Christian POWER!

God gave Jesus power when he walked on this earth as a man. Jesus used this power to heal and set people free. Jesus gave power to his disciples and they used this power to heal and set people free. I am a disciple.....so I have power, you are a disciple......so you have power. Healing and freedom are ours to give.

8-25-2015      Luke 9:49-50

S.       49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

O.      Jesus includes all who live in faith.

A.      I was not there to see the miracles of Jesus or hear his words firsthand. I am his disciple and he is my brother. I will fight the works of evil in his power and authority and win.

P.       Father; lead me to the one’ I can help today and fill me with joy that I may represent you well. Amen.

Peace

The only peace I see these days is in the advertising for the cruse lines. People are covered with bad news on every side. War, hate, crime are flowing onto the screen, and that's just the report in D.C.
I am glad that I don't need some reporter to feed me the good news. The Lord is my peace, my hope and my Joy. If you look in the right place you will find......Peace.

9-12-2015      Luke 9:6

S.       6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.

O.      The ministry of the twelve.

A.      God would have me to share all that he has done in my life, my salvation, my healing and all my victories.

P.       Father; lead me to the ones that I should minister to today and I will speak of you. Amen.

CHANGE

Does change ever slow down? It seems like things are changing at a break-neck speed. Just as I learn how to use the remote the company sends me a new receiver. Just when I learn how to use my phone it breaks and I need  new one. Lord, Please help me keep up!

S.O.A.P.

3-18-2015      Romans 11:9-16

S.       9And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:10Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

O.      God uses riches to humble the Jews by moving their wealth to Gentiles.

A.      I am debtor to all the generations before me for I have much gain from their efforts. I learn from their examples, pick fruit from trees they planted and enjoy their invention.

P.       Father; May I leave a legacy for the next generation. May a part of that legacy be my love for your people? Amen. 

God is healing his children ..... TODAY!

Raise up and claim your healing children, for our God has not changed, his word will never fail and he is longing to share his blessings with you. He is a loving father ...... with healing in his wings!


S.O.A.P.

1-25-2015      Romans 6:1-7

S.       1 what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

O.      Those covered by grace no longer sin because they are dead to it.

A.      Sin should become our enemy when we are made new in Jesus Christ. People that teach that sin can’t be overcome are teaching in error. If God is powerful enough to redeem us from sin, he is powerful enough to help us to stop sinning. God sends the Holy Ghost to infill us and lead (teach) us away from sin … all sin!

P.       Father; help us to overcome the false teaching about sin and live the life you designed for us. Amen.

Rest a while

10-23-2014    Mark 6:30-32

S.       30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

O.      After the twelve return and report their ministry to Jesus he leads them away for a time of rest.

A.      Ministry is very demanding both physically and mentally. It is important that time is set aside for rest and rejuvenation. The key to successful rest is to include Jesus. Jesus was with the twelve during their time of rest.

P.       Father; help me to understand the need for rest and guide me to the type and place of rest that will be beneficial and spiritually renewing. Amen. 

Welfare?

Wake up, wake up, daylights a breaking; peas in the pot and hoecakes a baking. This is the little song my father-in-law would sing each morning (as loud as possible) to awake the house, happy and ready to enjoy life. He was always thankful for the simple necessity's of life. He worked hard and never ask for anything he did not earn himself. He never was envious or greedy, never wanted charity. How do you stand concerning this welfare world we live in? 

10-21-2014    Mark 6:7-13

S.       7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.11  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

O.      Jesus gives power to the twelve. This power is over unclean spirits. They travel from place to place and stay in worthy homes. The worthiness of a home is decided by the manner in which the gospel message is, or is not, received. The home is to be judged by the disciples and a sign of un-worthiness is explained.

A.      Jesus gives me power over all un-clean spirits. This is power over sin and satan thus giving me power to live, as Jesus lived on earth as a man, without sinning or being overcome by evil spirits. I will not use the excuse; I am only human…..therefore I must sin. I will believe God’s word and the example of Jesus’s sinless life.

P.       Father; I claim power over sin, in the name of Jesus. I believe you and your promises. I am dead to sin because of Calvary for I have confessed and repented. Lead me Lord by your Holy Spirit that I may live in the center of your perfect will. Amen.  

Paul in Rome

9-4-2014         Acts 28:29-31

S.       29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

O.      Paul lives as a free man in Rome and uses this freedom to spread the gospel.

A.      I must live the life of a free man, free from sin, shame and free from regret. I will keep myself from wickedness by clinging to Jesus and his word. I will commune with the Lord, listen and obey using my freedom wisely to the saving of my soul and as many other souls as possible.

P.       Father; I come to you weak to be made strong. I come to you hungry to be made full. I come to you lost that I may be found. I come to you to serve, use me as you will. Amen.

Follow God!

9-3-2014         Acts 28:26-28

S.       26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

O.      Paul declares that the message of Jesus is open to the Gentiles because the Jewish people are not responding properly.

A.      Our response to God will decide our future. I will follow with all my heart, mind and spirit. I will embrace God and reject sin.

P.       Father; I reach out to you with all that I am. Cleanse me from sin and keep me on the right path. Fill me with your Spirit that I never stray. Amen.

Healing

8-30-2014      Acts 28:7-10

S.       7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

O.      God heals through Paul’s hand in the house of Publius. Upon departing this house the people shared with the shipwreck victims the things that they needed to travel.

A.      In every circumstance we should be the hand of God extended. Even when our need is great and our troubles come we should be concerned about those around us.

P.       Father; teach me humility and use me in ministry. Heal through my hands and lift the burdens from the shoulders of the suffering. Amen.

Viper Strike

8-29-2014      Acts 28:1-6

S.       1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

O.      On the shore after the wreck while building a fire to dry off and keep warm Paul is bitten by a snake. The local people that were gathered to help the victims of the shipwreck expected Paul to die. When Paul lived, and showed no effects at all, the locals deemed him to be a god.

A.      Paul was serving, helping and doing what he could to comfort his fellow travelers. Like Jesus, Paul is a servant. We must apply ourselves to serving. Not just preaching, singing and testifying but in the everyday needs of life as well. Sharing ourselves and our substance to comfort and aid our fellow travelers.

P.       Father; train me in your mercy, that I may show mercy. Train me as a servant that I may serve. Teach me love and compassion that I may be a good servant. Amen.

Protection

8-28-2014      Acts 27:38-44

S.       38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

O.      Day breaks and the sailors see land and a place to take the ship to land. The ship runs aground and is broken up. To save Paul’s life all the prisoners are told to swim or float on parts of the ship to shore. All aboard made it safe to the shore.

A.      God’s protection for us can be extended to those around us. If we are living as willing and obedient servants our journey can be a testimony to those around us. We must follow the Lord in a humble manner and “be” that testimony.

P.       Father; my request is to see and know your will for this day. I submit to your will and ask you to send your Holy 

Spirit to direct me as I go. Amen. 

Citizenship

8-15-2014      Acts 25: 1-12

S.       1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. 1 2 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Unto Caesar shalt thou go.

O.      Changes in Roman leadership bring about yet another trial for Paul before Festus. Paul claims his right as a Roman citizen and Festus is constrained to send Paul to Caesar. This ruling stops the Jewish people that were trying to kill Paul.

A.      God will use many different methods to protect his children as they labor for him and obey his voice. This negative circumstance that Paul lived was turned into opportunities to spread the gospel into new and almost inaccessible places.

P.       Father; protect me, fill me and lead me into every place where I can spread your word. Amen.

Two Years in Jail

8-14-2014      Acts 24:24-27

S.       24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

O.      Paul has many opportunities to convert Felix to the faith. Felix never seems to understand or find it “convenient” to become a Christian. Paul was a prisoner for two years with Felix.

A.      We should never give up on anybody as we spread the gospel. Our circumstances may be unpleasant and not to our liking, but the work of the Lord should never stop.

P.       Father; the plight of Paul seems very unfair but you used him to take the gospel into many unreachable places. Help me Lord to focus on your work instead of my circumstances and difficulties. Teach me the same values that Paul lived by and keep me from distractions as I labor for you. Amen. 

No Fear!

8-10-2014      Acts 24: 6-9

S.       6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

O.      Tertullus lies to Felix about Paul’s profaning of the Temple, Paul was lawfully in the Temple, and he exaggerates the actions of Lysias in securing Paul away from the mob.

A.      We must be ready to hear lies and exaggerations told about us. The Devil must use lies because he has no truth in him. God will redeem us according to his will!

P.       Father; Take away all my fear, worry and doubt. Secure me in your arms as the storms pass my way. Amen.

Instructions Please!

7-30-2014      Acts 22:9-10

S.       9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

O.      The light of God surrounds Paul and his company and he asks, “What shall I do, Lord”.

A.      I must ask God for instruction each and every day.

P.       Father; what would you have me to do today, where should I go, what should I say? Lead me by your Holy Spirit to do your perfect will. Amen.  

I will Not be HURT!

7-27-2014      Acts 21:37-39

S.       37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?39But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

O.      The captain holding Paul finds out that he has the wrong man in custody. Paul still wants to speak to the very people that have hurt him.

A.      We must communicate with people if they are to learn who we really are. We must not lose our compassion and love for the ones that have hurt us.

P.       Father; cleanse my heart and mind of thoughts of retribution towards those that have hurt me. Teach me how to communicate love and forgiveness to each one. May people see more of you in me! Amen.

The Will of God

7-22-2014      Acts 21:14

S.       14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

O.      Paul will not turn from his path to Jerusalem even though he knows that prison and maybe even death are ahead. God’s will was more important than personal comfort.

A.      This says that God has a will for my life! I will seek to learn that will and obey it. I know that the Bible says that it is God’s will that I be “born again” (saved, confessing my sin and abandoning sin’s practices) and I have. It says; I should love God and my fellow man, take up “my” cross and follow Jesus, I do that also. There must be more, some special things that I alone am called to do. I will seek this out.

P.       Father; I seek to do your will. Lead me this day to do your will, no matter the cost. Holy Spirit, fill me to the full, open my mind and show me God’s will and warn me if I stray. Amen.

Staying Put

7-3-2014         Acts 18:9-11

S.       9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

O.      In this time of difficulty Paul received a vision that encouraged him to keep going. He remained in this difficult place for 18 months.

A.      God will encourage us in times of difficulty. We should not run from adversity. We should seek God for a fresh “vision” and courage to stay put and win souls.

P.       Father; give me a fresh vision for Tolar, Texas, Hood County, North Texas, America and the whole world. Let me see “beyond the four walls” of my church. Amen.

More Help

6-18-2014      Acts 16:1-4

S.       1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

O.      Paul takes on Timothy as his student/helper here. Timothy is circumcised (no explanation is given as to why Timothy did not fall under the decision made at Jerusalem) and the group moves on to spread the word and the results of the Jerusalem council.

A.      God will place certain people in our lives that are to work alongside us. Working together can bring better result with less strain on a single individual. As we learn to depend on each other we gain better understanding about depending on God. The goals are unity, harmony and peace. These are in short supply in today’s me-istic society.

P.       Father; grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize which individuals I am to work beside. Speak into my spirit your holy instruction that I will know when to be student and when to be teacher. Amen.  

Fasting and Prayer

5-27-2014      Acts 13:1-3

S.       1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

O.      Barnabas and Saul are sent from the church in Antioch to spread the message of Jesus and teach the new Christians of God’s new covenant. The preparation included fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands.

A.      God has a work for me to do also in the spreading of the gospel message. Prayer and fasting should be a part of my preparation. I may also receive blessing from other Christian leaders as they encourage (bless by the laying on of hands) me and support my efforts. What a wonderful, powerful and delightful thing……knowing that I am not alone in my labor for God?

P.       Father; strengthen my hand in the labor as I fast and prepare for this day. Amen.

5-28-2014      Acts 13:4-11

S.       4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar–jesus:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

O.      Saul judges the actions of Elymas the sorcerer as evil and speaks blindness on him.

A.      I must confront all evil practices and speak out the judgments of God. If God condemns sin, so shall I.

P.       Father; open my eyes to the sin in my life first, then in the lives of those around me and give me anointing to speak the truth in love and be bold. Amen.