Good morning everyone and welcome to part 3 of what kinds of seeds are you sowing. Spring is here, and for those who plant gardens that season is here. Most probably have tender seeds started inside and may have some of the hardier seeds already in the ground, or about to sow them. Most probably use some kind of fertilizer and hopefully are using good seed and planting into good soil. For me, I haven’t had a chance to do anything with the garden yet. We have sandy soil, so it drains well, yet during the dry times, I have to run soaker hoses. Because I have always had connections with dairy farmers, I have had the privilege to get manure and boyz has that garden had manure over the years. I pick seeds that are relatively fast to mature because of our short growing season here in Maine. Weeds can be a problem and if you let the weeds take over the garden they smother out the plants that you want to grow. The weeds take much of the nutrients out of the ground that your veggies need. Weeds take much of the water that your plants need and shade the vegetable plants from the sun. Then you have the birds that try to eat the seeds you planted. Gardening takes a lot of time and work. Brother Jim, why all this talk about gardens? Maybe some of you are like my wife and want no part of working in a vegetable garden. I like to watch things grow. I also like the taste of fresh picked veggies. Also, because I know that I use no chemicals in the garden for herbicides or pesticides, I know what I am eating. To me that makes it well worth the bother. Well, all through the Bible it talks about seed. When we take the time to study and meditate on the Bible, we find that seed is mentioned in the natural realm, but also in the spiritual realm. In fact, in the King James Version, seed is mentioned 280 times and used in 254 verses. Seeds is used 5 more times and in 5 verses. Just a little trivia for you. In the past two weeks we looked into some of how we sow seeds, whether good or bad from our mouth. We could take this study and go with it for weeks, but I think today will be the conclusion. If this has stirred something up in your spirit and you want to find out more about sowing seeds, please study on your own. I feel you will be blessed by it. Today, I want to look at some verses that Jesus taught on seeds. Prayer. If everyone could turn to Matthew 13:1-9. We will start here and I am in hopes that we have time to finish this today. We all need to pay close attention to what we are going to learn today. Matthew 13:1-9 KJV The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. (2) And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. (3) And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; (4) And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: (5) Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: (6) And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. (7) And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: (8) But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. (9) Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. As I have farmed for most of my life, I understand these principles that Jesus spoke on in the natural realm. It should be simple for most everyone to understand. We have a farmer, and let’s say he was planting corn. I have planted and chopped thousands of acres and acres of corn, so I have an understanding of this. While he was planting (verse 4) some of the corn seed fell by the wayside. Now if we look back to how farmers planted back in those days, they didn’t have nice big fancy tractors and fancy planters, like I used to run, where the corn is placed in secure hoppers along with fertilizer and it is set to sow the seed at an adjustable depth (I planted 2 inches deep). They didn’t have all the plows, harrows and rock rakes that are available today. No, no my friends. They sowed seeds by hand, or possibly oxen. I would imagine whatever they used to carry the seed was primitive. Possibly with no cover. When you carry seeds not covered and you haul it by oxen, maybe donkey with carts that were probably made with stone wheels that had nothing to absorb the shock going over rough terrain and stuff would get spilled. This seed that would have been spilled on the dirt roads or paths, would not be able to set root on the very hard packed soil. It would get crushed by others walking on it, or birds would have a feast with it. Are you all with me on this so far? Matthew 13:5-6 KJV Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: (6) And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. A farmer hates stony ground, because it is rough to get over and it doesn’t allow the seeds to get water and nutrition to grow well. For the seeds that are able to germinate, they wouldn’t last long once the hot sun would shine and they would wither up and dry out and eventually die. Matthew 13:7 KJV And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: As I mentioned before about weeds in our vegetable or flower gardens, weeds, or in this case Jesus thorns as an example, they grow quickly and steal from the soil what the seeds need to eat and drink and shade the sunshine from getting to these tender plants. Eventually, again they either are very weak, or they die. Matthew 13:8-9 KJV But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. (9) Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Praise the Lord!! When I plant my gardens, I till the soil fairly deep. I hill most of my rows so that when I plant the crops it is easy for me to work in and side dress with rotted manure so that the plants will get much of the nutrients they need while they are growing, it holds the water into the soil and it keeps the weeds down. Has this got anyone’s attention? Has it sparked an interest? Does it want you to know more about what I, or should I say what Jesus wants you to know? This is what Jesus was trying to say to the listener in verse 9. Some maybe saying Brother Jim, I know all about gardening or they might be ready to totally tune me out because they don’t have any clue what all this gardening has to do with the word of God. Well my friends, before you shut me out, please listen as we will see the importance of what Jesus was saying. This was part of what I believe Jesus was getting to. Jesus spoke often in parables. Those that wanted to know about the Kingdom of God would listen intently to His teachings. Others, and especially the religious leaders thought they knew it all, and because it would cut into many of the laws of Moses, and (this is the big part) it spoke about their man-made laws and lifestyles, would not listen, but instead got very angry and is why they searched for ways of having Jesus put to death. Let’s continue by reading. Matthew 13:10-53 KJV And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? (11) He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (12) For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. (13) Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. (14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: (15) For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (17) For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (18) Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. (19) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. (20) But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (21) Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (23) But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (24) Wow!! Did these verses speak volumes to anyone? When one really reads and meditates on this whole entire chapter of Matthew 13, you would learn much about the kingdom of God. I Would love to go over the whole chapter, but because of time sake, we won’t be able to. I hope that everyone can really get a full understanding of what this parable is saying as it speaks to you and me. When we study this parable from Jesus about the sower, to me it has this explanation. His message highlights four different responses to His message, the Gospel. The seed He is referring to is the word of God. Who is the word? John 1:1-5 gives us the answer. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Praise God!! So we see the Word was Jesus. Let’s keep reading John 1:14, 17-18 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known. Who is the Word of God? Jesus Christ, the Messiah is the Word of God. The Greek word for the Word of God is Logos. Back to the parable. The hard ground in verse 4 represents the person who is hardened by sin; he hears but does not understand "the word". Satan plucks the message away, keeping the heart dull and preventing "the word" from making an impression. That is why when we try to witness to some, they will not hear us. Satan has them right where he wants them, but when we continue to pray for them and tell God to do with them what He wants, the possibility of seeing them saved is greater. Does anyone have unsaved loved ones? 1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. I had to understand this verse when I first started witnessing to atheists and evolutionists on you tube starting in 2008. It was a battle. I couldn’t understand why they couldn’t understand the Jesus I knew and loved. I couldn’t understand why the whole Bible didn’t make sense to them. Their hearts were so hard and it isn’t me that was going to save them. I couldn’t force what I knew on them. Church, that is what we all need to understand about our unsaved loved ones. We cannot force the Bible on them. We cannot force Jesus on them. We need to continually pray for them, hand them over to God so that He can soften their hearts and keep sowing good seeds into their lives. Amen? The rocky ground, and that was me for so many years, represents a person who professes delight with "the word". However, this person's heart is not changed. When troubles come into his life, his so-called faith quickly disappears. Back when I was a junior in high school, I went to a teen retreat up in Canada and heard a message that scared me. It was a message on hell and I knew that I didn’t want to go there. There was an alter call and I went forward and repeated a prayer that someone said to repeat, and that was the end of that. Later in life, while I was in the army, I went to a chapel and heard a message that was similar to the one in Canada. Again, there was an alter call and I went forward yet again. Even then, there was no change in my life. The thorny ground depicts the person who seems to receive "the word", but whose heart is full of riches, pleasures, and lusts. He ends up having no time for it. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. These are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear God’s word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in chokes the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Thorny ground soil is represented by folks who have not matured, they have moved from babies to teenagers, but have not made it into adulthood. Some Christians have mixed up priorities because their lives are tangled up in things they should not be messing with. Jesus says there are two things that are choking them. Anyone have any idea? We just read it. Worries and riches. The good represents the person who hears, understands, and receives "the word" and then allows it to bring results in his life. The person represented by the “good soil” is the only one of the four who is truly saved, because salvation’s proof is good fruit. Friends, I would have liked to have gone much deeper in this study, but because of time, I will close with this. My prayer for each and every person that hears these sermons or reads them will understand the importance of being in God’s Word daily. To be in prayer daily. I pray that we all understand the importance of sowing good seed. I pray that we all are more carful with that little thing in our mouth that can get us into so much trouble. Please turn to Romans 16:24-27 KJV The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (26) But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (27) To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. Notice Apostle Paul said the Gospel was able to establish you. How are you going to become an established Christian? It’s through the gospel. Let me say it this way, just coming to church will not cause you to be established. Working in the church will not cause you to be established. Doing good deeds will not cause you to be established. It is the gospel that will cause you to be established. You can become so established that you can be unshakeable. It said that He would be able to establish you through His Gospel. Where is the Kingdom of God? It is in you. If you are born again, the Kingdom of God is in you. Do you know where He is going to establish you? He is going to establish you in your heart. Religion does it from the outside. Do you need power in your life? Plant the seed of the Word in your heart. It will produce life. It will produce more than you could ever think or imagine. Ephesians 3:19-20 KJV And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Communion. Prayer.
0 Comments
Good morning friends and family. What a week. Leanna and I had the pleasure of getting away for a week and it was a blessing, yet not very far from us, the reality of what the Bible tells us about the end times continues to happen. We thought we had seen everything on 9/11/2001. Then the attacks on July 20, 2012 at the movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, The shootings at Newtown Conn and now the bombings in Massachusetts where our freedom and lives have been challenged. Three innocent lives were taken and many, many people are going to be walking on prosthetic legs, like me. Then more lives lost and others hurt on Thursday night, early Friday morning. The only other thing I want to say on this, church, I guarantee you that you have not heard the last of Islam here in the United States. Then there is the ricen letters that were sent and then we had more deaths, a large amount of people injured and last I heard, up to 60 people missing in the fertilizer plant fire and explosion in Texas also so many families and businesses that have nothing left of their buildings. The other thing that I would like to know is, what about all these chemicals that have been released into the air. If you really look harder, you could name many, many more things that have happened here in the past week. What kinds of seeds have been planted in these attacks? Just something for all of you to ponder over. Last week, we looked at words spoken being seeds that can sow, good fruit or bad fruit. During that message we looked at many verse in the book of James chapter 3, on how our little member (the tongue) can be such a dangerous thing. This week as we continue, I want to look at positive things our tongue say. Amen? We read two verses last week that I want to look at again. Proverbs 18:21 KJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. James 3:2 KJV For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Prayer: This week I want to look at the positive words we need to speak and starting from these two verses. I want everyone to think back in this past week and think back to positive words that you may have spoken to a coworker, fellow student, maybe a family member, someone at church, or maybe a neighbor. I have mentioned a series that Leanna and I have been listening to and I have to be honest, I cannot believe not one person asked about it. I know one family has a set of CDs, but knowing that I post this online to at least 8 other sites and I know how many times it has been viewed, not one person asked me how they could get a copy, or Wow!! that was an awesome teaching. It makes me wonder if people understand these verses, or just how important it is that we speak positive words. I have also mentioned a book on Praying Effectively For The Lost. I know on Cross Roads Fellowship, I hear often from members that they have a loved one that doesn’t know Jesus as their Savior. I know that on many of the other sites that I am a member of that there are ones that have asked me to pray for a husband, wife, or their children that they would be saved, yet I mentioned last week what it means to speak blessings over situations. Does anyone remember what it means when we speak blessings over someone, or say God bless you? Anyone? It doesn’t have to be word for word as I know it is a mouthful. What it means is this: I bless you means I declare over you that God’s full intention that He has for your life would come into fullness. Amen? How many want God’s full intention in your spouse’s life? How many want to speak God’s intentions that He has purposed for your children or grandchildren’s lives? It should be one of our greatest desires. When we learn these principles, we can speak to things that are not pleasant, or those things that are against God’s will and then expect and watch things change. Faith and works, Amen? I have nothing to gain by advertizing this material, but I have seen it work. Praise God. I also want to comment on how we speak about illnesses, diseases, etc…. You all know by now that my wife, Leanna has been battling with symptoms of diabetes, and stage 3 chronic kidney failure. From day one, I have said, with proper diet, exercise, and because we serve a God that still heals today, she would be fine. I still believe that. I had one doctor that rolled her big eyes when I said that, yet during Leanna’s next visit and after a letter from her doctor saying that she should be expecting dialysis soon, was amazed at the improvements that had been made and made the comment that she, Leanna, could come off, or reduce some of her medications, very soon. Thank You Jesus. It has been a struggle for Leanna, because first, what she should eat for the sugar issues is not good for her because of the high potassium levels. Secondly, this is all new to her, as she found out all these things less than a year ago. Third and I’m sure that there is much more, but she has doctors that are not believers in Christ and believers that we serve a God that still heals today. She continues to say what won’t kill me for one disease will on the other. I can’t eat anything. Now, this is not pick on Leanna day, as it is her Birthday and she is my wife whom I love more than anything, other than God. What I want to try to encourage everyone to do when you are going through storms in your life or a family member is to speak differently. We need to be aware of the things that we say. Church, what we need to realize is there is power in our words. Power in our words. Better yet, there is power in the name of Jesus. I think many forget this when they go through storms and I have my hand raised also, as there are times I jump and act on my own when I might be struggling with an issue. I, as I hope all of you are all children of God. I learn from His word. I read and I study what His word says for my life, my family’s lives and for you that come to our house, join in live via Skype, phone, or for those that read this on the many sites. Take the Gospel to the world is what Jesus commanded us to do in Mark 16:15. That is what I try to do each week and also for those that I meet throughout the week. Let’s look at some of the verses discussing Jesus name and the power in His name. Friends, there is only one Jesus that stands as a mediator between the Father God and humanity. There is only one Jesus who died on the cross and arose victoriously who said All power in heaven and in earth now belongs to Me. There have been messages that I have done where I have asked you to write them down and post them in places you will see and have asked you to speak them out. I hope that you have been doing that. When you and I use the Name of Jesus in faith, it means knowing WHO it is that stands behind that Name, knowing the wealth and the power that is invested in that Name Amen? This is one of the greatest weapons that you have in your arsenal to use against the enemy. Let’s turn to Philippians 2:9-11. Philippians 2:9-11 KJV Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Praise God!! Friends, the enemy is going to so many ways to throw you off the path that God has chosen for you. There have been many times that I knew that I knew, I was supposed to ask someone if I could pray with them. It is one thing to pray for someone in your own prayer closet. What I mean is in a place where you are alone, or with your spouse or a close friend, but to pray with someone that you barely know? That takes leaning on God’s strength. Don’t allow Satan to make you think, I tried this before, it just doesn’t work for me. This is not a trick this is the Word of God. You have got to plant the Word inside your heart and mind and not move off of it, no matter what you see or hear. Church, for this reason I asked you to memorize verses. God tells us in His word, that every word is true and every man (that denies it) is a liar. God is trying to work some miracles out in your life and Satan is trying to block it. But you can be victorious by using the Name of Jesus and having faith and confidence in His Name. You can trust God’s Word. Amen? It is very important that we go to the Word of God, the Bible, for ALL our priorities in life. And all of our understanding about who Jesus is, what the Gospel is, how a person becomes reconciled with God, how a person gets to heaven, how we should live as Christians, what the Church is, how the Church should function, who should lead in the Body of Christ, what is our calling in society on this earth, what should our message be to the World. If I was to ask everyone, what has God called you to do? You don’t have to answer out loud, for those listening live, but do you have an answer from God? Do you know what your gifts are? I am not trying to attack anyone, but these are things that we should know. We find these things as we spend time in His Word, in prayer and when we are in obedience. He has a perfect plan for each of us. The first night, I should say wee hours of the morning, I came home in June after bringing Leanna to the ER, I spent an hour crying out to God on the drive home after hearing one symptom after another that the doctors discussed could be wrong with my wife. We went because of a sore on her leg. In that prayer, I asked God why, Lord all this. I know that You blessed us with this part of J and L Ministries. Why these symptoms. I can’t do this on my own. You blessed me with her and because of her, I have a purpose now. Because of her and what You have done through the both of us, why take her away. I was hurting and when I was almost home, I realized what was going on. We had gotten to a higher place with God. We were studying things that I guarantee the enemy didn’t want us to learn about. In many ways we were coming to a higher level with God. Then, 4 day later, my dad passed away. The same day I brought Leanna home. Again I went through stuff, and again I had many hours of traveling and much alone during that week. Because of that alone time and in prayer, I wrote a salvation message to read at my dad’s funeral. Praise God. I know I have gone totally off what I thought was supposed to teach on today, but there must be something that someone needed to hear. If that was you, I would like to hear after this service. If you are reading this and it spoke to your heart, please drop me a message. Back to words being seed. If everyone can please turn to Matthew 12:32. Whatever is in your heart will eventually come out of your mouth. Matthew 12:33-37 KJV Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. (34) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (35) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (36) But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Good things as well as bad things come into being why? Because of the words we speak. Let’s turn to Matthew 15:10-20. I want us to see what Jesus says in this parable. Matthew 15:10-20 KJV And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: (11) Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. (12) Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? (13) But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. (14) Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (15) Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. (16) And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? (17) Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? (18) But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. (19) For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: (20) These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man. These words from Jesus are to the bad or evil treasure in our hearts that comes out as negative and perverse speech. We have seen in other studies that all through the entire Bible we are given very explicit and detailed instructions about speaking right words. We are to be witnesses to the world. If we are cursing others and I don’t mean just swearing, but saying hatful things that down others, is that being a good witness? If others are around us and we are constantly speaking negative things about others are they going to be learning the ways of God? I think not. Lets turn to a verse we have looked at before. Proverbs 4: 20-24. Proverbs 4:18-27 KJV But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. (20) My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (24) Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. (25) Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. (26) Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. (27) Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Powerful words here. Friends, I think the message God is trying to get across to us today is this. We need to be careful with our words. I remember a saying that my mom used to say to my brother, sister and I and I am sure most of you have heard it too. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it. Amen? Do we want to say things that are going to harm people and then come back to harm us? Think about that for a moment. Remember there is power in our words. We can curse or bless with what we say. Amen? Romans 12:2 tells us to be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may PROVE what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Once you prove God’s word to be true to yourself the gates of hell will not be able to prevail against it. You will know that you know that it is the truth and no one will be able to steal it from you if you continually guard your heart. Friends in closing, I want to pray a prayer for Leanna and I want you all to stand in agreement with me. Lock your faith with mine. I have much faith that she is already healed regardless what she feels and what the reports say. Honey, I need you to hold to this faith, in the name of Jesus. Speaking the right words isone of the key principal things a believer must do in order to live a victorious life and overcome the enemy in every circumstance. One way to effectively resist sickness is to speak to the mountain by saying boldly. Heavenly Father, You are so awesome and I thank You for loving Leanna and that You have called her as Your own. Lord we speak to this symptoms of diabetes, high potassium levels and kidney failure and we say no sickness, you are not allowed in Leanna’s body. It is written with the stripes of Jesus she is healed, so in the name of Jesus we resist you Diabeties, and kidney failure and high potassium levels and command every symptom to leave her body now. Fear of these symptoms that she has, in the name of Jesus I command you to leave her body now body NOW. Aching back and muscles, I speak peace to you in the name of Jesus and command you to relax right now. Satan you are a liar and there is no truth in you. I hold up the shield of faith against you Satan quenching all your fiery darts (lies of the enemy). I resist you Satan and every lying SYMPTOM in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name. Friends, I know I don’t usually get into healing messages and had no intentions, but that is where I felt led. There is a reason. Whether for Leanna’s sake, or someone else going through stuff, pray a prayer like this. Another thing that is important. Regardless of how you feel,act by faith as if you are healed, much like you did when you forced yourself to go to work even through you did not feel good. Only this time resist the symptoms of the sickness or disease knowing that without a doubt it is the devil that is seeking to devour you by bringing these symptoms upon you. Remember that these are only symptoms as yet and only false evidence appearing real unless you give in and accept them. Here is another clincher. Refuse to be double minded by giving in and saying how bad you feel. Galatians 3:13 KJV Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: For those that are not sure what the blessings and curse are read the entire chapter of Deuteronomy 28. I want to leave you with two last scriptures. Proverbs 21:23 KJV Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 1 John 5:18 KJV We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. With these two verses, should we not want to live our lives for God to the best we can. When we totally surrender to Jesus, we can. Prayer Communion Good morning friends and family from beautiful Ellsworth Maine, Leanna and I are visiting Ellsworth for a week, and because some have shown such an interest in hearing messages that we deliver each week, we are doing just that. I would have liked to go to another church to be fed this week, but felt it necessary to continue doing exactly what we have been doing each week. So praise God. Is everyone excited to hear from the word of God? Today’s message is “what kinds of seeds are you sowing”? Now I know, when some hear the word sowing, they get antsy, because they think the message is going to be on tithing. Brother Jim is going to teach on tithing, why did I come this morning? He hardly ever brings up money issues. Even though I think it is very important that we tithe and that that our tithes and offerings also need to be sown into good ground, and I will do a message on that when I feel led to, but this isn’t a message on God’s money. No my friends, this message has to do with a different type of sowing, and through this message, we will look at how we spend our time…what we say and what we do, what is our reaction to people when they wrong us. Here is one that some don’t like me to discuss, but it is important. Sharing our faith with others. This topic about sharing the good news of Jesus with non-believers seems to be the least on many people’s agenda, yet Jesus our Savior told us to share the Gospel with the world. Amen? I love to talk about my faith. I love sharing the love of Christ with others. I get all teary eyed hearing testimony of how God worked in peoples lives. To hear how people were delivered from things that you know that you know, only God could have done that. These are a few of the things we will look at today. Is everyone excited? I said, is everyone excited to hear from the Word of God this morning? Praise the Lord. God is so good. His word never fails. His perfect will is always perfect for you and I. Amen? Prayer. While we have been here at our timeshare, we have started to listen to a series that we haven’t heard for a bit and we both wanted to refresh our minds. Some of you may have heard it, maybe even read some of this man’s books. The series is called The Power of Blessing by Kerry Kirkwood. I want to share some verses and a brief testimony from Kerry. If you could turn in your Bibles to 1st Peter 3: 8-10. Praise God. There is power in these words when we truly grasp the meaning and act on it. I mentioned last week, I think…it might have been the week before, but when Leanna and I are asked from anyone how we are, we say we are blessed. A Sister in Christ that has her own Christian site has been teaching members to say I am blessed and highly favored. Praise the Lord. There is power in those words. I did a message a while back on the Importance of what we say or don’t say. We discussed the power in our words. Friends, we need to get this. 1 Peter 3:8-10 KJV Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (9) Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (10) For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: James 3:8-10 KJV But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (9) Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. (10) Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Church, when we speak blessings out, we are declaring a prophetic message. Kerry, in this message, says when we speak blessings over someone we are saying, “May the Lord Grant you all of His intentions that He has purposed for you.” Is this awesome or not? This little word has all this inside when we speak it out. I bless you means I declare over you that God’s full intention that He has for your life would come into fullness. Amen? I would really urge everyone to get this CD set or the book. If you would like to read the first chapter, here is a link. Enjoy. http://files.destinyimage.com/PowerofBlessing_freechap.pdf We started by reading these verses on the power of our tongue. We see that we can sow good seed or rotten seed. I wonder how many listening to this or who may read this later have had good or bad seed sown into their lives? Brother Jim, you act like words are a vegetable. I hope by the time we are done with this message, those who doubt will have a new perspective on the words they use towards others and the words we use about ourselves. How many times have we been to a store and we see a parent speaking ill words towards a child? Here in Maine, it is a common occurrence. Why? I think a lot has to do with Maine’s economy. I think maybe because to survive here, many have to work multiple jobs. Winters can be harsh and expensive to heat our houses during the winter. Many of the old-timers didn’t have a great education. Whatever the case, I see verbal abuse often. I am not saying that we shouldn’t correct our children and grandchildren, but we need to be careful of the words we use. If everyone can turn to the book of James. I want to focus on verses in chapter 3 and starting with verse 1. Many of you know that I use this verse often. James 3:1 KJV My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. James 3:1 ASV Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment. Who wants to lead this service today now? Teaching was a highly valued and respected profession in Jewish culture, and many Jews who embraced Christianity wanted to become teachers. I have shared in many messages that when Leanna and I knew that it was time for us to leave a church that we helped start and where we should go, and after 2 months of hearing, “Right here and let Me guide you,” we finally did. This is one of the verses that kept going through my mind. James warned that although it is good to aspire to teach, the teacher’s responsibility is great because their words and example affect others spiritual lives. If you are in a teaching or leadership role, how are you affecting those you lead? I hope I am doing okay in this area. My greatest passion in life is to sow seeds into the lives of those who are lost, not knowing Christ as their Savior and to teach those who have heard a watered down message for so long, that might keep them from being a King’s kid. Amen? James 3:2-3 KJV For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (3) Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. I shared last week where I almost let the flesh get the best of me. I was put in a position where I really needed to bite my tongue and do that counting to 10 thing. Walking away, knowing that Satan was defeated, I did much praising to Jesus. Friends, what we say and what we don’t say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but it is also controlling your desire to say what you shouldn’t. When we look at these two verses it speaks volumes, or should. A few examples of an untamed tongue, (ready for this?) include gossiping (many don’t realize this), putting others down (oops, did that talk to someone?), bragging (that is something that I have had to really work on), manipulating, false teachings, exaggerating (again, me), complaining (at times), flattering and lying. Before you speak, ask , “Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” How many did these two verses speak to? James 3:4 KJV Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. In Gill’s Commentary, he says this. "a small helm", as the apostle here does, and accounts for it how large ships should be moved and steered by it. And so, though the tongue is to the rest of the body as a small helm to a large ship, yet, like that, it has great influence over the whole body, to check it when it is carrying away with the force of its appetites and passions; and so churches, societies, and bodies of Christians, which are large and numerous, and are like ships upon the ocean, tossed to and fro with tempests, driven by Satan's temptations and the world's persecution, and ready to be carried away with the wind of false doctrine, yet are influenced and directed aright by those that are at the helm, the faithful ministers of the word, who say to them, this is the way, walk in it. Friends, this is speaking about us right now. We are in that age. James wrote this verse about 45 AD. And John Gill, who was a great Theologian and pastor was born November 23, 1697 and died October 14, 1771. We see these things still being a problem in 2013. James 3:6 KJV And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. James compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire. The tongue’s wickedness has its source in hell itself. The uncontrolled tongue can do terrible damage. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another. Idle and hateful words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly, and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. We dare not be careless with what we say, thinking we can apologize later, because even if we do, the scars remain. A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build. Before you speak, remember that words are like fire, you can neither control nor reverse the damage they can do. Couples, do we hear this? Moms and dads, grandparents? Business men and women, did we hear this? Friends at school, did you hear this? Words can scar. Oh…church groups, praise and worship leaders, you were being spoken to also. No one is being exempt here. It happens, but it shouldn’t. James 3:8 KJV But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. What kinds of seeds does the tongue sow? No cunning, persuasion, or influence has ever been able to silence it. Nothing but the grace of God, excision (cutting it out), or death, can bring it under subjection. If no human being can control the tongue, why bother trying? Even if we may not achieve perfect control of our tongues, we can still learn enough control to reduce the damage our words can do. It is better to fight a fire than go around setting new ones. Remember that we are not fighting the tongue’s fire in our own strength. The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say, so that when we are offended, the Spirit will remind us of God’s love, and we won’t react in a hateful manner. When we are criticized, the Spirit will heal the hurt, and we won't lash out. Am I speaking to someone? My hand is raised. A few more verses I want to close with. James 3:9-12 KJV Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. (10) Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (11) Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? (12) Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. At times our words are right and pleasing to God. Some of us have memorized verses that please God, but then at other times they are violent and destructive to others. Which of these two speech patterns reflects our true identity? The tongue gives us a picture of our basic human sin. God works to change us from the inside out. When the Holy Spirit purifies a heart, he gives us self-control so that the person will speak words that please God. We also should be speaking words that are kind to others. In the series I mentioned, The Power of Blessing, you will find some of these keys. Friends, again, this will have to be a series. We only started in seeds we sow, and that was only in our speech. For parents hearing or reading this, children pick up on what we say and do. Oh, do I know this from our grandson Ashton. I have mentioned this before, but it is so worth saying again, as a parent or grandparent may pick up on this. Leanna and I took care of Ashton most of his infant life because of his parent’s jobs, then separation, to divorce. Ashton had many health issues, his mom was dealing with cancer and they lived about 3 hours away, so it was easier for Leanna and I to have him. We made a commitment to God saying that we would bring him up as Godly as we could. He has heard God’s Word. He praises and worships God with us. He has memorized parts of the Bible. He asks questions about Jesus often. He has even witnessed as best as an 8 year old can to his friends. Is it important that we sow good seed into our youngster’s lives? Absolutely! If this had been going on in the majority of the families here in the US for the last couple of decades, we wouldn’t be hearing about all the violence, sexual crimes and all the things that are an abomination to God at the alarming rate that we hear of now. One thing I want to say today, and I hope everyone hearing this or reading this will think about all week long… sow the seed of love to everyone you meet. Prayer. Communion. |
Author
|