Victory Life KY

Our talk is titled “Faith Begins…” because there’s no other way into His Kingdom, there’s no other way humanity can receive from God, and there’s no other way to please Him because this is how His new covenant is set up.

Understanding the immeasurable love God has for every one of us is the beginning of clarity for His created.

Matthew 16:19 (MSG) You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. He has given us Kingship- authority, position, dignity of a king. Personality of a king. Responsibility of a king. Government of a king. In other words, Im giving you the keys of the kingdom.

Right before He left the earth He delegated authority to His followers. We have been authorized to represent Him and His Kingdom. We have been given kingship.

All authority was given to Jesus in Heaven and on earth, and He delegated the authority to His ambassadors. He has given us Kingship- authority, position, dignity of a king. Personality of a king. Responsibility of a king. Government of a king. In other words, I'm giving you the keys of the kingdom.

The same cross that made salvation available, made healing available. The same grace that provides forgiveness provides healing.

I'm giving you Kingship- authority, position, the dignity of a king. The personality of a king. Responsibility of a king. Government of a king. In other words, I'm giving you the keys of the kingdom. We are His kingship. After all, Jesus did say He is King of kings, Lord of lords.

The same cross that made salvation available, made healing available. The same grace that provides forgiveness provides healing.

Your life today, your current harvest if you will, is a product of the seeds you’ve sown in the past (with words, thoughts, actions, etc.) What you speak today, the things you do today, will become your future, your harvest.

We have to understand, there’s only one way into God’s Kingdom, and it’s the same way we live out of it. It is by grace, through faith. Welcome to your Kingship.

Today’s talk is a simple reminder for every believer that there is power in our words. Spiritually, according to Jesus, there’s also authority in our words. The key is saying what God says about our situation instead of everything else.

Today’s talk is a simple reminder for every believer that there is power in our words. Spiritually, according to Jesus, there’s also authority in our words. The key is saying what God says about our situation instead of everything else.

Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Exactly What do I Believe2/16/22 “Imitate God like little children” really got me thinking, just exactly how much of who God is and what He does are we supposed to imitate? A key point to this truth is, like little children Mark 10:15,NKJV- Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. The question is, just exactly what do we believe? Did He really mean that we’re to actually imitate the things He did? Not only does the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul tells us to imitate God, Paul says it this way in Corinthians, imitate me as I imitates Christ. Jesus told us, “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” “I came from Heaven to do the will of the Father who sent me.” Matthew 28:18-20,MSG- Jesus told His disciples: God authorized and commanded me to commission you:Go out and train everyone you meet, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. After accepting the truth about Jesus, possibly the next biggest thing we've got to get settled is, do we believe the Bible to be the word of God to us today? This is why we can’t over emphasize the power of believing. That means, even if we don’t understand truth yet, believing the Bible is God’s word is an absolute. At the end of the day, believing comes down to a decision. And it starts with understand that the Bible is a spiritual book. By design, when God’s created makes room for His word, it’s God’s word that produces faith when we yield to it. And simply put, faith is what we believe. So, to what extent are we allowing the Bible to shape our beliefs? God’s word is incorruptible seed. And everything about God’s Kingdom is like sowing seed. Luke even says that God’s word is the seed sown. Psalm 119 says , Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Isaiah 55:11,AMP- So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void, useless, without result, without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 2 Timothy 3:16-17,NKJV- All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Corinthians 1:20,NKJV- For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. If God is expecting us to imitate Him, to follow Jesus’ example, to do the things He did, then where are all the healings today? Seriously, if Jesus told us to follow Him, to do what He did and said, if His word is forever settled, if His word enlightens our path, if we’re honestly suppose to imitate Him. Then what happened to the healings? Could our believing have anything to do with it? What about unbelief? In Jesus’ own home town He could do no mighty works because of their unbelief. Mark 6:6, And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. Teaching the word is the remedy for unbelief. Remember, faith come from the word. Not only is our minds renewed when subjected to God’s word, His word is also the spiritual force that develops faith in a believer. And faith without a corresponding action is useless. Colossians 2:6,NKJV- As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,The AMP goes on to say, walk in union with Him, reflecting His character in the things you do and say. Therefore we walk by faith, not by sight. Here’s the deal, there’s only one way to receive Christ, and that’s by grace through faith. So by grace, through faith we are expected to live our new lives in Him. So back to the reason for our titled, exactly what do I believe?Can a persons faith have anything to do with God’s healing power?Can a persons faith have anything to do with God’s saving power? For some reason we’ve concluded that these two spiritual realities are different. For example, we pray for healing, but symptoms still exist, so we assume it to be different than salvation. But let’s not kid ourselves, if we went by that philosophy, there’s no way you could be sure you’re saved. There’s days we don’t feel saved, and no doubt days we don’t look or act saved. Does what we believe line up with God’s word? By design our believing has everything to do with the realities of our new world? That also means unbelief has major influence into our new lives in Christ. Remember, Jesus in His home town couldn’t do any mighty works because of unbelief. In Matthew 9, Jesus asked the blind men, “do you believe I’m able to do this?” Then He told them, “according to your faith let it be done to you.” Here’s the thing, these guys weren’t even born again. And because of that they had to get to

Two WorldsPart 4 2/13/22 Everything about this series hinges on the reality that the moment we give our lives to Jesus we’re born into a new world, into the Kingdom of Heaven, all while still confined to this natural world. But here’s the deal, most of us, most of the time are more aware of and committed to this natural world than our new world because its just easier, it’s more real to us. It’s what we’re use to. And until we get to the place where spiritual things are a reality, they will stay this, mysterious will of God kind of thing. This is what I love about Ephesians, it provides clarity for our new world. And the number one reality Ephesians drives home is that the church is His body, us in Him, Him in us, expressing the fullness of His reality. Ephesians 1:22-23,NKJV- He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. We have to understand, being successful in our new world isn’t any different than being successful in this world. Remember what God says in Jeremiah, When you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” This is one of Paul’s key points in this letter in Ephesians. He isn’t praying for God to do a something new, he’s praying the we can see, that we can comprehend what God has already done. In chapter 3, he makes it very clear that the moment we’re born again we become fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ. Don’t forget, His intention from the very beginning was a to display His fullness through us, His church.And this is Paul’s second prayer that takes things to another level. Ephesians 3:14-21,NKJV- For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,16, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,17, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,18, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—19, to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.20, Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,21, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Remember, to Him be the glory!And make no mistake, God will never share His glory. That way no one can say, we caused God to move because of our great faith. Everything about His creation, His Kingdom and His grace all points to Him. His grace has been poured out, it’s the same towards everyone, but be sure of this, the more we expose ourselves to His grace, the more our souls are transformed through faith, we wont stay the same toward Him. Think about this, God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient” Here’s the deal, there’s still revelation we need to take away from chapter 3, and going into to chapter 4 has very specific instructions concerning our day to days, so we’ll circle back next week to some of Paul’s most divinely inspired realities. But as we continue our journey through Ephesians, because we’re going into to Valentine’s Day, how fitting that chapter 5 deals very clearly with the subject of marriage. The import thing to remember is that Ephesians wasn’t written in chapter and verse. This is a letter written from their shepherd on embracing their born again lives in Christ, right in the face of humanity. And after giving very specific instructions in chapter 4 about embracing our new, born again nature, Paul starts chapter 5 with this very profound statement; “Imitate God as dear children” Ephesians 5:2,AMP- Walk continually in love, that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. Listen to me very carefully, if you ever plan on walking in the spirit, it starts with walking in love. Because God is love and God is spirit. Something else to stay aware of is the fact that there’s nothing we can do to make God love us any more or less. But I promise you this, the closer we walk with Him, we will absolutely love Him more. Ephesians 5:17-21,NKJV- Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.18, And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,19, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,20, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,21, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:22-32,NKJV- Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.23, For the husband is head of the w

Occupy Meaning: To take or fill up, to take or hold possession Possession: the state of having, owning or controlling something. An item of property: something belonging to one. When I see Occupy, it’s a verb, it’s an action. It’s not a spectator sport, you can’t be an armchair quarterback. It’s being intentional, engaged, and doing. It is taking ownership of what belongs to you. The Bible is full of promises, but we often don’t Occupy them. Promises of full health - “By His stripes we are healed” Isaiah 53:5 NLTPromises of prosperity - “A Greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.” Proverbs 28:25 ESVPromises to be with us always - “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:20 NLT Even after everything we still struggle with grasping that we must Occupy and take possession of all His promises. We are good with the promise of salvation, and we Occupy that, by declaring Jesus Lord of our life. But we seem to not hold tightly to the many others, why? To jump in let’s look at Genesis 17:8 NLT. God gives a promise to Abraham. Doesn’t have any kids in his old age, but the Lord changes his name to Father of Nations. Genesis 17:8 NLT “And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.” God speaks promises into our lives, but we still need to walk them out. We need to Occupy and take possession of those promises. Although Abraham lived in the land promised, he never truly Occupied, he was a foreigner in the land promised to him. It wasn’t his possession; he was just staying there cohabitating with others. If you came to live with me as a guest… you are living there, staying there, or renting space… but you do not Occupy because it is my house. We think Occupying is simply being in a space, but as we saw for the definitions, it’s not, it’s taking ownership. God wants us to Occupy, not be renters or bystanders in the promises He gives us But Gods word is never void, He kept His promise to Abraham, but it was years and generations later. The people that could claim the promises ended up wandering and waiting until a man named Joshua walked in and truly Occupied as God intended. Moses is ready to Occupy the promises of God and sends 12 spies into the land that God promised to Abraham. After 40 days the spies came back and gave a report. It was favorable report, a land flowing with Milk and Honey… There were 2 of the 12, with a positive report Joshua and Caleb that knew when God says it is yours, it is yours, they were ready to go that moment. Numbers 13:30 ESV “But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” It’s yours, you just have to go and occupy, go and Posses it… You have to walk in the fullness that God has spoken in your life. But we as people trust what our eyes see and not the word of God. Then in the next breath there was a BUT…. How often do we let that BUT stop the power of God. We get this vision for something , a great idea, a new job BUT How can I afford itBUT I am not smart enoughBUT it will take too much time The other 10 in the group added their but, and put a stop to Caleb and Joshua’s faith and tells the community a bad report and paints a picture of impossibility. They started to filter the situation with their head and not the promise that God had given them The land was being given to them. They then start to talk about how strong the people in the land were, how fortified the cities were. They will be destroyed if they enter. Doubt sets in, fear takes over, and they operate in what their eyes see and not what God is saying. Sound familiar… Back in the garden the serpent asked Eve, did God really say? All he needs to do is get us to doubt God and he has us. Another generation of people lost out on the promise God had given to Abraham, it could have been a 40 day journey, but the promise was held from them for 40 years, because they would not Occupy what God had spoken. When God says it, you can take it to the bank… It’s settled…. Key words in the Bible. I am, I will, You are, I have given you…. All key indicators we have it, we got to Occupy it! But it’s not going to fall into your lap, you got to step into it. Even if it doesn’t look possible, you have to trust that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me The only roadblock that stops God and His promises in our lives is us, our unbelief, our inaction, our complacency God has given us gifts and blessings to walk this out. Do we trust Him? Do we have faith in Him? Even Jesus spoke of Occupying in His parables. We have all these wonderful things given to us, we simply don’t occupy and walk in the fulness He has given us! Parable of the Ten Servants: A noble man leaves to be crowned king. Before he left, he divided 10 pounds of silver Among them and told them to invest it wh

Ephesians 1:3-7,NLT- All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.4, Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.5, God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.6, So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on use who belong to his dear Son.7, He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. And I know we’ve discussed this topic many times but God continues bringing me back to it. It’s not we couldn’t receive more clarity, further revelation into the realities of our new world. Our new identity. And the first thing we’ve got to be clear on is our right standing with Him through Jesus. The moment we give our lives to Jesus, we’re not only new creations, but now heirs of His world. You see, I love v.6, He made us the accepted in the beloved. Heirs of His world. And that’s the driving thought behind our new talk “Two Worlds.” We are born into a completely new world, which is 100% spiritual. Right now we belong to two worlds. Natural and Spiritual. And even though confined to this natural, according to Jesus, we’re no longer of it. This is why Paul made crazy statements like, “walk in the spirit, not in the flesh.” Think about it, how often would you say you’re applying spiritual principles in your daily lives? Remember James, “be doers not just hearers.” God wants us living spirit led lives. Making spirit led decisions about every aspect of our lives. And that starts with being more spiritually minded. But let’s be honest, most of us, most of the time are more aware of and committed to this natural world than our new world because its just easier, it’s more real to us. It’s what we’re use to. And this is what I love about Ephesians, it provides clarity. For example, the church is His body, us in Him, Him in us, expressing the fullness of His reality. Ephesians 1:22-23,NKJV- He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. So, if we’re in Him, and Him in us, if we’re His church, His body, the fullness of Him, how much of a reality of this truth are we actually in pursuit of? Everybody knows Jeremiah 29:11, I know the plans I have for you, plans of a future you hope for, an expected end. But I want to highlight v.13,Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV- You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. MSG- When you come looking for Me, you’ll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. And even though Paul is telling us, because of our new identity, we can actually bring the realities of His world into this natural world;just like the things of this natural world don’t just happen, neither do the thing of the spirit. Being successful in our new world isn’t any different than being successful in this world Listen to what God says in Jeremiah, When you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.”This is one of Paul’s key points in this letter in Ephesians. He isn’t praying for God to do a something new, he’s praying the we can see, that we can comprehend what God has already done. Listen to his prayer in chapter one;May the eyes of your understanding being enlightened;That we know what is the hope of His calling,That we know what the riches of the glory of His inheritance is.And that we know what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.Then the apostle John give further clarity, 1 John our born again nature in this world is just like Christ. Made in His image and likeness.But we’ve got to recognize, God gave us free will by design. The choice is ours.1 Thessalonians 5:23,NKJV- Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.SPIRITSOULBODYAnd here’s the deal, when our soul is renewed with God’s word, we believe Him. At that point our soul and spirit are in agreement, causing the body to come in line. Or in the words of James, we become doers of the word.But when our soul stays in agreement with our body, our human nature, human nature rules, resulting in unbelief. And we find ourselves saying things like, if the power of God was working in my life, I’d see it, feel it, experience it, etc…We have to understand that according to v.19-20, we have the same power living in our spirits that raised Christ from the dead.This is why Jesu told us, “rivers of living water will flow out of you”We need to believe God to show us how to draw from that river, to draw ou

Ephesians 1:3-7,NLT- All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.4, Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.5, God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.6, So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.7, He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Jesus alone, through His sacrifice, by His grace makes us accepted in God’s family. This is why Paul could boldly say, “Its only by the grace of God that I am what I am.” So today, as we gather around the Lord’s table, get this reality settled in your thinking; we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. We are chosen by Him to be holy before Him. To the praise of His grace. At the end of the day, when it comes to God’s grace and goodness, the question we’ve all got to answer is; just exactly how much of what God tells us do we honestly believe? Seriously, if God, our Father tells us we’re forgiven, blessed, prosperous, favored, healed, why wouldn’t we accept what He says as truth? Why shouldn’t we believe, do and say what my Father tells us? Whether you’ve walked with Jesus most of your life, or you’re just starting your journey,Because of human nature, because we have an enemy, there will be times when we question the things of God’s unseen kingdom. Remember, we belong to two worlds. The choice of which one we live out of is ours. I’ve set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, you choose. Romans 8:5-6,NKJV- For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. And it’s in these times that we can come to the Lord’s table, free of all sin, made completely righteous by His sacrifice, that sometimes is the reminder we need. I probably say this every time we take communion, but let’s be real, we all need reminded, encouraged about what Jesus did for us. To set our mind on spiritual things. This is Paul’s point in Ephesians, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Communion is one of the most spiritual things we get to do It’s a divinely inspired place of revelation from the Father. Allowing us to see that Jesus alone made us worthy to stand in His presence. He made us heirs to the Kingdom through His sacrifice. May the eyes of our understanding be enlightened, that we can embrace the hope of His calling, so that we can walk in the riches of His glory, that we function in the exceeding greatness of His power. You see, some of the most spiritual clarity and revelation is around the Lords table. Starting with, Jesus said, this bread is his body broken for us. The cup is his blood shed for us. John 6:51,NKJV- “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever...” John 10:10,(paraphrase), I came from Heaven to give you a rich and satisfying life. A better life than you've ever dreamed of. A life to enjoy in abundance, to the full, till it overflows. Today as we worship Him at His table, according to Hebrews, when we come to the Lord, we have to come to Him in faith. In the faith that it’s only because of Jesus, only by His grace that any of us are able to stand in His presence. To have the privilege of being able to commune with our Creator. Communion isn’t just acknowledging Jesus’ sacrifice, it’s embracing and reverencing the fact that Jesus actually restored us to our rightful place with God. Today as we honor and reverence our King’s sacrifice, let His Spirit minister to you, embrace what Jesus did, what He said, embrace who you are because of Him. Ephesians 2:4-6,NKJV- God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together,and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is why having moments like this, around the Lord’s table allow us the privilege of drawing closer to Him. Of seeing clearer, who we are in Him. Remember, Jesus has already made us alive together with Him and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Him. And even though we belong to two worlds, because of Jesus, while still in this world, we’re no longer of it. Understand, we’re not just citizens of Heaven, we’re heirs to the Kingdom, appointed ambassadors of our King, assigned here to establish the very same dominion our Father started everything with in Adam. And is now in

James 1:22-25,NLT- But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. This is why Jesus made statements like, The words I speak are spirit and truth. Proverbs tells us His words are life to those who find them. I wanted to start with this passage because God brought a statement I’ve made several times to my attention. As long as a humanity can live without God, they will. Make no mistake, human nature will do everything within its power to keep us from discovering the realities of God’s new world He has for anyone willing to believe. Here’s something very important to remember, God didn't give us His word to condemn us. He gave us His word to reveal our true nature. And if you’re like me, you’re pretty good a listening to His word, it’s the whole doing that gets us. You see, the thing about Christianity, living this new life, actually being doers like James instructs us, we’ve got to come to terms with the reality that statements like that are only available to the born again. I think sometimes, for many of us we get comfortable in our Christianity and just maybe, not as aware of our new nature as we are our human nature. And that’s the driving thought behind our new talk “Two Worlds.” This is Paul’s point in Corinthians when he tells us that when we accept Jesus, we become new people. We have a new life. Ephesians 1:11,MSG- It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. And with the reality that we are born into a completely new world, which is 100% spiritual, we belong to two worlds. Natural and Spiritual. As a matter of fact the book of Hebrews make it very clear that only God’s word can reveal the difference between the natural and spiritual. Something else Corinthians reveals to us is that God’s word is designed to be discerned spiritually. And even though confined to this natural, according to Jesus, we’re no longer of it. Paul actually takes things a step further in Philippians, informing us that we are now citizens of a heaven. And I know we’ve discussed this topic many times but God continues bringing me back to this subject. I can’t help but wonder if we simply need clarity, further revelation into the realities of our new world. Our new identity. Remember, He didn't give us His word to condemn us, but to reveal our true nature. So when I ask this question, let it challenge you not condemn you.According to the apostle James, how’s your doer awareness? Seriously, how often would you say you’re applying basic spiritual principles in your daily lives? Can we be real? Most of us, most of the time are more committed to this natural world than our new world because its just easier, it’s more real to us. It’s what we’re use to. That being said, the bulk of our talk will be centered around the one book in the NT that I believe gives absolute clarity on this subject, the apostle Paul’s letter the the Ephesians. At its core, it reveals the mystery of God’s church in the earth. Just a little history, after spending over two years there, starting a successful fellowship, Paul continues his missionary journey. Some five years later, from prison in Rome Paul writes one of his encyclical letters. Counting on his anointed leaders to circulate them. The ultimate revelation in Ephesians is the church as His body, us in Him, Him in us, expressing the fullness of His reality. Ultimately, it’s the Lord’s appeal for all of us to participate in Jesus’ commission in 5:27 of building a glorious church without spot or blemish. Ephesians 1:3-6,NKJV- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HAS BLESSED us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,Spiritual blessing, divine privileges and resources available to those in Christ in this natural world.CEV, For the spiritual blessings Christ has brought us from heaven. As we unpack this, here’s the reality we’ve got to keep out in front of us, we belong to two worlds. Natural and spiritual. 4, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,5, having predestined (guaranteed destiny) us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,6, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. One of the dominant, recurring themes throughout Ephesians is the reality of who we are in Christ. Maybe our first question should be, can we bring the realities of His world into this natural world? And if so, then how? The very first thing we have to acknowledge and accept is that according to Paul, according to Jesus is

1 Corinthians 12:27,MSG- You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything. In Ephesians 4 Paul says it a little different way, Jesus fits His whole body together perfectly. And as each part does it’s own special work, it cause the whole body to grow. I personally don’t think God’s plan for His church has ever changed.Obviously we change culturally as a society. And yes, without question, we have to change to maintain relevance, but never who we are as heirs to our Father’s Kingdom. That being said, as His body, His church, then we should still look like Him, sound like Him, respond like Him, represent Him. Now when it comes to the local church, a popular question is, do I have to be part of a local congregation? Truth is, we don’t have to, we get to. It truly is Gods design that we be called out and together. Your local church family is a place where we worship together, grow together, we laugh together, hurt together, discover who we are together. Your local congregation is a save place you can get plugged in. Get Plugged In is a simple invitation that allows anyone listening to become part of something Jesus is doing through His local church. And studies have proven that one of the fastest ways for someone to experience God is by getting involved. God is constantly looking for those willing to come along side other believers to be part of what He’s doing on the local level, serving along side each other, creating our God anointed identity. Never out of some competitive agenda, but from a heart of a servant. Christianity isn’t just believing, it’s belonging. And one of the coolest things about belonging is that’s where we usually discover our next steps. The journey is the preparation. Here’s the thing, being a part of Victory means being part of our identity and personality that God has graced us with as one of His local bodies. Romans 12:4-5,NLT- Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. When you get plugged in, you’re simply advancing our purpose as part of His body in the earth. I love how God describes His church in Ephesians, “I’m building a home, using all of you, irrespective of how you got here.” This is why we’re always encouraging you to get plugged in, regardless of how small it may seem, serving in your church is the on ramp to discover some of the gifts God has already graced you with.Because at the end of the day, it’s all,about people. This is why we're continually trying to get as many as possible involved in serving in our church. According to Romans, serving is one of our greatest acts of worship. Romans 12, So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. It’s one of our greatest acts of worship. So never underestimate the significance of God orchestrating personalities, giftings and talents in making a local church unique. You ever wonder why Jesus set up His church the way He did? Think about it, we are these frail, fickle, flawed people. But because God created us to be like Him, His grace allows us the privilege of discovering who we can be when we come together. Psalm 133, How good and how pleasant it is when believers come together in unity! It is like precious anointing oil that was poured on Aaron, covering his entire body. Being unified is like the dew that covers mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing. Remember Ephesians 4, We are all one body, with one Spirit, called to the same glorious future. God never stops calling believers together to love one another, pray for each other, and serve along side each other for Christ. Remember what the Holy Spirit said in Ephesians, “I’m building a home, using all of you, irrespective of how you got here.” Ephesians 2, Truth is, we are His workmanship, recreated in Christ to do those good works He predestined for us. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! Our part is trusting Him enough to let Him do it. His plan from the beginning was for us to join Him in His predestined work through Jesus. I can’t help but wonder how many of us honestly look at what we do for His body, the church as part of that predestined work? You’ve heard the old saying, “God’s not interested in your ability until He has your availability.” Availability=Humility And here’s the kicker, more times than any of us want to admit, availability, willingness introduces itself as change. There’s a great picture of this with Jonathan and his amorbearer. I love the heart of his amorbearer in 1 Samuel 14, “Do all that is in your heart. I am with you, according to your heart.” Talk about plugged in! This one faithful act, unbeknownst to them at the time was about to become a key part in God positioning King D

Here’s the thing, seeing what God is saying is the only way we embrace our new lives, our spiritual lives. Revelation (spiritual seeing) is what empowers us to rise above the fears, failures, disappointments, circumstances, excuses, and become the person God created us to be. To experience some of His supernatural.Or like the apostle Paul says, “we walk in the spirit instead of the flesh.” But unfortunately, to often we miss the supernatural because we’re looking for the spectacular. And I realize the religious world, the unbelieving world, not to mention, we have a real enemy that constantly try pulling us from God’s world. So we constantly have talks like this because at the end of the day, everything about God and His Kingdom come down to this one truth; we have to believe what the book says. It’s the only way into His world. Remember Paul’s instructions from 2 Corinthians, We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Being able to see the unseen reshapes our thinking, which ultimately shapes our living. We’ve got to see things from His perspective. John 1:12-13,NLT- To all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. I can tell you from my own battles, embracing the reality that I’m a son of God, created like Him, called to follow His lead is something my humanity is constantly unwilling to accept. None the less, if any of His word is truth, all of it has to be truth. You talk about seeing what He’s saying, leave here today with this reality settled in your thinking, I’M CREATED LIKE HIM 1 Corinthians 15:48-49,NKJV- As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. When Jesus told us to repent for the Kingdom of heaven has come, He’s telling us to change; change our thinking, believing, our doing. That means taking enough time with Jesus and His word that it begins shaping our expectation for God to do certain things in our lives. And a major key in this reality is seeing ourselves like Him, as eternal people. It’s important we keep this reality out in front of us. Think about this, Peter tells us a day with the Lord is like one thousand years. From that perspective, a year is only a couple minutes.And that’s how Paul can tells us not to be moved by the things we see. He understood, the more we focus on the unseen the more spiritual transformation we’re going to experience. But here’s the deal, you ever read something God said, but file it away as one of those un-understandable’s? Because you don’t see what He’s saying. Revelation (spiritual seeing) according to Isaiah 28, comes to every believer, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little. And I know we get consumed with this life, the cares of this world, the desire for other things, not to mention the enemy doing everything possible to keep us distracted. So when we find ourselves distracted, maybe rebellious, failing more times than we care to admit. We have to know that El-Roi The God who sees, sees our end from our beginning is still here, never leaving us or forsaking us. Remember Paul’s revelation, “It’s only by the grace of God that I am what I am.” Romans 7:18-25,NLT- And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.19, I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.20, But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.21, I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.22, I love God’s law with all my heart.23, But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.24, Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?25, Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. And this is why sometimes a simple talk like this is all we need to redirect our thinking. Our focus. To be open to a fresh approach to a little Holy Spirit inspired living. To understand, just like Paul that it’s only by the grace of God that any of us, on any given day can stand in His presence. Sometimes right in the middle of us giving into the same trap that gets us every time. You know the one… you start seeing what He’s saying!! Philippians 1:6,AMP- I am convinced of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continu

Here’s s quick review as we get into part 2, Even when we find ourselves consumed with time, right now in our humanity, we are eternal people. Which means we need to maintain an eternal perspective. And the only way that happens is by allowing the eternal book to inspire, challenge, motivate, to direct us toward the realities contained within it’s pages. The psalmist tells us, God’s word is what enlightens our path, renews our soul to His world. And because we are His born again, new creations, we made to be able to see, to comprehend what He’s saying. Joshua 6, “See! I have given Jericho into your hand” One very significant lesson Joshua teaches us is that we’ve gotta stay open to the fact that a life with God is made for the supernatural, the impossible. Here’s the deal, as long as we allow our senses, emotions, intelligence to determine reality, we leave no room for faith I bring this up because being in God's family, He gives all of us Holy Spirit inspired dreams, plans, ideas, assignments, purposes. Holy Spirit inspired lives. Sometimes we simply need to be able to see what He’s saying. To be open to maybe a fresh approach toward those Holy Spirt inspired dreams, our God given purposes, those ideas that might seem a little out there. And the wonderful thing about our NT is that it will take us from glory to glory. If we’ll let it. I mean listen to what John tells us, you are of God, and He who is in you is greater than anything in this world. You see what I’m saying? Here’s the thing, seeing what He’s saying empowers us to rise above the fears, failures, disappointments, excuses, and become the person God already knows we are. But here's the deal, becoming this person, discovering our dreams, taking ownership of our God life, will demand CHANGE!!!!! Galatians 6:9,NLT- “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Remember what John told us, you are of God, and He who is in you is greater than anything in this world. God wants nothing more than for you to discover this life. A life He's already seen you having. You see what I’m saying? “See! I have given Jericho into your hand” Now you remember what God told Joshua concerning time in His word? (Day and Night.) In Matthew and Luke, Jesus said, “The light of the body is the eye, and if the eye is single, the whole body will be full of light.” Obviously, all of us could be more single minded when it comes to Jesus, His word and kingdom of Heaven realities. This is why Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4, “Stop going along with this empty-headed, mindless crowd.” We are new creations in Christ, this is why the Holy Spirit repeatedly tells us to set our minds on the things of the Spirit. According to the book of Colossians, the only way we will ever get to the place where we actually expect God to be the God of the Bible is to set our mind on things of the Bible. I know I remind y’all of this all the time but being a Christian isn’t just about receiving Jesus’ life, it's about living His life. And it all starts with a fixed, confident expectation, anticipating good. Remember Deuteronomy, I’ve set before you life and death, choose life!! This means there will be those times we’ve got to stop being moved by the things that we see, and focus on the things we can’t see because they are eternal. You see what I’m saying? As one of Jesus’ disciples, we’ve got to take enough time with Jesus and His word that it begins shaping our expectation for God to do certain things in our lives. We will never become who God says we are if we don't take the time to make ourselves available to Him. He gave us His Word to enable us to see who He's called us to be. Romans 15:4,NIV- For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. One of the main things Paul emphasizes is the fact that the moment we accept our new life in Christ, it comes with an assignment. And just like Joshua and the children of Israel, we also have to possess our promise land. Philippians 1:6,AMP- I am convinced of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ, right up to the time of His return, developing that good work and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. I bring this up because it's easy for us to settle into our routine and forget that we're deliberately made, divinely gifted for purposes out beyond our current situation. Let me drop this on ya while we’re here, let this truth settle in your heart, as a child of God, don't ever let what you do for income define who you are for God. Here’s something else to consider, lets not confuse provision with destination. As your SURRENDER becomes deeper, your ASSIGNMENT becomes clearer. One of the main reasons we’re unwilling to step out of our self-imposed boundaries and discover something God

Here we are, turning the page on another year, and as I was waiting on the Lord’s leading, here’s something I began to entertain;Although we find ourselves consumed with time, truth be told, even though confined to humanity, we are, right now eternal people. Which means we should probably maintain a little more of an eternal perspective. And the only way that happens is by allowing the eternal book to inspire, challenge, motivate, to direct us toward the realities contained within it’s pages. The psalmist tells us, God’s word is what enlightens our path, renews our soul to His world, literally showing us the difference between the two worlds. And because we are His born again, new creations, we have to be able to see, to comprehend what He’s saying. “You see what I’m saying?” Something Jesus told His disciples on more than one occasion is there are those who have eyes to see but they can’t.Seriously, eyes but can’t see. What’s that remind you of? 2 Corinthians 4:18,NKJV- While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Lets be real for a second, we’ve all found ourselves at times not being able to see what the Lord is saying.Usually because our focus is some where else. The entrance to God’s eternal world is through His word. It is the lens a human, born of the spirits uses to see the thing that’s not seen. You see what I’m saying? And this talk is to remind all of us, God has a success plan for every one willing to follow Him. To take His promises, to trust Him and do what He says. Joshua 6:1-2,NKJV- Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.And the LORD said to Joshua: See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. 1 Corinthians 10:11,AMP- Now these things happened to them as an example and warning to us; they were written for our instruction, to admonish and equip us, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Here’s the thing, all God’s word is true and forever settled. So if Paul is telling us the things they did in rebellion are examples, make no mistake the things they did in obedience are also examples. Joshua 6, “See! I have given Jericho into your hand” Faith sees from God’s perspective. Remember, these OT examples are left here for us, to learn the faith lessons from them. And Joshua is a perfect example, God not only gave him his assignment, but a detailed plan in implementing it. It’s important we remember that before God told Joshua to take this major step of faith, He had already given him the key in his success. Joshua 1:8,NKJV- This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Remember, the key to us seeing what He’s saying will be through the lens if His word. Seriously is absolutely our key to a successful life in Him. Think about it, “day and night” A LIFESTYLE. And here’s a quality we will always find in successful people, they do consistently what others will only do occasionally. I’m talking all aspects of life; spiritually, relationally, professionally, financially, etc… Galatians 6:9,NLT- “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Something we’ve got to stay open to is that when we start following our ancestors through the scriptures, we better stay open to the fact that a life with God is made for the supernatural, the impossible. Seriously, would God lead you into a situation you can’t accomplish without Him? Into a situation that in the natural makes absolutely no sense? 1 Corinthians 1:27-29,NKJV- God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. Here’s the deal, as long as we allow our senses, emotions, intelligence to determine reality, we leave no room for faith. And a big part of the life of faith starts with us seeing ourselves the way God sees us, in His class, made in His image, heirs to His Kingdom. Not a religious image but an in Christ image. You see what I’m saying? All He has, He’s already given. All His promises in Christ are yes, and in Him amen. His life, His nature, His wisdom and provision. Remember, God, our Father wants to be the El Shaddai of our lives. When a Christian can get to the place where what God says is more real than circumstance and experience, that person’s faith will become the dominant force in our lives. The challenge for most of us is that we

As we continue our journey with Luke, obviously honoring the birth of our King. But our focus is actually on Jesus’ mom, her faith inspiring each of us to live our own life of faith. Remember Luke’s bold intro to his writing, “I’m writing this so that you may know beyond a shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you’ve been taught.” Luke highlights many wonderful truths from the Holy Spirit, starting with Jesus’ introduction to humanity.Think about Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, to find themselves giving birth to the Savior of the world in a barn. And as we looked at last week, God told shepherds their sign would be they would find Him lying in a manger. And they showed up. And as Joseph and Mary go to fulfill the requirements of the law concerning a first born, Luke highlights another fulfillment of God’s word. In this particular case Simeon prophesies and confirms the written word becoming the living word. John 1:1-2,NLT- In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God.He existed in the beginning with God. Something else I love about God’s word is how He will highlight seemingly small incidents of everyday life for us; the Holy Spirit told Simeon he would get to see the Lord’s Christ before his death. Luke 2:29-32,NKJV- Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;For my eyes have seen Your salvationWhich You have prepared before the face of all peoples,A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel. Matthew lets us know that once again an angel helps them, telling them to move to Egypt for a season— then returning they stop in Nazareth, once again to fulfill what was spoken, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” Luke 2:40,52,NKJV- The Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. This is His humanity yielding to His Spirit, His God nature. Here’s the thing, the realities of our Savior becoming King of kings hinged on this young girls crazy, radical faith, “be it unto to me.” One of our big take always from this talk is the fact that there will be times that our next step of faith my seem a little crazy, but just maybe, like Mary, God’s looking for a little crazy. Remember, all the days of your life were written in the book before your first day. The thing God has put on your heart, that dream, that crazy idea, the passionate desire, just remember who gave it to you. And just like our Master grew in every aspect of His reality, because everything about God’s Kingdom functions as if a man sows a seed, so will our faith journey, regardless of how crazy it might seem. Isaiah 55:8-11,NKJV- For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD.9, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.10, For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,11, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. God simply wants us to believe in Him as much as He believes in us. 2 Corinthians 5:7,AMP- We walk by faith, not by sight, living our lives in a manner consistent with our CONFIDENT BELIEF IN GOD’S PROMISES. You see, living by faith, not senses, not emotions, not intelligence or experiences, will require divinely inspired trust. Because God has designed us to live by faith, we’ve got to get to the place where we allow what He says to shape and strengthen what we actually believe. How we actually live. Mary’s act of faith was going to change everything about her life. Like we said last week, it all started with her humble, submissive, yet courageous heart of faith. “Behold, the maidservant of the Lord! Be it unto me according to your word.” Can we be real for a second, everyone of us operate within the boundaries of our current beliefs. And I’m convinced God saw something in Mary’s heart long before He sent Gabriel to her. As a matter of fact, as we begin following Jesus, how many times did He tell people, “according to you faith, let it be so?” I can’t help but wonder how many of us would be as bold as Mary? Think about it, how often have you found yourself, not intending to, but none the less, find yourself in unbelief concerning something Jesus says simply because it makes no sense. Mark 6:3-6,NKJV- “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”Now He could do no mighty work there, exce

Luke 2:8-11,NKJV- Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. I love Luke’s inspiring revelation God gave him about the birth of our King. And as Luke introduces his revelation, he makes this statement, “I’m writing this so that you may know beyond a shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you’ve been taught.” You can tell by the boldness of his introduction that he has a fixed confidence in his revelation of the accounts of Jesus. Here’s the thing, what Luke, what the Holy Spirit wants all of us to understand is that what we know today as the Bible is 100% the complete, accurate word of the Almighty. It is absolutely God speaking to you today. And as we make ourselves available to it, revelation from it transforms our thinking which transforms our lives. Its a spiritual reality sent to us directly from God. But our focus with this talk is Mary, what do ya say this Christmas we let Jesus’ mom inspire us to be a little bolder in our faith. In Luke 1 remember what Mary tells the angel Gabriel, “Be it unto me according to your word.” This Christmas, as we celebrate and honor our Savior and King, as we enjoy the gift of Salvation, my prayer this Christmas is that Mary’s faith inspires each of us to take a closer look at our own life of faith, and follow her lead, “be it unto to me” What everyone of us has to come to terms with is that as spiritual, as supernatural as Christ’s birth is, it still demands our participation. Like we said last week, Mary’s faith gives us a completely new perspective to giving our life to Jesus. Seriously, she’s having a conversation with one of God’s elect angles. Can you imagine what was going through Mary’s mind? All we have to do, like Mary is simply believe and participate. “Be it unto me according to your words.” And I realize that there will be times that our next step of faith my seem a little crazy, but just maybe, like Mary, God’s looking for a little crazy. Each of us has to come to the realization that this one simple truth is exactly how Jesus expects us to live these lives He came that we could have. Ok Lord, it seems a little crazy, but, be it unto me!! Think about what Jesus did for us, The King of all eternity exchanged His royalty for humanity. He willing stepped out eternity for the sole purpose of making a way for His creation to become eternity. Remember what Jesus told us in John 10, “I came that you may have and enjoy an abundant, excessive, extraordinary life.” So, if nothing is impossible for those who believe what God tells us, then why wouldn’t we follow Mary’s example? C’mon Lord, be it unto me according to your word. I left this thought with you last week from the apostle Paul, he told us to pursue a righteous life, a life of wonder, faith, and love. Take hold of eternal life, the one God called you to. What do ya say, we make this Christmas a turning point in our lives? Like Mary, right in the face of fear, uncertainty, ridicule, we embrace her faith attitude, according to your word Lord. Remember what Gabriel told her, rejoice, highly favored of the Lord, you are blessed among women. Well, guess what, now God’s word, just like He told Gabriel to tell Mary, today tells us in Galatians, we are the favored of the Lord, blessed according to the promise of Abraham. So, according to Jesus, if nothing is impossible for those of us who believe what God tells us, then why wouldn’t we follow Mary’s example? Be it unto me Lord!! Now a very important reality we might overlook is Mary’s humility, before she makes her bold faith statement she says this, “behold the maidservant of the Lord.” MSG, “Yes, I see it all now, I am the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.”Then she makes her faith declaration; “be it unto me according to your word.” Unfortunately there's a lot of Christians that won't even acknowledge they need help with their faith. I cannot over emphasize the significance of humility when it comes to a life of faith. Regardless of our success God has given us, like Abraham, in our hearts God always wants us living in a tent. Remember, God gives grace to the humble, He exalts the humble.I’ve heard people say, well I don’t have the faith you have. But truth is, every child of God has faith, sometimes its just undeveloped. Faith actually starts as a conviction in the human soul, established by the unveiling of the truth in God’s word, to the degree that you have this fixed expectation from what God has told you. I like to think of it as divinely inspired trust. 2 Corinthians 5:7,AMP- We walk by faith, not by sight, living our lives in a manner consistent with our CO

John 16:7 (NKJV) “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” John 14:26 (AMP) But the Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf, He will teach you all things. And He will remind you of everything I have told you. Think about what Jesus is telling us, the Holy Spirit, His Spirit, is now living in every born again believer. I really don’t think we comprehend all that’s in His statement. After all, He told His first disciples, “I have many things to tell you but you’re not ready, you can’t handle them right now.” I can’t help but wonder how often we fall into this same category. And this is why we can’t over state the importance of believing. It is the navigation system of the Kingdom of Heaven. This is why the Holy Spirit told us through the apostle Paul, “the same way you entered the Kingdom is exactly how you live in the Kingdom.” So, back to our original statement, It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.” Jesus went on to tell us that He, the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth. He will tell us things to come. Then He made this radical statement, “All the Father has is mine, and the Holy Spirit will take of what is mine and declare it to you.”So, its to your advantage that I go. It’s no wonder the enemy does everything possible to keep us distracted with all the things of the world. Sounds like one of his tactics out of the parable of the sower. And one of the key lessons of this parable is that the sower sows the word. But without God's word as our foundation, the Holy Spirit will be limited to what He can actually reveals to us, bring to our remembrance. Without this foundation, the Holy Spirit could be communicating with our spirit and we chalk it up as just another passing thought. Bottom line, until the human soul is renewed to the word of God, we will always be at the mercy of human reasoning and senses. This is why Romans reminds us that the more spiritual minded we are, the more we'll recognize the Holy Spirit baring witness with our spirit. And even though Proverbs tells us it's through our spirit that the Holy Spirit enlightens us to spiritual realities. It’s our soul that processes any revelation. This is why it is absolutely vital for the born-again that our minds be renewed to the Word of God. According to the book of Hebrews, it's the Word that reveals spiritual realities. Here’s the deal, since Jesus told us it is to our advantage that the Holy Spirit came, maybe the question we all have to acknowledge is just how Holy Spirit minded are we on any given day? How intentional are we when it comes to spiritual realities? Is it even a reality or some distant, someday concept? Paul was so spirit-conscious that it was always at the front of his thinking. Listen to his perspective in Philippians, I’m torn between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, which is way better, but it’s more important that I stay for you. The unfortunate reality with the overwhelming majority of wonderfully born-again Christians is that the world of the spirit is something far from our everyday living. I believe possibly the biggest reason for this is because too many have been deceived into ignoring the fact that we were made like them. Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT) Then God said, Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us... So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. John 4:24 (NLT) “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” We are spirits with bodies. But because of the fall of man, our spirits have been separated from God until we are born again. And from that moment forward, the only way God sees you is in your new nature. Jesus said, "That born of the Spirit is spirit." Paul said, "Old things are gone, behold all things have been made new." And this is why are told us in Romans that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit. We are reconnected with Him. Not our intelligence or our bodies. 1 John tells us that anyone who believes in Jesus already has His witness inside. MSG, We have His inward confirmation. Romans 8:11 (NKJV) If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Think about it, you know you're born again because you have a knowing on the inside. An inward confirmation. His Spirit bearing witness with your spirit that you're born again. And this is exactly how God leads us in every other area of our new lives in Him. Remember what Paul said, when we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom.

Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. As I was thinking and praying about our Christmas series, this miraculous story of Jesus’ birth, that had been prophesied for generations is obviously the focus of our celebration. But what really motivated my direction this year is Jesus’ mothers great faith. In Luke 1:38, out of the traditional KJV, Mary tells the angel Gabriel, “Be it unto me according to your word.” This Christmas, as we celebrate and honor our Savior and King, as we enjoy the gift of Salvation, we’re going to let Mary’s faith inspire us to take a closer look at our own life of faith. After all, according to our King, we’ve been created to live a life of faith. I love Luke’s perspective on Jesus’ life. On this miraculous event, God laid out before the foundations of the world. He wasn’t one of the 12, but I believe associated with some of them, and for certain some of the 70. Obviously close with the apostle Paul. He gives us a detailed account of the birth of our Savior. But more from humanity’s side of things than for example Matthew’s Jewish linage. As a matter of fact, Luke refers to Jesus as “Son of man” at least 26 times. And as spiritual, as supernatural as Christ’s birth is, it still demanded the created’s participation. I love Mary’s bold faith, I’m sure as she trembled in the presence of Gabriel. And as the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to write his account, he gives us this very intelligent, simple, clear account of our Savior. All we have to do, like Mary is simply believe and participate. “Be it unto me according to your words.” Luke 1:1-3 (CEV) Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us.They wrote what we had been told by the ones who were there in the beginning and saw what happened.So I made a careful study of everything and then decided to write and tell you exactly what took place. Then Luke makes this statement, “I’m writing this so that you may know beyond a shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you’ve been taught.” I can’t help but wonder if maybe Luke got to hear the story straight from Mary.You can tell by the boldness of his introduction that he has a fixed confidence in his revelation of the accounts of Jesus. But what I love and respect about his letter is that his revelation came to him just like it comes to us. And he boldly writes, I want you to know beyond a shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you’ve been taught. As I’m putting this talk together, Mary’s statement stands out in my thoughts; “be it unto me” Each of us has to come to the realization that this one simple truth is exactly how Jesus expect us to live these lives He came that we could have. John 10, “...I came that you may have and enjoy an abundant, excessive, extraordinary life.” Then be it unto to me Lord. And here’s the eternal reality for God’s created, today in the middle of the 21st century, He’s still pointing people to Jesus. Jesus still stands as the central focus of hope and redemption for humanity. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” God with us! Think about it from His perspective. Leaving His world, laying aside His deity, taking on free will, yielding Himself to humanity for the sole purpose of making passage for humanity to come back, not only to eternity, but into a divine relationship with our Creator. Philippians 2, When the time came, Jesus set aside the privileges of deity and became human! Having become human, He stayed human.He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death.Because of His obedience, God lifted Him high and honored Him far beyond anyone or anything,so that all created beings in heaven and on earth will bow in worship before Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that He is the Lord of all. The Anointed One, the Creator became the created. (Son of man)The King of all existence exchanged His royalty for humanity.The Author eternity stepped out of it, for the sole purpose of bringing us back to eternity. And I realize the world, over the years has developed a variety of traditions celebrating Christmas, but for those of us that have embraced God’s gift to His creation, it’s one of our greatest days we get to celebrate! So, as the world around us drifts further away from the realities of why we celebrate Christmas, let’s remind them. Lets take a page of of Mary’s play book, “be it unto to me Lord” Now it goes without saying, it will always be, Merry Christmas, not happy whatever. But with this in mind, don’t be one of those religious, Christian correctors. Remember, God didn't send Jesus into the world to condemn it, but to save it. Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,27, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house

Genesis 12:2 (NKJV) “I will make you a great nation;I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” Romans 4 (MSG) We call Abraham “father” not because he got God’s attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Abraham was first named “father” and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing.When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn’t do but on what God said he would do. Psalm 37:3-5 (NKJV) Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Joshua 1:8 (AMP) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,you shall read, meditate on it day and night,so that you may be careful to do everything in accordance with all that is written in it;for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. (Put your name here) John 10:10 (AMP) “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows.” And it may sound over simple, but Jesus is asking us the same thing today. Simply Trust, Delight, Commit. Isaiah 1:19 (NKJV) “If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;” Living inspired starts with with a willing heart. Deuteronomy 28:13 (NKJV) “And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.” TRUST IN THE LORDDELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORDCOMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD Joshua 1:8 (AMP) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,you shall read, meditate on it day and night,so that you may be careful to do everything in accordance with all that is written in it;for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. Romans 4:19 (NKJV) “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.”

Hebrews 12:28,NIV- “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Throughout the scriptures one common characteristic associated with thankfulness is humility. You won’t see one without the other. Psalm 25, He leads the humble in justice, and teaches them His way. There’s a beautiful story in Luke 7 about the alabaster box. As we follow Jesus through the chapter, He makes one of His many bold, in your face statements: “The children of this generation are like spoiled children complaining.”Then one of the Pharisees invites Jesus to his house. A prostitute shows up to worship Jesus. Luke 7,MSG- She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful.If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal. Maybe this is why Jesus made statements like, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. Here’s something else we should consider, the prostitute saw something in Jesus the Pharisee couldn’t see. Could it be a heart issue?Remember, He teaches the humble His ways. This week as we gather and celebrate our blessed holiday, lets remember, like the young lady worshiping Jesus, what He’s actually done for us. Hebrews 12:28,NIV- “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” We should also be grateful, that we live in the most blessed place on the planet. Living in a nation where we actually have a day set aside to acknowledge, reflect, and honor the God who made us this great people, we should absolutely express our deepest thanks with honor and humility. President George Washington made this statement to our nation, “It is our duty as a nation to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God,to be humbly grateful for His protection and favor. And to render unto Him our sincere and humble thanks.” As we enter another holiday season, for me personally, Thanksgiving is the kick off of the season, but at the heart of thanksgiving, it’s so much more than a holiday, it’s an attitude of our heart. It’s part of the nature of the born again. What if Thanksgiving for the born again was a lifestyle? What if we lived like the holiday was everyday? I can tell you with absolute certainty that a humble, thankful heart is a game changer in our life of faith. Remember, thankfulness and humility are eternally connected.God gives grace to the humble and exalts the humble. Unfortunately, in todays society we see way too much of the opposite. So much entitlement, complaining, ungratefulness, more focused on self, focused on what we don’t have. Thank God for His word, He provides us one of His most inspiring letters to help us not only navigate challenging times, but right in the middle of them, maintain our God imparted nature of thankfulness and joy. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is one of encouragement and thankfulness for their generous giving and ministry support. That being said, he still takes the opportunity to pastor them concerning some of their current issues. And obviously, this letters primary theme is joy, regardless of situations.Paul makes it pretty clear that this kind of joy cannot be found in favorable circumstances, but in a growing relationship with Jesus. Philippians 4 would be a wonderful devotion and meditation for all of us through the Thanksgiving holiday. Philippians 4:4-7,NLKV- Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Here’s a key take home for today, a thankful, reverent heart is truly the threshold for the supernatural. This is why so many Hebrew words connected to thankfulness are the same as worship. And a thankful heart of worship connects us on a more authentic level with God’s presence. At the end of the day, the closer we grow in our relationship with Jesus, our natural response will be a more authentic worship. Psalm 34, “I worship GOD every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe GOD; King David said, “Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”Psalm 95, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, and the great King above all gods.” Psalm 100, “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” God's word is very clear that His blessing, His breakthrough, His victory, was always preceded by the praise of His people. Because faith already knows what God has promised He will fulfill. We have to realize that a

Isaiah 1:19,NKJV- “If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;”MSG- If you willingly obey, you’ll feast like a king. Living inspired starts with with a willing heart. Like we said last week, our Father is waiting for each of us to take the next step in the life He's already seen we could have. What if we started each day with the expectation that today’s gonna be one of the days He’s already seen. We’ve got to stay open to the reality that there’s something God wants to accomplish through each of His children. And according to Acts 10:34,NLT- Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.” We are a chosen generation of royalty, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. At the end of the day, it simply comes down to those willing and obedient. Remember last week, “I call heaven and earth as witness to the choice you make.” This is why Paul tells us to make the most of every opportunity. Here’s the deal, living inspired means there will be times we have to step out beyond our own abilities and Trust, Delight, Commit. Psalm 37:3-5,NKJV- Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. This truth is possibly one of the greatest faith builders God left for us.And make no mistake, there’s no other way of discover or living an inspired life outside of faith. Maybe the best we I can describe faith is our positive response to what God has already provided for us by grace. There is absolutely nothing that can replace time in God’s word, it’s where we discover our new lives He’s designed for each of us. And hands down the Joshua 1:8 principle is the key component in our success in an inspired life. Joshua 1:8,AMP- This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, you shall read, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. And since we are these chosen people, fearfully and wonderfully made, the seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise. God plans is to use each of our lives to be a testimony of His blessing. Genesis 12:2-3,NKJV- “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” You gotta love how God prophesied Abraham’s life to him. Galatians 3, You must know that only those who are in Christ are sons of Abraham. Christ redeemedus so that the blessing of Abraham might come on us, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” And it all started with God giving Abraham one simple step of faith, “go where I’m telling you.” And it may sound over simple, but Jesus is asking us the same thing today. Simply Trust, Delight, Commit. Go where I’m telling you, do what I’m asking you, one step at a time, one day at a time, one inspired life at a time. Remember, I will bless you and make you great so that you will be a blessing!This is why our faith is so important. Jude 20, Beloved, build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith, continually progressing, rising higher and higher. Ultimately, because of who God has made us, we have to take our God ordained lives and exercise our influence. And here’s the deal, according to the apostle Paul, “its according to the power that works in us.” I believe this is Isaiah’s point, If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land Ephesians 3:20,NKJV- Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. As I’m putting this talk together, meditating on these revelations from God’s Spirit, I can’t help but wonder how many of us find ourselves following logic instead of God? Kinda like baptism, think about it, being dunked in some water, in the natural… come on. But spiritually, according to Jesus it’s an eternal statement for every believer. God knows each of us, exactly where we are, what we’re going through, and He’s still got great plans for everyone of us. But, as long as we’re okay living without more of God in our lives, we will. But the moment we start talking steps of faith toward God, the more inspired our lives become. Listen to Paul’s prayer for us out of Ephesians;That we embrace the Spirit of wisdom and revelation That we know the hope of His callingThat we walk in the greatness of His power Remember, living inspired starts with a willing heart. Living inspired means there will be times we have to step out beyond our own abilities and trust, delight and commit our way to Him. This is why God told us He would bless us and make us great, so we will be a blessing! He doesn’t show favori

Hebrews 4:12,AMP- For the word of God is living and active and full of power, making it operative, energizing, and effective.It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit, the completeness of a person, and of both joints and marrow ,the deepest parts of our nature, exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. A very important lesson every believer has to come to terms with is the reality that God’s word is living, spiritual reality. Jesus told us His words are Spirit and life. Here’s the deal, there are 2 Greek words translated word in the NT Logos- the written word of God. Our bible.Rhema- the revealed, spoken word of God. Individual revelation. It’s when the written becomes the revealed that it produces change in humanity. This is when Hebrew 4 becomes effective, showing the difference between soul and spirit. As well as exposing the thoughts and intents of the heart. Something to keep in mind, spiritual truth and natural truth don’t always agree. And this is where faith comes in. Accepting, believing, and acting are the fruits of faith. Romans 10:17,NKJV- So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.CEV- No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. We have to understand, the written becoming the revealed only happens through faith. And I cannot over emphasize the importance of speaking the rhema of God into our situation, into our physical world. Now when it comes to confession, it’s not simply about saying something we’ve heard or memorized. It has to be a revelation to us. This is why Jesus made statements like, “according to your faith…”The spoken word is how spiritual realities are transferred into our physical reality. Unfortunately, the majority doesn’t really believe this truth. Primarily because we’ve tried it and didn’t see immediate results. 2 Corinthians 4:13,NKJV- And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak. Understand, Paul is writing this right in the middle of some of his most challenging situations. He’s actually quoting the Psalmist who went through difficulties praising and walking out God’s victory. Something else to keep in mind about this passage, this “same spirit of faith” according to Romans is the same Spirit that brought Jesus back from the dead. Remember, according to our key text, God’s word is the only source exposing the difference between these two worlds we are currently living in. This is why the Holy Spirit, just a few verses later in the same chapter in 2 Corinthians makes this radical statement. 2 Corinthians 4:18,NKJV- While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Think about it, because we have the same spirit of faith, we choose to not look at things that are seen, and according to what is written, we believe and we speak. Is it possible that when believers exercise the rhema word of God, we’re actually bringing the unseen into the seen? One of my favorite examples of this is in 2 Kings 6, Elisha and his assistant. Elisha told him, there are more with us than with them.Then he asked the Lord to open his eyes. Today, what you and I have to acknowledge, actually accept, is the reality that God’s word is the doorway into Paul’s unseen, the world of the spirit, the eternal. Seriously, what do you think the Holy Spirit meant when He told us to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh? I think He’s actually waiting on His people, heirs to start exercising our spiritual senses. Remember, Elisha asked God to open the eyes of his assistant. What… Think about this, how many times did Jesus say things like, “ he who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The harsh reality is, until the born again make room for transformation in our soul, we have no option but our natural senses. SPIRIT- Kingdom of God, made like Him, dominion, authority, faithSOUL- Free willBODY- intelligence, carnality, emotions, senses, unbelief And this is why faith is the absolute in the unseen world of God’s Kingdom. Why would Jesus tell us things like, “all things are possible to him who believes.” Think about our story in 2 Kings, Elisha took the entire Syrian army captive by exercising the spiritual world. Hebrews 11:3,NKJV- By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. You getting this, things seen didn’t come from this visible world. Here’s the deal, at some point we’ve got to stop assuming things of that world will just manifest in this one simply because we’ve processed it intellectually, or even memorized a scripture. We have to have revelation from Him. We’ve got to see it. Why? Because just like in this natural world we have to develop our sense, our abilities. I

Psalm 37:3-5,NKJV- Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. This is why Paul reminds us, “Don’t focus on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. Because things that are seen are temporary, but things in the unseen are eternal.” The reason time in God’s word is so important for the born again is because in our new lives we’re built to live different. Seriously, don’t focus on things that are seen… but things that are unseen??? This is where Trust, Delight, Commitment come into play. Think about it, according to the apostle Peter, we’re a chosen generation of royalty. We are the seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise. What promise? Genesis 12:2-3,NKJV- “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” As the seed of Abraham, we are the people of God. That being said, we cannot overlook the reality that Jesus told us; everything about the Kingdom works according to seedtime. Here’s a perfect example, Psalm 139:16,NLT- You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. This is whyTrust, Delight, Commitment are absolutes. Consider this, according to Psalm 139, He saw this day, just as clear as the day He formed us. Which means, He’s got a life laid out for each of us. This is that Romans 8, predestined life. Is it possible that our Heavenly Father is patiently waiting for each of us to take the next step in the life He's already seen we could have. Here’s a couple of my favorite scriptures that help me process this inspired life Jesus died for. Ephesians 1:4-5,NLT- Long before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:11,MSG- It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. A Here’s the deal, none of us will ever discover this new life, this inspired living, passively waiting for the Lord to perform one of His miracles, while we continue doing life the way we've always done it. It may sound over simple, but it all comes down to this one truth, Jesus said, follow Me and I’ll make you… Y’all have heard me say this for years, watching Jesus while we do our own thing isn't following Him. And without a doubt, following Jesus requires Trust, Delight, Commitment. Remember, As the seed of Abraham, heirs of God, He’s got a life waiting to be discovered. So live inspired. Genesis 12, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” You gotta love how God prophesied Abraham’s life to him. And it all started with God giving Abraham one simple step of faith, “go where I’m telling you.” One step at a time, one day at a time, one inspired life at a time. Here’s what’s crazy, He’s already seen our lives, and He's still asking you to follow Him. As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us, "You did not choose Me, I chose you that you should go and bare fruit."Mark 3:13-14,NKJV- And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, 1. that they might be with Him 2. that He might send them out to preach Remember what Paul told us in Ephesians, "It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we're living for." God gave us three simple principles for success in the "In Christ" Trust, Delight, Commit. Make today one of those days you discover something He saw in you the day He formed you. The Apostle Paul said, " Be wise and make the most of every opportunity." God knew we wouldn’t be able to control every circumstance, but we can control our commitment. Coach John Wooden would always say, "You've got to apply yourself every day to be better, it won't just happen." We all need to leave here today with this reality, our Father is patiently waiting for each of us to take the next step in the life He's already seen we could have? And the greatest part is, He’s given us His Spirit to inspire, direct, empower. Romans 8:11,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. What if today is the day God takes you out of your routine, by simply asking you to take a step of faith towards a life He laid out bef

1 Peter 2:9-10, NKJV- But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God... Communion is possibly one of the greatest acts of a humility we can display. It's our reverent acknowledgement of Who Jesus is, what He did, but also who He’s made us to be. The apostle Paul sums it up perfectly, "Because of all I've done I don't deserve to be included in the family of God. But because of God's grace, because of Jesus, here I am." Romans 8:29-30,MSG- God knew what He was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him.After God made that decision of what His children should be like, He followed it up by calling people by name. After He called them by name, He set them on a solid basis with Himself. And then, after getting them established, He stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what He had begun. Think about Jesus' sacrifice, He shed His blood for everyone, knowing some wouldn't receive what He did. Communion is a God ordained reminder that Jesus' broken body and shed blood was the price required for our freedom. It was God’s plan from the beginning. Remember, Jesus is the Lamb slain before he foundations of the world. Isaiah 53:3-5,NLT- He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed Him down. And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for His own sins! 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. Today as we gather around the Lords table let Isaiah’s words from God inspire us to see His new covenant as so much more than just our passage to Heaven. Listen to Peter’s words again, We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, called out of darkness into His marvelous light; who are now the people of God It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-days of everyday life and let the significance of what Jesus did become a religious tradition, sometimes even an after thought. And one of the main reasons we take communion together as a family is to acknowledge and honor His sacrifice. To remind us of His unearnable grace. To reinforcer of our righteousness. And even though it's a very simple thing we do in our humanity, in the eternal, it's a living declaration of our King's death, resurrection, and accomplishment. Colossians 1:22, Jesus has reconciled you to Himself through the death of His physical body. Andhas brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. I know I say this every time we take communion, but people still remain confused about it. So listen carefully, communion isn't for perfect people, it's for anyone recognizing their need of a Savior. Communion is an immortal, eternal declaration of God's amazing grace. Colossians 3:1,3,NLT- Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of Heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Communion is an anointed reminder of our new lives in Him. It can also provide the sometimes much needed spark of encouragement to draw closer to Him. Here's the thing, the closer we are with Jesus, the great our influence will be with others. The closer we are with Jesus the more His nature will be evident in our lives. And you all know this, His nature is love. Paul wrote in Colossians, "Love ties everything together." And every time we take the bread and the cup, we’re embracing and declaring His undying love. It’s that love that makes us His. A new creation in Him, called, appointed and anointed. And this is why God says things like, "Make the most of every opportunity, live reverent, faith filled lives." This is why He told us that every time we take it we make sure we have this truth in mind; Communion is our eternal memorial, that His sacrifice alone makes us one with Him. And as irrational and unreligious as this may sound to some of you, in the middle of your worst times, on the other side of your biggest failure, Jesus' broken body and shed blood still stands eternal, boldly declaring, I’ve made you new. You can't blow it so bad in your life that Jesus' unfailing love won't be there. Sometimes one of the greatest things communion does is simply redirect those that have gotten distracted. That have allowed the enemy to

According to Galatians, we are heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ. Philippians reminds us that we are currently citizens of Heaven. And Corinthians instructs us that we are ambassadors for Christ. And because we are still in this world but no longer of it, it’s up to each of us heirs, citizens, ambassadors, to make room in our thinking for the realities of our new world. This is why Jesus told us to put the things of the Kingdom first. Being a disciple doesn’t automatically happen because we accept Jesus into our lives. It requires training, discipline, commitment, it requires reverence. AMBASSADOR = DISCIPLE We cannot be one without the other. And neither will happen on accident. Something has to be first. And according to Jesus, there is no grey area here. He knows that whatever we prioritize, what we put first is what will shape how we live. Acts 1, Jesus appeared to them over forty days withmany infallible proofs and unquestionable demonstrations, talking to them about the kingdom of God. Something every disciple has to come to terms with concerning the realities of the Kingdom of God is that we can only function to the level of our current revelation. Not only of who Jesus is, but who we are in Him. But because of free will, the desires of this world, not to mention the deception of our enemy, kingdom realities being a priority can certainly be a challenge. Like we said last week, it's our priorities that define us. Let me say this, discipleship will require sacrifice. But at the end of the day, it only comes through transformation. So never give place to the condemnation of the enemy or the people he’ll try using. Something we’ve got to stay aware of is the fact that these instructions, revelations, are designed for the born-again. Corinthians makes it clear that the message of the cross is foolish to those perishing. But when the born-again neglect to put the things of the Kingdom first; Ephesians shows us that we remain children tossed in different directions.Confined to and governed solely by human nature. This is why the enemy works relentlessly from within the church, many times under the deception of religion, keeping us divided. I believe God's raising up disciple that will dare to believe that all things are possible. That will make the choice to seek first the Kingdom of God. As His ambassadors, He will position us for influence. This is why He told us, if you seek Me you will find Me. And it's not like He's hiding. He’s simply in a different dimension. A different Kingdom, a different world, what most believers call the spirit. SPIRIT, SOUL, HUMANITY And I absolutely understand, there will always be Christians that just want to live a good life and go to Heaven. And because of God's amazing grace, you can. But, what if our King is actually counting on us becoming a disciple, an ambassadors for Him while we're here? Moody was right. Colossians 3:17,MSG- Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. And God's plan from the beginning is for His government to be established in the earth through His body, the church. Luke 17:20-21,NKJV- Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, See here! or see there! For indeed, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU At some point, we have to accept the reality that God's plan from the beginning is for His government, the Kingdom to be established in the earth through His body, the church. Is it possible that God created a life for us where everything we need in this earth is independent of the current world we live in? John 14:12,MSG- Believe me: The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. What if Jesus is right? What if we actually started putting the things of the Kingdom of God first? Christians need to realize Jesus isn't telling us we have to live a certain way out of some religious, legalistic obligation; He's trying to get us to understand, kind of like a fish out of water, we can't live in two worlds. As He said, even though we're still in this one, we are no longer of it. What if this is the place God is talking about where all things are possible? Remember, as new creations, citizens of His world, ambassadors called by Him, we’re built to live a different way. But until we practice practice putting our new world first, it will constantly be a challenge, not only experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven, but even more difficult expressing it to others. This is why Paul repeatedly tells us through his letters that we are to put on our new nature. Ephesians 4:21-24,NLT- Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your

2 Corinthians 5:14-15,17-21,NKJV- For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15, and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.17,Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18,Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20, Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Philippians reminds us, we are citizens of Heaven. I’m just wondering how many of us go through humanity, confident that Heaven is our destination, grateful Jesus made us righteous, but give little consideration to the world God says we’re currently citizens of. We get so consumed with this portion of what we call life but leave the Kingdom this distant, future reality. Remember, Jesus told us to put the Kingdom of Heaven first. He knows that when we do this, God will open doors and surround us with His favor. As His ambassadors, He will position us for influence. Psalm 18, He arms us with strength, gives us victory, enlarges our path, making us great. He will deliver us from the strivings of people, putting us in leadership roles in society. His original design was and is, “Let them have dominion.” 2 Chronicles 16:9,NKJV- For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. Something I think we might still struggle with, God is Sovereign. Which means, “Let them have dominion” hasn’t changed, because He doesn’t change. This is why He’s constantly looking for His sons and daughters, heirs to the Kingdom to be His ambassadors in the earth. And I get it, putting the unseen world above what we see can be a challenge. And most definitely requires sacrifice. Romans 8:28-30,NKJV- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. And I realize, because of our enemy’s constant distractions, vision drift can set in. Let’s face it, it’s just easier to accept Him as Savior than Lord. The enemy knows that if he’s even the slightest bit successful, this world will dictate our decisions and actions, limiting our authority and influence. This is why Ephesians makes it very clear, “Give no place to the devil” And even though Chronicles tells us God is looking for loyalty, without revelation of who Jesus actually is to us, that loyalty will be nothing more than religious practice. Matthew 16:15-16,NKJV- He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And on Peter’s revelation of who Christ is, Jesus gave him the keys to the Kingdom.Keys represent, access, possession, and authority. Our ambassadorship hinges on this reality, who do you say that He is? You remember, Jesus told us us to pray, the Father’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven? As His church today, our role is to be an extension of the Kingdom. To exercise authority, demonstrating God’s government. The thing is, it was never His plan for it to be reduced to what we do within the walls of what we’ve concluded is the church. We come together for fellowship, unity, worship, inspiration, edification and equipping. But we actually become the church when we go out. Ephesians 4:11-16,NKJV- And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, 12, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14, that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ,16, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. From God’s

By a show of hands who here text?? Silly question right… I mean how can you survive in today’s day and age without it? I have friends that if you try and call they hit ignore and say hey what’s up? Is my voice that annoying? It has become a normal part of life… Brief, quick, and often to the points. Or how about those 3 dots meaning they saw it and was going to type something or is typing something and then they disappear. You wait in suspense. What will they say? What happened. . . Where did they go… This visual should set us up for today’s talk…. Imagine our conversations with God, if you viewed it like your text, how would it look? Would it be one sided? Would it be all requests, like He is a genie in a lamp granting wishes? Would it be full of compliments and praises? Would it be a conversation, like a relationship I would say most of us, and I am just as guilty of this at times. It looks more like God is speaking to me and I am not listening but every now and then I throw in that ask into Him. I want to challenge us today to think about what does that conversation look like for you and our Lord? But make no mistake about it… God is speaking WE need to do a better job on listening. God speaks through his wordGod speaks with a small voiceGod speaks by his people God will speak to you in His word. So often when you are reading it’s like the words pop off the pages. Or you see something that speaks to you in that moment. This is how He uses the word to speak to us. Each time we are here in Church and the Word is being spoken He is speaking and revealing things to us. Are we listening, is the key? Are we in a guarded stance? We need to be ready to receive and open to hear His still small voice. So lets jump into the scripture. I don’t think there is any better scripture to paint of God speaking to us in the still small voice than this picture in 1 Kings 19: 11-13Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but-the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a]a still small voice.So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”We often think God is in the big and He certainly can be, but often it’s the small it’s the subtle. Because when the small, the subtle, the meek do mighty things in His name oh the sound that it makes. It moves mountains. It shakes the ground. It changes nations. Our nation doesn’t need any more loud politicians, or loud noise. Our nation needs the people of God to listen and adhere to the still small voice. To be intentional to His will and His ways… We need to stop, slow down a bit, tune it all out…… and listen…… and listen… and listen….. It’s kind of like an old radio you know back in the day you had to turn the knob and get it just right for the music to be clear.. It took some time and there is some static, but being intentional, being patient, and keeping focus the right frequency is found and we get it loud and clear. The more we do it the easier it gets and clearer He is to us. A great place to practice this is at Prayer Service (usually the last Wednesday, however October, November & December it will be the second to last Wednesday). It’s your chance to stop and really just focus on tuning out the world and tuning into God. Someone told me they love coming in on Prayer nights, because ashamedly they don’t do it at home. No shame…. That’s from the enemy…. But start and what a better place to start than here. A great man once told me “If you want to learn to pray get around praying people!” This place right here is our training ground its our place to learn and grow closer to Him. So we can be His light to man when we leave here. You don’t train for war in war time, you train for war in times of peace. Learning to be in His presence and hearing the still small voice Someone in my life said God is not up there jibber jabbing all day long. At the time I was young and my relationship with God was not what it is today, so I believed it. So I never looked or listened to the still small voice except times of need or prayer and when I did, I did the talking and didn’t do any listening! Today say I agree with that statement to a point… He is not jibber jabbering, but He certainly is guiding us, directing us, instructing us. He is speaking to us often and always. It goes back to what I said early are we listening and tuned in? Most of the time we are not! But that changes today, right church? Job 23:12 NLT “I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.” He cares about us and sometimes we don’t understand th

As we get into part 2, we’ve got to get this issue settled in our thinking if we’re ever going to be successful in our ambassadorship. The things of the Kingdom are spiritual in their reality. Brought into this world through the born again yielding to the Kingdom that’s already functioning in us. Remember what Jesus told us, “We’re in this world but not of this world.” Paul adds to this revelation with this statement, He has transferred us out of the kingdom of darkness and into His Kingdom. “LET THEM HAVE DOMINION” is one of the fundamental principles of the Kingdom of God into this visible world God gave His creation. Make no mistake, comprehending all that Christ has made available for His people demands a life of faith. A new way of living. 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We live by faith, not by sight.” NLT, we live by believing, not seeing.” But here’s the deal, way too many of God’s people are still governed more by the natural than the spiritual. Truth is, it’s not the powers of the kingdom of darkness that stop us, it’s our refusal to embrace the world we’re born of, embracing a way of living that is beyond humanity. This is why we have to stop reading God’s word as some religious, rule book. Look at it as his instruction manual for the Kingdom. Philippians 3:17-20, NLT- Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are CITIZENS OF HEAVEN, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. Paul helps us see this clearer in 2 Corinthians 5, In Christ we have been given these new lives through Him and now since He’s given us the ministry of reconciliation, He’s calling others through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20, NKJV- We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. Ambassadors- A diplomat of highest rank, sent on behalf of their homeland, representing, and coordinating relations and events of the foreign land they’ve been assigned. In this passage in Corinthians, when he tells us we’re new creations, what do you think new creations really means? John 1:12, NIV- “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” Galatians 3:29, MSG- Since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.” Chapter 4, And because we are sons of God, His Spirit lives in us, making us heirs of God thorough Christ.Romans 8, We are joint heirs with Christ. Remember, CITIZENS OF HEAVEN God’s original design was and is for His people to be the light of the world. In other words, we, His body the church are supposed to be the influence in business, education, government, in every aspect of society. Isaiah 48:17,NKJV- Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.” According to Isaiah, God will lead us in success, but we’ve got to do it His way. The church His body, has been sent to inspire communities, impacting culture, being the driving force in society. Remember, let them have dominion. Jesus restored what man lost. This is why He told us, “All authority was given to Me.” Then He sent His disciples out. And as we become successful in following the Lord, the more the Kingdom of Heaven is advanced. Check this out, Isaiah 11:9, “For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” As God’s ambassadors, the church should be the driving force of influence. Now when I use the term church, I’m in no way referring to any one denomination or organization. I’m referring to the spiritual reality of the body of Christ in the earth functioning through those He has called. Unfortunately, we have given place to the enemy in these areas of society. And because we have allowed the enemy to have too much liberty, he’s turned things around to the point where now society is having to much of an influence in the church. Causing great division in the church, diminishing our influence, and it’s time for that to change. The prophet Ezekiel actually says, “This land that has become desolate, out of control and unrecognizable, is now becoming like the garden of Eden.” Jesus never intended for the gospel of the kingdom to be limited to just missing hell and making heaven. He’s expecting the Kingdom of Heaven, His government, His ordained system, to be implemented by His governing body, the church in the earth. This is why Jesus makes statements like He did in Matthew 6:33, AMP- “But first and most importantly seek (aim at

As I was thinking on our talk, I was going through our homework and the Lord began taking me in another direction. Lets be real, none of us want to hear a lot about anger management… Now we’re still going to look at the peace and joy Jesus left us because I’m 100% convinced that a big part of our witness will be our peace and joy form the Lord. But as I was hanging out in John 14 looking at what Jesus was saying in light of a scripture I shared last week out of Romans 14:17,NKJV- For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. But as I’m hanging out in John the Lord began showing me that we all need a clearer understanding of exactly what He did through Jesus. Who we are as His people, while we’re still confined to our humanity. And this is where faith comes in, we’ve actually gotta believe this stuff. Believe God will empower us to take on this new nature. And that nature is found in our new Kingdom we’ve been born into. But not just born into, but born with an assignment, a calling if you will. Paul helps us see this clearer in 2 Corinthians 5, In Christ we have been given these new lives through Him and now He’s calling more back to Him through us since He’s given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:20,NKJV- We ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. MSG- All this comes from God, who settled the relationship between us and Him, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what He is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives, His ambassadors.God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work. This is Jesus’ point in John 17, Because they’re in this world but not of this world, sanctify them with Your word. As You’ve sent Me, I’m sending them.” So as we begin to discover and develop our new lives, it’s so important we remember, the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Make no mistake, these are not just suggestions from the Lord. He said, the Kingdom of God is!! So the more we yield to the Kingdom of God, which according to Jesus in Luke 17 is in us the moment we give our lives to Him, the more visible the Kingdom becomes to those He sends us to. And what things will be visible? Righteousness, peace, and joy. You see, the more Kingdom minded we are, the more the things Jesus said to us take on a much clearer perspective. Right in the face of challenging situations. John 15:11,NKJV- “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Remember, the things of the Kingdom are spiritual in their reality. They come from the spirit into this world. Paul’s instructions in Romans is simply the result of the born again yielding to the Kingdom that’s already functioning in us. This is why faith is so important, a key principle in understanding the Kingdom of God is being open to multidimensional thinking. Remember in Luke 17, Jesus tells us, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” And the more I dug into this, the further back I found myself going. In Genesis 1, God says, let’s make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over all the earth. Psalm 115, The heavens are the Lord’s, but the earth He has given to the children of men. The invisible taking on the visible. Adam was 100% spirit and human.Jesus, the last Adam 100% spirit and human. “Let them have dominion” is the fundamental principle of the Kingdom of God into this visible world God gave His creation. Remember what Jesus told us, “we’re in this world but not of this world.” This is why Paul makes radical statements like he did in Galatians when he told us to walk in the Spirit. In other words, govern our lives according to the Holy Spirit’s leading. And since joy is a fruit of the Spirit, i think it’s fair to say, joy is the personality of the Holy Spirit. Let me add this here, we can’t confuse joy with happiness. One is natural, inspired by emotion, the other a spiritual reality. And I know I’m highlighting joy a little more than peace, but lets not kid ourselves, they go hand in hand. You see, God knows that these two spiritual forces will absolutely draw anyone that’s away from Him closer. Think about it, would you rather be around someone joyful and upbeat, full of faith, or someone that’s always worrying, serious and grumpy all the time? Joy and peace is this contagious quality of His character that He’s ordained for us to be a part of. And this is why we’ve got to get our minds settled on this issue of faith, our born again nature is built to live by faith. But faith will not look like the world. 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We live by faith, not by sight.” NLT, We live by believing, not seeing.” Peace and joy are products of Heaven, so stop looking for situations and people to provide only what God can. Un

Ephesians 4:26-27,NLT- Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. The more traditional writing says, “be angry and don’t sin.” The Lord made us. He knows we’re emotional people. Some things should make you mad, but because we have His Spirit living in us, we have the ability to not let anger be what drives us. Paul reminds us that we’re not ignorant of our enemy’s tactics.And make no mistake, he’s making a major push on society, more specifically, trying to divide the church. This passage in Ephesians in the more traditional writing actually says in v.27, give no place to the devil. The danger with giving into anger is not only habitual, but self-destructive. It opens the door for condemnation and rejection. James reminds us to be slow to get angry. Galatians 5, Walk in the Spirit, let the Holy Spirit guide your life and you won’t give in to your sinful nature. After all, He is the Spirit of peace that passes understanding. Galatians 5:22-23,NLT- The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. So I guess we can control our anger if we choose to live out of the Kingdom rather than the ways of this world. Ultimately we have to stay aware of the fact that Jesus is counting on us to represent the Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17,NKJV- For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The things of the Kingdom, like Holy Spirt led living is 100% spiritual, never a bunch of natural, religious practices. What we’ve got to realize is that in this passage in Romans Paul is not only looking out for the ones that have just given their lives to Christ, he’s also addressing the religious mindset of that current situation. Think about it, most of these people are still used to their ungodly ways they’ve lived with all their lives. We have to remember, just like in our own lives, the ways of the Kingdom come to each of us through revelation from the Holy Spirit. So lets stop getting mad at people that may not be where we sometime think we are. Let me say this, if anger is your first response to things not going your way, it simply means you’ve go some growing to do. According to the Holy Spirit in Corinthians, you’re still carnal, babies in Christ. Here’s some food or thought, Ecclesiastes says that anger labels you a fool. Not to mention, it’ll keep you changed to whatever that offense was that made you mad. This is why Paul is addressing the church about this issue. Those of us that are spiritual are to help others get to the place where we’re walking in more of His nature. Remember, the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. And the more we yield to His nature, the more His nature will be recognized in our lives. Ephesians 4:31-32,NLT- Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. This is where faith comes in, we’ve gotta actually believe this stuff, believe God will empower us to take on this new nature. Here’s thing, it takes absolutely no faith to be negative, discouraged, unbelieving, critical and judgemental, but that’s not who we are! Remember, the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. A big part of our witness will be our peace and joy form the Lord. John14:27,NKJV- “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 15:11,NKJV- “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Remember, the things of the Kingdom are spiritual in their reality. They come from the spirit into this world. Romans 15:13,AMP-May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing, through the experience of your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. Let’s help each to not underestimated the power of peace and joy. Help one another stir up a little confident anticipation that God is the Almighty. He is the God of the Bible. You see, the more we allow the Holy Spirit to inspire our thinking, the more fixed and confident our expectations will be. This is why God’s word is so vital to the believer, it literally is the doorway into the world of the spirit, into God’s Kingdom. Remember Proverbs, “As a man thinks, so is he.” Romans says, “Set you mind on heavenly things.” Check it out for yourself, you think about anything long enough and it absolutely effects your imagination. And never underestimate the imagination of the born again. It’s our spiritual seeing. In Matthew and Luke, Jesus said, “The light of th

Genesis 8:22,NKJV- While the earth remains, SEEDTIME and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease. Matthew 13:24,NKJV- “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field” And just like with each of us, someone sowed the seed of God’s word into our lives and it took root and produced, now we are the ones God will use to sow His seed. The moment we give our life to Christ, not only do we become part of His Kingdom, we’re heirs to the throne of Heaven. Colossians 1:13,NLT- He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. Then He anoints us to be Ambassadors for the Kingdom of Heaven. We’re seed He’s sowing all, over the world. This is going to be a reality that believers have got to get settled, as long as the earth remains, seed time and harvest will also. In other words, sowing and reaping. This is how every aspect of God’s world works; the gospel, discipleship, love, joy, kindness, money, etc... Whatever a man sows, that’s what he’ll reap. Mark 4:26-29,MSG- Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like seed thrown in a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!” This is how the Kingdom of Heaven operates. Seedtime - Harvest time There are two very significant statements Jesus makes concerning His Kingdom: First, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” Second, “The Kingdom of Heaven is in you.” And the only way a human accesses this Kingdom is through faith. And faith only comes through the seed of the word of God. Romans 10 Like a seed, faith acknowledges from God’s word, that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. As a matter of fact, the apostle Paul teaches us that the same way we received Christ is how we’re designed to live in Him. This is why the word of God is absolutely vital to the born again. The seed produces after its own kind. And in Luke Jesus said, the seed is the word of God. Remember. As long as the earth remains, seed time and harvest will also. The Kingdom of Heaven law of sowing and reaping, “Seedtime” is how we function in that unseen world. It’s how our faith grows. After all, He created us to live by faith, but our soul has to be transformed in order for us to live there. This is how Paul could say what he did in Galatians; Galatians 2:20,AMP- ...The life I now live in the body I live by faith, by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting in the Son of God. You see, God inspired faith comes from His word. His word is seed sown into His creation. But because of free will, there has to be transformation of the soul. Romans 12:2,NKJV- Donot be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. NLT- Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. The tendency with humanity, especially in today’s world of information, is to think faith can be accessed and managed by human intelligence. But the things of the Kingdom of Heaven are design to function in a different dimension. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29,NKJV- For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. Remember, a life of faith comes from His word. His word is seed sown into His creation. The parable of the sower makes it very clear exactly how God’s seed, His word, works in the life of every human. One reason Jesus repeatedly taught in parables is because He told His disciples that it had been given to them to know the mysteries of the Kingdom. He uses everything He can in this natural world to explain His unseen world. And that mystery is, God’s kingdom is like seed sown in a field. The seed sprouts and grows, he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time! 2 Corinthians 9:10-11,NIV- Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion... Whatever a man sows, that’s what he’ll reap

Genesis 8:22,NKJV- While the earth remains, SEEDTIME and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease. Matthew 13:24,NKJV- “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field” Mark 4, Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like seed a man sows in the field.The seed grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!” Whatever a man sows, that’s what he’ll reap. Keep in mind, Jesus told His disciples that it had been given to them to know the mysteries of the Kingdom. And that mystery is, God’s kingdom is like seed sown in a field. The seed grows, no one knows how it happens. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time! 2 Corinthians 9:10-11,NIV- Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion... This is how every aspect of God’s Kingdom works; the gospel, love, joy, kindness, money, etc... The Christian is born again of God’s incorruptible seed. 1 Peter 1:23,NKJV- Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. 1 Corinthians 3:6,NLT- “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” According to Genesis, every seed produces after its own kind. According to Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven works like seed. Think about this, the fruit of God’s seed is what Jesus is coming back for. Remember, He is the first born of the Spirit. But until He returns, as His seed in the earth, we are the stewards of His word, His Kingdom. And we are to continue seedtime and harvest until He returns. God empowers us to actually live our life in Him, not just accepting what humanity serves up. But when we don’t see results within our preconceived plan, the way we want it to be, or the way it’s always been, too many of us get frustrated and quit. Galatians 6:9,NLT- “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Let’s not kid ourselves, God’s not empowering us to just do our own thing. Colossians 3:1-2,MSG- So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ, that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Galatians 6:7,NKJV- Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Since God’s Word is incorruptible seed and we sow His word into our souls concerning any area of our lives, we can reap harvest if we don’t quit. Remember what Jesus told us in Luke, His word is seed of the Kingdom. Proverbs 4:20-23,NLT- “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” This is why Joshua told us to meditate on God’s Word day and night, keep it in our mouth and do it. It will take discipline to redirect our thinking. Because the reality is, we’re already thinking about something day and night. And we will go in the direction of our most dominant thoughts. I’m more convinced than ever that we’ve totally underestimated the realities of our thought life. Seriously, look at how many times Jesus addresses issues in people directly from their thinking? Truth is, thoughts are spiritual. We’re in the world but not of it. Our souls are exposed to both kingdoms. Isaiah 55:8-11,NKJV- For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. This is how the Kingdom of Heaven works. It’s how God works. In Jeremiah God says, “I know the thoughts I think toward you.” Believing is a choice. It’s the result of right thinking. After all we have the mind of Christ, it simply has to be developed. Then it has to be given a voice. Romans 8:5-8,NKJV- For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things

Listen to the prophecy of King David, “Trust in the Lord, commit your way to Him. He will bring forth your righteousness like the new day sun.Don’t fret because of evildoers, they will soon be cut down like grass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath, for in just a little while the wicked will be no more. For the Almighty upholds the righteous!” Matthew 16:3 (NKJV) Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. Here’s something Jesus said that we should get settled on, “Blessed is the servant the master finds watching when he returns.” And since we have His Spirit living in us. The Spirit Jesus told us would show us things to come, we should absolutely be able to discern the times we’re in. Matthew 24, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branches have already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.” That being said, we’ve gotta start thinking big picture. We have to realize that the stage is being set for the anti-christ. He is making his push for a global reset. It’s amazing how everything the enemy is trying has already been lade out in the book. Seriously, all the way back in Genesis 11, the Tower of Babel was one of the enemy’s first attempts at global government. Centuries later Babel becomes Babylon, that grew from there east into Persian Empire, the Greek Empire include all the the first two eastward. Then Roman Empire went from Babylon conquered all westward.Here’s what’s interesting, Babylon is modern day Iraq. And expanded eastward into Iran and Afghanistan. I bring this up because the enemy has no new tactics. The major difference today is he owns the media. The spirit of Babel is desperately trying to infiltrate our land. Remember the prophecy, “This is My Nation” Unfortunately, too many of our self titled leaders are under the influence of the spirit of Babel. In other words, satan. And God is saying today, “Watch what I did to each of those that came before you” The church has to understand, to discern where we are right now, and recognize that the enemy can only be so effective as long as we’re still here. A.W. Tower, “A scarred world needs a fearless church.” Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. MSG- Take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the devil and all his angels. We, the born-again become very dangerous to the enemy when we’re fully awake, and embrace who we are in Christ. Remember, even though we’re talking about His return, Jesus was very clear, occupy till I return. Blessed is the servant the master finds watching for Him and busy about the master’s work when he returns. Occupy, do my business, exercise dominion, run thingsTill I return, there is a day He’s coming back Here’s two key statements Jesus made about His return, Blessed is the servant the master finds watching for Him, then He said, Blessed is the servant that’s busy about the master’s work when he returns. Matthew 24:36, The day and hour no one knows, not even the angels, only the Father. And I know there are different views on this subject, and I can take some scripture and partially support some of those beliefs, but I can only support one with 100% confidence from the scripture, and it is this same revelation God gave the apostle Paul. So when it comes to this event that we call the rapture, there are types throughout the Bible. But God’s children going through the great tribulation, we can’t find them. As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:21, There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. He wouldn’t have told us to be watching and busy about His work at the time of His return if it wasn’t important. I believe He wants us to use this revelation God gave Paul as an evangelistic tool, not some religious scare tactic. But if we cant have a confident, intelligent conversation about these truths, people will be just like they were in the days of Noah when God delivered his people from the wrath to come. Jesus actually tells that it will be as it was in the days of Noah when this event takes place. They went about they’re business, ignoring, mocking, even coming against what Noah was doing, until the day the Lord shut up the ark. Think about it, if you’ve read the book of Revelation, how is there any way we can comfort and encourage each other to look forward to facing that kind of wrath and destruction, not to mention the antichrist. 1 Thessal

My purpose on this earth is to leave a room brighter than I found it. I will inspire people to be happy and hopeful in the person they are capable of becoming. My ultimate goal in this is to not reach the world but just one person. I will show people, although we are different, greatness is within us all.”Someone most recently asked me how to live like God is with you. In order to do this, you need a why. You need a why when things get tough. Why do you press on when there is a virus and people are dying?Why are you not worried about losing your job?Why do you have hope?-There are issues of this life that bring challenges. Those challenges can knock you down. -The reason they present challenges is because of the fallen state of humanity since sin entered the world. -There is no such thing a perfect world because of sin. Sickness, violence, famine, death, disagreements, all entered the world as part of the curse for sin.-Tough times are going to come. We are in them now. -But as Christians we can have hope because of Jesus. This is the Gospel.Gospel- Good news. This is our hope. This is our why. -God had a plan to restore the world and bring hope. -That plan is Jesus. -Acts 10:34-48. 1.The gospel prevails over the issues of culture. (Acts 10:34-35) -The circumstance was that the Jews wanted to kill Paul because they thought he brought gentiles into the temple area. Gentiles were non-Jewish. (Acts 21:27-22:22) -In Acts 10 Peter is talking to the gentiles when he says acts 10:44-48 Gentiles- ANYONE not of Jewish race. There was a group of Jews that were Christians and there was a group that was not. The group that was not Christian would not except the fact that salvation was for everyone. Cultural issue. -The great commission. Jesus Last command to his disciples. Matthew 28:18-19. All nations! Cultural issue. Background for gospel. (2 Timothy 2:8-9) God’s word is not chained. -The gospel always prevails The gospel prevails over the issues of government. (Acts 10:28) Felix was the governor. (Acts 24:22-24) -Agripa was the king. Acts 26:19-32 -Peter and John told to stop preaching Jesus’s name but prevail (Acts 4:18-20)The gospel prevails over the issues of time. (Acts 10:42-43) -The first account of the gospel of Jesus being preached after his death is recorded in Acts 2 when Peter stands up and addresses the crowd after Jesus’s death. This happened around the year 30 A.D……..its 2021 and this gospel is still being preached. Issue of time. -Isiah mentioned what Jesus would do 600 years before it happened. (Isaiah 53:12) -Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.-The gospel prevails over issues of sickness. (Acts 10:38) -Matthew 8:17, The prophet Isaiah said, he took up our infirmities and carried our diseases. -The gospel prevails over the issues of sin. (Acts 10:43) 1 Peter 2:24-Know your why is the gospel because the gospel prevails over all the issues of life.

Listen to the prophecy of King David, “Trust in the Lord, commit your way to Him. He will bring forth your righteousness like the new day sun.Don’t fret because of evildoers, they will soon be cut down like grass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath, for in just a little while the wicked will be no more. For the Almighty upholds the righteous!” Matthew 16:3 (NKJV) Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. Here’s something Jesus said that we should get settled on, “Blessed is the servant the master finds watching when he returns.” And since we have His Spirit living in us. The Spirit Jesus told us would show us things to come, we should absolutely be able to discern the times we’re in. Matthew 24, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branches have already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.” That being said, we’ve gotta start thinking big picture. We have to realize that the stage is being set for the anti-christ. He is making his push for a global reset. It’s amazing how everything the enemy is trying has already been lade out in the book. Seriously, all the way back in Genesis 11, the Tower of Babel was one of the enemy’s first attempts at global government. Centuries later Babel becomes Babylon, that grew from there east into Persian Empire, the Greek Empire include all the the first two eastward. Then Roman Empire went from Babylon conquered all westward.Here’s what’s interesting, Babylon is modern day Iraq. And expanded eastward into Iran and Afghanistan. I bring this up because the enemy has no new tactics. The major difference today is he owns the media. The spirit of Babel is desperately trying to infiltrate our land. Remember the prophecy, “This is My Nation” Unfortunately, too many of our self titled leaders are under the influence of the spirit of Babel. In other words, satan. And God is saying today, “Watch what I did to each of those that came before you” The church has to understand, to discern where we are right now, and recognize that the enemy can only be so effective as long as we’re still here. A.W. Tower, “A scarred world needs a fearless church.” Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. MSG- Take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the devil and all his angels. We, the born-again become very dangerous to the enemy when we’re fully awake, and embrace who we are in Christ. Remember, even though we’re talking about His return, Jesus was very clear, occupy till I return. Blessed is the servant the master finds watching for Him and busy about the master’s work when he returns. Occupy, do my business, exercise dominion, run thingsTill I return, there is a day He’s coming back Here’s two key statements Jesus made about His return, Blessed is the servant the master finds watching for Him, then He said, Blessed is the servant that’s busy about the master’s work when he returns. Matthew 24:36, The day and hour no one knows, not even the angels, only the Father. And I know there are different views on this subject, and I can take some scripture and partially support some of those beliefs, but I can only support one with 100% confidence from the scripture, and it is this same revelation God gave the apostle Paul. So when it comes to this event that we call the rapture, there are types throughout the Bible. But God’s children going through the great tribulation, we can’t find them. As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:21, There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. He wouldn’t have told us to be watching and busy about His work at the time of His return if it wasn’t important. I believe He wants us to use this revelation God gave Paul as an evangelistic tool, not some religious scare tactic. But if we cant have a confident, intelligent conversation about these truths, people will be just like they were in the days of Noah when God delivered his people from the wrath to come. Jesus actually tells that it will be as it was in the days of Noah when this event takes place. They went about they’re business, ignoring, mocking, even coming against what Noah was doing, until the day the Lord shut up the ark. Think about it, if you’ve read the book of Revelation, how is there any way we can comfort and encourage each other to look forward to facing that kind of wrath and destruction, not to mention the antichrist. 1 Thessal

There’s no better way to leave whatever’s harassing, tormenting, manipulating you, there’s no better place for restoration and healing than gathering around the Lord’s table, and walking away with a renewed mindset, renewed trust in Jesus. 1 Peter 5:7,AMP- Casting all your cares, all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares about you with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully. This is why our faith is absolutely vital, anyone who comes to God must believe… Believe He is a burden removing, bondage destroying, barrier braking God. The God of peace that passes understanding. So today, come to the Lord’s table with a divine expectation. And let these words from Jesus settle into your thinking. John 14:1,NKJV- Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. v.27, Jesus repeats His point, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Seriously, if the Almighty, my Heavenly Father tells me to not let my heart be troubled… If He tells me I’m victorious, forgiven, blessed, prosperous, favored, healed, why wouldn’t I accept what He says as truth? 1 Corinthians 15:57,AMP- Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory making us conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans tells us we are more than conquerors. Then Paul tells us to imitate him like he imitates Christ. Say what he says, do what he does. Think about it, why shouldn’t I say what my Father says about me?After all, Jesus told us, rivers of living water will flow from our born again nature. Psalm 34, How blessed, fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God is the man who takes refuge in Him. Unfortunately, human nature has made it very clear that as long as we can live without more of God, we will. Whether you’ve walked with Jesus most of your life, or you’re just starting your journey, Because of human nature, because we have an enemy, there will be times when we question God, our relationship with Him, His promises, our failures, things we don’t understand, etc... And it’s in those times that being able to come to the Lord’s table, free of all sin, made completely righteous by His sacrifice, can be an absolute life changer for us. The reason I talk about communion before we take it is because we all need reminded from time to time that communion is this divinely inspired place of revelation from the Father. It allows us the opportunity to acknowledge that Jesus alone made us worthy to stand in His presence. He’s counting on us embracing the fact that He made us heirs to the Kingdom through what He suffered. Today as we gather around the Lords table, let the Holy Spirit help you see His crucifixion, His sacrifice as so much more than just our passage to Heaven. May the eyes of our understanding be enlightened, that we can embrace the hope of His calling, so that we can walk in the exceeding greatness of His power. John 6:51,NKJV- “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever...” Earlier in this same gospel Jesus told us, the Father is looking for those who will come to Him with the recognition of who He is. With a humble attitude of worship. Those who will worship Him in spirit and truth. The Samaritan women is a beautiful picture of God’s divine love, destroying racial agenda, reaching past moral failure to extend His true nature. While we’re here, something else Jesus constantly brought to light was the destructive nature of religious tradition. John 4:10,NKJV- Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” v.14,NKJV-“but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” Here’s the thing we’ve got to keep out in front of us as we follow Jesus. He said, “I only do the will of My Father who sent Me.” John 10:10,(paraphrase), I came from Heaven to give you a rich and satisfying life. A better life than you've ever dreamed of. A life to enjoy in abundance, to the full, till it overflows. Communion isn’t just acknowledging Jesus’ sacrifice, it’s embracing and reverencing the fact that Jesus actually restored us to our rightful place with God. Today as we honor and reverence our King’s sacrifice, let His Spirit minister to you, embrace what Jesus did, what He said, and embrace who you are because of Him. This is why having moments like this, around the Lord’s table allow us the privilege of drawing closer to Him. Something very important to remember is that communion is something a Christian can practice

Matthew 16:3 NKJV- Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. If Jesus expected that group to discern the time, those of us born of His Spirit should absolutely discern the times we’re in today. And without a doubt, the “anti-christ” is discerning his time. Much of what we see happening around the world is the result of his aggressive assault. This is why believers have to remember, the enemy’s primary weapon of choice has always been deception and fear. But God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear. Therefore give no place to the devil. Listen to the prophecy of King David, “Trust in the Lord, commit your way to Him. He will bring forth your righteousness like the new day sun.Don’t fret because of evildoers, they will soon be cut down like grass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath, for in just a little while the wicked will be no more. For the Almighty upholds the righteous!” As we dive into our subject, let these words from Jesus settle into your thinking, “Blessed is the servant the master finds watching when he returns.” Without a doubt the Lord expects us to be able to discern the times! We’ve gotta start thinking big picture. We have to realize that the stage is being set for the anti-christ. Another one of satan’s key targets in these last days is the justice system. And as difficult as it may be, I don’t think its in our nature as people of God to turn a blind eye to injustice as long as it doesn’t effect me personally. “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men too nothing.” Edmund Burke He is making a major push to divide the world, but we’re not ignorant of his tactics. This is why I’m repeatedly telling you that you can’t rely on the media, they will never tell you the truth because satan owns them. Another resource, (icandecide.org) But for those of us who have God’s Spirit living in us, according to Jesus, He will reveal all things to us. He is our Counselor, Advocate, Comforter, Anointer. This means we should be able to discern the difference between the truth and lies. Proverbs 27 tells us that a prudent man foresees the evil and takes action. Why do you think I keep bringing up things going on around the world? Example: (stock up a little) Here’s something to keep in mind, remember our nation is God’s major source of the gospel going around the world. And make no mistake, the world is watching and waiting to see what we do. Let’s review just a bit, as we said last week, the platform the anti-christ will take the stage with is 100% operational right now. And it will be implemented through the one world government system spoken of by Daniel. That is absolutely being pushed around the world right now. For example, this global push for mandatory vaccines, on an experimental drug. And especially a vaccine passport, which by the way is already designed with a social credit feature in it. Think about it, as of last week less than half the population has said yes because they told you it’ll keep you safe. The rest of the world is saying no. Wonder why… Mandating an experimental drug is unacceptable. Don’t quit your job. You seriously think these major companies are actually going to let over half their work force just go. Let me give you some food for thought, here’s a few companies not mandating the shot: the White House, CDC, FDA, WHO, Pfizer, J&J, Moderna. Remember, Proverbs tells us a prudent man foresees evil. And what we see happening is a glimpse into exactly how the anti-christ sets up his demonic government. Revelation 13:16-17,NKJV- He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. This one world government system he will use is the revised Roman Empire (feet of iron & clay) that is revealed through Daniel in the vision Nebuchadnezzar had. We know it today as the European Union. And as we get into this, don’t get focused on times or dates, just be watching and ready. Remember what Jesus told us, “Blessed is the servant the master finds watching when he returns.” Daniel 2, There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these. Daniel 2,Head of Gold — BabylonChest and arms — PersiaBelly and thighs — GreeceLegs of iron — Roman Empire Feet of iron and clay — revised Roman Empire \ European Union Daniel 2:44-45,NLT- During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever. That is the meaning of the rock cut from the mountain, though not by human hands, that crushed to pieces the statue of iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold. The great God was showing the king w

2 Peter 1:16-18,NKJV- For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. Think about this, at the birth of the church, they had the luxury of having eye witness accounts from those that walked the planet with Jesus. They had first hand, anointed information from those who walked with the Living Word. So as He launched His church, He inspired these guys by the Holy Spirit to write these prophetic letters that would become, the Lord’s revelation to His creation. 2 Peter 1:19-21,NKJV- “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, (KJV, a more sure word of prophecy) which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” A more sure word of prophecy than an eyewitness account. Even though Mark, Luke and Paul aren’t listed in the original 12, that had to have had some eyewitness accounts. For example, John Mark was one of Peters closest associates. And Luke has way too much detail of his accounts, not to mention his follow up in the book of Acts. The of course, Paul was taken to Heaven and taught personally by Jesus. Remember, Paul reminds us that we see through a glass dimly. We only know in part. He said I saw things that can’t be uttered with human words.So as we follow the writings of these God inspired men, lets make sure that we approach what they’re saying with the utmost humility and faith, knowing that according to Peter, we have these prophetic words confirmed.They’re actually a more sure word than even their eyewitness account. Matthew 28:16-20,NKJV- Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. This assignment isn’t just about telling people that Jesus offers humanity eternal life, but extending His Lordship through the life of every believer willing to follow His lead. Jesus is counting on followers today that will accept the fact that the commands He gave His first disciples are just as much a reality for us today. This is Peter’s point when he tells us that the prophetic words they wrote are more sure than their eyewitness account of Jesus. In John’s gospel Jesus actually tells us that anyone who will believe Him should be doing the things He did. This is why Paul says things like, “imitate me as I imitate Christ.” I think it’s important for the born again to understand that accepting Jesus does come with an assignment. I realize the security of salvation is where we all start,But when we go back to the eyewitnesses, Jesus didn’t just offer them eternal life, He said, “follow Me.” Part of our assignment is taking over where He left off. To carry on His mission, to do the things He did, to imitate Him. Look at Peter for example, he actually denied knowing Jesus, but after the Holy Spirit came on him, he operated in a completely different capacity. One of Jesus’ main points was that He only said what the Father said. He actually said, “I am truth” My words are spirit and life. I’ll probably say this repeatedly throughout this series, but I think it’s one of the keys to our discipleship; we have more sure word than even their eyewitness account. And then He left us His Spirit to be our guide, actually our guarantee. John 16:7,13-14,NKJV- Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. Here’s another key in our success as disciples, don't ever make the mistake of thinking you've got to have it all together for God to use you. Look at His first followers, the eyewitnesses. Jesus knew we would need the Holy Spirit. So never underestimate what He'll do through someone who will dare to believe Him. So don't underestimate yourself.

Proverbs 4:18,AMP- The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until it reaches its full strength and glory in the perfect day. The way of the righteous, not our own way. God leads the righteous in the way we should go. He leads us in paths of righteousness for His name sake. The righteous are as bold as a lion. The kingdom of heaven is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Remember what the Holy Spirit said through Paul, Atime is coming when people will no longer listen to sound teaching. They will follow their own desires and look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. Theywill abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. My assignment from the Lord is to feed the flock He sends me. That’s why Acts says it’s not good that l leave the word of God... That means we can’t just listen to the messages we want.Like Paul told the church, I fed you with milk and not solid food… So as we move forward, it is absolutely essential we remember these words from the Lord, 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV- God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. So as Christian, when we do things out of fear, it gives the enemy to much influence in our lives. This is why James tells us to resist the devil. Remember, fear is one of the enemy’s primary weapons. Fear is a spiritual force designed to breaks down faith, hinder the anointing of a believer. But any child of God refusing to give into fear will always conquer. 2 Corinthians tells us that we are being led in His perpetual victory parade. We are more than conquerors. Psalm 34:4,NLKV- “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.” The book of Daniel is a powerful example of what God will do through His people, right in the face of an ungodly government. Through those who refuse to give into fear. I’m telling you, we’re living in a world that is being driven by fear. Because the god of this world knows his time is coming to a close.But God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. And something you’ve got to come to terms with is that you are not being told the truth, remember, he is the master of distractions. In this Information Age we live in lets not confuse information or education with intelligence. So as truth begins to come out and as more of you turn your tv’s off, I promise we will do all we can to provide safe, true information for you. Here’s something to keep in mind, for those of us who have God’s Spirit living in us, according to Jesus, He will reveal all things to us. He is our Counselor, Advocate, Comforter, Anointer. This means we should be able to discern the difference between the truth and lies. Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. The USA is the dominant force of the gospel on the planet. God’s river of living water flows from this nation! His favor and anointing are on us. God actually says, “Touch not my anointing.” And make no mistake, His gospel will be preached in all the world. Don’t think for a second the hand of God has left our nation because of a small group of ungodly people. He would have sparred sodom if there had be even one righteous. Prophecy: “Fear not, God says, as I promised before, this is My nation, and I will change things according to the time and season. I told you, now I will expose and reveal things that have been hidden so that My nation can move into its next phase of victory, honor, and glory.” Keep in mind, as the light of God in the world, we are built to grow brighter, and as this happens it automatically reveals the things of darkness more. That being said, let’s not forget we’re talking about our ability to discern the times. 2 Peter 3, Above all, you must understand that in the LAST DAYS scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” As we introduced our talk last week out of Matthew, the Pharisees came to Jesus wanting a sign to prove it was Him. And Jesus said; Matthew 16:3 NKJV- Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. Here’s the thing, since Jesus expected His people to be able to recognize His first coming. Without a doubt, He feels the same way about His return. This means the “anti-christ” knows very well that his time is drawing to a close. Much of what we see happening around the world is the result of his aggressive assault. This is why believers have to remember his primary weapon of choice has always been deception and fear. And unfortunately, because of the influence media has had on us, way too many people have settle for the place where we don’t want truth, we just want to be reassured that what we believe is the truth. Isn’t it int

When’s the last time you brought someone to Jesus? I sat there just trying to think of the answer then the guilt sank in as I said “never”. Good Church goer, faithful in my serving, giving. I could read more and pray more, but I seem to neglect the Great Commission or the call on all of our lives. No condemnation we all miss the mark, thats why we are thankful and need Jesus… Then the excuses ran through my head…. I am busy with work, No one will listen to me, I am not comfortable…. How many of us know we can come up with a million reasons we can’t do something, but we have the ultimate Trump card….. Jesus! We got to stop keeping that card up our sleeve and play it more often… The world is going crazy out there… heck its going crazy in here sometimes! When we deal with people we get all that goes along with it. But this is why we need to stop coming to church, but be the church. Thats the way we reach people is by meeting them where they are at. On your job, at the grocery store, the DRs office, where ever you are at Jesus is also there. Will you allow Him to move through you? All of this is going to take intentionality and being on purpose for Him. Will you allow Him to use you? As a believer what do you have to lose? Nothing, but the hurt, the lost, the broken they have everything to lose and they need us to step into the gap for them and bring them to the cross. More times than not, folks first experience with Jesus is with us, His followers! As we unpack this tonight there are 3 words to rememberInformationRevelationTransformation Think about it as your journey with Jesus starts as information. Someone shared with about Jesus and this thing called the Bible. Time in the word and in prayer that information becomes revelation. Although not the only way God reveals things, it has been the way I experience it. Some may have a road to Damascus experience. With revelation comes transformation of you and your spirit life. Often times we flip these around.. We try an modify our behaviors before we feel good enough to be in His presence. This is just not right…. If we spend time with Him, He will give us revelation. Truth that just runs so deep. With the revelation it will transform you. It will change you from the inside out. So lets stop trying to change from the Outside in.. Let Him change you from the inside out! Let me use a personal example to share this thought.. I have been a follower of Jesus since my early 20s, but it wasn’t until I turned 28 that I had a revelation of God as provider. I remember having the information of tithing, the 10%, He will meet your needs, how much more does He love us than the Lillies and the birds ? For years this was all information… Because it was just that, the information can change and my opinion or view point could change. I remember my last church I was 1 Sunday from pulling my family from the church due to the talk of tithe. I was snagged up. I remember asking God to give me a sign to pull my family. Instead of that He gave me a revelation of God as provider, God as my source. Tithing stopped being a legal obligation and became a joyful thing. Amanda and I stopped fighting about money or not having enough. Because that revelation caused transformation. I no longer worried about not having enough, because God always made sure we had enough. It may not always of been surplus, but it was a enough. The funny thing about the pursuit of money is it never ends. Unless you get a revelation that Jesus is enough. You can be broke, but live like you have it all, because you do, you have Him inside of you. There are still things that I am leaning in on. Right so healing, I believe He is a healer, but I don’t have that revelation yet. But I will tell you what when I do aint nobody going to take it away from you. One day I will be like Wendy and get that revelation and with it the No More Motrin mindset! Information can be changed, Revelation does not! So if you don’t know where to start, start with the information in your Bibles, because that will become revelation keep pressing and keep seeking God for it. He will give it to you.. Ok, back to our Calling… Reaching others! Lets take a look at Matthew 28:18-20 NLT “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This was just information to me, until that day the question I was asked When was the last time? In that moment no longer words on a page, but a call and purpose for the words and actions. No longer to live for ourselves but for Him My prayer is that you will spend time with these words and seek the revelation. What I am talking about is not always easy, we will be ridiculed, we will get stung by those closest to us. Make the daily ch

2 Timothy 4:3,NLT- “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” 1 Timothy 4:1,NIV- The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. And as I look over the landscape of what’s happening, not just in our nation, but on the planet, I think its time we talk about these things from God’s perspective. Let’s start with this, how many of you conduct your lives, right now with the reality that we belong to a different kingdom?That our Father will be with us through every situation? And as the world around us grows darker, according to Proverbs 4:18,NLT- “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” Listen to what God says through Paul again, “Atime is coming when people will no longer listen to sound teaching. They will follow their own desires and look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear.” Part of my responsibility, calling, is to feed the flock God has send me. To shepherd you during uncertain times. That means we can’t just listen to the messages we want.Like Paul told the church, I fed you with milk and not solid food… In Amos, God tells us He will do nothing without revealing it to His prophets. We should be discerning the times. Now in Matthew, the Pharisees came to Jesus wanting a sign to prove it was Him. Check out Jesus’ response; Matthew 16:3 NKJV- Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. Let me ask you this, did Jesus expect His people to be able to recognize His first coming? I wonder if He feels the same way about His return.I can tell you the kingdom of darkness is aware of it.Matthew 8, the demon possessed man cried out, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Make no mistake, the “anti” knows very well that his time is drawing to a close. And his primary weapon of choice has always been deception and fear. But God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Unfortunately, the enemy has had way too much success, not only deceiving us, but causing division with God’s people. And the amount of fear being pushed. And it has to stop (masked and unmasked, vaxx or no vaxx) These are just a few of his tactics to keep God’s people distracted, even worse, at odds with one another. Listen to me very carefully, the things going on in our world today are not mere human developments. The days of republican or democrat or over. There is a separation taking place between light and darkness. And if your only source of information is main stream media, the enemy has way too much influence in your soul. (Reverence website) Over the last year, the only thing washed more than hands has been brains. The church has to realize that the stage is being set for the anti-christ. But the media will never tell you the truth because he owns them. Remember what Jesus said. You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” We are closer than any generation to the things Jesus told us to watch for concerning His return. So don’t think the enemy won’t do everything possible to keep people from these truths. 2 Peter 3, Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” Truth is, evil hasn’t really changed its look throughout history, the only difference today is he has the influence of the media. And as I watch born again Christians getting mad at each other, leaving their churches, blaming anyone that doesn’t agree with them, it’s time for some good old fashion biblical explanation and solutions. The enemy knows that if he can keep us divided, he can keep us weak. Galatians 5:6,NIV- For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Paul writes, unless what I do is done in love, all I’m doing is making noice. Here’s the thing, as God’s born again, blood bought, children, heirs to the Kingdom of heaven, we’re going to have to do things His way. And make no mistake, as His body in the earth, He will have someone that says yes. Here’s a phrase we need to make our minds up about, “OCCUPY TILL I RETURNS” Remember, Jesus is returning for a glorious church. His bride that’s being prepared. So we have to understand, because Christ is preparing His bride for His return, do not be deceived, the anti-christ is absolutely working on the same thing. Remember what Peter tells us, in the last days scoffers will come, follo