2 Samuel 8:1a
"In the course of time, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them..."
Notice the phrase, "IN THE COURSE OF TIME!"
David's victories did not come at his will.
David's victories did not occur by his craftiness.
Neither did David's victories come instantaneously.
Instead, David's victories were rewards for his diligent course of action.
"DAVID STAYED HIS COURSE!"
"ALTHOUGH IT GOT TOUGH, HE NEVER GAVE UP!"
The secret to David's success was not his victories, but his diligence!
You must understand that God had anointed David to be king long before any of his struggles began!
David was assured the victory, but it was up to him whether or not to stay on the road of success.
THE SAME IS TRUE FOR US!
GOD HAS ALREADY PROMISED US THAT WE HAVE THE VICTORY!
BUT WHAT WE DO WITH THAT PROMISE IS TOTALLY UP TO US!
Today, I encourage everyone reading this to:
"STAY THE COURSE!"
"DON'T GIVE UP, NO MATTER HOW TOUGH IT GETS!"
In a battle, two things are sure to occur, one opponent will "FOLD" & the other will emerge "VICTORIOUS".
"IN THE COURSE OF TIME, YOUR COURSE OF ACTION WILL DECIDE WHICH OPPONENT YOU BECOME!"

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness...Matthew 6:22-23

I heard someone say today, "If your surrounded by darkness, maybe it's simply that you have your eyes closed"

There is part of a story in 2 Kings 6:16-17 "When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (now to the physical eye Elisha and his servant were alone, just the two of them, surrounded by a real army of real men. Things look dark, in fact they appeared to be doomed, darkness seemed to surround them, but Elisha saw something his servant did not) And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (this was not a physical army, but God's army)

The servant's eyes were opened to the heavenly realm.

 

So I say to you, if you seem to be surrounded by darkness, if depression, or anxiety, or worry, or fear, or doubt seem to be a army surrounding you, if your surrounded by darkness in your life right now...it's possible that you simply have your eyes closed. As Elisha prayed for his servant so I pray for you..."O Lord, open his eyes so he may see, open his eyes so he may see into the heavenly realm, so he may see your vast army of angels all about him creating a safe passage, O lord, open his eyes so he may see You!' 

Pot Luck This Friday

Men's Open Discussion group and Pot Luck.

Bring some food to share, bring your Bible...bring a friend too.


Evangel Assembly of God. 9920 W Good Hope. 7-10pm

"NEVER BE AFRAID TO SHOW GOD YOUR GRATITUDE!"
2 Samuel 6:13-22
"When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty. Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes. When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord's people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”"
I will say it again, no matter the cost,
"NEVER BE AFRAID TO SHOW GOD YOUR GRATITUDE!"
Because if you read chapter 7, you will see how God took King David's gratitude & transformed it into an EVERLASTING PROMISE!

What path are you on?

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. ... 

~ Matthew 7:14 ~

How many are on the path you travel? If your life looks like the vast majority of the population, (what you watch & listen to, how you react to things, how you love, how you live) chances are your on the wrong path as verse 13 tells us, "For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

( vs 24-25) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

2 Samuel 5:9-10
"David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the supporting terraces inward. And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him."
Notice the word, "INWARD".
David was a man of war & a man after God's own heart!
Therefore, he understood the importance of strengthening the inward areas because they usually tend to be the weakest.
Do you know why?
Well, one of the major reasons is because we as humans, tend to be focused on what we can see & tend to ignore the things we can't.
When this takes place, the ignored or inward areas become cluttered & sometimes even harmful to the us & others.
One example would be; a dangerously packed closet.
Sure, we laugh when we see a T.V. show where someone opens the closet door & everything falls on them, but what if this were you & the closet was filled with racks of sharp knives that came tumbling your way?
This wouldn't be so funny, would it?
This concept also applies to our spiritual life!
WE TEND TO PLACE EMPHASIS ON THE OUTWARD VIEW!
So that others would think more highly of us, but the truth is that if we don't tend to the "INWARD ISSUES", we are just endangering ourselves & those around us.
Misleading ourselves & others into trusting us, when in actuality, we have unknowingly packed our closets (HEARTS) with sharp knives.
Do you have any inward issues you need to deal with today?
If so, notice verse 10, "And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him."
"THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY IS WITH YOU"
"HE CAN HELP YOU OVERCOME ANY ISSUE YOU'RE FACING!"

1 Samuel 30:3-6
"When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David's two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God."
"BUT DAVID FOUND STRENGTH IN THE LORD HIS GOD!"
After reading these verses, it is safe to conclude that David had gone through a very rough time in his life, probably one of the worst times.
But David had a peculiar way of dealing with his circumstances!
"HE SOUGHT HIS STRENGTH FROM GOD & NOT HIMSELF!"
He went to God to make sense of his situation & also to seek resolve for his problems!
The difference between David & his men was that:
"DAVID PUT HIS TRUST IN GOD, BUT HIS MEN PUT THEIR TRUST IN DAVID!"
Therefore, David found hope in the midst of his struggles while his men could only build up bitterness of spirit that would eventually break them.
HAVE YOU BEEN GOING THROUGH SOMETHING LATELY?
If so, my next question would most certainly be:
"WHERE ARE YOU DRAWING YOUR STRENGTH FROM?"
Is it God? If so, then you will most certainly find relief & resolve!
If not, then you are most likely building up bitterness about the situation & it will eventually break you!
I encourage you to read the full chapter & see God's response!
"DRAW STRENGTH FROM THE WELL THAT PROVIDES LIFE!"

Psalm 46:10a
"Be still, and know that I am God..."
Sometimes silence is the best form of communication.
Sometimes God just wants to enjoy your company.
No conversations, no agendas, just Intimacy.

Romans 10:2-4
"For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."
"YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST DECLARES YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS!"

If I ever needed Grace...it's now!

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his
mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most ~ Hebrews 4:16 ~

Isaiah 45:3
"I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."
Yesterday, I was blessed to be able to share My Personal Testimony with a group of adolescents at The Carmelite Home for Boys.
Before entering, I was warned by those working with the young men that I would be dealing with youth that were Rough & Tough.
BUT GOD HAD A PLAN!
Upon arrival, these young men were very unruly & disrespectful to each other & staff members.
BUT GOD HAD A PLAN!
Some were gang members & others were troubled mentally.
BUT GOD HAD A PLAN!
As I was introduced, these young men starred at me as though I was the cause of their troubles, and it seemed as if I was about to become their punching bag.
BUT GOD HAD A PLAN!
As soon as I opened my mouth & began to speak, the Anointing of God came over this place. These young men quieted down & kept silent. As I shared my testimony, I noticed that I had their undivided attention, because they could relate to what I was speaking.
You must understand that I was asked to speak because these boys expressed their concern about the street life & how they did not have any hopes of seeing another year!
BUT GOD HAD A PLAN!
"GOD USED MY SUFFERING'S FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S HEALING!"
Restoration, Love of Family & Respect was the message! Things that these young men lacked!
By the time I had finished speaking, these kids had LIGHT in their eyes! They had smiles on their faces! Above all, THEY HAD HOPE!
When they opened the floor for questions, The toughest, meanest boy asked me: "How is Life after a person leaves their gang?"
It was plain to see that God had gotten a hold of this young man's heart! God humbled him with the Message of Love & Hope!
At the end, all the kids were coming to me with big smiles on their faces! As I embraced them, I reassured them that GOD HAS A PLAN FOR THEM!
KIDS MUST BE TAUGHT, IN ORDER TO LEARN!
If a child is taught incorrectly, they will live incorrectly!
Therefore, let us be more alert as to what we are teaching our children!
KIDS ARE TREASURES OF DARKNESS!
WE MUST PULL THEM OUT OF THAT DUSTY OLD CLOSET & POLISH THEM UP FOR GOD'S GLORY!
You will be amazed at how much your testimony can impact someone else!
PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE YOUNG TREASURES AT THE CARMELITE HOME FOR BOYS!

NICKNAMES...What's Yours?

NIV - Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

 

ISV - Proverbs 22;1 A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth, and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold

Two translations, same meaning. A good name or reputation is to be valued over riches. I met a man years ago when I was still in the world. Everyone called him "Governor" I too even started calling him this although I didn't know why. After about a year, I asked Him, "Why do people call you the Governor?" His answer, "It stands for the governor of the state of unconsciousness"

 

If someone was to look at your life, what nickname might they give you? Would it be favorable and glorify God? or would it be something to be ashamed of in the eyes of the Lord and people?

 

Proverbs 10:7 tells us, "The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot" If your name is not favorable, it's not to late to change it. 

1 Samuel 14:6c-7
"Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”"
"IN GOD'S ARMY, QUANTITY IS NOT IMPORTANT, BUT DEVOTION IS!"
God is not seeking THE MANY, but THE WILLING!
Here, in this text, Jonathan's armor-bearer was DESTINED FOR GREATNESS because of HIS DEVOTION!
“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
"I AM WITH YOU HEART & SOUL!"
Can you truly confess this statement before THE ONE WHO SEARCHES THE HEART?
Will God be pleased with your efforts for His Kingdom?
If not, what is hindering you from accomplishing what God is called you to do?
Is it FEAR, DOUBT, LACK OF FOCUS, LACK OF DEVOTION?
Then, I want to make it known to you today that:
God gives COURAGE, FAITH, VISION & ZEAL for completing the tasks of His Calling upon your life!
All you have to do is:
"LET GOD FILL YOU WITH HIS GIFTS & THEN WALK IN THEM!"
God Bless You!

1 Samuel 10:6
"The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person."
Question:
"Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit?"
This is not a trick question, but an eye opener!
When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon you, you receive Power!
Power that is Limitless! Power that is Without Equal!
LIFE-CHANGING POWER!
Not only do you receive power that transforms your life, but so much power that it overflows from you into all your surroundings!
YOU ARE TOUCHED! YOUR FAMILY IS TOUCHED! YOUR FRIENDS ARE TOUCHED! YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE TOUCHED!
Soon enough, all your past struggles & miseries become almost a faint & distant memory!
You see, the Power of the Holy Spirit comes to RESTORE & RELEASE!
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REMAIN UN-CHANGED WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT IS DWELLING WITHIN YOU!"
If the Holy Spirit has control of a situation, then the situation transforms into an atmosphere which glorifies God!
Bondage does not glorify God! Oppression does not glorify God! Addiction does not glorify God! Sin does not glorify God!
"FREEDOM FROM SUCH THINGS DOES GLORIFY GOD!"
Therefore, being filled with the Holy Spirit will always place you in a position that is free from bondage, oppression, addiction, sin!
Are you struggling in any of these areas?
If so, it may be that you have not given the Holy Spirit Full Access over your situation.
"GOD WANTS TO FILL YOU WITH HIS POWER! GOD WANTS TO FILL YOU WITH HIS SPIRIT! GOD WANTS YOU TO BE FREE!!!"
All you have to do is ACCEPT HIS FREE GIFT!!!

Prayer Request

Praise the Lord. God is opening a new door for Remnant Force Men's Ministry. The Carmelite Home for Boys in Wauwatosa is allowing us to come in and share our testimonies with these young men. Abner Rolon will be going this Thursday. We only have a small window of time when we go so please pray for God to use Abner in a way that speaks life to the hearts of these young men. Please pray for God's Word to be received with power, deep conviction, and the Holy Spirit.

The Mission statement of the Carmelite Home for Boys: "To bring troubled children to a level of functioning to return them to the community as productive and law-abiding citizens." The youth under our care are sent to us by the Juvenile Court with a vast array of treatment needs. Our program provides comprehensive care for these youth which includes psychiatric, mental health, spiritual, academic, daily living, and recreational opportunities. We are afforded so little time to provide a positive impact on the lives of these troubled young men. The dedication, commitment, experience, and wisdom of the Sisters and a seasoned professional staff offer a ray of hope for these youth, their families and our community.

1 Samuel 9:26
"They rose about daybreak and Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way.” When Saul got ready, he and Samuel went outside together."
"GET READY & I WILL SEND YOU ON YOUR WAY!"
"PREPARATION IS THE KEY THAT CONNECTS YOU TO YOUR FUTURE!"
We all aspire to achieve success in life.
We all aspire to achieve fulfillment in our duties.
We all aspire to reach the ultimate height of satisfaction.
I have never met a Doctor who lacked a PHD, nor a Technician who lacked their Certification.
Point Being:
"IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE PURPOSE THAT GOD HAS FOR YOUR LIFE, YOU MUST BE WILLING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY SACRIFICES FOR PREPARATION!"
God does not place us in positions of failure, but of success!
Have you had any failed attempts lately?
DON'T BE DISCOURAGED!
Your failure was just a lesson you needed to learn as part of your PREPARATION FOR SUCCESS!
Man frowns upon failure, but the truth of the matter is that:
"A FAILED ATTEMPT IN CHRIST IS BETTER THAN ANY VICTORY THIS WORLD CAN OFFER!"
Therefore, don't be afraid of making mistakes, because the grief of failure develops a passion for success!
"GET READY & I WILL SEND YOU ON YOUR WAY!"

Proverbs 25:2-5
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness."
"IN SEARCH"
I'm in search of a new song!
In search of a new day!
A song which the angels can sing along!
A day in which the saints can praise the Lord!
I'm in search of the kind of song the sets the captive free!
In search of the song that only Christ can place in me!
I'm in search of a new song!
In search of a new day!
But if by chance I must search all my life!
Then, let this be my hope!
Let this be my joy!
Let this be my life!
"BUT PLEASE GOD, NEVER LET THIS BE JUST WORDS I SPEAK!"
May God Bless You & May You Place God At Your Hearts' Center!
HE DESERVES ALL THE GLORY! HE DESERVES ALL THE HONOR!
"LET TODAY, BE A DAY OF ADORATION TO OUR GOD!"

Are you using human wisdom or godly wisdom? Test it.

"...the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere..." ~ James 3:17 ~

 

God's Wisdom is...

1. Pure - Morally sound according to God's laws and free from guilt

 

2. Peace-loving - Free from quarrels and at harmony with all involved, also peace of mind.

 

3. Considerate - Not hasty, given sober reflection

 

4. Submissive - Humble, not looking at your own interests or good but the good of others.

 

5. Full of mercy & good fruit - Tenderness off heart that moves someone to overlook offences.
(Fruit = effect or consequence) Good Fruit would be the positive effect of your efforts. Good fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, & Self Control

6. Impartial - Not favoring one party more than another (including your own interests and opinions)

 

7. Sincere - Pure, with good godly motives.

 

Whatever it is your doing, test your decision, or your wisdom, and make sure it lines up with God's Word in every area. If it does not then it's human wisdom and good for nothing.

In this case make no decision but keep praying until God gives you wisdom from above concerning the matter, then you will always succeed. 

Proverbs 11:30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."
ACTS OF KINDNESS CAN BE MISINTERPRETTED,
SOMETIMES EVEN OFFENSIVE TO THE RECEIVER.
The question is:
'Does that give the "GIVER" the right to withhold those acts of kindness in the future?'
The answer is 'NO!'
"THE TREE OF THE RIGHTEOUS NEVER STOPS BEARING FRUIT!"
Jesus gave us many examples of how to reach someone at whatever level they may find themselves, whether they willingly or unwillingly placed themselves in that position.
We must learn NOT to take rejection PERSONAL, but try to pinpoint that person's TRUE DENIAL!
The truth is that:
'PEOPLE REJECT HELP, BECAUSE MANY TIMES THEY DON'T SEE THEMSELVE'S WORTHY OF RECEIVING ANY ACT OF KINDNESS!'
"THIS IS WHERE WISDOM TAKES ACTION!"
A lost soul needs direction & sometimes God may call upon us in a personal manner to do the directing!
Therefore, Wisdom is Needed!
How do we obtain it, you may ask?
"BY PRAYER & FASTING & READING GOD'S WORD ABOUT THE SITUATION!"
"He who is BIBLICALLY WISE about a specific situation can HELP FREE a person that is suffering from it's grip!"
"WHERE OUR HANDS FAIL TO MEET THE NEEDS OTHERS, OUR KNEES & HEARTS WON'T!"
People may reject your kindness, but God will accept your prayers on their behalf!

Psalm 46:10-11
"“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
"IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO KNOW THAT AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW CHRIST, HE IS IN CONTROL OF ALL YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, NO MATTER HOW ROUGH THEY MAY SEEM!"
Praise the Lord!
Word of Advice:
"DON'T EVER LOWER YOUR STANDARDS BELOW THOSE OF CHRIST'S STANDARDS, BECAUSE HE HAS A WAY OF ALWAYS WORKING THINGS OUT FOR US IN WAYS WE NEVER COULD!"

Men's Workshop...Friday - Jan 18th.

Got a Minute?

How to write & give a one minute testimony.

 Friday January 18th

7-10pm.

 Guest speaker, snacks, drinks, and more.

 FREE

 Evangel Assembly of God (99th & Good Hope) 



Judges 21:25
"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit."
This is the last verse of this book & although it may sound as if they enjoyed the Freedom of Choice, this is FALSE!
The truth is that if you read the book of Judges, you will soon realize that the Israelites' View of Things was VERY ERRONEOUS!
"EVERYONE DID AS HE SAW FIT!"
For this very reason they were always under some kind of oppression or bondage. Their life's frequently consisted of fear & bad choices.
The reason these situations kept reoccurring in their life's was: "THE LACK OF A KING IN THEIR HEARTS!"
The fact is that although Israel had no physical king, they had THE ETERNAL GOD AS THEIR KING, but many times they chose not to seek His Guidance & Protection.
Therefore their view would become BLURRED at this point & every decision they made after that moment was VERY ERRONEOUS!
All this to ask you a few questions:
Are you suffering from some kind of oppression?
Has bondage overtaken you?
Do you live in constant fear?
If you have second-guessed yourself with any of these questions, then there is a possibility that the Israelites weren't the only one's to commit this mistake!
A word to the wise:
"DON'T DO AS YOU SEE FIT, SEEK GOD & GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!"

Judges 13:24-25
"The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol."
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP
1- First, comes the NEW BIRTH OF SALVATION FROM SIN.
We must all be born into Christ in order to tell others of His Love!
2- Then, comes a PERIOD OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
As we begin our relationship with Christ, (Not man), we learn to Trust Him & Follow His Word!
3- Then, comes THE TIME OF FRUITFULNESS.
God sees your Faith & Devotion to Him and decides it is time to put you on Display for the World to see His Blessings Upon You!
4- Finally, comes THE TIME OF HOLY DESIRE.
The Holy Spirit begins to Stir a Deep Desire within you that surpasses all your doubts & fears!
"HE GIVES YOU THE COURAGE TO 'DO', 'SAY' & STAND BEFORE PEOPLE & CIRCUMSTANCES IN ORDER TO HELP THEM & TEACH THEM"
Notice, that at the end of the verse, it says: "he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol."
Although you may not know where these places are, the point to be made is that:
"HE REMAINED AT ONE PLACE!"
"LEADERSHIP REQUIRES GROWTH, GROWTH REQUIRES STABILITY, STABILITY EARNS TRUST, TRUST OPENS THE DOORS FOR TEACHING!"
"THE TRUE SIGN OF MATURITY IS STABILITY!"

Judges 13:3,12-13
"The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, 'You are sterile and childless, but you are going to conceive and have a son.' So Manoah asked him, “WHEN your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?” The angel of the Lord answered, 'Your wife must do all that I have told her.'"
Three important details take place in these few verses that we can learn from;
1- REVELATION OF A PROMISE.
The Angel revealed God's Plan of Restoration to a Social Outcast!
In those days to be Childless, meant Dishonor & Disgrace!
"HAVE YOU EVER FELT REJECTED?"
2- ACCEPTANCE BY FAITH.
The woman & her husband Displayed a Great Amount of Faith!
They took the Angel at His Word, never once, did they Doubt!
"DOES YOUR DISPLAY OF FAITH PROVE TO GOD YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF HIS PROMISE?"
3- PREPARATION FOR THE PROMISE.
Manoah began to ask Detailed Instructions!
He wanted to Do His Part, so that The Promise could Take Place!
"ARE YOU PREPARING THE GROUND FOR GOD'S HARVEST IN YOUR LIFE?"
"Seed needs fertile ground to grow!"
Therefore, the question is: 'HOW GOOD IS YOUR SOIL?'
"THE BETTER YOUR SOIL, THE BETTER YOUR HARVEST!"

Decide to Follow Jesus...Is that Biblical?

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 1 John 1:12-13

To be born again one must receive the Holy Spirit, to be truly saved one must surrender their heart. But even the act of surrender is not of ourselves but of the Lord. When we truly seek His face, crying out to Him in brokeness, He then gives us the ability to surrender, and moves us to follow His decrees sanctifying us into the image of Christ.

God says, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness" Ezekiel 36:25-29

 

So about deciding to follow Jesus. Yes, we must have knowledge of God in order to believe in Him, the deception occurs when we simply decide with a human decision, natural instincts, or an intellectual reasoning, without surrendering our heart. When this happens it's by human strength and not born of God. Therefore we never receive God's Spirit and remain captive to sin. The Word tells us, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. Jude 18 & 19

 

Ever meet someone who has claimed to follow Jesus for years, and believes they are, but their lifestyle just doesn't reflect it. Chances are they made a human decision but never sacrificed a broken heart. Psalm 51:17 tells us,
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart"  

Examine yourself and make sure you've given Jesus your heart, and not just your head. Repent and Beleive. "...if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" Romans 10:9

 



Judges 6:12-14
"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, He said, “The Lord is with you, Mighty Warrior.” “But sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all His wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?”"
God's Messenger came to speak Life & Encouragement into Gideon, but the oppression of his present circumstances would not allow him to answer THE CALL TO MINISTRY!
Let's take a closer look:
The angel called him a "MIGHTY WARRIOR", but because of the Midianite Oppression, it was hard for Gideon to view himself as a Mighty Warrior due to the fact that him, his family & all Israel had been running & hiding from their oppressor for so long.
Also, Gideon had only HEARD STORIES about the Lord, but never TRULY EXPERIENCED God's Saving Power on a personal level.
BUT THIS IS WHERE IT GETS INTERESTING!
"GOD KNEW ALL HIS QUESTIONS, GOD KNEW ALL HIS DOUBTS, GOD KNEW ALL HIS FEARS & GOD EVEN KNEW HIS SHORTCOMINGS!"
"BUT GOD STILL CHOSE TO SEND HIM TO SAVE THE ISRAELITES FROM THEIR OPPRESSOR!"
"WHY?" It is very simple! Because God KNEW that there was something special inside of Gideon that Gideon failed to see in himself!
"THE SAME IS TRUE IN OUR LIFE!"
"DESPAIR CAN BLIND US, BUT GOD WANTS TO ENTER OUR LIFE TO REMOVE DESPAIR & REPLACE IT WITH HONOR!

Revelation 3:20
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me."
Jesus Christ has "Limited Access" in Your Life!
The Secret is that:
{YOU DETERMINE HOW MUCH "ACCESS" HE IS "LIMITED TO" IN YOUR LIFE!}
He chooses to withhold NO GOOD THING from you!
But sadly, you can choose to withhold God's Blessings from yourself!
I challenge you today, to grant Jesus access into those areas of your life where that you haven't before!
Then, watch to see a change take place!

God is at Work!!!!

 

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I do not know if you have ever tried to put a puzzle together, but it can be fun and very challenging. Puzzles come in different sizes, shapes and numbers. Some are simple while some are very complex. When putting a puzzle together, I try to get the border done first and then work on the interior. It is frustrating when you cannot find the right piece that you are looking for. Know this that God is putting us together. God is building character in our life. While at times you may feel like you are missing a lot of pieces and you may be,but know that God is in control! God is putting together a masterpiece. YOU! God has such a way of putting our pieces together so beautifully! God is perfecting us into His image and likeless.

God has a plan and purpose for your life! That purpose is to use you to further His kingdom. We are all peices of the puzzle to God's final materpiece. 

Please know that God is working things out for your good when you love Him. We cannot  forget to love God in our lives. While all of us go through times of good and bad, never lose love for the One who created you!  God is calling us to love Him with everything that we are and when we do that, God will take care of the rest. Therefore, keep it simple. Love God, Love people!

Blessings,

Matthew 12:33
"A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad."
TO WORSHIP YOU, I LIVE!
This is my heart's song!
What's yours?
But before you answer, remember that you actions will reflect your heart's true desire!
If your actions haven't been aligned with your words lately, this term is called EXPOSURE;
God is revealing the true nature of your heart to you!
Not to condemn you, but to stir you to repentance!
God loves a repentant attitude & will not refuse a broken or humbled heart!
I know that there are a few areas in my life that God has been working on lately & it feels so good to truly release those things to Him!
Jesus came to bring Freedom & sometimes we need to be Freed from Ourselves in order to truly appreciate the type of Tree Christ desires for us to be!
"YOUR TREE WILL BE YOUR LEGACY OF WORSHIP!"
"THEREFORE, PROTECT IT AT ALL COSTS, EVEN FROM SELF!"
How can you do this, you may ask?
"BY PUTTING GOD BEFORE SELF IN YOUR HEART!"

Men's Workshop...Jan 18th.

Got a Minute?

How to write & give a one minute testimony.

 

Friday January 18th

 

7-10pm.

 

Guest speaker, snacks, drinks, and more.

 

FREE

 

Evangel Assembly of God (99th & Good Hope) 

John 12:32
"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."
Lord, I pray that my every word would tell of You!
Lord, I pray that my every step would lead to You!
Lord, I pray that every time I point a finger, it would be in Heaven's Direction!
Lord, I pray that my life would count for Something Great!
PEOPLE,
IF WE MAKE THIS LIFE ALL ABOUT WHAT WE DESIRE,
WE FAIL TO GRASP WHAT GOD DESIRES!
"God desires for us to love one another genuinely!"
"So much, that we would put everything else aside in order to ensure the entrance of their souls into Eternal Life!"
"LORD, I PRAY THAT WE WOULD LEAD PEOPLE TO JESUS!"

Psalm 23:1-6
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
As a child, I was challenged to memorize this chapter & as a result it has been a guiding light through many dark times of my life.
Therefore, I want to encourage every one of you to memorize a verse or two.
At the moment it may seem miniscule, but in days to come, when things start getting tough, you will find that those verses will begin to swell up in your heart & you will begin to grab hold of those promises as your own!!!
"GOD'S WORD IS ACTIVE & THE BEST PLACE FOR IT TO BE IS IN YOUR HEART NOT IN A BOOK!"

This Friday Night...

You've come out for fellowship...You've come out for food...You've come out for Worship

 

WILL YOU COME OUT FOR PRAYER?

 

This Friday 1-11-13

 

One Hour

 

6-7pm

 

"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.."~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 ~ 

 

"My house will be a house of prayer"

 

We must be bout our Father's business, don't miss this opportunity to pray in unity with your brothers in Christ. There is power in prayer. I know of no one that does not have a need in their life, and I know of no one that does not have sin and temptation in their life. Violence is increasing, schools are under attack, morality is declining, families are falling apart...

 

The answer is Prayer

 

Will you make a living sacrifice of your time?

 

* This Friday - 6-7pm

 

* Evangel Assembly of God (99th & Good Hope)



LESSONS ARE NOT MEANT EXPOSE THE WEAK SIDE OF US, TRULY, GOD JUST WANTS TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN US, BUT SOMETIMES PEOPLE FEAR EXPOSURE BECAUSE OF HOW OTHERS HAVE VIEWED THEM IN THE PAST. :( In my kind of business, I go into people's house's & many times they are embarrassed by the mess they have in their house, because they think I am judging them for it, but the truth is that I only have one focus when I am in their house's & that is to "HELP THEM IMPROVE IT!"  I believe God is the same way! He doesn't really care about how many things are out of place in our life, because "HE HAS COME TO ORGANIZE OUR LIFE'S!"

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
These can only go hand & hand.
They are a chain-link that can not be severed or the results will always be negative.
"JOYFULNESS, PRAYER & GRATITUDE ARE GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS!"
1- JOYFULNESS is not determined by your present circumstance, but your Future Hope!
2- PRAYER is not just some words you speak, but your Weapon of Spiritual Warfare Against The Enemy of Your Soul!
3- GRATITUDE is not saying "Thank You", but Living A Life That Expresses Your Gratefulness By The Things You Do For Others In The Name Of Christ!
"THEREFORE, JOYFULNESS + PRAYER + GRATITUDE ARE GOD'S FORMULA FOR A CHRIST-LIKE LIFE!"
Removing anyone of the three, will impair your view of who Christ truly is!

Psalm 34:8a
"Taste and see that the Lord is good..."
IN GOD'S PRESENCE, THERE IS NO LONGING OR ANXIETIES!
IN GOD'S PRESENCE, THERE IS ONLY FULFILLMENT & JOY!
ONLY IN BROKENESS, CAN YOU TRULY EXPERIENCE GOD'S GOODNESS & KINDNESS!
THEREFORE, ALLOW GOD TO SHAPE YOU & MOLD YOU AS HE SEES FIT!
THEN, SOON ENOUGH, YOU WILL TASTE & SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!

I'm not sure how to respond to my situation...

 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

~ Romans 12:12 ~

 

Any more questions?

Judges 5:2-3
"When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves— Praise the Lord! Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the Lord, I will sing; I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel."
This was the beginning of a Victory Song that Triumphant Servants sang after a great battle against an oppressor who had oppressed them for twenty years.
If you focus on the lyrics, you will catch a glimpse of why they were finally able to gain the victory over their enemy after such a long period of time.
LEADERS ASSUMED THEIR ROLES AS LEADERS!
PEOPLE WILLINGLY OFFERED THEMSELVES!
THE PRAISE WAS GIVEN TO GOD!
THEN, THEY FINALLY HAD THE COURAGE TO STAND UP AGAINST THEIR OPPRESSOR & MAKE MENTION THE NAME OF THE LORD!
What is oppressing you?
How long have you been afraid to face your oppressor?
Most Importantly;
HOW LONG BEFORE YOU ALLOW GOD TO FIGHT FOR YOU?
The reason the Israelites finally gained the victory was because they cried out to God & God delivered them!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
"Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Have you ever held back from telling someone the truth about their situation to spare their feelings?
Although, you may have had good intentions by sparing them a few moments of hurt feelings, you may have caused them to suffer worse in the long-run because you did not expose them to the truth about their situation!
"God Reveals Truth To Protect Us,
To Keep Us From Continuing On The Wrong Path!"
"Who Are We To Withhold That Truth?"
"LOVE DOES NOT HIDE TRUTH JUST BECAUSE IT HURTS OR IS EMBARRASSING TO SOMEONE, INSTEAD, LOVE FINDS THE BEST WAY OF EXPOSING THE TRUTH TO THAT PERSON IN ORDER TO HELP THEM GROW!"

Romans 8:1-2
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."
THIS MESSAGE IS FOR THE ONE STRUGGLING AT THIS VERY MOMENT.
YOUR STRUGGLES ARE VERY REAL & VERY PAINFUL.
BUT THEY WILL NOT BE THE END OF YOU!!!
THEY ARE MOLDING YOU INTO ONE OF GOD'S STRONGEST SOLDIERS!!!
BE ENCOURAGED!!!
THE ENEMY WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE THAT YOUR STRUGGLES ARE A SIGN OF CONDEMNATION,
BUT GOD DECLARES THAT YOUR STRUGGLES ARE ONLY PREPARATION FOR A GLORIOUS FUTURE!!!
"HOLD FAST TO YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST, BECAUSE SOON ENOUGH IT WILL BE YOUR 'BADGE OF HONOR' & THE ENEMY WILL BOW DOWN AS YOU RISE UP!"
"CHRIST CAME TO GIVE VICTORY, NOT SHAME!"

Glory goes to God!

Revelations 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

God has called each of us to give Him all the glory in our lives. We need to be like mirrors that reflect all the glory to Him. So I ask a question. "Is your mirror pointed toward heaven?" 

Pride is one thing that we have to always guard ourselves against. We need to make sure that we are giving all the glory to God in our lives. We are simply servants working for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Judges 2:10-11
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served other gods."
"EVANGELISM IS THE GOSPELS' LIFE-LINE!"
If we don't make an intentional effort to tell others about Christ, this next generation will be raised CHRIST-LESS!
Romans 10:14-15 says,
"How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”"
Point being:
"GOD NEED'S US TO JOIN HIM IN TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST!"
"HUMANITY IS IN A DIRE STATE & YOU HOLD ETERNITY IN YOUR HANDS!"
"WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH SUCH A GIFT?"
"SHARE IT OR HOARD IT?"
I challenge everyone today to make this year, THE MOST EVANGELIZED YEAR EVER!

It's Time To Go Fishing...Start Praying for Evangelism within the Men's Ministry



Year End Account

Praise be to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

The Lord is building His kingdom and we are so humbled to be part of it. God has been using the Men's Remnant Force Blog to touch the lives of men all over the World. From September of 2012 to Dec 31. We had 5569 views. (That's real people reading God's Word) Below is a graph to help you visualize how God has been using the blog as a small part in building this ministry. The things God has in store for 2013 will be exciting to watch unfold and even more exciting to be part of. It's going to mean some sleepless nights, long hours of intercessory prayer, a giving of one's time, taking the Gospel to the streets, and a dying to self and pride. Praise GOD for He will complete what He has started.

Some Tools you can use for 2013

One one One Discipleship:

• If you need some one on one discipleship or counseling please contact us through this email and we will pair you up with someone appropriate for your need whether it be a one time thing or an on going mentorship.

Prayer:

• Tuesday Mornings at Evangel from 8:30m to 9:30 am.
• 1st Tuesday of each month from 7-8pm is intercessory prayer for our children
• Various prayer times in peoples homes as time allows. (contact us if you want men to pray in your home)

Men's Bible Study: Taking issues relevant to men and looking to the Word of God for the answer.

• Wednesdays (every wed) at Mayfair Mall Food Court. (8:30-10:00 am)
• Friday Evening (every other) Steve Lekie's House (contact us for info)
• Saturday Mornings (every sat) 6:30-8:30 am at Evangel Assembly of God

Fellowship:

• Various gatherings announced monthly

Evangelism:

• We will be hitting the streets in 2013. We will have regularly scheduled events as well as impromptu witnessing. Info will be posted soon.

* For more info on how to get involved please contact Bart Helmbreck at Milwaukeeremnantforce@gmail.com or call 414-678-8323

May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you always and to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen

John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing."
Ok People! Day One Begins!
Question is:
"How will you achieve the goals you have set for this new year?"
Truth is your best approach is probably the wrong approach!
Sadly, your best efforts will eventually fade as the months go by!
Even so, your deepest convictions may only be a memory by June!
DON'T MISINTERPRET THIS MESSAGE!
THERE IS NO RAIN IN YOUR FORECAST!
But Truth must be spoken, so that you can accomplish your goals!
"GOALS ARE GOOD TO HAVE, BUT HARD TO KEEP!"
Therefore, don't take on too many goals at once, instead, try setting small goals & stick to them!
"FAITHFULNESS IS THE KEY!"
Then, after you have accomplished those goals, your confidence will have been built up enough to move on to another!
"SEEK GOD THROUGH PRAYER FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE!"
If your goals are not aligned with God's Will for your life,
DON'T EXPECT TO ACHIEVE THEM!
"SELFISH GOALS TEAR YOU DOWN, THEY DON'T BUILD YOU UP!"
"GOD FEEDS YOU DELICACIES, NOT POISON!"
Lastly, as this year unfolds,
KEEP CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE!
Soon enough, you will realize that it was the 'Best New Year's Resolution' you ever made!