Happy New Year!?

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Obviously many of you reading this are not Jewish but believe that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). When 2 Timothy 3:16-17 was written there wasn’t a New Testament. The “Scripture” Paul referred to was the Old Testament, or the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant revealed God’s calendar of events in the Person of Jesus (consider Passover and Pentecost). And it is through this Old Covenant that God reveals future events (Feast of Tabernacles – when God will tabernacle with His people) revealing God’s calendar of major events. At sundown tonight a new year begins – according to God’s calendar (not simply Judaism). Presently, God’s year is numbered at 5784, yet today marks a new year, 5785. Happy New Year!

What significance does this have for you and I? According to Scripture, this is the time of year God came down to meet with Moses and the children of Israel. God essentially peeled back the Heavens causing His Throne to manifest on Mount Sinai (also called Mt. Horeb). This Manifestation was accompanied by a loud trumpet blast (called a shofar or rams horn). Exodus 19:16-19 The third morning there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.17 Then Moses brought the people from the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.18 Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, for the Lord descended upon it in fire; its smoke ascended like that of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 As the trumpet blast grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with a voice. AMPC

Based on this Scripture modern Jewish people believe God draws near at the beginning of a new year. This is why many practice what is known as the Ten Days of Awe, which culminates in the major fast day of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. Why is this significant to us? Rev. 4:1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice which I had heard addressing me like [the calling of] a war trumpet said, Come up here, and I will show you what must take place in the future. 2 At once I came under the [Holy] Spirit’s power, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne! AMPC

Notice in verse one of the AMPC translation states: And the first voice which I had heard addressing me like [the calling of] a war trumpet…” The Apostle John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day when Jesus appears to Him. Jesus draws near to John to call to Him like a war trumpet or shofar. Just like Moses in Exodus 19 John was invited to “Come up Here” where he saw a door standing open. Jesus is the Door of Revelation 4:1. We know this from John 10 where Jesus taught that He was the Shepherd and the Door for the Sheep.

Whenever I fast, or seek the Lord purposefully through worship, thanksgiving and prayer; when ever I come near a prophet or an apostle – I become aware of one thing: when Jesus, the Light draws near He exposes the darkness in me. Things surface and the darkness in me is exposed. What I want you to be aware of, in this high and holy season, is that Jesus has opened the Door to Who He is. As He draws nearer to us His Light exposes the darkness in and around us. Many believe the Return of Jesus is imminent and it is. But know that as He draws nearer His Light kicks up the darkness making it easier to see and recognize. Presently you and I are hurtling toward His Light and whether you are conscious and aware of it or not – His Light is exposing darkness in and around us. Darkness is as dust before His Feet but its at His feet we find our salvation draws near calling us to repentance and transformation.

I say all of this to make you aware of God’s Processes and Ways so you will be conscious and aware of the Light which exposes the darkness in you. Consciously choose to repent quickly and not to blame others for your actions, or attitudes. When His Light kicks up the darkness in you agree with Him quickly, confessing it, and forsaking it. Pray for His Grace to operate in the opposite spirit and to be set free from the dust of darkness.

In John 8 Jesus stooped to write in the dust and as Jesus stooped down – He delivered and saved the woman caught in the act of adultery. Brad McClendon reminds us “Jesus got His identity through the trial and attack of the religious pharisees.” It was in “stooping” to save that He was the Light of the World in that given situation. Php. 2:9 reminds us Jesus emptied Himself – stooping so low – to bring salvation to us, not simply a woman caught in the act of adultery. If Jesus had to stoop low in the dust of religious accusation to be the Light of Salvation you too will have to stoop and join Him in the dust of the darkness that is still in us and surrounds us. During this high and holy season seek to join Jesus in stooping in the dust of darkness that you might be delivered from your darkness into His Light.

Confession & Declaration 32

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Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And [yet] not one of them is forgotten or uncared for in the presence of God. 7 But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows.

This statement is made in Matthews,’ and Lukes’ Gospels. In both accounts the context involves four things: obedient discipleship, persecution, fear, and death. When studying the topic of hair throughout the Bible you come to some interesting conclusions. Hair can be a symbol of vanity or self glory; sin or separation unto God.

For example, in the Old Testament there was what was known as a Nazarite Vow. During the time dedicated to the vow the participant would not cut any of their hair. At the end of their “fast” they would shave all of their hair as a sacrifice to God. As I read this passage in Luke I couldn’t help but ask, Why did Jesus use the topic of “hair” to make His point? The answer is two-fold. First He is making a contrast and comparison between our lives, and something as insignificant as sparrows, and hair. Second He is drawing attention to our consecration, and dedication. The Nazirite vow is taken by individuals who have voluntarily dedicated themselves to God. The vow is a decision, action, and desire by its participants to yield themselves completely to God. By definition, the Hebrew word nasar, simply means “to be separated or consecrated.” Our lives were yielded to God to be separated, and consecrated for His Glory. Our lives are our sacrifice unto Jesus. Yet it would be real easy to discount or belittle our sacrifice when clumped together with all those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus. What we must understand is that to Jesus, our sacrifice is no small thing. He wants you to know that your life is such a treasure to Him, that He not only notices your sacrifice, but how many hairs are on your head. He wants you to realize that if He cares for the little sparrow, then your life means much more to Him than them.

Next He wants us to know that even when we are suffering for our consecration; suffering from religious authorities, or civil authorities that He knows – and He cares. He wants us to know that even if we are being attacked or rejected by our friends and loved ones that He is aware. And Lastly He wants us to know that even when we are facing death that He is there and cares deeply for our sacrifice, and consecration unto Him.

But there’s one more thing. Jesus is known as Jesus of Nazareth. This is not to be confused with the Nazirite vow. He was from the town of Nazareth. Nasar in Hebrew means to be separated, or consecrated. The noun for the root word means branch or root. Interestingly enough the same Hebrew letters used to make the word can also mean crown. Thus a “nasar” can be a branch, or a crowned one.

What’s the significance behind all of this? First we must understand that there are several prophecies referring to Jesus the Messiah as the Branch: Isaiah 11:1-4 And there shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord— 3 And shall make Him of quick understanding, and His delight shall be in the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord. And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, neither decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 But with righteousness and justice shall He judge the poor and decide with fairness for the meek, the poor, and the downtrodden of the earth; and He shall smite the earth and the oppressor with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.

The second thing that I want you to recognize is how Jesus sees you: John 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

Thus you can see the significance that you are His branch; you are His crowned one. What’s interesting about the Hebrew word is that it also applies to unpruned vines (thus the allusion to the uncut hair of the Nazarite). Even more profound than that is the allusion to Jesus, the True Vine.

Yet there is one more play on the word “nasar.” It means to watch, guard or keep. It describes the diligent endeavor of keeping something shielded from an intervening outside world and maintaining this thing’s constitutional integrity. It may describe keeping a promise or covenant or edict, or an attitude of kindness.

Thus we have come full circle. Jesus is our Nasar. He watches over us, guards and keeps us. Yet we are those who keep His covenant, guard and watch over it. That’s powerful. And as His branches, we are crowned with His Spirit, and upon us the seven manifestations of His Spirit reside. He has anointed us to shine forth His Light, and manifest His Spirit to the poor, and the downtrodden of the earth. He has called us to smite the oppressor. Are you beginning to get a glimpse of why the devil hates you so much?

Declaration 32: Son of David, True Vine, and Branch of God I worship You! Son of Jesse, the Living Root, and Rod of God – You are my Rod and Staff. Covenant Keeper, Defender, and Way-maker – I praise glorify Your Holy Name. Once again I marvel at the greatness of Your salvation that You have entrusted to me. I praise You and thank You that my life is so precious to You that even the number of hairs on my head is of significance to You. I thank You that You see my yielded consecration to You as a precious thing. Who I am matters to You. I praise You, that through Your precious Blood You have made me Your branch and crowned me with Your Spirit! Thank You Jesus! Upon me rests the Spirit of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Power, Knowledge and Holy Fear of Father God! I praise You Jesus that through Your Fire burning in me I am a light to the downtrodden, poor, and the oppressed. But greater than that Your Holy Fire burns agains the oppressor who comes against me and these. Fuel me full with Your Holy Spirit and burn, and blaze through me. Flame up through my life to vanquish Your foes and mine. Explode like a firestorm through me advancing Your Kingdom against the oppressive darkness. Flare up a holy, unquenchable passion, that no devil of hell can squelch, nor circumstance put out. Rise higher, and higher in me. Thank You Jesus that by Your Blood I have conquered the oppressor, and the Author of all oppression. Hallelujah!

Who’s Your One?: Day 30 – Tuesday, February 11

2019 Trunk or Treat

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Mirror, Mirror

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Wednesday, October 16, 2019
How do you achieve the separation of soul from spirit? Is it even possible? Is it possible to become so transformed by the Word of God that your spirit man dominates your soul man? If our hearts (or souls) are deceitful and wicked, how can we know that the Christian practices that we are involved in are strengthening our spirits and not our souls?

The Bronze Laver was the next furnishing a priest would encounter in the outer court of the Tabernacle. The Laver contained water from which the priests could wash their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place. This Laver was made from the mirrors of the women who would minister to the Lord at the Tent of Meeting. This may sound confusing at first. When reading the Scriptures a distinction is made between Moses Tent of Meeting set up far outside the Camp, and the Tent of Meeting which was the Priestly Tabernacle. Yet Moses had established a Tent of Meeting for those Israelites who desired to seek the Lord before the Priestly Tabernacle had been constructed. Exodus 33:7-11 records the details regarding the Tent of Moses: Now Moses used to take [his own] tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting [of God with His own people]. And everyone who sought the Lord went out to [that temporary] tent of meeting which was outside the camp. When Moses went out to the tent of meeting, all the people rose and stood, every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses until he had gone into the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the door of the tent, and the Lord would talk with Moses. And all the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the tent door, and all the people rose up and worshiped, every man at his tent door. And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Moses returned to the camp, but his minister Joshua son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the [temporary prayer] tent.

Later on in chapter 38 a reference is made to some women who chose to minister to the Lord at this tent. It states in Exodus 38:8 that: He made the laver and its base of bronze from the mirrors of the women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

It may be assumed that these women so loved the Lord that they were willing to surrender the thing they treasured and valued the most – their mirrors. Instead of valuing an object for how it assisted them in appearing to others they chose to sacrifice their self-centeredness in order to appear lovely before their Beloved. It’s interesting to note that the Hebrew word for “minister” is “tsaba.” Which means to mass (an army or servants):—assemble, fight, perform, muster, wait upon, war. This is where we get the idea of someone being in the service, or military. They serve, and minster to our country as soldiers – defenders of our freedom. “Tsaba” is also used to describe God: 1 Samuel 17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Lord of Hosts (Yahveh-Tsaba) is translated as Lord of Angelic Armies. In summary we can say that to minister to the Lord was a call to warfare; a call to be His soldier. From this understanding you could draw the conclusion that all prayer and worship is warfare.

But what are the parallels for those of us who seek to minister to the Lord and become His Bronze Laver? There’s an interesting passage in James 1:21-25 So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls. But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).

When the priest went to wash his hands and feet in the mirrors of the Bronze Laver he would see his reflection in its polished bronze. Thus James is drawing the parallel between the two. Paul also makes an allusion to the bronze laver in Ephesians 5:25-27 when he writes: Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, that He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].

The Book of John paints a beautiful picture of the Bronze Laver when Jesus stood at the Temple cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! John 7:37. A Messianic – Jewish Scholar, by the name of Alfred Edersheim, gives us some historical background on what was actually occurring when this event occurred: The Feast of Tabernacles was the great feast of harvest, held at the time when the people of Israel had gathered in the fruits of the land (note Leviticus 23:34,39). The unique feature of this feast was the fact that the people were instructed to take leafy branches from the trees, and from these branches they were to construct thatched huts (or, booths) to dwell in during the week of celebration. On the last day of the feast a procession of worshipers would accompany a priest down to the Pool of Siloam (located within the city of Jerusalem). There the priest would fill a golden goblet with water drawn from the pool. The procession would then make its way back to the temple where the priest would be joined by a second priest carrying a cup of wine. The two priests then ascended the steps of the altar and poured out the water and the wine at the base of the altar; symbolizing God’s gracious provisions in the wilderness and praying for His continued provisions in the future. Jesus uses this occasion—the great day of this great feast—to issue His great invitation: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”

What was Jesus referring too? In John 7:38-39 Jesus states: He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).

We become Jesus “Bronze Laver” when we look deeply into the Waters of His Spirit and Word seeking to be filled with the Living Waters of His Spirit, washing in the waters of His Word to become One with Him through sacrificial obedience. Do you wash daily in His Word? Do you seek to see Jesus through the Sword of His Spirit, the Word of God? Do you allow it to separate the Spirit Man from the Soulish Man?

Church Work Day – Saturday, at 8AM

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This Saturday we will be trenching the playground at the front of the building in order to drain the excess water which builds following a good rain. We will need shovels, strong backs, and possibly wheelbarrows. Looking forward to seeing you. Contact John David or Allen Poovey for more information.

The Blue Print for the Jesus Fast

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By God’s grace I am beginning the Jesus Fast with Lou Engle and others today. Our friends from Virginia came to visit and Jackie and I didn’t think it would be appropriate to be fasting while our friends were “feasting” celebrating my birthday. (duh?) All that said I will be sending you Lou Engle’s updates a few days behind when they were launched. May God stir our hearts to return to Him through prayer and seeking.

The Blueprint:In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan… Immediately the Spirit drove Him to go out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness forty days. – Mark 1:9,12-13 (ESV)

“Before there was ever an original Jesus movement, there was an original Jesus fast.”
– Lou Engle

“We have just come from The Send where tens of thousands in Camping World Stadium, released the sound of sending laborers into the harvest field. It was all initiated six years ago in Orlando when we declared that the Send gathering would be a Jordan river crossing moment where like when John released his ministry to Jesus we would enter into a new era of a Jesus Movement in America.”

On February 22, 2018, the day after Billy Graham died, a young man had the following dream: In the dream Billy Graham had died and left these words to be read after his passing: “I have hidden a treasure for those who seek to find. The treasure map is in The Book.” Knowing The Book to mean the Bible, I opened my Bible and immediately turned to a treasure map that read: “Go to the river. Find the strongest, most well-rooted tree. Take 40 steps east into the wilderness from the strongest tree. There dig.” So, I followed the instructions on the map: went to the river, found the strongest tree, took 40 steps eastward from the tree into the wilderness, and began digging. Six feet down I found a wooden treasure chest that was shaped like a coffin. In the chest was an endless number of sickles. I thought, “A man could spend his entire life giving away these sickles and would never give them all away!” Inscribed into the wood on the inside of the chest were the words, “The harvest is ripe. Equip the laborers.”

“We believe this is a present moment that must be seized. We have gone down to ‘the Jordan’ at The Send. As in the dream, we came to Jesus, the Strong Tree. But like when the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness we now gladly follow the Master 40 steps into 40 Days of Fasting in death to our flesh. This fast we believe will loose the sickles of evangelism to every believer for a global harvest.”

“He came out of the wilderness filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and those who sat in darkness saw a great light. Is Jesus now once again walking out this blueprint in the body of Christ for a new Jesus Movement? Be strong my friends. Life follows death! The fast becomes the festival of harvest .”

Prayer: Jesus, across the world, we release the grace of the Jesus Fast to unleash a world-wide Jesus Movement. Lord stir hearts for such a time as this! Let the whole Body set their face in this fast, believing for the manifestation of Jesus the Evangelist! Ekballo laborers!!

Visit the link below to subscribe to receive these devotionals on you inbox. https://louengle.com/thejesusfast/ – This will also connect you with Lou’s Video for these devotional

While You Fast

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Once again I choose to defer to the wisdom of Dr. Bill Bright to be our guide regarding fasting:

Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

  • Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician’s supervision.
  • Limit your activity.
  • Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
  • Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
  • Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
  • Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the “blahs.” Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.

STEP 5: Put Yourself on a Schedule

For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.

Morning

  • Begin your day in praise and worship.
  • Read and meditate on God’s Word, preferably on your knees.
  • Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.
  • Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.
  • Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.

Noon

  • Return to prayer and God’s Word.
  • Take a short prayer walk.
  • Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community’s and nation’s leaders, for the world’s unreached millions, for your family or special needs.

Evening

  • Get alone for an unhurried time of “seeking His face.”
  • If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.
  • Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.

When possible, begin and end each day on your knees with your spouse for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.

A dietary routine is vital as well. Dr. Julio C. Ruibal – a nutritionist, pastor, and specialist in fasting and prayer – suggests a daily schedule and list of juices you may find useful and satisfying. Modify this schedule and the drinks you take to suit your circumstances and tastes.

5 a.m. – 8 a.m.

  • Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the fruit is acid. Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, or other fruit juices are generally preferred. If you cannot do your own juicing, buy juices without sugar or additives.

10:30 a.m. – noon

  • Fresh vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts.

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

  • Herb tea with a drop of honey. Avoid black tea or any tea with caffeine.

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Broth made from boiling potatoes, celery, and carrots with no salt. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it.

Tips on Juice Fasting

  • Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. The taste and lift will motivate and strengthen you to continue.
  • The best juices are made from fresh watermelon, lemons, grapes, apples, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, or leafy green vegetables. In cold weather, you may enjoy a warm vegetable broth.
  • Mix acidic juices (orange and tomato) with water for your stomach’s sake.
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks. And avoid chewing gum or mints, even if your breath is bad. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach.

Prayer and Praise Reports

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Just wanted to update our Bethany Church Family that Kristy Whittington’s Surgery went well. She is resting at her house with her Dad, and step Mom, while Lauren nurtures her back to health. Thank you for praying!

Just got an update on Kim Kiker. She is out of surgery and recovering. The Doctor said, She did great! Please continue to keep Kim, Steve and Kendall in your prayers.

Pray for Mary Quinn as she returns home from New York this week following several weeks of recovery from surgery.

Thank you, thank you for your prayers.

Every Believer A Witness?

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Has Everyone Made a Reminder Card Like This?

“Yo Mama!”

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The Third commandment: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

Remember the days of “Your Mama” jokes? Yo mama’s so stupid…She stared at a cup of orange juice for 12 hours because it said “concentrate.” Yo mama’s so ugly…She threw a boomerang and it refused to come back. Yo mama’s so fat…When she fell I didn’t laugh, but the sidewalk cracked up. Yo mama’s so poor…The ducks throw bread at her.

Used to be, and more than likely it still is, when anyone denigrates the reputations of our mothers it’s prone to send us into a blind rage. But why? Because our mothers are sacred to us. Because when anyone smears, or disgraces the memories and fond feelings we have towards our mothers they are dishonoring us. Thus we fly into a rage to defend the honor of our mothers while it’s our dishonor we are concerned about.

The third commandment speaks of dishonoring the Name of God by using it in vain. Yet what does King David imply? Isaiah 1:13 says it best: Bring no more offerings of vanity (emptiness, falsity, vainglory, and futility); [your hollow offering of] incense is an abomination to Me; the New Moons and Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot endure—[it is] iniquity and profanation, even the solemn meeting. Vain use of God is comparable to the vain use of God’s Name. We are using it in emptiness, without depth of meaning or honor.

Psalm 24:3-6 echoes this idea and adds one more: Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation [description] of those who seek Him [who inquire of and for Him and of necessity require Him], who seek Your face, [O God of] Jacob. Selah [pause, and think of that]! 

Those who aren’t seeking God to know, or to draw near to Him, are simply deceiving themselves. Like rubbing a magic lamp for a genie to grant us three wishes many times church goers “rub the lamp” through invoking God’s Name in prayer while their hearts are from Him. They are speaking falsehood as in when we mumble through, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be one.” Truth be known we don’t want His Kingdom for with it comes the King who requires dominion. The Bible states that in the final and last day of satan’s earthly kingdom every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is LORD! (Php. 2:10-11) Satan and his demons will be bowing, and confessing that Jesus is Lord. But you can rest assured it will not be out of love, adoration and worship.

When you see this commandment in light of their various nuanced meanings you see clearly just how guilty we all are. Sad to say but we have honored the memories of our mothers, guarding their reputations, more than God’s. May God forgive us for our casual approach to His Name and honor. Have mercy on us all.

New Staff Member Coming Soon!

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It is my great pleasure to introduce a new staff member to Bethany Church:  Lincoln Lawing has accepted an invitation to work with our youth part-time beginning September 5. His efforts will be focused primarily on Wednesday evening ministry with youth until the new year when he completes a prior ministry commitment with another church. Please be in prayer for Lincoln and his family as they begin their transition process.

This new ministry assignment will enable John David to apply his gifts and talents in the areas of worship, technology and assisting the pastor with various responsibilities associated with administration. Please continue to lift up John David and our youth in prayer.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, Pastor Robert, by phone or email.

God’s Phone Number and the 411

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Do you know God’s phone number? Missionary to America, Zac Lyons, challenged us this Sunday to know God’s 411. There was a time before google that if we didn’t know the phone number for someone or a place of business that we called 411 information, and they would tell us what we needed to know. We’ll this Sunday God answered our prayers with His 411, as Zach challenged us to frame Jesus’ Commission with His Authority and His Love. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 “All authority has been given to me…” “All” in the Greek means “All” – and “All authority has been given to Jesus”….in Heaven and Earth. If Jesus has all the authority what can satan or this world do to Him, His Gospel or Kingdom? The other book end to the frame of Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission, is Love. Jesus concluded the Great Commission by stating, “and I will be with you always, even to the end of the age.”

What is God’s phone number? Easy. Jeremiah 33:3 “CALL to ME…and I will answer you and tell you great an unsearchable things you do not know.” We were left with the challenge to share our 15 second testimony (have you been sharpening and practicing it?) and the “3 Circles.” Our church has been CALLING God, praying, asking the Lord to help our church grow. He has been answering. God’s 411 is part of that answer – the rest is up to us. Have you stepped out in faith in prayer, sharing, and training? Remember your who, when, and where? This Sunday night we will report on our experiences in sharing, and who knows we might get the chance to go out and practice it. Are you ready? Do you have a vision for “No Place Left” that hasn’t heard the True Gospel of Jesus Christ? Remember Paul and the boys in Ephesus? They reached the entire estimated population of Asia – 2-2.5 million people – in 2 years – with the Gospel. (If you don’t believe it. Look it up in Acts 19:8-10).

Why do we need to be baptized in the Spirit and live our daily lives seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Because He needs us to be His ministers and witnesses. Why haven’t we been living these lives? Because we’ve been leaving that job up to other people – me included. Would you join me in repenting – changing the way you think – of our attitude towards sharing our faith with the lost? My personal opinion is that we would be seeking to be baptized in the Spirit, and filled daily, if we knew that we were going to be expected to witness, and minister to people on a daily basis. The analogy that comes to mind is a military one. If you knew that at the end of the week you were going to be called to fight in a battle on the front lines wouldn’t you learn how to load, shoot, and clean the gun that they gave you? That gun would be your best friend. The Body of Christ doesn’t see the necessity for the Baptism, nor the daily infilling, because we’ve gone “awol” regarding Christ’s commands. Call Jesus and ask Him.

Praise Report

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This morning while reviewing my emails I saw one that I thought I should share with you. During the service the Lord released a word of knowledge that someone’s lower back was in need of healing. I asked if anyone in the service was having lower back pain and several hands shot up. The challenge was brought forth inviting the Church Body to lay hands on each other for God to release healing and creative miracles in response to our obedience and faith. When everyone was through praying Andrew Meza said that God had healed his back. We praised and thanked God for what He had done, and being pressed for time I proceeded to preach. What a surprise to read the following Facebook post from Paula Harkey:

“I want to thank all those praying people that laid hands on me yesterday …I’m thankful the Lord led Robert to pray for ALL those with lower back trouble. Heat always feels good on my back and sometimes I’ll stand in the shower and let the hot water hit on that spot. Yesterday the Lord radiated through His people’s hands and I felt His healing warmth and power. As the song says, “What a Mighty God We Serve.”

After responding to Paula’s post she wrote back stating: “I am still in awe of what took place. Like the song says, “My Jesus I Love Thee.”

I just wanted to share what happened so that we can praise the Lord together expecting and anticipating what He will do next as we gather in worship, praise and thanksgiving.

National Day of Prayer at Red Classic Transportation

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Yesterday for the National Day of Prayer Robert Russell and I joined Ron and Lisa Drogan at Red Classic Transportation for the National Day of Prayer. We had a great time of prayer and intercession.

Somethings Wrong?

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How is it that an individual can read, and study the Bible and not hear God speak? How is it that they can know about God but not recognize the various ways He communicates personally? Why do millions of church attenders rarely, if ever, compare and contrast their life to the lives of Biblical characters who heard from God – on a regular basis? Why hasn’t the connection been made that somethings missing in their walk with God? 

Within Evangelical Christianity there’s a contradiction between doctrine and practice. We are taught that we have a personal relationship with God. We are taught that prayer should be made  for direction regarding major decisions. Yet the question is, “How do you know God is speaking? How do you distinguish between your own thoughts, the devil and the Spirit of God in you? What prevents us from hearing God? Is there a connection between the Word of God and Hearing God speak? What is it – other than knowing how He has spoken in the past?

In John 15:3 Jesus states:You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you].

The Amplified Translations choice of words, “cleansed” and “pruned” come pretty close to the original meaning. The Greek word,“ka-tha-ros,” means to be: “purged, cleared away, purified; pruned and cut back from worldly idolatry, adulteration, and admixture; cleansed from dirt.” If the word sounds familiar it’s because it is. Our English word  “cauterize” is derived from it. It’s defined as “to sear; burn away; deaden; render insensible” The Hebraic understanding of cleansing conveys a similar idea. Holiness, sanctification and burning were words chosen to describe the process Christ spoke of. At the “burning”…. bush, God told Moses to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Hebrews 12:29 states: “our God is a consuming fire.” Pentecost describes tongues of fire that came and rested upon the people’s “minds” as they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and with…Fire.

So is there a connection between being cleansed, pruned, “burned” or sanctified by the Word that enables us to hear and recognize the ways that He speaks? In other words, will how you relate to the Word insure your ability to remain in a relationship, communing, or conversing with Jesus? When you allow the Word to “burn” your life, thinking, actions, and intentions to the ground does that bring greater clarity?

What’s puzzling to me is that our generation has greater access to the Words of God yet seem much duller in hearing and recognizing the ways that He speaks. How did New Testament believers have a greater relationship with God while not possessing a written copy of the Bible? Even more puzzling is the fact that even though the Word has the power to connect it’s readers and listeners with the Voice of God there are so many who read, and even teach it, yet don’t hear God. How is it that you can read, study, and even memorize it and not have an intimate relationship with God? How is it that when we reached the conclusion we needed to embrace Jesus as our Savior and Lord that we heard His Still, Small Voice? Even though we were anything but holy, and our minds were elsewhere – we still recognized our need for Him. Was that a sovereign act of grace?

Church attenders for centuries have been distancing themselves from making connections between their lives and the Words of God. But what’s startling is that less and less people are reading it presently. In a comprehensive fashion our generation seems to be sealing their fates to ever knowing God. Romans 1 speaks of the Last Days in which the people do not think God worth the knowing. Can there be any doubt that we are living in the Last Days? I believe that cultural ways of believing and thinking are trusted more than God’s Word leaving church attenders unable to recognize how far they have fallen from God. Our spiritual senses simply grow duller and duller. May we all have an awakening, calling for a new reformation, leading to the transformation of the Body of Christ. Jesus is coming back for a Bride that is equally yoked to Him. Why would we ever entertain the idea that He wants a Bride that doesn’t know Him, or long to know Him?

A Proper Perspective On Thanksgiving

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Wedding Sermon

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Help our Church

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Why Family Matters

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Gods Mysterious Ways

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Entry with Post Format “Video”

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Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, porttitor eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim. Aliquam lorem ante, dapibus in, viverra quis, feugiat a, tellus.

 

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Heaven can’t wait

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Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer.

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Prayer for the Old

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim.