Good morning my friends and family members. What a great day to be able to share God's word with you. Actually, every day that we can share God's word is a good day. Throughout this week, I have been in my own way searching what to teach on today. A big part of me wants to continue our lesson on speaking blessings. There have been other topics that have come up, but none as much as what we will look at today. Please turn to one of my favorite books in the Bible, and from that book to my favorite chapter. Anyone want to take a guess what it is? Hebrews chapter 11 and verses five and six . For those that are reading this, online, you probably noticed that the title has a ?. Here is your chance to be involved. As you read this, be considering a title that best matches this message in the comment box at the bottom of this message. As I look at verses that I have written down this week, as I think of situations that have happened around me, whether it be on the various sites, or from friends that I have talked to, I hear and feel so much hurt from most of them. I have had much conversation from a man on one site that does not believe there is a God. He seems to think that everything just formed on its own. So in saying all this, we are going to look at the importance of our faith in God. Prayer. Hebrews 11:5-6 KJV By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Let's stop right here for a moment. In this simple, familiar expression we have the description of the new life; it brings before us communion with God, dependence on His guidance, submission to His authority, confidence in His love and favor, continuous, habitual fellowship, and a mind conformed to God’s mind, and delighting itself in the Lord. Amen? Praise God. Friends, our mind conformed to that of Jesus should be our greatest desire. (6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. I have had discussions with some who don't believe there is a God. One in particular was a man that I met at a farmer's market a year ago. He made a comment about how this country was going downhill and he couldn’t believe the crimes happening. I came back with the same remark that I have made often. This is what happens when God is taken out of everything. "What do you mean by that," he said? I said, "What you see happening in the world, this country and right here in our back yards is a perfect example of what happens when there is no fear of God. This is what happens when we turn away from praying. This is what happens when the majority of people are not in God’s Word." Some of you may remember in other teachings that I have said that this country was founded, and the founding fathers based everything and praised God for all, including their very lives and were blessed. I then listened to him tell of stories of why he didn’t believe there was a God. I heard about accomplishments he has made. I shared things that had happened in my life. All in all, there was respect earned by both of us about each other. I think he may take a closer look into the Bible from scriptures that came to me quickly, probably because I was in prayer for God’s words, not mine. This man had a dad that was a minister. He grew up in the church, yet didn’t hear of the things I've mentioned thus far. This man is in his 60s. He has a bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics and engineering. He taught at a university, but never heard the true word of God. I was totally blown away by this. What I did hear was that denominations are just happy bickering about what church is the right church. I heard "HOW CAN A LOVING FATHER LET SO MANY CHILDREN DIE?" "How can a good God let this hurricane hit and affect so many people?" Then he asked me, "You say you love God. Why would you love a god that caused you to have the accident that made you lose your leg?" I told him that the minute that I was struck by that vehicle, I knew that I knew that God had spared my life. I knew that I knew that I knew that it should have been my whole body crushed and not just one leg. I love God because when I finally saw myself with Christ on that cross, I finally understood what He did for me. Some other things that this man and I discussed about church, religion and so on is this. Why I share this is because it may help you in your witnessing. There maybe someone you work with, live by or maybe with, or you may be close to someone who feels the same way as this man does. So-called Christians are hypocrites. They say Jesus loves you to the lovable (good people) and not to the unlovable. We can say outright to good people these words, but not to the worst of sinners who are an annoyance to our society. He said he has seen religious people with a cause rallying in the streets condemning some evil people declaring that there is hell, and somehow they can never use the words "God loves you." Think about that for a bit. Think about this my friends, because it's true, and I hope that I have gotten past this. We need to remember Jesus loves all people, yet some can just say, "God loves you" to religious people, but think twice if we can say these to the fallen, to the unchurched or to people who sinned. I love the song Jesus Friend Of Sinners by Casting Crowns. I think the picture painted in this song goes like this. To the "worst of sinners" whom we branded the prostitutes, the "gays", the criminals, the corrupt, and others we cannot declare these words to them. The religious people become so familiar with "Jesus loves you" that they cannot share it to those who are not familiar with it. Somehow, these words are but for the sweet and for the lovable. We never realized that these words, "Jesus loves you," is not an expression nor a sweet quotation. These words were written in blood. This is not a sweet word but a dirty word. Wow brother Jim, have you lost it?, What do you mean Jesus loves you is a dirty word? Jesus became dirty as he carried that cross, as he was spit upon by people, and as he hung on that cross. Jesus went through all of these things declaring that He loves everybody. He did it for you, He did it for me while we were yet sinners. His body was so brutally beaten, you couldn't tell He was a man. His beard was plucked from His face. He hung on a cross completely naked. He was scourged nearly to death. All this He did humbly while everyone tried their hardest to humiliate Him. Can you remember the time leading up to and right after you gave your heart to the Lord? God loves you this much. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Wow!! Can You imagine willingly sacrificing your child? Your one and only child for people who don’t even know you? That is exactly what God did for us, although He knows each of us. Even before we knew Him. Praise God!! He sent His Son, Jesus, to come live on earth and suffer a horrible death so that we can live a life that will last forever, beyond our own death. God loves you so much, and He wants to give you a life of hope and blessings if only you believe in Him. That my friend, is what you need to place all your faith in. Brothers and sisters, we have all sinned. I don't care how good a person you've been, you have sinned. If you tell me or anyone else you have never sinned, you are sinning right now by lying. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Ever think or say to yourself, "I am only human?" We all make mistakes. We're all sinners. We often feel we're not good enough for God and separate ourselves from His love. I've heard many say this: "I've done so many bad things. God will never forgive me. I can't forgive myself, so how can God forgive me?" Sin does come with consequences. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death. When someone commits a crime, they are responsible to pay the penalties associated with their crime in according to the law in which you live. The same is true for sinners. The penalty for sin is eternal death in hell and separation from God. But, and this the good, good good, news. Christ paid for your sins, but God demonstrates His own love for us. Romans 5:8 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus, Son of God, is the only person to have lived a life without sin. None. No, not one. When He died on the cross, He took our sins with Him. He paid the price for our sins so we that we can spend eternity in heaven. Salvation is a free gift to you. Listen to this. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Some think that being a good man, or being a giving woman or going to church will reserve a place in Heaven. It's not through the things you do, because we cannot earn our way into Heaven. Instead, God gives you salvation as a free gift. All you have to do is believe in Jesus Christ, ask Him for forgiveness of your sins, and receive the life in Christ that is awaiting you. Again my dear friends, faith!!! This is one of the areas this gentleman struggled with and I have heard so many others who have been misled or whatever. They think just because they've been a good person and because they may be generous they have earned their way to Heaven. Is this what the Bible says? No, and this is where I directed my conversation. You must receive Christ into your life. John 1:12 Yet to all who receive Him (Jesus), to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. When we receive Christ into our life, we become a member of the family of God. Praise God!! You are His child. Someone might ask, "How do I receive Christ?" Friends, we studied this scripture during one of the Does God hear our Prayers teachings. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Does this land need healing? You bet it does. Are the majority of this country calling on God or following His commandments? No!!! Perfect example. Look at the immoral things going on in this nation. Abortion, same sex marriage, to mention a couple. I wasn't able to lead this man to say the prayer of salvation, yet I gave him some things to research and to chew on. This is what I had hoped for and it may happen another time. One thing that I would want to mention. If God leads you to witness to someone, give them a sample prayer to pray for Christ to come into their lives, but don’t tell them they are saved. You don't know that they truly meant it. Only God knows their hearts. This is something that really bothers me. Many pastors or evangelists, when they lead someone or a congregation through the sinners prayer, they tell them they are saved. I really encourage people not to do that, but do lead them to a Bible believing church and especially a Bible believing Bible study Here is a simple sample prayer. Prayer is simple communication with our Savior. You must acknowledge that you are a sinner and must be willing to turn from sin and allow God to change your life. By believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, you can invite Him to come into your heart. Let Him take control of your life as your Savior. Pray this prayer to receive Christ into your life: Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and need You in my life. Please Lord, forgive me of my sins. I believe that You died on the cross and rose from the grave. Please come into my heart and life. Thank you for helping me turn from my sins and follow You. Thank You for now being the Lord of my life and Lord, I ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit to guide me in Your ways. In Jesus name, Amen. Friends, time is so short before something big happens. I'm not going to say such a date, but it could be within the next couple years that all hell hits this country. With all the diseases being introduced to this country, what seems daily, we may not be alive tomorrow. Famines are on their way. Wars and rumors of wars? Oh boy, if only some of you knew what's going on that the media refuses to share. What about the earth groaning? Suppose it is? Church, this is where you and I need to be more serious than ever before. Do you have a loved one that doesn't know Jesus? Maybe a co-worker that God keeps tugging on your heart to talk to? Maybe it's just an acquaintance that you know God wants you to share the Gospel with. Will you? Or are you going to keep putting it off? This is where every time I bring this up, it gets deathly quiet. Happens every time. This is where fear sets in. Maybe it's time for us as true believers and true lovers of Jesus to walk and talk like we have Jesus living in us. Here's a challenge to all who hear or read this message. Get out to the street, look for someone who is branded as worst of sinners by our society, and start by whispering as if you are speaking to that person and say, "Jesus loves you." I want to take the time to listen to a short song. While you're listening to the words, I want you to think about your worst sins. I want you to remember a time that you were the furthest you thought you could be from God. Maybe it was a time that you said you hated God. Maybe you were in an adulterous affair, or into thievery, lying. You know what your past was. song. http://youtu.be/4e1lUk-bGVg Jesus still loved you even before you came to know Him as your personal Savior. There are so many lessons to be learned reading the Bible of ones that the religious leaders brought to Jesus or condemned him for being around that their sins were forgiven because they put their faith in Christ. Jesus Loves you. What I am in hopes for everyone to get out of this message is three things. 1. I want you to make these words real in your life. Think for a moment the worst sin which you have done in your life and the sin for which you have been ashamed of, and declare verbally with boldness, "Jesus loves me." God loves you, not based on your performance. Not because of how long you've been going to church. Remember, God loves you already, even in your worst. Everyone say this. "Jesus loves me." Make it real, because He is real and He really does love you, more than you will ever know. Jesus loves you. 2. Friends, secondly I want you to all understand that when we say, "Jesus loves you," the "you" stands for everyone. All kinds of people. Change the you with any kind of sinner you can think of, and the words will still fit, because it is Jesus who loves, not us. And when we see these people, how Jesus loves them, then we can learn to love them, and love them truly. I heard a testimony from my wife that made me so proud of her. Without going into detail, she had a chance to make some money for a job she did a few years back and she has done it since then too, because that's how we are. When she had finished the service she was hired to do and saw how little this family had, yet were so very happy for what they did have, she did this service for free. Friends, money isn't everything. Loving people is where we should all be. At times we need to volunteer our services for others. I'm not saying that every deed we do should be free, but if you're saved and let the Holy Spirit guide you, you will know. 3. And I will end with this. I am in hopes that you'll be inspired to share the Gospel message with everyone you know. I am in hopes that you'll strike up a conversation with even strangers, then when the conversation turns to God and your faith, that you will pray for God’s words to come from your mouth. Friends, don't be ashamed of talking about Jesus. He died for you. The Bible says Jesus prays for you along with His angels. Praise His name!! Prayer. Communion.
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Good morning friends and family. We are blessed that you have been able to join us this morning and hope that this message is a blessing to you. We're going to continue this series on changing our speech so that instead of speaking curses on things, and especially people, that we start speaking blessings. Through this week, I have been involved in many discussions online and face to face about how we should be speaking blessings. It's natural for us to speak ill words when someone has hurt us or our family, or done something that goes against what we believe. Amen? Do we all agree? A few weeks ago, we looked at the Hebrew word and the Greek word for bless. Does anyone remember what they were? Hebrew for bless: to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration). Greek word for bless: to speak well of, that is, (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper): - bless, praise. When we think about these words and their meanings, wouldn't you like to have them spoken over you? This is what we should be speaking out to others and ourselves. Here is something that many of us probably have never been taught or even thought of. We look at our president, nation's leaders, or state leaders. It may even be your teachers, or maybe even your family members who have said or done things that are totally against what you believe. What is the first thing our minds tell us to do? Curse them. Are we speaking God's full intention over them? Absolutely not. Last week we looked at 1st Corinthians 3:16 and 17 about our bodies being the temple of God in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. Do we remember? What about verse 7? In fact, please turn there. I don't want you to think these are my words. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV (16) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Prayer. Please turn to one of my favorite verses. Galatians 3:13. Friends, we need to bless those people and things that God created. Amen? Jesus came to take all the curses onto Himself. Galatians 3:13-14 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: (14) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles (Friends, that is you and me) through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Jesus was hanged on a tree on Golgotha, and thus it was publicly proclaimed to all that He was accursed. As I have mentioned many times, those pictures that some of you may have hanging on your wall, or might have seen in a church, I don't believe is what Jesus looked like while hanging on that old rugged cross. I don't want you to think I'm telling you to take it down, but I want you to get a revelation of that gruesome scene. If we look at Isaiah 52:13 and 14. Isaiah 52:13-14 KJV Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. (14) As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: Other translations say: Isaiah 52:14 YLT As astonished at thee have been many, (So marred by man his appearance, And his form by sons of men.) Isaiah 52:14 GNB Many people were shocked when they saw him; he was so disfigured that he hardly looked human. Isaiah 52:14 GW Many will be shocked by him. His appearance will be so disfigured that he won't look like any other man. His looks will be so disfigured that he will hardly look like a human. Isaiah 52:14 Bishops Lyke as the multitude shall wonder vpon hym, because his face shalbe so defourmed and not as mans face, his beautie like no man: Isaiah 50:6 KJV I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. Mark 14:65 GW Some of them began to spit on him. They covered his face and hit him with their fists. They said to him, "Prophesy!" Even the guards took him and slapped him. Why do you bring up the cross like this, brother Jim? Because I want each of us during our prayer time to fully understand what He sacrificed for us. Also that silly little loin cloth you see? Not so. Not there. That is not how the Romans crucified people. Jesus, in Himself He was the blessed God, and the source of blessing to all creation. He became a curse in order to become our Redeemer. Praise Jesus! Jesus, taking our nature, He became our kinsman. Jesus being our kinsman according to the law, He had the right to redeem His kindred; having a right to redeem, He made use of it, and paid the price of our everlasting freedom. Blessed be His great, gracious, and glorious name forever. Shout church, halleluiah! Please turn to James 3:9. We looked at this last week, but I think we should turn here over and over so we get it. And then turn to it again. James 3:9-10 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. Friends, we need to bless those things that God made. Amen? We don't have to go there, but what did God say when He created earth? What about the waters and the stars? Beasts, fowl and everything that creepeth? It was good. Gen 1:22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. Then God created Man and He did not say it was good. Read for yourself. Chuckles. Genesis 1:28 KJV And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 2:3 KJV And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Church, are we beginning to see God's heart? We look at now. God looks at the whole picture. Jesus came to defend what was cursed. Let me share it this way, and maybe you will see what I'm trying to say. Let's say you are working in your yard and your neighbor comes over to where you're working and blasts you about your child. "Your seven year old boy or girl stole a rose from my rose bush. Your child should be locked up in jail and get nothing but bread and water for the rest of his or her life." What are you as a parent going to do? Of course you are going to stand up for little Tommy or Heather. You're going to protect them, right? That's what we do as a parent. We, my friends, need to do the same as God wants us to do. Please turn to 1 Corinthians 4:5. 1 Corinthians 4:5 KJV Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. I really wish each of you would read this whole book and meditate on it. God’s steward awaits no Judgment of man, but stands or falls by his Master’s judgment... his standard having fidelity for God, not popularity with men. Joshua 5:13-14 KJV And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? (14) And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? Are we for God or against God? Are we going to speak as God would have us speak, or how our old man, or woman spoke? We need to learn to speak God's intention . This statement may surprise some of you. For those hearing, or reading this here in the U.S., we have, or are supposed to have freedom of free speech. There won't be freedom of speech in the Kingdom of God. That may surprise many of you. We will speak praises and blessings. Amen? Praises and blessings to the Lord of lords and King of kings. Halaluia!! Turn please to Romans 4:16-18 KJV Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (17) (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. (18) Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. Friends, that's what we need to see when that person pulls out in front of us and almost causes a wreck. Don't curse, but speak blessings over them. Amen? When your spouse irritates you, don't say, "You so and so blahh, blah, bla." No, no, no. Speak God's full intension over their lives. It takes time and non of us are going to get this down pat over night. It takes time and it takes work. It most importantly takes faith. Praise God. Come on church, I know God is speaking to many today. Husbands and wives, work together on this. Be a team. There are times Leanna has to bring me down a peg or two with a reminder of what I might be ready to say over a situation. There are times I have to remind her. We are help-mates. Praise God. I know, that I know that God blessed me with her. I know that through my Savior bringing Leanna into my life was a big part of bringing me out of a self-destructive mode. That was what my life at that time was. A walking time bomb. But praise Jesus, those days are long gone. Turn if you will to Zachariah 4. Church, we need to work on this blessing thing. I know that I know, we will all see results and I can't wait to hear testimony from each of you hearing me and those that read this through cyber land. If we read Genesis chapter 49, we see how Jacob called his sons and blessed them. We see how those prophetic blessings came to pass in each and still coming to pass. Praise God. What is happening in this part of the Bible is Zechariah has a message from God spoken to him by an angel that is to be told to Zerubbabel. The angle shows him the rubble of God's temple that is to be rebuilt. Zerubbabel was designated to finish the temple. Zechariah 4:1-14 KJV And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, (2) And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: (3) And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. (4) So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? (5) Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. (6) Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (7) Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. To fully understand all that is being spoken here, you need to meditate on this chapter and chapters before. A concordance and a study guide showing and explaining the history would also be a great help. Notice grace is mentioned here. Let's look at this word. GRACE, n. [L. gratia, which is formed on the Celtic; Eng. agree, congruous, and ready. The primary sense of gratus, is free, ready, quick, willing, prompt, from advancing.] chên khane From H2603; graciousness, that is, subjectively (kindness, favor) or objectively (beauty): - favour, grace (-ious), pleasant, precious, [well-] favoured. Church, we can hear all through this message today and following messages on blessings and grace and favor of God, and when the next person says or does something to offend you, what are you going to say or do? Are we going to curse them by saying, "You good for nothing so and so. I wish that you weren't born?" No, no and no. As soon as we are about to open our mouth to say those things and the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts, we need to heed that warning. Amen? And then we repent. We need to allow God to touch us and allow the Spirit to influence our lives, and especially that little thing that wags underneath our nose. Friends, we need to care more about what God thinks than what the world and everyone else thinks. Is God speaking to anyone today? I pray so. It should be that before any negative comes across or lips there is such a conviction in our hearts, and it ends right there. Thank You God!!! Praise Jesus!! Friends, isn't it your desire to have God find grace in you? Genesis 6:8 KJV But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. When the angel of the Lord spoke to Zechariah, he questioned him of what he saw. Friends, this is what God is looking for in us. Zechariah saw a pile of rubble and could have said, "Let's go to this place and build the second temple," but he saw through the eyes of the Lord. How do you speak to that mountain that's in your way? That neighbor that gets under your skin. That bad report the doctor just gave you. That demotion from work. That thing your spouse did that upset you. Your child's failing grades? Church, when we can see how God sees it, I believe we can get a brighter picture, a better perspective. We need to say, "May God have His way." We need to say, "May God's intentions for this mountain, this pile of rubble come to its full potential." I know you've all heard this before, but don't tell God how big that mountain is. Tell that mountain how big your God is. Friends, when we look at scripture and speak to those things in our situations, we are speaking God's will over them. We are coming in agreement. Praise the Lord. When we bless our marriage we are blessing what God created. When we bless our children we are saying what God's full intentions are for them. Church, get this. Praise Jesus. We need to start blessing our families, communities, government, country and the world. We need to start speaking blessings over these things instead of cursing them. I know friends, it is hard in some circumstances. I know that growing up, we heard our elders talk negative about many things and we may have gotten used to hearing them and now do it ourselves. I've been there, but my mind is being renewed. It takes time. It takes Jesus helping us and convicting us. Praise God! Please turn to Ephesians 4:11. We use the phrase, "I'm just speaking the truth in love brother, or sister." In most cases that's a cover-up for someone to speak their mind. It's usually someone trying to play God. Playing the part of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: We can determine what the measure of stature is. Ephesians 4:14-15 KJV That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Friends, Jesus was and is our perfect example of how to live our lives. Here in Ephesians we read where we should not be tempted by all these new things coming into the church. That we live our lives as Jesus taught. As He lived. Jesus is the head of the body of Christ. Amen? Bless like Jesus blesses. Love like Jesus loves. Speak the truth as Jesus is the truth. Be in the Word and build up your faith so we grow in maturity. Psalms 133:1-3 KJV A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (2) It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; (3) As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. A seed, like the mustard seed spoken of in the bible dealing with faith in us, has all it needs to grow. Many get confused because it mentions it's smallness. Size has nothing to do with it, but it's DNA is ready to grow once it has water, soil and sun. We have all we need to grow in faith. In closing, our number one goal should be to get connected with the King of kings and Lord of lords. We need to focus on growing to maturity in Christ. Our desire should be more of God and less of ourselves. Not our will, but the will of our heavenly Father. Amen? Ephesians 3:16-21 KJV That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) 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, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. We have the power to speak blessings over everything and everyone around us. Is your marriage not a happy marriage? Start blessing it. Is your boss not easy to get along with? Bless him. Are there problems in your family? Love on them and speak blessings over them. Again, there was so much I wanted to share in this message, but because of time, I will have to continue another time. Prayer. Communion. Good morning friends and family. Glory be to God that we can meet again this morning, or in sister Liz's case in South Africa, evening. Praise Jesus. So glad you all can join in, and I pray that today's message is a blessing and that we all get an understanding of what God wants to teach us all. I want to continue today with the message we started a couple weeks ago titled "Are We Speaking God's Full Intention Over People and Things?" Speaking blessings is so important and we don't hear much about it in most congregations, and that's sad. Again friends, this is not about bashing churches, but looking at what scripture says. Amen? In many of my posts, many of my comments seem to be church bashing. That's not the intent, and I think for the most part sharing the scriptures in love is showing those who really are hungry for God what the truth really is. I want to know the truth of what is in His Word, and I pray you do, too. Amen? I want to know God's heart. I want His full intention to manifest in my life and I want to speak the same into everyone else's life also and then watch it come to pass. Glory be to God! Is that your desire today and throughout your life? Friends, please turn to Luke 6:26. What we need to really understand is this: A Christian who is not affected by the sins of their own tongue but takes care to avoid them, has an undoubted sign of true grace. The wisdom and grace of God which enables one to control the tongue will enable him also to control all other actions. Friends, do we understand this? It sounds real easy, doesn't it? Well, how many times in the past couple weeks have you called someone an idiot, or a dummy, or something along that line, or worse? Yet, we are learning to speak this over them: "I declare over you that God’s full intention that He has for your life would come into fullness." It takes time and I am learning as we go, too. Praise the Lord. Luke 6:26-29 KJV Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (27) But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, (28) Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (29) And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Friends, these are not my words, but from that of our Master. Church, the blessings of Jesus are promises to us suffering believers who live by the words of His gospel. It is we who may endure hardships for His sake, in hope of the glory of heaven which will abundantly countervail all hardships. Woe to those who rest upon a false foundation, trusting in the riches of this world and holding Christ and His people in contempt. Amen? Let me ask you this. Jesus, as a human being, in perfect will to the Father walked in constant communion with Him through prayer. Amen? In those days when His enemies were filled with madness against Him, He gave much time to prayer. We all know this. Yes? If He, the Son of God, needed to pray, how much more business should we have at the throne of grace? I have mentioned often that praying is something that Jesus told us to do. He taught us how to pray and even Apostle Paul, another man of great faith, shared that he prayed often for churches and the leaders. How much time do you spend in prayer? The house of prayer.... how much time is spent in prayer in most churches? It is one of the least participated in functions. It's our way of communicating with God our creator, and people don't take much time to spend with Him. This seems very sad to me. We have read in James 3 about the little thing that wags under our nose many times. Actually, let's go there. James 3 and verse 2. I am going to read it from the KJV and then from the good news translation. Listen carefully to these words. I'm going to give you a test at the end. No, just kidding. James 3:2-8 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. (4) 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. (5) Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (6) 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. (7) For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: (8) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:2-8 GNB All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being. (3) We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want. (4) Or think of a ship: big as it is and driven by such strong winds, it can be steered by a very small rudder, and it goes wherever the pilot wants it to go. (5) So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things. Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! (6) And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. (7) We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures---wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. (8) But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. Think about things you have said to someone else. Maybe a quick word of praise that you said recently to a family member, class mate, co-worker or a close friend and it made their whole day. Now think of just the opposite. Something you said to someone intentionally, or maybe unintentionally that may have been taken in a hateful way. Do you remember how hurt they were? Were these things said about this person God's will for the intentions of their life? Now think about both sides of the coin, but said to you. Both good things and the bad. How did you feel about both the positive and the negative? Quite a contrast? So why should we speak blessings over those who hurt us? Our natural way of speaking to things that we don't like, or when we feel threatened, backed into a corner if you will, is to throw out insults, or to shift the blame onto someone else. This reminds me of the original husband and wife. Anyone know where I am going with this? Because of Adam's and Eve's fall, our first thoughts of speaking blessings isn't natural. We were separated from God. Adam's response when asked what happened was, "The woman You gave me caused me to do it." What was Eve's response? "The serpent made me do it". Both lies..... both cursed someone. I want you to really think about this, both ladies and men. For you ladies, and this is not pick on women week....have you ever said, "I am overweight. I'm getting old looking. Everything on my body is heading south. I wish I was smarter. I wish my husband was smarter and had a better job." Guys, what about you? "If I was smarter, I would have a better job. Man, I wish I wasn't so dumb. I wish I was more athletic, or better looking." Am I touching on anything, ladies and gentlemen? How does God see you? What about some of the things that we struggle with on a daily basis? Do we consider talking to God in prayer about these things? I have heard many say, "God doesn't want to hear about my worries." I think the opposite. Our bodies, my friends, are very important to God. He created them and He bought them with a price. Our shells are the Holy temple where the Holy Spirit dwells. 1Co 3:16-17 KJV Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1Co 6:15-20 KJV Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. (16) What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. (17) But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (18) Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. From these 2 passages, it tells me Christ has purchased the ones that have called on Jesus to be Lord and Savior. Jesus bought our body, soul and spirit by His own blood. Should we not be careful what we do with another's property? Let our bodies be kept as His whose they are and fit for His use and residence. Amen? Eph 2:19-22 KJV Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Friends, this is talking about our bodies. Do we not get this? So what should we be speaking about ourselves? Dumb, idiots sloppy, fat and so on> I think not. We should be speaking blessings over ourselves. We should be speaking God's full intention into our lives and others. If all Christians got this message and started speaking blessings over themselves and those around them, I think there would be much less negative people. Amen? 1Pe 2:1-5 KJV Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, (2) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (3) If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (4) To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. So I ask you my friends. We learned some about finding out what the will is for each of our lives last week. Anyone remember? How did that message lead into today's message? By being in His Word. The Word of God is the proper and necessary food for the soul, which, if rightly used, does not leave a man as it finds him. What were we like before we came to the saving grace of Jesus? When we started reading our Bibles and listening to sound doctrine it should improve our thoughts, our emotions, our speach and actions. It should cause us to realize our spiritual position in the world. We should know what our Christian duty of being patient and Christlike It should cause us to not to be like the world and speak like the world. Amen. Praise Jesus. Patience has been a difficult thing for me to overcome, but with God all things are possible and I am much better. Praise the Lord. I know we have looked at many scriptures and that is good. I have always said, I would rather you all learn from the Word of God than from me. I have many more verses that I want us to look at about things that we might say to or about ourselves and then we will close.
I didn't get as far as I thought we would, but there were many scriptures we looked at today, and I pray that you think and digest it throughout the week. I hope this has been a blessing to you that joined us here and online and for those who may be reading this another time online.
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