Acts 1:8 reads: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the Earth."
One of the key words is receive. But what does "receive" truly mean?
Receive - Seize, accept, put on.
We need to grab the power, we need to accept that we have it, and we have to put it on (use it.)
The biggest problem is not that we don't have the power, it's that we don't use it!
The power will manifest when you receive and use it.
Don't just bury it inside you and hide it!
Power is granted to be given away, you didn't get that power for yourself!
Once you have the Jesus flame, you should spread the fire to as many people as possible!
"How do I get the power?" You confess it with your mouth!
"How long do I confess it?" Until you believe it in your heart!
"How do I know if I believe it in my heart?" The power is released!
The power is inside of your body.
Where does the devil attack? Your body.
Coincidence? I think not!
When you turn on a light, what happens? The darkness disappears. They don't coexist. They don't hang out with one another! When the light (Jesus) turns on inside of you, you've gotta get rid of all that darkness (Sin, sickness)! You can only have light or darkness! If you think you have both, one of 'em's not real!
Any foreign power (sickness, corruption) must be dismissed from you!
Romans 8:2 reads: "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."
Free from the law of sin and death means not only free from sin, but free from sickness, disease, and even pain! Stop saying what the devil wants you to say! As soon as you confess a symptom, Satan's got ya!
When the symptom comes to someone who believes in their heart, they should say "not mine!"
When the symptom comes to someone who doesn't, they'll say "oh, that's mine!"
"My back really hurts!" It's yours!
"I have a headache today!" It's yours!
"I feel kinda sick..." It's yours!
Jesus payed the whole debt! All the Darkness is gone! Stop confessing it!
If someone came and payed your entire mortgage, why would you keep sending in payments?
Sin and Sickness are identical twins. Don't treat sickness any differently than you would sin!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Take Up Your Cross
Luke 9:23. Then he said to them all "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me"
One of the key words at the beginning of this verse is all. The option is open to everyone. it doesn't matter what you've done. It doesn't matter what you have. Jesus opens his invitation for all. Though, Jesus himself says in Mark19: 23-24 Then Jesus said to his disciples "Assuredly I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven", but I'll get to that later.
Then Jesus says "If anyone desires to come after me" We have to truly want to follow him. We can't fool Jesus, there's no faking it. You may fool everyone else, but Jesus knows your heart.
Now on to the topic of denying yourself. What this is saying is that we have to deny our earthly desires, and spend time with God. This is where I'll come back to Mark 19:23-24. The reason it is harder for a rich man, is because a rich man has more Earthly possessions, and therefore it is harder for him to leave it. Would you be more likely to leave a pile of junk or a pile of money?
The cross was Jesus being persecuted. As Christians, we are going to be persecuted almost every day, but we have to turn the other cheek and walk in love. Just follow Jesus' example. When he was being murdered, he told God to forgive his murderers, for they didn't know what they were doing.
One of the key words at the beginning of this verse is all. The option is open to everyone. it doesn't matter what you've done. It doesn't matter what you have. Jesus opens his invitation for all. Though, Jesus himself says in Mark19: 23-24 Then Jesus said to his disciples "Assuredly I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven", but I'll get to that later.
Then Jesus says "If anyone desires to come after me" We have to truly want to follow him. We can't fool Jesus, there's no faking it. You may fool everyone else, but Jesus knows your heart.
Now on to the topic of denying yourself. What this is saying is that we have to deny our earthly desires, and spend time with God. This is where I'll come back to Mark 19:23-24. The reason it is harder for a rich man, is because a rich man has more Earthly possessions, and therefore it is harder for him to leave it. Would you be more likely to leave a pile of junk or a pile of money?
The cross was Jesus being persecuted. As Christians, we are going to be persecuted almost every day, but we have to turn the other cheek and walk in love. Just follow Jesus' example. When he was being murdered, he told God to forgive his murderers, for they didn't know what they were doing.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Feeding the Multitudes
We always think when God asks something of us, ti's going to be something big, something powerful, and/or something painful for us. But sometimes God just want to use what we already have.
Think of the disciples. Jesus took the five loaves of bread that they already had, and used it to feed thousands. Sometimes God's just waiting for us to give him permission.
Often times, you will have to risk your reputation, and risk looking foolish
After giving Jesus the five loaves of bread, the disciples had to go tell everyone to sit, and that they were going to feed them. Do you realize how foolish they would have looked if Jesus didn't come through, and they only brought out a mere five loaves of bread? But they didn't worry about that. They had faith that Jesus would pull through and use what little they had to fill the hunger of thousands.
Think of the disciples. Jesus took the five loaves of bread that they already had, and used it to feed thousands. Sometimes God's just waiting for us to give him permission.
Often times, you will have to risk your reputation, and risk looking foolish
After giving Jesus the five loaves of bread, the disciples had to go tell everyone to sit, and that they were going to feed them. Do you realize how foolish they would have looked if Jesus didn't come through, and they only brought out a mere five loaves of bread? But they didn't worry about that. They had faith that Jesus would pull through and use what little they had to fill the hunger of thousands.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Into God's Promise
The time of transition is over.
For a long time we've been in a time of transition into the PROMISED land. We've been Crossing over into God's Promise!
We've touched down in the Promised land! We've made it!
When the spies went into the Promised Land, Only two of them, Joshua and Caleb, Saw The blessing... all the others only saw Gaints.
Just because we've reached the Promised land doesn't mean our troubles are over, we still have the giants to face! But God is on our side. He's brought us here and he will help us through it!
When God makes you a promise, Do you think the Devil's just going to let you have it! No! You have to take it by force! The Giants have had your promise for a long time, and they're not giving it up! We need to take our inheritance by force! Wouldn't it break your heart if your Children didn't take the inheritance your blood paid for?
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He's no respecter of persons! If he did it for the Israelites, he'll do it for us!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Staying On-board
Acts 27:31 reads: Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved" Whenever we come to Christ, We can't go out and live in the world as we did before. We must stay in God, otherwise we won't be saved. We have to keep on track and stay focused on God. It's not an easy task but it's possible.
The men were afraid of crashing onto the rocks, so they wanted to abandon ship. Several Christians are afraid of what people will think and fear persecution, so they abandon God and return to the world. But God offers more protection from harm than the world does. Imagine if a storm hit. Would those men have been better off in the protection of the ship, or out on their own in the waves?
Most people don't want to be Christians because they think it's hard, they think it's a battle. Life's a battle, Christian or not, there's no way around it!
Notice the scripture says: "Unless THESE MEN stay in the ship, YOU cannot be saved"
Paul's not talking to the ones who are wanting to leave the ship, he's talking to others on the ship. They were responsible for one another, otherwise none of them would make it. We're all more likely to make it through life if we have at least one person there to keep us on track, and put us in our place when needed! Similarly, If we notice someone slipping out of the boat or trying to get out, or even in the water swimming away, it's up to us to at least try to stop/help them. If we don't even try, we too will be held accountable before the throne of God.
The men were afraid of crashing onto the rocks, so they wanted to abandon ship. Several Christians are afraid of what people will think and fear persecution, so they abandon God and return to the world. But God offers more protection from harm than the world does. Imagine if a storm hit. Would those men have been better off in the protection of the ship, or out on their own in the waves?
Most people don't want to be Christians because they think it's hard, they think it's a battle. Life's a battle, Christian or not, there's no way around it!
Notice the scripture says: "Unless THESE MEN stay in the ship, YOU cannot be saved"
Paul's not talking to the ones who are wanting to leave the ship, he's talking to others on the ship. They were responsible for one another, otherwise none of them would make it. We're all more likely to make it through life if we have at least one person there to keep us on track, and put us in our place when needed! Similarly, If we notice someone slipping out of the boat or trying to get out, or even in the water swimming away, it's up to us to at least try to stop/help them. If we don't even try, we too will be held accountable before the throne of God.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Weight of Leadership
Even when we don't know it, some one is watching us. We are always influencing someone. Each and every one of us are leaders to someone. Let your actions be a witness to those around you. As my Father always says "Witness to those around you, and when necessary, use words" Our actions should be enough of a witness so that we do not need to use words
Before I begin, A little backstory: David's son, Absalom, has an army of his own and is trying to take David's Kingdom from him.
2 Samuel 18: 1-5: David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders of hundreds and thousands over them. He then sent out the troops, one-third under Joab, one-third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and one-third under Ittai the Gittite. The King said to the troops, "I will also march out with you"
"You must not go!" The people pleaded. "If we have to flea, they will not pay any attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not pay any attention to us because you are worth 10,000 of us. Therefore, it is better if you support us from the city"
"I will do whatever you think is best," The king replied to them. So he stood beside the gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands. The King commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat the Young man Absalom gently for my sake." All the people heard the king's orders to all the commanders about Absalom
As leaders, we need to keep our emotions in check. Absalom is David's enemy, but David tries to show mercy on him, even though Absalom is trying to kill him, and already has killed many of David's men and will kill many more. David is showing his troops that he cares more for his enemy than he does his own army
2 Samuel 18:32-33: The King asked the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom all right?"
The Cushite replied, "May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you with evil intent"
The King was deeply moved and went up to the gate chamber and wept. As he walked, he cried, "My son, Absalom! My son, my son Absolam! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!"
David is letting his personal emotions get in the way. The soldiers did what needed to be done, and killed Absalom, and by grieving for him, David is showing, once again, that he cares more for his enemy than for his loyal troops
We need to put aside our emotions whenever we are making a decision. Often times, the right decision will demand personal sacrafice. Do you have what it takes to be a leader? You must be able to make the hard decisions in life. Remember, We are always guiding others, even when we don't know it. David grieved for his son, but little did he know he was putting down his troops at the same time! It is ok to have personal feelings and emotions, but sometimes they should be put aside till we are alone. Had David congratulated his men, then grieved when he was alone in his quarters, his men would have been uplifted. Romans 14:19 Reads "We must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another"
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that you should never show emotion in public, But there is a time and place when we need to put them aside
2 Samuel 19:5-7: Then Joab went into the house of David and said, "Today you have shamed all your soldiers - those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines. You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!
Now get up! Go out and encourage your soldiers, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from all your youth until now!"
We all need a Joab in our lives. Joab was not being to harsh. He did what needed to be done, and put David in his place, so that David could do his job. Sometimes we all need some sense smacked into us. We need to have someone there who will be straight and truthful with us when we're in the wrong. And Vice Versa. Whenever we see a friend of ours who is in the wrong, we need to put them in their place. We could be the only ones willing, and if we don't, they won't know they're in the wrong, and could suffer because of it
Before I begin, A little backstory: David's son, Absalom, has an army of his own and is trying to take David's Kingdom from him.
2 Samuel 18: 1-5: David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders of hundreds and thousands over them. He then sent out the troops, one-third under Joab, one-third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and one-third under Ittai the Gittite. The King said to the troops, "I will also march out with you"
"You must not go!" The people pleaded. "If we have to flea, they will not pay any attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not pay any attention to us because you are worth 10,000 of us. Therefore, it is better if you support us from the city"
"I will do whatever you think is best," The king replied to them. So he stood beside the gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands. The King commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat the Young man Absalom gently for my sake." All the people heard the king's orders to all the commanders about Absalom
As leaders, we need to keep our emotions in check. Absalom is David's enemy, but David tries to show mercy on him, even though Absalom is trying to kill him, and already has killed many of David's men and will kill many more. David is showing his troops that he cares more for his enemy than he does his own army
2 Samuel 18:32-33: The King asked the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom all right?"
The Cushite replied, "May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you with evil intent"
The King was deeply moved and went up to the gate chamber and wept. As he walked, he cried, "My son, Absalom! My son, my son Absolam! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!"
David is letting his personal emotions get in the way. The soldiers did what needed to be done, and killed Absalom, and by grieving for him, David is showing, once again, that he cares more for his enemy than for his loyal troops
We need to put aside our emotions whenever we are making a decision. Often times, the right decision will demand personal sacrafice. Do you have what it takes to be a leader? You must be able to make the hard decisions in life. Remember, We are always guiding others, even when we don't know it. David grieved for his son, but little did he know he was putting down his troops at the same time! It is ok to have personal feelings and emotions, but sometimes they should be put aside till we are alone. Had David congratulated his men, then grieved when he was alone in his quarters, his men would have been uplifted. Romans 14:19 Reads "We must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another"
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that you should never show emotion in public, But there is a time and place when we need to put them aside
2 Samuel 19:5-7: Then Joab went into the house of David and said, "Today you have shamed all your soldiers - those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines. You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!
Now get up! Go out and encourage your soldiers, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from all your youth until now!"
We all need a Joab in our lives. Joab was not being to harsh. He did what needed to be done, and put David in his place, so that David could do his job. Sometimes we all need some sense smacked into us. We need to have someone there who will be straight and truthful with us when we're in the wrong. And Vice Versa. Whenever we see a friend of ours who is in the wrong, we need to put them in their place. We could be the only ones willing, and if we don't, they won't know they're in the wrong, and could suffer because of it
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