Simeon Blesses Jesus

Simeon Blesses Jesus So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word. (Luke 2:27-29) Simeon was led by God to come to the Temple at that moment. AND he recognised Jesus as The Messiah. I have seen what I have been waiting for, now I can die.

What God says will happen - will happen.

What God says will happen - will happen. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:25-26) The Consolation of Israel was a name the Jews gave to The Messiah. Simeon was anointed for a purpose, you are anointed for a purpose. When God reveals something to you - it will come to pass. Simeon cannot die until Jesus, the Messiah is revealed.

After Jesus was born, what happened next in His life?

After Jesus was born, what happened next in His life?

Luke 2:21-22 tells us:

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.

Circumcision was traditionally on the eighth day.

A Rabbi from Bethlehem would have carried it out.

The mother of a son was considered unclean for 40 days so she couldn’t go anywhere.

She could not even come to the Temple until the 41st day.

Bethlehem to Jerusalem is 5.5 miles, quite a distance to walk.

They were keen to do everything according to the Law.

So 41 days after his birth Jesus is in Jerusalem.

What happened there was amazing.

Jesus Is Born.

Jesus Is Born.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)

The most publicised birth ever - Jesus Christ our Saviour.

For thousands of years He was expected, now He is born.

This is what we have just celebrated, Jesus Birthday.

Remember too that Jesus had to be born in a stable because there was no room because of the Census.

Not because they were poor.

The Presence of The Anointed One

The Presence of The Anointed One.

In Luke 1:35-41 The Angel tells Mary that Holy Spirit will cause her to conceive. And that her cousin Elizabeth is six months pregnant, who was once called barren.

Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist.

Shortly afterwards, Mary goes to visit Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, she is filled with the Holy Spirit and John in her womb leaps.

Mary visited Elizabeth before John was born, so Mary was less than three months pregnant.

At thirteen weeks gestation, the baby in Elizabeth's womb recognised the presence of His Saviour in Mary's womb.

Some say that a baby is not a person until it is born - untrue.

The Baby’s Name.

The Baby’s Name. Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. (Luke 1:30-31) We are not surprised that the angel had to say - don't be afraid. Mary found favour by her character and her obedience. Now we know the baby's name - Jesus. Jesus means - Jehovah is Salvation, a word describing His divinity. So celebrate that Name today.

Place of Birth.

Place of Birth. But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting. (Micah 5:2) Now we know where this baby will be born, in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means - House of Bread. Remember Jesus said He was The Bread of Life. Again we are told that He will be a ruler in Israel for Father God. Again we are told that this Child is eternal, from everlasting.

Born to be King

Born to be King.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

This is to be a very special child Who will change the world.

His rule and His peace are eternal for those who will receive it.

He will also be called Mighty God, and His throne is forever.

He is The Everlasting Father - Jesus said “I and The Father are One”.

He is the Prince of Peace - “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men”.

Born of a Virgin

Born of a Virgin.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

The virgin birth is established by this word that confirms Genesis 3:15.

This is a sign that God Himself is involved.

Immanuel means - God with us.

Does this mean that this child will be God?

A Baby Is Coming.

A Baby Is Coming. When parents are expecting a baby, they are excited, tell everyone. When the date is due, they have many things ready for their child. When the baby is born, everyone celebrates. Each baby brings love into the family. Sometimes we notice before the Mum makes the announcement. But no parents get more than nine months notice of the birth. With Jesus it was different. In Genesis 3:14-15 God is speaking to Satan about his future. For the enmity to be with “Her Seed” means that there is no man involved. God prophesies a Virgin Birth, sometime, somewhere.

I Am The Living Water

9. I Am The Living Water (Water) John 4:13-15 Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw." 10. I am the Bread of Life (Food) John 6:32-35 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always." And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. Joh 6:41 The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven." John 6:48-51 "I am the bread of life. "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. "This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." The Israelites had just escaped from slavery and suffering in Egypt. They weren't focusing on their freedom. Instead, they were complaining about being hungry. Apparently, they could trust God enough to walk through a Sea and to provide water from a rock, but were not convinced God would continue to provide for them. Jesus is our provider.

I am the Truth

6. I am the Truth (Location)

We can tell lies, we can tell truths Jesus is Truth

John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 8:32

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Keeping in mind that Jesus is Truth, and Truth is Jesus,

(We can know Jesus, and Jesus can set us free. He offers us the truth about life and death, the truth about Satan, the truth about ourselves, the truth about all we need to know. That truth can free us from our sin and free us to live the lives God intended for us to live!)

Don’t start talking the language of the Devil. Lies.

7. I am the Life  (Location)

Jesus distinguishes between life and death.

We celebrate people lives in many ways, at Weddings, Birthdays and Baptisms

Memorable birthday.  50th.

Some people are the life soul of the Party.  Without Jesus what life would we have.

Having his life is why we are here. We have a job to do and we need his life to do it.

8. I am the Vine (Location)

John 15:5

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

We must produce fruit. We will bear much fruit if we remain in the vine.

The Vine is Jesus we are the branches and Father God is the Gardner.

 Let's talk a little bit about "remaining in Jesus.". Some versions say, "Abide in," some say, "Live in," some say, "Dwell in…" Any ideas now that you've heard those words? (Spend time with; be together with; recognize Him as our constant Companion; follow Him; lean into Him when trouble comes; do what He encourages you to do.)

I am the Way.

5. I am the Way. (Location)

John 14:6-9

 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."

Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us."

Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Driving to Church this morning you could have taken many ways

According to this verse, what is Jesus talking about? What is He the Way to? Also according to this verse, what is another way someone could take? What's the difference between saying, "I am the way…" or "I am a way?" (The way implies there isn't any other. A way implies there might be other options available.) Earlier we talked about a way to drive to your house or a way to scramble an egg. Can you think of something where there might only be one way to do something? (Math problems: 2+2 is always 4.)

There is only one way to answer the question how do you get to heaven.

I am the Light of the World

I am the Light of the World (Location) John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me I’ll not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Jesus has dramatically called people to come to him for God's living water (7:37-38) and the bread of life.now he again ver 12 refers to himself in a most startling way, saying, I am the light of the world (v. 12). This claim, like the claim to give living water, also corresponds to events at this feast. A lamp-lighting ceremony took place in the temple every evening of the feast, during which large lamps were set up in the Court of Women. The lamps' light, it was said, filled every courtyard in the city. In the light of these lamps there was great singing and dancing all evening in celebration of God's salvation, especially his deliverance at the exodus as he lead his people with his presence in a pillar of fire by night. In the sight of these great lamps in the Court of Women. perhaps even in the evening while they blazed, Jesus proclaims himself to be the light of the world. What about us Matt 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. We must not hide that light under a bushel or in a church building. We must let it shine. How will people see that light? Through our good works. We will never walk in darkness if we follow him. House Light is artificial light – Jesus is true Light. Remember, walking in the light isn't always a painless process. How would you feel if someone turned on a super bright flashlight in your room at 3 a.m. and shined it in your eyes while you were trying to sleep? I'm guessing you'd be a little uncomfortable, wouldn't you? Sometimes that's how our lives might feel while we turn from darkness and walk in the light. Remember, the Lord promises that walking in this way will lead to life! So, it's definitely worth it!

I am the Good Shepherd

I am the Good Shepherd 2. I am the Good Shepherd (Protection) Jesus as the Good Shepherd , Protects, saves, and Guides What do you learn about the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep? (They know one another.) What do you learn about how much the shepherd cares for the sheep? (He lays down his life for the sheep.) For what reasons might a shepherd have to lay down his life for his sheep? (To protect against wild animals; descending steep cliffs to rescue them, etc.) How does Jesus literally do this for each one of us? (He died for us on the cross!) Read Psalm 23 to see how much he protects us. 3. I am The Resurrection and Life. (Protection) John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. Jesus didn't just say He was the resurrection and the life; He backed it up with action! What did He do? (Raised Lazarus from the dead.) What was the peoples' response? Read verses 45-46. (Many of the Jews who were visiting that day put their faith in Him; some told the Pharisees about it. The Pharisees called a meeting with the whole Sanhedrin and decided Jesus should be killed.) How can we be the Resurrection and the Life? BY leading People to Jesus,

We need to realize our full potential.

We need to realize our full potential. I want to encourage you this today to know who you are in Jesus. 1 John 4:17-19 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 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. We love Him because He first loved us. Jesus I am 10 times in the book of John. So if he is so are you. 1. I am the Door or Gate (Protection) John 10:7-16 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. "All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. "But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. "The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. "As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Sheep would be herded into enclosures made of piled up stones set in a circular pattern. The shepherd wouldn't close the gate at the end of the day; he actually would be the gate and sleep across the opening of the sheep pen, guarding his sheep. What happens to the sheep that enter the pen through Jesus? (They will be saved.) "They will come in and go out and find pasture" means? (He will continue to guard and protect them, and they will be able to find what they need: food, shelter, etc. as long as they enter through Him.) 5. Look again at verse 10. We know the thief is Satan. What is his desire for the sheep? (He wants to steal, kill and destroy them.) In contrast, what is Jesus' desire for them? (He came to give them real life, full life, satisfying life.)

Led back to The Fold.

Led back to The Fold. The Holy Spirit leads us back into the fold. You see, a flock of sheep is about ownership. A fold is about a physical, geographical place where the sheep are. Your fold is the church where you belong. Being back in the fold is where you can hear His voice. Have you strayed from the fold? Even slightly? Listen out for the Holy Spirit guiding you back to safety. Look out for signs pointing you to Jesus. Follow other sheep who are following the Shepherd. So you can stay in your own fold.

Love’s love in You

Love’s love in You.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)

Not only does The Spirit help us know what we have been given.

He also pours God's love into our hearts.

God is love.

So He is pouring Love's love into us. 

It just cannot get any purer than that.

The Holy Spirit wants you to know that you are loved.

That's why we need to know that if we stray, God will send the Holy Spirit to guide us back to the right path.

Back where we know His love again. Back where we are sure.

Sealed by The Holy Spirit.

Sealed by The Holy Spirit. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13) I truly believe in - once saved, always saved; and this is why. When you heard the Gospel and believed, you were sealed. Like in time past when a person would put their seal on a letter to prove ownership. The seal on you says - this person belongs to Almighty God. This person is one of God's sheep. Hands off - this one is Mine.

The Holy Spirit our Helper.

The Holy Spirit our Helper. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26) He is a real helper to us, He teaches us. He reminds us of the words of Jesus. The Holy Spirit always points us to Jesus. It is The Holy Spirit that shows me what to preach on Sunday. That's because He loves you and wants to teach you something. So by the end of the message, you will know more about your God.

Your own Spirit Guide.

Your own Spirit Guide. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13) The Holy Spirit will speak to you and guide you into the truth. He won't force you, He just guides and you choose to follow. He only says things that He hears Father and Jesus speak. Then He tells us what is up ahead. Isn't He wonderful? For those of you not sure about using this term. The occult spirit guide is a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit. Therefore not genuine, false, unreal, invented, a lie.

The 100 Sheep

In the Parable of the 100 sheep, Jesus looks for the one. (Luke 51:4-6)

When he brings the lost one back He says: 

"I have found MY sheep".

Are you one of God's sheep? Is He your shepherd?

Whenever you stray, either nearby or far away.

He drops everything, to bring you back. You are the one.

Do you have any idea just how special you are to Father God.

You cannot do anything that will stop Him from wanting you.

You cannot go anywhere that He will not go to reach you.

You are loved, and to prove it to you.

He sends the Holy Spirit to guide you back to the right place.

Spend Time Alone With Jesus.

Spend Time Alone With Jesus. Then you will get to the point where others are asking you what Jesus means when He says something. You will be helping others to get into the place you are. It takes time, it takes intimacy with Jesus. Getting Close to Jesus means: Get away from the multitude. Spend time with people who hang around Jesus. Learn from them. Now take time to be alone with Jesus. Then you can truly say - Jesus loves me. You have to get alone with Jesus. Just you, your Bible, and prayer.

The First Step To Get Close To Him.

The First Step To Get Close To Him. You see, you just have to get away from the multitude. Or it may be that one who drags you down. Then you have to spend time with others who hang around Jesus. Share your concerns with them, learn from them. Then you can learn to know His trust. Now take time to be alone with Jesus and lean on Him.

Get Really Close To Jesus.

Get Really Close To Jesus. When Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." The disciples looked at one another, perplexed. John 13:21-22 How did the disciples handle the fact that the statement had them perplexed? Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, Lord, who is it? John 13:23-25 Peter, James and John were the three that were close to Jesus. But when they really needed an answer, they asked the closest to ask Jesus. He refers to himself as The One Whom Jesus Loved. Jesus loved all His disciples, but John had a revelation. John could say, I KNOW that Jesus loves me. Jesus loving you is not based on how well you behave. It is based only on His sacrifice at The Cross.

Sometimes Jesus Needs Us To Be Quiet.

Sometimes Jesus Needs Us To Be Quiet. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead. Matthew 17:9 Most revelations Jesus wants you to tell everyone immediately. But He trusted them with this revelation, to keep to themselves. Can Jesus trust you with a revelation to keep to yourself? Or will you go and tell everyone. If you always tell everything, you cannot be used by Jesus to act as a confirmation. Like when being told by God to change your job. Then when you tell your wife, she says, God told me that two months ago. If she had told you at the time, she could not bring the confirming word.

Jesus trusts the Three.

Jesus trusts the Three. Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:1-2 These three men were often close to Jesus, He trusted them. He chose them to be with Him and see Him glorified. Do you have someone you can be with and just talk Jesus.

Jesus Teaches the Twelve.

Jesus Teaches the Twelve. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples. Mark 4:33-34 Jesus has told them the parable, then He expounded it to the larger group. Now Jesus explains in depth to His disciples once they are alone. You have to get among like spirited people who believe like you do. Fellowship with people who believe to a greater depth than you do. People who can answer your questions.

The Key Parable

The Key Parable.

But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable ......  And He said to them, Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. 

Mark 4:10-14

To get to know Jesus, first you just have to get away from the multitude. For you the multitude might be just that one person who distracts you. The one who doesn't believe in tithing or healing.

Here Jesus is speaking to the larger group with the twelve.

This is The Key Parable, if you can understand this, you will understand them all.

Jesus is not being awkward, you have to work at understanding.

There Will Always Be A Harvest

There Will Always Be A Harvest

Genesis 8

22  While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.

Key 9: There will always be a harvest if seed has been sown.

But it is seed - time - harvest.

Be patient, if the Bible says it will come, it will come.

You just need to water it and keep the weeds out.

God wants you to be living the abundant life with great harvests.

Note I said harvests. 

Every time you sow, if you keep your eye on these keys, you will reap a great harvest.

The Keys to a Great Harvest.

Key 1: Kick out doubt.

Key 2: Nothing is hidden.

Key 3: Listen.

Key 4: Take heed what you hear.

Key 5: How generous are you?

Key 6: True hearers receive more.

Key 7: Get rid of the false things.

Key 8: Don’t try to work it out.

Key 9: Harvest always comes.

Don’t Try To Work It Out.

Don’t Try To Work It Out.

Mark 4

26  And He said, The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground,

27  and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.

28  For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.

29  But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.

Key 8: Don't try to work it out how God will bring your harvest.

Even the greatest botanist still doesn't know how a seed works.

The whole of God's kingdom is based on the seed principle.

Let God produce the increase and be ready when harvest comes.

Get Rid Of The False Things.

Get Rid Of The False Things.

Mark 4

25  For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

Key 7: God helps you to get rid of the false things in your life.

Yes if you have got it, you will receive more.

But if you think you have true faith or true understanding, or true grace.

So it is not genuine, Jesus will remove that false thing from you.

Encouraging you to go back to Him and get the genuine.

Jesus only removes the things that harm us.

How To Receive More.

How To Receive More.

Mark 4

23  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.

24  Then He said to them, Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.

Key 5: How generous are you?

Do you give with a teaspoon or a bucket?

Whichever one you use will be measured back to you.

How do you want your 100 fold harvest delivered? 

By teaspoon or bucket?

Key 6: True hearers will receive more.

The more you run with it, the more you will be blessed.

The more blessed you are, the less doubt you have for next time.

Are You Listening?

Are You Listening? Mark 4 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. 24 Then He said to them, Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. Key 3: Listen. Does everyone have ears? What is Jesus talking about? Even if it seems uncomfortable, are you listening to The Word? Seek to understand it, don't dismiss it especially if it seems difficult. Lay it up in your mind, it may help you and help others later on. Key 4: Take heed what you hear. Don't listen to doubt, unbelief, fear, worry or religion. Stay around people who believe you can do it, who stay in faith. I have needed people to pray for me to kick the doubt out. It is not failure to admit that you need help. Men do you hear me?

What amount of increase do you get?

What amount of increase do you get? What harvest yield you produce is not a personal and hidden thing because Jesus said: Mark 4 21 Also He said to them, Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. Key 2: Nothing is hidden. Why? God wants His children blessed. He also wants you to see the blessing on other people too. Then you can say with us - If He can do it for them He can do it for me. Because God is no respecter of persons. The ones who have the small harvest can be encouraged to go for more. Those with a great harvest as an example to others. Hundredfold is possible.

The Keys To A Great Harvest

The Keys To A Great Harvest Mark 4 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. If 100 fold is possible, what can prevent that from happening? Here is Key 1: Kick out the doubt. 30 fold harvest means 70 fold doubt. Sixty fold harvest means 40 fold doubt. 100 fold harvest no doubt. Keep your mind focussed on the 100 fold return and don't doubt that God will do what The Bible says.

Even Good Ground is not guaranteed a full harvest.

Even Good Ground is not guaranteed a full harvest. Mark 4 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. Last week we looked at the wayside, stony ground and thorns. Good ground then is without stones and thorns and is in The Way (close to Jesus). Here is the difference - these ones hear and accept The Word. Accept (Greek) - Receive, allow entrance, take to yourself. It is mine. Then they bear fruit, but not all the same amount of increase. So if 100 fold is possible, what can prevent that from happening?

Fixing Your Seed Reception.

Fixing Your Seed Reception. Mark 4:14-16 Now you need to ACT upon these messages this week because every one of us has some of these things operating in our lives. Your own things might be different to the ones I have mentioned, but you know what they are. In church last Sunday we had one container in front of The Cross and three containers near The Cross containing: Way side - Map fragments. Stony ground - Stones. Thorns - Drawing pins. We had to take these items representing our problems, name them and leave them in the container at the cross. Now you go and do that for Jesus. You can hear the message at http://fcfwarminster.sermon.net/main/main/20538173

Preventing Word Growth.

Preventing Word Growth. How does this happen? What makes a person like this? Mark 4:14-16 Way Side. All these things can draw you away from Jesus. Career - Leisure - Past Life - Friends. Stony Ground. These are the rocks in your life. Stubbornness - Fear - Refusal to change for anyone - Self hatred - I'm no good - I'm not worth it. Thorns. These will all choke The Word so it bears NO fruit. Worry - Financial problems (including not tithing) - Putting family before Jesus - Covetousness. These are examples, your seed reception may be different, but you get the drift.

How does a Christian become Wayside, Stony or Thorny?

How does a Christian become Wayside, Stony or Thorny? Mark 4:14-16 By the Way side. Jesus is The Way but you are not in it. You might walk very closely, but refuse to do it His way. Or you get talked out of doing it God's way. Stony ground. You have things in your life that prevent The Word from taking root in you. So when you get opposition, you quit, or leave the church. Thorns are growing in your life that choke The Word. No matter how many times you hear The Word, it cannot grow in your life, so you never grow either. More on this tomorrow.

Some are sown among thorns.

Some are sown among thorns. Mark 4:14-16 They hear The Word, but ..... Cares, deceitfulness of riches (not riches), lusts for things. These things enter into the person, not there already. They must have opened a way for them to enter. These things choke The Word. The Word cannot grow in them. Cares - Worry and anxiety. Deceitfulness of riches - Thinking that having money is the most important thing, or being more concerned about earning money than anything. Lusts of other things. Wanting what you haven't got - covetousness - greed.

Some are sown on stony ground.

Some are sown on stony ground. Mark 4:14-16 When the sower sows, some are sown on stony ground. They too hear The Word and immediately receive it with gladness. So happy to receive this new information. But there is no way for the seed to take root among the stones. They do endure for a while, but later .... When they get hassle for standing on The Word. Immediately they are offended (Greek = scandalised). What kind of opposition causes this? What do you mean you are healed? You still look sick. Maybe God doesn’t want me healed. God is supplying your needs? But you are still poor. Maybe God doesn’t want me prosperous. So the roots become dried out among the stones.

By The Wayside.

By The Wayside. Mark 4:14-16 First of all you need to know that all sowing back then was done by broadcasting, by hand. Jesus is talking about what happens in people's hearts whenever the Word of God is sown into their lives. Whether a person is hearing preaching, watching a video or reading The Bible. We all receive The Word as a seed into our lives in different ways. Those that are by the way side do hear The Word, but Satan comes immediately and takes The Word away. Why does that allowed to happen? Here’s the secret: Jesus is The Way, so being by the wayside means you are not fully following Him.

Sometimes you just have to DO something.

Sometimes you just have to DO something. There are some things that cannot be answered spiritually. Like a Hug or a Meal. Sometimes you just have to DO something physically. James 2:14-17 Tells us that you cannot tell a naked and hungry person. Depart in peace, be warmed and filled in Jesus name. You need to clothe them and feed them. Faith Works. If you believe something from the Bible, you need to ACT on it.

Love Casts Out Fear.

Love Casts Out Fear. 1 John 4:18 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. Remember - The love from God to you is perfect. Remember - This perfect love casts out the fear, not you casting it out. Love does it. When you think of Jesus remember His sacrifice for you. We take communion in remembrance of Him. When we remember those who have given their lives so that we can be free. Jesus should be number one in your list. So love Jesus because of it. And keep His commandments to grow that love even more.

Love Has No Fear.

Love Has No Fear. 1 John 4:18 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. Most people do not love because they are afraid. Afraid someone might take advantage of them. Afraid their love might be rejected. Most people do not obey God because they are afraid. Afraid to tell someone about Jesus - they might reject you. Afraid to love their enemy - they might take advantage of you. Afraid to lay hands on the sick - they might not be healed. Afraid to tithe - this giving stuff might not work: for you it won't work.

Love Perfected by Obedience.

Love Perfected by Obedience. 1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. The perfecting, or maturing of our love comes from our obedience. If you want love to have more effect in your life, obey God. Then you truly know that you are in Him, that means that if you don't do this, you won't know for sure that you are in Him. Remember - love will make that difference.

Love Is Obedient.

Love Is Obedient. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. Loving God means keeping his commandments. They are not burdensome because He always gives us the power and strength to keep them. How do we know that we love God? Your love for God is as big as your courage to leave your sin. Remember - your sin has been paid for in full. And to forgive those who sinned against you. Remember - their sin has been paid for in full too. You make yourself to be bigger than God if you do not forgive them.

Love Is An Action Word.

Love Is An Action Word. Love is an action word - you cannot just say - I love you. Love means laying our life down and doing what Jesus says. One of the Rotary Club creeds is - Others first, self second. Sounds like a Christian creed, just like Jesus said in John 15:12-14. Laying down your life for your friends.

Friends of God Obey Him.

Friends of God Obey Him. John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. We sing the chorus - I am a friend of God. Are you His friend? Jesus' definition of His friends is - they do whatever He commands. What about - love your enemy? Remember the sacrifice of Jesus. We heard recently - that we only love God to the degree we love the person who causes us the greatest problems. What about - lay hands on the sick? Remember the stripes Jesus bore. Haven't you ever wished that someone would do that for you? What about - bring your tithes into the storehouse? Remember Jesus gave up everything for you. We only give out of what He provides for us.

Laying Down Your Life.

Laying Down Your Life. John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Loving one another as He loved us, means laying our life down. We do not have to die to lay our life down, just our own will. Laying aside what we want to do, to benefit someone else. Putting aside your own desires is an act of love. Like telling someone about Jesus, so they can be born again. Remember - You were born again because someone told you.

Eternal Life In You - Chris Horwood.

Eternal Life In You - Chris Horwood. Romans 6:25 The gift of God is eternal life. We have unlimited life within us. God in us is greater than anything that can come against us.

Filled With Fruit And Gifts - Chris Horwood.

Filled With Fruit And Gifts - Chris Horwood. Ephesians 5:18 Be filled with The Spirit That's filled - not just some of the Spirit - Filled. 2 Timothy 1:6 Stir up the gift that is already in you. You do not have to work to get the gift that you already have. The people around you need it.

The Evidence Of Fruit - Chris Horwood.

The Evidence Of Fruit - Chris Horwood. Matthew 7:16 says that we are known by our fruit. Other people see that God is at work in us. Romans 8:1 We respond to the Holy Spirit and not the flesh. With the fruit as evidence of the presence of The Spirit. When the fire of crisis comes to us, people quickly see what is within. The gifts of the Spirit want to operate through us. Being strong on the inside so we can powerfully affect the outside.

What Are You Seeking? - Chris Horwood

What Are You Seeking? - Chris Horwood We are encouraged to seek the Kingdom. If you are raised with Jesus, we are to seek things above. The Bible says - seek to edify one another. But nowhere are we told to seek God. We don't need to, He is in us already. You have Creator God and His power in you.

Alive With Power - Chris Horwood.

Alive With Power - Chris Horwood. Luke 19:37-40 Jesus arrives on a colt. The whole crowd and His disciples cry out in praise, and the religious people complain. Jesus said: If my disciples are quite the stones will cry out. We all want to be part of the river's flow but ..... Even dead logs can float in the river. We need to be alive with power. The river needs to be flowing out of us. (John 7:38) Jesus said to the woman at the well. If you drink from Me you will never thirst again. (John 4:14) The river flows out of the empowered believer.

Be Strong On The Inside - Chris Horwood.

Be Strong On The Inside - Chris Horwood. Acts 19:2 Did you receive the Holy Spirit since you believed? Then you already have the power of God inside you. Ephesians 6:10-17 From now on be strong on the inside. Then take your armour and stand. If we are not strong inside we will not be able to stand against the attacks of the enemy.

Christ In You - Chris Horwood.

Christ In You - Chris Horwood. The sequence of events that will bring Jesus back has begun. Which will include persecution and hardship. But in the same moment, the Church will be at its most glorious. We need to be ready for it and filled with the foundations of love and power. Here is the key: Colossians 1:26 The mystery has been revealed. Christ in you the hope of glory. We have Christ in us.

Can you say - I Love Me.

Can you say - I Love Me. If you don't love yourself, you won't expect that anyone would want to help you sort it out. But the exact opposite is the truth. If you know you are in that situation - get some help. We love you - even if you don't. Remember- Love is the desire to benefit others at the expense of self, because love desires to give. But if you can't love yourself, you won't do stuff at your expense to benefit someone else. God loves you so much He sent Jesus to die on the cross. If God loves you, why don't you love you? You could start by just boldly saying it. I LOVE ME.

Love Yourself so you can Love Other People

Love Yourself so you can Love Other People.

Ephesians 5

29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

One of the main ways to love yourself is to look after yourself.

Take care of your body.

Look after your personal hygiene, look after your clothes.

If you cannot do that for yourself, you do not think you are worthy.

If you are not worth looking after, you will not believe that I am worth looking out for either.

Do you make the best of yourself?

If you don't - we already know you don't love yourself.

So the sad thing is - we will never expect to receive love from you.

Love Your Neighbour As Yourself.

Love Your Neighbour As Yourself. Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. (Nine times in the Bible) The Ten Commandments. 1 You shall have no other gods before Me. 2 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, to bow to it. 3 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 4 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 5 Honour your father and your mother. 6 You shall not murder. 7 You shall not commit adultery. 8 You shall not steal. 9 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. 10 You shall not covet. 3 commandments about God 1 commandment about the Sabbath 1 commandment about your parents 5 commandments about your neighbour. All the law is built around those last five commandments. If you love your neighbour you will not sin against them. Yet we cannot love our neighbour if we don't love ourself.

Love Covers Sin.

Love Covers Sin. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Should we not treat other people with the same rule that God used toward us? We can love people who are sinners without loving their sin. We are encouraged again in 1 Peter 4:8; And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.

God Is Love.

God Is Love. 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. When we love one another, we demonstrate God to them because He is love. Father God is not just a loving person, He is love itself. We can replace the word God anywhere in the Bible with the word Love. Look at Revelation 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of Love. When we love one another it shows the world that we know God.

Love Is Giving.

Love Is Giving. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Love gives without asking anything in return. Love is the desire to benefit others at the expense of self, because love desires to give. (Dr Edwin Louis Cole.) If it does not include expense of self, it is not love. Jesus desired to benefit you at the expense of Himself, because love (God) desired to give Jesus as a sacrifice for you.

Are you free?

Are you free?

People can see if you are free or not.

Psalm 126:1-2  When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord has done great things for them.

Once they realised they had been set free, they laughed.

It was like having an amazing dream, only it was reality.

Their mouths were filled with laughter and singing.

THEN - The heathen said that God had done great things for them.

The world needs to see you demonstrating your freedom.

How free are you to laugh and shout and sing?

The world needs to see you free.

Resist Temptation and Smile.

Resist Temptation and Smile. James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Do you love Jesus? Can you demonstrate that love to other people? Don't accept the temptation to be miserable. Don't accept the temptation to sit still during worship at church. Don't accept the temptation to keep a straight face. Walk around with a smile instead, smile because you are loved. Smile because you are free.

Go on - Have A Laugh. Here are some jokes.

Go on - Have A Laugh. Here are some jokes. Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Merry Heart - (Hebrew) A rejoicing heart. Medicine - From a root Hebrew word - To be healed. Broken spirit - A wounded spirit. It just dries you up. Sometimes you just have to laugh, to shout for joy, to be free. Sometimes even just to just get out into the sunshine is healing. Joke 1 - I took part in the sun-tanning Olympics recently. I got bronze. Joke 2 - You can even go out for a drive in the countryside in your car. Stay away from city centres because there is so much crime in multi-storey car parks. That is wrong on so many different levels. Joke 3 - Just make the best use of your time. Recently the European Union said that they want all timepieces in Europe to display Roman Numerals - Not on my watch. Jokes courtesy of Tim Vine - British Christian Comedian.

Did You Know That God Laughs?

Did You Know That God Laughs? Psalm 2:2-4 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us. He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. Father God thinks that it is funny when people come against us, that they actually believe they will win. He laughs because He knows they can't win against His anointed, you are His anointed. God wants you to be free, so join God and enjoy a laugh too. We should be free to worship, free to laugh, free to cry, free to share, free to shout, free to admit we have a problem.

Give It A Shout.

Give It A Shout. John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. If you cannot jump and clap and shout for Jesus, you may still be in bondage. Anyone who is still in bondage is perishing, not living an everlasting life of freedom. That tells me you didn't believe Jesus when He said you are free. Father didn't send Jesus to die to condemn you, but save you. Because He loves you - are you sure? Give it a shout.

Sometimes it just calls for a SHOUT!

Sometimes it just calls for a SHOUT! Joshua 6:16 and 20 And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: Shout, for the Lord has given you the city! So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. There was no battle, no conflict, no fighting. The city was won with a shout, because God was with them. The city was won with a shout, because they obeyed Him. Encourage yourself to shout out to God, they took a city by it. Don’t take any notice of your culture or your upbringing, just do it. Step out and do this especially if you are not comfortable doing it.

Leaping for Joy.

Leaping for Joy. When things are not going well - there is an answer to that. Luke 6 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. When people are bad-mouthing you and gossipping. Stop what you are doing and leap in the air. More than once. Joy comes. If you have never done this, you are missing out on a true injection of joy into your life. Suddenly the negative words seem to vanish like a morning mist.

Would you describe yourself as being alive?

Would you describe yourself as being alive? Psalm 104:33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. How often do you sing to The Lord? Or do you only do that in church? Do you any have worship CDs in your car? Do you have worship songs on your smartphone? How deep do you feel you go when you worship our amazing Jesus?

What do we know about False Worship?

What do we know about False Worship? Especially looking at how we worship God personally. There is a chorus with a line: I lift my hands to the coming King. False worship is when you sing this without lifting your hands. Singing Darlene’s song - Shout to The Lord quietly is false worship. Singing Tim Hughes song - Oh Happy Day without at least a smile on your face is false worship. Father wants us blessed as we worship Him. Doing it in a false way, will not put us in the right place to receive from Him.

You spirit wants you to be DOING the Word.

You spirit wants you to be DOING the Word. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22) Being a doer of the word is: Knowing what The Bible says and putting it into practice in your life. Learning to act like Jesus. Acting like the Bible is so. Living it, unashamedly. Just DOING it.

Developing your Spirit

Developing your Spirit But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) As we feed on our spiritual food, our spirit grows in strength. Then it produces fruit that keeps us in the will of God. When we are allowing these things to flow in our lives, there is no law can stop it. Nothing that man or the devil can do, will prevent your fruit becoming mature.

How a Trinity functions.

How a Trinity functions. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7) How do living beings function? You contact the natural world with your body. You contact the intellectual world with your soul. You contact God (the spiritual world) with your spirit. The body does nothing without instruction. The mind is like a computer that needs instructions. The spirit; after you are Born-Again, wants to and should be in control of your mind and body. How do you grow and develop? Your body feeds on natural food that produces physical strength. Your soul feeds on intellectual input that produces will power and emotional stability. Your spirit feeds on spiritual food like God’s Word, prayer and Christian fellowship. That produces faith and grows the fruit of the spirit.

You - The Spirit, are in charge.

You - The Spirit, are in charge. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2) If you have to present your body to God. If you have to get your mind transformed. Let me ask - who is the you that is doing this. Just who is in charge around here? You the spirit take charge and present your body as a living sacrifice. You the spirit take charge and get your mind transformed, so you can prove the will of God. And by the way: There is not a good will of God, an acceptable will of God and a perfect will of God. He only has one will for you and it is: Good, acceptable and perfect.

You are a Trinity.

You are a Trinity. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23) The real you is a Spirit. You have a soul made up of your mind, your will and your emotions. And you live in a body, and you look out of those windows (your eyes). Yes that’s right, you are tri-une just like your creator Father. No wonder you get on so well with Him. He wants every aspect of our being to be sanctified. That means made holy and set apart for Him. And because of the sacrifice of Jesus - blameless too.

First Things First

First Things First There are just two commandments: Love God and love your neighbour.(Matthew 22:33-40) If you love God and your neighbour, you will not break any of the original ten commandments. But God has to be first place. Where He is not first place, it will spiral out of control. If we don't love Him first, our love will focus elsewhere. The focus of out time talent and treasury tells who we love first. A brilliant nugget of The Word from Pastor David Blouin. At the tenth celebration of Pastor Timothy Ramsay. At Word of Faith church London yesterday

Don’t Be Moved.

Don’t Be Moved.

We need to pay more attention to the things of God than the things of the News.

Do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians  4:18) 

Everything we see and hear from the world will fade away.

All the foreboding predictions will come to nothing.

But the Word of The Lord endures forever.

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled.

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled. The recent Blood Moons gave rise to many predictions about catastrophic events that just haven’t happened. Jesus knew that we would hear such scary stuff but said in John 14:27. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Let not - is a choice, we do not have to allow fear to come into our hearts. Instead, Jesus has given us His peace. The Prince of peace gives us His peace. It does not mean an absence of trouble - that is the world view of peace. His peace comes despite what is going on around us.

All Things Are Possible.

All Things Are Possible. Jesus said to the sick boy’s father, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. (Mark 9:21-23) Now there is nothing impossible if you believe in the God of the impossible. Here it is healing, but it could be anything, He can do it. You can do it. Just think about an impossible situation. Do you believe God can do it? Do you believe that with God you can do it?

With Men Salvation Is Impossible.

With Men Salvation Is Impossible. And the disciples were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? But Jesus looked at them and said, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:26-27) You can believe for the impossible where salvation is concerned. Family salvation, friend salvation, work colleague salvation, neighbour salvation. Whatever and whoever it is, there salvation is not impossible with God. You and God and prayer can do it.

The Four Blood Moons.

The Four Blood Moons.

On Monday morning September 28th 2015 at 3:47 am, there was a Blood Moon.

A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse. It is a time when the earth comes between the moon and the sun and the shadow of the earth covers the moon. The shadow appears dark until the moon is fully eclipsed, then the moon appears red because of sunlight that is filtered and refracted by the Earth's atmosphere. (Joel 2:30-31 tells us about Blood Moons)

This one is the last of a group of four (a Tetrad) of Blood Moons when four occur in sequence

with no full or partial eclipses between.

There have been 6 tetrads in the last 100 years.

But seven times since Jesus have the Blood Moons occurred  on back to back Jewish Celebration days. You try the maths and see if you can come up with the odds of that happening.

There were Tetrads coincident with Jewish Celebrations in 162 - 183 AD, 795 - 796 AD, 824 - 825 AD and 860 - 861 AD.

The last three such tetrads have been particularly significant.

1493 - 1494 Was when King Ferdinand of Spain ordered all Jews to leave his country.

1949 - 1950 Just as Israel is re-established as a nation. 

On January 25th 1949, the first permanent government took office.

1967 - 1968 Coincided with the six-day war, when Israel recaptured Jerusalem after neighbouring countries had prepared to destroy Israel.

This was number 8 of such tetrads since the time of Jesus.

15 April 2014 (Blood Moon on Passover)

8 October 2014 (Blood Moon on Feast of Tabernacles)

4 April 2015 (Blood Moon on Passover)

28 September 2015 (Blood Moon on Feast of Tabernacles)

Some will still call it a co-incidence, but can't tell us the odds.

Everyone is wondering what this tetrad will coincide with.

Each time there has been major anti- Jewish stuff going on in the world at the time, these two years are no different. Anti-Semitism has been rife around the world. 

We must wait to see what will happen.

But we know we serve the God of the impossible.

Natural Things Obey Jesus.

Natural Things Obey Jesus. The disciples in the ship with Jesus said to one another, Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him! (Mark 4:37-41) This is typical Jesus, when the storm arises, He is asleep. No worried in the slightest. All physical things are subject to Jesus. They should be - He created them all. Have you ever prayed for the rain to cease? We have - it works too. Can Jesus orchestrate the movements of the Sun, Moon and Stars? On September 28th 2015 there was a Blood Moon. Did God organise that?

Are You With God?

Are You With God? The angel speaks to Mary and says: For with God nothing will be impossible. (Luke 1:35-37) How much of that statement do we actually believe? Virgin birth? It's impossible ....... BUT. With God - as far as God is concerned, nothing will be impossible. With God - nothing will be impossible. Are you with God? Then nothing will be impossible to you.

Give And It WILL Be Given To You

Give And It WILL Be Given To You Luke 6:37-38 Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. No-one wants to be judged or condemned and everyone wants to be forgiven. So we try to do the right thing here. How would you like to have good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over? Then give. But watch the measure you use. Teaspoon or JCB?

God Supplies The Needs of Givers.

God Supplies The Needs of Givers. Philippians 4:18-19 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Paul is able to say that God will supply their need because they are giving into the Kingdom. Blessing Paul in his ministry, he is abounding, he is full. Are you abounding? Are you full?

The Church Just Wants Your Money.

The Church Just Wants Your Money. Then people complain and say that we are the kind of church that just wants your money. That is true, we do want your money, but there is a reason for it. Philippians 4:16-17 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. The reason we want to receive money from you, is because your account will receive the benefit. We want you to be blessed.

Sowing To Reap.

Sowing To Reap. 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. The farmer who needs to have a large crop cannot achieve it by sowing a small amount of seed. A friend of ours needed £20,000. So we explained how the hundredfold principle worked. The seed for £20,000 is £200. She said, I don't have £200. We asked, do you have £2 ? We said, sow the £2 and when the £200 comes in, sow that.

Would you like God to bless you?

Would you like God to bless you? Proverbs 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor. A person with a generous eye, is always looking for ways to give. That is how to get God to bless you all the time, keep looking. It doesn't mean thousands, you can be generous with £1. You can be generous with your time, or even a smile.

Honour The Lord and Receive.

Honour The Lord and Receive. Proverbs 3:9-10. Honouring Him with everything we own, He can have it all. Honouring Him with the first-fruit, the tithe on everything. And He blesses us for having that heart attitude. He wants you to have multiple blessings coming your way. Would you like that? Then you have to start the process. You cannot have light in your room without operating the light switch. You cannot drive your car without turning the ignition key. You cannot have “filled with plenty” and “overflow” without honouring Him.

You Can Do All Things.

You Can Do All Things. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We need to know this verse as a truth in our own lives. We can indeed do all things - that He asks of us. But it is always though Him and His power and His ability. With Jesus - you too are mighty person of valour. Valour means - ability, strength, might, efficiency, wealth. You have these attributes too, you just cannot see them yet. You can do all things through Christ, the Anointed One, who strengthens you. You can bear much fruit because you are in Jesus.

Realise Your Potential.

Realise Your Potential. Jesus goes one step further with us. When we acknowledge our connection with Jesus, receiving Him as Lord. When we truly live in Him, He lives in us too. We bear much fruit. What is the fruit of an apple tree? Apples. What is the true fruit of a Christian? More Christians. Without Jesus we can do nothing (of any significance). But we are not without Him, so we can do stuff with Him. We can be valiant. (John 15:5)

Choose To Be Valiant.

Choose To Be Valiant. We always have a choice. Today God is saying - choose life, choose blessing. Choose not to fear. All of Gideon's strength and ability is held in one statement. God said - surely I will be with you. If we can believe that, we too can have the strength we need. We too can be valiant. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Putting Out A Fleece.

Putting Out A Fleece. This is asking God for a sign, there is nothing wrong with that. As long as you don't do that for every choice in life. Look at God going over the top. Gideon just asks for dew on the fleece, God pours out a bowlful. Gideon had a choice. Believe his own opinion or believe God. He chose to believe God. Which should we choose? (Judges 6:36-40)

God With Us.

God With Us. God says - you are my man for the moment. Go in your might. That's a laugh, he was in hiding. Gideon says, our family is the weakest of the tribe of Manasseh. And I am the least of all my family. How can I possibly do it? Here is the real source of his valour. God says - I will be with you. With us - with God - we are also mighty men (or women) of valour. (Judges 6:14-15)

Mighty Man Of Valour.

Mighty Man Of Valour. Normally wheat was threshed out in the open, but Gideon was hiding from the Midianites. At best he could be considered scared, cowardly or fearful. BUT ...... God still calls him a mighty man of valour. Can God see things about us too that we cannot see? The Hebrew word for Valour means - ability, strength, might, efficiency, wealth. Would you like some of those attributes? Do you think you look like a mighty man (or woman) of valour to God? (Judges 6:11-12)

Pioneers Overcome Tradition.

Pioneers Overcome Tradition. Acts 10:5-6 Peter overcame his natural Jewish thinking by staying with a tanner. Also to meet with a Roman soldier was normally unthinkable for a Jew. Why did he overcome, because Peter was a pioneer. Acts 8:5 Philip went to Samaria, a no-go area to Jews, the action of a pioneer. Acts 8:26-35 As a result of his pioneering, Philip brought the Gospel to the continent of Africa through the Ethiopian eunuch.

A Helping Hand From Jesus.

A Helping Hand From Jesus. Matthew 14:28-32 Peter was in unknown territory walking on water. When things got a bit scary, Jesus reached out and helped him. Whenever pioneers are doing the impossible, Jesus reaches out and helps. True pioneers don't settle or play safe.

The Pioneer Potential.

The Pioneer Potential. Luke 5:4-8 Jesus said cast the net out again. They caught many fish. It made Peter realise his sinful state compared to Jesus. So they all dropped everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:27 Jesus said to Levi, follow me. He left ALL and followed Jesus. It's all about the potential for the Kingdom.

Pioneers Follow Jesus.

Pioneers Follow Jesus.

Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (Mark 1:17-18)

Jesus chose people who had a pioneer spirit. 

He said follow me and l will make you fishers of men. 

And immediately they went because they recognised the pioneer spirit in Jesus.

Mark 1:22  They were astonished at His teaching, He sounded like a pioneer.

Mark 1:27 The man was delivered and the were amazed.  Jesus acted like a pioneer.

Mark 1:31 Simon’s Mother in law was healed immediately. This Jesus was worth following.

God Chooses Pioneers

God Chooses Pioneers.

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour!" (Judges 6:12)

God speaks to Joshua when he is hiding and calls him, mighty man of valour. 

God saw the pioneering spirit that would manifest in the future. 

God said to Moses, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Then he said to Him, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. (Exodus 33:14-15)

God said to Moses, go into wilderness. 

But Moses realises that even the greatest pioneer needs the presence of God.

So he says - If your presence is not going with us we are staying here.

The Essence of a Pioneer.

The Essence of a Pioneer.

Pioneering takes courage, ingenuity and a sense of adventure. Having a willingness to fail and falter. But with an unwavering belief in the long term future vision.

Being prepared to take risks.

Stepping out of our comfort zone. 

Daring to dream. 

Being ok with being out of your depth. 

Seeing what others cannot see. 

God can see what you cannot see about yourself. 

That is what He looks at when He chooses you.

Pioneers always see the cause as greater than the opposition. 

Taken from a quote by Brian Houston of Hillsongs Church.

Having A Different Spirit

Having A Different Spirit.

In Numbers 13 we see the Israelites being given the task of spying out the land. They came back with negative reports, which Joshua and Caleb disagree with. Why was that? 

Numbers 14:24 Says that Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit. 

What was this different spirit?

What were they carrying?

A pioneer spirit.

The Spirit of Truth Abides.

The Spirit of Truth Abides.

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide (Meno) with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells (Meno) with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)

You need never be deceived again.

Why? Because the Spirit of Truth dwells in you.

Truth is continually present in you, so the two become one.

You don't need Google, the truth about every situation is already in you.

Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit of Truth all live in you.

You are a walking God house.

No wonder you are an overcomer.

No wonder you are a winner.

The Holy Spirit Abides.

The Holy Spirit Abides. Now you can know for certain that wherever Father and Son are, the Holy Spirit will be there too. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide (Meno) with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells (Meno) with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17) Jesus tells us that he will pray to Father, and Father will give us this Helper, the Holy Spirit Who will abide (Meno) with you. Not just occasionally, but forever. Holy Spirit continually present in you, so the two become one. The Spirit of Truth, you need never be deceived again.

The Word of God Abides.

The Word of God Abides. We know that the Bible says that Jesus is The Word of God in John chapter one.. But the word of the Lord endures (Meno) forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. (1 Peter 1:25) Did you know that Jesus and His Word can live in you. God's Word is continually present in you, so the two become one. When you let this happen, your words will be His words. Whatever the situation, you will speak what the Bible says. Do you think that might change the way you speak? Then let it happen, it is your choice.

Love Abides.

Love Abides. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides (Meno) in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides (Meno) in love abides (Meno) in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:15-16) Now it says that we know and believe. Let's stop there and look at the difference between those words. Knowing is a mental issue. Believing means acting like something you know is true. You can know God has healed you, but will you act like it. We need to know and believe He loves us. Now here is where is gets really amazing, because God is love. If you abide (Meno) in love, you abide (Meno) in God, and God abides (Meno) in you. If love is continually present in you, He will continually be present in you and the two will become one. You and love. You and God. Allowing God that free access into you as His home means that you and Him and you and love will become indistinguishable.

God’s Abode

God’s Abode.

Now this word (Mone) used in John 14:2 and 23, comes from a root Greek word "Meno".

This word means to be continually present in a place.

So permanently present that the dwelling and the dweller become as one. God's mansion would not be the same without you.

Here I an example of that word.

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides  (Meno) in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides  (Meno) in love abides  (Meno) in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:15-16)

Would that be your confession of faith? That Jesus is the Son of God.

Then God is continually present in you, so the two (you and God) become one.

That is why sometimes you just recognise someone as a believer.

Because the same One who lives in them, lives in you.

Father’s Mansion

Father’s Mansion.

Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (Mone) with him. (John 14:23)

This is the same word (Mone) for mansion in John 14:2.

Father and Jesus have a mansion too. You and I are that mansion.

The word "home" here is that same Greek word "Mone"  meaning a place of dwelling.

Father and Jesus live in you and through you.

All you have to do is say YES to His sacrifice and His love and They both come to dwell in you, their mansion.

Wow!

Your Heavenly Mansion

Your Heavenly Mansion.

In My Father's house are many mansions ; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

Our place is assured in heaven.

A mansion has been prepared for every believer in Father’s household.

This is a Greek word "Mone" meaning - a place of dwelling.

This word is only used in one other place in the Bible.

We will look at this tomorrow.

Please note: If you use the NIV, you only get a room.

The Lord Is My Helper

The Lord Is My Helper.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:5-6)

God personally says: I will never leave you. That’s that settled then.

So -Because of that - we can BOLDLY say: The Lord is my helper.

So it’s obvious now - I will not fear.

I will never worry again about what another person could do to me.

Can you boldly say that?

Help To Pray

Help To Pray.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

This wonderful Holy Spirit (Paraclete) comes alongside us to help.

He even helps us to pray.

He helps us by doing the praying through us.

Isn’t The Holy Spirit wonderful?

Your Forever Helper

Your Forever Helper.

If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:15-17)

Here's the key - do yo love Jesus? Then do what He says.

Jesus says He will give us another Helper, another Comforter.

The Holy Spirit, Who is only accessible to those who believe.

But He will with you and in you, helping you.

Every day, every moment, forever.

Trust Him, He will never get it wrong.

He Will Be With You, through water or fire.

He Will Be With You, through water or fire. But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. (Isaiah 43:1-2) Fear not, I have redeemed you, you are Mine, God says. Whatever you go through, He will be there with you. In any situation, you will never be overwhelmed. Like Daniel’s friends, even the smell of smoke will not come upon you. There will be no evidence that you have ever been opposed.

God Helps you stay free from oppression.

God Helps you stay free from oppression. Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them, Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, Fear not, I will help you. (Isaiah 41:11-13) What is it that you feel that is coming against you? Is it fear, or worry, shame or hopelessness? Those things hindering you shall themselves be ashamed and disgraced. They shall be as nothing, they shall perish, die. If you were to look for them, you will not find them. Those who battle against you, to stop you following God, shall be as nothing, as something that doesn't even exist. For - Because - This is the reason why ..... I will be holding your hand and speaking to you saying: Fear not, I will help you. [What is God saying to you?]

God helps you because you are His Right Hand Man (or Woman).

God helps you because you are His Right Hand Man (or Woman). You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:9-10) Do you know that God has chosen you to be part of His family? And once chosen you cannot be cast away. Did you notice that "fear not" is a commandment. And whatever God commands, He empowers. You are empowered not to fear. Here is the "fear not" key - God says "I will be with you". Don't be dismayed (or worried) because I am your God, personally. God Himself will strengthen you to do whatever is needed. He will personally help you. You cannot fall, He is holding you up with His right hand. You are His right hand man (or woman).

We Have A Helper.

We Have A Helper. 

With God you need never feel as if you are going through life on your own.

Unless you are insistent on going it alone, always refusing the help of others.

 

The nation of Israel went through some tough times when Isaiah was around and God used Isaiah to comfort His people.

God's words to Israel still apply to us today, especially in the area of being helped.

Location - World Overcomer Street, Overcomer County, Heaven.

Location - World Overcomer Street, Overcomer County, Heaven.

You are an  overcomer, because Jesus in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Is Jesus in you?  Are you Born Again? Then you are an overcomer.

Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? )1 John 5:5)

Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

Then you are an overcomer.

What is your spiritual location right now? Heaven.

Whatever negatives you are experiencing here, you have already overcome them.

Location - Overcomer County.

Location - Overcomer County.

Revelation 3:20-21 tells us:

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Overcomers are sat in Jesus' throne with Him.

He loves you so much that He wants to sit next to you forever.

Everyone sat with Jesus is an overcomer.

The Bible says that all believers are overcomers.

Location - With Jesus.

Location - With Jesus.

John 12:26 tells us:

Where I am (Jesus said), there My servant will be also. 

And John 17:24 tells us:

Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am.

Where is Jesus right now? Seated in heaven with Father. Therefore so are you.

NOW - not later on, not when you die - NOW.

Enjoy the pleasure of being with Jesus permanently.

Check Out Your New Location.

Check Out Your New Location. Colossians 3:1-3 Tell us: If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. So if you have indeed been risen, seek the things that are up there. Have a look around at the things that pertain to heaven and get accustomed to it, it is your new home. Now you the spirit - set your mind on heavenly things. Tell your mind to line up. For you died? What does that mean? You died with Jesus on the cross of your sin, so you could be Born Again. Now your real (heavenly) life is hidden (from the enemy) with Jesus. The devil won’t know what is happening in your life until you open your mouth. Say no more.

Location - Heaven.

Location - Heaven. Here is the truth from Ephesians 4:5-6: Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. We have been (past tense) raised up and seated in heaven. Why not say it out loud: “I am raised up with Jesus and I am sat in heaven with Him”. Your spiritual location is heaven. No matter where your body is, or where your mind may be wandering. Why seated and not standing? There is nothing else to do - it is finished. You have already won.

Spirit and Soul Location.

Spirit and Soul Location. Pastor Stephen Wood remembers reading 1 John 5:18 at a Bible study just after he was Born Again. He said - "The Bible says if I am born of God I don't sin". Others convinced him at the time that he was wrong. But much later on, he found out that he had been right. When he discovered the truth through Kenneth Copeland who said: "I am a spirit, I have a soul, and I live in this body". Who "I" am takes on a whole new meaning to the Christian. We too can say: "I the spirit, the real me, cannot sin because I am one spirit with Father God". So can your spirit and your soul have different locations? Yes.

LOCATION.

LOCATION. Location, Location, Location is a Channel 4 property programme. The title is based on what are considered to be the three most important issues when choosing a house. But how important is knowing your location as a Christian? 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Tells us about going to be with Jesus and then being there always. This speaks about our change of physical location at the “Rapture”of the church. What about the location of your spirit?

The Flight Of Your Life.

The Flight Of Your Life. In the words of someone who was there last week. If we can give our lives to the pilot believing he will take us to our destination. Then what more can Jesus not do for us, if we give our lives to HIM. God bless you PASTOR STEPHEN WOOD. I was really blessed today.

Your Hotel Above.

Your Hotel Above. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3) Jesus has our future all prepared for us. You don't have to accept His plan. But it is the best there is. Wherever we go, He is there with us and there on our arrival. He has chosen your hotel and will be there to welcome you. Choose Jesus as you captain and fly with Him.

Seated Above.

Seated Above. And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6) Sat, comfortably, relaxed in His presence. Seated with Jesus as the Captain of your flight. You have chosen this way of living and you will arrive at His chosen destination. Now you can look forward to the hotel chosen for your arrival.

Focused Above.

Focused Above. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:1-2) Enjoy this new aspect of your life. Living above the turmoil of everyday life. Enjoying the peace. No traffic jams up here, life just flows. There is nothing else you need to do. If you find your mind drifting back to the things of the world. Remind yourself where you are, on your life flight with Jesus.

Up There With Jesus.

Up There With Jesus. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. (Psalm 91:1-2) I enjoy flying and usually try to get to know the stewards, they are always very helpful. You have now chosen to be up there with them, so enjoy it. Up there with Jesus you too can enjoy the journey. Once you have chosen to fly with Jesus, let Him minister to you. If you need something to eat or drink on your life's flight. Just ask, He will supply all your need.

Flying With Jesus.

Flying With Jesus. So you decide like Paul to go to Spain, you check the flight times and prices and decide when to go. But you could still change your mind. You book the tickets, they arrive in the post. You could still change your mind. You go to the airport and then something happens that you can't go back on. Suddenly, you are airborne. You are going to Spain, there is no other option. Now you are completely in the hands of someone else, the pilot. It is just like that when you hand your life over to Jesus. You may as well relax, He has it all taken care of. Paul knows that wherever he goes, he will come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:29) So will you.

How Far Will You Go For Jesus?

How Far Will You Go For Jesus? Whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.(Romans 15:24) Would you go as far as Paul? How keen are we to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Multiple Forgiveness.

Multiple Forgiveness. Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22) That's 490 times a day for the same sin. Why should we be so liberal with other people’s sins against us? 1. We might soon need that liberality ourselves. 2. Jesus has already paid the price to forgive their sins. You can afford to be generous when all of your sins throughout your life were forgiven before you were born.

Forgiveness Forgets Sin.

Forgiveness Forgets Sin. No more shall every man teach his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more. (Jeremiah 31 The power of forgiveness forgets sins. If God forgets the sins He has forgiven us for. Who are we to remember the sins of anyone we have forgiven. If you repent of a sin sincerely today. Then tomorrow you repent of it again, Father will say He doesn’t know what you are talking about, it has been forgotten.

Far Away Sins.

Far Away Sins. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12) The power of forgiveness removes sins, and places them in an unreachable place, opposite to where we are. Wherever you are, your sins have been placed by God in the opposite place. Father does not want our forgiven sin anywhere near us to taint us again.

Do The Maths of Psalm 84:10

Do The Maths of Psalm 84:10 One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. (The Message) Or ten minutes in His presence is like seven days on a Greek Island beach. (Our Cover Photo) There are 6 of ten minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week. 6 x 24 x 7 = 1008 Enjoy your week long holidays on a daily basis.

Forgiveness Drowns Sin.

Forgiveness Drowns Sin. Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19) The power of forgiveness drowns sins. The depths of the sea are miles down, completely unreachable. Corrie Ten Boom said that there are signs around the shore of this sea that say - No Fishing. Once forgiven, you cannot drag it up again.

When You Pray - Forgive.

When You Pray - Forgive. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11:25-26) Not IF you pray, but WHEN you pray. Forgive if you have anything at all against someone. Forgiving turns the power of forgiveness on for you too. If you do not switch that switch, that power cannot reach you. It is a two-way thing, like buying something from a shop. If you don't give them the money, you can't have the goods. Father seems able only to forgive those who understand the principle of forgiveness. But you don't have to wait to be forgiven, Jesus already did that when He hung on that cross. You just need to receive it. And accept that Jesus has already forgiven the other person too.

Coming Out Of The Snare.

Coming Out Of The Snare. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:25-26) Once they accept the truth you have been led to share, they can sort themselves out. Now they have come to their senses. Now they can get out of the devil's trap on their own. The first thing they need to know is, how they got in the trap in the first place. What made them step over into his territory. Was it their sin or the sin of someone else? Either way, you get out of that trap only by forgiveness. Did you know that you could be in unforgiveness toward someone and they might not even know. Unforgiveness does not hurt the person who sinned against you. It will only harm you.

The Servant Of The Lord

The Servant Of The Lord And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:24-25) Each one of us needs to be in a position to help others. Instructing means - to chastise, to castigate, to train. So who are we to instruct? Those who are opposing themselves. (NKJV opposition) This is not just opposition, but actively working against yourself. Like eating the wrong things while complaining about gaining weight. Or refusing to tithe and wondering why you are always broke. The words you speak by the Holy Spirit will help break that cycle. So that God will help them repent and accept the truth. What if they refuse to hear what you are saying? You have done your part - you just have to leave it with Him.

Look After Your Wife.

Look After Your Wife. Every one of us looks after our own body. We clothe it, feed it, rest it. So gentlemen - make sure that your wife gets all the clothes she needs, good food and times of rest. The Bible says we can prove we love ourself by loving our wives. Let's all love one another and help one another grow in God. (Ephesians 5:28-29)

Washing With The Word.

Washing With The Word. Jesus is our example of how to be a husband. Gentlemen - just love your wife like Jesus loves her. Wash her in prayer with the water of The Word. Speak words of blessing over her when you pray. So you can present her to Jesus and say: I have looked after this wonderful lady that you blessed me with. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Who Are You Subject To?

Who Are You Subject To? Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.(Ephesians 5:24) How is the church subject to Christ? Voluntarily. So are wives subject to their husbands, voluntarily. Jesus does not force us to do anything. Nor do husbands who are following the ways of Jesus. Wives, if you don't think Jesus would ask you to do what your husband is asking you to do. You can say no, Jesus will back you, so will your Pastor.

Sub-Mission.

Sub-Mission. Submitting to one another in the fear of God. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:21-23) Lots of men want to quote the first half of verse 22. Wife submit to me. But God starts with mutual submission in verse 21. That includes husbands submitting to your wife. Sub-mission: getting under someone's mission and lifting them up. Supporting one another in their personal walk with God. Supporting one another in the things of life. Supporting one another in the family. Supporting one another in our ministry. But Ladies - only submit in the same way as you would submit to Jesus. You do not have to submit to anything from your husband that Jesus would not ask you to do. Husbands are the head like Christ is the head and He laid down His life.

In Families - What is submission all about?

In Families - What is submission all about? Gentlemen - did you know that the Bible DOES NOT SAY - "Wives submit to your husbands". It does say - "Submitting to one another in the fear of God. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:21-22) You cannot have the second verse without the first verse. Husbands should not expect their wives to submit to them if they never submit to their wives. Ladies - please note. If you know anyone who doesn't know this truth, pass it on.

Children are a blessing.

Children are a blessing. The Bible declares God to be our Heavenly Father. He is the perfect example of parenthood. He even declares children to be a heritage, a blessing, a gift. As His children, we are a blessing to Him. Psalm 127:3 says - Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Why does God reward parents? Because parents are obeying the Bible by being married. One male, one female; the only way to receive the reward.

Miracle Deliverance Song.

Miracle Deliverance Song. Who remembers this old song that Israel sang after the Exodus miracle. I will sing unto the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously; The horse and rider thrown into the sea. The Lord my God, My strength and song Is now become my victory. The Lord is God And I will praise Him, My Father's God, and I will exalt Him. (Exodus 15:1-2)

The Morning After Miracle.

The Morning After Miracle. When Moses stretched out his rod a second time over the Red Sea the waters returned to normal by morning. And there was not one of the Egyptian army left. Trust in the Lord and know that by morning things will change. It's a new day. It may seem bad at the moment but joy comes in the morning. (Exodus 14:27-28 and Psalm 30:5)

The Disappearing Enemy Miracle.

The Disappearing Enemy Miracle. Stand still and see God's salvation. Look at your enemies today and make note - you will not see them again forever. God's salvation involves us doing nothing, He will fight for you. Just stand still. When God sees what our enemies are plotting against us He just laughs. Do they really think they will get away with doing that to my kids. I think not. (Exodus 14:13-14) and (Psalm 2:2-4)

The Dry Ground Miracle.

The Dry Ground Miracle. At the Exodus the Israelites walked across the Red Sea on dry ground. Some say that God was not involved,they just crossed at a shallow point in the water. If so, the miracle was that the Egyptians drowned in the same shallow water. No, when God's word says the ground was dry, it was dry. No moisture at all. All because Moses was obedient. His rod did not part the sea, His obedience did. In the same way that we cannot heal anyone. We just lay our hands on the sick and God does the rest. (Exodus 14:1-29)

The Exodus Miracle.

The Exodus Miracle. Imagine the whole population of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset (a total of 2 million people) being prepared to move across the Severn estuary to Wales. In one night. That is what God did at The Exodus. Not only that, but to cross the Red Sea in one night with 2 million people besides animals and goods would need a width of about 800 metres. And they walked across on dry ground. We surely serve the God of the impossible. (Exodus 14:1-29)

Enter Into Your Church With Praise Today.

Enter Into Your Church With Praise Today. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. (Psalm 100:4) Into his courts with Towdah (Hebrew) – is an entrance praise – enter with towdah. It is an entering, beginning praise that opens up the door to everything else. It means the extension of the hand, adoration, to extend the hands fully, not half way. Then keep them up. It is also the praise of receiving! So it is twofold. Let your fellow believers see how much you love Him.

The Shout Of Praise.

The Shout Of Praise. Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee. (Psalm 63:3) My lips shall shabach (Hebrew) Thee. To address in a loud tone, it is a loud adoration, a shout proclaiming in a loud voice, unashamed – a shout to the glory, power and triumph and testimony of our God!Shout unto God with a voice of triumph. Shabach is associated with victory – its associated with the Hebrew praise word “Ruah” which means to split the ears. That’s that Jericho kind of shout! Sometimes we are in a situation, facing some things, and that little “Praise the Lord” is not enough. There has to be something that rises up from the depths of your belly, where the Holy Ghost is and let it loose. Shout so that the enemy can hear with maximum volume the name of who he fears the most – Jesus! Sometimes there is a shout that’s needed in your house, for your children, for you finances that goes past the natural, and starts to enter the spiritual side and any devil in proximity will hear you. I’m still praising, I’m not going down, I’m not quitting, He is still good!, He is still worthy, He is still my God and your God and He cannot be stopped!