Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Change to Bible Study
Just fyi....due to scheduling conflicts I had to change the night my Bible study meets from Monday to Tuesday. This will be a permanent change. So, my lessons won't be posted until Tuesday nights now. Didn't want anyone out there who may be following my blog think I was slacking or not posting notes anymore!! lol :)
"Commissioned" (Bible Study 1-26-2010)
"COMMISSIONED"
Isaiah 49:1-4
Isaiah 49:1 “Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name.”
God had our callings/His dream for our life planned and set-forth everything we’d need to fulfill it before we were born. God knew every detail our lives and He called us (placed within our hearts a desire to fulfill that purpose/calling while we were still in our mother’s womb). The reason the lives of so many people are in shambles is because they haven’t given their heart to God and began pursuing the plan He has for their life....their true purpose and calling. When people reject God and are pursuing their own thing, that desire within them to fulfill their true God given purpose rages. They can’t find satisfaction in anything...though they try to fill that incompleteness with drugs, sex, alcohol, career, children, spouse, money, whatever..... they are never satisfied because all those things are not what they need or are truly yearning for. Everything else is a pseudo or counterfeit of the real thing....Jesus. That’s why movie stars and millionaires have everything money can buy but are still miserable and unhappy. I think of Brittney Spears as a perfect example. She has everything but nothing at the same time.
Isaiah 49:2 “ He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword.
He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.”
Our mouths and the words we speak out of them are our weapon to defeat the enemy and further God’s Kingdom and complete are call. Not to mention cause us to live a blessed, fulfilled life, walking in all the promises of God. The NIV’s translation for this verse says (“He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,”). Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart.”) When we speak out the Word of God over our lives, pray in tongues and/or follow God’s prompting in specific things to pray, we are waging war against the powers of darkness, we are releasing the Spirit of God and Heavenly forces to work on changing circumstances, set people free, send healing, tear down strongholds and to change not only our lives, but the lives of those around us and even the world. Like a sword or judgement, the power in words cuts straight to the problem. Words are our faith in action.....believe it, speak it and anticipate it’s happening. The NLT uses the word “judgement” in this verse. Judgement is defined as a formal utterance of an authoritative opinion; and opinion so pronounced. We are endowed with power from God through Jesus Christ. We have been given authority and power (Luke 10:19 “And I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”) (2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”). So what we speak becomes reality (good or bad). Kind of like a decree from a king. Whenever a king sets forth a decree, those in authority in his kingdom would repeat those decrees and they had be followed by everyone just as if the king personally spoke them.
Second half of that verse:
We are protected and shielded from the enemy, by God. Just like the arrows in a warrior’s quiver (case used for carrying arrows) we are concealed, covered and safely carried until time for battle. When the warrior is ready to attack an enemy, he removes an arrow and fires it at his enemy. That’s what our words/prayers are in Kingdom of God. Our words become the weapon that tears down and defeats the enemy.
Isaiah 49:3 “He said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.’”
By using our words and prayer to come against the enemy, God will be given glory when He manifests the fruit of the words we’ve spoken and shows His power. People see God through us and moving in our lives by the fruit our lives yield and by our actions. We are sort of like a walking billboard advertisement for God.
Isaiah 49:4 “I replied, ‘But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust, God for my reward.’”
This is something I’ve battled with recently..... I’m not seeing immediate results/manifestation to my prayers (sowing, speaking the Word, etc) so my brain starts to wonder if I’m doing something wrong. The enemy comes at you at these gestation times (times that we are waiting for fruit/our harvest/manifestation to be birthed ) and whispers that we’re wasting our time in prayer; that it’s not doing any good and not changing anything. He’ll even try condemnation and say stuff like, if you were really spiritual or really living the way you were supposed to, you’d be seeing some results. (Hebrews 11:1 “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.”) Just because we don’t see anything with our natural eye doesn’t mean something is happening and things aren’t changing. (Mark 4:26-29 “Jesus also said, ‘Here is another illustration of what the Kingdom of God is like: A farmer planted seeds in a field, and then he went on with his other activities. As the days went by, the seeds sprouted and grew without the farmer’s help, because the earth produces crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle.’”) Our prayers are the seed we scatter. Our job, like the farmer is to plant those seeds...it’s God’s job to make them grow and manifest. Just like different types of plants have different gestation periods, so do the seeds we plant. Different seeds have different growth rates/harvest times and a lot of different variables can affect their growth. Some of these variables are: 1)the soil they’re planted in- is it good soil, full of nutrients and capable of producing fruit? Did you sow seed into something that can actually produce? 2) the amount of rainfall - is their a flow of the Word and prayer being poured into you/onto the seed? 3) The season - certain seeds are planted at certain times of the year and will only produce fruit in a certain season/time of the year. If a crop produced fruit too soon, like during a time of year that its frosts...that crop would be ruined. Same thing with us. Some things we’re believing for could possibly negatively affect us if it manifested right away. For example, what would’ve happened to Joyce Meyer if her ministry would have exploded a month after she got saved? What would’ve happened if she hadn’t had any time to grow and learn and was suddenly thrust into the huge full time, global ministry she has now? I’m pretty sure it would’ve fallen apart and collapsed under pressure because she wouldn’t have been prepared for such a huge responsibility. (Matthew 25:21 “The master was full of praise. Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”). Let me make something very clear....I am not saying that Joyce “earned” her ministry or that she had to work and pay a penance before she could step into her calling & ministry. We can’t earn anything we’re believing God for or do enough work to cause our seed to produce. It’s like a new car... you’re not going to give you’re 8 year old a brand new car & say...hey go have fun driving and just turn him loose!!! You love your child but you’re not going to give them something they aren’t ready for yet. You do it for their own protection. You want to bless them not hurt them. It’s those times of waiting for our harvest to manifest that you just have to trust God. You have to turn it over to Him and know that God is faithful to fulfill all of His promises. He is not a liar and can be counted on.
(Hebrews 10:14 “For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.”)
Something very important to keep in mind is that you don’t have to be “perfect” to be commissioned and fulfill your calling. We know that we are made righteous/perfect when we accept Jesus into our hearts. His blood makes us spotless. However, that perfectness reflected outwardly in us takes time. Sin residue and self are worked out of us as we know God better. (Colossians 1:9 & 10 “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.”) Our faith walk and calling fulfillment is a process. I was thinking the other day how far God has brought me and how much I’ve changed, grown and learned since I was first saved the Sunday before September 11, 2001. I am definitely a new creation in Christ Jesus. I can’t relate to or even recognize the old me compared to who I am now. Does that mean I’m perfect and never mess up and never lose my temper or always handle every situation exactly the way Christ would? Heck no! I still blow it. However, the frequency and severity of my mess ups have dramatically lessened. I’m still amazed sometimes at my reaction to situations and how I handle things that used to make me totally lose it. Now, I’m just sort of like “huh, isn’t that nice.” :)
In closing, let me encourage you to not become discouraged at your progress or get frustrated or stressed out that things are not manifesting at the speed you think is acceptable or meeting the standard you have in your head. (Zechariah 4:6-10 “Then he said to me, ‘This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: Its is not by force nor by strength but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place the people will shout: “May God bless it! May God bless it!’” Then another message came to me from the Lord: ‘Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.’”). Verse 6 of this scripture is my scripture. It is seriously the theme scripture for my life. I cannot tell you how many times God has spoken that scripture to me. So many times we run ourselves ragged trying to make things happen in the natural and by fleshly measures, when it’s a spiritual work that flesh can’t handle. Recently I was having one of those moments of fighting discouragement and feeling much like Isaiah, in Isaiah 49:4 listed above. It was one of those moments that things seemed a mess and that I was like a dog chasing my tail....seeing no headway or improvement or change in circumstances in the time frame I thought things should be happening. Then I started reading my Bible & the above passage of scripture leapt off the page at me and God so sweetly reminded me this journey and assignment of mine is a process. Step by step I am fulfilling the call of God. He reminded me that He’s not dissatisfied or disappointed with my progress... As a matter of fact, it gave God great joy to see my small beginnings back in 2001 and it continues to make Him smile at each new step I make. He also let me know that He will complete this work within me and His power will see me through the completing of my calling/assignment. Don’t set time frames or boundaries on your process. Simply listen for and follow God’s leading. God is never late or too early...He is always right on time!!!
-Faith Flowers
Monday, January 18, 2010
An Unarmed Enemy (1-18-2010)
A DISARMED ENEMY
Colossians 2:13-15 “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”
The death of Jesus on the cross has disarmed the enemy
Definition of Disarm- to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile; to win over; to deprive of a means of attack or defense; to make harmless). In this scripture it uses disarmed (past tense) which means its already been done. It’s not something that’s going to happen, it’s already happened. This one short scripture is a telling us that our enemy has been made harmless... it also tells us that the enemy’s means or resources/methods of defense & attack have been deprived, which is defined as - to take something away from; to withhold something from. When Jesus becomes Lord of our life, the enemy is made harmless in our life because his resources of attacking us & even defending himself from our prayers and using God’s Word against him are taken away. So, why are so many of God’s people living in defeat and continually getting their behinds handed to them by the devil? Because the devil is a good bluffer. He will push to see just how much we will put up with before we use the authority God has given us to put him in his place. It goes back to knowing who Christ has made you. Attacks are part of life, but defeat isn’t!!! (Colossians 1:22 & 23 “Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.”) If you don’t know who God has made you and continually remind yourself and the devil of that fact, you’ll live in defeat. (Colossians 2:6 “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.”). Accepting Jesus is only the first step. To lead a blessed and victorious life you have to continue seeking after him. You have to lay down your way and what your flesh wants to do EVERYDAY and submit to Jesus and follow where he leads.
Colossians 2:20 “You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as,”
When a person dies in the natural (on earth) the rules and laws of the land that applied to them when they were living become null and void. For example, when you’re alive, you have to pay taxes...after you’re dead the you no longer owe Mr. IRS anything. Same principal holds true in the spiritual realm. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the old us dies and we are “reborn” a new person into a new world (2Corinthians 5:17 “What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!!”) We’re reborn into the Kingdom of God. So, the spiritual rules that governed us when we were in sin (sin controlled our lives thus the enemy could do whatever to us and around us he wanted to) became null and void when that old us died. The only rules and regulations that apply to us now are those found in the Kingdom of God.
Colossians 2:21-23 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!?” Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.”
So, if the only rules we have to follow are those of the Kingdom, why do so many churches and Christians live under such religious, man-made, rules and regulations that God hasn’t imposed on us? Religion and denomination many times are a human and fleshly attempt to make people Holy and to ensure that people feel like they are “good enough” to get into Heaven. This scripture plainly tells us that man-made rules and strict guidelines have no power to set people free. Instead, they bind people and give the devil and avenue to torment and restrain (put a leash) on God’s people. Thus keeping them from fully operating in the power and anointing Christ provides. The sad thing is following such strict guidelines takes a lot of dedication, intestinal fortitude, and persistence. So, following them seems like something a truly devoted, “God fearing” person would do. I guess that would make sense if our God was a slave driving, task master standing over us w/a whip just waiting for us to make a mistake. However, God is nothing like that!!! God’s entire make up is LOVE!!! I’ve heard you better “fear” the Lord preached in the context that we should truly be afraid of God! Like He’s going to strike me dead if I do one little thing wrong. Thankfully, that’s not the case! I believe that the type of “fear” we are to have for God is a respectful, in awe of, reverence. (John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”) I know we have all heard that scripture a thousand times, but think about it.... would you allow your son to be brutally murdered for someone you didn’t love? It would take pages to list all the scripture that refer to God’s love (try looking up “love” in the concordance of your Bible sometime to if you don’t believe me :) God came down and visited with Adam & Eve in the garden; Moses spent so much time in God’s presence that his face glowed (Exodus 34:28-30), God considered Abraham His friend & we are His friend as well (Romans 5:11 “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.”). Am I saying that people can just go around doing whatever they want with no guidelines or restraint?.... NO! I’m saying the only guidelines we have to follow are those specified clearly in the Bible...the spiritual principles and guidelines of the Kingdom of God. Am I saying that people can be disrespectful toward God? NO! There is no doubt about it God is very powerful and holds each breathe we take in His hand. We owe Him our respect... the same respect we have for our parents (if you have a healthy parent/child relationship to compare it too). My parents love me dearly and would do anything in their power to help me. Am I afraid of them? No. Do I respect them and treat them with respect? Absolutely!!!!!
In closing....
Colossians 3:1-4 “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. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.”
Since we are dead to the rules and authority of the flesh and earthly kingdom, we should be focused on operating in and following the laws of where we truly abide, the Heavenly Kingdom/realm. We have a different reality than those of this world. For example, sickness is part of the curse of this world/realm, however, as residence of the Heavenly Kingdom, we don’t have to be sick and can walk in health and operate in the healing power of God (1 Peter 2:24, James 5:15, Luke 4:40). Financial woes and poverty are another worry or part of the earthly kingdom, however, the Bible is full of promises that God will supply all of our needs and bless us in impossible circumstances and situations. This life on earth is temporary. It’s only a tiny part of our destiny. We will spend ETERNITY in Heaven... that’s FOREVER. So, we need to be focused on the reality of Heaven and not get consumed by what’s going on in the world and loose sight of what I call the big picture. Let me clarify that I’m not saying we can just be oblivious to those around us and be lazy through our earthly lives. What we do while living on this earth is a part of the path that leads to our final destination of Heaven....it’s not however the ONLY part. Most importantly remember that although we live on this earth, we are not part of its system/kingdom and therefore do not have to operate under its curse or follow its spiritual rules. People may think we’re crazy now for living and speaking what I’ve been talking about earthly and Heavenly Kingdoms. Like verse 4 says, when Jesus returns for those who are serving and waiting for Him, the whole world will suddenly discover what we’re talking about and face the reality that Jesus is real and that everything written in the Bible is true. Talk about a wake up call and a “hello, here’s your sign” kinda moment.
-Faith
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
"Put on Your New Clothes" from: Monday Bible Study 1-11-2010
“PUT ON YOUR NEW CLOTHES”
1-11-2010
Isaiah 53:11 “When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, fore he will bear all their sins.”
When Christ (the righteous servant) died on the cross, He ensured that anyone who accepted Him as their Savior becomes righteous....Jesus’ sacrifice makes us righteous the moment we become saved. We are new creatures. We are not righteous because of we’re a good person or because of the good things we do. We are righteous because we put on the righteousness of Jesus. We become like him.
Definitions: Righteous- morally upright; just.
Justified means qualify as surety by taking an oath to the ownership of sufficient property.
Surety - one who has become legally liable for the debt, default, or failure in duty of another.
Why are these definitions significant..... being righteous makes us just or justified before God. We are justified because Jesus takes ownership of our sin. He became our “Surety.” He took all of our sin upon himself so that it doesn’t belong to us anymore. So when God sees us, He doesn’t see our sin because it’s not there. Jesus took it away. We no longer have to lay claim to it or own it. Romans 5:18 “Yes, Adam’s one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness makes all people right in God’s sight and gives them life.”
Next we’ll cover Isaiah 52:1-2 & 5-11. I’m going to break it down a verse or so at a time so the format of this lesson is a little different than previous lessons. Just stick with me and we’ll get it :)
Isaiah 52:1&2 - “Wake up, wake up O Zion! Clothe yourselves with strength. Put on your beautiful clothes, O holy city of Jerusalem, for unclean godless people will no longer enter your gates.”
First, I believe that the word “Strength” in this verse is inter-changeable with “Righteous” from the verse in Isaiah 53 we just looked at. I believe that God is telling us to wake up and realize our righteousness and to “put it on” like new clothes and start walking in/operating in it. Ephesians 6:14 “Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” Righteousness is our armor against the enemy. Once you understand your righteousness, the enemy’s attack of condemnation for example (you’re not good enough, you don’t pray enough or do enough for God, you always mess up, etc) no longer works. You can be saved and faithfully serving God and still not understand your righteousness. So many Christians are bound up and held back from walking in the power and authority Christ has given them because they don’t truly understand who they are in Christ and are walking around still feeling unworthy and condemned.
Isaiah 52:2 “Rise from the dust, O Jerusalem. Remove the slave bands from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.”
This verse is telling us to get up from our beat down position. Sometimes it feels like the enemy, the world, circumstances, etc truly beat us down to the ground and we’re laying in the dust. God is calling us to stand up and rise up out of our circumstances. I also believe that dust here is symbolic of our old nature, and God is calling us to step into our position and the new life that Christ has given us in the Kingdom of God. Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person.” We were made from dirt. When Adam sinned it brought sin/a curse upon the entire earth (See Genesis 3:1-19). However, like we just discussed earlier in Romans 5:18 Jesus’ death broke that curse and we have a new life and new nature (2Corinthians 5:17 “What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!”). God is calling us to break free from all that enslaves/hinders us and start walking in this new life He has provided
Isaiah 52:5 “And now, what is this? Asks the Lord. Why are my people enslaved again? Those who rule them shout in exultation. My name is being blasphemed all day long.”
We know that when sin entered the earth it opened the door for the curse and for the enemy to bring every attack possible. However, we also know that we can be set free from the curse by accepting Jesus. I believe God’s question to us today is WHY are you continue to live bound up? God has given us the power to overcome the enemy....WHY are we continuing to live under oppression and in defeat when we’ve been given the ability to walk in complete victory. (Romans 8:1-3 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.”) Let me just add that I truly believe it grieves the Holy Spirit to see the children of God living oppressed and unhappy. Not walking in who God has made us and understanding how much God truly loves us and not walking in all the blessings and authority God has given us grieves the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 52:6 “But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that it is I who speaks to them.”
I believe this scripture confirms what I believe is going to start happening more and more this year.... God is going to start sending more and more revelation of who He is and of His power. Which means in turn we’re going to see more and more miracles and the presence of God and His anointing are going to flow more than we’ve ever seen or imagined possible. (John 20:30&31 “Jesus’ disciples saw him do many other miraculous signs besides the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life.”) There is a saying that the proof is in the pudding. Well, God’s anointing and Him revealing himself through His presence and healing and miracles will change more lives than 10,000 sermons. You cannot explain away or ignore the presence and power of God.
Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the fee of those who bring good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!”
Those who have the revelation of righteousness are to be carries of that revelation and the anointing and power of God. We’re called to spread the good news
Isaiah 52:8 “The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the Lord bringing his people home to Jerusalem.”
The watchman here I believe are not only prophets, pastors, etc of God’s (Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman of Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, pass it on to the people immediately.”) But are all of God’s people who are walking in the calling and actively seeking the fulfilling of God’s purpose for their life...also includes those called to intercessory prayer ( Isaiah 62:6&7 “O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray to the Lord day and night for the fulfillment of his promises. Take no rest, all you who pray. Give the Lord no rest until he makes Jerusalem the object of praise throughout the earth.” We are all going to see people (sinner and saint) being set free, delivered and chains of bondage broken off. We are going to see God pouring out his presence and leading people to Himself. When we see it we are going to rejoice and seeing these things happen will fuel our fire to keep on keeping on for God. To keep fulfilling our calling and to keep pressing toward the mark.
Isaiah 52:9-11 “Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song, for the Lord has comforted his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord will demonstrate his holy power before the eyes of all the nations. The ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Go now, leave your bonds and slavery. Put Babylon behind you, with everything it represents, for it is unclean to you. You are the Lord’s holy people. Purify yourselves, you who carry home the vessels of the Lord.”
God has made a plan of salvation and redeemed us from bondage and sin. God is going to reveal himself more and more. The whole world is going to see His power. We are called to cast aside anything that binds us...for such a time as this. We have to stop looking back. Stop looking at the past....hurts, failures, anything negative. Now more than ever we need to have our eyes on the prize so to speak and see what God is calling us to do. We have to realize who we are, what God is calling us to do and then do it with everything within us!!
-ff
Monday, January 4, 2010
"Our Gifts and Seed"
OUR GIFTS & SEED
1-4-10**My disclaimer..I am not a expert in the realm of ministry giftings or callings. This is just a general overview of some insight God shared with me. I recommend you contact my Pastor if you want more detailed revelation on the 5-fold ministry callings and gifts of the Spirit**
I. 1 Corinthians 12:4
I. 1 Corinthians 12:4
A. We have all been given gifts & spiritual gifts from God
*We all have gifts and everything we do, no matter how small or insignificant it MAY seem, matters and is impacting the world around us. Using our giftings and doing good is a gift/blessing and/or seed to those around us. It is usually both. Even being kind to others, is sowing seeds..you're sowing seeds of kindness.
II. There Are Two Categories of Giftings.
A. GIFTS THAT EVERYONE HAS- 1 Peter 4:8-11
1. These are little things programmed in our personality that are a joy to do, that come naturally to us & that we usually excel in pretty easily. Doesn’t always come easy though, could just be doing good, even when we don’t feel like it.
Example #1 Natural Gifting: I love coffee...when I worked at Starbucks I realized I had a love and natural ability to make lattes. I enjoyed learning about coffee, making coffee and talking to people about coffee. This opened up the door for me to work in the church’s coffee shop and be able to witness and encourage and share with patrons & fellow church members about what God is doing, has done and can do. I did this while doing a job that I enjoyed.
Example #2 Doing Good: 2 Timothy 1:16 & 17....Not sure how challenging visiting Paul in prison was for Onesiphorus, but this seemingly simple act of going to visit Paul in prison made a huge difference in Paul’s world. This act of kindness provided Paul with so much encouragement and support, he prayed a special pray of blessing on Onesiphorus and his entire family.
B. Ephesians 4:11&12 GIFTS FOR THOSE IN MINISTRY/CHURCH LEADERS
1. There are special gifts and specific assignments for those God has called into ministry:
a. Apostles - one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up of especially of Christ’s twelve original disciples; one sent on a mission; a person who initiates great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system
b. Prophets - one who utters divinely inspired revelation; one gifted with more than ordinary spiritual and moral insight
c. Evangelists - one who evangelizes, a protestant minister or layman who preaches at special services; an enthusiastic advocate
d. Pastors - a spiritual overseer, a clergyman serving a local church or parish
e. Teachers - one that teaches; one who’s occupation is to instruct
* I also believe those called into ministry as helpers and provide support and assistance to the above listed folks are included in this category. I believe they are given additional giftings that help them to fulfill their assignment within the ministry field and/or church
2. 1 Timothy 4:14 & 2 Timothy 1:6
a. Sometimes we are born with these giftings and sometimes we receive them divinely imparted/given to us when others already within the ministry calling of God lay hands on/pray for us.
III. YOU CAN ONLY REAP WHAT YOU SOW...KINGDOM PRINCIPLE
A. Galatians 6:7 “Don’t be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” NLT
1. You can only reap the type of seed you sow. If you are constantly lying, or causing division then you’ll reap those things. If you sow seeds of blessings, kindness, good deeds, then that’s what you’ll reap.
B. Galatians 6:9&10 “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. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.”
1. Don’t give up on doing good and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results from the good things you do. It’s like my Pastor says, harvests have different time frames before the fruit is ready. Some seed has a longer gestation/growing season than others before it’s ripe and ready.
**Every action/seed affects those around us and our own lives/futures. Our actions are seed**
IV. WHAT ALL FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE CALLED TO BE IN THE WORLD
A. Isaiah 32:1&2 -“Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land.” NLT
All followers of Jesus are princes in the Kingdom, given authority and enabled by God. As rulers/servants/representatives/princes of God, there are three things I believe these verses tell us we are to be in this world:
1. Shelter from the Wind
a. Shelter- something that covers or affords protection; to protect
b. Wind- a destructive force or influence; a force or agency that carries along influences
**Through prayer and sowing seed and sharing our faith we offer a means of protection to others from the destructive influences of the world. This can be for the sinner or the saint. For the sinner we can show them the way to Jesus who provides our ultimate protection and deliverance;we can also allow our lives be a good example and witness of the love and promises of God. For the saint, we can support and encourage them and remind them of the ultimate prize that awaits us for fighting the good fight**
*We all have gifts and everything we do, no matter how small or insignificant it MAY seem, matters and is impacting the world around us. Using our giftings and doing good is a gift/blessing and/or seed to those around us. It is usually both. Even being kind to others, is sowing seeds..you're sowing seeds of kindness.
II. There Are Two Categories of Giftings.
A. GIFTS THAT EVERYONE HAS- 1 Peter 4:8-11
1. These are little things programmed in our personality that are a joy to do, that come naturally to us & that we usually excel in pretty easily. Doesn’t always come easy though, could just be doing good, even when we don’t feel like it.
Example #1 Natural Gifting: I love coffee...when I worked at Starbucks I realized I had a love and natural ability to make lattes. I enjoyed learning about coffee, making coffee and talking to people about coffee. This opened up the door for me to work in the church’s coffee shop and be able to witness and encourage and share with patrons & fellow church members about what God is doing, has done and can do. I did this while doing a job that I enjoyed.
Example #2 Doing Good: 2 Timothy 1:16 & 17....Not sure how challenging visiting Paul in prison was for Onesiphorus, but this seemingly simple act of going to visit Paul in prison made a huge difference in Paul’s world. This act of kindness provided Paul with so much encouragement and support, he prayed a special pray of blessing on Onesiphorus and his entire family.
B. Ephesians 4:11&12 GIFTS FOR THOSE IN MINISTRY/CHURCH LEADERS
1. There are special gifts and specific assignments for those God has called into ministry:
a. Apostles - one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up of especially of Christ’s twelve original disciples; one sent on a mission; a person who initiates great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system
b. Prophets - one who utters divinely inspired revelation; one gifted with more than ordinary spiritual and moral insight
c. Evangelists - one who evangelizes, a protestant minister or layman who preaches at special services; an enthusiastic advocate
d. Pastors - a spiritual overseer, a clergyman serving a local church or parish
e. Teachers - one that teaches; one who’s occupation is to instruct
* I also believe those called into ministry as helpers and provide support and assistance to the above listed folks are included in this category. I believe they are given additional giftings that help them to fulfill their assignment within the ministry field and/or church
2. 1 Timothy 4:14 & 2 Timothy 1:6
a. Sometimes we are born with these giftings and sometimes we receive them divinely imparted/given to us when others already within the ministry calling of God lay hands on/pray for us.
III. YOU CAN ONLY REAP WHAT YOU SOW...KINGDOM PRINCIPLE
A. Galatians 6:7 “Don’t be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” NLT
1. You can only reap the type of seed you sow. If you are constantly lying, or causing division then you’ll reap those things. If you sow seeds of blessings, kindness, good deeds, then that’s what you’ll reap.
B. Galatians 6:9&10 “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. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.”
1. Don’t give up on doing good and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results from the good things you do. It’s like my Pastor says, harvests have different time frames before the fruit is ready. Some seed has a longer gestation/growing season than others before it’s ripe and ready.
**Every action/seed affects those around us and our own lives/futures. Our actions are seed**
IV. WHAT ALL FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE CALLED TO BE IN THE WORLD
A. Isaiah 32:1&2 -“Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land.” NLT
All followers of Jesus are princes in the Kingdom, given authority and enabled by God. As rulers/servants/representatives/princes of God, there are three things I believe these verses tell us we are to be in this world:
1. Shelter from the Wind
a. Shelter- something that covers or affords protection; to protect
b. Wind- a destructive force or influence; a force or agency that carries along influences
**Through prayer and sowing seed and sharing our faith we offer a means of protection to others from the destructive influences of the world. This can be for the sinner or the saint. For the sinner we can show them the way to Jesus who provides our ultimate protection and deliverance;we can also allow our lives be a good example and witness of the love and promises of God. For the saint, we can support and encourage them and remind them of the ultimate prize that awaits us for fighting the good fight**
2. Refuge from the Storm
a. Refuge - a shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection; something to which one has recourse in difficulty.
b. Storm - a violent assault on a defended position
**This one, I believe, is specifically related to the follower of Jesus. People who are in the world/sinners are not a defended position. They are rejecting Christ and therefore are still under the curse and not under the divine protection of God. When storms/attacks of the enemy come against our brothers & sisters in Christ, we are to be their refuge. I’m not saying we take the place of Jesus...He is our ultimate refuge, but we can be Jesus hands and feet so to speak. One way we can do this is by praying over their lives. Speaking God’s Word into their situations and over their lives. Another way is by praying for them when they can’t pray. I”ve been in the middle of a storm-a violent attack from the enemy- and all I could do was text a dear friend in the Lord and say please pray for me right now. My emotions were so crazy and my mind racing so that I didn’t even know where to begin praying. This friend prayed, the peace of God fell on me and the storm passed. Was my situation that caused the storm suddenly changed at that moment?..heck no!..... but my frame of mind was changed and I was able to reposition and get my mind right and do my own warfare. **
3. Streams of Water in the Desert
a. Refuge - a shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection; something to which one has recourse in difficulty.
b. Storm - a violent assault on a defended position
**This one, I believe, is specifically related to the follower of Jesus. People who are in the world/sinners are not a defended position. They are rejecting Christ and therefore are still under the curse and not under the divine protection of God. When storms/attacks of the enemy come against our brothers & sisters in Christ, we are to be their refuge. I’m not saying we take the place of Jesus...He is our ultimate refuge, but we can be Jesus hands and feet so to speak. One way we can do this is by praying over their lives. Speaking God’s Word into their situations and over their lives. Another way is by praying for them when they can’t pray. I”ve been in the middle of a storm-a violent attack from the enemy- and all I could do was text a dear friend in the Lord and say please pray for me right now. My emotions were so crazy and my mind racing so that I didn’t even know where to begin praying. This friend prayed, the peace of God fell on me and the storm passed. Was my situation that caused the storm suddenly changed at that moment?..heck no!..... but my frame of mind was changed and I was able to reposition and get my mind right and do my own warfare. **
3. Streams of Water in the Desert
a. Stream - body of running water; constantly renewed or steady supply; an unbroken flow; a ray of light
b. Water - I believe in this case symbolic of the Holy Spirit
c. Desert - a wild uninhabited, uncultivated tract; desolate or forbidding area
**We are to be carriers of the anointing and Holy Spirit into the world. Into the places that don’t know Jesus Christ. Into places that are dry and barren and in need of saving and renewal. We have a constant and steady supply and our minds are to be renewed daily (Ephesians 4:23 ‘Instead there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.’) so that we can be that constant unbroken supply between Jesus Christ and the world...leading the world to Christ. We are also to be a light in this dark world around us (1 Thessalonians 5:5 ‘For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.’) & (Ephesians 5:8 ‘For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it.’) & (2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”)
4. Cool Shadow of a Great Rock in the Desert
**We are the reflection of and made in the image of God ( Genesis 1:26-28 “And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth, and all creeping things that creep on earth.’ And God created man in His image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and God said to them, “Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it; and rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and all living things that creep on earth.” -JPS Bible). We are to reflect Him in this world. We were created to have dominion over and govern or be masters of this world God created. **
In closing.... As followers of Jesus Christ, we have an awesome honor and responsibility. Like my Pastor says, we are to be carriers of God’s love. We are also to be God’s representative in this world. Both of those things are huge and seemingly impossible to do.... actually on our own they are pretty impossible. However, with Christ all things are possible. We just have to trust and believe God’s word and most importantly ACT upon it. We keep moving forward, following God’s direction and leading and WE CAN”T FAIL!!!!!!!! :)
b. Water - I believe in this case symbolic of the Holy Spirit
c. Desert - a wild uninhabited, uncultivated tract; desolate or forbidding area
**We are to be carriers of the anointing and Holy Spirit into the world. Into the places that don’t know Jesus Christ. Into places that are dry and barren and in need of saving and renewal. We have a constant and steady supply and our minds are to be renewed daily (Ephesians 4:23 ‘Instead there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.’) so that we can be that constant unbroken supply between Jesus Christ and the world...leading the world to Christ. We are also to be a light in this dark world around us (1 Thessalonians 5:5 ‘For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.’) & (Ephesians 5:8 ‘For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it.’) & (2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”)
4. Cool Shadow of a Great Rock in the Desert
**We are the reflection of and made in the image of God ( Genesis 1:26-28 “And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth, and all creeping things that creep on earth.’ And God created man in His image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and God said to them, “Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it; and rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and all living things that creep on earth.” -JPS Bible). We are to reflect Him in this world. We were created to have dominion over and govern or be masters of this world God created. **
In closing.... As followers of Jesus Christ, we have an awesome honor and responsibility. Like my Pastor says, we are to be carriers of God’s love. We are also to be God’s representative in this world. Both of those things are huge and seemingly impossible to do.... actually on our own they are pretty impossible. However, with Christ all things are possible. We just have to trust and believe God’s word and most importantly ACT upon it. We keep moving forward, following God’s direction and leading and WE CAN”T FAIL!!!!!!!! :)
-ff
"Peace, Rest and Love..Psalm 23" (Bible Study on 12-21-09)
from the Bible Study on 12-21-09
In the past, I’ve generally heard this chapter preached in a negative/dark sort of light. For example, I’ve heard it preached as God made a person sick so they would take time to rest... God “made me lay down” so I would take care of myself. They believed God made them sick so they would have to rest. I’ve also heard it preached like woe is me.....I’m beat down, crawling on my belly through the Valley and that while we’re down there crawling God will comfort us and give us rest. However, when I read this chapter again last week, I saw it in a totally different light. As I was reading it this time, I envisioned a battle scene (very much similar to the movie “300" or “Narnia”). A fierce battle raging, yet off just to one side of the battle was a valley... peaceful, tranquil, safe, and care free. A place of refreshing. Psalm 23 was written by David, who we all know was a man of battle. David was an expert of war and fighting/conquering enemies. But I believe this chapter proves David was also an expert at resting in God and allowing God to refresh and strengthen him.
I. Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing”
A) A shepherd provides everything his sheep need....protection, guidance, food, water, rescuing, constant presence (he’s always with them watching over them)....you name it and a good shepherd ensures his sheep have it. God is our good Shepherd
II. Psalm 23:2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me to water in places of repose;”
A) Definitions of Make, Pasture, and Repose
1) Make - to cause to happen or be experienced by someone; to cause to exist, occur or appear;
2) Pasture - plants grown for the feeding especially grazing animals; land or plot of land used for grazing; the feeding of livestock; to feed (as cattle)on pasture
3)Repose - to remain still or concealed; to lie at rest; to rest for support; state of resting after exertion or strain; rest in sleep; place of rest; to place (as confidence or trust) in someone or something; to place for control, management or use (from the JPS Bible translation)
This tells me that God isn’t forcing us to lay down and rest. We know that God has compared himself to a shepherd and all throughout scripture we are referred to as His sheep. So, this verse is telling me that God, as our Shepherd, has provided, us the sheep, a pasture (a place to feed us). Not only is it a place to receive nourishment, we can also find rest here. Look at all repose means... we find support, a place of totally peace and safety to sleep and relax after a battle/strain. Not only that, but it’s a state of being in which we can turn over control of our lives, situations, etc to God for him to handle/manage for us. When God is in control of things, that gives us total peace and the ability to rest and relax, because we trust Him and know that everything is going to be just fine, because our good shepherd has is taking care of everything. We just have to follow him like good sheep.
III. Psalm 23:4 “Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff-they comfort me.”
A) Even when we go through places we are unfamiliar with, where we are stretched or under attack from the enemy or even times that may cause fear to try and rise up (whether it be from change, attack, etc) we should not be afraid. God is directing our path and is right beside us. He is our Shepherd. A shepherd directs/leads his sheep every moment of their lives. He knows where they are going and where they need to go and how to get them their. Shepherds don’t get lost. Shepherds have a plan. They love their sheep and protect/guide them at all costs. Sheep don’t have to worry about anything, except keep your eye on the shepherd and follow where he leads.
B) Significance of “Rod” and “Staff”...also Definitions of Both
1) Rod - straight, slender stick growing on or cut from a tree or busy; stick or bundle of twigs used to punish; a wand or staff carried as a badge of office
2) Staff - long sticke carried in the hand for support in walking; a rod carried as a symbol of office or authority.
A Rod/Staff was a common thing for shepherds to carry. I believe that both of these are symbolic reminders for us. A staff is a symbolic reminder for us that God supports us and holds us up as we walk through life; it’s also a reminder to us, as well as, our enemies of God’s strength and authority, as well as, the authority we have in Jesus name. The symbol of the Rod has a similar reminder of God’s authority and office or position, but rod also reminds our enemies of God’s punishment that will ensue for coming against His sheep (child of God). I don’t know about you, but I find both of those factors a HUGE comfort!!!
IV. Psalm 23:5 “You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my drink is abundant.”
A) Blessing and Abundance Infront of our Enemies!!
This goes back to what I envisioned when I read this chapter... a huge battle raging, but then in the midst of that or just off to the side in plain view of the battle, God spreads a huge banquet table for us and we sit down and eat and feast and relax with the enemy thrashing all around, but unable to touch us, disturb us or do anything but watch. All the enemy can do is watch as we sit relaxed in peace, feasting on what God has provided!!! That rocks!!!! Picture it...then picture it in your life, in whatever situation/struggle you find yourself in... we can have the same thing in the midst of our battle!! Not only is it a banquet...its an banquet of abundance. It’s not just a little snack or a situation where we might run out of food/provision....our drink/provision is abundant **abundant is defined as-marked by great plenty (as of resources); amply supplied** This tells me that God’s provision is never going to end and we can’t exhaust it no matter how much or often we draw from God’s supply. It’s never going to run out!!!! We have constant access and supply. This also speaks to how powerful our God is. Think of the type of strength and the force it would take to hold off an attacking army so that a select group could sit down in total safety and peace to have a feast...while the battle is still raging!!! That is power. That is our God!!
B) “You anoint my head with oil;” Olive oil was used for many purposes in Biblical times and was one of the most valuable products of the country . One of its uses was 1)Consecration of officials or sacred things. I believe that this verse is telling us that God has set us apart as holy to be His vessels to reach the world for Him (Ephesians 1:4 “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” &Exodus 28:41 “Clothe your brother, Aaron, and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they can serve as my priets.”). I believe this being set apart is something that should be evident/something everyone can see (just as oil running down your head is hard to hid... everyone sees it) so our actions should be obviously different from those who don’t know or serve Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 is an example of actions that we have that are TOTALLY opposite from the world). Also oil many times in scripture is a representative for the Holy Spirit. So, this verse is also a reminder of the Holy Spirit being ever present w/us & inside of us providing the support and anointing of God to do the Father’s business.
C) Overflow of blessings
No matter which translation you use, this part of verse 5 that our lives will be filled with overflowing, uncontainable blessing, more than we could ever need or use provisions and blessings.
V. Psalm 23:6 “Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for many long years.”
A) 1. Steadfast - firmly fixed in place (immovable); not subject to change
2. Love - strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
*the love God has for us arises from the fact we’re His kin/family (Romans 8:15 “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.”). Personal is defined as relating to the person or body. So that tells me that God’s love for us also comes from the fact that He COMPLETELY understands us. He knows why we do what we do, how/why we think like we think and our motives for everything we say or do. At times we think “Nobody understands me or how I’m feeling” those are times that God is saying “I totally understand and can relate.” We are made in God’s image...we are like God with one exception...He is sinless. Everything else is the same. So he understands all of our emotions, and every small detail about us.
3. Pursue - to follow in order to overtake or capture
So, this verse tells us that God’s love for us isn’t going anywhere and is unchanging. Nothing we could do will cause God to stop loving us. This love He has for us is the strongest love imaginable. It’s the love of family. There is no stronger tie than that of family and that doesn’t mean just biological family...in scripture God makes clear that we are adopted into His family/kingdom. Adoption is an amazing and special thing. Adoption occurs when a family/person chooses to make a complete stranger, that they have no obligation to take care of, a part of their family. Adoption gives the adoptee the same rights and standing in the family as a biological child. They become heirs to the inheritance and everything their adoptive family possesses. God chose us to be in his family and to love us. The best part of this is, God is pursuing us with this love. We can’t out run it or escape from it. His love is ever present and I can assure you that the very longing of God’s heart is to capture and saturate us with His love.
by:Faith Flowers
PSALM 23
PEACE, REST& LOVE
In the past, I’ve generally heard this chapter preached in a negative/dark sort of light. For example, I’ve heard it preached as God made a person sick so they would take time to rest... God “made me lay down” so I would take care of myself. They believed God made them sick so they would have to rest. I’ve also heard it preached like woe is me.....I’m beat down, crawling on my belly through the Valley and that while we’re down there crawling God will comfort us and give us rest. However, when I read this chapter again last week, I saw it in a totally different light. As I was reading it this time, I envisioned a battle scene (very much similar to the movie “300" or “Narnia”). A fierce battle raging, yet off just to one side of the battle was a valley... peaceful, tranquil, safe, and care free. A place of refreshing. Psalm 23 was written by David, who we all know was a man of battle. David was an expert of war and fighting/conquering enemies. But I believe this chapter proves David was also an expert at resting in God and allowing God to refresh and strengthen him.
I. Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing”
A) A shepherd provides everything his sheep need....protection, guidance, food, water, rescuing, constant presence (he’s always with them watching over them)....you name it and a good shepherd ensures his sheep have it. God is our good Shepherd
II. Psalm 23:2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me to water in places of repose;”
A) Definitions of Make, Pasture, and Repose
1) Make - to cause to happen or be experienced by someone; to cause to exist, occur or appear;
2) Pasture - plants grown for the feeding especially grazing animals; land or plot of land used for grazing; the feeding of livestock; to feed (as cattle)on pasture
3)Repose - to remain still or concealed; to lie at rest; to rest for support; state of resting after exertion or strain; rest in sleep; place of rest; to place (as confidence or trust) in someone or something; to place for control, management or use (from the JPS Bible translation)
This tells me that God isn’t forcing us to lay down and rest. We know that God has compared himself to a shepherd and all throughout scripture we are referred to as His sheep. So, this verse is telling me that God, as our Shepherd, has provided, us the sheep, a pasture (a place to feed us). Not only is it a place to receive nourishment, we can also find rest here. Look at all repose means... we find support, a place of totally peace and safety to sleep and relax after a battle/strain. Not only that, but it’s a state of being in which we can turn over control of our lives, situations, etc to God for him to handle/manage for us. When God is in control of things, that gives us total peace and the ability to rest and relax, because we trust Him and know that everything is going to be just fine, because our good shepherd has is taking care of everything. We just have to follow him like good sheep.
III. Psalm 23:4 “Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff-they comfort me.”
A) Even when we go through places we are unfamiliar with, where we are stretched or under attack from the enemy or even times that may cause fear to try and rise up (whether it be from change, attack, etc) we should not be afraid. God is directing our path and is right beside us. He is our Shepherd. A shepherd directs/leads his sheep every moment of their lives. He knows where they are going and where they need to go and how to get them their. Shepherds don’t get lost. Shepherds have a plan. They love their sheep and protect/guide them at all costs. Sheep don’t have to worry about anything, except keep your eye on the shepherd and follow where he leads.
B) Significance of “Rod” and “Staff”...also Definitions of Both
1) Rod - straight, slender stick growing on or cut from a tree or busy; stick or bundle of twigs used to punish; a wand or staff carried as a badge of office
2) Staff - long sticke carried in the hand for support in walking; a rod carried as a symbol of office or authority.
A Rod/Staff was a common thing for shepherds to carry. I believe that both of these are symbolic reminders for us. A staff is a symbolic reminder for us that God supports us and holds us up as we walk through life; it’s also a reminder to us, as well as, our enemies of God’s strength and authority, as well as, the authority we have in Jesus name. The symbol of the Rod has a similar reminder of God’s authority and office or position, but rod also reminds our enemies of God’s punishment that will ensue for coming against His sheep (child of God). I don’t know about you, but I find both of those factors a HUGE comfort!!!
IV. Psalm 23:5 “You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my drink is abundant.”
A) Blessing and Abundance Infront of our Enemies!!
This goes back to what I envisioned when I read this chapter... a huge battle raging, but then in the midst of that or just off to the side in plain view of the battle, God spreads a huge banquet table for us and we sit down and eat and feast and relax with the enemy thrashing all around, but unable to touch us, disturb us or do anything but watch. All the enemy can do is watch as we sit relaxed in peace, feasting on what God has provided!!! That rocks!!!! Picture it...then picture it in your life, in whatever situation/struggle you find yourself in... we can have the same thing in the midst of our battle!! Not only is it a banquet...its an banquet of abundance. It’s not just a little snack or a situation where we might run out of food/provision....our drink/provision is abundant **abundant is defined as-marked by great plenty (as of resources); amply supplied** This tells me that God’s provision is never going to end and we can’t exhaust it no matter how much or often we draw from God’s supply. It’s never going to run out!!!! We have constant access and supply. This also speaks to how powerful our God is. Think of the type of strength and the force it would take to hold off an attacking army so that a select group could sit down in total safety and peace to have a feast...while the battle is still raging!!! That is power. That is our God!!
B) “You anoint my head with oil;” Olive oil was used for many purposes in Biblical times and was one of the most valuable products of the country . One of its uses was 1)Consecration of officials or sacred things. I believe that this verse is telling us that God has set us apart as holy to be His vessels to reach the world for Him (Ephesians 1:4 “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” &Exodus 28:41 “Clothe your brother, Aaron, and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they can serve as my priets.”). I believe this being set apart is something that should be evident/something everyone can see (just as oil running down your head is hard to hid... everyone sees it) so our actions should be obviously different from those who don’t know or serve Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 is an example of actions that we have that are TOTALLY opposite from the world). Also oil many times in scripture is a representative for the Holy Spirit. So, this verse is also a reminder of the Holy Spirit being ever present w/us & inside of us providing the support and anointing of God to do the Father’s business.
C) Overflow of blessings
No matter which translation you use, this part of verse 5 that our lives will be filled with overflowing, uncontainable blessing, more than we could ever need or use provisions and blessings.
V. Psalm 23:6 “Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for many long years.”
A) 1. Steadfast - firmly fixed in place (immovable); not subject to change
2. Love - strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
*the love God has for us arises from the fact we’re His kin/family (Romans 8:15 “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.”). Personal is defined as relating to the person or body. So that tells me that God’s love for us also comes from the fact that He COMPLETELY understands us. He knows why we do what we do, how/why we think like we think and our motives for everything we say or do. At times we think “Nobody understands me or how I’m feeling” those are times that God is saying “I totally understand and can relate.” We are made in God’s image...we are like God with one exception...He is sinless. Everything else is the same. So he understands all of our emotions, and every small detail about us.
3. Pursue - to follow in order to overtake or capture
So, this verse tells us that God’s love for us isn’t going anywhere and is unchanging. Nothing we could do will cause God to stop loving us. This love He has for us is the strongest love imaginable. It’s the love of family. There is no stronger tie than that of family and that doesn’t mean just biological family...in scripture God makes clear that we are adopted into His family/kingdom. Adoption is an amazing and special thing. Adoption occurs when a family/person chooses to make a complete stranger, that they have no obligation to take care of, a part of their family. Adoption gives the adoptee the same rights and standing in the family as a biological child. They become heirs to the inheritance and everything their adoptive family possesses. God chose us to be in his family and to love us. The best part of this is, God is pursuing us with this love. We can’t out run it or escape from it. His love is ever present and I can assure you that the very longing of God’s heart is to capture and saturate us with His love.
by:Faith Flowers
"Love....The Mold Breaker" (from Bible Study on 12-14-09)
Bit of an explanation....Anytime you see a scripture written down or a reference to a particular scripture....know that all my notes following are in reference to and regarding the before mentioned scripture. You may already realize that but thought it might be noteworthy. Thanks...Enjoy #2 in Monday night adventure :) Blessings, Faith
I. John 13:34
A) Look how Jesus loved/loves us. He was and is totally unselfish. When He walked on earth he constantly had compassion for the hurting. He constantly went around healing people; sometimes to the point he became physically exhausted. (John 4:6 ‘Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.’) *Jesus traveled a long way specifically to have this divine appointment with this woman*
Even when he was tired, Jesus still took time to minister to someone in need. I believe that God refreshed Jesus at some point between talking w/the woman and her bringing the whole town to meet him (John 4:4-42). God can do the same for us. No matter how tired we are, I believe God will refresh us and give us the strength for the divine appointments that come into our lives. God gave Jesus the refreshing he needed to be able to preach, do miracles or whatever needed to be done to minister to not only that woman, but her entire village!!!
II. Romans 12:2-12... The love of Jesus is TOTALLY opposite from the way of the world
A) 12:2
The Word tells us we are not to be like the world...we shouldn’t think or act like them. We should behave differently than those who don’t know Jesus. One way we do this is by loving people.
B) 12:9&10
People in the world only pretend to care/love others to get what they need, but the Word tells us we are to be different. We are supposed to truly love others. Is it possible to love everyone? Humanly speaking, no, but the love of God can give us the ability to love anyone. In day to day living, I believe that this verse also tells us that if you’re not to the point of genuinely loving others you can still show love.....in that we should still be kind and not use fake care and concern as a way to manipulate people. You show love/kindness and do the right thing even if you’re not having warm & fuzzy feelings for the person. The world is “dog eat dog.” People who don’t know Jesus are insensitive, inconsiderate, uncaring, self-centered and only see how things affect them. They could care less how their actions affect those around them. So to be loving show love to others is definitely not fitting the mold of the world (**Mold means - a distinctive nature or character; the frame on or around which an object is constructed) . Having compassion and putting the feelings of others before your own is TOTALLY opposite view of the world who “only watches out for #1.”
III. Proverbs 10:12, 1Peter 4:8......What love can do
A) Hatred and anger causes more conflict and hurt; love allows wounds to heal and forgiveness to be given. Love covers/makes up for all offenses/sins/wrongs. The depth of Jesus love for us was ultimately shown by him voluntarily giving up his life on the cross to save us from our sins. His love/death negates/makes nonexistent all of our sins. His love gives us a full pardon from our sins/past and gives us a fresh start free from condemnation. The love of Jesus we show in our everyday lives will cause us to let go of offenses and hurts that others cause us. We will extend the same pardon so to speak to others and release them from the debt of offense we hold against them.
IV. 1 Corinthians 13:13....The power of love
A) The Word says three things will last forever, 1)faith 2) hope & 3) love. We all know that faith is one of the most powerful forces known to man. Faith causes God to move and the impossible to become a reality. However, here the Word tells us that love is even greater. Wow!!! Love is the key to stopping the enemy in his tracks. The enemy has no defensive or offense against love. Love is the perfect weapon to overcome the enemy in every situation. Love is the enabling force that allows you to do things that would normally be impossible....forgiveness, unselfish acts, be generous, do good for evil, etc
**Definitions: 1) faith - firm belief in something for which there is no proof; complete trust
2) hope - to expect with confidence;
3) love - unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another
V. 1 John 4:18, John 3:16, Proverbs 3:12 & Romans 5:8... Love the Father has for us
A) 1 John 4:18
When we really know how much God loves us, we can do anything!!! We can have a full and fear free life. Freedom from fear of failure, the unknown, sin, etc
B) John 3:16 & Romans 5:8
God love for us was so great that He allowed his ONLY, dearly loved Son to die a brutal death to guarantee our freedom from sin and allow us to spend eternity in Heaven w/Him.
C) Proverbs 3:12
God corrects us because He loves us. If our actions are going to cause us injury, he has to correct/stop us because He doesn’t want us to get hurt. He loves us enough to redirect us when we’re headed the wrong way. If you see your child walking on a path that leads them to the edge of a cliff, you’re going to redirect them because you don’t want them to fall to their death. God’s the same way. Now, God’s correction is not in the form of sickness or harm. It’s more of an enlightenment, revelation or sometimes a “you shouldn’t have done that” type scolding. :) However, if our mistake is a sin that causes us to step our from under God’s protection and open a doorway for the enemy to come against us....then the enemy can bring sickness or some other type of curse caused by sin into our lives. David is a perfect example....his sin with Bathsheba and then the murder of her husband allowed the devil to bring sickness upon the baby conceived by David & Bathsheba, which ultimately ended w/the baby’s death. David asked for forgiveness and God forgave him, but the sin still had a consequence and allowed the devil an opportunity to attack.
D) Romans 5:5 & John 14: 16-17
The Holy Spirit is tangible proof of God’s love. God gave us the Holy Spirit to be our constant companion, counselor, comforter, and guide.
Love...The Mold Breaker
I. John 13:34
A) Look how Jesus loved/loves us. He was and is totally unselfish. When He walked on earth he constantly had compassion for the hurting. He constantly went around healing people; sometimes to the point he became physically exhausted. (John 4:6 ‘Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.’) *Jesus traveled a long way specifically to have this divine appointment with this woman*
Even when he was tired, Jesus still took time to minister to someone in need. I believe that God refreshed Jesus at some point between talking w/the woman and her bringing the whole town to meet him (John 4:4-42). God can do the same for us. No matter how tired we are, I believe God will refresh us and give us the strength for the divine appointments that come into our lives. God gave Jesus the refreshing he needed to be able to preach, do miracles or whatever needed to be done to minister to not only that woman, but her entire village!!!
II. Romans 12:2-12... The love of Jesus is TOTALLY opposite from the way of the world
A) 12:2
The Word tells us we are not to be like the world...we shouldn’t think or act like them. We should behave differently than those who don’t know Jesus. One way we do this is by loving people.
B) 12:9&10
People in the world only pretend to care/love others to get what they need, but the Word tells us we are to be different. We are supposed to truly love others. Is it possible to love everyone? Humanly speaking, no, but the love of God can give us the ability to love anyone. In day to day living, I believe that this verse also tells us that if you’re not to the point of genuinely loving others you can still show love.....in that we should still be kind and not use fake care and concern as a way to manipulate people. You show love/kindness and do the right thing even if you’re not having warm & fuzzy feelings for the person. The world is “dog eat dog.” People who don’t know Jesus are insensitive, inconsiderate, uncaring, self-centered and only see how things affect them. They could care less how their actions affect those around them. So to be loving show love to others is definitely not fitting the mold of the world (**Mold means - a distinctive nature or character; the frame on or around which an object is constructed) . Having compassion and putting the feelings of others before your own is TOTALLY opposite view of the world who “only watches out for #1.”
III. Proverbs 10:12, 1Peter 4:8......What love can do
A) Hatred and anger causes more conflict and hurt; love allows wounds to heal and forgiveness to be given. Love covers/makes up for all offenses/sins/wrongs. The depth of Jesus love for us was ultimately shown by him voluntarily giving up his life on the cross to save us from our sins. His love/death negates/makes nonexistent all of our sins. His love gives us a full pardon from our sins/past and gives us a fresh start free from condemnation. The love of Jesus we show in our everyday lives will cause us to let go of offenses and hurts that others cause us. We will extend the same pardon so to speak to others and release them from the debt of offense we hold against them.
IV. 1 Corinthians 13:13....The power of love
A) The Word says three things will last forever, 1)faith 2) hope & 3) love. We all know that faith is one of the most powerful forces known to man. Faith causes God to move and the impossible to become a reality. However, here the Word tells us that love is even greater. Wow!!! Love is the key to stopping the enemy in his tracks. The enemy has no defensive or offense against love. Love is the perfect weapon to overcome the enemy in every situation. Love is the enabling force that allows you to do things that would normally be impossible....forgiveness, unselfish acts, be generous, do good for evil, etc
**Definitions: 1) faith - firm belief in something for which there is no proof; complete trust
2) hope - to expect with confidence;
3) love - unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another
V. 1 John 4:18, John 3:16, Proverbs 3:12 & Romans 5:8... Love the Father has for us
A) 1 John 4:18
When we really know how much God loves us, we can do anything!!! We can have a full and fear free life. Freedom from fear of failure, the unknown, sin, etc
B) John 3:16 & Romans 5:8
God love for us was so great that He allowed his ONLY, dearly loved Son to die a brutal death to guarantee our freedom from sin and allow us to spend eternity in Heaven w/Him.
C) Proverbs 3:12
God corrects us because He loves us. If our actions are going to cause us injury, he has to correct/stop us because He doesn’t want us to get hurt. He loves us enough to redirect us when we’re headed the wrong way. If you see your child walking on a path that leads them to the edge of a cliff, you’re going to redirect them because you don’t want them to fall to their death. God’s the same way. Now, God’s correction is not in the form of sickness or harm. It’s more of an enlightenment, revelation or sometimes a “you shouldn’t have done that” type scolding. :) However, if our mistake is a sin that causes us to step our from under God’s protection and open a doorway for the enemy to come against us....then the enemy can bring sickness or some other type of curse caused by sin into our lives. David is a perfect example....his sin with Bathsheba and then the murder of her husband allowed the devil to bring sickness upon the baby conceived by David & Bathsheba, which ultimately ended w/the baby’s death. David asked for forgiveness and God forgave him, but the sin still had a consequence and allowed the devil an opportunity to attack.
D) Romans 5:5 & John 14: 16-17
The Holy Spirit is tangible proof of God’s love. God gave us the Holy Spirit to be our constant companion, counselor, comforter, and guide.
"Battle Ready" (1st Lesson presented 12-7-2009)
As promised here is the copy of my lesson from the very first Monday night Bible study. Keep in mind these are my notes and althought I've tried to put them in some type of logically order....my logic may not be the same as yours :) Anyway, hope you don't find the order to confusing. Enjoy......
Lesson from 12-7-2009
I. Being a Christian is no cake-walk. Though we can have joy & peace, we still face obstacles and battles. Whether its on the job or an attack within/against our family, we all have battles.
II. The good news is God has promised in His Word to be everything we need in our time of battle. (Psalm 18:1-3, 16-19, 29, 34&35)
Psalm 18:1-3.....What God is
Verse 1: Strength- quality or state of being strong; capacity for exertion or endurance; power to resist force; power of resisting attack
Verse 2: A)Rock-a firm foundation; steady, unshifting
B) Fortress- a fortified place; stronghold; a large permanent fortification that sometimes included a town
**many times a fortress/places of safety in Bible times was built on rocks/cliffs, etc**
C)Deliverer/Savior - Deliverer means one who sets free; to assist in giving birth; to give birth to; to send to an intended target or destination; to come through with; to bring (as votes) to the support of a candidate or cause; to produce the promised, desired or expected results.
**Wow!!!! Deliverer is a perfect name for our God....he sets us free from sin and our old lives and anything that has us in bondage (Romans 6:14 ‘Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God’s grace.’), He gives birth to us in that we get a brand new life & a brand new us when we are saved (Ephesians 4:24 ‘You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness-righteous, holy, and true’), we have an intended target/destination of Heaven as well as a specific purpose for our lives and callings to fulfill here on earth (Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you says the lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’), we are His cause and he brings us support in any form need, and last but definitely not least He has promised a expected result for us in His Word...we can be like Him
Psalm 18:16-19....
God reaches down to where we are in the middle of the storm/crisis/attack and rescues us. Doesn’t matter how strong our opponent seems, or how impossible the situation looks; it doesn’t matter how weak or powerless you feel....God has the strength to rescue you and to help you stand and overcome. God rescues us not because of our good works or because we’re performing like a good little Christian....He rescues us because He “delights in” us (*delights means something that gives great pleasure; extreme satisfaction; to give joy or satisfaction; ). It makes God happy to help us and we bring Him joy!!!
**Let me make plain that you can’t be purposely living a life of sin and living however you want, rejecting salvation and expect God to bless you; you have to receive Jesus as your Savior and when that happens you can enjoy ever promise God has for you in His Word**
Psalm 18:29...
God gives us the strength to defeat any opponent or enemy attack; With God we can make it over/thru any obstacle or hurdle
Psalm 18:34-35...Examples of our Weapons:
Whether you realize it or not, God has already put within us and put resources in place that prepare us for any attack/battle we will ever face. Here are just a couple examples of our weapons:
A) Bow - a weapon that is made of a strip of flexible material with a cord connecting the two ends and holding the strip bent and that is used to propel an arrow; an effective long range weapon
**if a bow is brittle, it’ll break when you try to fire an arrow. You have to be flexible in battle and not do things the way YOU think that should be done; you have to follow God’s battle plan and stand on the Word.**
A.1)Significance of Bronze in this verse:
Bronze also has very little metal-on-metal friction, which made it invaluable for the building of cannon where iron cannonballs would otherwise stick in the barrel; also bronze was often used to make utensils (which is useful tool or instrument)...we are God’s utensils in the world.
**Believers joining together is a powerful thing (Matthew 18:19 & 20 ‘I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them’). However to be effective there cannot be any “fricition”...we have to have the characteristic of bronze.**
B)Shield (shield of your salvation)- a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm; a device or part that serves as a protective cover or barrier; one that protects or defends
B.2) m-w def of Salvation- a preservation from destruction or failure; deliverance from danger or difficulty
**Salvation is our shield not only from hell, but from the battles of life**
III. No matter what type of battle you’re facing (sickness, unemployment, unhappy marriage, addictions, peer pressure to have sex, do drugs, etc(teens), hurts from the past, oppression... whatever you’re facing.....You can overcome/defeat it and have victory through Christ Jesus.
You do have the strength to make it and to fight back, because God is your unending source and supply. He supplies all the weapons and strength you need for the battle. The Word is your weapon. Find scripture that deal with what you’re facing and speak it daily over your life and the situation. Combat the enemy w/the Word and he will be powerless!! Jesus did it (Matthew 4:1-11). It worked for Jesus in the wilderness and it’ll work for you and I now.
by:Faith Flowers
“BATTLE READY”
Lesson from 12-7-2009
I. Being a Christian is no cake-walk. Though we can have joy & peace, we still face obstacles and battles. Whether its on the job or an attack within/against our family, we all have battles.
II. The good news is God has promised in His Word to be everything we need in our time of battle. (Psalm 18:1-3, 16-19, 29, 34&35)
Psalm 18:1-3.....What God is
Verse 1: Strength- quality or state of being strong; capacity for exertion or endurance; power to resist force; power of resisting attack
Verse 2: A)Rock-a firm foundation; steady, unshifting
B) Fortress- a fortified place; stronghold; a large permanent fortification that sometimes included a town
**many times a fortress/places of safety in Bible times was built on rocks/cliffs, etc**
C)Deliverer/Savior - Deliverer means one who sets free; to assist in giving birth; to give birth to; to send to an intended target or destination; to come through with; to bring (as votes) to the support of a candidate or cause; to produce the promised, desired or expected results.
**Wow!!!! Deliverer is a perfect name for our God....he sets us free from sin and our old lives and anything that has us in bondage (Romans 6:14 ‘Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God’s grace.’), He gives birth to us in that we get a brand new life & a brand new us when we are saved (Ephesians 4:24 ‘You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness-righteous, holy, and true’), we have an intended target/destination of Heaven as well as a specific purpose for our lives and callings to fulfill here on earth (Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you says the lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’), we are His cause and he brings us support in any form need, and last but definitely not least He has promised a expected result for us in His Word...we can be like Him
Psalm 18:16-19....
God reaches down to where we are in the middle of the storm/crisis/attack and rescues us. Doesn’t matter how strong our opponent seems, or how impossible the situation looks; it doesn’t matter how weak or powerless you feel....God has the strength to rescue you and to help you stand and overcome. God rescues us not because of our good works or because we’re performing like a good little Christian....He rescues us because He “delights in” us (*delights means something that gives great pleasure; extreme satisfaction; to give joy or satisfaction; ). It makes God happy to help us and we bring Him joy!!!
**Let me make plain that you can’t be purposely living a life of sin and living however you want, rejecting salvation and expect God to bless you; you have to receive Jesus as your Savior and when that happens you can enjoy ever promise God has for you in His Word**
Psalm 18:29...
God gives us the strength to defeat any opponent or enemy attack; With God we can make it over/thru any obstacle or hurdle
Psalm 18:34-35...Examples of our Weapons:
Whether you realize it or not, God has already put within us and put resources in place that prepare us for any attack/battle we will ever face. Here are just a couple examples of our weapons:
A) Bow - a weapon that is made of a strip of flexible material with a cord connecting the two ends and holding the strip bent and that is used to propel an arrow; an effective long range weapon
**if a bow is brittle, it’ll break when you try to fire an arrow. You have to be flexible in battle and not do things the way YOU think that should be done; you have to follow God’s battle plan and stand on the Word.**
A.1)Significance of Bronze in this verse:
Bronze also has very little metal-on-metal friction, which made it invaluable for the building of cannon where iron cannonballs would otherwise stick in the barrel; also bronze was often used to make utensils (which is useful tool or instrument)...we are God’s utensils in the world.
**Believers joining together is a powerful thing (Matthew 18:19 & 20 ‘I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them’). However to be effective there cannot be any “fricition”...we have to have the characteristic of bronze.**
B)Shield (shield of your salvation)- a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm; a device or part that serves as a protective cover or barrier; one that protects or defends
B.2) m-w def of Salvation- a preservation from destruction or failure; deliverance from danger or difficulty
**Salvation is our shield not only from hell, but from the battles of life**
III. No matter what type of battle you’re facing (sickness, unemployment, unhappy marriage, addictions, peer pressure to have sex, do drugs, etc(teens), hurts from the past, oppression... whatever you’re facing.....You can overcome/defeat it and have victory through Christ Jesus.
You do have the strength to make it and to fight back, because God is your unending source and supply. He supplies all the weapons and strength you need for the battle. The Word is your weapon. Find scripture that deal with what you’re facing and speak it daily over your life and the situation. Combat the enemy w/the Word and he will be powerless!! Jesus did it (Matthew 4:1-11). It worked for Jesus in the wilderness and it’ll work for you and I now.
by:Faith Flowers
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Here I Go.......
Well....once again I'm stepping out and doing something I've never done before. It's honestly becoming the norm for me. Anyway, at the idea of a friend and urging of my loving husband....I'm starting a blog to share the lessons from the Monday Night Bible study I'm leading.
Never in a million years did I ever really picture myself teaching a Bible Study (or a BLOG for that matter), but here I am. A few months ago, God dropped in me to start a Bible study in my home. I didn't act upon it right away, but the idea wouldn't go away. It was always there in the back of my mind. Then, at a night service at our church (Grace Fellowship Georgetown, KY), God used the sermon of a dear friend of mine to confirm and inspire me to act upon the idea. So, I shared my first lesson on Monday, December 7, 2009.
I only had a total of four (4) people attend (that number included me and my two (2) daughters)!! LOL :) However, it was an awesome night. The one non-family member that attend was a great friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was a great night of fellowship. Honestly, I didn't care if I was the only one that showed up...I would've preached to myself! After all, it's about obedience...not what we can see with our eyes or even about what we think something should be...it's about relationship. It's about trusting God with everything, all the time and knowing that even if we don't understand all that's going on....we trust Him to take care of us and to know exactly what He's doing.
The best part about this is, this Bible study is probably one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done! It's urged me to dive even deeper into God's Word and to crave the revelation God brings me. Pretty much addicted is what I am :) I wake up in the mornings excited about reading my Bible because I know God is going to share something. It's hard to describe. Hopefully you'll experience for yourself one day & totally understand.
Back on topic.....You will soon learn I am very long winded (or in this case long-typing).....Anyway, I will be posting all of my past messages/notes and all upcoming messages/notes from my Monday Night Bible study very soon.
I hope whoever reads this blog is blessed by it's contents.......I'll blog atcha soon :)
Goodnight.
Never in a million years did I ever really picture myself teaching a Bible Study (or a BLOG for that matter), but here I am. A few months ago, God dropped in me to start a Bible study in my home. I didn't act upon it right away, but the idea wouldn't go away. It was always there in the back of my mind. Then, at a night service at our church (Grace Fellowship Georgetown, KY), God used the sermon of a dear friend of mine to confirm and inspire me to act upon the idea. So, I shared my first lesson on Monday, December 7, 2009.
I only had a total of four (4) people attend (that number included me and my two (2) daughters)!! LOL :) However, it was an awesome night. The one non-family member that attend was a great friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was a great night of fellowship. Honestly, I didn't care if I was the only one that showed up...I would've preached to myself! After all, it's about obedience...not what we can see with our eyes or even about what we think something should be...it's about relationship. It's about trusting God with everything, all the time and knowing that even if we don't understand all that's going on....we trust Him to take care of us and to know exactly what He's doing.
The best part about this is, this Bible study is probably one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done! It's urged me to dive even deeper into God's Word and to crave the revelation God brings me. Pretty much addicted is what I am :) I wake up in the mornings excited about reading my Bible because I know God is going to share something. It's hard to describe. Hopefully you'll experience for yourself one day & totally understand.
Back on topic.....You will soon learn I am very long winded (or in this case long-typing).....Anyway, I will be posting all of my past messages/notes and all upcoming messages/notes from my Monday Night Bible study very soon.
I hope whoever reads this blog is blessed by it's contents.......I'll blog atcha soon :)
Goodnight.
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