Sunday August 22, 2010
Wow, what a Sunday! Our pre-service pray and worship time totally spilled over into our Sunday gathering and it was so sweet and fun!!! I think Sundays are always fun, but that's also because of how I approach them. Even those difficult topic Sundays.
Well if you missed this past Sunday we went swimming in the river of rejoicing!!
Our primary text was Jeremiah 33:1-9. The Israelites have wandered again and the goodness of our Lord is leading them back through Jeremiah.
What the Lord says here to Israel, and us, in verse 3, "call to me and I will answer you and show great and hidden things which you have not know" (ESV) is meant to be received in faith and as a promise, even in our darkened prisons. What do I have to do to find out the truth, secret path, hidden mystery? I have to call out to Him, and then listen to His response. But wait, it's His response that's most amazing and sometimes the stumbling block. He's going to show us things so great and hidden, we just might not believe it. It's amazing how many promises go unfulfilled because they were so great and mysterious we just did know what to do with them, so rather than attempt and fail, we just don't attempt.
So what if we just decided that if God is going to show us some amazing things,then He'll also provide the way and strength.
The Lord goes on to give us a few names. Some names that are meant to help us believe the great and hidden things He just got done showing us. If we believe these names and begin to walk in who we are according to the righteousness of Christ, our lives are going to look a whole lot different.
The names are found in Jer 3:9, we will be known as joy, praise and glory. The Lord is looking at us in our city and saying to us joy, praise and glory. Why, because we are His children, redeemed by the blood of His Son. As joy, praise and glory - other (nations) are going to tremble with fear and at our prosperity. I don't know about you, but how many people/nations are looking at you and trembling with fear and awe?
Maybe not yet, but they will right. Now the prosperity here is physical, but not just monetary. The Lord desires to bless you to the point that you're overflowing. This overflow becomes as sign and a wonder for others.
Where does it all start. In the river of rejoicing. As Paul puts it in Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice." Our abundance is linked to our rejoicing. Our rejoicing is link to our abundance in Him. It's a cycle that is overwhelming once we start live by it.
So, what do you need to start doing? I'd suggest calling upon the Lord, and when He says "yes, joy, praise, and glory," He's talking about you!!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sing to the Lord a New Song
Our current teaching series is titled, Surprised By Joy. As we look around today there are a lot of people (Christians) who aren't living in the joy of their salvation. I won't go into why, as the possibilities are numerous. But just stop and think of your own life.
Nehemiah 8:10 reveals to us that, "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Where is the strength of the Church today? We are in need of a new song, one that comes from the River of God.
Take a look at these scriptures and let's find our joy, strength, hope and that new song.
Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. NKJV
Psalm 36:7-9 How precious is Your loving kindness, O God!Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. NKJV
Psalm 149:1 Sing to the Lord a new song,and His praise in the assembly of saints. NKJV
These Psalms are worthy of a full reading, but just these few verses speak of something that is surprising and amazing. Picture the psalmist sitting in worship before the Lord and seeing this incredible river, whose streams make glad (joyful) the city of God, you and me His temple, vessels, fields, workmanship.
Not only does this river fill us with joy, but it is the river of His pleasures. All of God's glory is in His river, it is our fountain of life where revelation and wisdom feed and nurture us.
God and His glory are to be our source of joy. Let us be found in His river of pleasure (joy) and be fully satisfied that it causes the hurting, hopeless world to jump in with us.
We have been invited to swim, soak and be carried away by this river of joy. While abiding in the river, sing a new song. No matter how often you visit the same spot on the river the water will never be the same. It's long gone. The same is true if you find yourself in the river, only this time the shore is never the same. So whether your still on the shore or you're in the river, things are new every morning. That newness is worthy of a new song. Drink it up today, and do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh 8:10).
Nehemiah 8:10 reveals to us that, "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Where is the strength of the Church today? We are in need of a new song, one that comes from the River of God.
Take a look at these scriptures and let's find our joy, strength, hope and that new song.
Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. NKJV
Psalm 36:7-9 How precious is Your loving kindness, O God!Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. NKJV
Psalm 149:1 Sing to the Lord a new song,and His praise in the assembly of saints. NKJV
These Psalms are worthy of a full reading, but just these few verses speak of something that is surprising and amazing. Picture the psalmist sitting in worship before the Lord and seeing this incredible river, whose streams make glad (joyful) the city of God, you and me His temple, vessels, fields, workmanship.
Not only does this river fill us with joy, but it is the river of His pleasures. All of God's glory is in His river, it is our fountain of life where revelation and wisdom feed and nurture us.
God and His glory are to be our source of joy. Let us be found in His river of pleasure (joy) and be fully satisfied that it causes the hurting, hopeless world to jump in with us.
We have been invited to swim, soak and be carried away by this river of joy. While abiding in the river, sing a new song. No matter how often you visit the same spot on the river the water will never be the same. It's long gone. The same is true if you find yourself in the river, only this time the shore is never the same. So whether your still on the shore or you're in the river, things are new every morning. That newness is worthy of a new song. Drink it up today, and do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh 8:10).
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Peace be with you!
Sunday April, 25 2010.
Hey gang,
We had a great Sunday. If you missed us here are some brief notes.
So remember we are into our second stage of Reigning in Life: Peace. And our series is titled "Peace in His Presence." Eventually we will find our lives reflecting the fullness of His righteousness, peace, joy and love as we draw near to Him.
This Sunday I used the same titles as last week, but changed the scripture references.
1. Righteousness brings peace
2. Signs and Wonders: The Conduit for Peace
3. Peace through Jesus Christ
It's my hope that you will use these titles like a tool in your life to find your way into His peace and glory.
So . . .
Righteousness brings peace: Romans 14:17 reads "the Kingdom of Gd is not about eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Take note, faith in Christ leads to _______________ (righteousness), the fruit of righteousness is _____________ (peace, Isa 32:17), and we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and His _________________ (righteousness, Mt 6:33).
If we are going to have the peace of God in our lives we must walk in righteousness.
Signs and Wonders: the conduit for peace: Read the sorry in Mk 5:25-34 of this lost women who with nothing left to lose recieves not only her healing, but the peace of God. Jesus shares with us in John 14:25-31 that we are going to receive a gift of peace, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, Peace, is so different than anything in the world. But we must choose to recieve Him and let Him lead our lives. In doing so guess what? Peace! Notice the signs and wonders in both occurances. The issue of the bleeding women is easy to see, she was healed. Wow! The gift of the Holy Spirit is a little harded to catch the miraclous in. See if you can spot it and then ask a friend. The point here is that signs and wonders become the channel for peace in our lives. Are you looking for and expecting the signs and wonders of God?
Peace through Jesus Christ: I am using a statement the Apostle Paul makes to the church in Philippi. Though he never mentions the word "peace" in this scripture. His ability to even make such a bold claim is founded in his assurance and peace in Jesus Christ. Philippines 3:7-11 - "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." NKJV
May you find your life, whether in the midst of trials or victory, declaring as Paul so bold did the truth which is the evidence of God's peace in your life.
Blessings,
JC
Hey gang,
We had a great Sunday. If you missed us here are some brief notes.
So remember we are into our second stage of Reigning in Life: Peace. And our series is titled "Peace in His Presence." Eventually we will find our lives reflecting the fullness of His righteousness, peace, joy and love as we draw near to Him.
This Sunday I used the same titles as last week, but changed the scripture references.
1. Righteousness brings peace
2. Signs and Wonders: The Conduit for Peace
3. Peace through Jesus Christ
It's my hope that you will use these titles like a tool in your life to find your way into His peace and glory.
So . . .
Righteousness brings peace: Romans 14:17 reads "the Kingdom of Gd is not about eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Take note, faith in Christ leads to _______________ (righteousness), the fruit of righteousness is _____________ (peace, Isa 32:17), and we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and His _________________ (righteousness, Mt 6:33).
If we are going to have the peace of God in our lives we must walk in righteousness.
Signs and Wonders: the conduit for peace: Read the sorry in Mk 5:25-34 of this lost women who with nothing left to lose recieves not only her healing, but the peace of God. Jesus shares with us in John 14:25-31 that we are going to receive a gift of peace, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, Peace, is so different than anything in the world. But we must choose to recieve Him and let Him lead our lives. In doing so guess what? Peace! Notice the signs and wonders in both occurances. The issue of the bleeding women is easy to see, she was healed. Wow! The gift of the Holy Spirit is a little harded to catch the miraclous in. See if you can spot it and then ask a friend. The point here is that signs and wonders become the channel for peace in our lives. Are you looking for and expecting the signs and wonders of God?
Peace through Jesus Christ: I am using a statement the Apostle Paul makes to the church in Philippi. Though he never mentions the word "peace" in this scripture. His ability to even make such a bold claim is founded in his assurance and peace in Jesus Christ. Philippines 3:7-11 - "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." NKJV
May you find your life, whether in the midst of trials or victory, declaring as Paul so bold did the truth which is the evidence of God's peace in your life.
Blessings,
JC
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Peace in His Presence
Sunday, April 18 2010
We are starting a new series called Peace in His Presence. This is first of many to come in our topic of peace as we move onto the second stage of our 2010 decree: Reigning in Life.
For the next 4 weeks we will be using the same titles to examine our topic of "Peace in His Presence" but change the scripture references and perspectives of looking at peace.
The three titles are:
> Righteousness Brings Peace
> Signs and Wonders: the conduit for peace
> Peace through Jesus Christ
My hope is that these three titles become familiar to us so that we can use them as filters for our daily lives. For example . . .
Righteousness Brings Peace: In Isaiah 32:16-20 the prophet reveals to us that the work of righteousness will be peace. So if we notice that we don't have any peace in our life we need step back and ask the question, "Is righteousness at work in my life?" Another question for us to ask ourselves might be "Am I allowing the righteousness of Christ to transform me so that His peace may be established in me and around me?"
What we have to understand about the peace of God is that no matter what the circumstances may be in our life, His peace is always with us. You can have peace yet still be in the midst of trials. Jesus, the prince of peace, never was without peace, even as he was falsely accused and beaten, the peace of God was with Him. We'll be looking into this in more detail in the coming weeks.
The point here is that righteousness brings peace and Isaiah gives us a great truth about that promise.
Signs and Wonders: the conduit for peace. We find ourselves in Daniel 3 and 4 again with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Thes men refused to bow to the statue of king Nebuchadnezzar. The penalty was death by fire. To which all three declared that God would deliver them (a statement of their faith) yet, if He didn't they still would not bow (a stand for righteousness). When Nebuchadnezzar throws them into the furnace and sees them with a fourth man and not being burned, he calls them out and says this to his people in Daniel 4:1-3 - "Peace be multiplied to you. I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation."
Wow, the signs and wonder of God caused Nebuchadnezzar to declare peace over the entire nation and make a decree to worship God. Do you see how signs and wonders become the conduit through which God can establish His peace on the earth.
Peace Through Jesus Christ: In Romans 5:1-5 we read that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is only through Christ that we can experience the peace of God. But not only do we have peace with God, we get to live in the peace of God.
So in closing we can begin to see that the righteousness of Christ brings the peace of God and we are called to walk in the Spirit with signs and wonders following us so that others may enter into the same peace that you and I have received by grace and in faith.
Go out this week and be reminded of the peace you have in Christ and share that peace with some you love.
We are starting a new series called Peace in His Presence. This is first of many to come in our topic of peace as we move onto the second stage of our 2010 decree: Reigning in Life.
For the next 4 weeks we will be using the same titles to examine our topic of "Peace in His Presence" but change the scripture references and perspectives of looking at peace.
The three titles are:
> Righteousness Brings Peace
> Signs and Wonders: the conduit for peace
> Peace through Jesus Christ
My hope is that these three titles become familiar to us so that we can use them as filters for our daily lives. For example . . .
Righteousness Brings Peace: In Isaiah 32:16-20 the prophet reveals to us that the work of righteousness will be peace. So if we notice that we don't have any peace in our life we need step back and ask the question, "Is righteousness at work in my life?" Another question for us to ask ourselves might be "Am I allowing the righteousness of Christ to transform me so that His peace may be established in me and around me?"
What we have to understand about the peace of God is that no matter what the circumstances may be in our life, His peace is always with us. You can have peace yet still be in the midst of trials. Jesus, the prince of peace, never was without peace, even as he was falsely accused and beaten, the peace of God was with Him. We'll be looking into this in more detail in the coming weeks.
The point here is that righteousness brings peace and Isaiah gives us a great truth about that promise.
Signs and Wonders: the conduit for peace. We find ourselves in Daniel 3 and 4 again with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Thes men refused to bow to the statue of king Nebuchadnezzar. The penalty was death by fire. To which all three declared that God would deliver them (a statement of their faith) yet, if He didn't they still would not bow (a stand for righteousness). When Nebuchadnezzar throws them into the furnace and sees them with a fourth man and not being burned, he calls them out and says this to his people in Daniel 4:1-3 - "Peace be multiplied to you. I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation."
Wow, the signs and wonder of God caused Nebuchadnezzar to declare peace over the entire nation and make a decree to worship God. Do you see how signs and wonders become the conduit through which God can establish His peace on the earth.
Peace Through Jesus Christ: In Romans 5:1-5 we read that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is only through Christ that we can experience the peace of God. But not only do we have peace with God, we get to live in the peace of God.
So in closing we can begin to see that the righteousness of Christ brings the peace of God and we are called to walk in the Spirit with signs and wonders following us so that others may enter into the same peace that you and I have received by grace and in faith.
Go out this week and be reminded of the peace you have in Christ and share that peace with some you love.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
What in the world keeps us going?
We started a new series on Sunday titled, "What in the world keeps us going?". The focus of our series is about righteousness; specifically our righteousness through faith in Christ.
The journey to grow in this understanding of righteousness begins by taking a look at what we currently use to keep us going. Paul says that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!" (2 Cor 5:17). So what in the world keeps you going? The world we are talking about is the old nature, your past. Are there things from your past, like hurts, judgments, fears, and lusts that still control or drive you today?
The joy that I foresee in this series is that many will begin to understand freedom like they've never known before. I'm excited!
So like any good adventure we must start off properly and with this adventure of righteousness and freedom I thought we'd go right after everyone's favorite topic: sin! If we want to walk in the righteousness of Christ and reign in life, then we must deal with the bondage of sin.
So, what is sin? According to 1 John 3:4-5 sin is lawlessness; literally meaning unrighteousness or rebellion. Jesus came to take away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). So what is it that Jesus is taking away? The offense of our effort to do our will that causes us to miss the mark of His will and purposes. The term sin has its understanding in the archery world when the arrow "misses the mark". So when we take actions into our own hands and rebel against God's word, we miss the mark: we sin.
So, how does God deal with sin? Well, not like most of the world believes. God is in a good mood and if He wanted to He could of left mankind to just waste away in the separation of His glory. But He didn't leave us; He had mercy on us and extended to us His grace. Romans 5:18-21 states that through one man's sin (lawlessness) condemnation and judgment came to all men, but through one man's righteous act (Jesus) justification for life was come. God hates sin, yet God does not hate sinners. We must distinguish between the two if we are going to walk in His fullness.
Jesus came to save the world because of His love. He came to serve and be a ransom for our debt. (Jn 3:16-17, Mt 20:28)
So, how do we deal with sin? The same way God does. Love the sinner, hate the sin. Extend mercy and grace. Take the offer of redemption, thru Jesus Christ, and know that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. (Jn 8:34-36). No longer walk in the ways of sin, but by the Spirit of God. (Gal 5:16). We’ll get into this more in the coming weeks.
Here's a little tool I've come up with to help us deal with sin. I call it CPR for the spiritual heart. It's simple. C is for Confess your sins, P is for Pronounce the truth and repent, and R is for renounce the lies and spiritual ties that tempt us t sin. It's like closing the door to a path that doesn't glorify God.
For example: “Lord I confess that I’ve been caught up in fear regarding my finances. I know that you are my provider (pronounce truth and find a scripture) according to Philippians 4:19 I know you to be my God who will supply all my needs according to Your great riches in the glory by Jesus Christ. I turn toward you and trust that you will give me the strength and wisdom to pay all my bills and put food on the table. I renounce the lie and spirit of fear that I have believed and close the door to walking in that manner anymore. Amen.”
Remember it's not a formula, but a way to build relationship with God. Try it out and let the Holy Spirit lead you into the joy of knowing Christ and all that He has done for you, because He LOVES YOU!!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mission Sunday
Sunday January 31, 2010
Hey check out a quick video blog about Sunday's service or read about it below. I'm trying something new with the video!
On Sunday we dedicated our morning to the mission field. It's always good to look beyond ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to stir us up and remind us how blessd we truly our. I've also noticed that when we focus on the things of God that are bigger than us we gain a better perspective of His amazing power and love.
Here at HCL we say: Hope Chapel Lewiston is committed to equipping all people, through the love and power of Jesus Christ, so that communities, cities, and nations will be transformed by the glory of God. This is our mission and purpose statement as a local congregation. It is through this mission that we are taking the gospel beyond the walls of our church buildings.
Romans 5:5 says that "hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." This love is available to all mankind and we have been commissioned, according to Mt 28:18-20, to take this love to the nations.
Our focus on Sunday was on Kenya with the Leister's and on Haiti. Though many of us may never set foot in Haiti or Kenya, we are still called to take the love that has been poured out and disciple others who through our prayers, discernment and encouragement will find their calling.
The Leister's are doing well. The children's home continues to move along. The walls are all plastered and setting up to be tiled and painted. Once that is done then the flooring will go in. A few prayer requests they had were: health, paper work for the title on the land, paper work on a few of the kids, and their organization license to all be processed and placed in their hands.
As for Haiti, Foursquare continues to use a local Foursquare church there as a gateway to send relief aid and missionaries to help care for the overwhelming needs. Find out more on what is going on in Haiti and Foursquare at: Foursquare Missions Int. That's the Sunday overview - we are headed next is into a series on righteousness titled "What in the world keeps us going?"
Hey check out a quick video blog about Sunday's service or read about it below. I'm trying something new with the video!
On Sunday we dedicated our morning to the mission field. It's always good to look beyond ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to stir us up and remind us how blessd we truly our. I've also noticed that when we focus on the things of God that are bigger than us we gain a better perspective of His amazing power and love.
Here at HCL we say: Hope Chapel Lewiston is committed to equipping all people, through the love and power of Jesus Christ, so that communities, cities, and nations will be transformed by the glory of God. This is our mission and purpose statement as a local congregation. It is through this mission that we are taking the gospel beyond the walls of our church buildings.
Romans 5:5 says that "hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." This love is available to all mankind and we have been commissioned, according to Mt 28:18-20, to take this love to the nations.
Our focus on Sunday was on Kenya with the Leister's and on Haiti. Though many of us may never set foot in Haiti or Kenya, we are still called to take the love that has been poured out and disciple others who through our prayers, discernment and encouragement will find their calling.
The Leister's are doing well. The children's home continues to move along. The walls are all plastered and setting up to be tiled and painted. Once that is done then the flooring will go in. A few prayer requests they had were: health, paper work for the title on the land, paper work on a few of the kids, and their organization license to all be processed and placed in their hands.
As for Haiti, Foursquare continues to use a local Foursquare church there as a gateway to send relief aid and missionaries to help care for the overwhelming needs. Find out more on what is going on in Haiti and Foursquare at: Foursquare Missions Int. That's the Sunday overview - we are headed next is into a series on righteousness titled "What in the world keeps us going?"
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Heart of Holiness
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday was not our typical Sunday morning service. It’s nice to switch things up. Keeps us on our toes and the familiar spirit of routine from settling in.
However different this past Sunday was, it was still good. As the men exited the main room and had a time fellowship and prayer. I had the blessing of speaking to the women of Hope about 2010.
Back in October of 2009, while in prayer, the Lord revealed 5 things that we were going to see regarding women in the Body of Christ. As I wrote them out I could a great advancement in the Body of Christ as many (both men and women) found their places because they chose to live a life of honoring God and others.
Before we took the time to lay these out on Sunday I made a little disclaimer. “This is only the beginning, the knowledge of these truths don’t equate to immediate fruit. I am handing you a baton to run with as the Lord leads you. You will have to chose to run the race and reap the fruit of what God is making available.”
Here are the 5 insights for women to take a hold of and walk out in faith:
1. It’s all about God’s love for us: you must know that you are loved and that it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose. (Phil 2:13) Women have had to work to hard to find their place in society and the church. God never intended for there to be a hierarchy of men ruling over women. The result of women having to work to find acceptance in society and the church has led to much of the witchcraft and manipulation we see in the church today. So if anyone is going to stand up for setting things in order let it be the male leaders who have ignored and restricted the giftings of women in ministry. Women, you must let go of the “works” approach to advancement and promotion. Trust that God loves you and sees you and will work things out for His glory.
2. I want to establish peace in your life: This is the fruit of letting God work on advancement in your life verse you working for placement and acceptance. Romans 8:15 says you have received a spirit of adoption. You should be walking in peace when it comes to your role in the family and ministry. The question that I encourage you to meditate on is “who have you allowed to hold your destiny?” If isn’t God, chances are it’s you are someone else (ie. Father, husband, siblings, pastors, etc.) Either you trust God with your life or you don’t.
3. Honor will open doors for peace, rest and healing: In order to receive honor we must sow honor. It’s the kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. The hurdle here will be to recognize that honoring is not about being a door mat. To honor means to: respect, admire, recognize, and esteem. It doesn’t mean to let yourself be run over time and time again and justify it by saying I’m honoring the other person by being humble.
This also requires you to examine how you see yourself. Maybe you haven’t had the benefit of being around people who honored you, but Jesus has called you His own and with that calling comes an honoring. Choose today to look yourself in the mirror and honor yourself, value yourself, tell yourself you are beautiful. You’re not lying or deceiving, you are speaking what God has already said about you.
It thought it important to make a note of something that I struggle with when it comes to seeing women honor each. I notice that some of the honoring that takes place is out of a spirit of manipulation and control. The motive of our honoring one another has nothing to do with ones advancement. I realize that all people wrestle with this at some point, but I find that most women use honoring or validating as a latter to gain advancement. This isn’t true honoring, this is a very destructive game. If get the first two points our honoring will truly come from a heart of love and compassion. Just beware of your motive when honoring others.
4. Experience the power of covenant: Covenant is key to a life of peace, joy and righteousness. Though we are not defining covenant here, it’s important to understand covenant so ask questions. Many women have been faithful to keep covenant in their relationship with God and their marriages. Many have not. Our faith was intend to follow out of covenant. My hope is that as we pursue greater understanding of covenant, we will also experience the power of covenant. Here are some mental imprints/strongholds you must start facing if you haven’t already. (2 Cor 10:5)
a. Fear of authority
b. Anger
c. concerns over money
d. relational blind spots (understanding how you receive love and show love)
e. sexual issues – I elaborated on this topic – you’ll want to get the CD to fully understand what God is saying here.
5. I will use you to promote: it the notes this is all I gave out. But to the women I finished the statement, I will use you to promote men, because I have revealed to you what they cannot see themselves. Beware of power in this statement. The unique design and gift of women is to satisfy a man. That satisfaction is not just sexual. It’s also the ability to see what they can not see because that’s how you’ve been gifted. I believe that next to physical intimacy with my wife, this is the next greatest expression of God’s creative nature in women. This gift has long been used as point of manipulation and control. The ability to see things that men can’t has caused many women to advance through means of unrighteousness. But now I believe we are going to see righteousness arise and promotion come to many in the Body of Christ because men and women honor one another’s gifting and ability.
The closing quote of hope for this year is this: Women of honor, who honor, shall experience great honor; for honor will flow out of covenant that is honored.
May the Lord bless you.
Sunday was not our typical Sunday morning service. It’s nice to switch things up. Keeps us on our toes and the familiar spirit of routine from settling in.
However different this past Sunday was, it was still good. As the men exited the main room and had a time fellowship and prayer. I had the blessing of speaking to the women of Hope about 2010.
Back in October of 2009, while in prayer, the Lord revealed 5 things that we were going to see regarding women in the Body of Christ. As I wrote them out I could a great advancement in the Body of Christ as many (both men and women) found their places because they chose to live a life of honoring God and others.
Before we took the time to lay these out on Sunday I made a little disclaimer. “This is only the beginning, the knowledge of these truths don’t equate to immediate fruit. I am handing you a baton to run with as the Lord leads you. You will have to chose to run the race and reap the fruit of what God is making available.”
Here are the 5 insights for women to take a hold of and walk out in faith:
1. It’s all about God’s love for us: you must know that you are loved and that it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose. (Phil 2:13) Women have had to work to hard to find their place in society and the church. God never intended for there to be a hierarchy of men ruling over women. The result of women having to work to find acceptance in society and the church has led to much of the witchcraft and manipulation we see in the church today. So if anyone is going to stand up for setting things in order let it be the male leaders who have ignored and restricted the giftings of women in ministry. Women, you must let go of the “works” approach to advancement and promotion. Trust that God loves you and sees you and will work things out for His glory.
2. I want to establish peace in your life: This is the fruit of letting God work on advancement in your life verse you working for placement and acceptance. Romans 8:15 says you have received a spirit of adoption. You should be walking in peace when it comes to your role in the family and ministry. The question that I encourage you to meditate on is “who have you allowed to hold your destiny?” If isn’t God, chances are it’s you are someone else (ie. Father, husband, siblings, pastors, etc.) Either you trust God with your life or you don’t.
3. Honor will open doors for peace, rest and healing: In order to receive honor we must sow honor. It’s the kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. The hurdle here will be to recognize that honoring is not about being a door mat. To honor means to: respect, admire, recognize, and esteem. It doesn’t mean to let yourself be run over time and time again and justify it by saying I’m honoring the other person by being humble.
This also requires you to examine how you see yourself. Maybe you haven’t had the benefit of being around people who honored you, but Jesus has called you His own and with that calling comes an honoring. Choose today to look yourself in the mirror and honor yourself, value yourself, tell yourself you are beautiful. You’re not lying or deceiving, you are speaking what God has already said about you.
It thought it important to make a note of something that I struggle with when it comes to seeing women honor each. I notice that some of the honoring that takes place is out of a spirit of manipulation and control. The motive of our honoring one another has nothing to do with ones advancement. I realize that all people wrestle with this at some point, but I find that most women use honoring or validating as a latter to gain advancement. This isn’t true honoring, this is a very destructive game. If get the first two points our honoring will truly come from a heart of love and compassion. Just beware of your motive when honoring others.
4. Experience the power of covenant: Covenant is key to a life of peace, joy and righteousness. Though we are not defining covenant here, it’s important to understand covenant so ask questions. Many women have been faithful to keep covenant in their relationship with God and their marriages. Many have not. Our faith was intend to follow out of covenant. My hope is that as we pursue greater understanding of covenant, we will also experience the power of covenant. Here are some mental imprints/strongholds you must start facing if you haven’t already. (2 Cor 10:5)
a. Fear of authority
b. Anger
c. concerns over money
d. relational blind spots (understanding how you receive love and show love)
e. sexual issues – I elaborated on this topic – you’ll want to get the CD to fully understand what God is saying here.
5. I will use you to promote: it the notes this is all I gave out. But to the women I finished the statement, I will use you to promote men, because I have revealed to you what they cannot see themselves. Beware of power in this statement. The unique design and gift of women is to satisfy a man. That satisfaction is not just sexual. It’s also the ability to see what they can not see because that’s how you’ve been gifted. I believe that next to physical intimacy with my wife, this is the next greatest expression of God’s creative nature in women. This gift has long been used as point of manipulation and control. The ability to see things that men can’t has caused many women to advance through means of unrighteousness. But now I believe we are going to see righteousness arise and promotion come to many in the Body of Christ because men and women honor one another’s gifting and ability.
The closing quote of hope for this year is this: Women of honor, who honor, shall experience great honor; for honor will flow out of covenant that is honored.
May the Lord bless you.
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