John 12:32

"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself."

"LET YOUR DAY BE CHRIST-CENTERED, NOT CENTERED ON YOU!"
"THEN WATCH & SEE!"
"THE DEPTHS & RICHES OF HIS WORDS!"
"THEY WILL COME TO PASS WHEN HE IS LIFTED UP!"

"LET'S MAKE IT ABOUT JESUS TODAY!"

Matthew 28:19a

"Therefore go..."

Jesus said to "GO!"
"THEREFORE GO!"
"DON'T QUESTION IT!"
"JUST GO!"
"LEAVE THE DETAILS FOR JESUS TO FIGURE OUT!"
"HE IS BETTER AT IT THAN WE ARE!"
"OBEDIENCE!"

Matthew 11:28

"Then Jesus said, "COME TO ME, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

"COME & EAT!"
"COME & DRINK!"
"COME & REST!"
"COME & LAY IT ALL AT THE FEET OF JESUS!"

I just felt stirred to write this today.
I believe that someone out there needs to hear these words today.
If this ministers to you, Amen!
But if not, that's Great!
Then, maybe you are meant to share this with someone else.
Perhaps, you will cross paths with someone in need of encouragement.

Whatever that case may be;
"ENJOY YOUR DAY!"
"HELP OTHERS ENJOY THEIRS!"
"MOST OF ALL, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!"

"BRIGHTEN UP SOMEONE'S DAY BY LETTING JESUS LIVE THROUGH YOU!"

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO LEAD YOUR FAMILY?

No seriously. What are you doing to lead your family?

 This is a legitimate question. Could you make a list or do you have to stop and ask yourself, "What am I doing?" 

The point is not to actually make a list as the Word tells us all boasting of what one has or does is not of the Father.

 The point is to get us to think and be intentional. The Text tells us to talk about the things of God when we are sitting, standing, eating, and walking alongside the road. 

Are you leading by example? 

Are you leading your family in a daily time of prayer? 

Are you teaching and leading your family in a daily study of the Word? 

To be very direct and to the point...Things things are 

YOUR responsibility, not your wife's responsibility. 

Be the man God created you to be, you can start right now. 

A word of caution though...The Word says do not embitter your children and never speak harshly to your wife, be completely humble, patient, gentle, bearing with one another in love. 

Colossians 3:21, 3:19, Ephesians 4:2

So don't have a family meeting and slam your fist down saying, "were making some changes around here!" 

Instead just lead with a kind heart as you yourself are led by the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 8:6-8

"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God."

"IT IS NOT ABOUT WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN, IT IS WHERE YOU ARE AT, SPIRITUALLY, THAT DEFINES YOUR CURRENT SITUATION!"

"FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD IS DEFINED BY AGREEMENT!"
"AGREEMENT WITH GOD DEMANDS OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD!"
"OBEDIENCE TO GOD RESULTS IN FREEDOM FROM UNNECESSARY CIRCUMSTANCES!"
"FREEDOM IN CHRIST BRINGS ABOUT A PEACE THAT IS UNSURPASSABLE!"

"IN ORDER TO PLEASE GOD, WE MUST FIRST OBEY GOD!"
"SUBMIT"
"SURRENDER!"
"SERVE!"

Luke 19:10

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

"TRY TO STOP GOD'S LOVE & HE WILL WAGE A WAR!"
"TRY & TAKE THE VERY THING HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR!"
"HE IS UNRELENTING IN HIS PURSUIT OF YOU!"
"WITH PASSION & MERCY, HE WILL PURSUE YOU TO THE END!"
"UNSTOPPABLE LOVE THAT NEVER ENDS!"
"NO HEIGHT, NO DEPTH, NO FEAR, NO PAST, NO SIN!"
"NOTHING CAN SEPARATE YOU FROM GOD'S LOVE!"
"HE WILL PURSUE YOU TO THE ENDS OF TIME!"

"GOD SENT HIS SON, JESUS, TO EARTH WITH THE MISSION OF SEEKING THE LOST & RESTORING THEM!"
"THEREFORE, DON'T LET GUILT, SHAME, FEAR, DOUBT OR REGRET HOLD YOU BACK!"
"RECEIVE GOD'S FREE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE!"

Don't know how?
Give me a call & I will be more than glad to show you THE WAY!

The Kingdom - How valuable is it to you?

What items do you posses that have great value? A house, a car, or maybe a autographed jersey or baseball? To what lengths would you, or do you, go to protect them from damage, loss, or theft? 

Jesus used parables, stories, to illustrate his teachings and help us to understand them. In the first year and a half of ministry his stories focused mostly on a new day approaching, the old religious system was passing away and a new system was approaching. In his middle and especially later part of ministry however, the stories shifted and focused more on illustrating the Kingdom itself and it's great value, more precious than silver and gold. It was here that many turned away as they felt the cost too high. Salvation comes through faith in Christ and by grace alone, as a gift. The parables or stories portray a fruit, or out-working of salvation. 

The cost of salvation is transferring the ownership of all that you have to all that Christ is. Your thoughts are now His, your dreams are now His, your desires are now His, your passions are now His, your property is now His, your time is now His. He often allows you to keep physical possession of many things but as a steward, a caretaker. 

Here's the really cool part...Surrender is also a great exchange. Jesus takes your desire for sin and replaces it with a desire for righteousness, He takes your fear and gives you faith, He takes your anger and hatred and gives you love. The list is endless. 

Are you like the early followers that believed in the miracles at first but when Jesus started to unfold His plan, purpose, and the cost of discipleship decided it was too much to ask of them and walked away.  God had offered the Kingdom to His people; they had rejected it because they failed to perceive its value; and therefore they would suffer great loss.

Have you weighed the cost? Have you honestly seen the value of the Kingdom of God (which is God Himself) Have you simply followed the idea of Christ, or have you surrendered all that is yours, to all that He is? 

Is the Kingdom of God more valuable to you than anything else? We go to great lengths to protect what is valuable to us. What are you doing if anything to protect your walk with Christ and the things eternal? Is it more than you do to protect your physical assests? If it's not, then your heart has just disclosed where you treasure lies, go to God in confession and repentance as He is quick to forgive and as you seek Him He will increase your love for the things He loves, and for Himself. 

For further study dig into the parable teachings of Christ as found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

Matthew 5:14-15

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."

"LIGHT UP THE WORLD!"
"TURN THE SWITCH ON!"
"DON'T USE ANY DIMMERS!"

"SHINE BRIGHT FOR JESUS!"

"DARKNESS CAN NOT EXIST WHERE LIGHT DWELLS!"
"THEREFORE, SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!"

I will say it again:
"SHINE BRIGHT FOR JESUS!"
"LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THE CALLING YOU HAVE RECEIVED!"
"GOD WANTS TO EMPOWER YOU TO WITNESS TO THE NATIONS!"

Hebrews 1:3a

"The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being..."

In other words:
"A SON SHOULD BEAR A RESEMBLANCE TO HIS FATHER!"
"IN WORD, IN DEED, IN LOVE & IN PASSION!"
"A SON BEARS HIS FATHER'S IMAGE!"

Questions for Today:
"IS GOD YOUR FATHER?"
"IS JESUS YOUR LORD & SAVIOR?"
"DO YOUR WORDS REFLECT HIS?"
"DO YOUR DEEDS REFLECT HIS?"
"DOES YOUR LOVE REFLECT HIS?'
"DOES YOUR PASSION REFLECT HIS?"

If you were in a portrait with God, would others be able to say:

"I CAN SEE THE RESEMBLANCE, YOU LOOK JUST LIKE YOUR DAD!"

Or would they wonder who that person standing next to you was?

"May we strive to be transformed into the image of God's Son!"

God in the form of a man...

As a man, Jesus works and His words were intended to show the validity of His character and purpose. People needed to see He fulfilled the requirements as the sacrifice and savior of mankind and that He is related to us not only in spiritual sense but also in a physical sense as He is our Kinsman redeemer. (A relative able to purchase back our land that was sold into slavery) Many people followed Jesus due to His miracles, sadly however as Jesus unfolded His plans and purpose many turned away. They wanted the miracles but not the personal application of holiness in their lives. Father I pray all men everywhere would desire You Lord and receive salvation. And that they would not turn away when this walk with You requires personal sacrifice for our sanctification.

Isaiah 40:25

"To whom will you compare Me? Or who is My equal?" says the Holy One."

"THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLAIMING THAT GOD IS GREAT & GIVING GOD THE HONOR THAT IS DUE HIS GREATNESS!"

"GOD DOES NOT DESIRE OUR WORDS!"
"HE DESIRES OUR HEART!"

"GOD DOES NOT MERELY SEEK FOR US TO MENTION HIS NAME!"
"HE SEEKS FOR US TO REVERENCE HIS NAME WITH OUR LIFE!"

"IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY THAT GOD IS GREAT!"
"IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY THAT GOD IS SUFFICIENT!"
"IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY THAT GOD IS ALMIGHTY!"

BUT THEN LIVE AS IF:

"OUR SITUATION IS OF MORE IMPORTANCE THAN HIM!"
"OR THAT HE CAN NOT PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS!"
"OR EVEN TO THINK THAT HE MUST BOW TO US & OUR DEMANDS!"

"THEN HE WOULD NOT BE WHO WE CLAIM HE IS IN OUR LIFE!"
"WOULD HE?"

"To whom will you compare Me? Or who is My equal?" says the Holy One."

"GOD IS NOT JUST GREAT! GOD IS GREATER!!!"

Who's driving your ship?

Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand
Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Joshua 1:9 -Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Jesus has a plan for your life and all you have to do is submit to that plan and allow the Lord to drive your ship home to him. For the purposes of God supercede any purposes that you may have in your heart. Jesus is worthy of all the glory, honor and praise!!!!

Ephesians 5:3-4

"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

"HOLY PEOPLE!"
"HOLY STANDARDS!"
"HOLY LIVING!"
"GREAT REWARD!"

Do we fall short?
"YES!"
Should we make this an excuse to continue in said practices?
"NO!"

"FALLING IS ASSOCIATED WITH A PAINFUL EXPERIENCE!"
"THEREFORE, WE TRY TO AVOID ANY OCCASION OF FALLING!"
"THE SAME HOLDS TRUE WITH HABITUAL SIN!"
"HABITUAL SIN BRINGS ABOUT HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES IN LIFE!"
"SOONER OR LATER, THE EFFECTS WILL BE FELT!"

Here, Paul, was not condemning the church, but quite the opposite!
He was encouraging & challenging them to go deeper in their relationship with God by removing all the hindrances in their life & living a life of gratitude!

"A LIFE OF GRATITUDE = A FULFILLING RELATIONSHIP!"
"BE GRATEFUL & ENJOY FULFILLMENT IN CHRIST!"

"BE GRATEFUL BY BEING FAITHFUL!"

1 Peter 1:16

"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

"HOLINESS SHOULD BE OUR PASSION!"
"HOLINESS SHOULD BE OUR DESIRE!"
"HOLINESS SHOULD BE WHAT WE LIVE FOR!"

"OUR HOLINESS, IN CHRIST, SHOULD DRAW BELIEVERS CLOSER TO US!"
"OUR HOLINESS, BY JESUS' BLOOD, SHOULD STIR UN-BELIEVERS TOWARD GOD!

Most of all:
"HOLINESS NEVER ALLOWS FOR PRIDE!"
"HOLINESS CAN ONLY ASSOCIATE WITH HUMILITY!"

"HOLINESS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH US! BUT EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE WORK OF GRACE DONE BY JESUS CHRIST!"
"NONE OTHER CAN SAVE!"
"NONE OTHER CAN SANCTIFY!"
"NONE OTHER WILL EVER REIGN FOR ETERNITY, BUT JESUS!"

"HOLINESS CONSISTS OF A LIFE DEVOTED TO GOD!"
"BEING A GOD-CHASER!"
"BEING A GOD-PLEASER!"
"BEING A DEVOTED SERVANT OF GOD'S KINGDOM!"

I will stress it again:
"HOLINESS HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH US! BUT EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE WORK OF GRACE DONE BY JESUS CHRIST!"

Luke 6:35-36

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Today's question is:
"ARE WE LOVING LIKE JESUS LOVED?"

The excuse many will make is that:
"JESUS IS PERFECT, I'M NOT!"

While this is true, we must not forget that:
"HE CALLS US TO PERFECTION!"

In other words:
"WE ARE TO STRIVE IN OUR PURSUIT OF HOLINESS!"
"WHETHER THAT MEANS DYING TO SELF!"
"OR DARING TO LIVE FOR SOMEONE ELSE!"
"WE MUST CONTINUALLY SEEK A HIGHER FORM OF OBEDIENCE!"

"SOMETIMES OBEDIENCE TO GOD REQUIRES BEING MERCIFUL TO THOSE  WHO STAND IN OUR WAY OF SAID PURSUIT!"
"THE GREATEST EVIDENCE OF GROWTH IS NOT STEPPING ON OTHERS TO REACH OUR GOAL, BUT LIFTING THEM UP & CARRYING THEM THROUGH!"

"HELPING OTHERS REACH HOLINESS IS THE GREATEST ACT OF MERCY WE CAN EVER PERFORM!"

1 John 2:5-6

"But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did."

The true test is:
"ARE WE LIVING LIKE JESUS LIVED?"
"ARE THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT EVIDENT IN OUR LIFE?"
"OR AT THE VERY LEAST, SPROUTING?"

The saying;
"The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree."
Has much to say about our christian walk!
When faced with adversity, can the presence of Jesus be seen?
Are we close enough to the Savior, that He has become our Lord?
Do we obey His instructions? Do we live like we ought?

"LOVE DEMANDS OBEDIENCE!"
"LOVE DEMANDS DISPLAY!"
"LOVE DEMANDS COMPLETENESS!"

Again:
"ARE WE LIVING LIKE JESUS LIVED?"
"ARE THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT EVIDENT IN OUR LIFE?"
"OR AT THE VERY LEAST, SPROUTING?"

Today, I encourage you to:
"LIVE LIKE JESUS, LOVE LIKE GOD & WALK LIKE A BELIEVER!"
"STAY CLOSE TO THE TREE OF LIFE!"
"FEED OFF THE TREE OF LIFE!"
"THEN, EVENTUALLY, YOU WILL BEGIN TO SHARE THE TREE OF LIFE WITH OTHERS!"

Living in the Hood - 2014 (day 1)

The train has left the station ya'll. 

The Lord has given us some momentum, all aboard! 

Psalm 46:1-8a

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done..."

When darkness seems to rear it's face, I am reminded:
"THE ROCK WON'T MOVE!"
"HIS WORD IS STRONG!"
"HIS LOVE CAN'T BE UNDONE!"

"JESUS!!!"

John 12:32

"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself."

Jesus was very clear:
"WHEN HE IS LIFTED UP, HE WILL DRAW ALL PEOPLE TO HIMSELF!"
"NO NEED FOR GIMMICKS!"
"NO NEED FOR CATCHY PHRASES!"
"NO NEED FOR ANYTHING BUT JESUS!"

"JESUS IS SUFFICIENT!!!"
This world will have you believe that you have to go to great feats to reach them!
This world will have you exhaust ever ounce of energy you possess in order to captivate their attention!
But the truth is that:
"ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS RAISE THE BANNER OF CHRIST!"
"ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LIFT UP THE SON OF MAN!"
"JESUS DOES THE REST!"

Jesus said;
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing!"
"IF THIS WORLD TRULY KNEW WHAT THEY NEEDED, THEN THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR THE GREAT COMMISSION!"
"BUT THE GREAT COMMISSION WAS PRONOUNCED!"
"THEREFORE, LET US FULFILL IT!"

"THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF JESUS WILL ONLY BE MADE KNOWN WHEN HE IS LIFTED UP!"
"THIS WORLD DESPERATELY NEEDS JESUS!"
"THEY JUST DON'T KNOW IT YET!"

Deuteronomy 21:23

An execution was intentionally a public act, for it was meant to serve as a warning against crime and rebellion. Predated back, at least to the seventh century B.C. and made popular by Alexander the Great. Crucifixion was a form of capitol punishment which involved hanging a person on a cross of some kind. The shape of the cross varied:
The Traditional Cross - crux immissa - (Like a lowercase t), crux comissa - (Like a capitol T), and crux decussata - (Like an X).
It was customary for the victim to carry his cross naked to the place of execution. This added shame and humiliation to his execution. (It would be wise to note that Jesus was not require to do so, perhaps due to Jewish sensitivity.) It was also customary for the execution squad to share the clothing of the victim. Wine mixed with myrrh was then offered upon the arrival at Golgotha. This was done as a genuine act of compassion intended to bring about a stupefying effect that lessened the pain of the victim. The method of attachment to the cross varied. Tying and nailing the victim were the most common. If the victim was supported only by the nails, he tended to died more quickly. As a result, they sometimes placed a footrest at the bottom or a block of wood to support the buttocks. Although this allowed some relief for the body, it was not done as an act of kindness or mercy, but as a means of prolonging the agony.
Crucifixion is one of the most abominable forms of torture and execution that the world has ever seen. It is so horrible that only Christians speak positively of it, and that only because of the redemption Jesus achieved by means of it. Among the Jews, it was especially despised due to (Deuteronomy 21:23) “Anyone who hung on a tree is under God’s curse.”
Almost any modern form of capitol punishment looks amazingly "Gracious" when compared to crucifixion.

"JESUS WENT THROUGH THIS FOR YOU & ME!"
"GRATITUDE & HUMILITY COME TO MIND!"

The heart of worship

John 4:23- 24
23"But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24"God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

The hour has come and the time is here to worship God in Spirit and in truth. For truely the Father seeks those that will be worshipers of Him. God calls us to seek and we do. Did you ever think that God is seeking you? He is seeking your worship and your praise to Him. God deserves all the glory and honor that we can give Him!!!

Mark 3:31-35

'Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call Him. A crowd was sitting around Him, and they told Him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for You."
"Who are My mother and My brothers?" He asked.
Then He looked at those seated in a circle around Him and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! Whoever does God's will is My brother and sister and mother."'

Self-Reflection:
"THEN HE LOOKED AT THOSE SEATED IN A CIRCLE AROUND HIM..."

Ask yourself:
"AM I ONE OF THOSE SEATED IN JESUS' CIRCLE?"
"DOES JESUS CONSIDER ME HIS MOTHER? BROTHER? SISTER?"
"AM I MEETING JESUS' CRITERIA TO BECOME PART OF HIS FAMILY?"

Jesus said:
"WHOEVER DOES GOD'S WILL IS MY BROTHER & SISTER & MOTHER..."
You may ask yourself, "WHAT IS GOD'S WILL?"

Romans 6:23 says,
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
"REPENT!" (Turn from Sin)
"CONFESS!" (Ask for Forgiveness)
"RECEIVE!" (The person of Jesus as Savior & Lord)

"FOLLOWING JESUS DEMANDS OBEDIENCE TO HIS FATHER'S WILL!"
"GOD'S WILL IS THAT NONE WOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL COME TO THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST!"

WHAT'S THE BEST GIFT A PASTOR CAN RECEIVE?

A faithful minister is more discouraged by the

backsliding & the hardness of his hearers' hearts, than by the enemies' attempts.

~ Matthew Henry ~

  "Obey those who are over you, submit to your leaders for they have to give an account and you want to submit to their leadership so they can do it with joy and not with grief because if they minister with grief it's unprofitable to you." Hebrews 13:17

 

 Disobedience to God takes the heart out of their ministry, takes the joy of their ministry. And they're not going to be effective. 

 

The best gift a Pastor can receive, is a life of holiness unto the Lord.

 



True Fasting

While corporately fasting with our church I shared with my family something Charles Stanley said concerning fasting, "If you are at a friends house while in the middle of a fast and they unexpectedly invite you to share a meal, do not say 'No, I am fasting' as this brings attention to yourself, rather quietly break your fast, accept their generosity, and then start your fast again the next day"

I say this for a reason, during our fast a co-worker of my wife that she has been trying reach out to with the Gospel message, invited her to have lunch. My wife said, "My first thought was to say no, but then I remembered the story you shared and I graciously accepted her invitation" 

I ask, would it have been better to say no and continue to fast, or in the eyes of God was it better to accept and have an opportunity to witness Jesus?

 James 2:15-17 tells us, "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead"

You see, the women that invited my wife to lunch, is both hungry and naked, she just doesn't know it.

 I was very proud of my wife as she is living out Isaiah 58: 6-11 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you,and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

 We should not be so caught up in our 'act' of fasting or religiosity that we forget to do good. 

Psalm 63:1-5

"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory.
Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.
I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise You."

I don't know about anyone else, but I have a burning desire within my heart!

"I LONG TO SERVE BECAUSE OF THE HOPE THAT IS WITHIN ME!"
"I LONG TO BRING GOD'S LIVING WATER TO THOSE DRY LANDS!"
"I LONG TO SHARE THE BREAD OF LIFE WITH THE NATIONS!"

How about you?
What is your heart set on?
Is fulfilling your personal dreams your life's mission?
Do you come first in everything you do?

We are all building a kingdom!
Question is:
"WHO'S KINGDOM ARE WE TRYING TO BUILD?"
"THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE LASTING KINGDOM & IT BELONGS TO GOD ALMIGHTY!"

During this weekend, I attended a conference & one of the speakers made such a profound statement that I feel pressed in my spirit to share it!

"YOUR KINGDOM WILL ONLY BE AS GREAT AS THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE!"
"THE GREATER YOUR SERVICE, THE GREATER YOUR KINGDOM!"

"JESUS CAME TO SERVE IN HIS KINGDOM!"
Therefore, it is the Greatest of all kingdoms!

Isaiah 56:6-7

"And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to Him,
to love the name of the Lord,
and to be His servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to My covenant,
These I will bring to My holy mountain and give them joy in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

"THE INVITATION HAS BEEN MADE!"
"THE CELEBRATION IS TAKING PLACE!"
"COME JOIN THE FAMILY OF GOD!"
"COME, RECEIVE HIS ETERNAL GRACE!"

RSVP's don't need to be made!
There is always enough room for you to come & stay!
So, come join the party, come have a blast!
"COME! CALL ON JESUS BEFORE YOU BREATHE YOUR LAST!"
"FOR THEN, IT WILL BE TOO LATE!"
"NO ONE WILL OPEN THE DOOR!"

"BUT TODAY IS YOUR DAY!"
"COME ON IN!"
"JESUS AWAITS US ALL!"

"TODAY, IS YOUR DAY OF SALVATION!"

MENTORS NEEDED NOW

No Commitment 

Come attend a meeting a see what it's all about, then pray on it. 

 MENTORS NEEDED NOW 

Free Mentor Training This Sat. 9am-2pm 

 Call 414-254-2098 and talk to Frank Woods

Bart Helmbreck - Sermon Notes from Men's Conference

A HUMAN DECISION...

John 1:11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, or a husband’s will, nor of human decision, but born of God. (Will of the flesh) 

John 6:44  “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the 

Notichia - Knowledge

Assensus - Assurance

Feeduchia - Faith / Heart and Soul

Luke 10:27 "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind"

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved  Mark15:16 (context) Even the demons beleive...

* Simon the sorcerer -  His heart was not right

 Acts 8:9-24 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” Simon never repents

Lukewarm Church.

Revelation 3:14-22 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 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 that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

* Geographical Lesson: Hot & Cold Springs vs. Luke Warm Stagnant Water

* Periodical or Historical lesson: Hot & Cold Drinks at Feasts / Phys - lukewarm water to induced vomiting

Temple that bears my name (summarize)

Jeremiah 7:1:15 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Stand at the gate of the Lord’s house and there proclaim this message:“ ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!” If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.“ ‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, and burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord. “ ‘Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your ancestors. I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your fellow Israelites, the people of Ephraim.’

Saddest and joyous chapter of the Bible. 

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God,stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 

Today we are covered by Grace - do not use that gift of grace as a license to sin. 

Romans 6:1-10 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

Romans 10: 6-10 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” that is, to bring Christ down. “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ”that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

If truly saved your heart should move you to obedience

Ezekiel 36:22-23. ...‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

Root and the Fruit - Root (Faith) Fruit (obedience) 

...the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes

 God turns hearts toward Himself, then, through knowledge, assurance, and faith we must repent and surrender ours hearts and lives. 

Ezekiel 25-28 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. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.

1Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect...who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ...

Hebrews 5:8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered - denying the pleasure of sin. (Pornography) deny and stand firm through the sword of the Spirit. 

1Peter - He has given you everything you need...

Sign of salvation - Growing in Holiness, Humility, & Obedience

Examine Yourself

Sinners Prayer Story How many times? 

Have you simply made a human decision?

(half-hearted sinners prayer with no brokenness)  

Quit laying again and again the foundation of repentance...

Example of surrender vs. a half hearted prayer. 

Psalm 51:1-17  Have mercy on me, O God,according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdictand justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Let you desired faithfulness even in the womb;you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presenceor take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways,so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,you who are God my Savior,and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord,and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, you God, will not despise.

Psalm 32: 3-6 When I kept silent,my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and nightyour hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 

“I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Beatitudes: 

Matthew 5:3-10

1-3 Model of finding salvation in Christ Jesus.  

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 

4-7 Attributes of a Convert - (Impossible before conversion)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

8 Consequences of it all

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Many will say Lord Lord...many are deceived. I fear it may be in part our fault....Faith comes from hearing the word...we have not always brought the full Gospel message. 

The Full Gospel Message...

For God so loved the world...

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

Love, mercy, & grace

John 3:14-15 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him

Brokenness, repentance, & death

James 4:8-10 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Salvation is a gift but it will cost you

Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?

Hebrews 3:15 today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart. 

* Examine yourself 

Q: Have you come to God through brokenness and repentance or have you simply made a human decision? 

Q. Have you said the sinners prayer multiple times but nothing has changed in your life? 

Q. Are you constantly laying again the foundation of repentance? 

Q: Have you weighed the cost? 

Ephesians 4:1

"LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THE CALLING YOU HAVE RECEIVED IN CHRIST JESUS!"

Ephesians 6:10

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."

"YOU WERE DESIGNED BY GOD, WITH A SPECIFIC PURPOSE IN MIND!"
"YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC FUNCTION HERE ON EARTH!"

Therefore, it would be wise to operate within your design!
A house can be a shelter from the storm, but it can not make the rain!
A car can help you reach your destination, but it can not do so alone!
It needs to be driven!

"WE NEED TO BE DRIVEN!"
Therefore;
"LET GOD LEAD YOU!"
"LET GOD USE YOU!"
"LET GOD DO AS HE CHOOSES IN YOUR LIFE!"
"LET GOD!"

Matthew 6:9

"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name..."

"ABBA, FATHER!"

"The purpose of Jesus coming was to restore a broken relationship between God and man due to sin. God desired intimacy with humanity and was willing to do the necessary to achieve His eternal goal. In a world where broken families and abuse are such a prevalent reality, an intimate relationship with God is the key to their restoration. It brings hope of a better future and a sense of belonging to their hearts. Jesus obviously thought this topic to be of great importance and focussed on teaching His followers about God's desire to be intimate with His people. The disciples, in turn, eventually went out teaching and spreading this message of intimacy. Therefore, I believe that we should do that same!"

"TEACH OTHERS ABOUT THE INTIMACY THAT GOD WANTS TO HAVE WITH THEM!"

Mark 1:17a

“Come, follow Me,”

"THE KING IS HERE!"
"HE DESIRES TO TAKE YOU THERE!"
"COME, FOLLOW HIM!"

Jesus says, "FOLLOW ME!", because He desires for you to be where He is!
Through the first Adam, we left paradise & were never able to find the entrance again.
But Jesus knows the Way & He calls us to follow Him to Paradise!

Jesus says:
"COME, FOLLOW ME!"

Will you follow Jesus today?

Mark 2:15-17

"While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw Him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”"

"WHY DOES JESUS EAT WITH SINNERS?"
To persuade them of a better life!

"DON'T THINK THE MEAL SET BEFORE YOU IS THE DELICACY!"
"THE ONE SITTING IN FRONT OF YOU IS!"

"THE BREAD OF LIFE IS THE MAIN DISH!"
"JESUS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN TRULY SATISFY YOUR HUNGER!"

"WHY DOES JESUS EAT WITH SINNERS?"

"TO OFFER THEM A BETTER MEAL THAN THEY HAVE EVER TASTED!"

"TASTE & SEE!"

THIS IS THE DAY...

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24 - 

We quote this verse and celebrate today as a new day the Lord created and that is good. But do you realize this verse is speaking of Salvation? 

Psalm 118:14-23 tells us, "The Lord is my strength and my defense he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes....This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 

So let us rejoice in our salvation today with glad hearts and obedience to the One who saved us, Jesus the Christ. And let us proclaim to all, today, what The Lord has donefor this is the day.