Dancing in the Rain: Recent Episodes
Cyril Prabhu
When the challenges of life pin you between hopelessness and despair, "Are you dancing in the Rain?" will inspire you to find strength from within.
(John 11:38–44)
38Jesus, once again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39“Take away the stone,” Jesus said.
“Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.”
40Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42I knew that You always hear Me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, so they may believe that You sent Me.”
43After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
44The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth.
“Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them.
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Resurrection in the Bible is not new… there are 10 recorded incidents about someone being dead and was raised from it.
3 of them in Old Testament and
7 in the New Testament
Jesus did 4 of those and 2 by apostles and
The highest of all – is Jesus resurrecting on the 3rd day.
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Wigglesworth – and his wife…
Old Testament Instances
- The Widow of Zarephath's Son:Raised by Elijah (1 Kings 17:17–22).
- The Shunammite Woman's Son:Raised by Elisha (2 Kings 4:18–37).
--- Elisha prayed, for double portion ---
- Man Raised in Elisha's Grave:A corpse touched Elisha's bones and came to life (2 Kings 13:20–21).
New Testament Instances (Jesus)
- The Widow of Nain's Son:Jesus raised him from a funeral procession (Luke 7:11–17).
- Jairus's Daughter:Jesus raised this young girl (Mark 5:35–43, Luke 8:49–56).
- Lazarus of Bethany:Jesus raised him after four days in the tomb (John 11).
- Saints at the Crucifixion:Many holy people rose after Jesus' death (Matthew 27:52–53).
New Testament Instances (Apostles)
- Tabitha (Dorcas):Raised by Peter (Acts 9:36–42).
- Eutychus:Raised by Paul after falling from a window (Acts 20:7–12).
Major Resurrection
- Jesus Christ:Rose from the dead on the third day (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20).
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- Remove the Stone — Obedience Precedes the Miracle
V39 -- “Take away the stone.” Jesus said.
Before resurrection power was released, human obedience was required. The stone was heavy, the situation smelled hopeless, and four days felt final. But Jesus required participation before manifestation.
- This mirrors Joshua 6, when Israel faced Jericho. God could have dropped the walls instantly, yet He required them to march first. Obedience came before collapse.
- It also echoes 2 Kings 4, when the widow was told to gather empty jars before the oil multiplied. The miracle flowed into prepared space.
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What was the immediate response?
“Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.”
Unless God has access to the areas of our life – with open heart surgery, we will not have a restoration.
- The stone in front of Lazarus’ tomb represents what we must move — doubt, pride, fear, excuses. God often waits for our obedience before displaying His power.
What is easy for Jesus – raising the dead (or) go through the cleanup process?
- God is not interested in the Miracles being performed in our life, but instead He is very interested in our character and shaping our future.
Principle: God performs miracles, but He often waits for us to move the stone.
2. Believe to See the Glory — Faith Before Sight
“Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
Jesus reverses human logic. We want to see first, then believe. But Scripture consistently teaches the opposite.
- In 2 Chronicles 20, when Judah faced overwhelming armies, King Jehoshaphat sent worshipers ahead of the soldiers. They believed before victory was visible — and God set ambushes against their enemies.
- In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared that God could deliver them from the furnace — even if He did not, they would still not bow. That is belief before evidence.
Four days dead did not intimidate heaven. Delay does not cancel destiny.
Principle: Faith unlocks glory in situations that look too far gone.
- Pray with Confidence — Authority Flows from Relationship
“Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.”
Jesus prayed with assurance, not anxiety. He thanked before Lazarus walked out. That confidence came from intimacy.
- Consider 1 Kings 18, where Elijah stood on Mount Carmel. Before fire fell, Elijah rebuilt the altar and prayed a simple, confident prayer. He did not shout in panic like the prophets of Baal. He prayed from relationship — and heaven answered with fire.
- Or reflect on Genesis 18, when Abraham interceded for Sodom. His boldness came from closeness with God.
<< Charlotte – Hotel >>
Public authority is rooted in private communion.
Principle: When you know the Father hears you, you pray with bold expectation.
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- Come Out — And Be Unwrapped
“Lazarus, come out!”
“Unwrap him and let him go.”
The voice that once said “Let there be light” now called a dead man by name. Resurrection obeyed.
- This moment echoes Ezekiel 37, where dry bones heard the Word of the Lord and came together. Breath entered them. What was lifeless stood as an army.
- It also parallels Isaiah 61, where the Spirit of the Lord proclaims freedom for captives and release from darkness.
But Lazarus came out still bound. Life was restored instantly; freedom required help. The same God who brings us out also uses community to remove grave clothes — habits, shame, mindsets, and residue of death.
Principle: God brings you out — but He also brings people around you to help you walk free.
Closing Summary
This passage reveals a divine pattern:
- Move what you can move.
- Believe it before you see.
- Pray from intimacy, not insecurity.
- Step out of death — and let God finish your freedom.
The God of Jericho, Carmel, the Valley of Dry Bones, and the fiery furnace is the same God standing at Lazarus’ tomb.
And He is still calling names.
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*** Wrap up -- Call to Action – We have to go Tell the world…
We need to Transform the next Generation – with what we believe.
We have shown weaker version of Jesus to the next Generation.
John 11:45: “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.”
The raising of Lazarus leads many to believe in Jesus, showcasing how His miraculous works serve as powerful signs that inspire faith and reveal His divine nature.
These verses can serve as foundational reminders of Jesus’ authority, compassion, and the assurance of eternal life through faith in Him.
Have you ever opened the Old Testament and had these thoughts: How am I supposed to relate to these stories? Borrrring…
Primary Text: Judges 4: 4–5
4Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
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I’m excited to introduce Deborah to you today and show you how God used her as an instrument to lead an entire nation. Her life was marked by devoted service to God and His people, and her story is anything but boring.
Who was Deborah in the Bible?
Deborah was a wife, prophetess, and judge.
- As a prophetess, she received divine revelations from the Lord and was a charismatic leader.
- As a judge, her responsibilities were similar to a judge you’d meet today—a leader who’d arbitrate legal disputes.
- She fulfilled military duties as part of her leadership role as well (Judges 4:4–5).
Deborah was also the only female in the Bible who was a prophet and judge, joining the ranks of Moses and Samuel.
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1️⃣ Do Everything From Presence, Not Position à Intimacy with God
Intimacy with God – is the #1, Character!
Judges 4:4 tells us Deborah was first a prophetess.
Intimacy with God is experienced through obedience to God. Your personal relationship with the Lord directly relates to how well you serve His people. Deborah had an intimate relationship with God, and it propelled her to live her life in a way that honored Him and His people. In return, God drew near and blessed her.
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2️⃣ Her Courage was Contagious
Judges 4:3And the children of Israel cried out to the Lord; for Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and for twenty years he had harshly oppressed the children of Israel.
Iron chariots in the Book of Judges were feared because they represented superior, high-tech weaponry—the ancient equivalent of tanks—that rendered the foot-soldier Israelites vulnerable on flat terrain. Commanded by Sisera, these 900 vehicles caused severe, 20-year oppression, showcasing a massive military advantage.
Barak reluctantly responded, “I will go, but only if you go with me” (Judges 4:8 CSB).
Deborah agreed to his request.
Deborah did not retreat. She stood beside him.
Deborah was not a warrior, but she went into battle knowing God would fight on her behalf.
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The Deborah Factor reminds us:
Your courage is not just for you.
It is fuel for those watching.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (CSB) says, “The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
This Old Testament truth is one that still stands firm for us today. As we enter into our own battles each day, we can draw courage from God’s power and presence, just like Deborah did.
Matthew 2:
1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
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9When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
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Magi – it is a tribe of people.
They are from Medo-Persian empire. They choose one tribe to be the priests– Magian Tribe. They represented the nation of Mede’s… They maintained influence…
They were highly influential and revered group of people.
They flowed through in Babylon, Medo-Persian empire, they were in Greek empire and the present roman empire of this time.
When they came – they came in caravan… and 100’s of them accompanies them. They come with loud noise.
In fact, Nero, the roman emperor when he was in his peak – killing and burning Rome, when heard that Magi were coming, he rolled a red-carpet to them.
Kings sought them, for advise – they are like Levites.
No Persian king can be made king, unless Magi crowned them.
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They worshiped one god – they worshiped fire.
They had an altar the fire was burning and another altar they sacrificed animals.
They also had clean vs unclean animals – just like Jews.
They also believed touching a corpse – defies a man.
Why is this important -
Daniel 5:11, When Daniel comes in as their chief/leader – in Babylon. He brings the Jewish belief system. They realize their system is very same as Jewish.
These were the king makers – in the book of Esther 1 - they even say, it is law of the Mede and Persians. That’s after the Kings consulted with the Magi.
Priestly tribe, influential many kingdoms, interacted with Daniel…
6th century BCE, when King Darius (Medo Persians) – decided to create one-religion Zoroastrianism.
There are 3 groups of Magi’s:
- Followed the ancient Medo-Persian system
- Followed Daniel and his teaching - True God
- Followed King Darius religion.
What gives us confidence is not that we are careful enough, but that our God is watchful enough.
Often, we wonder –
- Does God see what I am going through?
- In the movie, Bruce Almighty, the Hero says – God do you have problem seeing? I am here in this coordinate…
El Roi means “The God Who Sees” – I love the kindness and care that this name holds as it points to God’s character.
- He is one who chases after us, who follows us with goodness.
- He is the one who sees us when we feel lonely,
- He is the one who sees us when we do all on our own,
- He is the one who sees us when we just need the reminder that God is close.
He sees the hidden snare.
- He goes before us into the unseen dangers.
- He is our Deliverer.
Often, we wonder how am I doing? We are always looking for approval. Lot of talk about Green card, Citizenship etc.,
Social Media & Approval:
- Over 70% of social media users say they post for validation, attention, or approval (Statista, 2023).
- "Likes" activate the brain’s reward center in the same way as food and money (Harvard University, 2018).
- Over 60% of Gen Z feel anxious if their post doesn’t get enough attention within the first hour (American Psychological Association, 2021).
Peer Influence & Conformity:
- Solomon Asch's classic conformity experiment showed that 75% of participants conformed to a wrong answer at least once to fit in with a group.
- Teens and young adults are especially susceptible, with up to 80% changing their behavior or opinion based on peer approval (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2017).
--- In order to have a healthy walk with the Lord – we need God’s approval and not Man’s approval…
How do we get God’s approval? Let’s look at Daniel’s life…
1: Faithfulness Under Pressure
Insight:
True faith doesn't bend under pressure. Daniel didn’t compromise his commitment to God, even when his life was on the line.
Verse:
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room… Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
— Daniel 6:10
Deeper Insight:
Daniel didn’t start praying because he was in trouble — he prayed because it was his lifestyle. His faith wasn’t reactive, it was consistent. Faith that lasts must be practiced before the crisis arrives.
Example:
🔥 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. Like Daniel, they were already walking in devotion before the test. When the furnace came, their faith was ready.
Modern Application:
What you do when no one is watching prepares you for when everyone is watching. Our spiritual habits shape our spiritual resilience.
Reflection:
Faith is not proven in comfort but in conflict. Daniel didn’t change his routine to avoid detection. His loyalty to God was more important than his safety.
🙏 2. Prayer Is Power
Insight:
Daniel’s first response wasn’t panic — it was prayer. Prayer was his lifeline, not his last resort.
Verse:
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
— James 5:16
Deeper Insight:
Daniel wasn’t praying to be delivered — he was praying to stay connected. His posture shows humility, and his consistency shows dependence.
Example:
📖 Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41–44) also knelt and prayed before His greatest test — the cross. Prayer didn't remove the trial, but it prepared Him to endure it.
Modern Application:
Real power doesn’t come from position but from prayer. If you’re too busy to pray, you're too busy to stand when the lions come.
Reflection:
What you do consistently in private will sustain you in public trials. Daniel’s prayer life prepared him for the lions’ den long before it came.
👑 3. God Honors Those Who Honor Him
Insight:
Daniel’s integrity and devotion to God didn’t go unnoticed — either by the king or by God.
Verse:
“Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
— 1 Samuel 2:30 (KJV)
Deeper Insight:
Daniel’s loyalty to God meant he was willing to lose the king’s favor. Ironically, that loyalty earned him more favor than ever before.
Example:
🕊️ Joseph in Genesis 39 honored God by refusing Potiphar’s wife — and ended up in prison. But God elevated him to second-in-command over Egypt because of his integrity.
Modern Application:
You may lose friends, status, or opportunity by standing for truth — but God will give you influence that no man can take away.
Reflection:
Even in a foreign land, under a pagan king, God raised Daniel up. Those who walk uprightly will never lack God’s favor.
👼 4. God Sends Angels in Crisis
Insight:
When Daniel was in the den, God didn’t remove the trial — He entered it with him.
Verse:
“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.”
— Daniel 6:22
Deeper Insight:
God didn’t prevent Daniel from entering the den — but He entered the den with him. God’s presence is better than God’s prevention.
Example:
🔥 In the fiery furnace, the king saw “a fourth man” walking with the three Hebrews — one “like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25).
✝️ Jesus on the cross also experienced abandonment by man, but angels ministered to Him after the resurrection.
Modern Application:
God may not always remove your suffering, but He will never abandon you in it. Expect angels in your adversity.
Reflection:
God may not always prevent the storm, but He will protect you in it. His presence is the greatest deliverance.
Zechariah 4:2 – 3 (Vision):
So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.”
V6: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
V10: For who has despised the day of small things?
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Zechariah 4 is rich with symbolism, encouraging the Israelites to rely on God's Spirit in rebuilding the temple. Let’s examine each element in more detail, with supporting Bible verses and practical examples.
1: "Not by Might, Nor by Power, but by My Spirit"
God’s message to Zerubbabel underscores reliance on the Spirit rather than human strength or military power. This message applies to any endeavor where human resources are limited, but God’s power makes a way.
- Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God tells him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
At some point, “We have to stop talking to God about your mountain and start talking to the mountain about your God”
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Anxiety or addiction mountains of depression or fear or shame
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You can’t let that mountain intimidate you
At some point enough is enough
- Obstacle is the way that mountain is gonna make you a bigger person
- You’re gonna have a testimony on the other side too
Whatever you tolerate will eventually dominate that is robbing God of his glory pleasing and perfect will
What are you tolerating that is permissible but not beneficial
What are you tolerating that undermines the price Jesus paid on the cross
- For your salvation
- For your healing
- For your delivery
Start talking to that mountain and see what God does.
Zechariah 4:6 encourages you to trust that God’s Spirit can enable the project beyond what human power could accomplish.
2: Don’t despise the small beginnings
We overestimate what we can do in a year or two instead of seeing what God can do in 10 or 20
In building the temple: The Lord says, “Do not despise the day of small beginnings” Why?
God will do big things like they are little things
- When we get our knees in prayer
- When we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit
God sets divine appointments for the Lord rejoices
God is great because nothing is too small he rejoices plum line
- was an ancient architectural device
- God is already rejoicing
All you have to do the little things like big things, then God will do the big things like small things
Don’t despise the day of small beginnings.
This vision, then, teaches that God’s work relies on His Spirit, not human might. The temple in Jerusalem was ultimately completed by Zerubbabel and Joshua’s guidance, fulfilling this prophecy and illustrating that God’s Spirit works powerfully through those who trust in Him.
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Nothing is done, unless the father says – it is done.
- When God decides to do something through your life – There is nothing, the enemy can do.
- No Season, No mistake, No Mess, No Argument nor any Human limitation can stop Him.
- When Jesus said, Lazarus, come out of the grave… then grave had no choice but to let Lazarus go…
- There is a break through, waiting to happen in your life and mine.
Luke wrote: Luke 18: 35 - 3835As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging. 36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.
37“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him.
38So he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.”
50Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus.
51“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked.
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When Bartimaeus realized Jesus had stopped and called for him, he threw off his cloak. (Mark 10:50)
The cloak Bartimaeus was wearing would’ve been heavy. Perhaps this is the reason he threw it off. He didn’t want anything slowing him down on his way to Jesus.
But perhaps there was something more going on . . .
What is the significance of Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak?At first glance, Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak seems like a minor detail.
But this is why it’s so important to slow down and pay attention to the little things as we study Scripture. To dig into the context of a verse. And learn about the cultural and historical backgrounds.
Because throwing off the cloak was actually a big deal.
- The cloak was an outer garment that was not only used like a long coat but was also used as a blanket at night for protection against the cold.
This garment was so important to the ancient Israelites that they were forbidden to keep it as security on loans (Exodus 22:26-27, Deuteronomy 24:12-13).
- This cloak would have also served as Bartimaeus’s means of acquiring money.
Scholars believe he would have sat down and spread his cloak over his lap. This way people could drop money onto the cloak so he could easily collect it.
Which means this cloak would have symbolized his means to protect himself and acquire what he needed to survive.
- But it also meant one more thing . . . it was a symbol of his old way of life. And he chose to cast it aside.
He had complete and total faith that after he met Jesus . . . he would no longer need it.
It is no coincidence that Paul puts “love” first in the fruit of the Spirit. The Greek word for love in this instance is agape.
It is the highest form of the different kinds of love expressed by distinct Greek words, including eros (romantic love), philia (friendship love) and storge (familial love).
- Agape is the kind of love God has for his creation. It is pure, selfless and self-sacrificing. It seeks the best for others — even enemies — at all times, at all costs. A beautiful description of agape love is found in the Bible verses of
1 Corinthians 13, a well-known passage of Scripture.
God showed his agape love for us in sacrificing his only Son to save us from our sinful nature.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
The joy, Paul refers to in Galatians 5 is much deeper than a sense of happiness or gladness from life’s circumstances. It is a profound delight and rejoicing that comes from knowing and serving God.
The Bible describes the importance of this divine joy to the Christian’s life:
Nehemiah 8:10,
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
Peace is an unshakeable inner calm that can be a rare quality in turbulent times.
We, in the walk with the Lord, can call on God’s Holy Spirit to impart a sense of peace when things seem to be spinning out of control.
And the peace that comes from the Spirit is not just a small comfort.
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In Philippians 4:6 – 7, Paul describes it as beyond human understanding in one of Scripture’s most reassuring passages:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 5:22 – 23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
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Forbearance is the characteristic or quality of greatness of spirit, a person who faces adversity with courage, in the Bible we see that this is a virtue of those who are good and generous and have faith in God to help solve their problems.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4: 1-2 (NIV)
We may seem weak in the eyes of the world or even foolish in maintaining this conduct, but in truth this fruit of the Spirit, helps us to have discernment and wisdom to resolve adversities with the wisdom that comes from above.
- Mercy, patience, tolerance and self-control, are words that relate directly to this fruit and are essential characteristics for those who have been saved.
- In Christ – we are a new creature, because our Heavenly Father is long-suffering, has patience with us even with people making so many mistakes .
- God has so much mercy on us that he gave his only son to die on the cross for you and me.
The idea of forbearance arises in the Bible under different words.
- Forbearance could be explained as showing patience, even though a thing is owed to us.
- It is holding back or restraining the self from doing something that is normal to do. It is controlling oneself when provoked or offended.
Today, we will focus on kindness!
In a world often fraught with negativity and strife, the call to embody kindness is ever more vital. So, let us explore together what it means to cultivate the fruit of kindness in our lives.
- Kindness is not merely superficial nicety or a random act of goodwill. It goes deeper.
- Kindness is the deliberate choice to extend grace, compassion, and generosity to others, regardless of their deservingness or circumstances.
It springs from a heart that is attuned to the needs of others and seeks to alleviate their burdens.
Galatians 5: 22 - 23
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Faithfulness comes from a place of trust and loyalty.
We cannot be wishy or washy about our faith. We need to show our faith in action.
It is easy to talk about faith within the four walls – will be able to stand by this faith when the going gets tough?
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is a confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
As a believer in Christ, it is important to be faithful to God. It is one thing to simply believe in Him, but another to be faithful to Him.
Let’s begin by – where these discontentment starts… because we have to find where we lost it.
What is the source of our discontentment – and where does it all start?
- How can I cherish… what is given than focusing on what is lacking in my life?
- If the source of contentment is God’s character… then the source of discontentment is unbelief
Thomas Watson says – “Discontentment is nothing but echo of unbelief”
We need to declutter and deep clean, in that order.
And although I have high aspirations, I am not sure it will happen at the magnitude with which it is needed. Honestly, it may not happen at all.
When clutter things – that’s what happens… things will start to get rotten.
Pride is a heart-attitude sin that overflows into a person’s motivation, decision-making, and activities. Pride is at the root of nearly every problem we struggle. _________________
Even David, described as a man after God’s own heart, asked God to examine the contents of his soul in
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV).
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
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Sometimes our hearts are like this: cluttered.
It happens over time, not immediately. Maybe it starts with a misunderstanding, or a betrayal. Time nurses a wound like a newborn baby and before you know it, bitterness is fully-grown and hanging out in our hearts.
Overtime, there is a potential for our hearts to be ridden with memories, hang-ups, guilt, sin, and the like, clinging to us and not letting go. I call it heart clutter.
Let the cleaning – Begin!
In order for us to live a simple life – we need to un-clutter …
Ecclesiastes 3: 6 says… (read the whole thing and pause in 6)
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
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People clean their houses during the summer…
we will meditate on what the things that we need to un-clutter on… and what does the bible say about it.
- Throw away things that is not needed in your life…
- if the room is not tidy… clean them.
- Clean your car… and the desk in your office…
Walk around your garage and unclutter…
Pastor used to say… when we accumulate things, then we move them into garage the overflow… and when the garage overflows, then we take them to storage units, nothing but extension to your garage.
While I was busy purging, cleansing, and uncluttering my external world (frantically grasping for the illusion of control), I completely overlooked the clutter within my heart, soul, and mind. How long had it been since I took inventory of my:
- negative thoughts?
- bad attitudes?
- selfish motives?
- manipulative tendencies?
- unforgiving judgments?
Verse to Meditate:
1 Samuel 7: 3 - 6
3Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, “If you want to return to the LORD with all your hearts, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Turn your hearts to the LORD and obey him alone; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.” 4So the Israelites got rid of their images of Baal and Ashtoreth and worshiped only the LORD.
5Then Samuel told them, “Gather all of Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD for you.” 6So they gathered at Mizpah and, in a great ceremony, drew water from a well and poured it out before the LORD. They also went without food all day and confessed that they had sinned against the LORD. (It was at Mizpah that Samuel became Israel’s judge.)
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- Go into your closet, and take a piece of chalk and draw a circle around you and ask the Lord for revival for everything that is inside of the chalk line. When God answers your prayer – then, revival is on!
- Let "The Movement" begin with you!
Saints - This is a good word on Fasting and Prayer... take time to soak the word in... May the Good Lord Bless you!
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Welcome to the 3rd week in this series on fasting and prayer… Doing this kind of Fasting in the beginning of the year is like giving the First fruit…
- We don’t need to wait for something to go wrong before you fast and pray… but be ready at all times – whether you are in battle or not. Fasting is proactive and not re-active.
- Refuse to give what the flesh wants and give the spirit what it needs. "I must decrease, and He must increase…"
2 Corinthians 10: 3 – 6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Joshua 10: 1 - 15
Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed[a] it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and had become their allies. 2 He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 3 So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. 4 “Come up and help me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.”
5 Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.”
7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”
9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
12 On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on[b] its enemies,
as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!
15 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.
Joshua 10: 1 - 15 ...
Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed[a] it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and had become their allies. 2 He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 3 So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. 4 “Come up and help me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.”
5 Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.”
7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”
9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
12 On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on[b] its enemies,
as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!
15 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.
Joshua 10: 1 – 15
Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed[a] it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and had become their allies. 2 He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 3 So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. 4 “Come up and help me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.”
5 Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.”
7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”
9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
12 On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on[b] its enemies,
as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!
15 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.
2 Chronicles 7:14… if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Now let's pause there for just a second, because we've been studying this passage kind of piece by piece over the last number of weeks, and we remember that this is God speaking to Solomon in an answer to a prayer that Solomon prayed in chapter 6.
- We have God responding to that prayer kind of point-by-point. God is actually addressing Israel through Solomon, Solomon as their king.
He's addressing the whole of his people, saying not only do I want Solomon to pray this way, but I want all of Israel to do that. And I want Israel to humble themselves and to pray and to seek my face.
God is talking about 4 things to do…
- Humble yourself
- Pray (Cry out to the Lord)
- Seek my face
- Turn from wicked ways
2 Chronicles 7:14… if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Now let's pause there for just a second, because we've been studying this passage kind of piece by piece over the last number of weeks, and we remember that this is God speaking to Solomon in an answer to a prayer that Solomon prayed in chapter 6.
- We have God responding to that prayer kind of point-by-point. God is actually addressing Israel through Solomon, Solomon as their king.
He's addressing the whole of his people, saying not only do I want Solomon to pray this way, but I want all of Israel to do that. And I want Israel to humble themselves and to pray and to seek my face.
God is talking about 4 things to do…
- Humble yourself
- Pray (Cry out to the Lord)
- Seek my face
- Turn from wicked ways
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful... This is the hardest part in the prayer… how can I Thank God, when all things around me is not working?
1: Let’s talk about why should be even thankful to God…
- When we look back at our life, through the rear-view mirror, we will see the faithfulness of God.
- The times He made a way, when you didn’t see a way.
- The times when God placed you and me at the right place
- Even when you made mistakes, He showed you Mercy.
Here we are – blessed and moving forward.
Jesus was passionate about His prayer life, it was something He was always doing.
S.D. Gordon in his book, Quiet Talks on Prayer, says
How much prayer meant to Jesus! It was not only his regular habit, but his resort in every emergency, however slight or serious. When perplexed he prayed. When hard pressed by work he prayed. When hungry for fellowship he found it in prayer. He chose his associates and received his messages upon his knees.
If tempted, he prayed.
If criticized, he prayed.
If fatigued in body or wearied in spirit,
He had recourse to his one unfailing habit of prayer. Prayer brought him unmeasured power at the beginning and kept the flow unbroken and undiminished. There was no emergency, no difficulty, no necessity, no temptation that would not yield to prayer.
Colossians 4: 2 – 4
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the [a]mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
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Paul begins by saying, "Devote yourselves to prayer," (NASB) or "Continue earnestly in prayer," (NKJV). In the original language it says, "continue steadfastly in prayer."
The word translated, "continue steadfastly," is one word in the original language.
- It can be translated, "persist in, adhere firmly to, or remain devoted to or to give unremitting care to."
- It carries with it the idea of dedication.
Some days, we feel like – I need prayers… other days, we are pushed to the corner – and everything around me doesn’t seem to move and we are like… I need YOU Nowwwwwwwww, God! And our heart and soul saying - I have gone through enough and I don’t have energy to pull through another day – answer my prayers with fire. __________________ James 5: 13 - 18
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
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.... The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
Kingdom… Power… Glory …
The last line is our pledge of Allegiance to His Kingdom, His Power and His Glory.
Moment by moment – day by day… when decisions are made – are we keeping His Kingdom, His Power and His Glory or our Kingdom, our power, and our glory.
It is God’s Kingdom and God reigns over all.
- We are not self-sufficient…
- There are times in life, what we go through is beyond our control.
Thine is the Kingdom…
For = because … the kingdom, power and glory….
I can ask for bread… because thine is the kingdom, power and glory
I can ask forgiveness… or deliver from evil… because thine is the kingdom, power and glory
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Lead us not into temptation
Temptation is everywhere… from the food that we eat, the cloths we were…
In fact, what we once thought as wrong is now has become norm.
- When lucy show was aired, the people gave hard time.. because lucy was smoking a cigarette…
- Their bedroom showed 2 separate twin beds…
- Living together – wasn’t norm… 50 years ago.
- Drinking an alcohol was once considered wrong, is norm in TVs and public media.
Sinful actions that we rejected, is now norm, because everybody is doing it.
- I had a relative come from middle east, and we were walking in New York… and there was a parade of nude people on the streets…
We are talking like “Temptation” is a new thing… all through out the days of the bible, the temptation has been there. Eve was tempted to eat the apple… to David tempted to deal with Bathsheba… to Jesus tempted in the wilderness after 40 days of fasting…
When God spoke to Cain, in Genesis 4:7 …
And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
Sin and temptation were always kept under the wrap… but now it is open, and we are celebrating it.
Jesus is reminding us, that temptation is real, and we are all vulnerable.
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- Lead us not into temptation, acknowledges that there is temptation… and that we need deliverance from it.
- Resist the enemy, and he will flee from you.
If the mouse knows
Forgive us our sins… debts/trespasses… Luke 11 – Jesus refers Debts to “SIN”
John 3:23 à For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
- We have to open up – for God to forgive our sins…
- We have to allow God to do open heart surgery …
- Ask God for forgiveness for our actions, words and the attitudes…
SIN? Transgressions of God’s law… willingly, deliberately, knowingly, intentionally stepping out of line. I do it – after knowing what Bible says…
- Commission (Things we said we will do and not do) vs. Omission (We look the other way).
- Man brought down from the roof à Jesus said - Your sins are forgiven. Only God has the authority to forgive our sins. God will keep His side of the bargain, when He see the Cross.
Sometimes, we are not on the right side of the wrong…
- God wants to repair the fractured relationship with both horizontal and vertical.
- Horizontal = with fellow believers; Vertical = with the Lord.
Forgiveness – comes in 3 categories:
- Final/Total Forgiveness: Initial salvation – when we repent of our sins (Past, present and future) – Ephesians 2:8 -9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it isthe gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
If you are child of God – you are placed in His Hands. We are justified!
- Fellowship Forgiveness: That’s what Jesus is referring to. He is not talking about the eternal forgiveness. 1 John 1: 9 à If we forgive our sins…
Every day we have to wash ourselves with the Jesus Soap. The blood of Jesus is constantly cleansing from sins. What hinders my relationship/Fellowship with God. Jesus wash disciples feet – Son of God, washing their feet.
Peter refusing… to allow my feet. If I don’t wash your feet, you don’t have part with me. Jesus said (John 13:10) – He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet,
Taking bath outside… and then you have to come in… and your feet needs to be washed again. We need to get our feet washed…
If you don’t wash your feet… we all need to be forgiven to have fellowship with God.
- Pre-requisite/family forgiveness: I need to forgive others who sinned against us.
Please listen to this message… there is a prayer offered for you and Christian in the beginning…
But beyond that, what we witnessed this morning – is “The live revival” – a true example of what Prayers can do… “Fearless Confidence” in the Lord whom we worship.
A lady heard a gunshot, when we were able to start the service… and her son went out to see what happened, and the cops caught him as an offender… but truly he was a bi-stander…
The mom was crying and asking for help… with that background, I want you to listen.
__________ Later in the day, the boy was released, since they found nothing wrong with him.
Thats what the Power of Prayer can do...
4: Give us this day, our daily bread.
Every good gift that we have comes from the Lord. Not become self-reliant; I am paying the bills and I can get what I want.
- This verse is kind of a hinge, between the top half of the prayer and bottom half of the prayer.
- This encourages us to pray for everything that we need (the gifts, talents, resources) – comes from the Lord.
“The bread that you eat, after your stomach is full, is not yours”.
The Believers’ prayer…
3 Parts to the Believers' prayer: It is like a sandwich
- Worship and Adoration towards God, the Father – the God’s glory.
- Personal Appeal for help
- End with Adoration (For your is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory forever and ever.
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
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- Prayer: is nothing but the pleading of our case in the courts of heaven.
- Prayer is seeking help – beyond our power.
On His holy Cross, a mighty battle was fought.
All the dark forces of sin, inspired by the demonic spirit of apostasy, hastened to crucify the Son of the Living God and the Lord of Glory.
- Redemption is at the heart of our faith.
- Cross was the symbol of public humiliation, before Christ…
- There is no other symbol or emblem that is glorified and worshiped as Cross…
- It is a symbol that not only represent Christ dying… but also our salvation
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1 Corinthians 1: 17 – 19
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
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God’s narrative of His purpose and will for His people...
This is one of the powerful messages on God's covenant - that i truly enjoyed preaching.
As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10: 12 - 15...
If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true.
Genesis 12: 1 – 4
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 3:15 says...
And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
Why is this important – Everything that God establishes in the word is to redeem us to Himself.
- The word of God becomes personal, the relationship with God is personal.
- God didn’t save us – so we can go to heaven, He saved us - so we can have relationship with Him.
The sword that Paul refers to here is: Machaira, which is varied in length between 6 – 18 inches long. It was a common sword carried by the Roman Soldiers, in a hand-to-hand combat. It is a principal weapon.
It is the same weapon used by Peter, the night of Jesus being arrested, that he used and cut of the soldiers ears.
____ Paul says, “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
This is the defense and the offense. This is the only tool, the spirit uses.
- Graphae – The writings, the scripture in the written form. When it talks about the sword of the spirit, it is not talking about Graphae…
John 1:1 says, In the beginning was the word. * Logas: It is the message (logic) of the book… the content is clarified to you, when we speak about it during the sermon. You get the understanding of the word. * Rhema word of God, is the usage or the declaration or the utterance of the word… It is revelation.
If Paul, speaks to us today – he will say the exact same thing… Draw your strength from the Lord! We need to be mentally strong, when facing the tough situations in life. There are so many wimpy Christians out – and we are not one of them.
We are not talking about a phony Macho’ism… We need to be the strong mom, strong dad, strong husband and strong wife… That’s what Bible is talking about.
How does your mind work? For you or against you?
Do we have healthy or unhealthy thinking patterns? Helmet of salvation is about our thinking pattern.
John 16:33, I have overcome the world.
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Choose your helmet:
Brain is the control center by the body, and so is the mind for the soul. In other words, Mind is the spiritual expression of the brain.
Soul governs the body. If my body to go right, then the brain must tell that. If I want my soul to go right – then the mind need to that.
Brain/Mind needs to be protected and governed by the helmet.
Paul was tied to a Roman soldier everyday and every time, when he saw that – he must have been inspired to see, how God protects us, by making everything available to you and me.
Average roman soldier – 70 – 80 lbs, backpack about 60lbs. – in all together, it is about 120lbs.
- That’s why Paul starts to say, we need to have power to carry this much of weight.
- The contest can be brutal….
Take unto you (again), the full armor of God… Take it in the way you took it once…
From time to time, in our life, that we will go through the battles… intensity may vary – but the battle is real.
Marriage could be in a rocky place? Or your business? Or disagreement with your children - but the enemy is causing some headache?
- If you are facing a battle, that is bigger than you – then, this message is for you…
- There is someone in the line – who is fighting and fighting… but not seeing the victory – and asking God, what am I missing? Then, this message is for you…
This morning, we will meditate on what shall we do – when the battle intensifies?
Genesis 2: 15 – 17 (Amp) 15 So the Lord God took the man [He had made] and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may freely (unconditionally) eat [the fruit] from every tree of the garden;
17 but [only] from the tree of the knowledge (recognition) of good and evil you shall not eat, otherwise on the day that you eat from it, you shall most certainly die [because of your disobedience].”
- You can enjoy my presence… (Bi-lateral covenant).
- Calls for Eternal rulership.
Philippians 4:6, 7
6 Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude.
Tell him every detail of your life, 7 then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.
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1: Unclutter the physical environment
- We saw how we need to unclutter the house, garage, desk and so on
2: Unclutter your anxiety, worry and fear
- Replace them with Prayer, Petition, Thanksgiving and requests known to God
3: Unclutter the things that you love
- Too much of those will lead to destruction as well.
- We need to seek Him first – with all your heart, mind and soul.
The hardest part in the Christian life – is the waiting period… you know the promises, and you know that you are standing for the right thing – but you are not sure, because God is not answering your prayers…
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1Kings 18:38 says...
Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
Our life is sooo fragile… in a moment’s notice, our life can be changed upside down… we can get to a place, of real desperation… our strength dries up…
Why did he put his face between his knees…
- This is birthing position in those days…
- When you are ready to give a birth à Then you have to shut down the outside noise
- Shut down your Facebook, Instagram, twitter, likes… tiktok, youtube, whatsapp, snapchat à 132+ social media sites…
- We want to shut down every voice, that contradicts the word of God…
- Elijah’s prayed carried mighty punch…
- Don Carson – in his book says, Pray yourself into prayer.
- Begin to pray in your prayer.
- Prayer that grows as you pray. We have to be in it
- While you are praying – you are praying for things that you have never thought – before you started praying.
- There is an energy that takes over your prayer.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
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1 Quality – that God is looking for in a person is, nothing but Prayer.
If God wants something to be done, He will be comfortable giving it to the one, who prays…
The man, who is not going to compromise.
- Make room in your schedule for prayer.
- Be specific about your motivation in asking for the miracle…
We cannot go down without a fight in our faith - Nothing is done, unless the father says – it is done.
Have you prayed and prayed…– nothing seems to move the hand of the Lord? Then you are in the right place…
We are in a spiritual battle… but here is the fact -
- When God decides to do something through your life – There is nothing, the enemy can do.
- No Season, No mistake, No Mess, No Argument nor any Human limitation can stop Him.
- When Jesus said, Lazarus, come out of the grave… then grave had no choice but to let Lazarus go…
- There is a break through, waiting to happen in your life and mine.
I am hoping and praying that the truths unpacked in the miracle - of Jesus Healing the Paralytic man - will give you strength and energy for your soul …
___________ Matthew 9:1–8, Mark 2:1–12, and Luke 5:17–26
Couple of weeks ago, we saw Jesus open the eyes of the blind man… the whole chapter is about the healing and how the leaders of the temple trying to disprove that this happened…. And how Jesus led the blind man, the salvation. _______________ Opening of the eyes – is not new… in fact, Bible records how Jesus healed the blind man/men – 3 times…
God is not just opening the physical eyes, He wants to open our spiritual eyes…
In Luke 4:18 – Jesus says…
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed...
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Today – we are going to talk about opening – our spiritual eyes…
God has to open our spiritual eyes to see what He sees…
Paul teaches us to pray in Ephesians 1:18,
And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the [a]hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the [b]saints (God’s people),
It is like God saying – I am going to give eyes to your heart to see… Then your heart begins to see. Even though you feel like – He is far away… You can know that He is close to you. Your heart will know – how our God loves you like Crazy.
2 Kings 5: 1 – 19 -- Naaman, the leper healed.
- God is reminding us – about our position in Him is more important than what others sees us (Look at the little girl)
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God is reminding us – about staying humble, don’t write your own prescription - because His grace is available only to the humble…
- Naaman listened to the little girl
- He spoke to the King, taking the words
- He listened to the servant who was traveling with him.
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God is reminding us this morning to create the memory stone.
- Don’t leave the place of miracle, without taking the dirt from that place.
- The place where we are standing is a holy ground.
John 9:1 - 5
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Do you believe that suffering we go through, can bring God’s glory in your life?
Sometimes, God allows certain things to happen – so He can turn his light… He has a purpose. To equip us, To strengthen and mature and To correct us!
All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Miracles – Shows, there is Nothing is impossible, for the Alpha and Omega… Name above every name.
- A miracle is an unusual manifestation of God’s power in which He intervenes in human affairs.
Luke 17:14 says...
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
Jesus had a radar for pain… He sees them. We need to ask God to turn on that antenna – so we can also see what Jesus sees… and cry for things what breaks His heart.
This leper would say, Jesus saw me.
Matthew 8:24-27
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Storm: a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow.
Hear is an encouraging fact about the storm:
- it is not permanent… people say - Hurricane season… that means, they come and go…
- Storms are always moving – every storm in life is moving.
Storms force change - people are asked to be prepared. ____________
God allows storms to happen in our life, so we can be prepared and get back to what is important.
Ezekiel 34:11-15
11 ‘For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. ______________
Sheep is not the smartest animal in the world… in fact, they follow and not have direction and even when the fall down, they don’t know how to roll over and get up - that’s why the shepherd has to use his staff to pick them back up.
But you know – what the sheep does well, Listen to the masters’ voice.
Are you listening to the Masters' voice?
We will read from Revelation 5: 5
5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
Let us break this name a little a bit apart…
1: Judah
- Judah is one of 12 tribes (sons) of Israel.
- This tribe is known for producing Kings
- All through out scriptures, Christ is referred to as the Ultimate King.
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2: Lion
- Have you watched lion walk in the Jungle… It walks like the King of the Jungle. No one can mess with me – kind of an attitude.
- Lion is not the fastest animal in the jungle, It is not the tallest, it is not the heaviest, it is not the smartest of all the animals – but you will never mess with a lion.
- Don’t go near them… they have a territory… they can be as long as 100 square mile.
- Lion is referred to the King of the Jungle…
Jehovah Sabaoth - The Lord of Heaven’s Army… or Heavenly Hosts…
It is a Military term – but applied to the company of angels in heaven; or to the sun, moon and stars, the "hosts of heaven," and also to translate "Jehovah Sabaoth," the Lord of hosts, the lord of the armies of Israel or of the hosts of heaven.
Fact:
- Appears 250 times in the Old Testament and twice in the new testament.
- First time in 1 Samuel…
- 202 times – it comes only in 4 books of the Bible
- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zachariah, Malachi
Have you wondered, Why does God need an army – isn’t God tough enough? He is the Lord of Heaven’s army?
- Why are the other names enough?
- What does it mean to us?
The question is wrong, we shouldn’t ask – why but instead what does this mean to me.
The Eternal God – which means, the God has No Beginning or No End…
He exists outside of time & Space…
- This word was used 400 times in the old testament.
- He is not the man-upstairs… and his last name is not Damn…
- Rabbis – will not even say the name of the Lord…
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Psalms 90: 1 – 2
Lord, You have been our dwelling place [our refuge, our sanctuary, our stability] in all generations.
Before the mountains were born Or before You had given birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are [the eternal] God.
El Olam - These names will help us know Him better… God of Ages/Time!
The Eternal God – which means, the God has No Beginning or No End…
He exists outside of time & Space…
- This word was used 400 times in the old testament.
- He is not the man-upstairs… and his last name is not Damn!
- He is El Olam!!
________ Gen 21:33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God (El Olam).
The Names of the Lord shows, who God is? And what His Nature is…
Jehovah Mekoddishkem The LORD Who Sanctifies You - אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם
____________ Have you ever tried to get out of the habit or behavior that you want to walk away… but you keep coming back to it… You know it doesn’t please God… but you come back…
If you are in that journey - to overcome the battle, then this message is for you.
Exodus 31: 12 – 13 (1st time, the Lord speaks about Mekoddishkem)
12 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
The Lord has many names, and when we study His name, we understand His characteristics better. The presence of God is not a feeling but knowing that He is there.
Today we are going to meditate on Jehovah Shamma – Is there for life..
Jehovah – Shamma… “I am the Lord, who is there”
Have you ever felt like God has forgotten about you or you cannot feel His presence anymore. Feels like you are battling alone especially when you go through disappointment or discouragement in your life.
My prayer is that this message will remind you the next time – when you go through such situation!
Ezekiel 48:35 (Last verse – before the book of Daniel)
“The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits (6 miles) “And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there.” (Jehovah Shamma)
This is the first time, the Lord is talking about the New Jerusalem, where He is talking about the length, width, shape etc., and one of the things – that is clearly establishing in the New Jerusalem is – that He will be there.
Shekinah Glory = is a visible manifestation of God on earth, whose presence is portrayed through a natural occurrence.
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God spoke to Moses out of the pillar of cloud in Exodus 33, assuring him that His Presence would be with the Israelites (v. 9). Verse 11 says God spoke to Moses “face to face” out of the cloud, but when Moses asked to see God’s glory, God told Him, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live” (v. 20).
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The visible manifestation of God’s presence was seen not only by the Israelites but also by the Egyptians:
Exodus 14:24-25
24 Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. 25 And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the
Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”
Just the presence of God’s Shekinah glory was enough to convince His enemies that He was not someone to be resisted.
Genesis 22: 10 - 12 ...
10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. 11 At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”
12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”
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God wants to know whether we take Him seriously… (truly fear God)!
Everyone of us have Isaac in our life… The things that we will never let go off… God will test our love for him, by calling out our Isaac.
He wants to know whether we are committed to Him only in the church setting or when no one is looking.
Now, I know – you fear me…
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Genesis 22:14 says, "Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”)."
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Exodus 5:25
He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”
______________ In another incident... Matthew 8: 1 - 4 says...
- A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesusreached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. ... Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal"
- Jesus could have said, “Go and Be healed”…
- But instead, he put His hands and touched him… in those days, leprosy was considered deadly disease… and so no one came near them.
Jesus was healing him emotionally first, and then the physical healing. I think that’s the pattern.
“Jesus stated, 'I am willing, be healed! ' This statement emphatically declares that healing is the will of God, Jehovah-Rapha is His name.
This message - about one of the important characteristics of the Lord - The God, who sees... amazing!
When Hagar had run away to a desert place far from those she felt hurt and betrayed by, we see God surround her in so much grace and care.
He didn’t leave her alone in her troubles. Nor will He leave us to fend for ourselves through difficult times.
“She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." Genesis 16:13
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El Roi means “The God Who Sees” – I love the kindness and care that this name holds as it points to God’s character.
- He is one who chases after us, who follows us with goodness.
- He is the one who sees us when we feel lonely, all on our own, or when we just need the reminder that God is close.
God reminding us - we are somebody…
- Couple of weeks ago – we saw how Giddeon’s tribe was the least and that Giddeon was the last one in his family – but still he was visible to God.
- David was the last son, but the prophet waited for him to come home.
- Daniel was a slave picked up from Israel, but God saw him and made him in important position in Babylon.
- Joseph was thrown in a pit, sold as a slave, but because God saw him, he was lifted to a place of honor in Egypt.
- The list goes on and on...
The name El Roi says to us that God is watching over all, that He sees the affairs of people, and knows when we feel lost and unloved.
Until Jesus came… there were many ideas about God was in the minds of the people – but Jesus set the refence/standard… for Who God is…
Jesus and his disciples read Hebrew in the synagogue, but in everyday speech and preaching used a closely related language, Aramaic.
- In Biblical Hebrew´ab means "father." But in Aramaic ´abbā´ is a word derived from baby-language.
- As the Rabbis said, a small child "learns to say ´abbā´(daddy) and ´immā´ (mummy)."
God always makes a covenant… when God introduced himself to Abram as El Shaddai… he wants to enter into a relationship with you and I want to bless you.
- Not only I want to meet all of your needs… but exceedingly above than what you think or ask.
- Only when we empty ourselves, He can fill Himself.
- When things get tight… instead of trusting God… we go after get the 2nd mortgage… when we stop striving and trying - that’s when you will see me as El-Shaddai. I am all-sufficient, Almighty, Nurturing, Always Blessing God.
The name Adonai (Adonay) is found over four hundred times in the scriptures;
__________________ In Exodus, Chap. 4...
10 Then Moses said to the Lord (YaHWEH) , “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
11 But the Lord said to him, “Who has made the human mouth? Or who makes anyone unable to speak or deaf, or able to see or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
12 Now then go, and I Myself will be with your mouth, and instruct you in what you are to say.”
______ May the Good Lord Bless you, as you give the Master, the rightful place.
The name Adonai (Adonay) is found over four hundred times in the scriptures;
__________________ In Exodus, Chap. 4...
10 Then Moses said to the Lord (YaHWEH) , “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
11 But the Lord said to him, “Who has made the human mouth? Or who makes anyone unable to speak or deaf, or able to see or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
12 Now then go, and I Myself will be with your mouth, and instruct you in what you are to say.”
______ May the Good Lord Bless you, as you give the Master, the rightful place.
The name Adonai (Adonay) is found over four hundred times in the scriptures;
__________________ In Exodus, Chap. 4...
10 Then Moses said to the Lord (YaHWEH) , “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
11 But the Lord said to him, “Who has made the human mouth? Or who makes anyone unable to speak or deaf, or able to see or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
12 Now then go, and I Myself will be with your mouth, and instruct you in what you are to say.”
______ May the Good Lord Bless you, as you give the Master, the rightful place.
1: “Have faith in God.”
- It is not having faith in faith… it is not having faith in yourself… it not having faith in people around you – You are doing it under His Authority. “Have Faith in God.”
- Have faith in God’s character.
2: Where does the mountain moving gets the fuel from?
- We haven’t built the infrastructure – but we want God to react, and if He doesn’t react, then we show attitude.
- Prayer and Fasting – does nothing but establish a relationship with God!
- Praying - Not when we have a problem, but we need to make this as a life-style.
3: Do you have an undone business with someone?
- God will never say anything Random… He is the God of the mountain… and He knows what it takes to move the mountain.
- Anything against anyone – so that your father in heaven forgive you…
Revelation 21: 1 say, "I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending out of the heavenly realm from the presence of God, like a pleasing bride that had been prepared for her husband, adorned for her wedding."
The Whole of Bible is a brochure for a City, of where we are going...
As we honor mothers today – I want to talk about what lessons can we learn from the women in the bible, and how it applies to every one of us…
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Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 1: 11
And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
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Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It may be possible to gild pure gold, but who can make his mother more beautiful?”
Thats right, we cannot beautify the moms, but this is just an attempt.
verse 1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.
No one goes to heaven by accident. Heaven is God's prepared place for prepared people.
- We prepare for heaven and then God prepares heaven for us.
I hope you will be standing next to me in heaven…
We will not be bored in heaven… we are going to enjoy, working, filled up, learning, worshipping, fellowshipping with Jesus, Resting, asking questions, eating… This place is not our home…
Just as the old hymn says -
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Placed between the tabernacle door and Brazen Altar. Is very interesting.
*** It is in-between, the burnt/guilt offering and the presence of the Lord.
*** Between giving our life and going into the presence of the Lord.
____ What is the significance of the Brazen Laver - is what we have discussed in this meditation!
*** The good news is not that just that Jesus died on the cross, but His blood is posted on the door posts of your house and mine.
- Applying the blood of Jesus in our door post – removes the access for the enemy.
- The devil cannot stand when you plead the Blood of Jesus over your life.
- Breaks the strongholds… no weapons formed against us will prosper…
When you put that blood on the door post of your life, there is power in the blood.
1 Corinthians 15: 20 says,
But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Isn't that amazing - Jesus was the first fruit …. many of us are going to follow, but He is the first! Where the death has no sting, nor power nor authority!
Amen and Amen!
In his last words, Jesus was communicating that the world - He said, "Tetelestai" - which means, he has completed, what He came to accomplish.
- The task of earning the salvation of this mankind was completed with this work on the cross.
- No more additions or adjustments were necessary – salvation was completed.
The Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 9:12, 26) describes how Jesus was the ultimate Lamb of God and by his sacrifice, the work of forgiveness was finally complete.
He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption…
But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself
All Prayers can be summarized as:
- Prayers with sandals ON
- Prayers with sandals OFF
There are twice in the bible – where it is talking about removing sandals…
Moses (in Exodus 3) and Joshua (in Joshua 5:13 – 15)
- When we take the sandals off, then we are not moving. When we wake up in the morning, the Lord doesn’t want us to move… Look at where Moses is now, on top of the mountain, where stones, and thorns are.
This is where prayer of supplication comes… prayer of adoration and Thanksgiving happens, prayer of worship… prayer of confession happens…
Today, we are going to look at the third and last piece of furniture in the holy place was the altar of incense with its four horns.
What does the incense represent?
- It represents, prayer of the Saints…
The tabernacle that God gave instructions to Moses is only a replica, the original is in heaven and let’s look at what God showed John in the book of Revelation, about what happens now as we meditate…
Revelation 5:8
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Hope you enjoy this message...
There was no light at all in the holy place except that which came from the golden lampstand. The varied colors and beauty of the inner sanctuary could only be seen in this one light.
What is in the temple, is what we see in Exodus 25, and 37… and later in Zechariah when he had a vision about the oil poured from the basin.
It is the brilliant, majestic, golden lampstand that illuminated the Holy Place of the Tabernacle.
Beginning of a new adventure @ Anson Correctional - "Grace and Forgiveness" by
We pray that the Lord will bless this giant experience.
The purpose of the golden table was to hold 12 cakes of bread made of fine flour. They were placed there in two rows of six, each loaf representing one of the tribes of Israel (Lev. 24:8).
It represents His Provision, His Presence and His Providence!
We are all invited to the banquet of the marriage supper!
Hope you enjoy listening, as much as we enjoyed recording...
When we read Exodus 25: 23 - 29
What we find is, that the Lord is speaking about 2 things: 1. Showbread (Bread), 2. The Dinner table.
We enjoyed meditating on this word - breaking down, how it applies to us, today.
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Bread is one of the most powerful symbols.
1: The Bread represents – “Word of God”
It is found in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” This Christian prayer is a request for both actual and spiritual food.
2: Bread represents - Intimacy and Communion with the Heavenly father
Revelation 3:20 says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me."
_______ I hope you enjoy listening to the message, as much as we enjoyed meditating on it.
29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.
31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
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The word, “LOVE” that Jesus used -
Love of intelligence, Love of sacrifice, Love of will, Love of the purpose, love of choice, love of sacrifice, love of obedience… not the love of attraction.
- Love connected to fearing God… He is worthy of our affection.
- It is not stirred up emotionally.
He is talking about giving the most complete love and allegiance only to the Father in Heaven.
The Ark of the Covenant also known as the Ark of the Testimony, and in a few verses across various translations of the Bible as the Ark of God, is a gold-covered wooden chest with lid cover described in the Book of Exodus.
- The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes the Holy of Holies of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem, it is the holiest place in the synagogue and the focal point of prayer!
If we want to have God’s blessing on our house or in our church, we must invite in the holy presence of God! And quit spending time building oxcarts and polishing the hubcaps.
Exodus 25: 8 and 9 says, "And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it."
Ark of the Covenant is in the most important piece of the furniture – it is in the holy of Holies.
In Old Testament, there are well over 185 references, and so it is not a small matter. We need to pay attention to it.
In this episode, we are talking about how [a baby girl] changed the trajectory of her father - Henry Walker (from the gang life) to Min. Walker.
Throughout the whole interview, Min. Walker poured his emotions as he shared his life's journey.
Hope this is a blessing to you and your spiritual walk.
We all want to go into the presence of the Lord…
Moses spent time with the Lord - for 40 days in Mt. Sinai… where God gave instructions on how to build the Ark of the Covenant, Mercy Seat and the tabernacle.
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Exodus 25: 17 - 22
And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.
Hope you enjoy this message, as much as we enjoyed meditating on it...
Jesus talked about Beatitudes – those are the characteristics…being poor in spirit, meekness, mourning, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, mercy….
Whereas when He talk about salt and light – he is talking about the function. How we need to function or influence in this world.
The beatitudes and similitudes go together…
Matthew 5: 14 - 16 says,
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Jesus says, "You are the Salt of the Earth"...
"You are": It is an affirmation – Jesus is not saying “you need to become” the salt or “you need to act like” the light - But instead, we are..
It is not about what I do – but who we are; my core personality!
In Jacob's life - there were 2 turning points, he is coming around the final curve... to meet his brother Esau!
Genesis 32:24 says, "Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day."
I have always thought Jacob was wresting with God - never paid attention, to the fact that the Angel of the Lord was wrestling with him as well, till the breaking of the day.
Hope you enjoy this Podcast...
We need to “Ask” ourselves - where do i need a breakthrough – and what am i struggling with? He is the God of breakthrough!
Joel 2: 12 – 13 says, “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Mary: “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” There is a reason why God chooses people on this earth – He doesn’t do anything in random.
Mary may not have known, that her son will walk in the water, or make the blind see or the lame will walk or the dead will raise... but one things Mary did you know? That she needs a Savior. She knew - that this child that she delivered, will soon deliver her.
Very powerful testimony by a mother and a daughter...
Praying, that this will episode will help put a medicine in your heart.
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Pure in heart means: God is interested in the direction of our heart than the sins that we commit. He is interested in why you did, what you did – than what you did.
Be Blessed as you enjoy this message.
Welcome to the "Be Encouraged" Network; These are meditations preached on Sunday mornings By Cyril Prabhu.
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Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain (receive) mercy.
Our prayer is that the Lord will bless you, as you listen to this message!
Having a coffee with Ms. Sarah Jackson. Amazing woman of God - who has lived a life to the fullest!
In this episode, we will hear from Ms Sarah, on how she was able to dance in the rain, when it was pouring down for 12+ years...