KLC Northampton Podcasts

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Sunday 4th October 2015 - Brian Nish

Sundays Word - Marcus Thorman 27th September 2015

KLC. SUNDAY 20/ 9/2015 TITLE. A SECOND TOUCH GOD GIVES AS MUCH GRACE AS WE NEED HE TOUCHED ME HE TOUCHED ME AND OH THE JOY THAT FILLED MY SOUL SOMETHING HAPPENED AND NOW I KNOW HE TOUCHED ME AND MADE ME WHOLE WHO HERE HAS KNOWN THE MASTERS TOUCH SCRIPTURES. MARK 8:: 22 -25 AND THEY CAME TO BETHESDA AND SOME PEOPLE BROUGHT TO HIM A BLIND MAN AND BEGGED HIM TO TOUCH HIM AND HE TOOK THE BLIND MAN BY THE HAND AND LED HIM OUT OF THE VILLAGE AND WHEN HE HAD SPIT ON HIS EYES AND LAID HIS HANDS UPON HIM HE ASKED HIM DO YOU SEE ANYTHING AND HE LOOKED UP AND SAID I SEE MEN BUT THEY LOOK LIKE TREES WALKING THEN AGAIN HE LAID HIS HANDS UPON HIS EYES AND HE LOOKED INTENTLY AND WAS RESTORED AND SAW EVERYTHING CLEARLY JEREMIAH. 1 5::10 BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB I KNEW YOU BEFORE YOU WERE BORN I DEDICATED YOU A PROPHET TO THE NATIONS I APPOINTED YOU AH LORD GOD I SAID I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SPEAK I AM TO YOUNG BUT THE LORD ANSWERED ME DO NOT SAY I AM TO YOUNG TO WHOMEVER I SEND YOU YOU SHALL GO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU YOU SHALL SPEAK DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM FOR I AM WITH YOU TO DELIVER YOU ORACLE OF THE LORD THEN THE LORD EXTENDED HIS HAND AND TOUCHED MY MOUTH SAYING TO ME SEE I PLACE MY WORDS IN YOUR MOUTH IF YOU ASK SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THE TOUCH OF GODS HAND TO DESCRIBE THAT EXPERIENCE THEY WILL USE WORDS LIKE WONDERFUL AMAZING SUPERNATURAL AWESOME MIRACULOUS UNBELIEVABLE AND LIFE CHANGING TOUCH IS SOMETHING EVERY HUMAN BEING LONGS FOR WAS DESIGNED FOR ... AND DESPERATELY NEEDS THIS MORNINGS MESSAGE IS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO GOD TOUCHED AND PEOPLE WHO LONGED TO BE TOUCHED BY GOD AGAIN IN OUR GOSPEL TEXT MARK RECORDS FOR US A RATHER STRANGE EVENT OF A BLIND MAN WHO WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS COMES TO JESUS TO BE HEALED NOW THIS MAN WAS IN A BAD WAY THIS GUY WAS BLIND AND THAT WAS JUST ABOUT AS BAD AS ANYONE COULD BE IN JESUS TIME TODAY WE CAN PREVENT AND TREAT SO MANY EYE PROBLEMS MANY HERE WEAR GLASSES OR CONTACTS OR HAVE HAD LASER SURGERY OR CATARACT SURGERY HOW WOULD LIFE BE FOR YOU WITHOUT GLASSES OR CONTACTS OR SURGERY BAD VISION IS BAD ENOUGH BUT IN JESUS DAY TO BE BLIND WAS TO BE HELPLESS AND WITHOUT HOPE HOW DID HE SEE HIMSELF UNCLEAN UNWANTED UNWORTHY UNLOVED ISOLATED AS FAR AS WE KNOW THIS BLIND MAN DIDNT KNOW JESUS HIS FRIENDS TAKE HIM BY THE HAND AND LEAD HIM IN DESPERATION FOR A MEETING WITH JESUS THE MAN HIMSELF HAD VERY LITTLE FAITH AND EVEN LESS HOPE AND NO CHANCE OF RECOVERY AS FAR AS HE KNEW ALIVE BUT BLIND WAS AS GOOD AS IT WAS GOING TO GET FOR HIM AND THEN JESUS TOUCHED HIM HE TOOK HIM BY THE HAND HE TOUCHED HIS EYES THE MAN COULD SEE LIGHT AND PEOPLE AND MOVEMENT BUT HIS EYESIGHT WASNT PERFECT BUT THAT WAS STILL A WHOLE LOT BETTER THAN THE DARKNESS THE BLINDNESS IN THAT TOUCH JESUS GAVE THE MAN A GLIMPSE OF POSSIBILITY. A GLIMPSE OF HOPE OF HOW MUCH BETTER LIFE COULD BE AND THE MAN WANTED MORE HE WANTED TO BE TOUCHED AGAIN HE WANTED A SECOND TOUCH HE WANTED MORE AND JESUS STRETCHING OUT HIS HAND TOUCHED HIM AGAIN AND IN THAT SECOND TOUCH THE MAN WHO HAD BEEN BROKEN BY BLINDNESS WAS HEALED AND WHOLE AND COMPLETE HIS FUTURE AND HIS LIFE WAS RESTORED TO HIM HE NOW SAW HIMSELF AS CLEAN. WANTED I HAVE WORTH LOVED IN COMMUNITY LET EVERY EYE BE OPENED IN THIS PLACE OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART LORD OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART I WANT TO SEE YOU AND IN THAT SECOND TOUCH THE MAN WHO HAD BEEN BROKEN BY BLINDNESS WAS HEALED AND WHOLE AND COMPLETE JEREMIAH IS ANOTHER PERSON WHO WAS TOUCHED BY GOD ::: AND THEN TOUCHED AGAIN NOW UNLIKE THE BLIND MAN WHO HAD LITTLE FAITH JEREMIAH WAS A MAN OF GREAT FAITH HE LOVED GOD AND HE KNEW THAT GOD HAD ALREADY TOUCHED HIM IN FACT GOD REMINDS JEREMIAH BY SAYING BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB I KNEW YOU. YOU SEE GOD HAD BEEN PERSONALLY AND INTIMATELY INVOLVED IN CREATING JEREMIAH AND JEREMIAH WAS A FOLLOWER OF GOD HE WAS GODS MAN EAGER AND READY TO LIVE FOR GOD AND TO LIVE FOR GOD AND TO SERVE HIM BUT THERE WAS JUST ONE PROBLEM JEREMIAH COULDN'T DO IT NOT EVERY DAY NOT 24/7 HE FELT INADEQUATE HE HAD WEAKNESSES AND FAULTS BUT HE JUST WASNT THAT GOOD SOUND KIND OF FAMILIAR BE ENCOURAGED GOD USED JEREMIAH AND HE WANTS TO USE YOU EVEN THOUGH WE MESS UP AND SCRAPE OUR KNEES GOD STILL SEES GREATNESS IN US JEREMIAH NEEDED SOMETHING MORE THAN HE HAD IN HIMSELF HE NEEDED ANOTHER TOUCH OF GODS HAND AND SO GOD TOUCHES JEREMIAH AGAIN TOUCHES HIS MOUTH AND JEREMIAH GOES ON TO BE ONE OF THE HEROES OF THE FAITH I JUST LOVE HOW GOD CAN TAKE AND TRANSFORM A TIMID BUT WILLING SELF CONSCIOUS DISCIPLE INTO A CONFIDENT CAPABLE LEADER WITH JUST THE TOUCH OF HIS HAND THE TOUCH OF GOD IT REALLY IS AMAZING AND WONDERFUL AND AWESOME BUT YOU KNOW ME. THIS ISNT JUST ABOUT THE BLIND MAN AND JEREMIAH ITS ABOUT YOU TOO AND ME THE WORD OF GOD ALWAYS !!!! ENCOUNTERS US AND CHALLENGES US AND ASKS US WHAT ABOUT YOU WHATS YOUR STORY HOW DO YOU FIT INTO GODS STORY YOUR STORY MAY NOT BE IN THE PAGES OF THE BIBLE OR WRITTEN IN INK BUT YOU HAVE A STORY AND LIKE IT OR NOT LOVE IT OR NOT YOU ARE WRITING IT RIGHT NOW YOUR STORY MAY HAVE SOME SIMILARITIES TO JEREMIAH'S STORY YOU HAVE A SENCE THAT GOD IS CALLING YOU TO DO SOMETHING OR CALLING YOU TO BE SOMETHING MORE THAN YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN BE I AM CALLING FORTH THE GOLD TODAY COME ON ONE MORE TOUCH AND THE BLIND MANS STORY IT MAY NOT BE SO DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OWN IN SOME WAYS YOU MAY BE JUST LIKE THE BLIND MAN OH YOU CAN SEE ALRIGHT BUT YOU KNOW. IF NO ONE ELSE KNOWS THAT YOUR LIFE IS JUST A BROKEN AS THIS MANS YOUR SITUATION SEEMS JUST IMPOSSIBLE YOUR HOPE OF THINGS BEING BETTER OF BEING A WINNER AND NOT A LOOSER IS ALL BUT GONE. AND YOU FEEL HELPLESS TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT PERHAPS LIKE THE BLIND MAN YOU YOU NEVER REALLY MET JESUS EITHER NOT FACE TO FACE AND LIKE THE BLIND MAN YOU WANT TO HAVE FAITH BUT ITS HARD YOU KNOW THIS STORY SOUNDS AWFULLY FAMILIAR TO PEOPLE JESUS TOUCHED HIM AND TODAY HE IS WILLING TO TOUCH YOU HIS TOUCH TOTALY TRANSFORMED THIS MANS LIFE GAVE HIM A FUTURE AND A REASON TO BELIEVE AND A REASON TO REJOICE A REASON TO GET UP IN THE MORNING AND TO GET DRESSED AND TO GET GOING TALK ABOUT AWESOME AMAZING AND WONDERFUL AND IF JESUS CAN DO THAT FOR THIS BLIND MAN HE CAN TOUCH US TOO YOU DONT NEED A WHOLE LOT OF FAITH JUST A LITTLE WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO HAVE A TOUCH LIKE THAT FROM JESUS TODAY OR LIKE JEREMIAH YOU CAN SAY GOD HIMSELF HAD A HAND IN YOUR CREATION YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING TOUCHED BY GOD BUT TODAY YOU KNOW YOU NEED A FRESH TOUCH ITS BEEN TO LONG. YOUR DRY AND THIRSTY COME AND DRINK HERE IS LIVING WATER WOVEN INTO THESE TWO STORIES OF JEREMIAH AND THE BLIND MAN IS A DIVINE TRUTH THAT IS ECHOED THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE YOU SEE GOD IS NOT DONE WITH US YET WE ARE A WORK IN PROGRESS IF YOU ARE NOT THE MAN YOU WANT TO BE. HANG ON IN THERE GOD IS NOT DONE YET. THERE IS YET ONE MORE TOUCH JEREMIAH AND THE BLIND MAN LIVED HUNDREDS OF YEARS APART BUT GOD IS THE SAME YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER THEY BOTH LONGED FOR A TOUCH THE BIBLE IS FULL OF STORIES OF PEOPLE WHOES LIVES WERE TOUCHED BY GOD JESUS TOUCHED THE BLIND MAN AND GAVE HIM BACK SIGHT AND HOPE HE TOUCHED LEPERS AND GAVE THEM DIGNITY JESUS TOUCHED THE WOMAN WHO WAS SICK AND BLEEDING AND GAVE HER HEALTH JESUS TOUCHED THE PEOPLE WHO WERE PARALYSED AND SET THEM FREE TO WALK AND RUN JESUS TOUCHED CHILDREN AND BLESSED THEM JESUS TOUCHED A DEAD GIRL AND GAVE HER LIFE WHAT ABOUT US. TODAY WHAT DO YOU WANT GOD TO DO FOR YOU TODAY WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO BE TOUCHED BY GOD TODAY IN A LIFE CHANGING WAY JESUS SON OF GOD HAVE MERCY ON ME. AMEN

Abide John 15:1-17 • The picture is of Jesus being the vine and us being the branch v1-2 • Jesus tells us to abide in Him v5. Remain in Him. Stay closely attached to Him. Connect to Him. Spend time in His presence. Get to know Him. • But not just abide in Him, but He in us too v4. • If we do this, we will bear much fruit v5. • We must make time to spend with God. It goes without saying. Read the Bible, pray to Him. But if we do it as a religious exercise, just because we know it is something we out to do, it’s a valueless experience. If we read because we want to get to know Him more and pray with an expectancy that He will hear us, then there will be life in it. • v7 encourages us to let His words abide in us. We need to spend time studying His word. As part of our time with Him, we must spend quality time getting to know what the Bible says. We need to resist things that will pull us away from studying God’s word. • Are there things in your life that you do that prevent you from studying the Bible? Enjoy life, but make God a priority. • But that is only part of it. That is abiding in Him. He wants to abide in us. We must allow Him to work through us. Speak to us. Equip us. Allow His Holy Spirit power to flow through us. • If we can abide in Him and allow Him to abide in us, we will bear much fruit. What is the fruit? • The fruit is therefore the produce of whatever flows through the vine. • v9 says ‘abide in My love’ – if we abide in Jesus, we abide in His love. If we remain in Him, spend time in His presence, stay closely attached to Him, the love that is present in Jesus will flow through Him (the vine) and into us (the branch). It will then produce fruit. We will produce the love that comes from Christ and that is what will impact our life and the lives of those around us. This love will transform our lives. • If you have areas in your life that you struggle with – self-control, anger, jealousy – whatever it may be, fixing it yourself is only going to do a temporary job. Without Jesus you can do nothing v5. It will not count for anything, even if your implementation is successful. • Galatians 5:16-26 talks about walking in the spirit. ‘Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh’. Allow the spirit to fill you and lead you and the desires of the spirit will outweigh the desires of the flesh. v22 tells us the fruit of the spirit. If we abide in the spirit, that will be the fruit. • That’s a personal element. The love that then flows through us will then have an impact on others. • John 13:34-35 tells us that if we love others (which will be a by-product of abiding in Jesus) then the world will know that we follow Jesus. • John17:23 – the world will see that God sent Jesus. That’s what it’s all about isn’t it? Conclusion • 1 Corinthians 13 – isn’t love good! That’s the kind of life I want to lead. • Abide in Him. Response • Are you producing much fruit?

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THE YOKE and the ANOINTING OIL INTRODUCTION Mark 6v13 – And the disciples cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them James 5v14 – Is anyone among you sick? Let the call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over them, anointing them with oil, in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up. And if they have committed any sins they will be forgiven We have known that the anointing oil represents the Holy Spirit, and have practised these verses for a number of years…nothing new here?? Or is there?? In times of revival God often gives ‘new and fresh revelation to old and foundational truths’ – the truths that really matter – salvation, the cross, healing, holiness, anointing with oil etc About two months ago, the Lord started to speak to me afresh about using the anointing oil when I pray with people. As I have done this I have seen some amazing things happen! This made me curious – so I asked the Lord what was happening?? I believe the Lord then said that “The anointing oil is destroying the yoke!” Isaiah 10v27 (NKJV) – And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil (fatness/prosperity) WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? Commentators differ on the meaning of this verse. There are four main lines of thought: 1) To enjoy prosperity/fatness. For the oxen to get so fat that the yoke breaks off their necks 2) When the Prophet/Priest/King were anointed with oil, and functioning properly, then Israel would enjoy prosperity/fatness 3) The Holy Spirit’s grace/power/gifts (x Ref Zechariah 4v6 – “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts) 4) Pointed ahead to Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One – who would ‘destroy’ the work of sin and the enemy in our lives (Isa 61v1-3; Luke 4v18; Heb 1v8-9) MY UNDERSTANDING AND APPLICATION ‘The Yoke’ – can be troubles, burdens, bondages, sickness, oppression, or any other negative thing that works against us 1) Destroy The Yoke Of The Enemy We ‘destroy the yoke of the enemy’ by praying for people using the ‘anointing oil’ – believing that the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and of Jesus the Anointed One, will come upon them when we anoint them with oil – in the name of Jesus! 2) Take On The Yoke Of Jesus We then need to encourage people to ‘take on the yoke of Jesus’ (Math 11v29-30 (AMP) – Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest, relief, ease, refreshment, recreation, and blessed quiet for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome, useful, and good – it is not hard, sharp, or pressing – but is comfortable, gracious, and pleasant – and My burden is light and easy to carry) In the Bible the oxen often worked in pairs – alongside one another. When we take on the ‘yoke of Jesus’ that’s how we should walk with Him – alongside Him 3) Become Spiritually Fat And Prosperous Our next step is to become so ‘spiritually fat and prosperous’ that the ‘yoke of the enemy’ can never again fit around our necks!!! How can we do this? 3 John 1v2 (NKJV) – Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers Keep our relationship with God in His word living and active Recognise new seasons in God and enter in - by faith Obey the leadings and promptings of the Holy Spirit Respond in obedience when God gives us new revelation Keep stoking our fire – by what we read and watch, the company we keep, being continually filled with the Holy Spirit etc FINALLY I am emphasizing a particular truth today - that God has revealed to me - about the anointing oil. Therefore, I can obey and practice this revelation – reverently - and with faith! If God gives you revelation about the anointing oil, you can’t just go down to Tescos, buy a bottle of oil and start anointing people??? I believe the oil needs to be prayed over and consecrated by myself, or one of the church elders – and then it needs to be used reverently - and with faith - as the Lord directs you!!! We can ALL still lay hands upon people and pray for them - without the anointing oil - and expect God to bless them in whatever way is necessary

Who am I in Christ? Eph 1 v 1-11 Passion Translation Everything heaven contains has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful Heavenly Father, the father of our Lord Jesus - all because he sees us wrapped up into Christ! Need to remember that Paul had been to heaven where God reigns so he knew what heaven contains! We are citizens of heaven resident on earth! Philippians 3:20-21 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. When we pray to our Father - let your Kingdom come and let your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven we are praying as citizens of heaven resident on earth. Ephesians 2:4-7 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved! For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:13 Although you were once distant and far away from God, now you have been brought delightfully close to him through the sacred blood of Jesus - you have actually been united to Christ! Ephesians 2:18 And now, because we are united to Christ and to each other, we both have equal and direct access in the realm of the Holy Spirit to come before the Father. 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 (The Voice) 16 Because of all that God has done, we now have a new perspective. We used to show regard for people based on worldly standards and interests. No longer. We used to think of the Anointed the same way. No longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone—and see—a new life has begun! 18 All of this is a gift from our Creator God, who has pursued us and brought us into a restored and healthy relationship with Him through the Anointed. And He has given us the same mission, the ministry of reconciliation, to bring others back to Him.

KLC. SUNDAY 2/8/2015 TITLE PALACE OR THE PASTURE 1SAMUEL 16::11 READ AND SAMUEL SAID TO JESSE ARE ALL YOUR CHILDREN HERE AND HE SAID THERE REMAINS YET THE YOUNGEST AND HE KEEPS THE SHEEP AND SAMUEL SAID TO JESSE SEND AND FETCH HIM FOR WE WILL NOT SIT DOWN UNTIL HE JOINS US WHAT MADE DAVID WHO HE WAS ,WAS NOT DEVELOPED IN THE FANFARE OF THE PALACE BUT IN THE ISOLATION OF A PASTURE LONG BEFORE HE PLAYED FOR SAUL HE PLAYED FOR GOD BEFORE DEFEATING THE GOLIATH HE PRACTICED ON TREES TARGETS BEARS AND LIONS DAVID WAS THE YOUNGEST SON THE YOUNGEST CHILD GENERALLY HAS TWO DISTINCTIONS 1/ SPOILED 2/ UNINFORMED (.BY HIS WORK AS A SHEPHERD ) IN DAVIDS DAY VERY LITTLE WOULD HAVE BEEN EXPECTED OF HIM HE DISPLAYS FEWER CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP THAN HIS BROTHERS AFTER ALL HE NEVER LEAD HE ONLY FOLLOWED HE HAS NO ONE YOUNGER ON WHOM TO PRACTICE LEADERSHIP THE SEVEN OLDER SONS OF JESSE WORKED NEAR THEIR FATHERS FARM THE YOUNGEST WAS SENT ON TREKS INTO THE MOUNTAINS TO GRAZE THE FAMILIES FLOCK THE YOUNGEST SON WOULD LEAVE HOME AND CARRY TWO THINGS A SLING AND A HARP SPARE TIME FOR A SHEPHERD IS ABUNDANT THE SHEEP WOULD GRAZE FOR DAYS IN THE GREEN MEADOW AS DAYS BECAME WEEKS DAVID BECAME LONLEY PERHAPS HE FELT FRIENDLESS AND THE SENCE OF ISOLATION WOULD PERHAPS RISE UP AND CAUSE TEARS IN HIS BOREDOM HE WOULD PLAY HIS HARP TO PASS THE HOURS AS HIS HARP PLAYING IMPROVED HE ADDED SINGING HIS VOICE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS AND BECAME STRONG AND MATURE WHEN HARP PLAYING FAILED TO COMFORT HIM I CAN SEE IN MY MINDS EYE DAVID AS HE GATHERED UP A PILE OF STONES AND ONE BY ONE HE PLACED THEM IN HIS SLING AND LAUNCHED THEM AT A DISTANT TREE WHEN THE ROCK PILE WAS DEPLETED HE GATHERED HIS ROCKS AND CHOSE ANOTHER LEAFY ENEMY FURTHER AWAY I AM SURE HE DEFEATED MANY TREES IN HIS ISOLATION HIS QUIET PLACE HE WORKED ON SOMETHING ELSE DAVID LOVED GOD AT NIGHT WHEN ALL THE SHEEP LAY SLEEPING AND HE SAT STARING AT THE EMBERS OF THE DYING FIRE HE WOULD STRUM UPON HIS HARP AND BREAK INTO QUIET SONG HE SANG THE HYMNS OF HIS FOREFATHERS I HAVE THIS IMAGE IN MY HEAD WHILE HE SANG HE WEPT. AND WHILE HE WEPT HE PRAISED THE PASTURES WERE IN THE MOUNTAINS AS HIS PRAISE REACHED THEM THEY LIFTED HIS CRY TO GODS EARS DAVID TENDED TO EACH AND EVERY SHEEP AND LAMB IN HIS CARE PLAYING. SINGING SLINGING ONE DAY WHILE SINGING TO GOD ANGELS SHEEP AND PASSING CLOUDS HE SPIED A LIVING ENEMY A BEAR DAVID LUNGED FORWARD THE BEAR AND DAVID FOCUSED ON THE SAME OBJECT A YOUNG LAMB SHEPHERD AND BEAR STOPPED HALFWAY AND TURNED TO FACE EACH OTHER DAVID REACHED INSIDE HIS POUCH FOR A STONE. AND REALISED HE WAS NOT AFRAID MEANWHILE THE BEAR ON STRONG FURRY LEGS CHARGED AT HIM PUT A STONE INTO HIS SLING AND SOON A BROOK SMOOTH ROCK FLEW THROUGH THE AIR BRINGING DOWN THE BEAR DAVID WAS SUDDENLY DIFFERENT LESS A YOUTH MORE A MAN STOOPING HE PICKS UP THE LAMB. AND SAYS I AM YOUR SHEPHERD AND GOD IS MINE AND SO LONG INTO THE NIGHT HE WOVE THE DAYS EVENTS INTO A SONG LIKE A ROCK FROM A SLING HE HURLED HIS HYMN TO THE SKIES AGAN AND AGAIN UNTIL HE TAUGHT THE MELODY AND WORDS TO EVERY ANGEL THAT HAD EARS DAVID WORSHIPED IT HAS BEEN SAID WHAT IS DONE IN DARKNESS WILL COME OUT IN THE LIGHT WE TEND TO LEAN TOWARDS THE NEGATIVE WHEN THIS POINT IS MADE WE SEEM TO BELIEVE THAT OUR SINS WILL FIND US OUT IF ALL THAT WE DO IN THE DARK IS SIN THAT IS TRUE THATS NOT THE ONLY THINGS HAPPENING IN THE DARK PSALM 119 : 62. AT MIDNIGHT I WILL RISE TO GIVE THANKS TO YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENTS ACTS 16 : 25 AND AT MIDNIGHT PAUL AND SILAS PRAYED AND SANG PRAISES UNTO GOD AND THE PRISONERS HEARD THEM I WANT TO SAY TO SOME TODAY !!! MIDNIGHT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT THOSE LONELY TIMES JUST YOU AND GOD ARE WHAT YOU MAKE THEM THAT ISOLATION IS NOT A TIME OF PUNISHMENT ITS A TIME OF PREPARATION MORE IMPORTANTLY. PLEASE UNDERSTAND. GOD IS MORE INTERESTED IN PREPARATION THAN PUNISHMENT WHAT WE SEE AS AN END GOD SEES AS A BEGINNING WORSHIP PETER THOUGHT IT WAS OVER. DENIED AND DISCONNECTED BUT JESUS SAID IT,S IN THAT LONELY TIME THAT I PREPARED FOR YOU A PENTECOST IN THE MIDNIGHT OF HIS LIFE WHEN PETER WAS ISOLATED AND ALONE JESUS WAS WORKING SOME PRIDE OUT SOME ARROGANCE OUT SOME SELFISHNESS OUT WHEN HE WAS BROUGHT OUT OF ISOLATION HE WAS ALSO BROUGHT OUT OF THE TIME OF PREPARATION IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE TIME IN THE WILDERNESS I COULD NEVER HAD HANDLED THE PROMISED LAND SEE YOUR DESTINY IS GREATER THAT YOUR DILEMMA SORRY FOR MY SLANG IF YOU AIN,T GOT NO DILEMMA YOU AIN,T GOT NO DESTINY WHEN GOD SETS US APART AND SEPARATES US FOR A SEASON RECOGNISE HIS WORK HE IS PERFECTING THE TOOLS THAT WE WILL NEED IN OUR DESTINATION INSTEAD OF POUTING. PRAY FLEEING. FAST WORRYING. WORSHIP WRINGING YOU HANDS READ YOUR BIBLE BAD THINGS ARE NOT THE ONLY THINGS HAPPENING IN THE DARK LONELY HOURS GOD HAS BEEN PATIENTLY SHAPING AND FORMING ME AND USING ME ALL AT THE SAME TIME. AND THE BEST IS YET TO COME HIS WORK IS NOT HAPPENING WHERE EVERYONE CAN SEE IT BUT IN THE HIDDEN PARTS OF THE HEART I AM BEING TRANSFORMED FROM ONE DEGREE OF GLORY TO ANOTHER BEING SHAPED MORE FULLY INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST WORSHIP WHEN SAUL CALLED DAVID TO PLAY THE HARP TO SOOTH HIS SPIRIT THAT WASNT THE FIRST TIME DAVID PICKED ONE UP LONG BEFORE HE PLAYED FOR THE KING HE WAS PLAYING FOR THE KING OF KINGS BEFORE ISRAEL RAISED HIS NAME IN TRIUMPH. HE PERFECTED HIS MINISTRY IN ISOLATION BEFORE THEY SANG HIS PRAISES IN THE STREETS. HE SANG GODS PRAISES IN THE MEADOWS WHY DID DAVID REJECT SAULS ARMOUR IT HAD NOT BEEN PROVED IN THE TRYING TIMES OF ISOLATION DAVID UNDERSTOOD THAT GOD WAS GOING TO MEET HIS NEEDS AND MAKE A WAY IF HE DIDNT NEED IT IN THE HOURS AND DAYS HE SPENT WITH GOD IT WAS GOING TO BE A WEIGHT LETS SET ASIDE EVERY SIN AND WEIGHT WORSHIP WHEN DAVID PICKED UP HIS SLING TO FACE GOLIATH IT WAS NOT HIS FIRST DAY TO TRY IT OUT YEARS BEFORE HE DEFEATED TREES DONT GET HUNG UP IN THE PHILOSOPHY THAT GOD GUIDED THE STONE I PROPOSE TO YOU TODAY THAT GOD GUIDED A SHEPHERD BOY GOD GRADUATED DAVID FROM TREES TO TARGETS TO A BEAR WHEN HIS FAITH WAS STRONG HE GUIDED HIM TO A LION THEN A GIANT GOD WAS GUIDING LONG BEFORE THAT STONE LEFT THE SLING GOD GUIDED DAVID IN TIMES OF PREPARATION SO HE COULD STAND IN TIMES OF ADMIRATION IF WE GET ADMIRATION BEFORE PREPARATION IT WILL LEAD TO DEVASTATION THE BEST IS YET TO COME A GREAT DESTINY AWAITS US LETS BE THOSE WORKING ON THE THINGS WE SHOULD BE IF DAVID HAD NEVER PICKED UP THE HARP IN ISOLATION HE WOULD NEVER HAVE PLAYED TO SAUL IF HE HAD NEVER PICKED UP THE SLING !!! IF HE HAD NEVER SANG AND PRAISED GOD HE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ANOINTED KING GOD DIDNT GET TO KNOW DAVID IN THE PALACE HE GOT TO KNOW HIM IN THE PASTURE WHERE ARE YOU TODAY

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PRESSING IN FOR BREAKTHROUGH INTRODUCTION (2 KINGS 5v1-15) ‘Jesus in the House’ – Paralytic man’s friends breaking through the roof to get to Jesus The need for us to break through to new places in God – and to break through in the different situations in our lives Before I went on holiday I believe God spoke to me about having a week of Prayer & Fasting on my return for areas in my life where I want break through Therefore, the Word this morning is for me – but you can listen to it as well - if you like! Also, I will be starting my week of Prayer & Fasting next Sunday for seven days – you can join me – if you like? I have no guarantee that this Word is from God – but even if there is only a 1% change that it is God, I want to take the risk?? The guarantee I do have is this – When God sees me seeking after him and trying to be obedient (even if I am wrong) – I know it will please and thrill God’s heart!! My breakthroughs may be instant or gradual – but I believe God will honour my heart I’ve been a Christian long enough to know that if I want things around me to change, then I need to change – and move up a gear! PRESSING IN FOR BREAKTHROUGH Namaan, was a great general of the army of the King of Syria and suffered from leprosy, for which there was no cure On one of their raids into Israel the Syrians brought back a young Israelite girl who served Namaan’s wife This young girl said to her mistress that if Namaan went to the prophet Elisha he would heal him of his leprosy • When Namaan heard this word, hope must have sprang up in his heart • Namaan then had to leave his own house (familiar surroundings) and go to Elisha’s house • When Namaan arrived at Elisha’s house, Elisha sent a messenger to tell Namaan to “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and you will be healed” (When God speaks it is important to obey – no matter how simple or crazy it sounds! John A testimony) • Namaan was looking for the spectacular and nearly missed the supernatural • Namaan’s pride, and His preconceived idea of how God would heal him, nearly caused him to miss the blessing of God • Namaan had some good and wise servants who spoke to him and encouraged him to obey • So Namaan then humbled himself and obeyed the words of Elisha • He dipped himself in the Jordan seven times – and he was healed (not 3 times or 5 times but 7 times – if he had only dipped himself 3 times he might only have got partial healing??) MY APPLICATION – from next Sunday 12th – 19th July I believe God has said to me (the word of Elisha) the following: • To leave this house/KLC (the familiar) and go to another house/Duston Chapel – for seven days (a week of P & F) • To have Morning, Midday, and Evening Prayers (Tongues?) • To pray in the Chapel each evening for one hour from 8-9pm • You can join me – if you like – for some, or all of this. For the evening prayer at the Chapel people can come and go during the hour

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PRESSING IN FOR BREAKTHROUGH INTRODUCTION (2 KINGS 5v1-15) ‘Jesus in the House’ – Paralytic man’s friends breaking through the roof to get to Jesus The need for us to break through to new places in God – and to break through in the different situations in our lives Before I went on holiday I believe God spoke to me about having a week of Prayer & Fasting on my return for areas in my life where I want break through Therefore, the Word this morning is for me – but you can listen to it as well - if you like! Also, I will be starting my week of Prayer & Fasting next Sunday for seven days – you can join me – if you like? I have no guarantee that this Word is from God – but even if there is only a 1% change that it is God, I want to take the risk?? The guarantee I do have is this – When God sees me seeking after him and trying to be obedient (even if I am wrong) – I know it will please and thrill God’s heart!! My breakthroughs may be instant or gradual – but I believe God will honour my heart I’ve been a Christian long enough to know that if I want things around me to change, then I need to change – and move up a gear! PRESSING IN FOR BREAKTHROUGH Namaan, was a great general of the army of the King of Syria and suffered from leprosy, for which there was no cure On one of their raids into Israel the Syrians brought back a young Israelite girl who served Namaan’s wife This young girl said to her mistress that if Namaan went to the prophet Elisha he would heal him of his leprosy • When Namaan heard this word, hope must have sprang up in his heart • Namaan then had to leave his own house (familiar surroundings) and go to Elisha’s house • When Namaan arrived at Elisha’s house, Elisha sent a messenger to tell Namaan to “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and you will be healed” (When God speaks it is important to obey – no matter how simple or crazy it sounds! John A testimony) • Namaan was looking for the spectacular and nearly missed the supernatural • Namaan’s pride, and His preconceived idea of how God would heal him, nearly caused him to miss the blessing of God • Namaan had some good and wise servants who spoke to him and encouraged him to obey • So Namaan then humbled himself and obeyed the words of Elisha • He dipped himself in the Jordan seven times – and he was healed (not 3 times or 5 times but 7 times – if he had only dipped himself 3 times he might only have got partial healing??) MY APPLICATION – from next Sunday 12th – 19th July I believe God has said to me (the word of Elisha) the following: • To leave this house/KLC (the familiar) and go to another house/Duston Chapel – for seven days (a week of P & F) • To have Morning, Midday, and Evening Prayers (Tongues?) • To pray in the Chapel each evening for one hour from 8-9pm • You can join me – if you like – for some, or all of this. For the evening prayer at the Chapel people can come and go during the hour

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Klc. June 22 nd 2015 Fathers day Father hunger God chose a father for his son I realised on thursday that i was due to speak today and that it was fathers day Ok i thought i can do this How hard can it be Well i sat to write and pray And i never expected the mixed emotions Joy tears thoughts Stories. Child under 5 Dads presents cost less I thought of single mothers who have duel roles. God bless you And dads for whom fathers have been poor role models And hurting fathers Fathers waiting for the prodigal to return to father gods house Lord have mercy On mothering sunday we honour mothers On father day we preach about how fathers need to measure up No guilt trips today God chose a father for his son Mat 1::: 18-25 2::13-15 2:::19-25 Today is fathers day i want to speak to you about a man A father who is very often overlooked I think in some quarters he is overshadowed by the prominence given to his wife Im talking about joseph the husband of mary. And the adopted father of jesus I have never heard anyone preach a sermon on joseph (.have you ) But i believe its a significant thing that even as god chose mary to be the one who would give birth to the son of god So in his mighty providence He chose joseph to be a father to jesus and to raise him into manhood Mary and joseph were chosen together to be parents Illustration Film. Who will love my children I watched it with jenny One of those sad movies that your wife wants you to watch As she systematically cries her way through a king size box of kleenex The story tells of a poor family with hard working parents with a large number of children The woman discovers that she has an incurable illness and will die within a year Her husband is a good man but incapable of raising the large number of children alone Particularly in those days before government assistance And so the heartbreaking tale is of a mother who goes out searching for loving parents who will care for all her children She wants to have them all placed before she goes But as i recall this film it leads me to thinking about the birth of jesus Just like that women who loved her children so much that she personally wanted to choose parents for them and not leave it to chance Father god in the same way went looking for parents to raise his only begotten son He searched the earth a young girl-- a teenager engaged to be married the bible says she found favour with god she was a choice young lady. A god fearing young lady But note. God also went looking for a father he called mary and joseph as a couple And here is the point of it God clearly demonstrates for us that the role of father is a most important one Fathers are not only needed for the physical act of conceiving a child but they are also needed for the spiritual act of raising a child The child was conceived in marys womb by the holy spirit A miracle took place so there was no need for a man to be involved But a man was still needed to fill the role of father in. Jesus childhood Having said that. Let me say a word to single parents here today Please dont despair because father or mother are absent There is hope god is so gracious Though my father and mother forsake me yet the lord will take me up The usual pattern is for father and mother And to those single parents today we say. We salute you we honour you god bless you for your diligence and devotion So lets look for a few moments at some of the things the bible says about joseph 1/ a loving man Look at mathew 1::19. Read Joseph finds out that mary is pregnant he hasnt had any great revelation yet. What is he to think What would you think guys You've fallen in love with this pretty young girl You do all the right things You persue her in the proper customary way In stolen moments you've talked to her about dreams and a future together A home a family a buisness And then out of the blue you learn that this sweet girl (you thought you knew so well) Is pregnant newly pregnant And you dont know who the father is But you know there is on person you can rule out How does it make you feel angry betrayed Upon discovery that mary was pregnant joseph would have been obliged to divorce her Divorce was required to finish a betrothal. Engagement And this would have exposed mary to public shame and humiliation But even before god spoke to joseph He didnt have any vengeance or bitterness in his heart He was minded for her sake to put her away secretly without a judge Joseph was kind he loved mary This was no mills and boon romance This is real love based on real commitment Men the bible tells us today that we must love our wives with all that we have The way that christ loves the church and laid down his life for it Joseph was a loving man toward mary But we also see that joseph was a loving man in his relationship towards jesus Towards jesus When the child came along - The child he had not conceived There was no attitude in joseph that this boy is not my flesh and blood There was no resentment or indifference towards him No lack of love Joseph adopted jesus as his own He protected him from herods hatred he nurtured him and cared for him He taught jesus his own trade of carpentry He adopted the one that the rest of the world would reject Joseph was a loving man thats the first thing that is clear Secondly joseph was 2 / a devout man He was a man who obeyed god He explicitly followed gods leading and direction He didn't follow his own marked out plan for life He wanted gods plan So when god spoke to him in a dream and told him to marry mary Even though she was pregnant He obeyed Then when god spoke and said. Take mary and jesus to egypt for safety he immediately obeyed He closed up his buisness and left And when god spoke and said it's ok to return again he did as directed He was a man of obedience He was a man of faith It takes faith to pack your bags and head of to egypt with no prospects and no planing Simply because god said so He had faith and lived the dream He could have made excuses and stayed where the prospects look good But no he was a man of faith Fathers here this morning you faith will speak to your children Joseph was a man leaning on god 3/. He was a man faithful in spiritual duty He set an example for his family Going to the temple attending the feasts He was regular in going to gods house Our kids are watching our faithfulness 4/ he was a wise man Now please listen to me carefully Joseph was wise because he redeemed the time By all accounts joseph had a shortened life we dont read of him after jesus childhood And at the cross jesus charged john with the care of his mother So it seems as if joseph was taken from them prematurely But joseph had used what time he had been given honourably wisely He had provided for his family He had set an example that they would remember He had raised them in the nurture and admonition of the lord Jesus was not the only son he raised he had two other sons They wrote books of the bible (james and jude) James was a leader at the church in jerusalem He raised his children and left a Legacy after his lifetime Conclusion Fathers none of us know just how much time we have left with our children with our families A year two years five years Are we redeeming the time Encouraging our families at every opportunity setting an example Providing for their needs This man joseph inspires me I am sure he wasnt perfect but he was devoted and he was doing his very best redeeming the time Happy fathers day

God's Fatherhood, fellowship and prescence

HOLY SPIRIT (2) INTRODUCTION “…it is to your advantage that I go away…” (John 16v7) “…and He will give you another Helper…” (John 14v16) To our advantage? Jesus could only be in one place at one time Holy Spirit is the Helper (Greek ‘allos’ – another one just like Jesus). He will do what Jesus would do if He was physically present with us We need to get to know Holy Spirit as a Person and build a relationship with Him THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The Lord is ‘One’ Father – He plans everything, and everything comes from Him Jesus – He paid the price for everything to make it available to us Holy Spirit – is the power of God to bring it about Everything comes – from the Father - through the Son - by the Holy Spirit (manifested to us) Holy Spirit is the ‘contact Person’ of the Trinity on the earth He is God on earth - God’s presence on earth Holy Spirit (God) is omnipotent (all powerful) – omniscient (all knowing) – omnipresent (everywhere), but He’s not manifest everywhere Holy Spirit thinks He is God Who are we to argue? He knows everything. He’s not worrying about how to fix things! Holy Spirit is not to be looked upon merely as an influence Many believers are robbed of a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit because they consider the Spirit to be an impersonal influence, power, or energy Holy Spirit is often symbolized as an impersonal object Wind, fire, water, oil, dove, finger of God, a seal, or other impersonal objects This seems to negate the fact that He is a divine Person But there are symbols which refer to Jesus, such as a lamb, a rock, a lion, yet these things do not negate Jesus being a divine Person “Holy Spirit” is a divine title This seems harder for believers to relate to than “Father” and “Son”. No doubt this is because these titles have a much more human feel to them than “Holy Spirit” Holy Spirit is spoken of as having personal qualities The 3 main qualities which constitute personality are attributed to the Holy Spirit:- (i) Mind (Rom 8v27) (ii) Will (1 Cor 12v11) (iii) Emotions (Rom 8v26; Rom 15v30; Col 1v8) These things are inapplicable to an impersonal influence or power Holy Spirit is referred to with personal pronouns Often by the Lord Jesus Himself namely ‘He’ and ‘Him’ (John 14v16,7,26; John 15v26; John 16v7-15) Holy Spirit has personal feelings:- a) He can be grieved (Eph 4v30) b) He can be insulted (Heb 10v29) c) He can be blasphemed (Math 12v31-32) d) He can be lied to (Acts 5v3) e) He can be resisted (Acts 7v51) f) He can be quenched (1 Thess 5v19) Holy Spirit is within the believer, comes alongside us (parakletos), and comes upon us (John 14v16-17; Acts 1v8) The early disciples had a relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit on earth Jesus is now at the Father’s right hand in heaven But His disciples since then should also have a relationship with the Holy Spirit on earth – as well as with the Father and Jesus in heaven (John 14v16-17; Acts 5v3) Holy Spirit is a colourful Person – a God of diversity You can never put Him in a box He is gentle, and yet He is the most powerful Person in the universe He is holy and yet loving at the same time He has a sense of humour (‘oil of gladness’) He loves to fellowship with us - probably more than we do with Him (2 Cor 13v14; Phil 2v1). (sharing, unity, partnership;, participation, close association, friendship, communion). We are co-workers with Holy Spirit, and He is the Senior Partner Holy Spirit always points to Jesus and the Word (John 16v13-15) Holy Spirit helps us (John 14v16 – Helper)) To pray, understand the bible, prophesy, heal the sick, do acts of kindness, walk in love, break through in to new things Holy Spirit is the Presence, the River of God, and Revival (Ex 33v14-16; Rev 22v1; John 7v37; Ez 47; Psalm 1) Moses understood the importance of God’s presence There is a River of the Holy Spirit’s Presence flowing from the throne of God in heaven today This River is leading us into a great revival and harvest as it flows into the sea of mankind As we stay in this River, and this River flows in us, we will continually bear fruit, our leaves shall not wither, and whatever we do shall prosper We need to ‘know’ Holy Spirit as a Person through experience, as well as through the Word. A relationship with Holy Spirit is more important than revival (He is revival) His presence makes us feel loved, accepted, and valued. It’s His presence that satisfies us deep within, not His power We should pursue God’s presence because we love Him And want to spend time with him – not to get more power Nevertheless, the result of being in God’s presence means we come out with more power Feeling loved, accepted, and valued all come from being in Holy Spirit’s presence We won’t get this from ministry We should minister out of the above – not to get the above! CONCLUSION Holy Spirit is God on earth – co-equal with the Father and Lord Jesus Holy Spirit is a Person Holy Spirit wants a relationship with YOU!

Sunday 24th May - Marcus Thorman

Sunday 17th May - Paul Worth

PRESSING IN FOR A BREAKTHROUGH INTRODUCTION (Mark 2v3-5) Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him, because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic “Son, your sins are forgiven you…Arise take up your bed and walk” Last week we heard that ‘Jesus is in the house’. This means in my heart, my home, and my church But because Jesus is in the house doesn’t mean that blessings will now fall upon us automatically – we still need to press in to receive the blessings God has for us - by faith! In times of revival God doesn’t just turn up some Sunday morning because He feels like it (although He could). Someone, somewhere, has been pressing in for a breakthrough to God in prayer! Some of the world’s greatest achievements have not come through people with great gifts or wealth – but through DETERMINATION! The bible calls this FAITH! I believe we’re entering a season where God wants us to press in for a breakthrough (TO BE DETERMINED) – for ourselves, for others, and for our town and nation Just like these four men did for their paralytic friend (V4) THEY COULD NOT COME NEAR HIM BECAUSE OF THE CROWD Use your imagination • They’d obviously heard about the miracles Jesus had performed – that’s why they were carrying their friend to Jesus • But when they arrived they couldn’t get near Jesus because of the crowd – at this point they could have given up and returned home • Are we put off from pursuing God for something by the ‘crowd’ - the first apparent obstacle that comes against us? • Mark 5v25-34 – the lady with the issue of blood ‘pushed through the crowd’ to get what she wanted from Jesus by faith • The four friends didn’t give up either but looked for another way in and went up the steps to the roof carrying their friend (v4) THEY UNCOVERED THE ROOF WHERE HE WAS • Digging a hole in the roof was hard work. They didn’t come prepared for this so didn’t bring a bag of tools! They used what they had to dig and press through • If we really want to press through into the presence of Jesus we won’t be put off by crowds or hard work • For us it might not be digging a hole in a roof – but praying and seeking God with all our heart • Jer 29v11-13 – Then you will call upon Me and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart • When we press in to the presence of Jesus – we will also find the answers to our prayers (v4) SO WHEN THEY HAD BROKEN THROUGH • The four men had dug a hole in the roof - maybe with their bare hands - and had finally broken through into the presence of Jesus • Now they could bring their need to Jesus – their paralytic friend – believing that Jesus would heal him • Do you believe that if you were in the presence of Jesus He would answer your prayers? (v5) WHEN JESUS SAW THEIR FAITH HE SAID TO THE PARALYTIC • Faith is trusting in the Lord with our whole heart and not leaning into our own understanding (Pro 3v5) • ‘When Jesus saw their faith’ - He responded to it by healing their paralytic friend. This shows us that faith doesn’t necessarily need to be in the person needing healing • But I believe there’s more to it than this! ‘He said to the paralytic’ - “Your sins are forgiven you” – salvation before the Cross? Moses, Elijah, King David etc? Secondly Jesus says “Arise, take up your bed and walk” – healing? • Jesus said to the lady with the issue of blood “Your faith has made you well” (Mark 5v34) • Jesus is still looking for faith on the earth today because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13v8) • And He will be looking for faith on earth when He returns (Luke 18v8) • The paralytic and his four friends must have gone on their way rejoicing - because they pressed in for a breakthrough to Jesus for healing – and came away with more than they looked for! • Jesus came to bring us ‘not just life’ – but ABUNDANT LIFE! He not only wants to meet our needs but give us something extra to go away with!!! CONCLUSION • I believe ‘Jesus is in the house’ but this doesn’t mean that blessings will fall upon us automatically – we have to press in for a breakthrough – for ourselves, for others, and for our town and nation • I believe that there are cracks in the dam and water is starting to flow –but we need to press in for a breakthrough – so that the dam bursts completely - and a mighty river of revival sweeps through our town and nation • I believe that we press in for a breakthrough through prayer and seeking God with our whole heart (LHOP leaflets) And…BY BEING DETERMINED…to keep pressing through until you get what you are after. And then Jesus will probably give you something extra – just because He loves you!

JESUS IS IN THE HOUSE INTRODUCTION (Mark 2v1-12) Before I speak about ‘Jesus Is In The House’ I want us to be clear that the house I’m talking about is not just bricks and mortar! In the New Testament, individuals are called ‘a house of God’, and another name for the church is ‘the house of God’ THE HOUSE OF GOD 2 Cor 5v1-2(NASB) – For we know that if the earthly tent, which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, For indeed in this house we grown, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven… Eph 2v19 & 22 – Now therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit 1 Tim 3v15 – I write that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God Heb 3v6 - …but Christ as a Son over His own house - whose house we are - if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end 1 Pet 2v5 – you also, as living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ 1 Pet 4v17 – For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God • I am a house of God (as an individual) • We are a house of God (the church) • We live in houses made of bricks and mortar • God’s house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11v17). Prayer was a top priority in the New Testament church, and should also be for us today. Now that we know that individually and corporately we are a house of God, and we live in houses made of bricks and mortar, I want to speak about ‘Jesus Is In The House’ JESUS IS IN THE HOUSE (Mark 2v1-12) V1 – It was heard that Jesus is in the house • Therefore anything can happen • At Ffald-y-Brenin ‘Jesus is in the house’ Cars coming up the driveway/people encountering God in the field/amazing healings etc - all because ‘Jesus is in the house’ • Imagine Jesus in your house? Not just ‘by faith’ – but by ‘His manifest presence’ John 14v21(AMP) – The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who really loves Me; and whoever really loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and will show, reveal, manifest Myself to him (I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him) John 14v23 (AMP) – Jesus answered, If a person really loves Me, he will keep My word and obey My teaching; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him (our abode, special dwelling with him – i.e.Live in the house with him!) Jesus wants to manifest (reveal) His presence to YOU and live in YOUR HOUSE (Your heart and home) Therefore, if you will meet His conditions – love Jesus and keep His word – He will do it V2a – People will be drawn to His presence and they will come • Ask Jesus to manifest His presence in your heart, home, and church, so that people will be drawn to Him V2b (VOICE) – Still more people pressed forward to hear Jesus teaching the message of God’s kingdom • The message of the kingdom of God is one of the most, if not the most, important teaching in the bible Jesus in the Gospels Jesus in Acts 1v3 -…being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God We are told in Math 6v33 to ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness’ Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Math 6v10 ‘Your kingdom come’ The next few verses are actually about the kingdom of God advancing in a person’s life V3-5 – Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men • Here we have ‘Intercession’ ‘Intercession’ means ‘to stand in the gap on behalf of another’ These four men were standing in the gap on behalf of their friend • They were absolutely committed – opened up the roof and lowered their friend through They wouldn’t give up until they brought the need of their friend to the notice of Jesus • When Jesus saw ‘their’ faith He said to the paralytic “Son, your sins are forgiven you” The words spoken by Jesus went to the root of the problem and brought salvation and healing • Jesus came as Immanuel – ‘God with us’ – and He’s still ‘with us’ today, because the Holy Spirit now makes the presence of Jesus manifest So that we can intercede and speak the word, to bring salvation and healing to others V6-7 – And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this…?” • Sadly, there will always be people who will criticise and mutter at what Jesus is doing • Spitting and putting mud on people’s eyes is pretty unorthodox??? But we need to decide if ‘religious behaviour’ is more important to us than having ‘Jesus in the house’ Remember, God’s ways and thoughts are much higher than our ways and thoughts (Isa 55v8-9) V11a – I say to you, arise • We need to ‘arise’ and ‘waken up’ to who God is – and who we are • We need to make every effort to ‘rise up’ above sin, hurt, sickness, and circumstances Recognise that people need Jesus and there’s a world to change But the kingdom is here - and Jesus is in the house V11b – Take up your bed and go to your house • What’s ‘your bed?’ What is it that’s ‘held you?’ Sickness, brokenness, failure? Is your history one of sickness and defeat? You can turn your history around – because Jesus is in the house You can now ‘take hold of it’ and ‘rule over it’ You can now ‘rise up’ and keep ‘the bed’ under your feet • You can then help others with compassion by telling them about ‘your bed’ and how Jesus redeemed and healed you from the ‘inside out’ V12 – Immediately he arose, took up his bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so they were all amazed and glorified God, saying “We never saw anything like this!” • I would imagine that the paralytic was asked often over the years “How come you’re healed?” “What happened?” I’m sure his reply would have been something like “I was brought to a place where Jesus was in the house – and I received healing – because when Jesus is in the house anything can happen!” CONCLUSION • I believe that Father God wants us to show that we REALLY love Jesus by keeping and obeying His word (written/prophetic)) more and more • He wants all of us, individually and corporately, to know the manifest presence of Jesus, in our hearts, homes, and church Remember John 14v21 (AMP)…I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him • Because when ‘Jesus is in the house anything can happen!’. Therefore, when ‘Jesus is in YOUR HOUSE anything can happen to YOU and through YOU!’ • And people will hear what Jesus is doing – and they will be drawn to His presence - and they will come

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FOUNDATIONS FOR BLESSING INTRODUCTION 1) The word ‘Blessing’ has been trivialised in our day. 2) People have a wrong image of God and the Church. 3) God is a loving Father whose primary desire is to bless people and do them good - both through Himself directly, and through His people. ‘Blessing’ – God’s favour, to consecrate, to make holy, to protect, to make happy, to bring increase, to empower to prosper in every area of life, to be successful, to be content and satisfied – for the believer blessing can bring an increased sense of identity as God’s child FOUNDATIONS FOR BLESSING Adam/Eve Gen 1v28 – Then God blessed them and said to them “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth…” Noah Gen 9v1 – So God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth…” Abraham Gen 12v1-3 - …I will bless you and make your name great and you shall be a blessing…and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” Israel Deut 28v1-14 – Now it shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God…that the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth…and all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you… Church Gal 3v7-14 – Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham…Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law…that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus…” God wants His church today to pursue and dwell in His presence, to recognise and receive His blessing, and to learn to pray and pronounce His blessing over individuals, communities, and nations! THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM Gen 12v1-3 - …I will make you a great nation; I will bless you…and you shall be a blessing…and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed Gal 3v13-14 – Christ has redeemed us from the curse…that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles • God is a loving Father whose primary desire is to bless people • As believers we are the seed of Abraham/in his family line • The blessing of Abraham is part of our inheritance • Israel was called as a nation to demonstrate the blessing of God • God now wants to bless His church so we can demonstrate His blessing to nations • Blessings Deut 28v1-14; Eph 1v3 GOD’S PRIESTS ARE CALLED TO RELEASE BLESSING Lev 9v23-24 – And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people and fire came out from before the Lord Deut 10v8 – At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi – to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord - to stand before the Lord to minister to Him - and to bless in His name – TO THIS DAY 1 Pet 2v9 – But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light • Moses and Aaron went into God’s presence • They came out of God’s presence and blessed the people • God’s glory was seen and supernatural power was released • The tribe of Levi was called to carry God’s presence – to minister to Him – and to bless in His name • God placed in the mouths of the priests the power to speak words that caused God to release life-changing blessing upon the people • As New Testament believers we are God’s new priesthood and we are called to –go into God’s presence – to minister to Him – to carry His presence - and to bless people A HOUSE OF PRAYER - FOR BLESSING Mark 11v17 - …My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations… • The church is God’s house, the Father’s house. Therefore the church should be a house of prayer • A house of prayer for blessing is formed in such a way as to enable God’s manifest presence to inhabit the house • We then release the blessing of the kingdom and the rule of God into a particular area • This will result in salvation and freedom for individuals, and transformation of communities • The starting point for all of us is to become a house of prayer as an individual. This can then progress to our home, church, workplace • Both individuals and the corporate house need to be clean and holy before the Lord • Heart attitudes need to be evaluated. There should be a heart to love and bless, to see the good, and trust God to deal with the bad • Out of a right heart we are to speak words of love and blessing over people’s lives, circumstances, and communities PRAYER AND ACTION TOGETHER Our words and prayers of blessing then need to find expression in action, and we should ask ourselves the following three questions: 1) What do I see in this community that is good and carries a kingdom value that I can support? 2) Who is God putting in front of me that I can bless? 3) Who is God putting in front of me that I should clearly share the gospel with? No answers may come to mind straight away and that’s fine, but it is good practice to ask these questions on a regular basis. CONCLUSION • God’s desire to bless is absolutely outrageous. Nothing can stop Him. • He designed us for a purpose, wrapped up in blessing. • Heaven, our ultimate destination, is full of blessing, and we are invited to pray for the coming of heaven to earth right now (Math 6v10)!!! FINALLY The High Priestly Blessing Num 6v24-17 – The Lord bless you and keep you The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you The Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace

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EVANGELISM or EXCITING CHRISTIANITY? INTRODUCTION The ‘E’ word – Evangelism? Guilt – condemnation – knowing I should but haven’t – tension in evangelistic meetings – trying to learn the 27 points to salvation – squeeze your whole testimony into 2 minutes etc??? Another ‘E’ word – Exciting Christianity! When we begin to share the love of God with people in different ways, we begin to discover just how exciting, enjoyable, and fulfilling, Christianity really is! January 2015 – B/A reminded of prophetic word from 1984 about becoming Pastors to the World Gospel Feet – the destiny of Northampton Lifestyle Evangelism – as we go about our daily business – not an organised church programme – but this also allows for a group of people with the same thing on their hearts to work together Isa 61v1-4/Luke 4v18-19 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (Brian Nish) Because He has anointed me (why?) To preach the gospel to the poor He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted To proclaim liberty to the captives To set at liberty those who are oppressed To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord… And we will rebuild the ancient ruins of Northampton And restore the places long devastated And we will revive Northampton Though it’s been deserted for many generations…’ TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR ‘Preach/share/tell’ – St Francis of Assissi “Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words” (Can become an excuse?) - At some point we need to use words - in one way or another (Mark 4; 1 Pet 1v23 – The word of God is seed) ‘The Gospel’– The Gospel means good news and is good news! We can bring fresh hope to individuals and nations through the good news of the Gospel. People need to hear some good news (Media discussion about reporting bad news). We can share how the good news about Jesus has changed our lives for the better. We can connect the relevant part of our testimony to where people are. ‘To The Poor’ – To be poor means to be deficient or lacking in something – money, health, relationships, peace, satisfaction, identity, purpose, self-worth etc. But the greatest poverty of all is not to have a relationship with God! TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED Jesus is the Healer and Restorer of our souls (Psalm 23v3) The world is filled with hurting people. Some hide their hurts better than others but they’re still hurting. Some try to escape through drink, drugs, and others forms of escapism. Hurting people hurt others. Hurts cause people to wear masks. Hurts cause blocked emotions. Hurts can lead to demonic oppression. Hurts cause lies to become established. The good news is Jesus loves people and came to heal the hurting and brokenhearted! TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY & FREEDOM TO THE CAPTIVES & PRISONERS This is to the spiritual, emotional, and physical captives and prisoners. Jesus won the victory for the whole person on the Cross, not just for our spirits. ‘The Voice’ – And to declare to those who are held captive and bound in prison “Be free from your imprisonment!” We can be held captive and bound by some of the following: Addictions (Drugs, alcohol, television, computer, hobby, food etc) Lies that we believe (A bad experience doesn’t hold us captive but the lies we believe about that experience do) Bad habits Worries and fears Sickness (Can affect our freedom to live life fully) Opinions of others Rejection and low self-esteem Past experiences etc TO PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF THE LORD’S FAVOUR ‘MSG’ – God sent Me to announce the year of His grace (This year) ‘CEB’ – To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour (This year) ‘ERV’ – He has sent Me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show His kindness (This year) 2 Cor 6v2 AMP – Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance of you from God; behold now is the day of salvation 2 Cor 6v2 TLB - …Right now God is ready to welcome you. Today He is ready to save you We must believe, and let people know, the good news that God wants to show His grace, favour, and loving kindness towards them TODAY/THIS YEAR - and not put it off to some time in the distant future! We must believe that God has already prepared the hearts of some of the people we meet on a daily basis, and that they are ready for salvation. On the other hand we must continually sow seed, as opportunities arise, to prepare for future harvests. As we draw nearer to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ seedtime and harvest will be taking place on the same day! PRACTICAL HELPS Acts 1v8 – And you shall be My witnesses (Every Christian) Being a good witness isn’t about a church programme. It’s about living a godly (and attractive) life and sharing the love of Jesus with others as opportunities arise on a daily basis. The Holy Spirit loves to honour Jesus and point people to Him, and therefore loves to empower us to do the same thing! • Ask God for opportunities • All that we do must be motivated by our love for God and people. We are sharing the Gospel with people because we want them to know how much God loves them and that He has a plan for their lives • Make people curious (John 4 – Jesus and lady at the well) • Only share a little at a time – unless the person is drawing more out of you • Be sensitive to Holy Spirit and the thoughts and promptings He gives you • Be sensitive to the timing – it’s not always the right time to speak to a particular person • Share the particular part of your testimony that is relevant to the person you are speaking to • Mother Teresa used to say “Little things done with great love can change the world” An act of kindness – A word of encouragement – Being a good listener – Offering to pray for the sick – Sharing a relevant part of your testimony about God’s love and goodness to you – Being on the alert for opportunities on a daily basis • Finally, don’t get all intense and heavy about it, but enjoy yourself and keep it lighthearted (unless of course you are dealing with a serious situation). IN SUMMARY You could say: Life really begins at the end of our comfort zone! That being a good witness is living a godly (and attractive) life, and having a close walk with the Holy Spirit! That this is an exciting journey of discovery – to discover what God is doing in people’s lives - and to co-operate with Him. That this is an opportunity to experiment – to try different things –and see what happens when we express God’s love through an act of kindness, or pray for the sick etc That this is an opportunity to discover how exciting, enjoyable, and fulfilling Christianity really is

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GOSPEL FEET/SHOES INTRODUCTION Last Sunday we had several waves of the Holy Spirit and a challenge through the word about exchanging our shoes for gospel feet Luke 4v18-19 – The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because the Lord has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted; To proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord Isa 61v2-4 - To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations… The prophecy of Isaiah 61 describes the deliverance of Israel from exile in Babylon – but its ultimate fulfilment is found in Christ and the church In Luke 4v16-21 Jesus reads out Isaiah 61 and then boldly claims to be the promised Messiah – and His defined ministry here is the essence of the good news of the gospel of the kingdom of God In Luke 9v1-2, Luke makes it clear that this same ministry was given to the early disciples (who were a microcosm of the church) - and ultimately to the entire church (Acts 1v1-8) Therefore, the church today should be following in the footsteps of Jesus and the early church, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God! THE CHURCH In the beginning – the church was very evangelistic (Acts 2v40-47…and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved) In times of revival – the church becomes very evangelistic – as people are touched afresh with the love of God The church today – is slowly but surely reaching out more and more – but there’s still room for improvement?? • The church isn’t just here for its own benefit – we are not a stamp club – a golf club – a knitting club – or any other kind of club • The church isn’t just here so people can be cared for, comforted, coddled, and have their needs met • In Math 22v37-38 you are told to love God – and love your neighbour – as yourself • As the seed of Abraham (Gal 3v14) we are called to be a blessing to all the families of the earth • We are called to the same ministry of Jesus and the early church WHAT CAN WE DO Roger Forster of Icthus Church used to say we need to reach out on three levels: Words, Works, and wonders WORDS Standing up for righteousness and truth whenever necessary Speaking words of love and encouragement into people’s lives WORKS Expressing God’s love through acts of kindness (shopping, cutting grass, serving in some way) Getting involved in Street Pastors, School Pastors, Springs Family Centre, or some other organised group or programme WONDERS As you go about your daily business - be on the alert for opportunities to share Jesus – to pray for the sick – to bring a word of knowledge and prophecy Make it your lifestyle – don’t wait for an organised programme! Be bold – in a loving way, not in a reckless way! ISAIAH 61 Allison

Sunday 1st March 2015 - Steve Flanagan - take off your shoes

RUN YOUR RACE TO WIN INTRODUCTION 1 Cor 9v24-27 – Don’t you realise that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should do. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. We’re all in the ‘race of life’ – so you need to ‘run for your life!’ We need to run as if our very lives depend upon it – because they do! We are running not just for a prize in this life, but also in the one to come. The good news is we can all win a gold medal – because in the kingdom of God we can ALL be winners! PUT THE PAST BEHIND YOU Phil 3v13-14 - …one thing I do, forgetting these things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus Sometimes, because of bad experiences or failures, we take ourselves out of the race of life Don’t let your history rob you of your destiny! • Allow God to use your past experiences to shape your character in a positive way Get healed and restored where necessary Develop an attitude of mind which says “If I can come through that I can come through anything” • Allow God to use your past failures as stepping stones to success today Read from list GET BACK IN THE RACE Phil 3v13-14 – one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus • Remind yourself of Father God’s grace and love, and that He always wants what is best for you – every day of the week Remind yourself that His grace is sufficient for you to do whatever He has called you to do (2 Cor 12v9) Remind yourself that you are unique, and no one can do what you do, in the particular way that you do it • Then – and not before then – start training again – (athletes: sacrifice, discipline, commitment - 1 Cor 15v10 – I work harder than them all…by the grace of God…) - and get back into the race • Begin to rule and reign again, over your body, and over your circumstance – through receiving an abundance of grace (Rom 5v17) • Begin to run again – by the grace of God (2 Cor 12v9) - reaching forward to those things which are ahead RUN YOUR RACE TO WIN 1 Cor 9v24 - …so run to win! • Remind yourself that because of what Jesus has done - you already have the victory and are running in it – you are not running towards it • Victory for the Christian isn’t something to be achieved at some point in our lives – but is something we already have, and should be living in, and enforcing, on a daily basis! • We run our race to win – by grace – which means we are able - to live godly lives - to love and serve God and people faithfully - and advance the kingdom of God – because of what Jesus has done • Sometimes, as we press on towards the upwards call of God in Christ Jesus, we have to change lanes. We’re still in the race but in a different lane – because we’re in a different season in God (eg Brian/Allison) • If we don’t recognise the change of season we could end up staying in the wrong lane – and struggling – because there’s no grace and anointing for us to run in that lane any longer • Grace and anointing for ministry only fully flows when we’re running in the right lane – for the particular season of God that we’re in at that time CONCLUSION Let me encourage you, wherever you are today, to begin to ‘run for your life’ and begin to ‘run your race to win’ – through receiving an abundance of grace (Rom 5v17) We don’t get the opportunity to come back and run our race again – this is it – so don’t waste your life (‘The Final Quest’ by Rick Joyner) What we do with our 70/80 years on earth today will affect us for eternity God’s grace is sufficient for all of us to run our race to win and gain an eternal prize!!!

Kingdom Life Intro: Pakistan trip – tough environment – persecution and discrimination – but such joy and a reality to their faith. My Return to KLC – called to Northampton – KLC my home Today’s preach – remind you about your name > Kingdom Life (these two words need to be kept together – because Kingdom has to be lived out) 1 Kingdom Heart Mat 13:19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. Kingdom begins as a word – sown into your heart – it was something you heard The seed gradually grows over time – God establishes His rule and reign in the heart of every believer But it is more than just words – it has a supernatural dimension – the power to bring you to life 2 Kingdom Church The kingdom life that develops in us has to be lived out in the church We can just do church without ever doing kingdom living – there has to be a community of believers Built on kingdom principals – grace/forgiveness/love/honesty etc Releasing kingdom power – when we do community properly it creates the opportunity for power to be released If I don’t know you how can I have a meaningful relationship with you When we know each other we pray and support each other – and power is released Kingdom means we are all involved in ministry – all involved in building and extending the kingdom 3 Kingdom World What is in our hearts must extent into the church and also into every part of life Kingdom principals are to shape everything Kingdom power needs to follow kingdom principals Mat 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. We are called to flavour the world around us – distinct/different We are called to be a light – people need to see the kingdom being lived – it will serve as a light to their own path

8.2.15 Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire • Adam and Eve had Significance, Security and Acceptance when first created. • This was lost when sin entered the world. We are seeking these things in life, but they can only come through restoration of our relationship with God. The Devil • He is the father of all lies (John 8:44). His purpose is to prevent us from having a relationship with God. • We need to recognise that we are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-18). • We need to put on the armour of God. Jesus • The good news is that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). He has won the victory (Colossians 2:15). • Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35). We need to ‘feed’ on Him every day. • He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). • The truth will set us free (John 8:31). • When Jesus was in the wilderness and the devil spoke to Him, he responded with scripture each time. ‘The scripture says…’ (Matthew 4:1-11). • We need to respond with scripture. It’s the truth and the truth will set us free. Smith Wigglesworth • In 1947, Smith Wigglesworth prophesied that there will be a revival greater than ever seen before (see http://www.waltdumont.org/Wigglesworth.htm). When the spirit and the word come together. The Plan • We need to be aware of the thoughts that come from the devil. He does plant things (John 13:2) but we just need to be aware and speak scripture. • Below is a few examples of some of the things we think and feel, and some scripture that we need to remind ourselves of… Lie Truth Scripture I am fearful about things. God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 I struggle in my Christian walk. He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4 I worry. Turn all your worries over to Him. 1 Peter 5:7 I feel trapped. Jesus Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1 2 Corinthians 3:17 I feel condemned. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 I feel lonely. I am with you always, to the very end of age. Matthew 28:20 I can’t keep going. Go to Him and He will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 • Do not allow your feelings to dictate your behaviour. Allow the truth of God’s word direct you. Remember, we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). • We should be living life in all its fullness (John 10:10).

KLC PRAYER OF JABEZ QUOTE FROM SMITH WIGGLESWORTH GOD IS MORE EAGER TO ANSWER THAN WE ARE TO ASK A MAN WHO IS INTIMATE WITH GOD NEED NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY MAN THE PRAYER OF JABEZ TEXT 1 CHRONICLES 4:9-4:10 NOW JABEZ WAS MORE HONOURABLE THAN HIS BROTHERS. AND HIS MOTHER CALLED HIS NAME JABEZ SAYING BECAUSE I BORE HIM IN PAIN AND JABEZ CALLED ON THE GOD OF ISRAEL SAYING OH THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME INDEED AND ENLARGE MY TERRITORY THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL THAT I MAY NOT CAUSE PAIN SO GOD GRANTED HIM WHAT HE REQUESTED WHAT A PAIN. HAS ANYONE SAID THAT ABOUT YOU I HAVE BEEN CALLED A PAIN IT WAS SAID ABOUT JABEZ. HIS NAME MEANS PAIN HE CAUSED HIS MOTHER GREAT PAIN AS SHE BORE HIM AND HIS MOTHER CONSTANTLY REMINDED HIM OF THE FACT HIS MOTHER WAS AN EXPERT AT GUILT TRIPS BUT IN SPITE OF HIS NAME HE OVERCAME THE OBSTACLES OF HIS UPBRINGING THE BIBLE SAYS HE WAS AN HONOURABLE MAN MORE HONOURABLE THAN THE REST OF HIS FAMILY WHY !!!! WE FIND JABEZ HIDDEN IN A LONG LIST OF GENEALOGIES SO AND SO WAS THE FATHER OF SO AND SO ON AND ON IT GOES FOR NINE CHAPTERS IN THE BOOK OF CHRONICLES BUT SUDDENLY JABEZ APEARS LIKE A SHINING STAR IN THIS LONG LIST OF ANONYMOUS CHARACTERS IT IS SIGNIFICANT THAT JABEZ IS NOT REMEMBERED FOR SOME OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BUT A PRAYER !!! HE DIDNT WIN A GREAT BATTLE OR ERECT A GREAT BUILDING HE SIMPLY PRAYED A PRAYER BUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE FIRST NINE CHAPTERS OF CHRONICLES HE ALONE IS LIFTED OUT BECAUSE OF THE PRAYER HE PRAYED WHAT WAS SO UNUSUAL ABOUT THIS PRAYER LETS LOOK AT THE PRAYER PIECE BY PIECE IN ORDER TO DISCOVER WHY GOD WAS PLEASED ENOUGH WITH HIS PRAYER TO HAVE IT FOREVER RECORDED IN SCRIPTURE IT IS A SHORT PRAYER 1/. HE PRAYED THAT GOD WOULD BLESS HIM 2/ HE PRAYED THAT GOD WOULD ENLARGE HIS TERRITORY OR BOARDERS 3/. HE PRAYED THAT GODS HAND WOULD BE UPON HIM 4/ HE PRAYED THAT GOD WOULD KEEP HIM FROM EVIL THE FIRST POINT WE WILL CONSIDER THEN IS JABEZ PRAYED FOR GOD TO BLESS HIM HE SOUGHT GODS BLESSING ON HIS LIFE HE WAS NOT WORRIED ABOUT BEING SELFISH HE WANTED GODS BEST. AND BELIEVED THAT GOD WANTED TO GIVE IT TO HIM HE REMEMBERED HIS ANCESTOR ABRAHAM WHEN THE LORD SAID TO HIM I WILL MAKE YOU INTO A GREAT NATION AND I WILL BLESS YOU I WILL MAKE YOUR NAME GREAT AND YOU WILL BE A BLESSING (GEN 12:2). JABEZ SOUGHT THE BLESSING OF GOD THAT HE MIGHT BE A BLESSING TO THE WORLD IF GOD BLESSES ME MY FAMILY ARE BLESSED MY FRIENDS ARE BLESSED THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT OUR WHOLE REASON FOR EXISTENCE IS TO BE A BLESSING TO GOD AND A BLESSING TO THE WORLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG IN PRAYING FOR AND SEEKING THE BLESSING OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE IF IT IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING A BLESSING IT IS NOT WRONG TO PRAY FOR WEALTH IF YOU ARE WAITING TO BLESS PEOPLE WITH YOUR ABUNDANCE IF YOU WANT WISDOM SO THAT YOU CAN HELP OTHERS THEN PRAY FOR WISDOM THE BIBLE SAYS IF ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM HE SHOULD ASK GOD WHO GIVES GENEROUSLY TO ALL WITHOUT FINDING FAULT AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO HIM (JAMES 1:5) BUT IF YOU WANT WEALTH TO SIMPLY SPEND IT ON YOURSELF YOUR PRAYER WILL NOT BE ANSWERED IF YOU WANT WISDOM SO THAT YOU CAN FEEL SMATER THAN OTHERS YOUR PRAYER WILL NOT BE ANSWERED IF YOU WANT SUCCESS OR TO BE A LEADER SO THAT YOU CAN LORD IT OVER OTHERS YOUR PRAYER WILL NOT BE ANSWERED BUT IF YOU WANT TO SERVE OTHERS WITH MORE TALENTS. RESOURCES AND MORE WISDOM THEN PRAY FOR THOSE THINGS IN ORDER THAT YOUR LIFE MIGHT BE A BLESSING JABEZ ALSO REMEMBERED HIS ANCESTOR JACOB WHO WRESTLED WITH GOD WHEN GOD TOLD HIM TO RELEASE HIM JACOB SAID I WILL NOT LET YOU GO UNLESS YOU BLESS ME AND FROM THAT POINT JACOB ENTERED THE PROMISED LAND AND PROSPERED SO THAT HIS DESCENDANTS BLESSED THE WHOLE WORLD WITH UNBELIEVABLE BLESSINGS THROUGH JACOB AND HIS OFFSPRING GODS MESIAH CAME INTO THE WORLD GOD WANTS TO BLESS US. BUT WE HAVE TO RECEIVE IT THROUGH THE PRAYER OF FAITH WE HAVE TO WANT THE BLESSING WE NEED TO WRESTLE WITH GOD AND NOT LET GO UNTIL HE BLESSES US FOR SOME OUR PLATES ARE SO FULL WE HAVE SO MUCH ALREADY OUR HUNGER IS SATISFIED WE ARE TO BUSY TO BE BLESSED WITH ANYTHING ELSE BLESSING MEANS RESPONSIBILITY SERVING GOD BY SERVING PEOPLE TAKES TIME IF GOD GIVES ME MORE I HAVE TO DO MORE AND I JUST WANT TO WATCH THE MOVIE WE NEED TO PRAY THAT GOD WOULD BLESS US AND PUT A NEW FIRE IN OUR SOULS A NEW PASSION FOR GOD A NEW ZEAL IN SERVING HIM AND A DESIRE THAT OUR LIVES MIGHT BE A BLESSING TO THE WORLD THAT HE WOULD ENLARGE OUR HEARTS THAT HE MIGHT ENLARGE OUR PORTION IN HIMSELF BOTH ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN THE SUREST SIGN THAT WE ARE GROWING IN OUR FAITH IS THAT THERE IS IN US A STRONG DESIRE TO HAVE OUR LIVES USED BY GOD THE THING THAT GRIEVES ME MOST ABOUT OUR CURRENT CULTURE IS OUR PREOCCUPATION WITH OURSELVES ITS ALL ABOUT US WE WANT MORE. AND WE WANT IT FASTER BETTER AND CHEAPER MANY PEOPLE LIVE SHALLOW SELF CENTRED LIVES WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT HOW WE LOOK WHAT WE HAVE AND WHO MIGHT HAVE MORE SO MANY PEOPLE NEVER HAVE A PURPOSE LARGER THAN THEMSELVES THIS IS WHY JABEZ PRAYED THE SECOND PART OF HIS PRAYER JABEZ ASKED GOD TO ENLARGE HIS BORDERS JABEZ WAS FROM THE TRIBE OF JUDAH WHICH WAS RULING CLASS AMONG THE HEBREWS TO INCREASE HIS TERRITORY MEANT THAT HIS PEOPLE,WOULD HAVE MORE AREA TO LIVE IN AND THAT HE WOULD AS A LEADER HAVE MORE PEOPLE TO SERVE HE WAS NOT THINKING ABOUT HIMSELF BUT ABOUT THE WELFARE OF OTHERS MORE LAND FOR THE HEARDS A LEADER IS THE SERVANT OF OTHER PEOPLE JABEZ WANTED TO BE USED BY GOD MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IS THAT YOUR PRAYER AND DESIRE IS THERE A PASSION A LONGING TO BE USED BY GOD NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES ARE WE LIVING FOR OURSELVES OR ARE WE WANTING GOD TO USE OUR LIVES IN THIS WORLD DO WE DESIRE TO BE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING THEN PRAY FOR GOD TO ENLARGE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR AREA OF INFLUENCE ASK HIM FOR SOMETHING SO BIG THAT YOU CANNOT POSSIBLY DO BY YOURSELF ASK HIM TO ENLARGE YOUR TERRITORY IN TIMES OF TESTING GOD SPOKE THROUGH THE PROPHET ISAIAH SAYING ENLARGE THE PLACE OF YOUR TENT STRETCH YOUR TENT CURTAINS WIDE DO NOT HOLD BACK. LENGTHEN YOUR CORDS STRENGTHEN YOUR STAKES HE WANTS YOU TO SEE BEYOND THE CIRCUMSTANCES HE WANTS TO ENLARGE YOUR LIFE IF YOU WILL JOIN HIM BY PRAYING AND BELIEVING FOR BLESSING THE THIRD THING JABEZ PRAYED WAS FOR GODS HAND TO BE UPON HIM JABEZ KNEW THAT WHAT HE WAS PRAYING FOR WAS BIGGER THAN HE COULD ACCOMPLISH HIMSELF HE WAS PRAYING FOR SOMETHING SO BIG THAT ONLY THE HAND OF GOD ON HIS LIFE COULD ACCOMPLISH IT WHAT WOULD YOU PRAY FOR IF YOU KNEW YOU COULD NOT FAIL WHAT HAS GOD BEEN SPEAKING TO YOU ABOUT WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN TRYING TO IGNORE WHAT HAVE YOU DREAMED ABOUT BUT DISMISSED BECAUSE YOU THOUGHT IT WAS AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM BEGIN TO PRAY FOR THE HAND OF GOD TO REST UPON YOUR LIFE SO THAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING GREAT FOR HIM IT WILL BE SOMETHING SO GREAT THAT WHEN IT COMES TO PASS YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WILL SAY THIS HAD TO BE THE HAND OF GOD GODS HAND WITH US TO LEAD US. TO PROTECT US STRENGTHEN US HIS HAND IS ALL SUFFICIENT THE FINAL PART OF JABEZ PRAYER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT JABEZ PRAYED THAT GOD WOULD KEEP HIM FROM EVIL THE BEST TRANSLATION IS FOUND IN THE NEW KING JAMES IT READS LIKE THIS KEEP ME FROM EVIL THAT I MIGHT NOT CAUSE PAIN IT IS ACTUALLY A PLAY ON WORDS HIS NAME MEANT PAIN HE HAD CAUSED PAIN BUT HE DID NOT WANT TO CAUSE ANYMORE PAIN HE WANTED HIS LIFE TO BE A BLESSING HE WANTED TO BE PROTECTED FROM THE HARM OF EVIL. BUT HE ALSO WANTED TO BE KEPT FROM SINNING BECAUSE HE KNEW THAT SIN CAUSES PAIN IT BRINGS PAIN INTO THE WORLD IT BRINGS PAIN INTO THE LIFE OF THE ONE WHO COMMITS IT AND IT BRINGS PAIN INTO THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO THE SIN WAS COMMITTED AGAINST BUT MOST OF ALL SIN CAUSES GOD PAIN JUST BEFORE THE FLOD IN NOAHS DAY THE BIBLE SAYS THE LORD SAW HOW GREAT MANS WICKEDNESS ON THE EARTH HAD BECOME AND THAT EVERY INCLINATION OF THE THOUGHTS OF HIS HEART WAS ONLY EVIL ALL THE TIME THEN IT SAYS THE LORD WAS GRIEVED THAT HE HAD MADE MAN ON EARTH AND HIS HEART WAS FILLED WITH PAIN SIN BRINGS PAIN TO THE HEART OF GOD NOW LOOK AT THE CROSS AN INSTRUMENT OF TORTURE SIN CAUSED GOD REAL PAIN HE HAD TO LOOK AWAY THE REAL CRUCIFIXION IS MUCH DIFFERENT TO THE ONE PORTRAYED IN MANY CHURCHES HE WAS NAKED AND THE FLESH ON HIS CHEST AND BACK HAD BEEN SHREDDED WITH ROMAN WHIPS HIS BODY WAS FILTHY FROM THE CELL WHERE HE WAS KEPT THERE WERE DEEP BRUISES FROM THE BEATINGS THE PAINFUL CROWN OF THORNS CAUSED RIVERS OF BLOOD FROM HIS HEAD TO STREAM DOWN HIS BODY BUT THAT WAS NOTHING COMPARED TO THE MOMENT GOD POURED OUT UPON HIM THE SIN OF THE WHOLE WORLD AND SEPARATED HIMSELF FROM THE SON SIN CAUSES PAIN DAVID SAID I HAVE HIDDEN YOUR WORD WITHIN MY HEART THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST YOU JESUS TOUGHT US TO PRAY THE PRAYER OF JABEZ. WHEN HE PRAYED. AND DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE LETS PRAY THAT WE TO LIKE JABEZ MIGHT OH THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME AND ENLARGE MY TERRITORY THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL THAT I MAY NOT CAUSE PAIN TAKE HOLD OF THE PROMISES OF GOD AND DO SOMETHING GREAT FOR HIM GO AHEAD AND ASK HIM FOR THE MOON AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE SUN AND THE STARS AS WELL. AMEN

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HUMILITY and GRACE INTRODUCTION I believe that Humility and Grace are the two book ends for our week of prayer and fasting Elders Meeting The glory is here. We’re in revival until we say we’re out of it. We need intimacy and presence. We need humility before God (Psalm 131 ERV/MSG) A canal lock gate – God has opened His side and poured the water (glory) in – we now need to open our side and let the water out. A picture of bridges taking God’s grace to others, particularly unbelievers. At PFR this developed more into two way ‘bridges of grace’. There are many many people who desperately need to know the love and grace of Father God (Elijah anointing). Brian/prophetic sign for church – moved house/new tel. no.555 (fullness of grace) etc - completely different Therefore, I believe some things will be the same this year, but other things will be completely different – all wrapped up in the grace of God - if we will walk humbly before Him Humility Scriptures Micah 6v8 – God, O man, has shown you what is good, and what the Lord requires of you – to do justice – to love mercy – and to walk humbly before your God James 4v6 – God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble Num 12v3 – Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all the men who were on the face of the earth Math 11v29 – Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls 1 Peter 5v6 – Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time BIBLICAL HUMILITY It is NOT being a wimp, and moaning, grumbling, and grovelling, continually saying that you’re no good, just a failure, and never do anything right! Piano player/false humility • It is recognising that God is the Creator and we are the created • It is recognising our complete inability to save ourselves • It is accepting God’s grace and mercy with gratitude • It is the heart attitude of being ‘poor in spirit’ – for ours is the kingdom of heaven (Math 5v3) • It is submitting to and obeying the word of God because we recognise that God always knows best • It is defending the truth of God’s word and not our own ego or reputation • It is being humble before God, but bold before men and women • It is walking tall on our knees (Bob Gordon) • The apostle Paul had great gifts and revelation but saw himself as the ‘least of the apostles’ and the ‘chief of sinners’ • The closer we get to God the more we know ‘our place’ • It is knowing that in our flesh we are in adequate, but at the same time it is knowing who we are in Christ • A humble person isn’t a weak person, but a strong person, who loves and serves God and people • Faith is humility - as we trust in God with our whole heart and do not lean into our own understanding (Pro 3v5) • It is making a sober assessment of who we are (Rom 12v3). Professional sports people are great examples of making ‘sober assessments’ as they assess their performances

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Love's recipe Jude 1 Context Their design is to replace the sheer grace of our God with sheer license—which means doing away with Jesus Christ, our one and only Master. Infiltrated by people who exchanged the grace of God for a lie - that grace covers everything so we can be as sinful as we want to be. Passion translation Grace teaches us to say no. The Message 17-19 But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: “In the last days there will be people who don’t take these things seriously anymore. They’ll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts.” These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There’s nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit! 20-21 But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! 22-23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. 24-25 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes. Keep yourself in the love of God - implies we can remove ourselves from His love - which I don't believe. Questions: • How do we keep ourselves in the centre of God's love? • How do we build ourselves up? Above all not being caused to deviate away from Jesus because of the lifestyle, opinion and teaching of those devoid of the Spirit. 1 Love God with all you heart, soul and mind. This is your mixing bowl, the container into which everything is contained. Matt 22v36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 2 Pour in forgiveness : • by God, 1 John1v8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. • of ourselves, and • of others. None of us are perfect so others will not be perfect either. Sometimes their wrongdoings or omissions can hurt us - so we need to forgive. Col 3v12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 3 Add seasoning. Keep your heart healthy! Don’t let bitterness, resentment, jealousy etc take root in you or become a pattern. This will only serve to grieve the Holy Spirit. Eph 4v31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. Heb 12v15 14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; Eph 4v 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. 4 Add handfuls of believing the truth of what God says about you. Don't believe lies that have been spoken to us or over us. This happens so easily! Believe the truth of what God says to us in the Bible or directly to us. Great question: Father what do you think of me? 5 Pour in speaking to yourself and being encouraged by other believers! "Steve Backlund - you're crazy if you don't speak to yourself". Speak out what God says about you: • I'm a son/daughter of God • I'm loved by God • His grace is enough for me • His favour rests upon me • I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Col 3v16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Heb 3v13 encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 6 Add bottles of being filled with the Spirit - every day and on every occasion. Eph 5 v 15 - 20 7 Cook over an open fire - Pray in the Spirit - with all types of prayer - thanksgiving and supplications - and speak in the language given you by God as a gift - both your native language or the one you have adopted, and the one given you by God. Accept it as a gift and use it. A natural consequence of being filled with the Spirit! Tell Jesus how much you love Him. Seek to find new words and ways of expressing your love to Him. Jesus, please show me how much you love me.

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WORDS, WORKS, & WONDERS INTRODUCTION [email protected] God wants us to be fruitful in all of these 3 areas in our lives What we say – what we do – all wrapped up in the supernatural WORDS Doctor - “Stick out your tongue – and say Aaargh” The tongue reveals a lot about our health - both physically and spiritually On Judgement Day we will have to give an account for every wrong word spoken Math 12v34-37 – But I say to you that for every idle word that men speak they will give an account for it on the day of judgement The tongue dictates the direction of our lives James 3v1-12 - ...For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed we put bits in the mouths of horses that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships; although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires...Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell...With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters this should not be... We can kill or give life by the power of the tongue Pro 18v21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue - and those who love it will eat its fruit “I'm glad I got that off my chest” The tongue has a lot to do with whether we are satisfied with our lives or not Pro 12v14 – A man is satisfied by the fruit of his mouth Our words are like seeds which will eventually produce a harvest Mark 4v14 – Parable of sower: The sower sows the word... Gen 8v22 – God's promise to Noah: While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night, shall not cease Gal 6v7 – Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap If we will sow the word of God – and these things that agree with the word – in our hearts we will eventually reap a harvest – after its kind Does it seem that God isn't answering your prayers? John 15v7 – If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you – you will ask what you desire and it will be done for you What are you saying (and seeing) after you've prayed? Imagine Jesus laying hands upon you this morning and saying to you “From this day forward you will have whatever you say” Mark 11v23 – For assuredly I say to you whoever says to this mountain 'Be removed and cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart, but believes these things he says will be done – he will have whatever he says We need to STOP 'Saying what we have' and START saying 'What we want to see' Start to speak the ANSWER and stop speaking the PROBLEM! Remember – the law of seedtime and harvest! Stick our your tongue again! WORKS – to follow WONDERS – to follow

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9.11.14 Psalm 24:3-5 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. God is holy Who can enter into God’s presence? To can have a close, personal relationship with God? Not just anybody! The more I prayed and read, the more I began thinking about the holiness of God. The Hebrew word for Holiness is kadesh, which means ‘cut off’, ‘separate’ or ‘set apart’. God is cut off from sin. He cannot be where sin is. There are many scriptures that point to God’s holiness. Exodus 3:4-5 Leviticus 11:44-45 Psalm 29:2 Isaiah 6:3-5 It makes me so aware of how small and insignificant I am compared to God! Who can enter God’s presence? I’ve spoken about the holiness of God because I feel it is so important, but this scripture is asking a question of me. Who can enter God’s presence? Answer – anyone with clean hands and a pure heart! What does that mean? Initially, I think of those that try and do good. Do you meet a certain standard? Do you live righteously? Do you keep away from all things bad? There is truth in that. Do you perfectly please God? No. Does anyone? Only Jesus. Jesus died so we can enter God’s presence Jesus entered the holy place (Heb 9:12) by dying on the cross for us, so that we can have a personal relationship with God. The curtain was torn down and we can enter in to His presence. When we receive Jesus into our lives by becoming Christians, we receive that amazing privilege too (Heb 10:19). So we, therefore, can enter God’s presence, through Jesus. WOW! It’s very easy for us to become too comfortable and take it all for granted. This is why we must remind ourselves of who God is – His holiness. We mustn’t be irreverent. God want us to have clean hands and a pure heart So God is saying to us that we can ‘ascend the hill of the Lord’ if we have clean hands and a pure heart. We cannot do this in our own strength, only through Jesus, but God wants us to try! We are called to live like Jesus – to be set apart. Cut off from sin. 1 Peter 1:15-16 (be holy as he is holy). The Bible speaks of us living righteous lives. Having a pure heart. Speaking truth, love etc… But this is all because of Jesus. It’s all because of Christ. But it’s hard. We fail. We muck up. That’s why we need Jesus. We can’t do it in our own strength. Romans 6:1-23. Be slaves to righteous living! Remember that the God you serve is a holy God. Who can ascend the hill? Those who have Jesus.

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