"Relationship"
JoAnn McMoran - March 8, 2008
John 15:1-11
The genuine vine is Jesus. The Father is the gardener.
Just like there is pruning in the natural, there is pruning in the spiritual. We prune the deadwood to bring more blossoms.
The secret of the branch is to abide in the vine. This is emphasized in vs.5 and vs. 7.
Apart from the Holy Spirit we are and can do nothing unless we abide in the vine. This is important.
Disciples are learners. It is proof of being disciples and the Father is glorified.
The Father wants that relationship and we can have it if we keep His commandments. Jesus didn't do anything apart from the Father.
Why? So that our joy will be full, complete and overflowing.
When we received blessings at the Ladies' Conference, we got body slams. The enemy wants a fight. Samson was unaware of the fight, same as us. The enemy was lurking around.
The living must move forward. We are invited to do the impossible as we're moving out in the supernatural inspired by the Adult Bible Study and Pastor's preaching. It has excited us. God can and wants to use us. We need to reconnect our relationship with the Father when we get body slams. They're meant to distract us and get our eyes on the circumstances. When that happens our relationship gets cold.
Relationship means to fellowship, have companionship, joint interest, similar tastes; "birds of a feather flock together". This is the relationship of believers to Christ.
With relationship comes fellowship. We connect with that person we have a relationship with. It's someone we can trust and love.
John 14:9
Walking with Jesus is a lifestyle, having the mind continually on Him. It's a relationship similar to that of husband and wife. It is walking in the spirit, a lifetime walking with Jesus.
Jesus gave us the greatest gift, the Holy Spirit. It is the greatest secret. Plug the Holy Spirit into your life.
Acts 1:8
There is power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. It's the same as when Jesus was baptized. Tongues is the evidence that you know it's from the Holy Spirit. Then you will have dudemos power...dynamite power. And the supernatural gifts follow and are manifest.
John 12:23
As a kernel of wheat dies and produces so I must die. It is in death that we will produce a plentiful harvest of lives. The self life must die for the Kingdom of God and bring a wealth of the supernatural.
What this means is having no worldly interest but the secret walk in the spirit.
In the natural the farmer prunes, waters, fertilizes and cares to make the plants grow beautifully. It's the same with us. As disciples we are all different plantings. And the Lord uses us as He wills.
There are opportunities everywhere we go. Bloom where you're at. There are many situations where you can bless. Step in the gap. Move in obedience and in the spirit. Die to self.
"Let this mind be in you that is in Jesus." As a seed fall to the ground and dies, the rain breaks the kernels and that seed, even if it was dormant for many years will multiply and come to life. The same happens with us when we put Jesus first and love Him with all our hearts, souls and might. Your life will blossom and touch many. The master gardener is the one who waters us in the Word. Go forth! Grow beautifully, pleasing the Lord. You will produce wonderful things in the Lord when you surrender and say, "Yes Lord. Yes Lord."
Gen.8:22
"As long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night will not cease." There are seasons in our lives; seasons of blessing, seasons of torment, seasons of winter and spring. These all are in God's plans. Watch Israel. The results are shown here are that God is in control. Plant seeds of success. Replace wrong thinking with good thinking. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Change the "I cant" to "I can." We have to believe and speak, living and walking the Word of God.
The Holy Spirit wants us out of our comfort level. He wants us on a higher level, walking and talking with Him. The Holy Spirit will guide you like a GPS to our destination. Learn to be consistant with the Word and it will be automatic.
When we're in a cave we can only see one way out. That is when God will come supernaturally. Growth will bring balance which will bring a transition into maturity. It is something we have to work at to grow in fine balance. The Holy Spirit can conform us to the holiness that is required in the Kingdom of God.
2 Cor. 13:14
The communion of the Holy Spirit is being in His presence. It is seeking Him as we seek water in the desert. Participate with the Holy Spirit as with a partner.
Romans 5:5
You can share your deepest secret. He will never fail you. The Holy Spirit is in charge here on earth. The time of communion with Him is precious time. Ask and seek and receive in Jesus' Name.
"The Lord Wants Your Heart"
Nancy Gallaher -- October 6, 2007
How can we give our heart to the Lord? Repent.
ELIJAH
He proclaimed rain when there was a drought. He sent his servant seven times to check for clouds. The seventh time the sevant saw one cloud the size of a man's hand. The seventh time that cloud became visible.
We need to pray according to His Word and repent. Repentance is a verb that means to change one's mind for the better. Prepare for the anointing. Check your mind. Repent daily and turn your thoughts to God, bringing them into subjection to Christ.
Repentance is also a noun meaning repentance from sin orevil and turning to God.
Thoughts can capture you. You can allow them to bring you up or down, depending on the thoughts. Think about what you say. Esau sold his birthright. He didn't think about what he said.
Words are important. They determine your destiny and will fulfill what they say.
Rain brings blessings and cursings. So preparation is important. Take the opportunity to humble youself before a mighty God and say "Yes" and "I will" to Him.
Repent and rid yourself of anything that would hinder your relationship with God. Dust the dirt of the world from yourself. That's what the Blood of Jesus does. Ask forgiveness for your thoughts, words and deeds that don't line up with His Word so He can use you. ...so He can trust you more with people who are hurting with no direction. We know the direction of God through Christ by the Holy Spirit.
Leviticus 26:1-4
Do whatever it takes to do what the Lord wants you to do. Be what God wants you to be. Be of good cheer when you stand on His Word. There may be opposition, but in due season, God will "send the rain" when you need it.
Matthew
Jesus said to give the other cheek when someone offends you. What you say will change what you feel. When under pressure, watch what you say and what you think. Let you life prove the change with your words.
Romans 2:4
God's kindness is intended to lead us to true repentence. The Holy Spirit will convict not condemn you. He will bring godly sorrow and it will bear fruit.
Jerimiah 4:3
Break up the ground of your heart so when god sends the seed of the Word you will be strong in faith (because of the cultivation). It won't sow in thorns and thistles.
James 5:13-18
We are like Elijah. We can pull down or raise up those around us. God's got a job for us.
Romans 12:2
Don't let the world press us into its mold. Renew your mind and be transformed by the Word of God.
"The Real Deal"
Pastor Lana - 9/8/07
Judas walked with Jesus. He talked and followed Him. But Judas turned and betrayed Jesus. He talked a good talk, but didn't walk the walk. Is there any evidence in us that shows we are Christians? Do others see Jesus in us? We want to decrease so that He increases.
We may have the "look" and even "say" Christian things. We may even have a title. But Jesus didn't say we'll be known by our title.
Luke 10:25-37
We are to love the Lord our God with our whole heart, soul, strength and mind. Jesus told about the good Samaritan and said, "Go and do likewise."
1 John 4:20
We can't hate our brother and say we love God. Bible calls those that do liars. If we hate our brother, we can't possibly love God whom we have not seen.
Matthew 6:1-7
Be careful not to show off our good deeds for others. Our giving and praying should be in secret; in our closet. It is not for showing off.
Lay down your cross. Bow your knee to the Father and do His will. Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus went to the cross and did what the Father wanted.
Love and serve only Him. Don't look to others and other resources for guidance. The Bible is the book of life. Give your time, enegy and preference to others because you love God.
Be committed. Like fruit when squeezed, your true self will show when you are squeezed. Daniel stayed true to God even though the wise men conned the king of Babylon to put him in the firey furnace and in the lions' den. When we love God, there will be opposition. Live a godly life before your enemies. If they persecuted Jesus, they will persecute us.
God delivered Daniel out of the furnace and shut the lions' mouths. God can shut the mouth of the lions that are attacking your health, finances, family... The Bible says the devil seeks those who he can devour. But God can shut his mouth. He can shut the mouths of liars and those who are opposing us.
The enemy uses people against us. We need to remember that we wrestle against powers, principalities, rulers of darkness in high places.
Seek God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. Love one another as yourselves. People should be drawn by the Spirit of God. We have a treasure. You can use any method to bring others to Christ. Remember, the message is sacred, the method is not.
"Ready-Aim-Fire"
Pastor Lana - March 25, 2006
God had a plan for your life.
MOSES
Exodus 1:7...
The Israelistes were slaves in Egypt because of disobedience, but God blessed them and multiplied them even in the enemy's camp.
God can bless us and multiply us when we find ourselves in dire straits.
verse 15
The mid-wives disobeyed the pharoh's command to kill all the male babies. The let Moses live. We need to obey the King of kings.
Moses rose from being hid in the rushes to the king's palace because God had a plan for him.
Exodus 2:9
Moses' mother got Moses back when pharohs daughter wanted a Jewish woman to breast feed Moses. She got him back and also got paid for taking him.
verse 11
Moses knows his destiny, but moves ahead of God. He runs away. Forty years later God appears to him in a burning bush and tells him his destiny. Moses was to lead his people out of Egypt.
God hardened pharoh's heart so that everyone would know that it was God who delivered His people with signs and wonders.
JOSEPH
Genesis 37:5
Joseph was favored by his father. His father gave him a coat of many colors that none of the other brothers received. This made them envious.
Josesph had a dream that he shared with his brothers. His brothers were even more jealous of him because in the dream they were bowing to Joseph. It is not wise to share a dream with everyone. Sometimes a dream may be personal.
It was not Joseph's appointed time. He went through many trials. But each time he overcame. He stayed faithful to God and God brought him favor in all his circumstances. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, but he served in Potifer's house in position 2nd to Potifer. He was accused of adultery by Potifer's wife and thrown into prison. He was favored in prison. He interpreted the king's dream and was placed in charge of all the kingdom's resources. Then his dream came true when his brothers came looking for food. Then it was the appointed time of his destiny.
We can be in a pit, but God can raise us like He did Joseph. Be prepared! Be ready and like Joseph whose brothers bowed before you, God will place you in a high place.
JESUS
Luke 2
Jesus had an appointed time. He knew his destiny at 12 years old, but that was not the appointed time. He prepared 30 years for three years of ministry.
DAVID
1 Samuel 16, 2 Samuel
David was anointed king for an appointed time. But he didn't take the throne immediately. He was just a lad taking care of the sheep. There was an appointed time. He waited on the Lord to sit him on the throne.
ABSALOM
2 Samuel 13
Absalom couldn't, wouldn't and didn't wait for the appointed time of his destiny. He rebelled against his father David. He had himself anointed king, but it was not God's appointed time. If it is not in God's appointed time, it will not happen.
Romans 11:29
What are your gifts? Dont be discouraged about your appointed time. Your destiny is God's appointed time and place.
Jeremiah 29:11
God has plans for us. They are plans that we cannot even imagine.
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