to everyone – it is invisible.
- Faith is necessary to get to the throne of grace.
- Humility is the approach to the throne of grace.
- Mercy is freely given at the throne of grace.
- Grace must be found – the ability from GOD.
- Rest will be entered – step into it.
GOD’S Math Number 10
GOD’S Math Number 10
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
When GOD uses numbers it is convey a special meaning associated with the number. For example: Book of numbers.
Ill. JESUS resurrected appears on the beach after disciples fished all night and caught nothing. Suddenly a strange man appears on the beach and yells “Children, have you caught any fish?” no. “throw the net on the right side and you will find some!” They did and John 21:11 records Peter dragged the net full of 153 large fish.
If the LORD supplies a miracle then HE also supplies the ability to receive it. 300 – 600 lbs. show the strength of Peter.
Joshua 6:15 walk around Jericho 7 days and on 7th day 7 times.
40 days it rained on earth – flood of Noah.
Moses spent 40 days twice alone with GOD.
JESUS tempted 40 days .
For example:
1 is the number for GOD: Deut. 6:4 Shema
2 is the number for faithful witness or testimony- Jn 8:17
3 is the number for divine completion: Trinity
4 is the number for the earth.
5 is the number for grace: David 5 stones
6 is the number for man – created on 6th day.
7 completion. Week. 7 feasts. 7 Spirits of GOD.
8 new beginnings. 7 is the completion and 8 is new.
9 is completion of judgment. 9th hour JESUS on cross.
10 is GOD’S number for setting things up for HIS purposes.
A divine ordering of things to happen. GOD governing.
The number 10 is used 242 times in the Bible making it one of the most used numbers in the bible.
JESUS’ parables of ten talents and ten virgins.
When GOD wants to start something new HE uses number ten.
Ill. Pharoah thought he was god over the Israelites. GOD used ten plagues to show him that GOD has a divine order for things to happen.
10 plagues on Egypt and Egyptian gods:
1. Water to blood – god of water Hapi
2. Frogs – goddess fertility w/head of frog.
3. Lice – god of dust of the earth.
4. Flies – god with head of a fly.
5. Death of cattle – goddess of protection.
6. Boils – goddess of medicine.
7. Hail – goddess of the sky.
8. Locust from sky – god of sky
9. 3 days darkness – god of the sun
10. Death firstborn – Pharaoh as a god.
Ten times GOD hardened Pharoah’s heart.
“Because all those men seeing My glory and My signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness and have tempted ME now these ten times . . . they will not see the promise land.” Numbers 14:22-23
it is recorded the ten times Israel tempted GOD while in the wilderness.
GOD gave Israel 10 commandments – in Exodus 20 divine order.
JEWS know there are 613 laws in the Torah (teaching, instruction).
Ill. Interesting to know there are 613 seeds in a pomegranate.
PIC:
“Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them." (Ex 28:35)
- Bells remind the priests of the presence of GOD with him.
- Pomegranates – abundance of fruitfulness GOD will bring.
Ill. Interesting to note that Nazareth in the days when JESUS was growing up was a place of pomegranate orchards. They still make wine from the pomegranates there.
Noah was the tenth generation from Adam when GOD destroyed the world and started over with a new divine order.
GOD established the Tithe (10) as belonging to the LORD.
GOD gave us 10 fingers – HE has works for you to do. Goliath 6.
GOD gave us 10 toes – HE has a walk for you to walk.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23
In the Last days the Antichrist’s world power is composed of ten kingdoms, symbolized by ten toes on the feet of the image of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2:41. Later Daniel has a vision of ten horns on a beast.
In Matthew 25 JESUS teaches the parable of the ten virgins.
5 wise and 5 foolish and not ready. 50% of people?
“Five of them were wise and five of them were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them. But the wise took jars of oil with them.” Matt. 25:2-4
Ill. None of us know how long it will be before the 2nd coming. But by not bringing extra oil they were putting a time limit on the LORD or presuming they knew when HE would return.
Point: We must be willing to go on as long as the LORD wants us to go on. Don’t let me stop short or quit too soon or put on limit on how far I will go with GOD. We often want to quit too soon before HE is finished with us. Help me not to presume upon YOU LORD. Help me finish well.
Finally in Romans 8:38-39 proclaims the security of a true child of GOD and the confidence we are to have in HIM:
“For I am persuaded that neither
1. Death
2. Life
3. Angels
4. Principalities
5. Powers
6. Things present
7. Things to come
8. Nor height
9. Nor depth
10. Nor any other creature,
Shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.” Romans 8:38-39
10 is GOD’S number for setting things up for HIS purposes.
A divine ordering of things to happen. GOD governing.
Concl: If you see number 10 a lot it could be GOD letting you know that He is governing things according to HIS order how they have to happen.