3-8-2017 Wisdom

This is the next to last night of this revival. I have preached about Faith, The Heart, The Presence of God and tonight it is Wisdom.The need for wisdom in our lives is quite evident. We find ourselves in the middle of problems, debt, pain and grief because we don't use wisdom. God has wisdom to give us but we seldom ask for it. "You have not because you ask not" applies to wisdom as well as the temporal, transit and the consumable. "Ask and you shall receive" is a way to start finding wisdom. Finding wisdom will aid in the application of wisdom, After all; what good are things we don't use.

May we all slow down just enough to hear the voice of God.......applied wisdom!

Sabbatical: Day 3

This is the day I was most excited about; being Baptized in the Jordan River. The sun was bright and the air had a hint of fragrance from the bogonvia. I was so excited that I forgot my water shoes and walked down the rocky path in my bare feet, yes it was painful but I thought of all the pain my Saviour went through for me. My sweet wife and I were baptized by Pastors John and Matthew Hagee, one on each side, her first and then  me. So much joy as I came up speaking in my Heavenly Prayer Language and knowing that I was making a statement to all around; I have been buried and resurrected into new life by Christ Jesus in the same river he was baptized in. WOW!

On to Caesarea; here we learned of all the hardship the Jewish people encountered when returning to Israel and a reminder of what they went through in Germany. This was the Roman capitol of Judea. Conflict and death flowed out of this place to many Jewish people. The reconstruction is an on-going process but gives me clear understanding of how the people lived. Homes were quite small for the common citizen. Most rooms were about twelve by twelve feet with one family to a room. I live in a palace by these standards. 

Today is our first time into Jerusalem. We enter with a prayer of blessing upon the city and all that enter there. The feeling I experienced was as if the Lord had put his arm around my shoulder and was personally walking at my side. We walked several blocks through the Arab market full of busy people preparing for the Sabbath, merchants calling out to us of their special prices for Americans, many welcoming hand shakes and friendly "Shalom", then into the home of a Rabbi Daniel Sperber in the heart of the old city. His wife gave us fruit and juice to refresh us as we waited for time to light the Sabbath candles. We were invited to roam the house, terrace garden, library and even to go out on the roof for a view of the western wall. I felt as welcome in this home as if I were a member of the family. We gathered in the parlor as the candles were lit and prayed for peaceful Sabbath. As I lit my candle, my one small light, I understood..."let your light so shine".  I can make a difference in this dark world of hate and pain, war and separation.....just by shining my light, my one small light. 

I will finish day three tomorrow....I must go for now....about my Father's business.   

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.

Catching up.

Here are several days of my SOAP. 

4-16-2015      Romans 15:8-9

S.       8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

O.      Jesus confirms the law to the Jews and includes the Gentiles.

A.      All people need to hear the gospel and know that Jesus can clean them from their sin. I will treat all people in an equal manner as I minister the truth.

P.       Father; teach me to love and honor all peoples. Let me see them through your eyes. Amen.

4-17-2015      Romans 15:10-12

S.       10And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.11And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.12And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

O.      Jesus is Lord of the Gentiles.

A.      Walls of separation must be torn down between Jews and Gentiles because Jesus is Lord of both. I will speak everywhere of God’s love for all people groups.

P.       Father; make me a voice for unity and love to the ones I meet today. Amen.

4-18-2015      Romans 15:13

S.       13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

O.      Believe unto hope.

A.      I rejoice in the knowledge of my salvation. I have hope and it fills me with joy. Love lifted me out of the death of sin and gives me life, joy, peace and hope.

P.       Father; thank you for calling me out of sin. Thank you for giving me a reason to live. Take my life and spend it as you will. Amen.

4-19-2015      Romans 15:14-16

S.       14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

O.      Paul explains his ministry responsibility to the Gentiles.

A.      God will direct his ministers to certain places and people. I must be aware of this direction in my everyday life.

P.       Father; show me the holy path for today. Guide me to the right place and help me to speak the right words. Use me as your voice. Amen.

He is not here!

He is not here! These words ring loud in my spirit this morning. I will use these words as my sermon this morning. As I looked towards the eastern sky at sun rise I did nor see Jesus return.....He is not here. I am looking for his return to catch away his Bride. I am looking forward to the reunion of family and friends. But for today, I must say, He is not here.

S.O.A.P.

4-5-2015         Romans 13:14    Easter Sunday

S.       14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

O.      Embrace Jesus and stop sinning.

A.      Sin is not a part of the believer’s life. Christians should HATE sin. Our love for Jesus is proved by our avoidance of sinful actions and words.

     P.       Father; Thank you for the power of Grace that gives me strength to avoid sin and live in                   victory. Amen. 

Jesus and the cross

This is the day we must remember the cross that Jesus was murdered on. He went there to set us free from sin, to give us a way of escape and to call man back into harmony with God. Love held him to the cross, not the nails. Jesus went to the cross to "show" his love for you.

S.O.A.P.

4-3-2015         Romans 13:9-10

S.       9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

O.      How love works towards others.

A.      The proof of how I love others is found in how I treat them. All the sins listed are committed affecting others, hurting, stealing, and lying and so on. I will keep it in my mind of how my sin might be against others. My life touches so many people so I must be a good example.

P.       Father; make me an example of your love and teach me how to forgive. Amen. 

I enjoyed another great weekend. Special thanks to to the women's group for a fun fellowship on Friday night. The services yesterday were heavenly and my family's love has my heart overflowing. I am praying that God will teach me into a higher level of faith. I might say; help me to exterminate doubt and unbelief. The Bible is full of examples of the blessings that are given to man, but we must not doubt to receive these blessings. I want doubt to be eliminated.

Three days: Posting problems over the weekend.

S,O,A,P,

2-14-2015      Romans 7:12-13

S.       12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

O.      The true nature of sin is revealed by the law.

A.      The law is my friend and gives me understand about sin.

P.       Father; give me overcoming power and fill me with wisdom. Amen.

2-15-2015      Romans 7:14-17

S.       14  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

O.      The law is good and sinful actions are exposed by a good law.

A.      The law is my warning that sin is still resident within me. (Sin as defined by the law)

P.       Father; thank you for the knowledge of sin. I know what to fight and I ask for your help in overcoming all my sin. Amen.

2-16-2015      Romans 7:18-21

S.       18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

O.      Good and evil are present when man is under law only.

A.      There must be more than legalism to make a man right with God. Paul is explaining the impossible task of being “sin free” while living under the law.

     P.       Father; open my understanding by your law and fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may                   follow you in Grace.

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.

Listen to God!

8-27-2014      Acts 27:9-37

S.       9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands strake sail, and so were driven.18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

O.      The journey is filled with danger and hardship. God gives Paul knowledge; if all the people stay together, none shall die. The sailors and soldiers do all within their human strength to overcome the terrible storm and save the ship.

A.      Humans will go to great length to make things turn out the way they want them to go. Trusting God is seldom the direction taken. We must first believe in God as the “only true source” of help and direction. Then we must listen to his direction and obey his voice.

P.       Father; speak to me from your word and declare your will. Direct me by your Holy Spirit in all matters of life, both great and small. Amen. 

Told and Re-Told

8-16-2014      Acts 25:13-21

S.       13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

O.      King Festus shares his experience with King Agrippa and Bernice concerning Paul. Festus declares that he found nothing worthy of judgment in Paul and would have the matter handled in Jerusalem by Jewish courts but Paul exercised his right as a Roman to be judged by Caesar.

A.      When we are working to spread the gospel many of our listeners will rehearse our words to others. Our work is multiplied and God’s good news becomes a point of interest. We must plant the seed willingly and vigorously to as many as possible. Then and only then is the gospel imprinted into the minds of others that will continue the spreading.  

P.       Father; lead me to the individuals today that I may plant your words in them. Fill me with your spirit and speak through me. Amen.

God Who Cares

8-7-2014         Acts 23:11

S.       11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

O.      The Lord prepares Paul’s heart for his ministry in Rome.

A.      God does not want us to live in fear over the duties of the ministry. He speaks to us from his word, by the Spirit and through his faithful servants. I will listen and obey the directions of God!

P.       Father; use me as you will this day, to help, to heal, to guide and to comfort your people. Heal the e-bola victims around the world. Cause that terrible disease to be eradicated from the face of the earth. Protect the minds of your people from fear and give rest to the weary laborer. Amen. 

Hard Days

7-2-2014         Acts 18:5-8

S.       5 And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

O.      Paul reaches out to the Jews first but they will not accept the message. Here Paul declares that he will go to the Gentiles. The Corinthian church is established in the home of Justus.

A.      We must continue to try and reach people that appear to be against our message. As long as there is life there is hope. Our efforts may be rejected and even opposed but we must never give up on anybody. We must endure to the end of our days. Leading people to Jesus is worth any effort.

P.       Father in Heaven; relieve my pain and worry and replace these with joy and peace. The task seems too large and the load too heavy. I will step out in faith to declare your word. Open the doors of opportunity for this day and please be waiting on the other side of each door to guide my steps. Amen. Lord; please keep the family of my dear friend Ray close to your heart today. You called him home to be with you yesterday. We all know that he is with you but there is still sorrow and pain in our hearts at his passing. Help us to be strong for each other. Amen.

Take a stand

6-15-2014      Acts 15: 24-29   (Father’s Day 2014)

S.       24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

O.      This is the letter sent out from the Jerusalem Council.

A.      We do well when we come to a place of understanding and unity. Unity is a central theme of Heaven. We can therefore have “heaven on earth” when we establish and foster unity. (Pride must die for unity to be complete)

P.       Father; Make me into a man of peace and a builder of unity. Amen.

The Trial of Jesus

6-1-2014         Acts 13:27-33  Korbin Born today J

S.       27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.30 But God raised him from the dead:31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

O.      Paul reveals the truth about the trial of Jesus and how God raised him from the grave.

A.      I serve, and love a risen Saviour. Jesus did this for me to set me free from sin and give me an abundant life.

P.       Father; I confess my sin and ask for forgiveness. Fill me with love and compassion for those who have not been told this wonderful message of life. Amen.

A Long-term Plan

5-31-2014      Acts 13:24-26

S.       24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

O.      Salvation preached to the Jews by John the Baptist is Paul’s reference point.

A.      We must connect the events God uses in our history to reveal the relevance of the place we are standing in today.

P.       Father; show us your hand at work in the past and today. Help us see your on-going efforts to save, keep and bless your children. Amen.

Preach about Jesus

5-30-2014      Acts 13:13-23

S.       13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by lot.20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

O.      At Antioch Paul teaches in the synagogue that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah. He uses Old Testament references about the history of the Jews to establish his claims.

A.      I am directed by this scripture to use historical reference when establishing my claims concerning Jesus. I must guide my listeners to Jesus……no matter the reference…..I must preach Jesus, as Saviour, as Lord, and as soon coming King.

P.       Father; I come to you and empty myself that you will fill me beyond full. Fill me with your Holy Ghost and fire…….that I may preach Jesus……in Spirit and Truth. 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.  

What------You Are Seeing Things.

5-24-2014      Acts 12: 12-17

S.       12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

O.      People have trouble believing when God performs a miracle. Peter needed to be persistent at his knocking to enter in and change the minds of the doubters. Peter wanted the message of his deliverance shared with the leaders of the Jerusalem church.

A.      I must never let up in my efforts to spread the gospel message, even when people are walking in un-belief.

P.       Father; give me boldness and help me to endure in the days when so few people believe in you or your miracles. Amen.

God saved us to be his "Church"!

5-19-2014      Acts 11:22-24

S.       22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

O.      The news of what believers were doing came back to Jerusalem and the church leaders sent Barnabas to learn the news in a more perfect way. The term “church” is used to describe the followers of Jesus.

A.      God always looks on his redeemed ones as part of his “church”. God has an open door that is available to all who will enter. Jesus is that door. Once we enter we are grafted into a single body……the church……the bride of Christ.  We have many parts, but we all have the same purpose…..To Love God.

P.       Father; Thank you for inviting me to be your child, for sending Jesus to pay my “sin-debt”, for raising Jesus on the third day, for the Holy Bible to be my guide, for believers that help me to live right, for being with me every day, for the Holy Ghost baptism and for hope. Use me today to be a blessing. Amen. 

Holy Ghost Outpouring

5-15-2014      Acts 10:27-48

S.       27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree. 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

O.      God reveals the reason that he brought Peter to the house of Cornelius. Peter preaches redemption to these gentiles, they believe on Jesus and God fills them with the Holy Ghost. Peter’s Jewish friends find this to be very astonishing but the “see and hear” the evidence. All are filled with the Holy Ghost, baptized in water and fellowship lasts for many days.

A.      The message of Jesus is all I need to help others flow fully into the way of God. I will keep Jesus central to all my ministry. Jesus is enough, more than enough.

P.       Father; Help me to preach Jesus effectively and share your love today. Amen.