(Song: Lord, roll me out to get the lumps out of me.) Everything that is done by the Spirit should honor the Lord. The greatest thing is to be alone with God. God made us in His image. Carry a pencil and paper to write down what He speaks. God has a voice. When someone refuses to get alone with God, they are saying that they do not want to invest in themselves. Silence does not mean God is not speaking. The problem is that He is trying to get us to listen. God’s nature is to reveal Himself. Brother Ron shares many revelations that God has given him about silence. Silence is the invitation to hear the voice of God. It is not silence people fear; it is hearing God that they fear. Silence is the teacher calling people to serve. Hitler was a preacher, but he preached the wrong message. He studied mannerisms and how to influence people, but it was demonic. Silence does not shout from the stage, but whispers from the side. Silence invites participation. Silence is the dessert. God had to keep Jesus’ death and resurrection a secret. Why did God send a flood? Satan was trying to produce a different DNA of mixing angels and humans, which would have prevented Jesus from coming through man. Stay in the Word, and let it wash you, and it will change you by the level of consecration. Silence brings about discovery. Silence’s twin brother is solitude. Silence is when your heartbeat matches God’s. Silence is a canvas where God paints His thoughts. Silence helps the mind focus and the heart soar. Silence brings worlds together. Silence asks for permission to speak. God wants to know if you can be nudged. God never walks in the shadow of Satan. Satan only counterfeits what is real. David had five stones, because he planned to kill Goliath and his four brothers. If we are silent in these last days, we enable man to speak. A sign gives information and points you to something. Do not walk by what you see, but by the Spirit. Spend time with the Spirit, not quenching or grieving Him. There is a sword coming, trying to quiet the preaching of the Gospel. America is sick and weak. We need to wake up and do something about it! We are only alive if we stay connected to God. There are no coincidences in God’s kingdom. If you are walking with God, you will look different. Brother Ron shared different connections confirming God’s voice to him.
Prophecy Conference: First Evening – Silence – Feb 2
Prepare Your Heart – Feb 1
When Israel was returning to Jerusalem, the Babylonian king sent the captives back with provisions. Those who went back were those people whose hearts God had stirred (Ezra 1:5). In Ezra 7:9b, 10 Ezra had prepared his heart to study the Word, to obey it, and to teach it. You should not ignore a stirred heart. Take the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) with praying out the Word, praying at all times in the Spirit (tongues) with a posture of prayer (Ephesians 6:17-18). Yield to the Holy Spirit and push away the clutter. We need boldness. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you. Stay alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. The power for this area to be changed is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in everything. Do not despise prophecy. Test prophecies. Hold onto what is good in the prophecy. Treat the Lord’s Word as precious. Stay away from every form of evil, because it dilutes the power of God in your life. Esteem and hold onto what God has said. Ask, “Father, how can You use me?” (We spent time in prayer.)
Prepare Your Heart – Jan 31
Offering message: Acts 20:35 says it is more blessed to give than to receive. Giving 1) obeys God’s laws, 2) submits to God’s lordship, 3) exhibits God’s heart, 4) illustrates His salvation, 5) recognizes God as your source, 6) widens God’s smile, 7) advances His kingdom, 8) in faith releases God’s power, and 9) is an act of worship. Sermon message: The CWI Prophetic Conference could be called a Revelation or Power or Speaking or Holy Spirit conference. God wants us to prepare our hearts to be stirred up and to receive from Him, so we can go out to others. When Israel was returning to Jerusalem, the Babylonian king sent the captives back with provisions. Those who went back were those people whose hearts God had stirred (Ezra 1:5). We should be stirred up and willing. In Ezra 7:9b, 10 Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Lord, to do His will, and to teach His ordinances. The gracious heart of God will be on you. Prepare your heart with only His agenda. Do not stifle Him. God’s truth, wisdom, and understanding will come into you and flow out of you when you get into His presence (Psalm 73:13-16). His power in us is to flow out of us to others. We need singleness of purpose to expand the kingdom. We need boldness. Psalm 126:1-6. We need to see the lost and to be “salty” people. Let the compassion of God fill you as you pray and want His agenda. Use the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) praying (Ephesians 6:17-18). Pray at all times. Pray in the Spirit. Stay alert. Pray for all the saints in the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 is the core Scripture for this conference. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in everything. Do not despise prophecy. Test prophecies. Hold onto what is good in the prophecy. Treat the Lord’s Word as precious. Stay away from every form of evil, because it dilutes the power of God in your life. The gifts of the Spirit are for each as He wills. (The rest of the service was spent in prayer.)
Repentance – Jan 25
What did Jesus begin, end, and preach throughout His ministry? It was repentance- repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Christ knew that something new was about to be released through Him. God made provision for sin under the Old Covenant through patiently waiting to give judgment and through atonement (to cover) by animal sacrifice. The sins of the people were only covered, but not removed. All sin needs to be judged. Are today’s churches dealing with sin? You determine whether you will go to heaven. Jesus knew that remission (to release the sinner from his sins), not just covering, was coming through Him. Christ purchased us with His redemption. He is now in us. Now we have a reconciled (fixed) relationship, and we can call on the sacrificed Jesus Christ. When people repent, they can be reconciled to God. It is impossible to walk in God’s blessings without repentance and reconciliation. God wants us to repent of sins. Matthew9:13 says that Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. God wants all men and women to be saved. In Luke 15:7, the parable of the lost sheep, God rejoices over one sinner who repents. This should bring us more joy than anything, because this is God’s heart. God’s plan has been to reconcile the world to Himself. We are reconciled through God only (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). We all have the ministry of reconciliation. Each of us must do what we are called to do. We are all part of the same body. Do what you are called to do. The ministry of reconciliation is for us wherever we are, and we do it with the Word of God. The Gospel is good news, worthy to be declared. Romans 1:16 tells us that the Gospel is the power of God. The Word in me is powerful. How do we lead others to repent? We do it by showing the goodness of the Lord (Romans 2:4). People must understand that relationship with God is good. They must see His goodness in us. We are God’s magnets to pull them to God. We draw near to Him first. (Shane shared an experience of this at his job.) Is what I am doing showing God’s love and who God is? We always have to be ready for the hope that is in us. What have I done with the ministry of reconciliation? Lead people to repentance by exposing them to the goodness of God. Guard your heart with all diligence.
Repentance – Jan 24
David was restored to God when he repented. There always is a consequence for every sin. Christ paid the price for our sin, and if we sin, we should be reminded of that price. What did Jesus begin, end, and preach throughout His ministry? It was repentance- repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. In Luke 24 His last words were repentance and remission of sins should be preached in all nations in His name. God’s perspective of us when we repent and ask for forgiveness is that of joy. He loves when we repent. When your children disobey, do not bless them until they repent. God made provision for sin under the Old Covenant through the priesthood and through atonement (to cover) by animal sacrifice. The sins of the people were only covered, but not removed. All sin needs to be judged. Jesus Christ paid for our redemption, so that now when people repent, there is remission (removal) of sins from their hearts. Then there is reconciliation with God. In other words, it’s redemption, repentance, remission, and reconciliation with God. You are restored to a personal relationship with God. He told us to preach repentance of sins. In Matthew 9:13 He said that He came to call the sinners to repentance. Only one-third to one-half of the pastors believes that the Bible is inspired by God and that it is infallible. People need to hear the truth to even know they need to repent. First John 1:9 tells us to confess our sin. In Luke 15:7, the parable of the lost sheep, God rejoices over one sinner who repents. This should bring us more joy than anything, because this is God’s heart. There has to be repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Do we have a sense of urgency to see people repent? We have access to what Jesus did for us. God wants to reconcile the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). We have the ministry of reconciliation. Ministry (work, service, calling) is done by us through the word of reconciliation, but first it must be strong in us. Ed Cole in his teaching told of an eight-year old who received a ten-year old’s heart. The younger girl had a dream of the image of the man who killed the older girl that was retained in the heart of the dead child, which was used to arrest the man. We are not to be ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power to salvation (Romans 1:16). What are you doing with that word of reconciliation? The best thing we can do is fulfill what God has for us to do. The Gospel is good news! Take the Gospel and talk about it with love, so others can hear about God’s goodness. How do you lead people to repentance? Lead people to repentance by exposing them to the goodness of God (Romans 2:4). People need to see the God’s goodness by seeing the goodness of our relationship with God. Romans 10:13-15 says that the Word needs to be preached and shared. Come back to God’s presence. It is the truth that will change peoples’ lives. Sin is ugly and will not go away without repentance. It is easy to submit to love. (Shane shared an experience of this at his job.) Is being right worth compromising the integrity of Christ? (Shane shared how his son asked what sin is and as a result, he received Jesus Christ into his heart.) Small kindnesses open doors to the Gospel. Are you ready to share it? Are you like the ten spies or the two spies? Too often we get our eyes on what we are going through and not on what we are going to. You will have challenges, but God has made a way through it. God promises victory. How would others report on your life? People have the right desires but are looking at the wrong places and ways to get them. God can use you where you are. (Shane told God’s revelation to Shane of his anger at Him after his wife had two miscarriages. At the same time his wife was being ministered to at the Landmark. Three months later she was pregnant. God showed him that it is not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit.) We have experiences that hurt, but He shows us the way to victory. People must repent and see the value of a relationship with God and a life overcome by the goodness of God. If you have a lack of appreciation of what God has done for you, go to God and tell Him your heart. He wants to bring restoration and joy to you.
Offering message by Karen Burrows: Malachi 3:10-12 tells us that if we bring in all the tithes into the storehouse, we can prove God that He will 1) open the windows of heaven, 2) pour you out a blessing, and 3) rebuke the devourer for your sake. Both 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 9 build on that. When you give, give to the Father, because every good gift comes from Him.
A Heart After God – Jan 18
Psalm 110:1-3; Isaiah 1:18, 19. God is our Source. Money reveals your heart. Where are you putting your money? The source is not your money. How are we to eat the good of the land and have a heart after Him? The answer is by seeking first His kingdom and by willing and obedient. A perfect heart is wholehearted. Matthew 19:16-22 and Luke 19:1-10 contrast two different people with two different kinds of hearts, one not willing and the other one willing. Are we trusting God for our finances? If we put ourselves last, He will put us first. It is covetousness to think, “I can’t believe they spent that much on that.” If we surrender and submit ourselves to God, we will not need to hear from the Lord to give something. Do you have a willing heart? In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 God was talking to the rich. That’s us! See yourself as rich, because He has made you rich (2 Corinthians 8). He gives us richly all things to enjoy. To fully enjoy all things, do good, be rich in good works, be willing to share, and be ready to give. See that the work of God gets accomplished. It is God’s will that you have the good of the land. Be willing and do His will.
A Heart After God – Jan 17
Offering message: 3 John 2; Deuteronomy 8:18; Job 36:11; Psalm 35:27; Psalm 118:24, 25; 1 Chronicles 4:10. God gives us the power to gain wealth, and He has pleasure in our prosperity. God’s prosperity adds no pain with it. Sermon message: How can we have a heart after God? He wants us to get in line with Him. Isaiah 1:18 and 19 say that we will eat the good of the land if we are willing and obedient. He is your Source, and He wants you to be blessed. Our being willing and obedient ties in with seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. A heart after God is a willing heart. Money reveals the heart. Each one of us must examine his or her own heart. Covetousness blocks blessings. Where your money is, there your heart will be. Matthew 19:16 tells of a rich ruler to whom Jesus told to sell all his belongings and give to the poor and follow Him. He went away sorrowful. Jesus said, “How hard it is for who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:23-31 says that those who leave houses and family for His sake will receive 100 times more now. You can desire to do things for Him but not really be willing. In this country we are self-sufficient and do not depend on God. In Luke 19:1 Zacchaeus gave half his goods and restored four-fold whatever he took. Jesus did not have to ask him to do that because Zacchaeus had a willing heart. God looks at your heart. If you are willing, it is the same as doing it. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac showed God his heart. We must be both willing and obedient. A lot of times money is not the problem, but it is a lack of faith and willingness. Get willing, and then you will get the vision and the faith. God is not against our having riches, but we are not to trust in them (1 Timothy 6:17-19). In fact, He became poor that through His poverty we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). He richly provides us with all things to enjoy. We can have full enjoyment by doing good, being generous, being willing to share, or in other words, seeking first the kingdom of God. We read of the Corinthians giving an offering willingly (2 Corinthians 8, 9). Ask God for finances to give where you want to give. It is okay to exhort to give. He who sows bountifully, reaps bountifully. Each person should give as he purposes in his heart. Are you willing in your heart? We should give because we love God. Be moved by compassion, not because of need. God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you may have sufficiency and abundance. Give yourself willingly to Jesus.
A Heart After God – Jan 11
Pre-sermon message: In Ezekiel 36:25 God said that He would give us a heart of flesh and would give His Spirit in us. He has done that since Jesus came. Your harvest field is where you are placed. Go! If you are not fishing, you are not following Jesus. Am I a follower or a fan of Jesus? We do not want to be a church that has lost its saltiness, thinking we do not need Jesus and not having a heart for the lost. Be a person who cares. Listen and pray for the lost. Show Jesus’ love to them and disciple them. Sermon message: Psalm 110:1-3 says we are to make His enemies His footstool by putting the enemy under our feet by using His authority. We are to rule and reign in the authority of His name. We are also to be willing volunteers. Isaiah 1:18-19 informs us that we are to be both willing and obedient in order to eat the good of the land. Obedience means listening with the intent of understanding and doing. All of God’s blessings belong to us, but it is up to us to do what is needed to receive them. Pastor Syd tells of a Hell’s Angel who became gloriously converted but didn’t understand how to convince his friend of Jesus’ goodness. Forcing his friend into praying the sinner’s prayer did not change his heart, because he was not willing and his heart was not right. To receive salvation requires both a willing heart belief and a confession of faith. Be sowers of compliments, compassion, and life. What is the perfect heart? Is it not a heart which goes after God whole-heartedly? God through Samuel said that He looks at the heart, not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). His eyes go to and fro looking for those whose hearts are perfect, whole-heartedly, completely willing, completely given to Him. He shows Himself strong to those whose hearts are perfect toward Him. In 2 Chronicles 15:16 and 16:9-12 it is recorded that King Asa was wholehearted for the Lord his whole life yet he made mistakes. God judges our hearts. We can make mistakes and still have a whole heart toward Him. Likewise, you can do the right things but have a wrong heart. In 2 Chronicles 25:2 Amaziah did what was right but not with a perfect heart. Be full of mercy. Mercy comes before judgment. Do not judge the other person’s heart. Pastor Syd was feeling condemned about never being brave against something, and the Lord reminded him of a time he chased a wolf who was eyeing their chickens for his dinner. Let God comfort you when you have been too hard on yourself. Samuel told Saul that he was foolish and that God wanted a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:13-). Check in your heart: Am I willing?” Psalm 37:3, 4 says to delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our hearts. David was humble and grateful. David asked God to restore the joy of His salvation and uphold a willing heart in him (Psalm 51:12). We do not want hardened hearts (Psalm 16:5-11). Have a heart after God.
A Heart After God – Jan 10
Pre-sermon message: In Ezekiel 36:25 God said that He would give us a heart of flesh and would give His Spirit in us. He has done that since Jesus came. Your harvest field is where you are placed. Go! If you are not fishing, you are not following Jesus. Am I a follower or a fan of Jesus? We do not want to be a church that has lost its saltiness, thinking we do not need Jesus and not having a heart for the lost. Be a person who cares. Listen and pray for the lost. Show Jesus’ love to them and disciple them. Sermon message: Psalm 110:1-3 says we are to make His enemies His footstool by putting the enemy under our feet by using His authority. We are to rule and reign in the authority of His name. We are also to be willing volunteers. Isaiah 1:18-19 informs us that we are to be both willing and obedient in order to eat the good of the land. Obedience means listening with the intent of understanding and doing. All of God’s blessings belong to us, but it is up to us to do what is needed to receive them. Pastor Syd tells of a Hell’s Angel who became gloriously converted but didn’t understand how to convince his friend of Jesus’ goodness. Forcing his friend into praying the sinner’s prayer did not change his heart, because he was not willing and his heart was not right. To receive salvation requires both a willing heart belief and a confession of faith. Be sowers of compliments, compassion, and life. What is the perfect heart? Is it not a heart which goes after God whole-heartedly? God through Samuel said that He looks at the heart, not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). His eyes go to and fro looking for those whose hearts are perfect, whole-heartedly, completely willing, completely given to Him. He shows Himself strong to those whose hearts are perfect toward Him. In 2 Chronicles 15:16 and 16:9-12 it is recorded that King Asa was wholehearted for the Lord his whole life yet he made mistakes. God judges our hearts. We can make mistakes and still have a whole heart toward Him. Likewise, you can do the right things but have a wrong heart. In 2 Chronicles 25:2 Amaziah did what was right but not with a perfect heart. Be full of mercy. Mercy comes before judgment. Do not judge the other person’s heart. Pastor Syd was feeling condemned about never being brave against something, and the Lord reminded him of a time he chased a wolf who was eyeing their chickens for his dinner. Let God comfort you when you have been too hard on yourself. Samuel told Saul that he was foolish and that God wanted a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:13-). Check in your heart: Am I willing?” Psalm 37:3, 4 says to delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our hearts. David was humble and grateful. David asked God to restore the joy of His salvation and uphold a willing heart in him (Psalm 51:12). We do not want hardened hearts (Psalm 16:5-11). Have a heart after God.
Offering sermon by Karen Burrows: 3 John 2; Deuteronomy 8:18-19; Malachi 3:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 6:7-9. It is the Lord your God who gives you the power to get wealth. Do not forget to thank and follow Him when you prosper. Bring your tithes into the storehouse and be obedient to Him and His Word. Remember, what you sow, you shall reap. Give as God purposes in your heart, cheerfully. Do not complain, but give back (speak) His Words.
The Shepherd – part 3 – Jan 4 PM
Texts: Matthew 4:23, 24; 9:35, 36; Numbers 27:15-18. Jesus’ work here was teaching, preaching, and healing. You need a pastor. A shepherd is a pastor, and he feeds his sheep. What does it mean to have a pastor/shepherd over you? The body of Christ needs pastors, and God wants to send them forth. Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw that the “sheep” were scattered and did not have shepherd. According to John 10:10 and 11, you cannot have the abundant life and prosper, if you do not have a pastor in your life. We need pastors who love the sheep and will give their lives for the “sheep”. People need to know that their pastors care. That means that they may tell you the truth, even if it causes you to want to run away. God’s objective for us is abundant life. A pastor prepares you for the present time and for what is coming up. Pastors, if you want more prayer, pray more. If you want more giving, give more. Moses was told that Joshua had the Spirit in him, and that he was to lay his hand on him (Joshua), giving him some of his authority so that all the congregation of Israel would be obedient. Listen to your pastor, especially when he is hearing from God for you. Do not use the Word of God to manipulate. Obey you pastor. Pastoring is not about administration, a big building, a great worship team, etc. It is about teaching, preaching, and healing. (There was a time of ministry and laying on of hands.)
The Shepherd – part 2 – Jan 4 AM
Stop the devil and get back what he has stolen (John10:10, 11). People need to discover the enemy, and it is not God! The only reason Satan comes is to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus only came to bring life. Jesus gave His life for His sheep. The hireling does not have love for the sheep. Love links us and sticks even if the shepherd does not have ability. When Jesus was on earth, His work was teaching, preaching, and healing (Matthew4:23, 24; 9:35, 36). That is the general work of the Gospel. Although Jesus ministered healing, the people came to hear. The devil is the wolf who tries to scatter the sheep. People need a pastor, a shepherd (Numbers 27:16, 17). Do you have a pastor in your life? The anointing comes through the pastor. Get angry about what the enemy does. A lot of your life is also about what you hate. Hate sin and the devil. The pastor is to get in-between the wolf and the people. You need a pastor who prays. Pray for protection for the little ones. If you want abundance, realize Jesus brings you abundant life, so go to Him. You must get under teaching, preaching, and healing.
The Shepherd – part 1 – Jan 3
Texts: John 10:10, 11; Matthew 4:23, 24; Matthew 9:35, 36. Satan is a thief, who steals things of value that belong to you. The devil not only kills, but he destroys. He is evil! Do not blame God for what he does. Being robbed is like being violated, and that is what Satan does. Jesus came to give us life, more abundant life, like a water spring that you cannot shut off. Jesus is the good shepherd. A shepherd has to kill bears, lions, and wolves. He gives his life for his sheep (verses 11, 15, 17, and 18). Ministry is work, but it is really poured-out love. To shepherd means to feed. Jesus restored Peter by telling him to feed His lambs and His sheep, which is the role of a pastor, even though Peter was an apostle. Matthew 4:23, 24 tell us that Jesus’ work here was teaching, preaching, and healing. Teaching affects a man’s will through his intellect, whereas preaching affects a man’s will through his emotions. Healing is part of being a pastor. Matthew 9:35, 36 also say that Jesus taught, preached, and healed the sick. The Word must be a priority in your life. One of the reasons we cannot see the big picture, in other words, the multitudes, is because we do not have enough compassion. Compassion is the answer. Jesus saw that the multitudes were like sheep scattered without a shepherd. The problem is that there are too few laborers. Jesus laid His hands on everyone and healed them (Luke 4:40-44). Apostle Dale told of laying hands on many more than eight hundred people in Armenia because the Lord told him to do so. God wants to do miracles through our hands. The general work of the Gospel is teaching, preaching, and healing. Secondly, the needs of the people call for a greater depth of love. Thirdly, we are to have respect for individual, God-given assignments. Faith works by love. God never said you need a church, but you do need a shepherd (Number 27:16-20). The pastoral ministry puts us in a position to have life and that more abundantly. When Jesus was raised from the dead, what was on His mind was what Peter was to do. It is not about you anymore after you make Jesus the Lord of your life. Offering message: 3 John 2 tells us that our soul must prosper for us to be in health. Seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Allow the Lord to prosper you. Hear, believe, and receive what God says. You must be born-again, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be baptized. We have a choice. We are to choose life and follow and speak His Word (Joshua 1:8).
The Secret to Joy – Dec 28
(There was a word given about worshiping from our hearts, not from our lips only.) Philippians 4:4 tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. You can always praise God. Paul and Silas ministered to the other prisoners (Acts 16:23-27). The earthquake opened all the doors and loosed all the chains, but no one fled. The prisoners stayed because they were being ministered to. Paul knew what the will of God was, because God had given him a vision (Acts 16:9-10). You need to know what is the will of God for yourself. Sometimes we get ourselves into fixes because we do not obey. Ephesians 5:17 tells us to know what the will of God is. God knew us long before we were formed in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:15-16). There is a plan for your life, and it is for you to walk out, and then you will have joy. Trust God that He has your best interest in mind. There is a plan for your life and following it will bring you joy. He gives you the grace to perform His will for you. Know, follow, and fulfill God’s plan for your life. Paul cast out the demon in a girl used by divination, and the forces of hell came out after him. If you cannot follow Him when He gives you something small, He will not trust you with anything larger. Be faithful with little. Romans 12:1-2 is how you can know God’s plan for your life. We need to change our thinking by the Word of God. It is a process. You are responsible for changing your own thinking. It takes effort on your part. Preparation time is not wasted time. Get a vision on something bigger than yourself. We can be selfish. Find someone else who has a problem bigger than you, and it will set you free. Paul’s vision was to minister to others in jail. It was a vision bigger than himself (Philippians 1:3, 4). He was chained in his body but not in his spirit. Do not get impatient.
The Secret to Joy
People are watching us and how we interact with each other. Everywhere Paul went he went there was a revival or a revolt. Paul and Silas were wrongfully-accused and in pain, but they were praising God and ministering to the other prisoners (Acts 16:23-34). The earthquake opened all the doors and loosed all the chains, but no one fled. The prisoners stayed because they heard something they wanted. You must know, follow, and fulfill the will of God for your life. Paul knew what the will of God was, because God had given him a vision (Acts 16:9-10). At the beginning of 2014 Pastor Jay and his wife, Kim, prayed and fasted to pay off their debt. God taught him to be faithful in little things, so that they paid it off much faster. You must be faithful in the small things where you are now. Romans 12:1-2 is where following God’s will begins: by renewing your mind by the Word of God. You have the good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God. As you grow, you move onto another level. When you are in the perfect will of God you can have joy. You can sing because you know you are where you are to be. In Acts 16:16-22 Paul cast out a demon spirit in a girl used by divination. It was a hard road and cost him a jail sentence. When things come against us, we have what it takes to overcome it. We cannot go by our circumstances. Pastor Jay shared a story about a job he did in a multi-million dollar house. He stood on Philippians 4:19 for God to supply his need. He had joy, and it turned into a financial miracle that kept growing, because he was in the will of God. We have a tendency to look at our situation as the worst, if you cannot believe for things bigger than yourself. Say, “I will think on something other than my problem.” You end up being what you think in your heart. Meditate on the Word and the good, and the good will come out. Paul and Silas worshiped because they loved God not because they were trying to get out of something. When you are going through things, get your eyes onto our Creator and onto other people. When you are in a bad situation, find someone who is in a worse place than you are that you can help. If you will get your eyes off yourself, then you can have joy. Live for things bigger than yourself. Paul’s vision was bigger than himself (Philippians 1:3, 4). Get your eyes on Jesus and other people, and the joy of the Lord will bubble out of you. When you know the will of God, you immediately do something (Acts 16:10). Knowing, following, and fulfilling the will of the Lord will bring you joy.
Christmas Eve service
Safe and Secure – Power and Authority – Sunday Dec 21
Texts: Psalm 4:8; Psalm 91. Even if your flesh is shaking when you are afraid, your heart should not be afraid (Psalm 27:1). We have spiritual authority over things that want to kill, steal, and destroy (Psalm 91:13). If you submit to God, you can resist the devil, and he will flee from you. We can stump on the enemy. In Luke 9:1 and 2 Jesus gave the disciples power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. In Luke 10: 1, 9, and 17 He sent out 70 disciples with authority over sickness, and they came back amazed that demons were subject to them because they had authority in Jesus’ name. Lions, serpents, and scorpions represent spiritual enemies. Jesus gave power in His name over things that are spiritual and natural (Mark 16:15-18). Satan tempted Jesus by using the Word that he knew Jesus knew (Luke 4). We must rightly divide the Word and ask how a verse matches with other Scriptures. Do not tempt God by putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Jesus’ word to the disciples was that they would go to the other side of the lake (Luke 8:22-25). If you are operating in the will of God, you can apply the power and authority of the name of Jesus Christ. It is only when you are submitted to Jesus that you have power and authority. You can be bold if you are where you are supposed to be. God will bring you the whole way (Psalm 91:13-16). If you are not where you need to be, repent. Then you will have long life. The Lord watches over His Word to perform it.
Safe and Secure – Power and Authroity – Dec 20
Texts: Psalm 4:8; Psalm 91. Even if your flesh is shaking when you are afraid, your heart should not be afraid (Psalm 27:1). We have spiritual authority over things that want to kill, steal, and destroy (Psalm 91:13). If you submit to God, you can resist the devil, and he will flee from you. We can stump on the enemy. In Luke 9:1 and 2 Jesus gave the disciples power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. In Luke 10: 1, 9, and 17 He sent out 70 disciples with authority over sickness, and they came back amazed that demons were subject to them because they had authority in Jesus’ name. Lions, serpents, and scorpions represent spiritual enemies. Jesus gave power in His name over things that are spiritual and natural (Mark 16:15-18). Satan tempted Jesus by using the Word that he knew Jesus knew (Luke 4). We must rightly divide the Word and ask how a verse matches with other Scriptures. Do not tempt God by putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Jesus’ word to the disciples was that they would go to the other side of the lake (Luke 8:22-25). If you are operating in the will of God, you can apply the power and authority of the name of Jesus Christ. It is only when you are submitted to Jesus that you have power and authority. You can be bold if you are where you are supposed to be. God will bring you the whole way (Psalm 91:13-16). If you are not where you need to be, repent. Then you will have long life. The Lord watches over His Word to perform it.
Safe And Secure – Faith or Presumption
Psalm 91. How do we abide in God? In 1 John 3:23, 24 we are told that whoever keeps God’s commandments abides in Him. What are His commandments? We are to believe on the name of Jesus Christ and to love one another. We are responsible for what we allow. The parent must not permit fear in his/her house. If you are dealing with an issue, keep fighting until you get rid of it. Do not give up and do not get into condemnation. Jesus was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:5-10), but He knew the Word. We must know the Word and rightly divide it. Do not tempt or test the Lord. Bringing something to your awareness is God’s protection. We must accept the protection that He gives in the form of a warning. There are many examples in the Bible of God’s giving a warning. In Matthew 12:14 Jesus became aware of the plot against Him and withdrew. In Acts 14:5, 6 the disciples knew violence was being attempted against them, and they fled. It is spiritual pride to think God will protect you when you know not to do what you are doing, and you do it anyway. Being made aware of something is a warning. There may be times when you are impressed to go somewhere, but the Lord may give you a word to tell you to stay (Acts 9:10-19). Ananias knew it was dangerous to go to Saul, but he had a word from the Lord to go. If there is a dangerous situation, you need a word from God to know what to do. Are we money-led, family-led, or Spirit-led? In Acts 9:23-30 Saul learned about a plot to kill him. Jehoshaphat had to prepare to fight, but the Lord told him He would be with him and that it was His battle. If a person would know that a thief was coming, he would have not allowed his house to be broken into (Matthew 24:43). Ask God what you need to do and then prepare. Faith without works is dead.
Dec 7
Safe and Secure – Do Not Ignore God’s Warnings
We are self-deceived if we think we are doing our part of Psalm 91 and 4:8 just because we know that we should be trusting God, but we are not really doing it. There are hundreds of phobias. One spirit of fear invites in other spirits of fear. We can be self-deceived by fear. Fear paralyzes. Shut the door to fear by speaking to it with authority in the name of Jesus and rebuke it. It is NOT okay to let any fear in, because God cannot protect you if you do. Psalm 31:2 tells us that God leads and guides us. Pastor Syd told of the time that Jen’s father was piloting his plane with eight people on board. The front landing wheel was locked in at a 45 degree angle. He trusted God and saw His miraculous help. To not get in Satan’s net, be led by God. He warns us (Proverbs 27:12). Do not override or ignore His warnings. Pastor related about a time he did not heed the inward witness of the Holy Spirit and was in an accident. An accident does not always mean that someone is in disobedience or in sin. God will give warnings, so pay attention. In Acts 27:9-31 Paul perceived that the voyage he was going on was going to encounter disaster, but no one would heed his warnings. Sometimes you do not have any input into decisions that can lead to dangerous places. Even so, like Paul, if you walk with God through it, He will give favor to you and even to those with you. Jeroboam willfully ignored God’s warning, and the man who delivered the warning God clearly gave him also ignored God’s warning. The latter man trusted in man, overriding what God told him to do and ended up being killed by a lion. How do you know if you are in fear or if God is warning you? Pastor Syd shared an experience of sensing fear about boarding a plane. He went to a bathroom to get alone with God to ask Him about it. He started to have peace, so he knew it was okay to get on the plane. If you are not sure, get into God’s presence, because the spirit of fear will not be there. Train your spirit to be alert to God’s Spirit.