Upper Room - Ohio

Continuing the Summer Vibes series, Aaron commissions us to be the hands of God. Not only did God heal the sick as He fed the 5,000 through multiplying loaves of bread and fish, he gives us that same authority through Jesus. Miracles prove a loving, kind, powerful God. God's will is to heal and set captives free. Enjoy the picnic in Christ and take an adventure with Him to be naturally supernatural.

Summer Vibes (Part Three): Advancing Generations - Greg Simmons - July 8, 2018 by Upper Room - Ohio

Summer Vibes (Part Two): Sailing With Power - Aaron Simmons - July 1, 2018 by Upper Room - Ohio

This week, Aaron launched a new series called Summer Vibes. He highlighted all the excitement, joy, rest, exploring, connection and adventure that summer brings. It's amazing what summer represents. Summer is a transition season between Spring and Autumn. It is also defined as, "the period of finest development, perfection, or beauty to any previous decline." Psalm 74:17 states that God "made both summer and winter." Don't fast forward through summer, just to get to the end. Enjoy the process, adventure and rest that it brings. Our first day of creation was resting with God as He was pleased with His creation and His finished work. Let that be advice to us in our seasons of life, as they all serve a purpose. Enjoy the REST of this series as we embark on a fun journey called, "Summer Vibes!"

Fathering Champions - Aaron Simmons - June 17, 2018 by Upper Room - Ohio

Blessing Prayer - Steve Bowen - June 10, 2018 by Upper Room - Ohio

You are the Best of All Time You can change the history of your family tree. You have been given a position of authority in your daily life. Legacy is passing down to a generation in a way that is better than you found it. What we leave in people is greater than what we leave to people. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 NKJV Because of this, we can change the world. Parable of seed and sower We don't get to pick and choose who we love. Jesus loves us all. We may not see the harvest of the seeds we plant and what we pour into. Look at what we do with people one a time. That makes us world changers. We are meant to be poured into, then leak out to others around us. We can only pour out what we are filled with. "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded." John 13:3-5 NKJV Jesus knew his authority came from God. "So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." John 13:12-17 NKJV Esther didn't compromise her values. She changed a nation on assignment from God. She was the least likely to change the nation, but God made her a hero. God knows you for your destiny and not for your history. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26 NKJV Is everything we do for Him? Jesus is our example of how to live. Will you stop for the one? Or is it only for the crowd? What did Jesus do? "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV

Joy Of Surrender - Aaron Simmons - May 27, 2018 by Upper Room - Ohio

What does it mean to be a Christian? Who can be a Christian? "When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? "We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified." ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2:11-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/gal.2.11-16.niv Cephas was "the rock" or Peter At this time Paul would've been following Jesus for about 15 years. Paul let the gentiles know that they could be forgiven by believing in Jesus Christ. Antioch is between Turkey and Syria, had many christians and unbelievers.

Freedom is not comparing yourself to others!! Your freedom begins when judgment and condemnation ends!! Jesus has no desire to "climb the ladder "of the Trinity, He seeks the Father's Glory! "So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. So the women sang as they danced, and said: "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands." Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?"" ‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭18:5-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ bible.com/114/1sa.18.5-8.nkjv "So Saul eyed David from that day forward." ‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭18:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ bible.com/114/1sa.18.9.nkjv Prior to this, Saul was promoting everything that David had done. This was the moment when jealousy crept in!!! When we us the word hate, it carries a lot of weight!!! Saul started to hate David. Comparison is the thief of joy (Mark Twain) What is this root of trying to measure up? It is "Identity"!!! How do we view God, others, and ourselves: View God If God gives us good things, then why do we struggle with other's things!!! Do we struggle with other's opinion of us, because "how does God view us"? We need to be reminded of "Truths vs. Lies" "Compliments vs. Comparisons" "Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?" ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬ bible.com/111/isa.2.22.niv View Myself "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!" ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:13-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ bible.com/111/psa.139.13-17.niv

"The orphan spirit is rampant in the church today and the world today, causing chaos and destruction. There is an answer to this spirit, which is the spirit of adoption and the spirit of Sonship." -Leif Hetland, Healing the Orphan Spirit-

There is a place between declaration and demonstration called desperation.

The wonder and stories of God must continue to be shared "So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel. When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel." ‭‭Judges‬ ‭2:7, 10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ bible.com/114/jdg.2.7,10.nkjv If you want to see the face of God, go beyond the ordinary. "One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple." ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ bible.com/114/psa.27.4.nkjv Our encounters are what shape us to shape the environment around us!!!! We meet because we know there is more of Him. What keeps us here is His presence. One encounter with the Father will change you forever, the Love of the Father gives you a new name, a son of the Father. What if the world sees the face of God. What if they here how good they are vs how bad they are? We were born to see the face of God, we were born for intimacy. Religion made it hard for this, it made it "how much or what have you done". When Adam and Eve hid, God asked "Where are you" not "What did you do". God "Emanuel is God with us" desires face to face encounters. We were created to hear His voice. Jesus gave it all so He is the Way to the Father!!!!! "One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple." ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ bible.com/114/psa.27.4.nkjv "O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water." ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ bible.com/114/psa.63.1.nkjv

Isaiah 9:6-7 There is NO END to the INCREASE of His Government and Peace God only knows increase We are moving towards eternity, but many things in life are finite Goal vs. Purpose...goals are often finite, but purpose usually continues Becoming Christlike never ends Matthew 22:34-40. Our goals should never get in the way of these commandments What are things we can only do WITH Jesus? What are things we can only do with OTHERS? We must learn to be around and trust others We must Rest (It’s not a goal). Maintain rest. We need to learn patience Romans 5:3-5. When there’s no struggle, we can lose hope Values vs. Interests. Values should point us in the right direction and should continue to increase Let our BEing lead our DOing Infinite vision will always trump finite goals Let the Lord give you a glimpse of eternity

FEASTING ON JESUS He is everything that we need!!!! "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."" ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:38-42‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/luk.10.38-42.nkjv Jesus is not a means to the end, He is the end. He is the means to the end where I find peace. No He is the Peace in the beginning and the end and through the situation. Martha thought the way to Jesus was to serve, where Mary saw that it was sitting before Him. If you will find Him, you find everything!!' He is so perfect!!! The goal is not results, rather it is your relationship. Sucess is not miracles, songs you have you released, Success is when you find Jesus. The issue is not the issue, rather your Heart through the issue. Is what you are doing for God replacing God???! ""Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:21-23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/mat.7.21-23.nkjv "Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." ‭‭John‬ ‭17:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jhn.17.1-3.nkjv When you are in the place of intimacy, the only thing that matters is Him, not all of our successes or achievements, it is to know Him. Intimacy is not an event, rather it is a continuous goal of a lifestyle.

God is not doing anything in Heaven other being who He is Yahweh "Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come."" ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/rev.4.8.nlt "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." ‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/jhn.10.10.nlt The cross was for salvation, the resurrection was for Abundant Life Jesus is our bridge to get to Heaven ""Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose." ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/mat.5.17.nlt Don't be a fool on April Fools Day!! The prophesies are real! Jesus is real!! "But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/isa.53.5.nlt ""The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free," ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/luk.4.18.nlt Life: Zoe (Greek) = possessed by God, a life vigorous and active, devoted to God and blessed In Genesis 2:9, the tree of life = tree of Zoe In Revelation 22:14 = also the tree of life/Zoe Jesus died on a tree to save us forever "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."" ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/luk.19.10.nlt Jesus came to seek and save "that" which was lost...What is your "that"? Sozo is mentioned 110 times in the Bible= saved/healed/delivered "And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."" ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/mat.1.21.nlt ""For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." ‭‭John‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/jhn.3.16-17.nlt "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/rom.8.11.nlt "'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams." ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/act.2.17.nlt Blood AND water came out when He was pierced: Power!! "For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation." ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/2co.6.2.nlt

Matthew 21:1-11 We were created to worship We are always worshipping SOMETHING...what is it for you? V.7 donkey: Jesus brought humility & peace V.8 garments = Victory (they were prophesying) Jesus goes ahead of us Our spirit needs to override our flesh In worship, we give AND take V.9 Jesus was in the CENTER (value of prioritizing Jesus in our lives) They verbalized their worship (action) Worship helps put Jesus back in the center of our lives Hosanna originally was a cry to “save now”, but became a standard for a shout of praise Hosea 9:1 (comparison verse). He is a jealous God! Psalm 100 (in the middle He reminds us that we belong to Him) John 4:24. Be transparent & sincere

The Proverbs 31 is not just about a virtuous woman, but also a virtuous Bride. "And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her."" ‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:3-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/mrk.14.3-9.nkjv "And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her."" ‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:3-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/mrk.14.3-9.nkjv Whatever you need God is creating it around you and will bring it to you. Don't chase after something, because you may miss what He has created for you!!! This should encourage us to man up!!! Wives "And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her."" ‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:3-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/mrk.14.3-9.nkjv

Psalm 132: David’s Vow of Spiritual Violence I. REMEMBERING DAVID’S VOW A. As a young man, David vowed to dedicate his life to finding a “dwelling place” for God (Ps. 132). David’s vow included establishing a building for the ark to be placed in and for God’s power and presence to be manifested. The ark was associated with the release of God’s power and presence. 1Lord, remember David and all his afflictions; 2How he…vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: 3“Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house, or go up to the comfort of my bed; 4I will not give sleep to my eyes…5Until I find a place [a temple to house the ark] for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” 6Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah [Bethlehem]; we found it in the fields [Kirjath Jearim]… 8Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place… (Ps. 132:1–8)

It's time to accelerate!!! Our church is still contending for your breakthrough!!! "Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!"" ‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭2:11-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ bible.com/116/sng.2.11-13.nlt "Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!" ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭96:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ bible.com/116/psa.96.1.nlt "And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true."" ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ bible.com/116/rev.21.5.nlt We are not slaves, but heirs!!! Our inheritance is Christ/Love I'm who being who I'm being called to be We have to grab the key to get the breakthrough We have to still do something!!! Noah still had to build the arc Gideon still had to fight a battle The disciples had to move the nets from one side of the boat to other side!! Grace is sufficient enough, but we still have to go up to the mountain and raise the staff!!! Our breakthrough is not to get more, it is just to be more in His presence!!! David fought Goliath when no one else would!! He was stewarding what he had when he was sheparding to prepare him for the next battle! When you have your breakthrough you have to cut off the head so it doesn't come back ever again, like David did with the head!!! Keys to breakthrough Praise, thankfulness in all things Worship, host His presence

Every Community...Josh Haas We all crave community We are not meant to do life alone We must have vision to GROW community God is always increasing Acts 5:12-16 (church was esteemed) Our acts of kindness mean something to others 2 Kings 20:12-19 (Hezekiah only cared about himself, not the future) Fear and Selfishness will prevent us from having vision for the future Prosperity can prevent us as well, unless we have a plan in how to continue to impact others with it Socialization is needed for community Matthew 16:24-25 Disconnection is one of our biggest social issues today Social integration is the biggest factor for a healthy life Suggestions that overcome fear/selfishness: 1) Die to self 2) Don't try the impossible without God 3) Fight for community Inside, while still taking it outside 4)Don't avoid areas of resistance 5) Do it before you think about it 6)Let God's love for you replace fear 7)Learn to love without an agenda 8)Decide what you are going to do beforehand Smile at someone today😊😊😊

Revival is a Person and His name is Jesus! We gather together to train so that we can reign outside of the church Most of the miracles Jesus performed were within his hometown area (Galilee: cities of Capernaum and Bethsaida) Because Jesus performed miracles as a man, and not as God, we are compelled to do the same Matthew, Chapters 4-9: Jesus healed masses of people, in what could have been a period of about 48 hours Jesus ended this period by asking for MORE WORKERS! Mark 16-We are told to Go into all the world and preach the gospel Matthew 10: We are told to Go to the lost sheep and tell them the kingdom is near We are called to Re-Present Jesus We are called to do GREATER works than He did (seems like mission impossible), BUT Acts 10:38 tells us that being anointed with the Holy Spirit and Power will give us ability! "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." ‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:38‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.10.38.nkjv Romans 14:17 says the kingdom of God is in the Holy Spirit A Revelation is a seed that is meant to GROW WE are the Ark of the Covenant; carriers of the Holy Spirit His presence makes the impossible Possible! "And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him." ‭‭John‬ ‭1:32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jhn.1.32.nkjv How do we walk with the dove always on our shoulder? We grieve the Holy Spirit when we do wrong things We quench the Holy Spirit when we don't do what we should Our primary call: Host the Holy Spirit- have AWARENESS of His Presence!!! How to practically stay aware: Take time daily to sit with Him Give attention to Him throughout the day ( thankfulness, praise) Make melody/sing Meditate on the Word Honor Him AND others "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/psa.91.1.nkjv The world is crying out for an encounter with Jesus!!

Practical ways to Love well!!! "(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);" ‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/1ti.3.5.nkjv You need revival in your own home before you can have revival anywhere else!!! "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/mat.16.26.nkjv Billy Graham said "I would spend more time with the Father and more time with my family, if I could change anything that I would do differentl". It doesnt matter what you leave to your family, it matters what you leave in your family when you die!!! We desire our children to have this radical encounter from God, not just serve God for their parents!!! A picture of Heaven should be our "normal" the culture of Heaven is what we should desire in our home!!!! First chapter of Colossians. Honor is appreciating someone for who they are, not stumbling over who they aren't. Be hungry for better marriage and family How you respond to conflict is so important in how you cultivate revival at home We must model the God we serve so that others are attracted to a Him Have healthy boundaries that protect your family Engage in conversation when the opportunity arises "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/php.2.4.nkjv Family Tips: Dinner at table as much as possible, no distractions Start morning with worship Choose joy End night together with prayer Dates Recreation Vacations Celebrate holidays and special events Make each person feel important

Every Church- Pastor Aaron -The Church is meant to host His presence, to equip believers to go out and do church -our focus has to be presence, not people Ephesians 4:11-16 -our job is to become whole, figure out what we are meant to do, then do it! -church should look like family Hebrews 10:24-25...assemble together and motivate one another Romans 12:10-13...love, honor and help others Colossians 3:16...be thankful Ephesians 2:19...we are members of God's family -The Church is called to be: Beautiful (we are His bride) Look like God (we are made in His image) House of Prayer Focused on Worship Gathered around His Presence Biblically Sound -church should operate with heart and passion (be alive and look like Heaven) Acts 2:42-47 Every Church should experience: UP (hosting presence) IN (equipping believers) OUT (impact on community)

What is the Culture of the Church??? Church-The word church in the Bible comes from the Greek word ecclesia, which means a called out company or assembly. Wherever it is used in the Bible it refers to people. It can be a mob (Acts 19:30-41), the children of Israel (Acts 7:38), and the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 5:25, 32). The church is people!!!! Called from invited into!!! Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground." (‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26-28‬ NIV) 3 Things Make up the Church He played A Family- He planted a family in the garden. We are called to be a family. He made us in His Likeness "We were created to host the Presence of God-When Adam breathed his first breath, the first thing he saw was the Face of God!!! Be fruitful and multiply- Expand the Family!!! Paul- It was the House of God- We are the family of God It was a Bride- Host the presence of the Bridegroom to be in Love!!! It was a Body- Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus!!! Do the work that Jesus did!!! The Wineskin or Container Or Family The Wine is the Presence "Give them a drink" But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me." (‭Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭16-17‬ NIV) This covenant relationship set her up for her greatest moment for all of History to David to Jesus!!! When you find your people, you find your Destiny!!! Show me who you hang out with and I will tell you your calling!!! The 5 people you hang out with the most is what molds you!!! Your calling is larger than you!!! It involves people!!! Find your people!!! You can find a lot of things online, but you will not find family!!! Find your people who will sharpen you, Iron sharpens iron!!! Then the Lord said to Moses, "Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Moses said to the Lord, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. (‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭1-2, 12, 14-15‬ NIV) We host the presence of God!!! He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬ NIV) "Our Father" the family, not my father, but our!! All of creation is groaning and moaning for the Sons and Daughters of God!!!

Worship in Heaven "Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this." And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come." Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased."" ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4:1-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/rev.4.1-11.nlt No miracles or healings are happening in Heaven, yet they can't quit exclaiming "Holy, holy, holy" Every second God reveals something to the angels. When we worship, He will reveal something new EVERY time!!!! Worship is worshiping because of WHO He is, praise is thanking him for what He has done!!! This is the year of breakTHROUGH!!! God is to be the center of EVERY thing II Chronicles 7:14...an atmosphere of worship heals the land When we lean in to Him, through the blessings and sufferings, we come through We have to imagine and dream and ask (partner with Him) This is a kairos moment-opportunity knocks....Go for it!!!

We are glinting to go into the year expecting Victory!!!! We will give him our first fruits in 2018. Can you imagine Gideon as the angel told him "You are going to win this battle"? Let's give him the first three months in our church, house and work!!! Some promises need stewarded. "They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."" ‭‭Acts‬ ‭16:31‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/act.16.31.niv "How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation." ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/dan.4.3.niv "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."" ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/jos.24.15.niv Joshua was making a declaration because there is power in the spoken word. An allegiance to the One Living God!!! "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/2ch.7.14.niv "Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/pro.29.18.niv Joshua declared this is the way we are going. Habakkuk 2:2...write down your declarations He is the God of the impossible Ephesians 3:20-21

Christmas Eve Service 2017 by Upper Room - Ohio

This is the third week of advent!!!! Such an exciting time of expectancy. The song "Wreckless Love" Jesus left the 99 to go after the 1. He didn't leave us alone, we have each other. This time of the year, How can we not look up and say, "What's next, Jesus?". "With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ bible.com/111/luk.1.3-4.niv Elizabeth was barren but, was considered righteous. Zachariah in vs. 2 was startled!!!! "In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God." ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:5-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ bible.com/111/luk.1.5-16.niv Petition is a request or supplication, supplication carries more weight than a simple request!!! "Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."" ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ bible.com/111/luk.1.18.niv The highlight above describes the amazing things that was foretold of their son. "Your a momma eagle not a momma chicken. Your job is to teach them to fly!!!" Did Mary and Elizabeth really know what was going to happen to their little boys??? The grace needed to know and forgive what happened truly happened, to know the true plan of God that their lives had to go through!!! "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:17-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ bible.com/111/1ti.6.17-19.niv Paul was content with or without. Can you go through 25 days of contentment???! May we never lose our wonder!!! Who will you bless this week!!!!

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper ), and to prayer. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2:42, 44-47‬ ‭NLT‬‬ bible.com/116/act.2.42,44-47.nlt We come here to gather around for the love for another that we find in God, not to gather around theology!!!!! Pastor Aaron's job is not to prove anyone wrong, but to prove what he has found and is living as an example. Joseph's View: "This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus." ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:18-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ bible.com/116/mat.1.18-25.nlt

Verses: Luke 1:5-24 Matthew 3:7-12 Galatians 5:22-23 Phil 4:8 Notes: -Every environmental will perpetuate itself -Every House is incubating something -Zacharias & Elisabeth had a home ripe for a blessing (son) -John the Baptist was going after changing homes, preparing the way for Jesus to affect EVERY home -we need to change our hearts on the inside, not just outside -We must start with changing our own house first! -Goal: Get fire burning at home and KEEP it burning!! -A healthy house has these things: 1. Unconditional love 2. Freedom with responsibility 3. Disagreeing without being disagreeable 4. Expectation to be powerful 5. Selflessly living for others while stating your own needs 6. Fun! *What is your home ripe for? How will you cultivate it? How do you respond to disaster/blessing? *What unhealthy ecosystem is in your home? What need does this meet for you? Repent. Ask God to exchange it for something!

Verses: Psalms 23 John 3:16-17 John 17:21 Matthew 18:15-20 2 Samuel I Kings 10:1-13, 11:1-43 Notes: -We are family, but choose to be friends -There is a place for everyone at the table -There are only believers & pre-believers -The Table is a place for friendship, unity and honor -The Table is a place to reconcile our differences -we come together simply because we believe (let small stuff go) -The culture of honor creates a heart connection and unity, especially through difficulty -In conflict, go directly to the person; then with witnesses if needed, then to the church if not resolved -David always honored Saul, and gave Saul's grandson a seat at his table out of honor -Solomon asked for 1 thing: wisdom -The dinner table is an invitation to creativity, innovation, and blessing

Verses: Leviticus 24 Exodus 25,35 Revelation 3:20 Acts 2:42-47 John 6:35-40 Notes: *every Table is an opportunity *intimacy starts at a dinner table, with a heart connection *when you aren’t at the table, something is missing *8 tables in tabernacle *8 represents resurrection, regeneration, new beginnings *Every new season =a new beginning, but with honor and reflection of the past *We must sacrifice at the Altar BEFORE we can go into His presence *He’s inviting us to commune with Him *offer yourself as a living sacrifice *people met regularly in the Acts Church, and had UNITY * there’s a place for everyone at the table!

Theme: Veterans (Matt) Verses: John 15:13 I Samuel 18:1-4 II Samuel 9:7-8 Notes: *We are volunteers in the Lord’s Army *Jesus volunteered to sacrifice his life for us *We can all serve with purpose *There is always a higher calling *Loyalty is so important *Don’t be a deserter...don’t give up *Jonathan had such love for David *Jonathan had David’s back *If not for Jonathan, where would we be?...Jesus came from the lineage of David *Don’t pick and choose where and what you do...do all you can!! *When you serve, you serve God * Find a way to serve

Protestant Reformation 500th Anniversary Celebration - Steve Justice - November 5th, 2017 Verses: Romans 1:16-17 Romans 3:21-25 Ephesians 2:8-9 Romans 11:36 Notes: -Martin Luther saw the Word as inconsistent with teachings from the Catholic Church -He went from hating righteousness to loving it -He believed scripture was ABOVE ALL -He was labeled a heretic -He challenged the Catholic Church on their beliefs,teachings, etc and was kicked out -He began preaching the Word of God(He preached over 6,000 sermons in 24 yrs) -Reformed churches became places where people came to hear the Word of God preached; it changed their lives -5 themes from Luther: 1)scripture alone (is our Authority) 2)grace alone (by God) 3)faith alone (from God) 4)Christ alone (only way) 5)Glory of God (It’s ALL about Him)

Pastor Appreciation Panel Q & A October 29, 2017 by Upper Room - Ohio

Jesus Heals Today (Pink Sunday) - Aaron Simmons - October 22, 2017 by Upper Room - Ohio

Faith And Patience - Steve Bowen October 15, 2017 by Upper Room - Ohio

Nuggets: -Temple represents a worshiping community -We go from Head knowledge to shifting the Heart, to moved to Action -How is our heart postured? -Every act in our lives can be from a posture of worship -8 tables (8=resurrection/new beginnings) -remove sin/guilt -make sacrifices (time, thoughts) -utensils:cut off the flesh (pride, idols) -flesh: surrendering ourselves -THEN to the Holy Place -Sinful woman knew Jesus was there (head), was moved to tears (heart), poured out perfume and wiped His feet(action) -Our goal is to be with the Lord!! -Intentionally be thankful and grateful and posture our heart to the Lord Verses: Ezekiel 40:39-43 Luke 7:36-38 Ezekiel 48:35

Overcoming Shame And Pride - Aaron Simmons - October 1, 2017 by Upper Room - Ohio

July 16th, 2017 - Aaron Simmons - The Reward Of Covenant by Upper Room - Ohio

July 9th, 2017 - Aaron Simmons - The Cost Of Covenant by Upper Room - Ohio

July 5th, 2015 - Aaron Simmons - Prayer by Upper Room - Ohio

June 14th, 2015 - Greg Simmons - Worry by Upper Room - Ohio

June 28th, 2015 - Matt Simmons - Taking Care Of Others by Upper Room - Ohio

June 7th, 2015 - Pastor Aaron - Spirit Of Adoption (Sonship Series Part 4) by Upper Room - Ohio

May 24th, 2015 - Josh Haas - He Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You by Upper Room - Ohio

May 17th, 2015 - Aaron Simmons - Sonship (Part 3 Testing) by Upper Room - Ohio

May 10th, 2015 - Nicole Simmons - Family (Happy Mother's Day) by Upper Room - Ohio

May 3rd, 2015 - Aaron Simmons - Sonship (Part 2) by Upper Room - Ohio