Victory Church Jbay: Recent Episodes

Victory Church Jbay

We are a Kingdom Apostolic Family Church who believes in being relevant in our. community and making a difference in society. We serve a great God, whose heart is for His people and for their well-being in every area.

Church is more than a Sunday event - we are the Church! Together we engage in everyday life, challenge and issues. Being the church is about living life together and enjoying one another as we build meaningful relationships in and through Christ.

We invite you to join us as we fulfil our redemptive purpose to LOVE GOD - LOVE PEOPLE - LIVE LIFE - ADVANCE HIS KINGDOM.

We can all grow when it comes to prayer. Whether you have served Jesus for 40 years or today is

your first day, the invitation is the same. Pray. It is the spiritual practice in which all spiritual practices

grow. In this week's sermon, Ps Marno shares three things we can learn from Jesus' life of prayer.

Humility opens a door for God to work both in and through your life. What does it mean to be humble? And what can I do to cultivate a humble heart and actions? Louis Els explores three practical ways every Christian can grow in humility - to accurately reflect Jesus, our humble King.

In the final session of The Rising: A Relationship Renaissance, Marilyn challenged us to think about the

ways we love and connect with others. We are created for deep, meaningful relationships with our heavenly Father and the people around us. Let’s face it, human connection can be a rollercoaster because of the messiness of our world. Marilyn gives practical insights into what builds bad connections and the secrets to forging uplifting, enduring relationships. Get ready to transform your connections!

When we worship corporately we often say things like: ‘Wow wasn’t there such a presence?’ It is important to remember that the presence represents a person, not a goosebump feeling or emotional state. God wants you to know He is with you, not just a feeling of peace or joy. Ps Louis explores the result of encounters with the presence, person, and word of God and how it causes a shift that changes how we live.

How often do you hear, read or in any way interact with the Word of God? Do you feel it's enough, too much, or too little? We learn in Genesis 1 already that the God we serve is a speaking God. When God speaks it is not just for conversation, but also creation. He speaks things into existence. His Word shapes and brings order to creation and also to our lives - even the smallest details!

Often we talk about encountering God in a way that makes us feel better, stronger, and more

confident. In Jonah 1 we read about a different kind of encounter- one where God has less our problems in mind and more our destiny and purpose. Encounters where He calls us to certain things- the way He called Jonah to go to Nineveh. How do we respond to this kind of encounter?

There are countless stories in the Bible of men who encountered God in a way that caused them to be

ALL IN. These men’s lives were completely changed and deeply impacted everyone around them.

Moses and the burning bush. Joseph and his dreams. Elijah and the still small voice. God wants to encounter you in the same way, and when He does there is a CALL, a PROMISE and a RESPONSE.

According to 3 John 1, the condition of your soul determines your ‘prosperity’ in life. How do you look after your soul so that it is healthy? Join Ps Justin as he dives into a simple yet powerful principle that will help you stay healthy and committed in your Christian walk.

Becoming Christlike is the very goal of discipleship (Gal 4:19) It's about becoming like Jesus, through surrender and devotion. How do I 'become Christlike' in a world full of opinions, distractions, and differences? Join Ps Marno as he dives deep into the topic of transformation through being a 'living sacrifice'.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest." The words of Jesus in Matthew 11. Ps Louis dives into what it means to 'take a real rest' and recover through encountering God. There is a journey of REST and REFLECTION that leads us to REPENT and ENCOUNTER the living God who restores us and gives us hope.

King David, after all his experiences with the Lord, reflects on God’s shepherd heart. According to David, the good shepherd is all we need, in every season of our lives. More than a God who instructs from afar, He is a shepherd who walks among his sheep. Ps Marno dives into what it means to say 'the Lord is my shepherd'.

The armor of God can easily become a ‘kid’s church’ story. In reality, it holds powerful truth and teaching to help us walk out our Christian faith. There is a strong emphasis in Ephesians that it is the armor of God that helps us to stand and stand firm amidst all the storms and trials around us. What does it mean to 'take up' your armor and how does this practically help us walk out our Christian faith? Join us as Dr Craig Galloway dives into this topic.

Have you ever traveled on a trip with too much baggage? It can make moving around stressful and problematic. Not only that, our baggage affects the people around us. There is something so freeing about traveling light. The same is true for spiritual and emotional baggage. It can cause us to miss kingdom destiny moments and affect the people we do life with. Ps Mark explores what it looks like to let go of our baggage and travel light.

Dr Craig reminded us on Sunday of who the Holy Spirit is and how the Holy Spirit can empower us to live in obedience to what God is calling us to. He explores 3 aspects of the Holy Spirit: the person and role, the works, and the gifts. How do these three relate to us?

What does it mean to keep burning, and not grow cold? There is something about being close to Jesus that keeps us ‘burning’ (passionate, committed, hopeful). He fans into flame that which is in our hearts. We don’t move from encounter to encounter, we live with a strong conviction of God’s glory and passion for His presence. Ps Louis explores five things that are essential for a believer that wants to keep their passion alive.

People put a great deal of time and resources into going to places that are beautiful to behold (to look at). We travel great distances to see things that cannot be found anywhere else. Do we put the same effort into beholding His glory? Dr Craig challenges us that beholding Him is a purposeful thing that we intentionally choose to do. How can we choose to behold Him in our everyday life?

Peace is a loaded word. It is so much more than an absence of ‘war’. The word for peace in Hebrew: ‘shalom’, means wholeness. It speaks of something complete and unbroken and finished. A person is ‘shalom’ (at peace) when they are restored and whole - not just living absent of conflict or strife. Jenna vd Westhuizen unpacks three powerful thoughts on peace and how it changes the way we live.

Ps Louis shared from Matthew 21, the story of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and highlighted several parallels that are so relevant for us as a church. There are questions asked of the crowd, questions that each of us needs to answer in our hearts. Questions about who we believe deep down in our hearts Jesus truly is. Jesus asked the question to Peter: ‘Who am I? How would you answer this question?

Consecration often sounds like a heavy subject, but it's not meant to be. In truth, it is something we choose to seek out, and it brings us great joy and life. It is a beautiful joy to be faithful and true to our covenant with God (much like it is a great joy to be true and faithful to our spouse). Craig Galloway explores what it really means to choose to have a consecrated heart and the beautiful journey it is.

What is unique in the Christian biblical worldview is that God chooses to work with us and through us, rather than do everything himself. God wants the joy of doing it in partnership with us. Ps Edwin explores what is our part in this? How do we partner with God to advance his kingdom here on earth?

How do you know when someone has changed from a guest to a resident? A guest can feel relaxed in a home but once someone has truly moved in: they are comfortable moving things around, and even throwing some things out. Join Ps Marno Jansen as he explores the question: is Jesus a guest or a resident in your heart?

The Israelites journey from Egypt to the promised land was one full of uncertainty and fear. Our lives can often feel full of the same emotions, and the temptation is to go back to what feels familiar and comfortable. Jenna van der Westhuizen explores how, in the face of fear, to move on and move into what God is calling you to.

In our lives we need to be fascinated with Jesus rather than fearful of the world. We put aside the fickleness of our feelings and trust in the faithfulness of God. How do we do this? Lynn Swart highlights the best place to start: study Jesus.

People on fire for God have a way of changing the world. God has placed a gift inside of you that he wants you to fan into flame. How do we 'fan into flame' the gift placed inside us? Ps Marilyn Read walks through three steps that we all must take to flan into flame our God-given gifts.

In John 21:15-18, we see Jesus ask this question to Peter: ‘Do you love me? How would you respond to this question?

Ps Marno dives into this topic as he looks at how loving God is our greatest mission in life. Our call to love people and our call to love God are equal in importance but not order.

The most important thing to prepare for this year is your heart.

“Above all else guard your heart, for EVERYTHING you do flows from it.” Pro 4v23

God wants to extract the purest form of goodness out of you by developing a pure heart within.

What is your one focus this year? What is the one thing you want to pursue before every other goal? The one thing that will make this year one of growth and success?

What if, ahead of all other goals, you choose to delight in and pursue Jesus?

Willie Bester shared a powerful word this Sunday, which was titled “Is your Heart Gripped with a Cause”. What cause are you living for? When someone hangs out with you for a day or a week, would it be obvious to see what your cause is? This week Willie looks at how Jesus lived life intentionally with a cause. He also unpacks how we can respond to the cause and call over our lives in every sphere of society. We are the church, we can advance the kingdom of God outside of the church building.

Ps Marius Gradwell shared a powerful word this Sunday, which was titled “Faith in God’s Gospel Power that saves us”. Faith does not move the hand of God. Jesus has already moved over 2000 years ago on the cross. Your faith accesses what God has already done for you and presents it to you as a gift. Ps Marius unpacks different outcomes of faith and what salvation means to us in the past, present, and future tense.

Ps Louis Els shared a significant word this Sunday, which was titled “Have faith in God”. We need to have faith in God, not a casual faith but the kind of faith that will stand firm and not change our attitude when things happen. Faith is the evidence of the unseen, it puts our trust and reliance on a living god that never changes and is true to his word.

Ps Edwin Fillies shared a significant word this Sunday, which was titled “Finish Well”. To finish well we need to have vision, build multigenerational, disciple every sphere of society, and share the word of God in every mother tongue. He unpacks each of these points to equip us to finish well.

This week Ps Louis Els shared a significant word with us, titled “The Season of Glory and New Life ”. We read in Isaiah 60 that God is calling us to Arise as His people. Ps Louis unpacks what this arising looks like, what keeps us from arising, and what can help us to get beyond the things that are stopping us from arising.

This week we had the privilege of having Dr. Derek Morphew with us. He shared excellent teaching on the "Big Story" of the gospel. He shared on the Kingdom of God, and how we can view the world through the lens of the gospel.

This week Marno Jansen shared a word titled “At Home in His Presence”. We need to be at home in God's presence, God's word, community, and in God's love. We realize our need for connection and dependency. Apart from God, we can do nothing but in His presence and fellowship with Him, we bear much fruit. With God all things are possible.

This week Ps Louis Els shared a word on “The Power of the Gospel”. There are three important ways to release the power of God within spiritual warfare: Praise, prayer, and the gospel. God wants us to not be ashamed of the Gospel - the Gospel that gives life, freedom, and hope; the Gospel that brings conviction to change and bear fruit.

This week Ps Louis Els shared a word which was titled “To Love Your Neighbour”. God is anointing us to take the good news of the Kingdom in the power of the Spirit to a lost and dying world. Looking at the whole world can be overwhelming but through the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus is teaching us that you can make an impact on the whole community by being a good Samaritan to one person.

This week Ps Dylan Long shared an excellent word on “Destined for Darkness”. As Christians, we sometimes believe that we should stay away from darkness. But when we look at the life of Jesus, He spent time with tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners. If we are called to be the light of the world, we are called to be in darkness.

This week Ps Edwin Fillies shared an excellent word on “Let The Nations Be Glad”. This word is about the fact that we can rejoice in the Lord and know that we are blessed. God blesses us in many ways and we can rejoice knowing that it is not based on our good deeds but on His good nature. We are blessed to be a blessing for other people

This week Ps. Louis Els shared a powerful word on Sunday titled, "There’s a wind blowing”. We serve a speaking God. Ps Louis shares more about the authority of God's voice, and what happens when God speaks to us.

This week we celebrated Pentecost. Louis Els shared a very significant word on "When Love Poured Out". He shares the two outworkings of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit within you and the Holy Spirit upon you. The Holy Spirit upon you is for others, to empower you for the mission, and then the Holy Spirit within you is for the transforming work that God wants to do in and for you personally.

This week ps Louis shared a powerful word on "The Power to Give". He shared significant insight into why and how we have the power to give, what we can give, and how we can become givers. We give freely because we have received freely from God - even when we did not deserve it.

As we celebrated mothers Day ps Louis and Edna Els shared a significant word on "Mothers that Make a Difference". When we look at the story of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, we see that this mother's faith saved a nation. Ps Louis and Edna unpack the difficult situation that this mother faced, and how she feared God more than the Pharao of the day.

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a cycle of recurring events with the same results in our lives. This week ps Louis Else shares a very powerful word on "Breaking the Cycle". Jesus broke the cycle on the cross 2000 years ago, but how do we walk in that freedom today? He answers that by looking at the life of King Josiah in the bible and how he broke cycles in his life.

What does it look like to know God? This week ps Louis shares a significant word on "To know God". He unpacks some of the promises God has given us and why the Holy kind God that's for us didn't want humanity to eat of the fruit of knowledge. God is inviting us to spend time with Him for who He is, with no other intentions than to spend time with God.

This week we had the privilege of having ps Barret Grieve with us. He spoke about finding God in your quiet time.

This week we had the privilege of having ps Tony Fitzgerald with us. He is the founder and apostolic father of the Church of the Nations. He preached a life-changing message on the Kingdom of God. He carries and shares a deep revelation on what the Kingdom of God is and on what its outworking looks like, both in Jesus' time and for us today.

This week we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus, the foundation of our faith. Jesus is risen! We listened to the message, "The Wonderful Road", by Dave Cape. Dave shares 4 powerful lessons from the road that Jesus walked with His disciples, as well as how we can imply these lessons in our walks of life with Jesus.

As we celebrated Palm Sunday this week, we listened to a powerful message titled “Let this mind be in you” by Ps Louis Els. God's Kingdom operates completely differently than the kingdoms of this world. We dive into how his disciples responded when things didn't work out how they thought they would. Ps Louis also preaches what we can and cannot expect in this upside-down Kingdom and how we can respond well.

This week we are listening to a powerful message by ps Richard Meyer on "The True Reason of Repentance". The word repentance has a negative connotation in the church and world today. How does repentance display the heart of a loving Father, and not a distant, angry God? Listen to find out how repentance is not something to be feared, and what the Bible teaches about true repentance.

Our God is a kind Father that comes through for us in the "midnight" seasons. Our “midnight” seasons are our darkest times and a challenging place to be in yet that is often where things start to change. This week, we are looking at the sermon on “God of Suddenlies” by Ps Louis Els. We will look at how God came through for Paul and Silas in Acts 16, and what that means for us today.

God gives us permission to lament and grieve. This week we are listening to a powerful message on "Rising to Pray" by Marian Coertzen. She gives us biblical tools to prayerfully deal with the pain that might cripple our hearts.

This week Ps Louis delivers a powerful message on how we can be effective witnesses. He gives us 3 essential things we need to understand to be effective witnesses. He unpacks what it looks like to walk in the revelation of who God is, to walk in obedience to God, and to walk in an authentic experience of God.

This week ps Louis unpacks Acts 3:1-10 in his sermon “Rise to help”. Jesus is calling us to give more than just compassion and what people want. He is calling us to extend a hand and help people up. We can shift our focus to Jesus and receive what we need.

This week we are looking at the sermon that Ps Mark Scholtz preached entitled ‘What’s in a Name’. In this ermon, we look at three significant Joshuas in the Old Testament who foreshadowed Jesus and were prophetic examples of who Jesus would be to us.

Joshua, son of Nun (Joshua 1:1-2)Joshua led the Israelites out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land. He also led the military to take possession of the land from the enemy that was holding it. Joshua brought God’s people into a new and better life. ‘Joshua’ means ‘the Lord is salvation’. Our Jesus took us out of the wilderness and led us into a better land as well and delivered us from the enemy. He saved us.

Hosea (Hosea 3:1-2)Hosea obeys God and marries a prostitute. After his wife is unfaithful, Hosea buys his wife back. This is a prophetic picture and shows that God will remain faithful to us and rescue his people even when we have been unfaithful to Him. Jesus paid the price and bought us back. ‘Hosea’ means ‘salvation’ (In Hebrew, Hosea and Joshua are the same).

Joshua, son of Jehozadak (Nehemiah 7) After the Israelites were in exile for 70 years, Joshua delivered God’s people from exile and supported the effort to rebuild the temple to reestablish God’s people back into the Promised Land. Joshua was a high priest.

In Zech 6:11 we see that God instructs Zechariah to place a crown on Joshua signifying that he is not only a high priest but also a king. He was the only one to have this title until Jesus. Jesus is our high priest and king.

So what can we learn from these three Joshuas?

Like Joshua, son of Nun, Jesus brings us through the wilderness into the promised land and defeats our enemies when we give our hearts to Him for the first time.Like Hosea, Jesus not only saves us once but remains faithful to us even when we wander away and are not faithful to Him.Like Joshua, son of Jehozadak, Jesus has the power to keep us in the promised land through the Holy Spirit even when we wander away. When we speak his name, we are declaring him to be our Saviour. What a powerful Name. (Acts 4:12) (Romans 10:13)

When we become saved, we become part of the family and the family name. We get a new identity as children of God and carry the authority of that Name. He is the name above all names.

This week we are looking at the sermon from Ps Louis entitled Compelled by Love.

(See scriptures: ‭‭Jonah‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ and ‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬-‭2)

We are made to be world-changers and difference-makers. We are made to dream. When we look at other people’s success stories of how their dream came to fruition, we marvel at the outcome - the final destination. But when we listen to what the journey was like (the struggle, the challenges, the sacrifices), suddenly it doesn’t seem that appealing anymore. We all have dreams and there is a price to pay. What is our motivation to keep going? What moves us to push through the struggles and the challenges?

Our motivation cannot just be passion and excitement. We cannot just do good things because it is a good idea and we are excited about it at the moment. Our motivation needs to be love. We should be compelled by love for people. This love gives us the confidence and the determination to push passed all the challenges to see a greater outcome - a Kingdom outcome. God doesn’t judge us or condemn us for the times we have tried to do things in our own strength or had our own agendas. Instead, He invites us into a space where His motivation becomes our motivation so that the result is Kingdom. God has a call for each one of us and the journey and the outcome may not be what we would expect. Will we stay true to His call, or shy away because it looks too difficult?

Let’s look at the example of Jonah. He ran from his call, similarly to us because normally the call from God is more than we can handle. But God invites us to do it alongside Him and to co-labour with Him so that it is not totally dependent on us. God is re-calling us in this season. He is giving us another chance to respond to His call. Perhaps this is a new call, or perhaps this is a call that we have disengaged from in the past because it was too difficult. Remember that when God calls us for a specific outcome, He’s got us in mind as much as He’s got them in mind.

QUESTIONS

Are there areas in my life where I have disengaged because the outcome was not what I expected or wanted?Has my motivation been love, or have there been times when I have just ‘hopped on the train’ because of excitement or passion?

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

This week we are looking at the sermon by Ps Louis on “It Doesn’t End in the Desert”.

Firstly, what happens in the desert? We change. We receive power. We are given our clear assignment. John the Baptist and Jesus went through the desert. No matter the struggles or the storms we are facing, remember that it doesn’t end here! God is a covenant-keeping God. He always stays true to His word.

Secondly, John the Baptist and Jesus were both given their assignments in the desert. When they came out, they were ready to walk in their purpose alongside Holy Spirit. Finding our value, worth and identity in Jesus are so crucial. But we also need to remember it is for the purpose of the kingdom. When we lose sight of that, it can lead to a self-focussed life where the goal is self-preservation and not advancing the Kingdom.

Thirdly, the way that we come out of the desert is important. When we come out we should be fully persuaded, full of mercy and kindness. We should sow grace and forgiveness, and remind people of the covenant-keeping God. We should set people free of their enemies and serve God without fear. We come out of the desert with authority, purpose, and Holy Spirit.

Reflection:

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me today? What is your unique assignment and how can it play a part in the Kingdom?

“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬   This week we are looking at the sermon from Ps Louis on “Double Portion.”

When was the last time you asked God for a double? So often we settle for less but God is encouraging us to ask for more, to ask for an ‘also’. When we look at the need and the challenges around the world, sometimes we struggle to even ask for the basics from God, never mind for more than what we need. We look at people who need much more than we do, and we feel we shouldn’t ask for anything and rather settle for what we’ve got. We feel that our need is not as important as someone else’s. Jesus wants us to ask and keep on asking, to knock and keep on knocking.

Elisha didn't ask for something in the natural realm. He asked for a double portion of the SPIRIT that was on Elijah. God wants us to ask Him for something bigger than us and beyond us so that with Him we can do something that brings change to the world.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15: 7-8

“You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:2b

Reflection

What is the need in your life that you need to ask God for help in? The Spirit of God is on you to meet your need but to also help you meet the needs of those around you. Ask God for a refreshing of His Spirit and His anointing. Receive from the Lord. Allow God to increase and give you more. Where do you need to say to God, “I’m willing to show up”?

This week we will be looking at the sermon by Ps Louis entitled, ‘When God Gives You More Than You Can Handle.’ Focus scripture: Ephesians 3:14-20 Here are 3 points to help us navigate Kingdom life to effectively and productively advance the Kingdom.

HOLY SPIRIT IN YOU (Galatians 4:19) The Holy Spirit resides in us for our sake so that we can be led by the spirit, hear the voice of God, live under conviction and be directed. The Spirit teaches us all things. This is also to shape and form our character to be Christlike.

HOLY SPIRIT ON YOU (Luke 10:19) Holy Spirit comes upon us to release us with power and authority so that we can do what God has called us to do. This is not dependent on people’s character. The disciples operated in the power of God long before their characters were sorted out.

HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH YOU (Ephesians 2:10) If we would desire and expect it God will release power through us. This is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others. The power is not based on our character, therefore it is important to not judge the power of God on someone based on their character. Rather, have grace for them and receive from them because God uses all kinds of people to release his power.

DISCUSSION

Which of these three points do I need to work on for God to use me? Has there been a time when I have judged someone else, or myself, and therefore not received the power or authority that God put on them?

This week we are looking at the sermon by Louis Els on The Kingdom of God.   “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”” Mark‬ ‭1:14-15‬ ‭NIV   What does the word ‘kingdom’ mean?   ‘Kingdom’: The rule and reign of a king The domain of authority for a king in which the king rules The range of effective will (where what you want to be done gets done)   Let’s look at the passages in Acts 1-2. Three things are important in the ‘breaking in’ of God’s Kingdom.

Developing and maintaining an expectation of the Kingdom (Waiting for the promise) Kingdom prayer (Praying the way that Jesus taught us and not only for our needs/wants) Kingdom announcement & demonstration (What does it look like for you in your sphere of influence?)   Questions

God has given you gifts to advance His Kingdom. What gifts has He given you? Are there any gifts you need wisdom for to use well? How can I develop a Kingdom expectation and eagerly wait for the promises He has given me? Reflect on/Discuss in your group: What is the difference between the church and the Kingdom?

This week we will look at the sermon that Jenna van der Westhuizen preached on “Saying Yes to Jesus”.

There are two points that we will look at. Firstly, our salvation is found in our YES to Jesus. And secondly, our Kingdom purpose and destiny are also found in our YES to Jesus.

Firstly, our salvation is found in our YES to Jesus. What does ‘YES’ mean? It does not mean ‘maybe’, or ‘I’ll see how I feel”. It is a definite agreement and acknowledgement. If we look at the example of the sinner hanging on the cross next to Jesus in Luke‬ ‭23:32-43, we can see that simply saying ‘Yes’ to Jesus can change our life! This sinner did not deserve forgiveness and possibly, was the last person who should have joined Jesus in paradise. But because he called out to Jesus to be rescued, Jesus said, “I promise you—this very day you will enter paradise with me.” We find our salvation only by saying ‘Yes’ to Jesus and therefore letting Him transform us from glory to glory.

Secondly, we know that our Kingdom purpose and destiny in also found in saying ‘Yes’ to Jesus. When we look at the examples of Mary, before she was pregnant with Jesus, and Paul, before he encountered Jesus, we can see that their obedience to what God was calling them to changed not only their lives but many lives around them. Mary said ‘Yes’ to God and ended up bearing the Son of God. She found her purpose in bringing our Saviour into the world and changed history! Paul, who was determined to squash anything and anyone spreading the Gospel, was transformed in an encounter with God and ended up being one of the most influential people in sharing the Gospel! Because they were obedient to the call of God and said ‘yes’ they were led to a life of purpose and destiny.

What is God calling you into? Have you said ‘Yes’ to Jesus yet? Jesus wants to use you in the sphere that you are operating in. Purpose and destiny are waiting for us on the other side of our “Yes, Jesus.”   Questions to ponder:

Is Jesus asking you to say “Yes” to something now in this season of your life?
What was the last thing that Jesus asked you to do that you might’ve missed or pushed aside?
What have you said “No” to that you actually should’ve said “Yes” to?

“When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John‬ ‭6:25-29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This week we are looking at the sermon by Willie Bester entitled “God User or Christ Follower?”

Let us remember that Jesus is the One who deserves our worship, our attention and our time. Sometimes it is easy to fall into the trap of celebrating the miracle or the thing that God did and miss celebrating God in the process. Jesus is here to be our daily bread, not just to provide us with bread when we need it. He is looking for us to seek Him first; to seek His face and not just His hands.

Yes, God desires to give us what we need - He is the Provider after all! He is a good father and provides everything we need and sometimes things we didn’t know we needed. But when we start focussing more on the things that we can get from God than on who He is to us, we become God users and not Christ followers. His desire is for us to have a close relationship with Him. We are precious to the Father, and He wants to be precious to us as well. Think about something or someone who is precious to you. You are willing to give up everything for that person, and they are enough for you. You don’t care what they have recently done or haven’t done for you, you just want to spend time with them. That is how God wants us to see Him. God wants to be precious to us.

So, whether that thing you’ve been trusting for has happened yet or not, God is still our prize and He is enough for us. We can trust Him with the process because if He never did anything for us ever again, we are 100% content with our Father. Maybe it’s time to stop trying to make that thing work in our own strength, and just let the Father sort it out.

Here are some questions to ponder:

How do I see Jesus - as someone who is useful to me, or as someone who is precious?

God is our daily bread - what is He saying to me today?

Is there possibly an opportunity for me to repent to God for trying to do it in my own strength instead of relying on Him, or for focussing on what He can give me instead of focussing on Him?

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:7-11‬

Last week we looked at the progression of our belief into faith into rest. This week we will be looking at the word that Ps Louis shared entitled “To Know Him”.

God is inviting us to know Him better and the invitation is always open. He wants authentic relationship with us. It’s important to remember that we cannot approach God from an intellectual point of view, but we need to allow Him to reveal Himself to us. God is revealed and not understood.

The more time we spend with God, the more we look like Him, and speak and think like Him. We are transformed in His presence. Our experience with God cannot merely be information based. We cannot just know about God but we need to experience the One we’re learning about.

There is fruit to knowing God. The way we think and speak starts to sound like the Kingdom and outcomes do not sway us. We can stop referring to the past, and look forward to the future He has for us. We can walk in power and be dependant on His Grace. We can jump when He says so because we fully trust Him. We don’t need to ask, “Are you sure you can catch me?” God is waiting for us to come closer and His invitation is always open. He is inviting us to lay down our self-effort and simply approach His throne with boldness.

Questions

There is always more to God and He doesn’t put a limit to His presence. Are you satisfied with the level in which you’re experiencing God? If not, what are some things you can do to improve that?

Are there things that you are still believing God for but need to lay it down and trust him?

What is hindering you from getting to know God better?

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When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (NIV)

This week we are looking at Pastor Louis’ sermon on the ‘Marks of a Spirit-filled church’. Knowing these signs is so valuable because it allows us to determine if we are on the right path or not.

Firstly, we know the church is Spirit-filled when it is united. The Spirit allows us to overcome our differences and stand as one. The church will also be magnified and begin to multiply. When the Spirit fills a church there is life and that life spreads and draws in more people. Another sign that the church is Spirit filled is that it is generous. When the Spirit fills us, we give. Not just out of compulsion, but with a joyful heart.

These positive signs follow the Spirit-filled church, but there are also challenges that will follow it. The enemy doesn’t like it when we live Spirit-filled lives, so he will come and try to derail us. He will question us on what God really said and who we really are in order to make us doubt. After that, he’ll resist us and tell us we aren’t allowed to do what God says we must. If that also doesn’t work he’ll bring threats to intimidate us into submission. It is vital that we learn the power of Jesus’ name and how to use it effectively so that we don’t fall prey to the enemy's predictable schemes.

God won’t just take these challenges away because he is more interested in our character and maturity than our comfort. He wants us to be available and obedient so that he can use us to advance his kingdom.

Reflect:

• Have you settled in your heart that Jesus didn’t just die so that you could be saved but also so that you could share the Gospel? • Have you dealt with your fears? • What have you been asking God to do that he has actually been asking you to do? • What false motives do you have in your heart?

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 (NKJV)

This week we are going to be looking at Ps Edna’s sermon ‘Reviving Rivers’ and discussing how we can access the waters of the Spirit and help others to as well.

Just like we need to replenish our water supply in the physical, we need to tap into God’s Living Water in the spiritual. We have a built in need that must be fulfilled! We often try and fill that need with other things, but the only thing that can fill it is God! We get filled by drinking. It is an action. We need to spend time reading God’s word and spending time with Him so that he can fill us up.

We need this filling not just to benefit ourselves, but also to carry it to the world. We tend to try and bottle up God’s water so that we can have reserves and feel safe. What we need to do though is be wells of that Living Water so that others around us can taste and see that it is good.

Finally, God wants us to connect with other believers. As we allow him to direct us, we will join up our little bit of Living Water with that of others so that our tricklet becomes a stream. Then as more and more of us join together our streams become rivers that supply life to the world!

Reflection: • What do you try to fill your need for relationship with God with? • How can you ensure you are a fresh, unblocked well of God’s Living Water? • Where can you join with other believers to combine your water with theirs?

His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:5 (NKJV)

This week we are going to be looking at Ps Louis’ sermon ‘Your Kingdom Assignment’. We all have an assignment, but we often forget that it is connected to people. We as the church cannot stay inside our building. We need to be outside amongst people who are not followers of Christ. We have to ensure we are connected in such a way that we get invited places.

That way, we can await the opportunities that God has for us to minister to those around us. Gathering together as the body of Christ is still important though! When we gather together, we are trained and equipped to become more like Jesus. We learn his counter-cultural ways and are empowered to go out and minister to the world.

It is important for us to remember as we go out, that Jesus is interested in helping people with their problems. Even when it is no one’s fault but their own, he still wants to show them love and grace. It is this attitude that Jesus approaches us with and it is this attitude that we need to approach others with.

We mustn’t limit Jesus’ miracle working power to what we see as big and important. He wants to work in the seemingly insignificant and carnal things in people’s lives as well, because as he does, they experience his love and their lives are changed.

Reflection: - Re-read the story of the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-11. - Where can you position yourself to have a bigger Kingdom impact in your community? - How can you better engage with your local church in order to be equipped and empowered for ministry in your area of influence? - What attitude do you approach strangers or unbelievers with? Will they feel unconditional love or not?

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13 (NKJV)

This week we are talking about staying in step with the Holy Spirit and how we need to be led by him. We have a race to run in life, but we don’t need to run it alone.

We need to remember that there are things in our life that we aren’t able to see. Holy Spirit can though and he wants to guide us through life. This requires us to be willing to yield to him. If we won’t let Holy Spirit help and teach us, then it’s like running around blind with no guide. We’ll be able to build up good speed, but we might run outside our lane, trip, or run out of energy before the end of the race.

God’s heart is for us to not only finish our race, but also to win. He doesn’t want to push or pull us around in order to do it though. The way he guides us is through ‘in race communication’. We need to be listening to his voice and the small nudges of Holy Spirit to determine what he wants us to do. We need to listen, trust and obey him in all things!

God also wants us to help and guide others. This can be uncomfortable, because it will likely require us to alter our ‘running style’ in order to be able to run alongside them. We may need to set aside our time, energy, preconceived ideas or opinions about someone in order to help them. This process of discipleship isn’t about trying to push or pull someone forwards, but about guiding them into what God is calling them to, just as Holy Spirit does with us.

Reflection: - What can you do to improve your ‘in race communication' with Holy Spirit? - In what areas of your life have you been running around blind? - Who can you come alongside to help guide in their race? What might you need to change in order to do so?

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)

This week Pastor Brent Martini spoke to us on the Joy of the Lord and reminded us that this year we have been called to Rise and Build. We are going to be discussing a few of his key points.

We often become tired and discouraged right in the middle of what God has called us to do. The wall was half way when the people of Jerusalem began to look at the rubble around them. It distracted them from what they had already accomplished and from what they still needed to do.

In times like these we need to tap into God’s joy before we tap out of the fight. It is important that we understand the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based on our circumstances, whilst joy operates regardless of them. Happiness is something we need to strive and search for, whilst joy is a fruit of active relationship with Holy Spirit.

In order to cultivate joy, we need to understand how fruit work. Plants do not battle to produce fruit. That is not the focus for them. They focus on finding water. When they have water, they are able to produce fruit according to the amount available. We are the same. Holy Spirit is our living water and we have rivers of him. We have more than enough water, we just need to tap into it. When we do, the fruit of Joy will be abundant in our lives.

Reflection: - Where are you at in Rising and Building? Is your focus on building or on the rubble around you? - Discuss the difference between happiness and Joy. How does relying on joy give different results to relying on happiness? - How can you actively tap into the Living Waters that we have access to?

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)

The devil will often try to bombard us in order to get us confused and distracted. This can distort things around us and drain us of our energy. This is why it is so important to live with clarity, especially in confusing times.

The first way we can do this is to remind ourselves that God is not the author of confusion. He wants to bring clarity to our lives and help us through the confusion. This does not mean that he will give us all the answers we want, but that we can trust him to guide us and give us peace.

Another great way to gain clarity is to make sure we know what will never change. When we know what is completely certain (for example God himself, his kingdom, Jesus’ finished work on the cross, etc.) it gives us a place of safety to run to when other things become uncertain. We don’t always like to admit it, but when we face uncertain times we are often required to change and adapt to our new circumstances. We need to hear from God regarding what areas of our lives we might need to become more flexible in and what aspects of ourselves we might need to change.

Finally, we must determine what it is we want, what it is we don’t want and why we feel that way. Then, if we can be persistent, disciplined and trust God, we will be able to live with true clarity.

Reflection: - What thoughts, circumstances or people are causing confusion in your life? - Make a list of things that you are completely sure will never change. Pray and ask God to add or subtract from your list. - What is it that you want and don’t want? Why do you feel this way? (This can be applied to many areas. Maybe start with one of the areas of confusion you listed earlier.)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)

This week we are going to look at how we can move through and past our struggles to the reward that awaits us on the other side.

Firstly, we need to learn to pray first when we face struggles and ask other people second. When we pray we humble ourselves before God and admit that we need him. We should also remember that we can ask Holy Spirit to help us. Often we might ask him what we should say or do, but he is not just with us to instruct us, but also to help us and empower us.

Secondly, we need to ensure that we give no space to the devil. He is constantly trying to pry his way into our lives so that he might convince us that we can’t make it through our struggle. Don’t let him in!

We also need to cultivate true faith and not simply belief. Even the devil believes in God. We need to develop trust and confidence in Father. This only comes out of intimate relationship and time spent in his presence.

Finally, some additional tips to make it through your struggle are to give it your best, not compare yourself with others, learn from your mistakes, celebrate others and never give up.

Reflection: - When you need help, do you ask people of God first? What can you do to practice relying on Holy Spirit to help you? - Are there any areas in your life where you have made space for the devil? How can you kick him out of that space? - Think about the difference between faith and belief. Try and explain each of these in your own words.

And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army? ’ ” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.” 2 Kings 4:13

This week we are going to look at what it means to be the hope of the world in such dark times through having a volunteer spirit.

The first important characteristic of the volunteer spirit is that it initiates provision. We need to be sensitive to the needs of those around us so that we can help people in the right way, just when they need it.

A great way to begin to develop this volunteer spirit is to begin to acknowledge and respect those in leadership roles. When we do this, we set ourselves up to start serving the leaders around us. As we begin to serve, we may gain greater responsibility or ‘rank’. We need to remember that we do not need to serve others less as we gain ‘rank’. The volunteer spirit is vital no matter your position or title!

Finally, the volunteer spirit always gains God’s favour. When we serve others, God promotes and takes care of us. Our Father is a God of multiplication and as we sow our service he multiplies it so that we may reap the fruit of it.

Reflection: - What can you do to become more sensitive to the needs of those around you? - What leaders are there in your life that you can begin to serve above and beyond what you currently do? - What area can you trust God for provision and multiplication as you live life with a volunteer spirit?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6:12

This week we are going to look at what it means to know our enemy and what we need to do in order to prevent him from getting us off track.

Firstly, we need to remember who the devil is. The Bible calls him a liar, a thief and the accuser of the brethren. We need to be on the lookout for these tactics that he uses to attack us. If we can recognise these attacks for what they are it allows us to discern true danger and respond in the correct way.

In line with how we respond is knowing what tools to use. We must know the tools we can use to fight our battles. The weapons at our disposal include the blood of Jesus, the name of Jesus, the Word, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. If we can use these correctly, it will allow us to effectively fight against any attack.

Finally, we need to be constantly training ourselves in the ways of God by being in an intimate relationship with him. This way, we will develop ‘muscle memory’ and always be ready to face any attack without even needing to think.

Reflection: - What tactics does the enemy use to attack you in your personal life? - How can you better use the weapons available to you in order to fight against the enemy? - How can you develop ‘muscle memory’ in your life?

"If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, In which you trusted, they wearied you, Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?”

Jeremiah 12:5

This week we are going to look at how we can prepare ourselves to run with the horses by getting rid of distractions, focusing on Jesus and preparing for the battle ahead.

We often become distracted by ‘foot soldiers’ in our lives. These can take the form of worries, excuses, circumstances, and many others. We need to learn how to handle these things the right way so that they don’t wear us out before the real battle comes.

God is calling us to not just do church, but to be the church. In order to do this, we need a heart revelation of who Jesus is. Otherwise we’ll be side tracked by the ‘foot soldiers’ that will prevent us from being able to withstand the ‘horses’.

The real battle is coming. The horses are on their way and we can’t stop them. What we can do is prepare for them and respond in the correct manner. We cannot do this in our own strength, but thankfully the power of the Holy Spirit is more than we could ever need to run with the horses.

Reflection: - What ‘foot soldiers’ are you currently dealing with? - What does it look like for you to be the church? - How can you begin relying on Holy Spirit more in order to prepare for the ‘horses’ that are coming?

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea. Acts 1:8 (KNJV)

This week we’ll be discussing what it means to be a witness regardless of what is happening around us. We are all chosen for salvation, but sometimes God chooses specific people for a specific job at a specific time and place. Sometimes we won’t be chosen and we need to learn to be a good witness even in these times. A great example of being a ‘good witness regardless’ is Barsabas. He had been with Jesus and the disciples for a long time but was still not chosen to replace Judas (you can read this story in Acts 1:20- 26). Regardless of the fact that he was not given the position, he continued to serve God faithfully.

We need to be able to replicate this, but we cannot do it out of pure willpower. We need to carry a revelation of who God is in our hearts so we can accurately reflect Jesus regardless of the position we do or do not have. Just like Peter who did not have any money to give to the lame man outside the gate Beautiful (Acts 3:2-6), we do have something to give people. We have Jesus. Our testimony of what he has done in our lives is the power of our revelation, and it is worth more than any amount of silver or gold.

Reflection: - How do you normally react to not being chosen? - How can you better serve God even when you don’t have the position you were hoping for? - What testimony do you have that you could share with others at any given time?

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Matthew 23:9 (NKJV)

This week we’ll be looking at a few important points on how to be a good witness to as a father: Firstly, it is important for us to know that we do not need to rely on any man to receive the full love and revelation of Father God. Regardless of our relationship with our fathers, Jesus models the full love of Father God and as such we only need him in order to receive everything we need from Father.

Secondly, we need to take note of the importance of Godly, Kingdom families. When Fathers are absent from the home, children suffer greatly. However, we don’t need to try to be perfect. There are no examples of perfect families in the bible, just principles that help us to have healthy families. We need to have strong relationships with God, our wives and our children, so that we can have the biggest possible Kingdom impact in their lives. It is also vital that we engage with our children not just in things like sports, but also in their spiritual and emotional journeys.

Finally, we need to stay humble and be less focused on ourselves. It is so easy to live a selfish, self-focused life, but as Kingdom Men we need to live in yieldedness and submission to God, and speak his words, not just our own.

Reflection: - How can you rely more fully on Jesus to reveal the Father heart of God? - In which areas in your life can you be more yielded to God? - How can you practically go about speaking God’s words more often than your own?

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea

and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

This week we’ll be looking at a few important points on how to be a good witness to Jesus: Firstly, we need to know how important it is to be a good witness. When unbelievers encounter us, it shapes the way they view Jesus, and it is important that they are left seeing Christ and his church as desirable and beautiful. We do this by loving one another, being kind, walking in humility, looking after the vulnerable, serving each other, giving to the needy and living as brothers and sisters in Christ. We can’t, however, do this in our own strength. We should rely on Holy Spirit to empower us to witness effectively. It is important to remember that when we witness we don’t need to show people that we have it all together, but we must show them how Christ has changed our lives. The world isn’t looking for perfect Christians, but for Jesus’ grace. We simply need to show them what a life impacted by Jesus looks like.

Reflection: - What is keeping you from witnessing about what Jesus has done in your life? - How can you practice relying on Holy Spirit in your everyday life? - Where do you have the opportunity to witness about Jesus with unbelievers?

The Enemy’s Tactics and our Triumphs.

This week we will be revisiting the sermon preached over the weekend by George Gourlay on “The Enemy’s Tactics and our triumphs”, as we feel it is important to be reminded of what God is saying to us as a family.

Nehemiah 6:2, 9 (NIV) – “But they were scheming to harm me; … But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”

What am I trying to build? - If we are building to advance the Kingdom of God in our marriage, family, workplace, in every area of life, there will be opposition. 1 Corinthians 16:9 - Put on the armour of God to take a stand against his onslaught – Ephesians 6:11

The enemy took notice of Nehemiah! - The Enemy will cross your borders. - John 10:10 – The enemy wants to steal what Jesus came to give us. - He has no authority, but beware – he will visit every area of your life

The enemy will always look for a door. Neh. 6:1 – Beware! The enemy looks for a door, 1 Peter 5:8

The enemy is continually sending messages - Neh. 6:3-5 The enemy wants to distract our focus on the Kingdom of God - The enemy sends thoughts of blame, shame, doubt, comparison, ect - Be sensitive to discern whose voice you are listening to

The enemy is persistent - Neh. 6:6:3-6 – Be alert and aware every day - he enemy comes over and over - Be empowered in God’s grace to rise up in faith, stay focused and say ‘no!’

The enemy is a deceiver - Deceive = to accept as true that which is false. - John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:14

The enemy’s primary weapon is fear - Neh. 6:9 - “If I feel fear, the enemy has my ear”. Fear drives us to consult with the enemy. Genesis 3:9 - Fear makes us stop the work of advancing the Kingdom of God

The enemy has no reply to the truth - Neh. 6:8 – Nehemiah called the lie a lie. He stayed focus, unmoved! - 2 Corinthians 10:4 – We have the authority to demolish very stronghold

Reflection Declare over yourself: In Christ, “I am strong enough to rise up, to build and to establish the Kingdom of God in every area of my life! I am strong enough to stand up against any tactics of the enemy and triumph!”

Growing up in the Household of Faith

This week we will be revisiting the sermon preached over the weekend by Alistair, “Growing up in the Household of Faith”, as we feel it is important to be reminded of what God is saying to us as a family.

John 3:16 – (NKJV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God loves us! - Jesus came to love the world. John 3:16 - Jesus loves us every day, all day, in everything. - Love becomes real as we go out and love one another John 13:35 - Love aligns us with the purposes of God, for He is love. 1 John 4:7-8

What has God brought us into? - Into the Kingdom of light and love: Colossians 1:13 (NKJV) “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” - Into acceptance, as I am through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:6 - Set into the Body where it pleases Him. 1 Corinthians 12.

What has Jesus done for us? - He has brought us into life – “…it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me …” Galatians 2:20 - He came to serve - John 20:20-28 - He is the Head of the Body, and ‘causes the growth of the body’ Ephesians 4:16

Reflection - Do you desire a fresh encounter with Him every day? - He wants to show you daily how much He loves you - Through His word, He wants us to discover what He has brought us into and what He has done so that we can grow into the image of Christ.

John 20:21 (NIV) - “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has send me, I am sending you.”

• We need to behold Him:

• The Kingdom of Heaven is within my reach through the Holy Spirit. • Romans 14:17 – Righteous, peace and joy – in the Holy Spirit!

• I am a carrier of His presence:

• Omnipresence of God. • Manifest presence of God. • Cultivated presence of God.

• Psalm 24:7-9 (NIV) “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” • As I lift up my head, I become a gate that the King of glory can come in through me.

• Receiving power from Holy Spirit:

• We need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit so that we can become an agent of change.

Additional Point:

• Maturity isn’t measured by the manifestation but in the level of surrender to the Holy Spirit.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever - John 14:16 [ESV].

This week we will be focusing on two specific reasons that the Holy Spirit has been given to us:

Firstly, the Holy Spirit has been given to us as the Helper. The evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is seen through the fruit of the Spirit. When we allow ourselves to be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, the fruit of the Spirit will naturally be shown in our lives, without us needing to step into performance. As the fruit of the Spirit is demonstrated in our lives, the Holy Spirit then draws people unto Jesus.

Secondly, we have been given the enabling power of God so that we can be witnesses to those around us (Acts 1:8), and in doing so, the miracles, signs, and wonders will follow us (Mark 16:17).

Reflection: - Is speaking in tongues the only evidence of the Holy Spirit? - What does a spirit-filled Christian life look like? - What is the role of the Holy Spirit?

• At heart, God is a Father. He loves it when we take time to sit at His feet and thank Him for who He is as our Father. • As Christians, if we want to be a leader of God’s people, we need to start with our family and learn how to lead them well. We can’t export what we haven’t grown at home. • As a parent, it is your responsibility to instil beliefs, values, and culture that you carry into your children. • As a parent, it is our responsibility to build the Word of God into our children, to teach them the things and ways of God so that they know how to apply and speak the Word into their situations, workspaces, etc. so that when they grow up they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). • You can’t be anything you want to be. However, you can be everything God has called you to be!

This week we will be revisiting the sermon preached over the weekend, “The Right Combination of Success”. In every situation, we need the right combination of people, gifts, and skills for success.

Matthew 28:17 [NKJV] – “When they (the eleven disciples) saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted.”

Importance of the Word!
We need to have God’s perspective and understanding for all areas of life. Hosea 4:6 [NKJV] – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”
Reading the Word is not only about gathering information but about receiving revelation. Luke 24:45-49 – “He opened their understanding that they might comprehend the scriptures.”
Jesus the Living Word
Jesus wasn’t only a teacher of the Word, but He practically demonstrated the Word.
John 15:4 [NKJV] – “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
Holy Spirit Demonstration of Word
Acts 1:4-8 [NKJV] “ And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father.
The power of the Holy Spirit was demonstrated through the disciples.
Acts 4:13 [NKJV] - And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
The disciples waited, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and then through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, went and made a difference.
Acts 4:8 [NKJV] – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”

This week we will be revisiting the sermon preached over the weekend, “The Power of the Word”, as we feel it is important to be reminded of what God is saying to us as a family.

Mark 4:13-20 (NKJV) - "When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.”

Jesus: The Word is important.
John 1:1-4 (NKJV) - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”
Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV) - “The worlds were framed by the word of God.”
Satan wants to steal the Word from you, bring confusion, and cause you to doubt the Word!
We need to apply the Word of God in our lives!
When we apply the Word by seeking His Kingdom first, speaking, and declaring the Word into situations, the seed then germinates, grows, and produces fruit.
Satan wants to keep you from getting into the Word and applying it.
John 10:10 (NKJV) – “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.”
There is a Kingdom Word that God has for you that you need to declare over:
Yourself, your family, and your future.
Your neighbourhood, your community, and your city.
Your nation. Our Responsibility:
Reflect on 1 John 2:12-14 (NKJV)
Our responsibility is to desire the milk of the Word and to use the Word to overcome the enemy.

Reflection: - We need to receive the Word, believe it, become it, and then behave (apply) the Word accordingly. - Everything in the Kingdom is Word activated.

This week we will be revisiting the sermon preached over the weekend, “The Power of the Word”, as we feel it is important to be reminded of what God is saying to us as a family. John 1:1 (NKJV) - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”

Know the Word:
For every problem, there is a promise!
The Word is alive! 1 John 1:1 (NIV) - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, have seen, have looked at and our hands have touched, we proclaim concerning the Word of life”.
The Word takes root in our hearts when we read it and meditate on it.
Allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word until it becomes revelation.
Lastly, apply the Word.
Now, What Do We Do?
Lean into the Word. Proverbs 4:20 (NIV) - “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
Let God’s Word be at home/dwell in you. John 15:7 (NKJV) – “If you abide in Me, and My word abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Meditate on the Word and declare over your circumstances (Joshua 1:8). 3. The Result.
Fellowship and joy in our relationship with God (John 15:7-1).
We will be Spirit-led. Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV) – “Trust in the Lord with all you heart and He will direct your paths.”
The Word in me will come out of my mouth (Luke 4:1-15).

Reflection: As you grow in the Word, you will grow in relationship with God and be filled with His love and joy. Take some time and ask God for a greater to desire to read His word, meditate on it, speak it and apply it.

This week we will be revisiting the sermon preached over the weekend, "The Power of the Word”, as we feel it is important to be reminded of what God is saying to us as a family.

Mark 4:13-20 [NKJV] - "Then He said to them: “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all? The sower sows the Word and these are the ones by the way side where the word is sown and when they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the Word that is sown in their hearts.”

The Importance of the Seed and Sowing
Genesis 8:22 (NKJV) – “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest... shall not cease.”
Seeds come through thoughts, words, or deeds. For the seed to be activated, we need to speak (sow) the words, which will produce a harvest over time.
The seed of God’s Word needs to be rooted in our hearts so that it can sustain us in all circumstances and challenges.
Looking at the Word with Kingdom lenses
In God’s Kingdom, everything is activated by the Word of God. He creates, He heals and He overcomes by His Word.
Wherever God’s Word goes, God goes. His Word represents Him, and He represents His Word! John 1:1 (NKJV)“
As His children, we need to approach His Word with Kingdom lenses.
Understanding the Decrees of the King
Ecclesiastes 8:2-3 (NKJV) – “Keep the King’s Commands (decrees) for the sake of the oath of God. Do not haste to go from His presence and do not take your stand for an evil thing, for He does whatever pleases Him.”
We need to abide in His presence until we get His Word, His will, and His way in our hearts and in our mouths. Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) - “It will not return to Him void.”
The King’s Word constitutes His will. The Word of God declares the ways of God. The power of God is in His Word, and the Word is in His power.

Reflection - We need to become aware of His presence so that through the revelation of His Word, we can receive His will and way for every situation. - Through God’s Word, we can resist the enemy, remain free, and live in victory. - It is important to lay hold of the seed of God’s Word, the decrees over your life, and to allow the Word to be established in your heart so that you will bear much fruit.

This week we will be revisiting the sermon preached over the weekend, “The Power of the Word”, as we feel it is important to be reminded of what God is saying to us as a family.

Mark 4:13-20 [NIV] - "Then He said to them: “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all? The sower sows the word and these are the ones by the way side where the word is sown and when they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that is sown in their hearts.”

Satan will do anything to steal the Word of God sown in our hearts, but God has given us tools to deal with his attacks:

Problem with Promise. John 16:33 [NIV] – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There is a promise for every problem we face. The weapons of our warfare are the Word of God. Danger without Awareness.

Matthew 24:4-13 [NIV] – “Watch out that no one deceives you.”

Danger comes when the things of the world and circumstances outweigh the Kingdom Reality, and we don’t carry a truth of the Word in our heart.

Satan will try to sow his own seeds in the form of words by exposing us to conversations and information to deceive us, get us discouraged, and make us negative. He wants our love for God to grow cold (verse 4) and our thoughts and expectancy of God carnal (James 3:14-16) so that hope is deferred.

Answer with Hope. God wants to abide in us and place His Word in us so that we can speak to circumstances and situations around us. We are carriers of hope and life!

Take hold of the seed of the Word in you, nurture it and let it grow strong so that it can bear the fruit of healing, love, and hope.

The thing that will sustain you and hold you is the level of Word you get in your heart.

Reflection: Whatever you are facing at this moment in time, there is a promise in the Word for you. Decide not to allow the voices of the world to steal the Word from your heart,

take responsibility to hear the Word, read it, accept it, reread it, pray over it, and get it well rooted in you so that what comes out of you is life and victory!

This week we will be revisiting the sermon preached over the weekend, "The Power of the Word," as we feel it is important to be reminded of what God is saying to us as a family.

Genesis 1:11-12 [KJV] - "And the earth brought forth grass, the herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."

Mark 4:13-20 [NIV] - Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the Word...

The Kingdom of God is Word activated. In Genesis 1:1 and Hebrews 11:3, we read that God spoke creation into existence. The Word comes in seed form. A seed is in itself enough.
The Importance of the seed. There is an enemy that will do everything to steal your seed, the Word of God that is in you. The seed in you holds God's plan for your life, your purpose, and destiny. Nurture the seed.
Believe it, become it, and behave it! a. Believe - that God has a purpose and destiny for you and nurture the seed, believe and speak His Word. b. Become - the seed in you is hard work; there are challenges. Trust God in the process and speak the Word over you. c. Behave - May the Word of God dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

Reflection: - Are you willing to lay hold of the Word of God so that you are ready when an opportunity comes you explode with the Word in you? - Are you ready to go and sow back into the world as you reflect and speak the seed in you? - There is power in the seed!

“But He said to them, I must preach” - Luke 4:43 [NKJV].

I’ve come to preach the Kingdom of God. God’s purpose on earth is to bring the Kingdom.

Luke 10:1-11, 17-20

Disciple: A disciple is a learner, a follower, and a do-er. • You Are Called

Many times what makes you feel uncomfortable in an area, is an indication that God wants you to get involved in that area. • Own Your Call

Own your call and respond to the sending.

People don’t want to own their call because it requires taking responsibility. • Declare Your Call

After you have owned your call, you need to be empowered by God to do it.

Often times, we don’t want to declare our call because then we need to take responsibility and action. • You Are Sent

Often, God calls us from our community, for our community, and into our community. We can be used by God when we choose to be available and not because we are able.

“And heal the sick there, and say to them, the kingdom of God has come near to you” – Luke 10:9 [NKJV]. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” - Proverbs 18:21 [KJV].

Isaiah 6:1-9 Moses’ encounter changed everything so he could say yes to God. What Is Stopping Us From Going: • The natural reality • A spiritual perspective • Divine enablement NATURAL REALITY: What are the areas in the natural that are holding you back? • Instead of just acknowledging it, we end up making excuses. You can go if you have the right perspective. You need to work out where you are at, who God is and who He is not. Fear is often an obstacle that stops us from going. • Negative feelings stop us from going. We need to discern our feelings, and decide to walk by faith and not by feelings. • Lack of self-belief. • Waiting for the right time. • Money • Opinions of man • Previous failures • We become indifferent • We don’t trust God SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE: • We need to be propelled by the King and the Kingdom. • Acts 11:26 • Am I motivated by the King and the Kingdom or am I motivated by religion? • We have permission to go NOW into all the world as He commissioned us. • We are a Kingdom people! • We are called to preach the message of the Kingdom. DIVINE ENABLEMENT: • We need an encounter with God in order to go and do what God has called us to do. • Exodus 25:40 • Moses came down with a download, the blueprint plan in his heart, an impartation. • The thing that makes you fearless, is an encounter with God, the one that goes with you. • It is time to GO! Allow God to show you who He is and His glorious Kingdom!

Sermon Title: AVAILABLE (Part 1) Isaiah 6:8 [ESV] - And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Where Are You At? What is God wanting to do in us at this time? Before God can do anything through us He needs to first do a work within our hearts.

Three Questions To Ask Yourself: Where am I? How am I? How will I?

Before the assignment comes, there is this moment where you need to say ‘Here I am, send me”. Genesis 3:8-10 God is more interested in the posturing of our hearts than getting us where we need to be. He wants to make sure we are ready before we receive our assignment.

Idols are dysfunctional Saviors and are sometimes things we engage in that we are unaware of. Examples of idols: the need to be heard, the need to be accepted, the need to be right all the time, the need to be understood, the need to be important, the need to be noticed, etc.

God wants to free our hearts to ready us for what is coming. Isaiah 44:6-20

Reflection: What are you getting your identity from? Ask Holy Spirit about you. He will guide, comfort and establish you so that you can apply God’s Grace. God wants your heart free and your affections to be set upon Him. Ask yourself about you. Ask others about you (Proverbs 24:6).

John 16:7-11 Galatians 6:4-5 Romans 14:12

Where you currently are does not determine where you will ultimately go.

YOU CAN DO THIS 07 February 2021

To be able to RISE above circumstances, we must desire encounters with God, to meet with Him to receive His unique ‘BUILD’ strategy for you and me. Only after Moses CHOSE to turn aside, to expect to find an answer, did God start to speak ‘God is looking for people who are looking for Him.’- Ps Louis Els

Moses’ destiny lies in God’s greater Kingdom purpose People who encounter God desire it. They aren’t casual enquirers but they look for God. (Exodus 3:4, Hebrews 11:6) People who are used by God have the right perspective (Exodus 4:10). People who experience the impossible completely rely on God.

There are reasons why people have encounters with God: They are not casual enquirers They are less opinionated and more people of the Word

People used by God have the right perspective: Themselves God Who Moses was in Egypt and who Moses was when he met God in the desert were two different people: Self-confident Moses = Prince The uncertain, insecure Moses = Shepard The anointed, changed Moses = Son of God

To experience the impossible you have to fully trust God and it must be done God’s way!

• God is not angry with me – Psalm 103:13-14 [NIV] As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

• God does not punish me as a believer – Psalm 103:10-12 [NIV] He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

• God does not reject me – Psalm 94:14 [NIV] For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.

• God does not keep His blessings from me - Ephesians 1:3 [NIV] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Jesus is inviting us to come to Him and to spend time with Him. As we come to the Lord, we are able to hear His voice, and then faith comes (Rom. 10:17 NKJV).

In Hebrews 11:6 NKJV, we read, Without faith it is impossible to please God. We need to believe that Jesus is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him; otherwise, we won’t bother coming to Him. The faith to come to God is what pleases Him.

After we have heard God speak to us, we need to be obedient to what He has asked of us. Every time we act out in obedience, He is glorified! Every time we obey God, we build a history with Him. We can come to Jesus with a confidence knowing that He has so much more for us than we think. We think we pursue and come to Him for one thing, and He has more for us every time.

1 Peter 2:9-10 [NKJV] But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

1 Peter 2:10-17

A Chosen Generation: 1. His People 2. Kingdom Community 3. Community of Unity 4. Holy Communion

John 6:35 [NKJV] And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 [NKJV] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

Community is a group of people that are bound together in a specific locality by common interests.

In community, we can experience both blessings and benefits. The blessing refers to the Divine favour from above, and the benefit refers to the advantage and the privilege of that community.

The benefits we receive from being a part of a community are: 1.Pardons Iniquities 2.Heals all diseases 3.Redeems your life from the pit 4.Crowns you with loving kindness and compassion 5.Satisfies your life with good things 6.Renewed youth like an eagle

When in a community, we need to position ourselves to enjoy the benefits. We do this by: 1.Willingness to yield to the prayer that Jesus prayed to make us one 2.Make up your mind to walk in unity 3.Humble yourself to walk in the complexity and discomfort for the benefit of all- 4.The baptism of the Holy Spirit for Unity and Understanding.

John 13:34-35 NIV

There is both blessing and benefits in community, but unless we are prepared to embrace the complexity and discomfort that constitutes community, we will not enjoy the blessing and the benefits. Anything that is worth something will cost us and will involve a level of discomfort.

The cost involved in being part of a real community is the self-factor (selfishness, self-centeredness, self-preservation, self-righteousness). In community, offense is inevitable. However, the choice is ours if we will remain planted in the community or if we will walk away. Secondly, we will be forced to step out of our comfort zone if we want to grow. Thirdly, we will be faced with the option of inclusive vs. exclusive. This means that we can spend time with all types of people and not become ‘guilty by association.’ Fourthly, if we want to establish a community, we need to know that it is a process and not an instant result. We need to be committed long term. Then, we need to let go of the fear of the unknown and by faith be obedient to what God is calling us to do. Lastly, we need to realize that the call of God seldom looks like what we had in mind.

Community is a group of people that are bound together in a specific locality or by common interest. The common interests can be in multiple areas, whether governance, culture, values, interest, passion, heritage, and purpose.

What are the Complexities of Community:

Complexity is the state or quality of being complicated or detailed. 1.INDIVIDUALS - We must have mercy, grace, and compassion with an individual going through the process of sanctification, growth, maturity, as they discover their identity in Christ. 2.GENERATIONS - God is a generational God (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). The younger generation fears not being heard, not being granted freedom of expression and opportunity, and fear suppression. The older generation dislikes change, fear being ignored and side-lined, and being made redundant. 3.GENDER - Our nationality, culture, and background impact how we view, treat, and respond to the opposite gender. 4.PERSONALITIES AND GIFTS - We need to be aware of individuals’ gifts and personalities so that we can celebrate them and make room for them, otherwise frustration will set in. 5.CULTURE AND BACKGROUND - A Kingdom culture overrides all cultures and backgrounds. We need to celebrate other cultures so that we don’t rob ourselves from a multi-faceted, multi-generational God. 6.SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE - We need it to function, but when we end up with only rules and regulations, we end up in dead works (an activity with no life).

Genesis 1:26 [NKJV]

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

A community is a group of people bound together in a specific locality or by common interest or characteristics. It is a group of people that share a common culture, common values, common interest, common passion, common heritage, and common purpose. A healthy community constitutes belonging, mutual responsibility, well-being, progress, and protection. It says in 1 Corinthians 12:18 [NKJV], “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” The blessing of being placed in the body is belonging, the privilege of being able to participate, growth, generosity, correction, and empowerment.

be obedient to what God asks of us and move forward in wisdom. If we don't discern the time, we might miss what God wants to do in and through us and run out of time. There is an invitation from God for us to discern the time we are in and to do something with it so that we don't enter into a place of paralysis analysis. We need to ask God to give us eyes to see and ears to hear what He is doing so that amidst challenging times, at the same time, we have confident assurance that God is moving. As we discern the seasons, we will know what to do.

Discern the Time - so that you know what to do (Ecc. 3:1).
Understand Times and Seasons – This refers to living with insight and discerning the right time to act. If you know what time and season you are in, you are able to prepare for it. We need to discern the difference between times (linear) and seasons (circular).
Preparation Time – This refers to working out your Kingdom purpose and doing it! (Phil 2:13).

The source of light is God. He gives us life and light and provides insight into how we are to live our lives. He is the source of everything! We are called to reflect the Jesus who gave us light and has now called us to be light to the world. As we receive Christ as the light of our life, we are able to reflect Him. We then need to look for and fellowship with the light. This involves spending time in and with the Word. Lastly, we need to be led by the Spirit and not by our emotions.

Matthew 5: 14-16, You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Influence is the capacity to affect someone's character development or behaviour to bring about change, either for good or bad (1 Timothy 3:15). We are called to be the light, not to hide our light, and to do good works.

Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Just as salt causes a reaction and brings flavor to food, so our lives should cause a reaction and influence others. We read about this in Matthew 5:13 which speaks of seasoning. Seasoning is important because it draws out the flavor and the best out of people. As Christians and the salt of the earth, we should draw the best out of our community. Secondly, salt is used for preservation. As believers, we are here to preserve truth and Kingdom culture. Thirdly, salt is a binding agent. We should have a connecting effect where we draw people to God and the Kingdom.

We are on the earth to present and represent. Jesus is our example of this as He didn’t come to earth to do His own thing. He came to represent, reflect, and reproduce the will, way, and work of the Father (John 5:19).

Philippians 4:6-7

Christ is our Purpose, Pattern, Prize, Power and Provision. When we demonstrate forgiveness and not hold grudges we magnify Christ through us - we show the world that we are children of God. Our purpose is to magnify God. Philippians 4:4 states that we must live in freedom and fullness. We live in a world full of uncertainties and anxiousness therefore it’s necessary to live a life of rejoicing and thanksgiving.

Psalm 139

David was not afraid to express his concerns and anxiety to the Lord. We can be rest assured that God sees, knows and is in everything. Our concerns can either launch us into faith and trust in God or can lead us a downward spiral into depression and defeat. Once we meditate too much on fear and anxiety then defeat becomes our reality and normal way of thinking. Our thoughts can easily become a stronghold- a highway for the enemy to use and get to us to bombard our minds with lies.

How do we come out of it?

Prayer will always lead into praise instead of worry. Out of prayer we get reminded of who we are and the power we hold. Lets take into consideration what we watch, what we listen to and the people that we spend our time with. What we focus on determines what you fill your mind with. The reason why we get anxious in our lives is not because of our circumstances, but because of what we allow ourselves to focus on. Let’s discipline ourselves to spent time with God and talk to Him about our issues.

It’s crucial to gather all the facts when we are concerned. Lack of facts leads into confusion, indecisiveness and conflict. Look at all the facts concerning your situation so you can apply the Truth. Know the Truth and it will set you free. Faith does not deny the facts, but looks at a greater reality. Once you know the facts and truth, take it to God, hear Him with the right council around you and rejoice always- he is the one that enables and empowers us.

1 Samuel 17:4-19

In the story of David and Goliath we read about how the enemy loves to intimidate and dictate the terms of battle. However, his bark is much louder than his bite. Every moment of every day is pregnant with the purposes of God and with breakthrough. We see this is David’s life as God used what seemed like an ordinary day, and used David to defeat the giant Goliath. Later, David used the sword that the enemy intended to use for his destruction for his victory. Like David, we won't know our day of destiny, but we have to be ready for it, even in the mundane. We also have to be willing to count the cost of inconvenience to see a lasting change.

Testing has a purpose. Testing gives us the strength to go into battle without allowing the moment's heaviness to attach itself to us. Every battle we have faced up until now has a purpose. The bear and the lion we have faced will be a setup for the giant to come. Every battle we overcome then becomes a tool that we now have authority over and becomes a part of our weaponry. The receiving of our victory is there to proclaim to all the earth that God is real. It is also there to teach us that God doesn't need any weapon except His presence to bring breakthroughs in our lives.

Foundational scripture: Philippians 3: 8-10, 14

The prize is the reason for our effort, activity, or sacrifice. In other words, it is our purpose, delight, longing, goal, aim, victory, and reward. Our prize is that which we set our attention and affections on. Jesus is our goal. He is our prize. If we give ourselves to the wrong prize, we will ultimately become enslaved. In every season, there is an invitation from Jesus to more rest and freedom.

We can lose everything; however, if Jesus is our prize, we will have everything. The question is, will our fear be the reason that we miss out on the invitation?

There are two obstacles we face in our pursuit: Emotional – This is when we fear that in prizing Christ alone, we will lose our freedom. Freedom is when we function by design and have the right kind of limitations. When we prize Christ as the ultimate prize and goal, we live in freedom by accident. Practical – This is when we are tempted to put other things above Christ. We all worship, and our life speaks of what we worship. However, anything that we worship that is not Jesus will eat us alive.

Philippians 2:1-7

How we think determines what we become. We have been given the mind of Christ; however, it is still our choice to align with His thoughts. If we think like Jesus thought, we will live like Jesus lived. Our attitude should also reflect His attitude. Continually checking our attitude is important as our attitude determines our altitude. Attitude pertains to our mental habits/thoughts. We need to have a Christ-like attitude. As we practice repeating an action and thinking like Christ, a healthy habit will be formed. Pleasing God isn’t about self-promotion but self-abandonment, because when we lose our life in Christ, we will find Christ’s life in us. We are called to follow Christ’s pattern and to serve others as we live with a sense of abandonment.

Philippians 1:1-29 [NKJV] John 8:31-31 [NKJV]

We can be out of prison and not be free, and we can be free and not out. To maintain our freedom, we need to check our temperament and attitude regularly; otherwise, we will get stuck again. Once we receive freedom in our hearts and mind, we have to take responsibility to make the right decisions so we can stay free because God has not set us free to bring us back into bondage.

Truth is a person, and true freedom comes from the heart. Free people use limitations as an opportunity to further the gospel. Free people have confidence despite the situation, they have a specific attitude, and they behave in a certain way. Being free changes ones priorities.

Christ our purpose
Christ our pattern
Christ our prize
Christ our power

We move forward by hearing God’s voice and responding in obedience. In John 10:27 [NKJV], it says, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. What God speaks to us will always line up with the written Word. The more time we spend in the Word of God, the more acquainted we will become with the way God speaks, and we will learn to trust Him, His ways, His character, and His nature.

We can hear God’s voice, but sometimes we don’t recognize God’s voice. Other times, we are stubborn and act out in rebellion. God is inviting us to surrender our will and ways, humble ourselves, and incline our ear to His sayings. In James 1:22 [NKJV], it says, But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Receive the Word of God with meekness, and with a teachable spirit, it is our responsibility to then in humility, hear what God is saying and to obey.

Hearing from God and responding in obedience goes hand in hand with the position of our heart. We need to have a heart that is open to the Word of God, a teachable heart that receives the Word, applies the Word, and yields in humility. When God speaks to us, it is not a suggestion. We need to receive His Word with meekness and a humble heart. When we do so, it becomes impossible for us to walk in humility and meekness and not obey what God has said.

Key Scriptures: Acts 12:1-19, Psalm 91:1-4 People can cause us to get stuck. Sometimes, through influence and other times, it is out of our control. However, if we want to get unstuck, we need to surround ourselves with spirit-filled and faith-filled people who will pray with us. If we enter a place of frustration, our frustration needs to take us to a place of faith, and not to a place of anger and rebellion. When we get stuck, we need to ask God for insight and wisdom; otherwise, we will find ourselves reacting out of frustration and fear. If we panic and try to wrestle our way out when we are in a place of feeling stuck, we will get even more stuck. We need understanding and insight to get unstuck. Often our minds and thoughts are the most prominent area where we get stuck. We must ask ourselves questions such as “where am I stuck” and “what has caused me to get stuck”? Then, approach the situation with an attitude of praise, even when things are uncertain.

Hebrews 12:8 [NKJV], But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. It is only legitimate children that are prepared to receive their inheritance. However, the stakes are higher for the legitimate children and the training is more intense to ensure that we receive our inheritance. God wants to make us, His legitimate children worthy heirs through responsibility. We receive different rights and therefore endure different levels of discipline. Let’s not run away from these times of preparation as we are being prepared to receive an eternal inheritance that will not perish or fade. There is a purpose in God’s discipline, He wants us to step into our Kingdom destiny & inheritance. We have a good Father and He is working in us to prepare us for eternal Glory.

For us to live in a place of confidence and security, we need to shift our focus off ourselves and direct it towards God. In 1 Samuel 9:1-20, we read about how Saul was oblivious to God’s plan because he was busy looking for the donkeys, meanwhile, God was looking for him because He had a plan for him. God is busy looking for us because He wants to assign us to something greater. Sometimes God will allow us to go and look for things in our lives so that when we find it we know it is not what we are looking for. However, as we yield to the process like Saul did, a shift will begin to take place in our heart. When we align with the purposes of God, the anointing of God will begin to rise up within us and send us forth with strength, power, and boldness. Let’s decide today to stop looking for our donkeys, but instead look for our Kingdom purpose, be the donkey and carry the King.

Faith comes from God as we have intimacy with Him. It is our faith in Him, our relationship with Him that overcomes the world and our circumstances. Faith is not mental assent or something that can be worked out. Instead, it is something we need to believe with our hearts. The result of heart faith is a mouth full of praise and hope. What the heart is full of the mouth will speak. In Matthew 9:29, we read, Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you.” Here we see how a woman received her healing because of her faith in God. Our sin isn’t what will stop us from receiving a miracle, it is our unbelief. Faith doesn’t denying the facts, it simply believes in a greater reality and functions out of a surrendered heart.

1 John 5:4-5 [NIV]

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Faith is us placing our confidence in God and directing our trust toward Him. It is not mind over matter or our positive confession. However, we have faith because we have come to know the goodness and character of God. Faith is a relationship and dialogue with Jesus Christ and has a language and behavior.

True faith is not moved by circumstance. We mustn’t give up prematurely, but instead, put our faith in Him. This requires us to spend time with Him and press in long enough until we see what He sees. We read this in Hebrews 6:12, which says, We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Faith, at times, requires patience, endurance, and long-suffering.

Faith isn’t a belief issue but a relational issue. In Hebrews 11:1, NIV, we read what faith is: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is not being positive or having a good attitude. Instead, faith is knowing God is trustworthy and who He says He is! We acquire faith not merely by asking for more faith, but instead directing the mustard seed of faith we do have toward God. A little faith toward God can move mountains. We read this invitation in Mark 11:22, NIV, which says: “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.” Everyone has a measure of faith. It is simply our responsibility to put that faith in God. A guaranteed faith failure would be putting our faith in anything besides God. Our faith needs to bring us into the promises of God.

Key Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-7 (The Valley of Dry Bones)

God is able to turn any hopeless situation around, into victory! In Ezekiel 37 we read about Ezekiel’s encounter with God where before him he sees a valley of dry bones. This was a depiction of the dire state of Israel and often dry places we find ourselves in. When God asks Ezekiel what he sees, his response is unadulterated by his emotions, as declares that only God knows the answer.

Ezekiel understood the importance of seeing through the eyes of faith in any and every situation. We simply ought to pray, “God, help me see.” Once we are able to truly see, we can give it a name, and when it has a name, we can call it and it’ll come!

In the same way God is calling His people to see through His eyes, the eyes of faith, and to prophesy according to His Word! As Ezekiel prophesied what God was saying, a valley of dry bones turned into an army. God is calling us to speak His life into our situations. We discover that the purpose of our hopeless situation being turned around is so that everyone will know that He is God, that He did it, and that our hearts become aligned with His heart.

Finally, God’s purposes are to bring His people together, because we truly are BETTER TOGETHER. He wants to unite us into ONE ARMY under ONE KING, King Jesus!

Life of Gideon: Judges 6

For every setback there is an opportunity for a comeback! This means that what seems like a setback in our life, is actually a time for our comeback.

In the life of Gideon we see five comeback principles (Judges 6). The first principle is that God will always confirm who He is (Judges 6:10), which is not based on our gifts, talents, or human wisdom, but on Him. Secondly, God will always affirm who you are. He will tell you what is right with you and not what is wrong with you and remind you of your destiny in Him. Our greatest barrier to our comeback will be that we don’t see ourselves as God sees us (Hero vs Zero). But, God looks at the potential in us just as He did with Gideon. Thirdly, He always reveals more of Himself in the process (Judges 6:17. Sometimes, we tend to look for signs but not for God Himself or His presence (Judges 6:18). Fourthly, every comeback requires a measure of sacrifice. What are you prepared to sacrifice or give up, lay down so that your comeback story can be written? (Judges 6:25). Lastly, God will always give us some unlikely strategy and tends to use the unlikely so that no man can get the credit. He wants us to step out in faith and walk out what He has said to us in obedience.

Colossians 3:1-2 [NIV] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

A focused life is a Christ-centred life. When we lose sight of Jesus and the cross, grace, and what He has done, sacred things become secular arguments. A focused life is a life that lives out of a heart of gratitude. A scripture that speaks of gratitude is Psalm 100:2 [NIV], which says, Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. If we want to live with a sense of momentum, we need to carry in our hearts a clear Kingdom mandate. When we have a clear Kingdom mandate, we understand stewardship and know where to focus our energy. People who are focused and live with momentum are generous. They realize that what they have is because of the grace of God, and therefore live to bless others, encourage and empower them because they see the bigger picture. Living a focused life for maximum momentum demands that we live in humility! A scripture that touches on humility is 1 Peter 5:5-6 [NIV] which says, In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. For us as a Kingdom people, the way forward is the way of humility as we link arms with those around us.

Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 1:6-8 (NIV) Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Pentecost is not an event, it is a life changing encounter! The purpose of Pentecost is that we can become people of confidence and boldness, fearless men and women who can preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the lost and dying world. When we speak, we speak with FAITH, CONFIDENCE and HOPE. The purpose of Pentecost is that we would become a people of boldness, confident of what God has done in us, so that we can turn the world upside down with His love. Also, it is so that we are empowered to preach the true Gospel demonstrated with signs and wonders. Pentecost is not an event, but a life changing encounter that has a long-time effect on us, changing us into a fearless people, full of fervent faith.

Colossians 3:1-4 [NIV]

“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Lockdown is an opportunity for us to reconnect with God so that we can come out on the other side CHANGED! During this time of waiting for the lockdown to lift, what does your posture of waiting look like? Are you waiting with anticipation and expectation for the Holy Spirit to be poured out afresh in your life, your community, and your church? Let us purpose in our hearts to use this time to ask God what is our Kingdom purpose and our Kingdom cause so that when we are deployed and go back into our work environments, we can do so with intentionality. Let us trust for fresh encounters and a renewing of our faith so that God can use us to get what He wants through us to those around us.