Simply Uncaged : Recent Episodes
Richard Simon
Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.Simply Uncaged Christian Gifts Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
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Egypt is a mindset.
Wilderness is a mindset.
Promise land is a mindset.
Egypt is bondage.
Wilderness is transition.
Promise land is God's promise.
Wilderness is not the destination, it's deliverance.
Wilderness & promise land are two different types of warfare.
It's not God's rejection, it's God's renewal.
What type of warfare are in each season?
Egypt warfare = past traumas
Wilderness warfare = you
Promise land warfare = the enemy
Depending on what season you may be enduring & discerning the type of season can be in direct correlation to the warfare you're facing.
What if you're not under attack, but under a thought?
The devil don't have you, your mind has you.
What if it's not always the devil but your bad decisions.
17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. (Exodus 13:17-18)
11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”
13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
15 And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. (Exodus 14:11-15)
1 Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire was quenched. 3 So he called the name of the place Taberah, because the fire of the Lord had burned among them.
4 Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” (Numbers 11:1-5)
Things need to die in wilderness...
Fear
Anxiety
Impatience
Our love for control
Triggers that came from trauma
The flesh
What is an Egypt mindset?
1. Bondage to the past
2. Appetite for toxic atmospheres
3. Married to trauma
4. Language of the flesh
How to break free?
1. Deliverance that leads to discipleship
2. Meditation & application of the word of God
3. Powerful prayer life (pray in the spirit)
4. Community that hosts the presence of God
It took them one day to get out of Egypt but it took 40 years for Egypt to get out of them.
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Deliverance gets you out of Egypt.
Discipleship gets Egypt out of you.
It took the Israelites 1 day to get out of Egypt but 40 years to get Egypt out of them.
Egypt: toxic provision
Wilderness: God's provision
Promise Land: Garden provision
Egypt was bondage. It's being a slave to things.
Wilderness is transition and unlearning. Delivering you from you.
Promise land is God's promise. Facing & fighting giants while taking territory and dominion.
Wilderness is transition.
Wilderness is forgiveness.
Wilderness is repentance.
Wilderness is delivering you from YOU!
How do we know that we are in promise land...? When you see giants.
These different seasons are mindsets!
Egypt is a mindset.
Wilderness is a mindset.
Promise land is a mindset.
17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. (Exodus 13:17-18)
The Lord didn't allow them to go out of Egypt straight to facing giants, because the people might turn around.
They just came out of Egypt and the Lord knows what to protect us from when we are coming out of toxic environments.
(Exodus 13:20-22)
This pillar of fire by night and cloud by day is a resemblance of the Holy Spirit today.
We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in this hour!
(Exodus 14:10-15)
You will notice the Israelites carried a language
(Deuteronomy 8:1)
The Lord allows wilderness...
To humble us.
To test us.
To know what's really in our heart.
(Numbers 11:4-6)
What if you don't have a hunger for God because you're so full of you?
The children of Israel had intense craving for Egypt's menu.
What if we can't see God's goodness because of the appetite we have for bondage?
What if we can't be grateful for what we do have because we continue to focus on what we don't have?
(Numbers 13:27-30)
There were spies that came with a bad report vs. spies that came with a good report.
The spies that came with a good report made it to the promise land.
Caleb quieted those that didn't believe & said we are well able to overcome it.
God is able.
What if God is not looking at your ability, but your availability?
The question is not if we are able.
The question is if we are available for God!
Moses was available
David was available.
Elijah was available.
Peter was available.
Are you available for the Lord?
(Joshua 5:10-12)
The reason we call the promise land garden provision is because the moment the Israelites ate the fruit of the land, the manna ceased.
The gardens of the land provided for them through Canaan.
How to unlearn what you've learned in Egypt...
Unlearning is discipleship.
Unlearning is married to healing.
1 Remove pharaoh.
Remove all idols in your life.
Anything that is above God in your life is an idol.
2 Leave Egypt.
God needs to take you out of something, so He can take the something out of you.
3 Unlearn in wilderness.
Unlearning is married to healing.
Your former appetite will crave former diet.
Unlearn diets.
Unlearn cravings.
4 Relearn to trust God.
Your calling may attract people who misunderstand you.
What if you trusted people too much?
What if you trust
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You can have a nice smile but what is your spirit?
You can look good on the inside, but spirit is that on the outside?
We need discernment & wisdom!
Discernment is investigation.
Wisdom is our ability to understand discernment, obedience, timing & application.
How to increase in discernment?
knowing, understanding, applying the word of God, & praying in the spirit!
Heal from trauma
Heal from unforgiveness
Heal from dysfunction
Because dysfunction will blur your discernment
We’re called to test EVERY spirit in Jesus name
- Wicked - assigned to harm you.
- Selfish - can’t really love.
- Ignorant - lack of knowledge
- Foolish - despise wisdom or quarrelsome. makes foolish decisions.
2 Chronicles 18: 1-27
- Wicked
30 Now Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him. (1 Kings 16:30)
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. (Proverbs 14:11)
29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
- Selfish
1 Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4)
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:18-21)
- Ignorance
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (Ephesians 4:17-19)
- Foolish
1 A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. (Proverbs 14:1)
11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness. (Proverbs 26:11)
Foolish decisions makes but don’t study consequences
How to break covenants with these type of people?
Ask questions..
What’s holding you back? mindset?
How you see yourself?
What covenant’s do you have with others?
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Revival Starts within before it starts without.
Revival starts with a heart of repentance.
& intimacy with God requires a true heart of repentance.
Revival is not just an event, revival is a lifestyle.
To be revived in the spirit allows us to become overcomers.
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24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)
We must know the difference between those building sand castles vs. on the Rock which is Jesus Christ.
Lip service vs. Living Service.
Head knowledge vs. Heart Posture.
Looking Holy vs. Living Holy.
(2 Kings 6:11-18)
A few things we can learn from Elisha.
He believed our God is greater than the enemies threats.
He prayed and humbled himself before the Lord.
He prayed a spiritual warfare prayer against the enemy.
Our level of humility and reverence towards God will give us this true authority and power!
Jesus warns us in Matthew 24 several times about the deception that is coming...
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:4-5)
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. (Matthew 24:11)
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24)
We must also learn to discern the different voices out there.
1 World
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
2 Devil
3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:3-4)
3 Flesh
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:16-17)
4 Holy Spirit
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
Here are 4 strategies the enemy uses to deceive us...
1 What you SOW INTO…
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7)
2 Empty words
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)
3 Your circle & environment
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
4 Not being a doer the word
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)
How to overcome deception?
1 Heart Transformation - pure heart.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
2 Studying Information - the word of God.
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
3 Meditating on Revelation - seeking God.
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8)
4 Living
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What is demonic wisdom according to the bible?
Everyone wants to get spiritual until it gets biblical!
& we have to be able to discern what is demonic wisdom vs. God's wisdom.
Just because people share scriptures from the word of God doesn't mean it's coming from the Holy Spirit.
The devil was able to use scripture against Jesus while He was in the wilderness (Matthew 4).
We are living in a generation where people want to be right over being righteous. & to be righteous means to be in right standing with God.
To obtain God's wisdom is starts with the fear of the Lord.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
Proverbs is the old testament book of wisdom.
James is the new testament book of wisdom.
God gives us wisdom so that we may be able to live a fruitful life!
Experience is a hard teacher.
Wisdom is the best teacher.
Make sure you cling to God's wisdom, it leads to promotion.
& promotion doesn't come from man, it only comes from the Lord.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. (Proverbs 4:8)
While fools is are trying to win debates, the wise are here to win souls!
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)
8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. (Luke 16:8)
How can the 'sons of this world' be wiser than the 'sons of light'?
This just shows that there is a level of wisdom from this world, & if they use it can be deemed wise!
But we are God's children have more wisdom because our wisdom comes from above! & if we don't use that wisdom, the wisdom of this age can produce better results than us.
What is demonic wisdom?
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:13:16)
Bitter envy
Self-seeking in your hearts
Confusion
These are all signs that this is demonic wisdom!
Anyone can honor God with their lips...but their hearts are far from God.
They can praise God with their lips... lips service but not living service.
We want to know people by their fruits!
What is God's heavenly wisdom?
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17-18)
Pure
Peaceable
Gentle
Willing to yield
Full of mercy
Good fruits
Without partiality
Without hypocrisy
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Wisdom is our ability to understand discernment, obedience, timing & application.
Experience is a hard teacher.
Wisdom is the best teacher.
Wisdom gives security.
Wisdom gives prosperity.
Wisdom gives promotion.
Faith wins battles.
But wisdom builds homes.
We're called to be harmless as doves, wise as serpents. (Matthew 10:16)
& we don't want to be deceived by the spirit of this age. We must continue to test EVERY spirit.
Wise - adjust based on correction.
Wicked - intentionally harm others.
Foolish - discuss consequences & see how they respond.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. (Proverbs 14:7)
The main books that share wisdom in the bible:
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Songs of Solomon
James
9 things in the book of proverbs about wisdom
Knowledge
Understanding
Wisdom
Prudence
Discretion
Discernment
Fear of the Lord
Discipline
Diligence
1 Knowledge - acquiring facts
Knowledge is information.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
2 Understanding - properly interpreting those facts.
Understanding is revelation.
3 Wisdom - application with those facts
Wisdom is application, demonstration, transformation.
Wisdom requires both knowledge & understanding.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6)
4 Prudence - the ability to reason & good judgment to make decisions and act in a way to avoid risks and regret.
15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps. (Proverbs 14:15)
21 The wise in heart will be called prudent,
And sweetness of the lips increases learning. (Proverbs 16:21)
We don't just make decisions, we study consequences.
5 Discretion - to know what to do in a situation without causing offense, the best solution for a situation.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe. (Proverbs 2:11)
2 That you may [b]preserve discretion,
And your lips may keep knowledge. (Proverbs 5:2)
6 Discernment - investigation.
Discernment is knowing the difference between what is right and what is almost right.
Discernment is not option for the believer, it's mandatory.
Our ability to have righteousness towards God over being right.
To be righteous means to be in right standing with the Lord.
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding, (Proverbs 2:3)
7 Fear of the Lord
It's not that we are scared of God, but we should be scared to not be with God.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5)
10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)
8 Discipline - self control
It's hard to be a disciple for the Lord when you don't have discipline.
24 He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. (Proverbs 13:24)
9 Diligence - careful & persistent work effort.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And find out knowledge and discretion. (Proverbs 8:12)
Jesus teaches us about discernment.
To discern is to investigate.
We must investigate fruits.
A strawberry can try to say they are a pineapple but the moment you take a bit out of that strawberry, you discern it's NOT a pineapple.
We MUST do the same when it come's to fruit inspecting.
We know people by their FRUIT not their FOLLOWING.
(Matthew 7:15-20)
They might look like a sheep on the outside, but they are wolves on the inside.
Wolves are skilled at hunting & taking down prey.
Wolves roam for large distances.
Wolves have manipulative abilities.
Jesus is teaching us to be aware & alert.
If you continue to read through all of Matthew 7, you'll notice Jesus breaks down in two.
Two roads. (Narrow & Wide) Matthew7:13-14
Two animals. (Wolf & Sheep) Matthew 7:15
Two trees. (Bad fruit & Good fruit) Matthew 7:16-20
Two kinds of disciples. (True & False) Matthew 7:21-23
Two builders. (Wise & Foolish, Rock & Sand) Matthew 7:25-27
(John 15:1-8)
Our ability to bear good fruit is our awareness to know that we must be attached to Jesus.
The vine - Jesus is the vine & the source of life and sustenance for the branches.
The branches - The followers of Jesus who draw life and the ability to grow and bear fruit from the vine.
The vinedresser - God the Father is the gardener who takes care of the vineyard.
Abide - to abide in the vine means to be connected to it & receive nourishment.
Bearing fruit - Fruit comes from being connected to the vine.
Pruning - To cut off what is needed to be cut in order for spiritual growth.
Gardeners KNOW when to prune a branch! Trust God through that process.
The Symbols
1. the Son is the true vine (15:1)
2. the Father is the gardener (15:1)
3. the believer is the branch (15:5)
The Steps
1. Submit to the pruning of the Father (15:2-3)
2. Abide in the Son (15:4)
The success
1. Results in bountiful fruit (15:7-8)
2. Results in glorifying the Father (15:8)
11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. (John 20:11:18)
There was a moment when Mary saw Jesus but didn't know it was Jesus.
She didn't know it was Jesus UNTIL He called her by name.
When Jesus calls you, can you recognize it?
How to bear good fruit as a Christian?
1 Good seed - word of God.
11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11)
2 Good soil - heart.
15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:11)
3 Good ground - community.
33 Do not be dec
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God is our ultimate source of wisdom.
Many people think they are “wise”, but really they just have a lot of knowledge.
When we get wisdom that comes from Him, we are able to be set apart
We will have good judgement in every situation that comes our way
Wisdom is the ability to have correct judgement to make the best decision
Our knowledge and understanding directly correlate to wisdom
Wisdom is not fear of the unknown,
but making godly decisions based on what is known and understood.
The fear of the Lord, a reverence for God, births wisdom from God
because all will know that it comes from Him and not from you.
True wisdom comes from above.
“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men, and the weakness of God is stronger than man.” (1 Corinthians 1:25 NKJV)
KEYS ON GETTING WISDOM FROM GOD:
1) PRAY FOR WISDOM
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5 NLT)
Ask. believe, and you will receive. God already communicates to us in this passage that he desires and wills for us to have wisdom, so asking in faith for it will without a doubt lead to receiving.
2 FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD’S SPIRIT
If bad company corrupts good character, then good company sharpens good character.
You become like who you are surrounded by and if you are in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, then you will learn wisdom from Him. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom.
#3 GET UNDERSTANDING
To get wisdom, you first need understanding, which is the tie between knowledge and wisdom.
“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:17 KJV)
“Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known.” (Proverbs 14:33 NKJV)
“A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands.” (Proverbs 14:6 NKJV)
“He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32 NKJV)
Understanding is a principle of wisdom, the one that is the converter of knowledge into wisdom.
We gain from it knowledge and wisdom, and we gain it from correction and rebuke.
When we allow God to correct us, we know he does it out of love in order for us to gain understanding.
When we can operate from a place of wisdom and not emotions,
our lives begin to be transformed through God
Who is the only one who can give a wise and discerning heart (1 King 3:9-14)
God’s wisdom triumphs over all, because he knows and sees all.
You're not planted in a church if you're not serving.
We must get planted so we can bear fruit.
Because every fruit has a root! & the only way to bear fruit is to have roots.
The phases of going from seed to truly being planted so you may bear fruit...
Seed
Root
Baby Plant
Adult plant
To do ministry is service. To serve!
Every person is called to serve God, & the Lord will position us on how to serve.
Salvation is when you have Jesus.
Discipleship is when Jesus has you.
There is power in being planted in ministry.
There is purpose in being planted in ministry.
When you are planted in a church, you'll bear fruit & accelerate your walk with Christ as a real disciple.
Being planted is healthy.
Being planted lays down accountability.
Being planted allows us to move in glory.
12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Psalm 92:12-13)
Community is very important.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:1-8)
The vine - Jesus is the vine & the source of life and sustenance for the branches.
The branches - The followers of Jesus who draw life and the ability to grow and bear fruit from the vine.
The vinedresser - God the Father is the gardener who takes care of the vineyard.
Abide - to abide in the vine means to be connected to it & receive nourishment.
Bearing fruit - Fruit comes from being connected to the vine.
Pruning - To cut off what is needed to be cut in order for spiritual growth.
When you plant seed, make sure it's good soil.
Certain plants can't grow if the soil isn't good. Soil can be rotten.
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)
When you're in righteousness with God & planted with the Lord, you will bear fruit in due season!
We are called to be fruit inspectors.
We are also called to be root inspectors.
A plant can't survive without roots because the primary functions of a root is to absorb water & nutrients which are essential for survival for a plant.
Just like people, plants need water & nutrients to grow! Roots are the anchor for the plant & help plant survive periods with too much or too little water or nutrients.
The time it takes for a plant to grow roots depends on the type of plant, the conditions it's in, & whether it's being propagated form a cutting or transplanted.
Type of plant
Conditions
Environments
How to get planted?
Knowledge = information
Understanding = revelation
Wisdom = application, demonstration, transformation
While people are asking for more resources, finances, things...
But we must continue to pray for the spirit of wisdom!
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you. (Proverbs 4:6)
If you exalt wisdom she will promote you!
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. (Proverbs 4:8)
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, (Ephesians 1:17)
It's easy to obtain things.
But there's a level of wisdom to be able to maintain things.
It's easy to get into a relationship.
It's more challenging to maintain a healthy relationship.
It's easy to get into a house.
It's more challenging to maintain a house.
Wisdom is spiritual maturity.
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)
We need these 7 spirits of the Lord.
Spirit of the Lord
Spirit of wisdom
Spirit of understanding
Spirit of counsel
Spirit of might
Spirit of knowledge
Spirit of the fear of the Lord
Experience is a hard teacher.
Wisdom is the best teacher.
You'll know wisdom is all around the bible... Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & so much more.
Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs in his earlier life.
Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes in his later life.
Solomon prayed this prayer to the Lord, & he could of asked for anything else but he prayed this..
9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9)
& God was pleased with this prayer.
(1 Kings 3:10-12)
All that God wants is our heart!
That level of humility, surrender & sacrifice... to get access to the power of God!
Diligence
Discretion
Prudence
Understanding
Knowledge
Wisdom
Discernment
Discipline
Fear of the Lord
11 Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you, (Proverbs 2:11)
2 That you may preserve discretion,
And your lips may keep knowledge. (Proverbs 5:2)
12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And find out knowledge and discretion. (Proverbs 8:12)
15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps. (Proverbs 14:15)
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding, (Proverbs 2:3)
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6)
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)
21 The wise in heart will be called prudent,
And sweetness of the lips increases learning. (Proverbs 16:21)
Now... there is a level of wisdom the world has access to.
James calls it demonic wisdom.
Corinthians calls it the wisdom of this age.
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Self-Condemnation vs. Conviction.
What is the difference?
Self- Condemnation is after a person sins and/or makes a mistake they end up expressing complete disapproval of themselves by strongly criticizing themselves in an unhealthy manner.
Conviction is when a person sins (this can include personal conviction(s) as well) & they are made aware of it by the Holy Spirit.
If you or someone you know is dealing with and/or struggling with the spirit of condemnation we’ve got a few discernment truths and a break down of how to overcome it. Of course deliverance is not always cookie cutter, but we pray that this will help you or someone you know to acquire biblical knowledge, gain understanding, and walk in wisdom with the truths and keys that have been presented. Remember we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and Jesus has given us the authority to trample on scorpions and serpents (Luke 10:19). So condemnation does not have us, we trample on that thing in Jesus' name!
Let’s get into it!
Discernment Truths - Condemnation vs. Conviction Break Downs:
1) The spirit of Condemnation is derived from Satan.
1) Conviction is derived from the Holy Spirit.
2) The spirit of Condemnation attacks the disciples character & calls them outside of their name/ who they are not in Christ Jesus:
2) Conviction will develop character and call you by name:
3) The spirit of Condemnation gives an illusion of hopelessness.
3) Conviction provides hope:
HOPE HAS A NAME & IT IS JESUS (1 Peter 1:3)!
Yes we were born into sin... BUT GOD:
BUT GOD: John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
BUT GOD: 1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
BUT GOD: Ephesians 1:7 - “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
How to overcome if we have fallen and are dealing with self- condemnation:
1) Acknowledge the sin and/or mistake for what it is.
2) Repent:
Repentance is an action that we need to do on our parts by making a change in our hearts and minds to decide to no longer do the thing that is displeasing to God. God will give us the grace to overcome, but we just need to humble ourselves and take accountability.
Unfortunately AFTER REPENTANCE, CONDEMNATION MAY STILL TRY TO CONDEMN because of belief
This is where we need to proceed with the next steps below...
3) Discern the 4 voices:
Devil
John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”
Flesh
Romans 7: 15-20:
God
John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
4) Take EVERY thought captive into the obedience of Jesus Christ:
5) Believe the power of the blood of Jesus & His forgiveness (aka: the truth):
1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
6) Fix our eyes on Jesus
7) Decide to move forward because “It is Finished!” (John 19:30):
Philippians 3:12-14
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Doubt is a demon.
People will ALWAYS have an opinion about you!
But we don't live for people, we live for the Lord!
You gotta let them DOUBT you.
While God DEVELOPS you!
Stop sharing seats with insecurity & doubt...sometimes you have to talk back to your problems.
I am the head not the tail.
I am above not beneath.
Dysfunction opens doors to demons
& the enemy always wants us to doubt God's promises.
Dysfunction blurs discernment.
Not trusting the right people because we believed the wrong people.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (James 1:2)
God doesn't promise we won't have trials.
But He does give us access to have joy THROUGH the trials!
Jesus
Others
You
Happiness is temporary.
Joy is eternal.
We need joy through the valleys, through the trials, through the rejection, through every battle situation.
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:3-5)
Our faith being tested produces patience, & another word for patience is long suffering.
Reproach - disapproval/disappointment.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8)
Doubt is wavering, it's to oppose
Double minded - wavering, uncertain, doubting. divided in interest.
How to know if I'm operating in double mindedness?
unstable
inconsistent
restless
Doubt
Double minded
Division
Our faith gets tested.
Testing in our faith produces patience.
Comfort that patience has it's perfect work.
Ask in faith with no doubt.
How to make sure that this is God's will?
1 Prayer
2 God's word
3 Fasting
We want to honor what is from God, so it's always great to make sure this is of the Lord & His will over our life.
The longer you entertain what is not from God, the longer you'll postpone what is.
God can do more with your surrender than YOU can do with your control...
Whenever you hear about doubt, there may also be insecurity.
We need faith and hope so we can cancel doubt and insecurity.
Hope cancels doubt.
5 Thus says the Lord:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5-6)
Do you put your trust in...
self?
man?
flesh?
It will birth curses. Our trials will test if we really trust in God.
Doubting God will blur our discernment because we will not be able to see when good comes.
(Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Our hope in God matters.
Trust & hope go together, which keeps us grounded as God's people.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12)
Hope 'put off' makes our heart sick.
When we don't have hope, our hearts become vulnerable to sickness.
We must have hope, but it starts with faith.
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We don't want to be POPULAR, we want to be PURE before the Lord.
When you are pure, you are FREE from corrupt desires.
Purity is not perfection, it's being set apart.
& making set apart decisions.
Set apart from the world, culture, selfish desires, darkness, confusion, evil....
Set apart from the things of this world so you can be used for God's glory.
There is POWER in PURITY as a believer & follower of Jesus Christ.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
1 Purity starts with repentance.
A heart of repentance ignites a heart of revival.
Purity starts with the heart, & TRUE repentance towards God can change that in any moment.
The Lord wants ALL our heart when we SEEK Him!
13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
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. 15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. (2 Chronicles 7:14-16)
2 God's word purifies.
6 The words of the Lord are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. (Proverbs 30:65)
The Lord wants us to be made pure & there is nothing like the living word of God that purifies our soul.
God's word purifies our heart & mind.
When you receive the word of God, you receive instructions that have been God given over your life.
A Holy Nation & a Chosen generation!
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9)
3 Our faith in Christ purifies us.
8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:8-9)"
Without faith it's impossible to please God.
& it should be no surprise that our foundation should TRULY be in Jesus!
Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.
4 Obedience in God purifies our soul.
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, (1 Peter 1:22)
Obedience is greater than sacrifice.
Obedience is being in alignment with the Lord's instructions & His will.
The ability for our obedience in obeying His truth to purify our souls is a testimony of God's love, grace & mercy for us as His children!
Not by might, nor by power but through His Spirit!
Are you feeling powerless as a Christian?
There are season's of up's and down's in our walk with Christ.
The Christian walk was never promised to be easy, but it does lead to life.
In fact the narrow gate is difficult.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.(Matthew 7:13-14)
May you continue to live a surrendered life with God.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
This is not the great opinion.
This is not the great suggestion.
This is not the great option.
This is the great commission!
46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-48)
The Holy Spirit is that Promise that Jesus told His disciples. & we saw that Spirit fall fresh on the day of Pentecost.
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
The anointing is the power of the Holy Spirit that activates & works through us!
Our gifts will draw people to us.
The anointing will draw people to Jesus.
4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)
It wasn't Apostle Paul's speech... it was his ability to demonstrate God's power! & only the Lord can do that through him and us.
How to activate power of God?
1 Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
2 Prayer & fasting.
3 Holiness & Consecration.
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. (Matthew 3:11)
John the Baptist says he baptizes with water unto repentance...but Jesus baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire!
That is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
How do you know you have been baptized by the Holy Spirit?
Your spiritual appetite starts to change.
You no longer desire the world.
You no longer desire consuming yourself in sin.
You no longer desire anything related to darkness or the demonic.
Fasting without prayer is just a glorified diet.
You must do BOTH simultaneously! They both work in effective ways & go hand in hand.
To live holy & consecrate is to set yourself apart.
You're constantly guarding your mind and heart from anything wicked.
As you're going through seasons, make sure you keep your faith in Christ!
Idolatry.
What is idolatry?
Idolatry simply put, is whatever you subconsciously or consciously put above the true living God, or whatever you subconsciously or consciously make equal to or greater than the true living God.
If you really think about it, now a days idolatry is pretty sneaky and can come in any shape or form. It could be ourselves, ministry, food, a family member, body image, and/or cars. All in all, it could be absolutely anything.
Before idols were super easy to identify because they were mainly physically man made. But now a days they can come in the form of being both physically man made and/or spiritually man made sitting on the throne’s of our hearts.
As it is written in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
We know that with context this verse is talking about how a person cannot worship God and money at the same time. But when we really think about the verse on a deeper scale it is really addressing idolatry. That we cannot serve a false god and the true living God simultaneously. That our treasure must be in God so that our hearts can be fully with Him.
In Exodus 34:14 it says, “[...] for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God [...]”.
So if it is written that God “is a jealous God”, then this shows us that God is not willing for our desires or affections to be shared with any other gods other than Him. Of course God is not saying we cannot show the love of Christ to others, but what He is saying is that He does not want just a part of us, but He wants all of us because we are His spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5 & Hebrews 3:6).
We pray that as we go through this blog (we also have a video linked if you’d like to tune into the podcast) that the Holy Spirit will convict, encourage, and make every crooked path straight to draw us closer and closer to Jesus. Remember there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), so lets look into the topic of idolatry a little deeper so that we can expose and tear down any idols that may be on the thrones of our hearts in Jesus’ name, so that God can claim His rightful throne on our hearts in Jesus’ name.
How to Overcome and Tear Down Idols:
1) Acknowledge the idolatry for what it is - Do not make excuses
2) Repent - make a change in our hearts and minds in deciding to no longer do thing that is displeasing to God. In this case it is putting anything above God and/or anything that was made equal to or greater than the true living God.
- 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.”
3) Decide to tear down all of the idols - physically and/or spiritually
If it is a physical idol, throw away everything and anything that resembles false gods whether it is a conviction or a personal conviction from the Holy Spirit.
If it is a spiritual idol, renounce those false god’s and with the Holy Spirit tear them down and then rebuild the pure spiritual altar for the Lord.
- Joshua 24:15: 15
4) Take Action/ Make a Plan of Action:
With the Holy Spirit take action and/or make a plan of action. Sometimes it may be a process that takes some time because it was made into a habitual thing. Remember we want to break chains not continue them. This is why we need the Holy Spirit because He knows exactly how to break the chains by the blood of Jesus.
Dysfunction is this abnormal impairment that doesn't function according to its original function.
& God created us a certain way to function according to the original kingdom design in His image.
Dysfunction tries to hinder or stop us from God's original design on our life.
Dysfunction is confusion.
Dysfunction opens doors to demons.
Dysfunction blurs discernment.
14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. (Matthew 17:14-21)
This boy was labeled an epileptic.
Epilepsy was your modern day cancer.
14 And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?” 17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” (Mark 9:14-17)
This same story with the boy is labeled a mute spirit.
Why does the enemy attack during childhood?
Because it's easier for the enemy to plant a seed in childhood and water it into adulthood.
21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” (Mark 9:21-22)
When Jesus casted that demon out, He called it a deaf and dumb spirit.
25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” 26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. (Mark 9:25-27)
What is that confusion?
That untreated pain or trauma that triggers or activates fear.
How does dysfunction start?
Early pressure in early childhood
Emotional shock
Sinful acts or habits
Words said over your life
Dysfunction opens doors to demons.
Doubt is a demon.
The enemy always wants us to doubt God's promises.
Dysfunction blurs discernment
Not trusting the right people because we believed the wrong people.
Questions you must ask yourself to heal...
Who do I need to forgive?
What do I need to let go of?
What do I need to continue to label myself?
How do you see yourself?
How to truly heal from dysfunction?
1 Decide to heal.
Healing gives you choices.
When I'm hurt, I can't love, that's why I must decide to heal.
2 Deep love for God.
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37)
When I have a deep love for God I can love myself.
When I have a deep love for God I can love others.
Love so much from God that I can receive instruction, correction & rebuke from Him.
3 Discipleship from the Holy Spirit.
Discipleship is instruction f
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Whatever you build without God, you must maintain without God.
Make sure you build WITH God!
1 Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1)
As we read the first couple chapters in the book of Nehemiah with 'rebuilding the wall'. You will notice a strategy & the attacks that come his way.
When Nehemiah heard about the wall of Jerusalem was broken... he prayed & fasted.
3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 6:3)
Nehemiah couldn't rebuild the wall alone.
He had help... and people were positioned!
(Nehemiah 4:16-18)
Notice how they had a tool in one hand, & a weapon in the other hand.
They were BUILDING & BATTLING.
The way to rebuild in the seasons ahead... you build but when it's time to war, you battle!
Nehemiah has a spirit of conspiracy (Sanballat & Tobiah) & a spirit of fear come against him (secret informer)... (Nehemiah 6)
While you're in your REBUILDING season, these tactics from the enemy try to COME.
While the enemy spoke "DEATH", Nehemiah spoke "LIFE" & even prayed for God to "strengthen his hands".
9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. (Nehemiah 6:9)
The enemy wants to distract you with threats and speaking words over your labor...but you MUST continue to focus on God.
While they try to
discourage you,
discredit you,
conspire against you,
lie about you,
bring fear to you,
KEEP FOCUSING ON JESUS!
Nehemiah was too busy rebuilding the Jerusalem wall, he had not time to go on a coffee date with the very people who are called to harm him. (They sent him several letters to meet him).
If the enemy can't get to you, they will hire people who can get to you.
This is why this secret informer was hired by them to come against Nehemiah.
(Nehemiah 6:10-13)
How to discern this secret informer?
Who's payroll on they on?
If they are not SOLD OUT for Jesus they are still ON SALE for the devil.
And once Nehemiah said 'no', he got revelation that God did not send this person!
Rebuild your relationship with God.
Rebuild your business.
Rebuild your marriage.
Rebuild your mindset.
Rebuild your boundaries.
It's a REBUILDING SEASON!
May God be GLORIFIED as you finish the assignment the Lord placed in you and on you.
15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God. (Nehemiah 6:15-16)
Here are five keys to rebuilding.
1 Word Bank Account
2 Atmospheres & environments
3 Access points & boundaries
4 Emotional hygiene
5 God's presence
You want to produce more for God?
It begins with hearing, understanding, and acting upon God’s word.
This is a revelation coming from the parable of the sower in Matthew 13.
Your heart is the soil. The seed is the word of God.
Not every seed lands on good soil.
Producing more for God is a heart check. Your heart is God’s main concern.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
God wants all of you.
God wants your heart and He’s seeking for those who are after His heart.
Producing one hundredfold begins with hearing.
How are you hearing? Or what lens are you hearing the word of God from?
If you’re hearing it from the lens of the prosperity gospel you’ll be thinking about your bank account and selfish ambitions every time you hear the word of God.
If you have a narcissistic mindset every time you hear God’s word you’ll think it’s about you.
God’s word, Kingdom plan, and purposes aren’t about you. They’re about Jesus.
The Bible is about Jesus and His glory. Not your own.
Can you get a personal revelation from the word of God? Of course. It should convict us, instruct us, lead us, guide us, and teach us as we get revelation from the Holy Spirit. But every book of the Bible is about Jesus and His plan to be glorified in the earth. God’s plan to redeem His people back unto a right relationship with Him.
2 Keys to produce 100fold for God:
- How you hear
- The condition of your heart
9 Wrong lenses to hear from:
- Worry - God commands us not to worry about our lives. He is our provider.
- Fear - God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
- Anxiety - God tells us to be anxious for nothing, but pray over everything.
- Lack of faith - Faith is a key to receive God’s promises and operate in kingdom purpose.
- Religious mindset - God wants more than your righteous robe and your religious act, He wants your heart and a real relationship with Him
- Accusation - The devil is known as the accuser of the brethren who accuses believers day and night.
- Condemnation - God doesn’t condemn. God convicts. Condemnation leads us away from God. Conviction inspires us to become more like Jesus.
- Selfish ambition - The Bible is about God’s plan to prosper His kingdom, not yours.
- Legalism - We are no longer under the Old Testament law. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives us life. And when we follow the ways of the Spirit, He will lead us into life.
7 Right ways to hear:
- Humility - God gives more grace to the humble. But He resists the proud ears.
- Purity - The pure in heart will be able to see and hear God’s word.
- Fear of the Lord - The fear of God removes every ungodly fear of this world. It helps us operate in boldness and purpose for Him.
- Submissiveness - God is looking for those who will submit their lives to Him. You can’t hear a revelation God knows you won’t submit to.
- Faith - You must believe God! He is not a man that He should lie.
- Relationship - A real relationship produces holiness, humility, and a hunger for God.
- God’s character - It’s essential to have a proper understanding of God’s character when hearing His word, instructions and teaching. God is a God of love who loves us, but He is also a righteous judge that will pour out wrath in righteous judgement.
Jesus warns the disciples of these 2 hearing issues:
- Hearing the perfect Teacher wrongly
When you’re hearing from the wrong lens it will lead you the wrong way. The disciples failed to recognize that Jesus was the Bread of Life and the Provider in the wilderness. Their hardened hearts produced a hearing problem and an inability to receive what He was teaching them.
- Hearing
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Where is the most powerful place to pray?
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. (Matthew 6:5-8)
Jesus taught His disciples to pray.
He also mentions "when" we pray.
Meaning we are expected to pray.
Jesus is not saying that we can't pray publicly, it's prayers that come from the heart.
It's not praying to perform, but praying with a pure heart.
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have [refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
God looks at the heart!
So what does it mean when Jesus tells us to go into our room when we pray?
6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6)
That word "room", another translation says "closet", is Tameion in Greek.
Tameion - storage chamber, store room, inner chamber, secret room.
When you go into your room shut the door.
Did you know the heart has 4 chambers?
What is the Lord is telling us we need to go into the inner chambers of our heart when we pray?
God wants our heart!
13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
What your heart is tied to becomes your identity.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
Purity attracts God.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)
When we pray, its a heart check.
It's not about a long prayer, it's about a prayer that is passionate, operative & desires for the Lord to truly move.
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)
Fervent - to be operative, to be at work, put forth power, display one's activity.
Here are 10 truths around prayer;
1 When you're prayerful, you're powerful.
2 Prayer changes things, without prayer, things change you.
3 If bae don't pray, bae ain't bae.
4 Some people pray, some people pray.
5 Prayer can move faster than your flesh.
6 If it's big enough to worry about, it's big enought o pray about.
7 Pray with me, don't play with me.
8 What you're praying for requires both discipline & consistency.
9 Get on your knees & pray, then get on your feet and work.
10 Thank God for living prayers you've prayed for.
There's a story of a man of God that was once asked "What do you get when you pray".
& the man of God answered: "Nothing, but let me tell you what I lose..."
"I lose anxiety, fear, depression, doubt, unbelief, suicidal thoughts..."
Sometimes it's not always about what we GAIN, but what we LOSE.
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 16:25)
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What if the problem is not the person but the patterns they are thinking?
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
The same patterns in a different person is the same thing just packaged differently.
13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
The enemy has patterns in how he speaks.
The Lord has patterns in how He speaks.
We MUST hold FAST the patterns of SOUND WORDS!
As the Israelites are transitioning out of Egypt into wilderness on their way to promise land... they adapted a language that they carried as they left.
Never allow a past language hinder your current moment into God's promises.
It was a pattern of speaking that hindered them to get into promise quicker.
What patterns do you continue to mimick from a season of bondage or a moment of trauma?
These patterns of thinking, keep us bound.
But the Lord wants to set us free!
17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17)
12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.” (Exodus 14:12)
4 Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” (Numbers 11:4-6)
30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13:30)
(Joshua 5:10-12)
How to transform these patterns?
How to change your mind?
Change your appetite.
Change your attitude.
Change your actions.
Appetite is what you consume.
Attitude is how you see it.
Actions is what you plant & how you water it.
1 Steward seeds.
Know that your thoughts are seeds. Not every thought is true. Know how to steward thoughts & seeds.
2 Renovations require a down payment.
The new you will cost the old you.
Whenever a renovation needs to take place, you must tear down the hold to be able to renovate and put new things in a home.
They talk to the old you because they are the old them.
3 Don't allow the enemy to lease space in your mind.
No covenants with counterfeits.
Some people allow the enemy to live in their mind rent free.
We need to learn to rebuke the lies and thoughts of the devil.
To cast down every stronghold in Jesus name.
Fill your mind up with God's word the enemy doesn't fill you up with his lies.
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7 KEYS ON FRIENDSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT:
1 BE BORN AGAIN
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
2 ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HE IS A PERSON
The Holy Spirit is not a force or a feeling, He is a person. He has a mind (Romans 8:27), will (1 Corinthians 12:11), can feel emotions (Ephesians 4:30), and can be lied to (Acts 5:3). We must acknowledge that He is a person and treat Him as such.
#3 ACKNOWLEDGE HE IS WITH YOU
The Holy Spirit is not a reward for being a good Christian………He is the only way you can become one. He will faithfully abide with you at all times. By acknowledging this, you will be accepting the truth that God is with you in every situation. It is difficult to develop friendship with a person whose existence you don’t acknowledge.
4 BELIEVE THE WORD OF GOD OVER FEELINGS
While it is true that God can manifest His presence in a tangible way (2 Chronicles 5:13-14), we must let our faith rule over our feelings. There may be seasons in life where you don’t feel His presence, or it may feel like He is a million miles away, but we have to believe the Word of God even if we don’t “feel” anything. The Word says that he is always with you, so you must believe it over your current situation.
5 DON’T BE LEGALISTIC
Sometimes we get a little legalistic in the way we approach God. There is no way for you to muster up a relationship with God based upon your own righteousness, but we can have connection with God because of the blood of Jesus. There is no special prayer, special posture, special song, or special religious practice in you building your relationship with the Holy Spirit. It is simple faith, obedience, and acknowledgement.
6 DON’T GRIEVE HIM
We can grieve the Holy Spirit by our actions (Ephesians 4:30). Knowing that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) we have to live our lives in reverence of Him. Our actions directly affect Him. When you decide to act in rebellion against God, think about what you are doing with the Holy Spirit’s hands, eyes, mouth, and so forth. You are dragging the Holy Spirit along in your sin and it can hinder you building trust with God. Whatever you do, don’t grieve Him.
7 OBEY HIM
There was one common factor in those who were referred to as God’s friends in the Bible: Obedience. You cannot go any further from fellowship with God unless you obey HIm. Jesus’ disciples, whom he called friends, faithfully listened to Him and obeyed Him. If you want to be God’s friend, the most important step is obedience.
When you have the Holy Spirit...
Worldly music won't sound the same.
Clubbing and poppin bottles on the weekend won't be the highlight of your week.
You won't be laughing at the same jokes like you used to.
Everything shifts when you truly surrender to the Lord.
37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39 And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’ ” (Luke 5:37-39)
There is a new remnant that is roaming around the earth that God is raising up!
Who have allowed the Holy Spirit to transform them from the inside out.
So why do people struggle to get filled up with God?
Because they are so full of them.
Sometimes you don't crave God or the things of the kingdom because you are so full of you!
Wilderness was meant to deliver you from YOU!
If you take a tree away from the ground, it eventually dies.
If you take a fish away from the water, it eventually dies.
If you take human beings away from God, you are dead in the spirit.
One person in the bible... Elijah.
He followed wherever the Lord told him to go.
From cave, to Zarephath, to mount Carmel, to the wilderness, & eventually handing off the mantle to Elisha.
& the Lord ALWAYS provided for Elijah.
His trust was in THE SOURCE not the resources.
When you get a word of God... OBEY!
(Ezekiel 3:1-3)
The bible is sweet like honey.
Health to our flesh, strength to our bones.
God's word is alive.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)
Learn to proclaim God's word over your life.
Learn to proclaim God's promises over your life.
How do I allow the Holy Spirit to change my desires?
1 No longer crave former.
We must no longer crave toxic.
4 Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” (Numbers 11:4-6)
The children of Israel were delivered from Egypt (bondage), yet they still craved the things in Egypt while they were free in wilderness.
It's hard to move forward when you continue to miss former.
2 Desire to break old habits
(Isaiah 43:18-19)
You can't meditate on former and forward at the same time.
Be willing to break from old ways of thinking & old patterns.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
3 Deeper hunger for God.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
You must be more hungry for God than the world.
More hungry for God than your own selfish desires.
Learn to continue to deny your flesh, pick up that cross and follow Jesus.
4 Your circle shifting.
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)
Your influence and people around you matters.
Know when people are trying to contaminate your mind & heart, then build healthy boundaries around that!
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The word of God is the best foundation you can have in life!
In a world full of uncertainty and chaos, God’s Word has the power to guide, sustain, and lead us. However, knowing about God and His Word is one thing, but being intentional about applying it to our lives is another.
As followers of Christ, it is crucial that we constantly submit to biblical discipleship to grow in our relationship with God. There is power in being in environments that promote mentorship and Bible-based relationships, and we should desire to pray for and seek out these interactions.
Ultimately, we are confident that when we live according to the Bible and embrace the importance of discipleship, we will grow significantly in our relationship with God.
The condition of your heart, determines the direction of your life.
Whatever your heart is tied to, that's what your identity is tied to.
The heart houses the thoughts & feelings that's connected to the mind.
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)
What our heart is thinking privately, our mouth speaks publicly.
9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9)
When the Lord encountered Solomon this first time, Solomon prayed and asked for an understanding heart... which pleased the Lord.
10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, (1 Kings 3:10-11)
Solomon could have asked for ANYTHING, but He asked something that pleased the Lord.
(1 Kings 3:12-14)
Later, Solomon's love for the foreign women turned his heart away from God.
Your influences around you, have the ability to turn your heart away from God.
1 But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites— 2 from the nations of whom the Lord had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David. (1 Kings 11:1-4)
Solomon didn't have a wisdom issue, he had a heart issue.
David (Solomon's father) was a man after God's heart.
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38)
Jesus states you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart... give the Lord your heart!
Man looks at the outward, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
Here are a few examples of a negative things the heart does...
Proverbs 6:18 - Devises wicked plans
Jeremiah 5:23 - Rebellious heart
Jeremiah 17 - Desperately wicked & deceitful above all things
Ezekiel 14:3 - Hearts are idolatrous
Ezekiel 36:26 Hearts of stone
Exodus 7 - Hearts can be hardened
Psalm 101:5 - Heart is proud
Mark 7:21 - Heart is treasury of evil
Ephesians 4:18 - Hearts are blind
Hebrews 3:12 - Unbelieving Heart
A few things God plays a role with our heart.
Proverbs 21:2 God weights heart
Psalm 10:17 God prepares heart
Acts 16:14 God opens the heart
Ephesians 1:18 God enlightens heart
Ezekiel 36:26 God gives a new heart of flesh
Psalm 147:3 God heals heart
Proverbs 17:22 Merry heart
7 Ways to Examine Your heart:
1 Decide to make God #1 daily (Matthew 6:33)
2 Decide to be transformed in the mind (Romans 12:1-2)
3 Remove ALL idols (Exodus 20:4)
4 Know your identity in Christ (John 1:29-33)
5 Don't make haste decisions (Proverbs 21:5) (2 Peter 1:5)
6 Be excellent (Daniel 5:12, 6:3) (Psalm 150:2) (Psalm 16:3)
7 Choose friends wisely (Proverbs 12:26)
Where you place your identity is where you will find your rest.
True rest for a weary soul is in Christ.
But when your identity is in the world, religion, man’s approval, your career, etc, etc. then you will not have true rest for your soul.
Rest isn’t in a day like the Sabbath. It’s in Christ and He says He is the Lord of the Sabbath.
Jesus gives us an invitation to rest. This invitation is extended to every believer, but it is our job to accept it.
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus says to take His yoke upon us.
What is the yoke? It’s something you are bound to.
The yoke was a wooden crosspiece that was fastened over the neck of two animals and attached to the plow so they could labor together.
Jesus invites us to labor with Him. To do life with Him, and to rest in Him.
Rest isn’t the absence of labor, it’s the presence of Christ.
You can rest in your labor when you are laboring in Christ, for Christ, and with Christ.
But when you labor to get the approval of man, to increase your paycheck, or out of anxiety that you won’t be able to provide, then you obviously won’t be able to rest in that labor. That is not the yoke that Jesus invites us to be bound to. That is the yoke of the world.
Jesus says He is the provider and He commands us not to worry about our life - what we will wear, what we will eat, or where our necessities will come from. Jesus says He will provide for all of these things.
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34)
Rest isn’t found when labor ceases, rest is found when striving ceases. Striving for acceptance, striving to try and be more or become more to the temporary world around you.
Rest is spiritual. Sleep is physical.
You need sleep for your body, but your spirit needs rest to have peace. And Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
You can be sleeping physically, but still have a spirit of anxiety or worry in your sleep.
Get sleep at night, but rest during the day and after your labor is done make sure you’re at rest before you go to bed.
Labor and then rest. This is the simple formula for life.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)
The question you must ask yourself is what are you yoked to?
When you are yoked to the world’s standards, religions systems, or to lies of the enemy then you will not be able to rest in Christ.
A great way to break yokes is through fasting and reading the word of God.
Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6)
Fast and read the word of truth.
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
His presence is the rest you’re looking for.
One touch of God is all it takes. And one touch of God’s favor is better than a lifetime of labor.
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1 Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. (2 Samuel 3:1)
Saul self righteous.
David spirit of repentance.
There is a war happening during these times between the religious house & the house of repentance.
It’s one to be in church & another to be the church.
We must have living service over lip service.
The Pharisee's saw Jesus but didn't acknowledge Him as God.
There are people who talk about Jesus but can't discern the Holy Spirit
Here are 7 signs
1 Holy on the outside, but hypocrite on the inside
(Matthew 15:1-11)
This is the difference between condemnation and conviction.
Condemnation: You’re a mistake.
Conviction: You made a mistake.
2 Blind spiritually
14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch. (Matthew 15:14)
18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. (Acts 9:18)
It was the physical eyes that Apostle Paul got blinded with… but really His spiritual eyes opened once the scales fell off & knew Jesus was Lord.
Spiritually people are blind & it is the Lord that encounters those that have a pure heart to see & hear in the spirit.
3 Hardened heart… NOT humble heart
(Matthew 15:15-20)
4 Hates a radical move of the Holy Spirit… accusation
(Mark 3:1-6)
If some of us aren’t excited about the word of God… we might be under a religious spirit NOT the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit wants healing, deliverance, & freedom among people.
Anything that hinders a move of God & His will is always AGAINST God!
5 Judgement of unrighteous by always blaming others…
(Matthew 7:1-5)
We are called to judge with a RIGHTEOUS judgement.
24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)
6 Self-righteous over Holy Spirit revival
A true spirit of repentance activates a spirit of revival.
We want righteousness over being right.
(Luke 18:9-14)
7 Lots of words, but very little weight in the spiritual realm…
More words of their own opinion, twisting scripture… rather than real revelation of the word of God.
15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. (Matthew 23:15)
1 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
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False Humility.
False Humility is an assignment of deception (tricked into believing something to be true), from the enemy against the disciple of Jesus Christ.
Where the enemy tries to trick the disciple of Jesus Christ into believing that they are operating in true humility in the sight of God, but in reality they are operating out of what we call false humility in the sight of God.
This assignment is purposed to hinder and put the disciple of Jesus Christ in bondage from fulfilling and doing the will of God for their lives.
In this video, we will be highlighting a few type of lens' when it comes to false humility to give understanding for why a person in the body of Christ would possibly operate out of false humility. And to help encourage the body of Christ in exposing the assignments of the enemy, revealing ways to overcome this false humility, and to share a part of what true humility is.
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My surrender is based on what I see
God has given us the power to change our mind like it says in Romans 12:2 do not be confirmed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind.
We all know that one of the biggest attack that the enemy uses is attacking our mind because as soon as he has our mind he has everything of us. There many things to love about God and one of them is how patient He is with us like it says in 1Corinthians 13.
Growth does not happen over night, it takes time, it takes learning how to surrender, it takes patience, and if God is so patient with us why cant we be patient with ourselves.
We all here about the wilderness process, breakthrough happens when we understand that wilderness is not just about you being taken out from Egypt, also about Egypt being taken out of you. there are patterns, things that have been installed in us that we need to let God remove and replace with His word.
He knows what we are able to handle, and if He removes all at once, it might affect us and not in a positive way, and Gods desire is for us to draw closer (James 4:8).
As much as many want to deny God, whenever one has a true encounter with Christ, you can no longer deny the truth, but all you want to do is start living out the truth. looking back God allows us to go through so many things, and I truly believe that for many He allows us to hit rock bottom to only realize that He is that ROCK at the bottom, He is our God that never changes and always remains faithful.
We all have a choice in this world, and it all comes down to who has you, does your actions show that God has you or that Satan has you. It’s either the Kingdom of Light or the kingdom of darkness. Many go after the self seeking desires, but its time to ask what are those seeking desires attach to, are they connected to exalting me or exalting God.
Full Surrender is allowing God to have His will over your life and seeing life the way the Lord want you to see it.
Recognizing is a big part of seeing through Gods lens, we need to recognize what are the things that are pulling us away from God, recognize that the decision that I make are my responsibility, and my actions are either going to bring a positive affect or a negative affect. recognition brings awareness of the problem that needs to be addressed.
After recognizing comes releasing things to the Lord, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach, guide, lead us into all righteousness.
Acknowledge that even though I have been doing things a certain way my entire life, I might be wrong, and if I am wrong allowing God to correct us, and from there just building that relationship with God, and walk on this journey with Him.
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Never let a religious spirit make you feel bad for loving Jesus.
Don’t let blind people lead you.
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14)
What causes spiritual blindness?
Self righteousness.
Judgmental spirit.
Look down on others.
Have a list of rules.
No room for changes.
When we are talking about judgement, its an unrighteous judgement.
Jesus said we are called to judge righteously.
24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)
We must break free from spiritual blindness.
10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. 12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” 13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
If you want to be set free… go to Jesus!
Jesus saw her, called her to her, she came then He loosed her!
14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” 17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
Jesus called out the ruler of the synagogue a hypocrite, because he had an issue with the woman being healed on the sabbath.
But Jesus called him out saying he was working on the sabbath as well with the ox & donkey by leading them to water it!
This is a sign of unrighteous judgement & self righteousness.
4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)
The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Head knowledge but no revelation coming from the Holy Spirit is vanity!
7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. (2 Corinthians 3:7-11)
12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all
Do you need a sign to believe?
Do we always need a sign from God to believe EVERY move we make?
29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
We are called to not lean on our own understanding.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [b]direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” 39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. (Matthew 12:38-42)
What does this sign of the prophet of Jonah mean?
Can we believe someone got swallowed by a fish and live?
A man that got swallowed up for 3 days and lived? People would think they would die.
Just like Jesus sharing the analogy when He is in the heart of earth... and they believe He was dead.
But both Jonah AND Jesus were alive coming out!
25 He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher. (2 Kings 24:25)
Jonah was able to restore and take a territory with the king.
But when it was time to go into enemy territory to go to Nineveh when it was inconvenient, he said no.
Nineveh was Assyrian territory.
1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:1-3)
The people in Nineveh were NOT Jews YET they were people who repented because of the preaching of Jonah.
41 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. (Matthew 12:41)
Jesus is sharing this message to Pharisees, who were Jews... and Jesus shares this analogy how someone that is greater than Jonah is here (it's Jesus).
Yet these Pharisees and scribes can't see!
So how do we walk in this obedience to make sure we don't miss God?
11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:11-12)
What does it mean to be the least in the kingdom?
Servant.
Be a servant.
Ministry is service.
There is a difference between being powerful in the kingdom than greater.
Moses was powerful - he split the sea.
Elijah was powerful - he slayed 100's of Baal prophets.
But John the Baptist was highlighted because of his service.
We mus
You can be a Christian and not a disciple...
but you can't be a disciple and not a Christian.
Sharing the gospel (good news)
- Sharing Jesus
Discipleship
-Growing in Jesus
What does it truly mean to be a disciple?
These are the words of Jesus from the bible.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
We are called to MAKE dsiciples.
But we must also discern assignments.
You're not called to serve everyone, but you are called to serve someone.
Learn to be a true disciple of Christ & be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
A disciple has a teacher & Jesus is our master teacher.
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). (John 20:16)
Disciples abide in Jesus & His word.
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (John 8:31)
Disciples love one another.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Disciples bear much fruit.
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)
Healthy starts with heal.
Jesus bled, so we don't have to bleed the rest of our life.
Let God heal you.
Learn to go through your process.
Because time doesn't heal all wounds, Jesus does.
5 Keys To A Healthy Disciple:
1 Born Again
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”(John 3:3)
2 Find a local Holy Spirit Filled Ministry
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
3 Attend bible studies weekly
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Get discipled.
4 Submit to spiritual covering & authority
7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. (Hebrews 13:7)
5 Serve in your local ministry
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all w
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3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
A stronghold is a castle, wall, fortress.
It is a thought that the enemy is using to take real estate on our mind.
We must learn how to ‘pull down’ these strongholds in Jesus name.
Strongholds are arguments, reasonings or patterns that influence our thoughts.
What we believe, we speak.
What we speak becomes our reality.
We MUST discern the difference between the lies & truth!
You can’t control what flies through your mind, but you can control what lands on your mind.
We must believe that God has the best plan for us.
Our God doesn’t break promises, but He does break chains.
So we must know how to lean on the Lord’s understanding, truth & promises.
The enemy will always try to pervert the promises of God.
3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:3-4)
(John 11:23-27)
(John 11:40-44)
We want people who pray, hear, AND obey Jesus.
Jesus could of loosened Lazarus after He resurrected him… but Jesus instructed the people around Lazarus.
(1 Samuel 22:1-5)
David gathered with people of the same dysfunction… distress, debt & discontented.
Hiding in a cave, or a dark place… but there comes a time where you must move forward. You can’t meditates on former and forward at the same time.
David goes to a stronghold but doesn’t stay here & he gets instruction from a prophet of God to not stay there.
Real prophets
Instruction without direction is dysfunction.
How to break strongholds?
1 God’s word
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
2 Prayer
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:17-19)
3 In Jesus name
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)
David was a man after God’s heart.
A music minister.
A warrior & king.
God looks at the heart.
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (James 1:19)
God created music.
Music was God’s idea.
Whatever is attached to God’s promise, the enemy will try to pervert His promise with lies.
There’s only two kingdoms, the kingdom of darkness or the kingdom of light.
You either serve one and hate the other and vise versa.
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
A few verses on music…
5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:5)
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ephesians 5:18-19)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)
The music from the Lord should allow us to sing unto what pleases the Lord from our heart!
Music has such a powerful effect on us.
When David was playing music, that distressing spirit left King Saul.
23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. (1 Samuel 16:23)
Music has an effect over our mind, thoughts, soul, & life!
14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. 16 Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.” ( 1 Samuel 16:14-17)
Whenever you receive things that are not from God… music, temptation, things you see that is not of the Lord.
Shift your focus!
Set your mind on the things above.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Shift your focus towards Jesus.
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
5 questions to ask when listening to Christian Music?
1 Does it glorify God?
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
2 Does it hinder your spiritual growth & does it feed your spirit?
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:
What is stewardship?
It's the careful & responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.
Stewardship isn’t just about handling our money and possessions well but in all aspects of our lives. He’s entrusted with resources to use for the expansion of His kingdom: time, talents, treasures (finances), and the testimony of our transformation in Christ.
Faithful stewardship requires us to understand that everything belongs to God and He’s simply allowing us to steward what He’s given us.
God created the heavens and the earth, called everything good and then He made man and woman. He then gave Adam and Eve the assignment to tend to the garden that He had made.
God blessed them and called them to be fruitful and multiply.
Sometimes an answered prayer looks like work: God doesn’t always bless us with the result; He gives us the seed and we get to do our part and He does the increase in due season at the appointed time.
Faithful stewardship requires partnership with the Holy Spirit who teaches us in the ways of righteousness. It is only through dependence on the Lord that we're able to cultivate an excellent spirit in all that He blesses us to steward.
You can be faithful in your stewardship even if you have imperfections.
God can still use you.
David was a fornicator and murderer but God still used him.
Apostle Paul murdered Christians before encountering the Lord and he was still used mightily for the kingdom of God.
You may have a past that was displeasing to God but the blood of Jesus washes you clean white as snow.
God can do immeasurably more but that requires you to get to the end of you and walk out your obedience.
Keys to faithful stewardship:
- Love the Lord
This is a principle of priority. When Jesus was asked what’s the greatest commandment, He responded “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39). We first serve God above all then serve others.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:33
When we seek Him 1st, He provides everything we need to proceed according to His plans and purposes.
- Live according to the word of God
As believers, followers & disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be willing to live set apart lives.
Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world commanding us to let our light shine before men so they may see and glorify our Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
Paul says in Romans 12:1-2
Daily we get to make the decision to conform to godly patterns & wisdom not worldly ones.
When we aim to live as faithful stewards of all that God has given to us, we’ll also do regular inventory: First, evaluate, reflect & take accountability for every area of your life. Then surrender and let go of old patterns and ways of thinking (living an active lifestyle of repentance).
Repentance simply put is to make a decision to change our mind about what we were once doing that’s displeasing to the Lord.
It is the Holy Spirit who reveals when there is something we are missing the mark on or something that’s diverting our attention from trusting in God
Do your part to the best of your ability & surrender the rest to God.
- Labor in love & nurture your relationships
How we treat others is a reflection of the encounter and depth of how we’ve experienced the love of God
John 15:9-13
1 John 4:7-8
Not only is partnership with the Holy Spirit crucial to faithful stewardship, kingdom partnerships are crucial as well.
When you see a healthy church flock, it's led by a healthy shepherd. When you see a healthy business, it's a
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How can we be the salt of this earth if we continue to sugarcoat the gospel?
Matthew 5 is the sermon on the mount, the MOST heard & studied sermon in all of history.
Jesus is speaking to His disciples.
Matthew 5 Jesus opened up about the characteristics of being a child of God.
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the [a]earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)
Why did God identify us as ‘salt’?
Salt was used for salary or wages.
Salt was to sign agreements & build covenants.
Salt was for seasoning.
Salt was used for preservation.
We are called salt & salt preserves things.. & we’re called to be the salt of this earth.
Our assumption from biblical wisdom is ‘maybe’ this earth is ‘decaying’?
Decaying in thinking.
Decaying in atmospheres.
Decaying in environments.
Decaying & rotting.
Perishing.
We are called to preserve.
When anything is rotting, decaying, or perishing… it may also be housing fungus.
My identity MUST be found in Christ.
How we see ourselves is how we affect the environments and people around us.
Identity determines our function.
& the enemy wants us to function in dysfunction.
Jesus was the greatest example of this.
I am the bread. (John 6:35)
I am the shepherd. (John 10:11)
I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:26)
I am the way the truth & the life. (John 14:6)
34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Luke 14:34)
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 4:49-50)
Make sure you are salt that's seasoned!
Seasoned with God's grace.
Seasoned with God's love.
Seasoned with God's light.
The more time we spend seeking Jesus, the more we can become like Him.
Revival Starts within before it starts without.
Revival starts with a heart of repentance.
& intimacy with God requires a true heart of repentance.
Throughout the bible there are a few revivalist we can point out.
Jonah - Jonah 3
John the Baptist - John 1:19
Philip the Evangelist - Acts 8
Peter - Acts 2
Jesus - Mark 1:14
All carried a message of repentance that lead to revival.
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
Jesus revealed himself to over 500 people.
But why were there only 120 people on the day of pentecost in the upper room?
Even though people have had an encounter with Jesus, will they continue to follow Jesus & follow through with instructions on their life?
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
Those that received the Holy Spirit in the upper room had an mighty encounter with God & His Spirit.
Right before this encounter Peter denied Jesus 3 times.
He denied Jesus before a little girl & the scriptures say after that he cursed (possibly out of frustration).
Then after Peter got filled with the Holy Spirit, he preached a message of repentance & boldly about Christ... then 3,000 souls came over to the kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit will TRANSFORM YOU!
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38)
12 Keys To Revival
1 Revival is a hunger for God. Matthew 6:33
2 Revival requires prayer. Acts 1:14
3 Revival flows with unity. Acts 2:1
4 Revival is a sound. Acts 2:2
5 Revival carries a message of repentance. Acts 2:38
6 Revival starts within before without.
7 Revival allows God’s hand over your life. Acts 11:21
8 Revival releases the supernatural. Acts 8
9 Revival brings restoration. Jeremiah
10 Revival actives surrender.
11 Revival sees rejection as redirection.
12 Revival breeds intimacy with God.
How to continue to carry revival?
1 Priority
Make God a priority. Seek ye first the kingdom of God. May He be the one that leads you and guides you into all righteousness.
2 Pray
If you're prayer less you're powerless. Prayer changes things, if you don't pray, things change you. Pray without ceasing.
3 Pour
Let God pour into you, then allow that overflow to pour into others. It's hard to pour into a cup that's full... make sure you empty yourself of YOU so you can have more of God! Refer to John 3:30.
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David never really knew goliaths strength, because he was so focused on God’s.
David had favor over his life.
Favor is the unearned, unusual, uncommon, unexplainable access
King Saul was disobedient & the Lord has chosen a new king… David.
The Lord told prophet Samuel to anoint a new king.
David’s brothers made it to the anointing ceremony but David was in the pasture tending the sheep.
Prophet Samuel thought it was one of David’s brother… but the Lord said don’t look at the outer, that’s what man see’s… but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
Because of Saul’s disobedience, it allowed a tormenting spirit from God to be sent…
99% obedience is still disobedience. Especially if the Lord gave a specific instruction.
As David went out to face the Philistine, King Saul told him to put on some armor to face this giant.
David tried it on… but realized it didn’t fit then took it off.
He could of said “well its King Saul, he must always know whats right”… but David discerned the armor didn’t fit him and took it off.
& we know how the story goes, David defeats Goliath with God on his side, sling shot & a rock.
Later David gets the praise of people…
7 So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” 8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
Never let jealousy get to you… the scripture is clear that Saul ‘eyed’ David since that day!
Don’t ever take your eyes off God just to have your eyes focused on man.
Anger, pride, jealousy can destroy you from the inside out.
Now there was this tormenting spirit that was upon Saul and they heard that David can help remove that.
David had a gift, & your gifts make room for your (Proverbs 18:16)
21 So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer. 22 Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. (1 Samuel 16:21-23)
David was used to remove the spirit & refresh Saul.
A man named David that was used to help another man Saul would soon replace him in the very throne he’s sitting in.
David was a God pleaser.
Saul was a man pleaser
Why was God’s favor on David?
Understand this… David won battles & wars.
He took dominion and territory. He was a true warrior for the Lord even when he had moments where he fell short.
1 Man after God’s heart.
22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ (Acts 13:22)
Continue to pursue God.
Favor wasn’t just the sling shot win… it was favor that allowed the giant to be taken out.
2 Man of wisdom.
33 Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord; (Proverbs 8:33-35)
Solomon wrote this proverb… who was David’s son.
The blessing of Solomon came from David
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Let’s rethink favor.
What if favor is not always when good things happen or blessings overflow?
Let’s look at Joseph’s life.
What if God’s favor is PROTECTING you while He’s PREPARING you.
What if God’s saving you FROM something because He’s saving you FOR something?
Joseph had these moments.
Pit betrayed from his own brothers.
Palace slave to Potiphar
Prison accusation of something he didn't do.
Favor may not always look like overflow but prescribed as private training.
It might feel like the worst time of my life, or worst year of my life but what if this is divinely orchestrated for a major transition.
Looking at Joseph’s life, it does not always look like God really want this on Josephs life.
But when you read what Joseph proclaimed after going through that decade through Egypt… he quotes to his brothers (who were the exact ones that got him to be in Egypt in the first place)
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Genesis 50:20)
From pit being sold into slavery by his own brothers, to being a slave at Potiphar's house, to being thrown in prison for being excused of trying to make a move on Potiphar's wife that lead to a promotion over the land of Egypt resources.
This is the journey that Joseph went through.
Something about the scriptures that prove God was always with Joseph.
2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. (Genesis 39:2)
3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. (Genesis 39:3)
21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (Genesis 39:21)
23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper. (Genesis 39:23)
The scriptures are very clear that the Lord was with Joseph 4 times in the same chapter even though he was a slave to Potiphar and got accused for making a move in Potiphar's wife and getting thrown in prison.
This proves that bad circumstances don’t mean the absence of God.
The Lord was with him through this whole journey.
4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. (Genesis 39:4)
The Lord was with Joseph but he also had favor on his life in the midst of all this.
Favor?
Favor is the uncommon, unexplainable, uneared, unusual access & kindness.
It’s that access & acceptance with the RIGHT people and is only God given.
I’d encourage us to continue to study Joseph’s life through this lense.
How do we discern favor on someone's life that might seem like it’s NOT favored in the natural?
How to discern favor?
1 God is the source
2 Continue to seek God’s will over your life… sovereign, preferred, permissible, personal
3 Guard and grow like a gardener (mind & heart)
4 Discern His will in the wilderness
-favor
-peace
-provision
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Favor is uncommon, unexplainable, unusual, unearned access.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8) NKJV
9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9) NKJV
8 But Noah found favor with the Lord. (Genesis 6:8) NLT
Noah was a just man.
The bible tells us the just shall walk by faith.
Noah built the ark, not just because He was right with God... but because the favor of God was on his life!
Would he have built the ark that kept his family safe from this flood without God's grace & favor?
There are some things we won't be able to accomplish without God & His grace!
This is why we here sayings "Only by the grace of God!"
Who else had favor?
17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. (Esther 2:17)
26 And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men. (1 Samuel 2:26)
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52)
Favor is NOT always EVERYONE liking you… but the right people liking you.
The people who will give you access & unusual promotions is how favor positions you.
Remember you can’t earn favor, but you can position yourself to access it!
How to find favor?
1 Be humble
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Humility is being a person who God can trust.
Humility is not thinking of yourself less, it’s thinking less of yourself.
God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
2 Be helpful
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
God has assigned people in our life & in the season we are in… to help.
We serve God, but the Lord may appoint us to serve others.
Ministry is to be a servant.
We are called to be ‘living sacrifices’. (Romans 12:1)
3 Be holy
To be holy isn’t perfection, it’s to be set apart.
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)
We’re called to make ‘set apart’ decisions.
To make decisions that set us apart from culture.
We are called to not be conformed to the world.
Not be influenced by the patterns of this world.
Set our minds on the things above!
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Favor - unearned, uncommon, unexplainable, unusual ACCESS
Fire that leads to favor that leads to fruit.
Fire refines us.
Just how they allow fire to heat up gold so the impurities rise up to the top.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.” (Daniel 1:8-10)
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)
How does the Lord test us by fire?
1 Lord tests the heart
3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts. (Proverbs 17:3) NKJV
3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart. (Proverbs 17:3) NLT
2 Tested by being praised
21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him. Proverbs 21:27) NKJV
21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. (Proverbs 21:27) NLT
3 Tested of impurities
4 Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. (Proverbs 25:4) NKJV
4 Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. (Proverbs 25:4) NLT
Why Jesus comes with fire on earth?
49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! (Luke 12:49-50)
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11-12)
Benefits of God’s Favor
1 Wisdom
4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:4)
1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. (Proverbs 3:1-4) NLT
2 Wife
22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. (Proverbs 18:22) NLT
3 Wealth
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1) NKJV
1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1) NLT
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The power of collaboration.
When we come together and allow our calling to usher in God's presence... it honors guard.
The Lord needs people who are after His heart & wanting to give their heart to the Lord.
22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ (Acts 13:22)
& it's not always by our own ability... but availability.
God wants your heart.
It's not the question of "are you able?"
The question is "are you available?"
Be available for the Lord.
How to have a heart of God?
Humility
Community
Availability
1 body.
1 Spirit.
1 Battle.
1 Enemy.
The heart of God.
Is your heart really right?
We can have titles like pastor or prophet but if our heart is not right…
One of the last things Jesus will say is “well done my beloved servant”.
Jesus came to serve not to be served.
Our heart must be right when we’re serving…
God
People
Family
Unbelievers
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
People are operating off the wrong spirit and a dirty heart.
The grace of God, that covers us.
God uses us so our family can be set right.
That generational curse runs out when it runs into you… but your heart needs to be right.
If your heart is not right, it will be difficult to know how to deal with the curses.
To minister means to serve.
You must have a servant heart for the people, to serve the people. Aside from the bible studies, preaching, teaching… the heart needs to be right.
Humility is a weapon.
Those that humble themselves He exalts.
He doesn’t exalt the deliverance minister.
He doesn’t exalt the animated preacher.
My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
How to know your humble?
You give glory to God.
It may seem easy to try to steal His glory but we should never try to take it because we want His presence!
The enemy is after your land.
Your heart is land.
Your soul is land.
Your mind is land.
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37)
How to give God your heart, soul & mind?
Love Him.
Love God more than you love this world.
Love God more than your own desires.
Love God above all!
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Ministry is all about Jesus.
Everything we do is about Jesus.
It was never about us, but Him.
& we have to trust He always has the best plan for us.
Every sermon should point to…
1 The glory of God
2 our need for Jesus
3 The Lordship of Him
4 The hope of salvation
Be in love more with the person of Jesus over the person sharing Jesus.
We are called to love others, but to love God above all!
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39)
26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:26-27)
We honor people, but we love God above all.
God’s word must be honored.
Preached with clarity, accuracy, power & authority.
4 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2)
It’s Him who breaks chains, it’s Him who heals, & Him that delivers.
We must acknowledge God as God, who has all power & authority in His hands.
We used to deal with a prosperity gospel but now we are dealing with a popularity gospel.
A saved person’s life demonstrates your salvation.
The moment you read your word from adoration instead of obligation… you’re in a real relationship with God.
If you want to see revival, you must revive your reverence for God.. we need a bible revival!
we are called to..
Follow Jesus
Fish for souls
Forsake Sin
Everything that is not eternal, is worthless in eternity.
Holiness isn’t proving you have more of Jesus, holiness proves that Jesus has more of you.
We are living holy because we want to please Him & we love Him!
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
It’s not perfection, it’s making ‘set apart’ decisions.
We pursue God because He is constantly pursuing us.
There could be 1000 steps between us and Him, & His love is so great that He will take 999 of those steps & leave the last one for us.
He could look at a million people yet you are the only one He sees.
Our hearts burn for Him because His heart burns for us.
Revival is an experience in the church.
Evangelism is an expression of the church.
Evangelism is telling people about the grace of God.
Discipleship is teaching people how to walk in it.
The gifting draws people to you.
The anointing draws people to Him.
When you start to point everything you do towards Jesus, your life changes.
Prayer is an instrument.
Prayer is not a way to get God to do what you want, prayer is for you to become an instrument for God to do what He wants.
Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.
It's the fervent prayer of a righteous man that avails much.
The ability to be passionate and having reverence towards God.
People that don't get excited to pray or have no idea behind 'why' we pray strip God of the power that pray has for us!
Here are 7 types of prayers:
1 Petition
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1 John 5:14-15)
2 Praise & thanksgiving
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Praise is offered to God for who He is & what He does.
Thanksgiving is offered to God for what He has done for us.
Psalm 48:1
Psalm 100:4
3 Worship
Worship is an attitude.
My attitude towards God.
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. (John 4:23)
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (Matthew 6:9)
Hallowed to be holy, we must see God as holy.
4 Intercession
This means 'to come in between'.
Genesis 18,19 Abraham is interceding for Sodom & Gomorrah.
Exodus 32 Moses is interceding for the Israelites that have made a golden calf as an idol.
Prophetess Anna was a REAL intercessor in the book of Luke.
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)
I truly believe intercessory prayer takes a strong disciple & mature believer.
5 Dedication
We must first dedicate ourselves above all.
To dedicate yourself unto God. To choose righteousness & sanctification.
9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. (John 17:9)
36 do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? (John 10:36)
What has God set you apart for?
6 Persistence
5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. Luke 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Luke 11:5-9)
We're called to sometimes press in with prayer.
Pressing into the promise of God that He has in our life.
In Acts 12:5 the church was praying for Peter to be released from prison.
Something powerful
As Christians we’re called to be a living sacrifice.
Jesus gave His life for us on the cross. The least we can do is live for Him.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
You will reap the reward of the sacrifice you’re willing to lay down on the altar.
The sacrifice isn’t because of who you are. It’s because of who God is. He is worthy.
It’s important to note that what’s more important than the sacrifice is the heart behind the sacrifice.
Sacrifice has to come from a place of true joy and a pure heart. It’s not about just ‘giving to God’.
Obedience is better than sacrifice is what 1 Samuel 15:22 shows us.
Your character will also have a greater impact than the sacrifice.
“You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16)
Jesus sets some pretty strict guidelines to following Him in Luke 14:25-33:
Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, ****saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
There’s a cost to following Jesus.
Sacrifice isn’t actually about just what you give, it’s about what you give up. What you leave behind to follow after Jesus. That’s sacrifice as well.
Abraham was called to give up His only Son. God was testing Abraham’s level of obedience by telling him to give this sacrifice.
Abraham didn’t fear losing his son, he feared disobeying God.
Let God move in your heart daily. Allow Him to test you with your level of sacrifice to do His will
David spoke about the sacrifice of thanksgiving and the sacrifice of joy.
This is a sacrifice we can all give.
Give the sacrifice of joy when you don’t feel good. Give the sacrifice of thanksgiving when nothing looks good in your life.
It doesn’t always need to be complicated. Our heart just needs to be right and God will lead the sacrifice
Saul was sacrificing what God didn’t call him to give. His heart wasn’t in the right place.
Everyone carries an individual ministry that requires surrender, obedience, and sacrifice.
There is a cost to following Jesus.
Cost: Price that needs to be paid in order to obtain, maintain, produce
Following: coming after or as a result of.
Salvation is free and of course we are saved by grace through faith, not of our works lest anyone should boast but our relationship with Jesus requires maintenance (John 15:1-8 The True Vine) maintain that relationship with Jesus Christ (remain in the kingdom of God), in constant pursuit, and abiding in Him there is a cost that needs to be paid:
What’s the cost look like?
(Matthew 16:24-28, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-27 and take up His cross daily)
Matthew 16:24-28, Mark 8:34-38 (same wording different verse references)
34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:34-38)
Desire: a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wanting something to happen.
Soul: Mind, Will, Emotions.
-The Flesh and the Spirit are at war for the soul!
Galatians 5:17 “ 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”
Deny yourself: Crucify the flesh (the flesh is carnal (natural) and has passions and desires)
-Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians 5:16“16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh
Galatians 5:24-25 “24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Pick up your cross: what are you willing to sacrifice. For Jesus the sacrifice was the cross He was hung on. What is your cross?
Follow Jesus: action
1 Surrender
Example: Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:17-22, Luke 18:18-23)
-Matthew 19:16-22 NKJV
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
- The Rich Young Ruler got corrected for calling Jesus “Good” this displayed a lack of intimacy aka knowing who Jesus truly was. Tbh he might’ve gone off of what he heard about Jesus and was like “this is a good guy” and then just called Jesus “Good”.
18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
- giving 95%, 99% (still not full surrender b/c he is “still lacking”)
21 Jesus said to him,“If you want to be perfect, go,sell what you have and give to the poor,and you will have treasure in heaven;and come,
follow Me.” - This is 100%, give up your desire(s) for the sake of Jesus’ desire (Jesus addressed the Rich Young ruler’s desire (riches)), come to Him, and fo
Can they love like Jesus?
We loved because He first loved us.
God’s love is unconditional.
God’s love is sacrificial.
God’s love is selfless.
Love is NOT love. God is love.
We’re called to love the Lord God with all our heart, mind & strength.
That love hit different, when they love like Jesus.
If they haven’t experienced God’s love, how can they love you like God?
Love gives.
Lust takes.
Love helps.
Lust hurts.
Love adds good things.
Lust takes good things.
We must discern the difference.
In John 21 Jesus appears to His disciples.
For context, Jesus already got crucified on the cross & resurrected on the 3rd day. He broke through the grave & conquered death, hell & the grave.
Jesus asks Peter 3 times “Do you love me?”
And Peter answers yes all 3 times.
Now Jesus uses a different Greek word of love when He asks Peter if he loves Him.
John 21:15 - Agape ⇒ Feed my lambs.
John 21:16 - Agape ⇒ Tend my sheep.
John 21:17 - Phileo ⇒ Feed my sheep.
After Jesus asks if we love Him… He will give us instructions after.
Your love for Christ shows through your obedience to follow His instructions.
He tells Peter to feed my lambs, tend my sheep & feed my sheep.
We are called to make sure we feed those that are spiritually babes.
Then watch, protect & continue to feed the adults (sheep).
God desires us to grow & mature as His children.
Now as we study the different types of love… there are 4.
1 Storge - Affection.
This is the love we receive from our parents & to children. This is a love describing how you would love your family.
2 Phileo - Friendship.
A love you have with your friends.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; (Romans 12:10)
3 Eros - Marriage.
The love between a husband and wife. More of a romantic and intimate love between a marriage.
4 Agape - Sacrificial.
This is God’s sacrificial, selfless and unconditional love.
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37)
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God's will is greater than our will.
If you want to make any year of your life the best year of your life, give it to God.
& that's a promise.
Some years you might be getting refined, which is sometimes a way for God to prepare us.
The most safest place to be is in the will of God.
The most dangerous place to be is in the will of you.
4 types of wills:
Sovereign will - God's in control
Preferred will - God has a preference.
Permissible will - Gods allows (free will)
Personal will - Grace'd, gifted, passionate, paid.
Now, God's will is found in God's word.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
Renew your mind.
Sometimes it's not something 'new' we should learn, but maybe something we need to unlearn.
That's also renewing your mind.
Beseech - 1. to call to one's side, call for, summon.
Conform - 1. to conform one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern, (fashion one's self according to)
Transform - to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure
May the Lord continue to renew your patterns of thinking so that you may truly change!
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
You're brand new.. in Christ!
How do we make this next year the best year of our life according to God's will?
How do we make these next 12 months the best 12 months of our life according to God's will?
10 points around making this next year God's best in your life:
1 How is your prayer life?
2 How do you study the word of God?
3 Are you conforming to God's image?
4 How have you grown?
5 How is your mental development?
6 Reflect on your physical body.
7 Check your God given purpose.
8 Check your finances
9 Check your relationships
10 Check your character and conduct
We MUST discern times and seasons.
Learning how to discern the season you may be in… helps you navigate that season.
We are talking around this topic “Is This Wilderness?”
To discern wilderness seasons & how to get to our promise land.
Eygpt - Toxic Provision
Wilderness - God’s Provision
Promise Land - Garden Provision
Egypt wasn’t the issue… it was the season they were in Eygpt.
Egypt delivered them from a famine back in Joseph’s day.
But became bondage to them in Moses day.
They were under ‘provision’ but it was in exchange to be in slavery to Pharoah.
Wilderness is a season of delivering you from you.
We must go through a wilderness season, it’s a transition FROM Egypt into Promise.
The question is… how long will we stay in wilderness?
God provided for them for 40 years.
2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. (Deuteronomy 8:2-4)
Manna fell from heaven during wilderness. Only God can do this.
But when you want to enter into promise… it’s time to learn how to eat from the fruit of that land.
We call it garden blueprints & garden strategies.
11 And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. 12 Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year. (Joshua 5:11-12)
The moment they ate the produce of the land, manna ceased.
Our God knows when to allow manna to cease when we become mature enough to grow our own fruit.
In order for us to GET to the garden, we must be willing to GET OUT of the place that hinders us from SEEING the garden.
How to move in promise land
1 God gives blueprints NOT arks
2 Discern season & cycles.
Seasons change. Cycles need to break.
3 Is this delay or disobedience
Murmur & complaining delayed they from promise land.
To unlock God’s promises… we must go through the wilderness.
Transitions must take place.
Transition from bondage to wilderness.
Transition from dysfunctional pasts.
God sent Moses to deliver His people in Egypt because He heard their cry.
7 And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. (Exodus 3:7-8)
As they were transitioning out of Egypt.. God covered what they ‘saw’.
He allowed them to take the longer path because if they saw the Philistines, they might have gotten scared & went back.
God’s plans are not always the ‘easier’ looking path.
God doesn’t always give shortcuts.
God cares & understands your season.
God doesn’t force us, He directs us.
17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. (Exodus 13:17-18)
If they ‘saw’ war… they might have changed their minds and went back.
God cares.
God covers us & understands the seasons we are in.
He knew they might not have been ready to come out so early in their journey of bondage.
20 So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. (Exodus 13:20-22)
This moment of guidance of a pillar of cloud by day & pillar of fire by night… is how the Holy Spirit works in our lives today.
3 Keys the Holy Spirit does:
Holy Spirit leads towards freedom.
Holy Spirit protects from the enemy.
Holy Spirit directs with light.
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:1-3)
As Jesus is led into the wilderness afterward, He launches His ministry.
Coming out of wilderness seasons & moments births new things!
But wilderness comes with…
Testing
Temptations
Trials
Transformation
Whenever Jesus got tempted just remember how He fought… “It Is Written”
My God doesn’t break promises.. He breaks chains!
May your deliverance lead to discipleship.
What keeps you in wilderness?
Complaining & murmuring.
What if your mouth is blocking your blessing?
Think - speak - action - destiny
This SAME pattern was carried into wilderness from Egypt.
11 “Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”” (Exodus 14:11-12 )
They were out of Egypt but was Egypt out of them?
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
You might be delaying God’s promise because of your mouth.
1 “Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire was quenched. 3 So he called the name of the place Taberah, because the fire of the Lord had burned among them. 4 Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” 7 Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its color like the color of bdellium. 8 The people went about and gathered it, ground it on millstones or beat it in the mortar, cooked it in pans, and made cakes of it; and its taste was like the taste of pastry prepared with oil. 9 And when the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it.” (Numbers 11:1-9)
They were free in wilderness & the Lord provided... but they continued to have an appetite for Egypt.
Think
See
Say
What you think, see & say... impacts your life.
17 “Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, 18 and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; 19 whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; 20 whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.” (Numbers 13:17-20)
27 “Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.” (Numbers 13:27-28)
30 “Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”” (Numbers 13:30-33 )
What is an Egypt mindset?
1 Bondage to th
We must know how to move... according to times & seasons.
Learn to not stay in a situation too long.
That healing process is way too long, that hurt lasted longer than it should. A high school situation that we should of healed from a decade ago.
18 “Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him. 20 Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” 21 But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.” 22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father. 23 So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. 24 Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.” (Genesis 37:18,20-24)
When Joseph was cast into the pit, it was wilderness.
Wilderness might look like it's NOT God's will, but it MUST happen to get us to a place of promotion that God will use!
Whatever the enemy meant for evil, the Lord will use it for His good.
He went from pit, palace, Potiphar's house, prison to promotion.
17 years old he get's tossed into a pit... to 30 years old he becomes promoted to steward the resources of Egypt!... that's 13 years.
Egypt... a land that once blessed God's people, later become bondage in the time of Moses in the book of Exodus.
6 “And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. 7 But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them. 8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:6-8)
The power of transitions & moving.
A place that once was a blessing is now bondage…
When it’s time to move, we MUST move.
A place that I stay way too long becomes bondage.
Toxic roommates & family members that hinder my spiritual growth.
It was once healthy, but now it’s not, it’s time to grow up & move forward.
Joseph's family in Genesis 45 moved from Canaan to Goshen (near Egypt).
Moses helped deliver the Israelites hundreds of years later from Egypt... on there way to wilderness heading towards Canaan which is Promise Land.
3 Keys To Know It's Time To Move
1 Break free from familiar
Just because you're familiar with the environment... doesn't always mean its from God. You may be uncomfortable & it MIGHT be God trying to deliver from comfortable situations the enemy wants you trapped in.
The Comforter will help us during uncomfortable situations.
2 Bondage
Bondage is being a slave to something... if it keeps you a slave to the enemy, you must move!
3 Brings fear or forceful situations
The flesh will force, but the Spirit flows.
How do we know it's God's will for our wilderness?
1 Peace
2 Favor
3 Provision
Joseph had all of the above while He was going through His 13 year journey.
Praying you discern it's time to move & to make sure that you're in God's will while going through wilderness moments.
Is this wilderness season?
& what is a wilderness season?
First, let’s talk about the 3 different seasons most talk about when it comes to the bible..
Egpyt is bondage.
Bondage means to be a slave to something.
You can be a slave to fear, anxiety, anger… & so much more the enemy tries to use to hinder us from moving forward.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to [a]heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (Isaiah 61:1)
Wilderness is a transition season.
A place where God will truly test us.
Wilderness is to deliver you from you.
2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. (Deuteronomy 8:2)
Wilderness is a place that will humble you, test you & know what is in your heart.
Promise land… God’s promise.
A land that God promised His children that will provide the resources to be able to sustain them & to live.
A land flowing with milk and honey.
Even when they get to promise land, there is still battles against the enemy & giants.
and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Exodus 3:17)
27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. (Numbers 13:27)
My finances might be in promise land but my marriage is in the wilderness.
My marriage might be in Egypt & my finances are in promise land.
There are parts of our life that are not surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
As the children of Israel are leaving Egypt and transitioning to promise land… their language of bondage carried into wilderness which hindered to get into promise land.
12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.” (Exodus 14:12)
As they were set free from Egypt… fear allowed them to want to go back…
We need to stop running back to the very thing that God set us free from.
Eygpt.
Wilderness.
Promise land.
Learn to discern what parts of your life might be living in these seasons.
It’s healthy to know what season you’re in so you can have understanding with the process you’re going through.
God loves you so much that He will never leave you the same way He found you.
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New Year Same God.
God is good ALL the time & all the time God is GOOD!
This next year, don't try to find yourself... open up the bible & find God!
Then you'll know your worth & who you truly are in Christ.
That was the gamechanger... she found God.
That was the gamechanger... he found God.
God truly does transform us from the inside out.
Here are a few things I've learned this past year I wanted to share:
1 Protect your mind and renew it through God's Word.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
The biggest prison in this world... is not the physical prison, its the mind.
2 We're drowning in information while starving for wisdom.
Wisdom is applied knowledge.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
We don't just want to preach God's word, we want to LIVE God's word.
3 Time is stolen or invested by your habits.
You're either a time waster or a time investor.
16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:16-17)
4 It's not just about making decisions, it's about making the RIGHT decisions...
because you can make the wrong decisions that lead to a bad outcome.
Don't just make decisions, study consequences.
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, (Ephesians 5:15)
5 You can control outputs, but you can't control outcomes.
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Continue to stay faithful to the Lord no matter what it may look like physically.
Focus on what you can control, which is planting... then let the outcome of the 'increase' come as the Lord allows.
6 If the task takes less than 5 minutes comes to mind, & you're free.. do it right away.
If you can get it done now, do it!
7 God's wisdom is greater than mind.
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Wisdom is our ability to understand discernment, obedience, timing & application.
You know you’re healed NOT when the open wound turns into a scab… you’re healed when you don’t want to cut the person who cut you.
The healing you’re avoiding is the key where you need to be… it’s hard to get anywhere without fixing it ❤️🩹
Don’t let people who have never fixed themselves fix you.
Anyone can want you but that love really hits different when they’re God sent & love like Jesus.
Sending love to everyone doing their best to heal from things they don’t discuss 🙏🏽❣️ The pain that you’re feeling doesn’t compare to the joy that is coming.. He has won the victory✝️
Healing scares people who benefit from brokenness
I see you trying to heal. Don’t quit.
If we don't HEAL from people who HURT us.. We may bleed on people who didn't even cut us.
Who needed to heal in the bible?
David.
Family rejected him, didn’t invite him to the anointing party.
Brothers spoke about him coming to the battlefield.
King Saul didn’t really believe him..
King Saul wanted to murder him.
David went through a lot in his life.
A man after God’s heart.
Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23)
1 Don’t allow peace to be a down payment. (Attention)
They can’t have your peace when you don’t allow their dysfunction to have attention.
2 Seek & Obey God (Atmospheres)
23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. (1 Samuel 16:23)
3 Discern counterfeits operating in familiar.
It's hard to 'heal' from the same assaults over the same wound year after year.
What if you’re birthing a new season because of what you’re going through?
1 Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, “It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites.” (2 Samuel 21:1)
4 Understand humility & audit your emotional health. (Anointing)
Humility - cure
Emotional Health - cause
Don’t allow your cough to transfer disease.
David defeated Goliath but lost to Bathseba. Our real giants are the desires we haven’t killed.
5 Cry out to the Lord. (Access)
Studies show when you cry physically you release toxins and relieves stress which improves mood, better sleep & strengthens the immune system.
1 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
(Psalm 51:1-11)
If you don’t transform from it, you will transfer it.
It's time to recover our heart & minds...
Recover - return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.
We must go through this process to fully be healed of the past.
You go through:
Surgery
Healing process
Healed
Recognize you need to heal.
Release that to God.
Renew your mind.
Recover season.
Surgery - When you go through a surgery, no one but 'specialists' are allowed in the operation room.
Whenever anybody enters the operation room that is not a specialist... it may contaminate what the doctor is doing during the surgery.
Be mindful who is around when you're vulnerable & God is doing a spiritual surgery on your heart.
Healing process - While we are healing we may have to wear a cast or a wheelchair during recovery season...
And we have to be able to make sure we take it 'easier'. If we're on a wheelchair we shouldn't be running but slowly getting back to walking.
This is how you should move spiritually.
Healed - Being healed doesn't mean your never going to get hurt again, it just means you won't react the same again when you do get hurt. That hurt will no longer have control over you.
To know you've truly been healed means that you don't have a desire to cut those that cut you.
Jesus is our Healer.
We must recognize He is the one that can heal us... but the question is do you have any unbelief.
We're going to read the same story from different accounts in the gospel to see the perspectives of this story.
Read the following verses (Mark 9:17-29)
Read the following verses (Luke 9:37-42)
14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:14-21)
12 Keys on what to do after deliverance:
- Yield to the Lordship of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in all areas of your life.
- Stay humble.
- Put God first.
- Meditate on the word day and night. Look up scriptures that pertain to what you have been delivered from. It is important to have a word to be able to resist the devil. Example: if you were delivered from the spirit of fear. Look up all the scriptures on fear and memorize them. And when the enemy tries to bring any situation or thoughts of fear. You have the word to say, as it is written in 1 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given me the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.”
- Know who you are in Christ.
- Pray without ceasing.
- Turn away from all occult and any idolatry.
- Get rid of things in your house that can cause an open door. Any decorations, artifacts, clothes, photos or any items that does not honor Jesus.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a church that is biblically based, spirit filled and led by the Holy Spirit.
- Attend Bible studies regularly.
- Continue to live a life of Holiness, Righteousness, and Reverence to God.
- Study the power and authority that you have as a disciple of Jesus Chris
What are the best characteristics of a faithful friend?
Reading from the book of Daniel Chapter 3, these are 4 characteristics we have found and notes we have written about Daniel friends' Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:
🕊 1.) They had faith & fear for God.
- They decided to obey the True God and not the false god whom everyone was being taught to worship.
- They believed in their God who will deliver them through the fire and the accusations from people.
- A person with a true heart for God will not fear when heat comes.
🕊 2.) They were willing to endure difficult situations.
- They pressed forward through a season when their faith was being tested.
- They had a loyal heart and a willing mind for God.
🕊 3.) Unity even through hardships.
Daniel 3:18
- They did not give up on God and their relationship with each other.
- Trials not just made their faith stronger but made their friendship together stronger.
🕊 4.) Their obedience to God leads to fruitfulness.
Daniel 3:30
- Humility before God leads to promotion.
- Their boldness in faith leads people to trust and follow their God.
How To Have A Heart For God:
🔑 Keys on How to Have A Heart for God:
1.) Focus.
2.) We must guard the eyes and the ear gates.
3.) God’s Word. His Word heals us from trauma or abuse.
🔑 1 - Focus.
Having a heart and eyes focus on the Lord.
Depending on every season you are called for, there are different ways you may focus on the Lord.
Some ways we can focus on the Lord, is by closing or cutting out distractions, social media, or notifications from your phone (if possible) to replace them by spending time with God.
“6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” - Matthew 6:6
As you focus on God, trust God through the process and continue to meditate on His Word.
Here are scriptures to help you focus on the Lord:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
- Philippians 4:8
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Matthew 6:21
Remember, the Word of God has the answers. The Word of God is Spirit, and you can turn to Him no matter how difficult the struggles and the trials you may be facing.
🔑 2 - Guard your eyes and ear gates.
We must guard our eyes and ears in the Spirit.
To guard your eyes and ears in the Spirit, there must be healthy discipline and boundaries to be made.
One way is by examining what you are consuming through social media, environments you are in, and people you surround yourself with.
What you consume, is what you create. Whatever comes into your mind, comes to your heart.
Examine and check your heart, is there any unforgiveness, hurt, bitterness, or things you must let go of?
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for what He wants to reveal to you that you must to let go of. Repent and turn away from what the Holy Spirit reveals to you.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9
🔑 3 - God’s Word.
God’s Word cleanses us and delivers us.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is a seed. And seeds needs to be watered. When you water the Word of God in your life, the seeds starts to grow deeper in your life.
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” - Matthew 22:37-39
Remember, speak and proclaim God’s Word and truth over your life. Proclamation is one of the weapons to go against the enemy. In Jesus Name!
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Abiding in God’s presence prevents us from falling into feelings of burnout.
3 benefits of abiding in Christ:
Bearing fruit that glorifies the Lord (John 15:4-8, 11)
True rest in His presence (Matthew 11:28-30)
Protection and peace that surpasses all understanding (Psalm 91, Philippians 4:6-8)
There’s a balance between spending time to hear from the Lord and taking action in faith to carry out the assignment at hand.
James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
In Luke 10:38-42, we see the difference between striving in our own strength and abiding in the presence of Jesus.
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Given the historical context at the time, the expectation and norm was women would serve, prepare dinners, take care of the household tasks, etc. Martha’s questioning of why Mary wasn’t helping her was reasonable for that time but what condition of heart was she asking these questions from?
Martha invited Jesus into her house but proceeded to be consumed with the action of everything she was doing instead of being present with Jesus. She allowed herself to be distracted with serving and preparing. Meanwhile, Mary chose to be present with Jesus at His feet and listen to what He was sharing. Feelings of burnout is a warning sign that you need to get into the presence of God.
The one thing that can not be taken away from us is the secret time we spend in His presence and the relationship that we have with the Lord.
A great question we get to ask ourselves is: Am I striving out of my own strength to serve? OR am I abiding in Christ so He is my strength in all that I do to serve? Who are you trying to get approval from? God or man?
To strive means to go to great extents/efforts to obtain something or a result. Pushing flesh leads to burnout. When that’s done out our own strength, it results in feelings of exhaustion, burnout, comparison, complaining, etc.
To abide means to remain, to continue to be present, and endure. As we remain and continue in the presence of the Lord, He provides us with the strength to serve Him with joy in all that we do.
You’re a child of God before any position or title.
Serving in ministry is a great thing but we need to prioritize spending time in the presence of God with our secret time.
By prioritizing time with Him, He provides us with the strength, wisdom and strategy on how we need to move and serve in ministry.
When we abide in Christ, He give us the true joy to continue to do it all things for His glory.
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Abiding signifies a permanent position — to remain, continue, endure
Christians receive Jesus, disciples remain in Jesus.
To abide in Christ is choosing to prioritize our relationship with Him over anything else in our lives.
Surrender and willingness to change is how we can remain and continue in our relationship with the Lord and let His word renew our minds.
As we continue in our relationship with God, there will be seasons of pruning that helps us mature spiritually and bear more fruit.
By taking that next step in continuing and remaining in our relationship with God helps us cultivate the gifts and talents He’s given us.
Each of us has a different assignment and calling on our life. God has given each one grace
Keys to abiding in Christ:
Fasting & prayer
Fasting is an intentional & willful desire to abstain from the pleasures of this world for a spiritual purpose. It helps us cut out the noise of the world to focus on the Lord and hear from Him.
Prayer is simply talking with God, communing with Him and seeking His guidance and counsel.
James 4:8; Isaiah 58; Ezra 8:21; Matthew 17:21; Eph 6:10-18; Galatians 2:20, 2 Chronicles 7:14-15
Meditate on His word day & night
Prepare a scripture emergency kit to overcome thoughts/feelings/emotions contrary to God’s word [anxiety, depression, discouragement, anger, etc]
Psalm 1, 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Philippians 4:8
Speak life over yourself - proclaim the truth & God’s promises
Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; Hebrews 4:12
Fellowship with equally yoked believers
Healthy community in Christ is important to our spiritual growth.
The enemy wants us to isolate but God has created us to have fellowship and community.
Ecc 4:9-10; Psalm 1 (godly vs ungodly counsel); 2 Corinthians 6:14; Proverbs 27:17
Suicidal thoughts can come to anyone. Even a man or woman of God.
Here are a few people in the Bible who struggled with suicidal thoughts:
Elijah
Jonah
Judas
Saul
Don’t think you’re alone.
We must understand that this is a spiritual attack.
It’s a dark spirit that wants to impregnate the mind with thoughts of depression, anxiety, fear, and weariness.
Suicide can come from unworthiness, overwhelm, and exhaustion just to name a few.
We have to remember God’s promises when battling the spirit of suicide:
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”(Romans 8:28)
God is using the circumstance for His greater purpose. Every thing the enemy meant for evil God will use it for good.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)
Weariness is only for a season. Keep on doing good. Keep on pursing God. God will turn things around in due season. Commit your mind, heart, and soul to worshipping Him.
“He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”
(Isaiah 40:29-31)
5 keys to battling the spirit of suicide:
- Don’t do it alone. Open up to someone. Share your struggles with godly counsel so they can pray for you
“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
- Know how much God loves you. Know Christ died for you.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
- Know that God has a purpose, a plan, and a calling for you.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Understand you’re in a spiritual battle. Pray against any spirit of suicide or depression.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)
- Continue to praise the Lord
“(God) consoles those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)
In Jesus name.
Suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone
Even Elijah, a powerful warrior prophet struggled with this and prayed that God would end his life.
What happened?
Here's why one reason why Elijah struggled with suicide...
Mental Exhaustion.
Elijah just had the greatest victory of his life. 400 prophets of Baal get slain. God shows up in the form of fire and Elijah has so much excitement that he runs to his next location 25 miles away, faster than Ahab's horse. The hand of the Lord was upon Him.
Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. (1 Kings 19:2-3)
Before he knows it, he's running again. This time out of fear
It went from excitement and running in the spirit to fear running in the flesh for his life.
Where was the break?
Where was the private prayer time?
Where was the devotion in the secret place to get refueled?
He didn't get a chance.
Sometimes life happens fast.
We get another task or another opportunity, and we're running for God maybe because His hand is upon us or maybe because we're scared we won't be able to pay rent
Either way, we need to rest in His presence
Without His presence we will get exhausted, feel burnt out, or pray that it would all just end
Pray after victory. Pray after what the enemy wants you to believe is defeat. Pray to God. Seek His face. Rest in His presence.
The enemy doesn't want you to bear the fruit of the Spirit
Jesus is the true vine
He says in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
Without Jesus we can do nothing.
Don't do it alone. Do it with Jesus. Find community. Talk through these thoughts with others
Let's look at how God responds to Elijah after he prays prayers of death
Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. (1 Kings 19:5)
God sent an Angel to bake him a cake and he took a nap.
It's ok to rest.
Who's ministry is it really? Who's bank account is it? Who's business it? Who's job is it? Who is the provider?
Is it you or God?
Let Him sustain you. Watch out for the works of the flesh and selfish ambition
Nurture your mind with His word and His presence.
Eat a cake and take a nap in His presence and just be mindful if you're every slipping down the slope of exhaustion.
It should be a daily devotion. A daily surrender.
3 Keys to Overcome Exhaustion:
1 Trust God and His promises
The enemy comes to oppress and destroy. In these times we need to trust the Angel and the Word God sends to us.
2 Be able to openly receive God's blessings
The cake was a blessing. The nap was a blessing. God sends help. Be open to receive it
3 Press into His promise
Elijah got up and pressed back into God's calling because he knew the journey ahead was great. Get rest and keep on going. You have a purpose. God will guide you.
God bless you and thanks for watching.
It’s either the Holy Spirit or not.
There are different spirits during these end times to try to infiltrate the church of Jesus Christ.
Exposing these spirits is not to scare us but prepare us.
What is the spirit of this age?
2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, (Ephesians 2:2)
4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:4)
When they preach a different gospel or a different Jesus.. it comes from a different spirit.
These wicked spirits are here with strategies & tactics to come against God’s children.
Ephesians 6 talks about the armor of God how we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against dark principalities & powers.
7 wicked spirits we’ll be covering today that are warring against the church of Jesus Christ.
Spirit of the AntiChrist
Spirit of Leviathan (Pride)
Spirit of Jezebel (Witchcraft - manipulation, intimidation, domination)
Spirit of Lust
Spirit of Deception
Spirit of Python (Divination through soothsaying & fortune-telling)
Spirit of Religion
Spirit of the antichrist
3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (1 John 4:3)
Spirit of leviathan
34 He beholds every high thing; He is king over all the children of pride.” (Job 41:34)
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:16-17)
18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
Spirit of Jezebel
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. (Revelation 2:20)
Spirit of lust
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18)
24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)
Spirit of deception
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
Spirit of python
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. (Acts 16:16)
Spirit of religion
John 8 the woman caught up in adultery got confronted by religious folks which was used to test Jesus.
The Pharisee's got indoctrinated to something that became man made... they saw Jesus in the flesh but did not know He was God.
A successful business reveals a wise owner.
An obedient child reveals a sharp parent.
A strong church flock reveals a quality pastor.
When you see a fruitful harvest, acknowledge the sower!
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:15-20)
In order to ‘know them by their fruit’ we must:
1 Be filled with the Holy Spirit to discern
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ephesians 5:18-19)
Do not be ‘drunk’ with the worldly ways and perspective but be filled with the Spirit to effectively discern between good fruit and fake fruit.
One of the prerequisites to being filled with the Holy Spirit is thanksgiving.
You’ll know when something is birthed from the secret place in somebody because of the seeds that were sown into them privately and allow God to reward you and be exalted publicly.
In order for us to bear fruit that glorifies God publicly, we need to spend time with God privately.
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:7-8)
2 Focus on people’s character, their function in serving the body of Christ, and how they will be used for the glory of God
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
3 Understand the process of how seeds are planted and harvested
Everybody’s path to fruitfulness in the Lord varies.
Experiences and trials to a fruitful season differ.
Seed, Soil, Season
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9)
When you are surrounded by other believers producing fruit, the Holy Spirit inspires you to get deeper with the Lord so you can produce fruit according to your gifts and anointing.
To be fruitful it’s staying faithful to what God has called and anointed you for.
There's a powerful seed within you.
What's the seed?
it's the word of God
It's the word that God planted in your heart.
It's your calling, your purpose, and who God says you are.
It's that word God used to heal and deliver you.
The enemy knows the power of the seed that comes from above.
This is why he'll do anything to uproot that seed out of your heart
The enemy will send an assignment against that seed.
To destroy it, to confuse it, to choke it so it becomes unfruitful
What are the 3 main assignments the devil uses to destroy the seed within you?
They're found in Mark chapter 4
18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:18)
Three assignments against the seed:
1 Cares of this world
What are "cares"? The word means to divide the mind in the greek. A care of this world is ANYTHING that divides your mind away from God, His Word, His calling, and His purpose for you.
It could be everyday anxieties or worries and stress about things God has already promised He would provide for in His word.
What is dividing your attention away from heavenly things?
We have to audit our mind. We have to monitor our thoughts. We are called to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Be mindful of the cares of this world that try to divide you away from what truly matters. God has a greater purpose for you. Focus on that
2 Deceitfulness of riches
The desire for more money can pull us away from our kingdom calling.
Matthew 6:33 says seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you
1 Timothy 6:6 says Godliness with contentment is great gain.
When will enough be enough? There's a difference between laboring for God and laboring for the riches of this world. One type of riches are passing away and the other are eternal riches that will be stored up in heaven for you on the final day.
Audit your pursuits and be mindful of why you do what you do. Stay focused on the Kingdom of God.
3 Desires for other things
Another example of something that can pull us away from the Kingdom of God.
The Bible warns us of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
We must have our priorities straight. God first. Then everything else is second.
Watch out for the lusts of the flesh because it's cravings never end.
Enjoy your portion, dwell in your lot, be satisfied, and build for the Kingdom of God.
In Jesus name.
God bless you and thanks for listening
🔑 4 Keys to Renewing Your Mind.
The first level is understanding the strategies and the tactics of the enemy.
The only power that the enemy has, is when we decide to give him the power. It starts with the seeds that we believe.
🔑 4 W's to Renewing Your Mind:
1 - God's Word
2 - God's Wisdom
3 - God's Way
4 - God's Will
God's Wisdom is applying the Word of God. To consecrate yourself is to be set apart and to separate yourself from the world to draw near to God.
The enemy's tactic is to send lies in the mind and contradicts with what God has spoken. (Genesis 3:1-5)
Lies are seeds, and deception becomes the fruit.
The enemy has no power to destroy the will of God in our lives, but if we allow him to influence us of getting away from the will of God, then we have opened the door to the enemy.
But as followers of Christ, we have the authority in Christ to renew our mind with the truth, God's Word.
God's Will is the best will. God's Will is found in God's Word.
⚔️ Temptations from the enemy:
1- The lust of the flesh
2- The lust of the eyes
3- The pride of life
(Genesis 3:6-11)
But in the Book of Matthew Chapter 4, Jesus overcame every temptation from the enemy. The enemy used scripture to battle against Jesus. But Jesus knew how to battle scripture against scripture.
🔑 To apply these 4 keys to renew your mind:
1- Believe
2- To have faith in Christ.
3- To repent. To have a changed mind.
Spiritual warfare is the battle between the lies & the truth.
Lies come from the enemy… the truth is Jesus.
Lies are the seed.
Deception is the fruit.
We don’t just become deceived, deception happens when you start to believe the lie.
The lies started in the garden in Genesis 3! So he’s been doing this for thousands of years.. imagine how good the enemy is at it today.
So how do we overcome the lies? TRUTH!
If you fill your mind up with God’s truth, the enemy has no room for his lives.
If the enemy can lie us… we will continue to walk in that deception.
Whats worst about deception?
It’s deceived people continuing to deceive more people as they are walking in deception.
4 levels of deception that Jesus warns us about.
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. (Matthew 24:4)
5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:5)
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. (Matthew 24:11)
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24)
The enemy will deceive through great signs & wonders… it might be SO close that it looks like God… but it’s NOT.
IF possible… even the elect can be deceived?
If you are not planted in the Lord… & constantly in His word, you MAY be deceived.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Because they do not LOVE the truth… a strong delusion will come.
It’s not just a strong delusion, it’s a spirit of delusion.
Delusion means wandering… or error that leads to deceit.
When you are operating in a mind of delusion, your mind is wandering.. or your mind is operating in error.
Love truth! or become deceived.
Jesus is the way the truth the life… John 14:6
4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:4)
You don’t just get preached a different jesus, or a different gospel… you ALSO receive a different spirit! Beware.
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, (1 Timtohy 4:1-2)
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9
1 Study & understand God’s word
Reading God’s word and memorizing scriptures is NOT enough in these last days… we need fresh encounters with God
2 Relationship with the Holy Spirit
A relationship is relational NOT transactional.
3 Live in Jesus name
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Walking in the Spirit is how we walk with God.
We must walk in alignment with God.
Our ALIGNMENT with God, is more important than the ASSIGNMENT from God.
Meaning... the timing of the assignment from God must be ALIGNED with God.
Want to know how to walk in the Spirit?
Love thy Lord God with all your heart, mind and soul.
Give your heart, mind & soul FULLY to God & let the Holy Spirit use you!
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37)
Walking in the Spirit is our way of fully surrendering our life to Christ.
Love Jesus more than anything, & watch how God will use you mightily!
6 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16:18)
We're called to walk in the Spirit... because the flesh is warring against it.
Our flesh wants to glorify self.
Our Spirit wants to glorify God.
How do we walk in the Spirit?
The Bible says that Noah walked with God.
9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)
The revelation I received on knowing how to walk in the Spirit came from what the bible said about the concept of 'walking'...
So here's 3 ways to walk in the Spirit.
1 Walk circumspectly
Circumspectly - exactly, accurately, diligently
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:15-21)
We must walk carefully, heeding the voice of God in obedience to God.
Make sure you're FILLED with the Spirit.. ways to do this is singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord!
2 Walk in truth
It’s not just true, it’s the TRUTH.
1 Vindicate me, O Lord, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. 2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. 3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. 4 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. 5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O Lord,
David was a man after the Lord's heart.
Vindicate - to judge, govern, vindicate, punish
Our ability to KNOW TRUTH & WALK that truth allows us to show our REAL love for Jesus.
3 Walk by faith
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. ( 2 Corinthians 5:7-8)
It’s easy to say to ‘walk by faith’ with my mouth… but can I walk by faith with my feet.
Faith without works is dead.
What I see sometimes allows me to have doubt… but what I hear, allows me to have faith.
Romans 10 says that Faith comes by hearing & by hearing God's word.
Walking by faith may allow me to be tested, at the same time it increases my faith.
I pray you continue to walk with God & walk in the Spirit.
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The Holy Spirit convicts us with sin & allows us to grow in God!
Put your faith in Christ & ask God to fill you up with His Spirit!
The Lord desires for us to be FILLED with His Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is our guide, our comforter, our revelator, our teacher & so much more!
How do you receive the Holy Spirit?
1 Receive Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior
Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior?
If not, it's not too late, you can ask Him to come into your heart & be the Lord of your life right now!
2 Repentance
To truly have a 'changed mind' is what repentance means.
Decide to change your mind about how you want to live your life... and decide to live your life for Christ.
3 Ask God for His Spirit
Our God is SO good! If you ask, it will be given.
He desires for us to have His Spirit.
Ask the Lord & watch Him move.
Here are a few people in the bible that have been filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1 John the Baptist filled with the Holy Spirit.
13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13-17)
John the Baptist later became that prophecy fulfillment of the 'voice in the wilderness'
The same man that was chosen to baptize Jesus Himself.
Acts 4 Peter filled with the Holy Spirit
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: (Acts 4:7-8)
Peter was used to help a lame man be healed in Jesus name right before this.
& his boldness to preach the Christ was evidence he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9 Apostle Paul filled with the Holy Spirit
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. (Acts 9:17-18)
Apostle Paul went from murdering Christians to living a life dedicated to Christ.
He had such a radical encounter with God... & never turned back from this moment in Acts 9.
There is POWER when being filled with the Holy Spirit.
What is evidence you have the Holy Spirit?
1 Your love for Jesus!
The evidence of you singing melodies from your heart unto the Lord.
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ephesians 5:19)
2 Your Fruit!
Fruits can be your characteristics.
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
World means a godless society.
A society without God.
You're either under the reign of Lord Jesus.. or the enemy.
3 Things The Bible Tells Us About The World…
1 Do not be conformed by the world.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
Conformed means to not be influenced by the fashions of this world.
2 Do not be a friend of the world
4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4)
3 Do not love the world.
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
What did Jesus say about the world?
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:18-20)
Please read John 15:21-25 as well.
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Please ready John 16:28-32
(John 18:33-36)
5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” 9 When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. (John 7:5-9)
Now… let’s expose how the enemy is in charge of the world & deceives it!
The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:19-21)
The enemy is a deceiver of this whole world.
9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)
The enemy is willing to give you the world in exchange with your worship to him.
5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” (Luke 4:5-8)
How to overcome the world?
God’s Word - Psalm 119
God’s Wisdom - Proverbs 4
God’s Will - 1 John 2
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We CANNOT cast out the flesh, we must crucify it!
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. (Romans 7:18)
It's not always the devil... it could also be our flesh.
There is this enemy that is within me... its the flesh.
The flesh has the ability to control us if we don't submit to God & His spirit.
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:16-17)
You're either submitting to God or to your own flesh.
Here are the 4 main categories of the flesh according to Galatians 5
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
1 Sexual impurity (Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lewdness)
2 Occults (Idolatry, Sorcery)
3 Pride (Jealousy, Outbursts of Wrath, Murders, Selfish Ambitions, Dissensions, Heresies, Envy)
4 Self Indulgent (Drunkenness, Revelries)
..'those that practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God'
The Cross.
14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 7:13-25
Anything the flesh produces is corrupt.
What is the solution to this?
5 Ways To Overcome the flesh.
1 Decide.
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
2 Deny yourself.
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)
3 Present your bodies a living sacrifice
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you pres
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The more we study truth the more we are sanctified and the renewing of the mind takes place.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
Renewing of the mind through the Word of God affects our everyday decisions, our spiritual growth, and especially building the right relationships.
"Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)
Being surrounded by other spirit-filled believers is key to growing in our relationship with Jesus.
We need to be around spirit-filled believers who are on fire for the Lord.
It keeps us accountable in our personal walk on the path of righteousness.
Part of the renewing of the mind process is being open to seeing things from God's perspective through how God uses other people.
We need to be submitted & sensitive to the Holy Spirit so we can stand strong in our faith in Jesus.
3 Reminders About Environments that effect our relationships
1 Environments influence our thinking.
2 Environments hinder our growth or help our growth.
3 Environments dictate our spiritual appetites.
12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:12-14)
Jesus is explaining to His disciples several times in scripture to not intertwine with the pharisees & their thinking.
These are people who proclaimed to 'know God' yet they denied God in the flesh (Jesus).
There are layers to understanding environments & relationships.
There are people who know of God & there are true believers who know God.
Understanding that not every person who says they believe in God may not be someone that is meant to be in your life.
We all serve the same Lord but different assignments.
We all NEED Jesus & community that serves Jesus.
Also, there is a need to know where the Lord wants to place us in this season.
Want to make sure that you're in the right community? Ask the Holy Spirit & surrender to God daily.
Seek the Lord in prayer. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Fast that pleases God. (Isaiah 58)
Surrender everyday. (John 3:30) (Matthew 16)
You may not feel like you've found the right community this season... it is well.
Trust God through it all.
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The Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out.
When you have the Holy Spirit…
Worldly music won’t sound the same.
Clubbing and poppin bottles on the weekend won’t be the highlight of your week.
You won’t be laughing at the same jokes like you used to.
Everything shifts when you truly surrender to the Lord.
Your desires change.
Your goals change.
Your heart changes.
A brand new creature in Christ after Gods heart.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Galatians 2:20 Isaiah 43:18-19
3 Keys that is the role of the Holy Spirit
Teacher
Truth
Transformer
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
The OLD man must leave so the NEW man can have room & enter.
1 Teacher
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher.
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)
The Holy Spirit brings remembrance of ALL things.
By His Spirit THROUGH His Spirit.
2 Truth
17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:17)
There is a difference between true & truth.
Circumstances about you might have been ‘once’ true in one season, but is not true in this season.
Truth never changes.
Truth is God’s word.
His word lives & abides forever.
His mercies are new everyday.
Those that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish like a palm tree.
No weapon formed against you will prosper.
These are all TRUTH because truth NEVER changes.
3 Transformer
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (Ephesians 4:23)
God’s Spirit works in us day by day.
Learn to be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
God’s spirit is a gift from God.
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:4-5)
4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, t
Spiritual maturity is when you can still love & forgive when someone is attacking you with their words.
Your first response is prayer, compassion, & understanding.
Know when to defend His name using biblical wisdom & being spiritually mature.
We're called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ.
You know you're growing in your spiritual walk with Christ when you're not slandering people, but praying for people.
PRAYING instead of PREYING on them to try to find evidence to come against them.
"Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots." (Luke 23:34)
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15)
New believers come from a place where they want God to save others, but this is where discipleship, training on stewardship, & knowing what God has assigned you.
God did not anoint you for that giant.
Some have been given oil, but that giant was not assigned to you.
David got anointed then Goliath showed up.
We must have biblical wisdom to know when seeds are falling on good ground.
Have biblical discernment knowing that God has marked & anointed you for certain environments, people, & conversations.
You must go thru the fire to get refined.
You can’t lead somebody to places & spaces that you haven’t been to yourself.
Sometimes we may ask God why we’re going through certain situations even as a child of God
Understand your seasons and see things through God’s perspective
(Hebrews 5:12-14)
Paul is talking about a babe in Christ who is unskilled in the word of righteousness.
You can’t run until you’ve crawled, spiritually.
Spiritual maturity is discerning the difference between what is good and evil in God’s eyes.
The world is going to depict something as good.
Just because it’s good doesn’t mean it’s God.
The only way to grow is through God’s word.
There’s an active search for understanding the deep things of God.
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)
Discern your season & your moment.
Just because it's an increase, doesn't mean it's always from God.
Even the enemy tempted Jesus to promise to give the whole kingdom in exchange for His worship.
A check may come with a compromise.
Spiritual maturity is understanding & knowing where God wants you.
Seek His will not your will.
saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Another sign of spiritual maturity is seeking God for yourself.
When receiving counsel from a pastor or another man or woman of God we need to be able to discern from the Spirit.
But we must also seek counsel directly from God on our own.
It’s okay to be inspired by what others may tell you, but we should not idolize them.
Ways to become more spiritually mature
1 God’s Word
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
2 Getting around other spirit-filled believers
He who walks with wisemen will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)
3 Have an active prayer life
Talk to God like you’re having a regular conversation with a friend or family
The simple way to pray:
Not every thought is from God.
Everything you think, you CAN'T believe it.
Being a follower of Christ, there is a process of discipline, obedience, unlearning and letting go of certain habits and old thinking that are not from God.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Romans 12:2
To be transformed in the mind, is to not conform to this world. But to study and apply God's Word in our daily lives.
God's Word washes us, God's Word cleanses us, God's Word is a lamp onto our feet and a light to our path. God's Word leads us and guides us into His righteous path.
1 Every thought is not true. Just because you think it, doesn't make it right.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."
(2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
Every thought that we believe is a seed. And as the seed is planted, the seed grows roots and it leads to bear fruit. Every fruit has a root.
2 You can't control what flies through your mind, but you can control what lands on your mind.
We can't control what flies through our mind, but we can choose to decide what we believe and what we receive.
The enemy wants us to believe the lie. But the Bible says to,
"Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
Be deeply rooted in God's word to fight the lies of the enemy. In Jesus Name.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
(Isaiah 55:8-9)
3 We must learn to discern seeds.
Practical Ways to Discern Thoughts:
1 Discern with God's Word
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
The Bible teaches us principles on how to overcome anything with the knowledge and wisdom of God to help us in times of our needs.
2 Praying in the Spirit
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)
Prayer is our first response to overcome anything with God.
3 Spiritual Covering
Pray and ask God, for a trusted pastor or spiritual counselor who fears God, who loves the Lord with all their heart, their mind, and their soul.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)
What Are The Administration Gifts In The Book Of Romans 12?
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We find 7 more spiritual gifts in the book of Romans
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (Romans 12:3-5)
7 Administrative Gifts
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8)
1 Prophecy
2 Serving, Ministering
3 Teaching
4 Exhortation
5 Giving
6 Leadership
7 Mercy
Prophecy.
All prophecy leads to a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Operating in the prophetic is all under the power of the Holy Spirit
Ministering & Serving
Serving is a form of ministry.
Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve.
Teaching.
May we continue to teach others God’s truth in a way that souls receive His word.
The ability to understand how to communicate God’s divine word to others is a gift.
We are all called to teach in some capacity.
Some are called to teach hundreds.
Others are called to teach people in a 1 on 1 setting.
We can all teach someone, something about who Jesus is.
To effectively keep an eye on God’s people and instruct them towards the truth.
Exhortation.
To exhort is to encourage.
The ability to best apply God’s truth to encourage others.
When you can encourage others that need it is a gift we can transfer unto others.
God’s word heals.
Giving.
To give without expecting to receive anything is TRUE giving.
To give with ‘liberality’, with freedom.
He gave His only Begotten Son.
We give because we love & appreciate it.
True givers don’t expect anything in return once they give, it’s a gift.
Leadership.
People want to be lead.
When we are called to lead, we must lead with diligence.
To lead with diligence means to show that we care.
Mercy.
Just like God has mercy for us, we must have that same mercy for others.
That’s true compassion for others.
Scripture tells us to be cheerful when we show mercy for others.
We must be strong both spiritually and emotionally to be able to have mercy on others.
In Jesus name!
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The gifts of the spirit allow us to align our life with God.
This is evidence for the believer that they are walking righteously with the Lord.
Gods wisdom
Gods Word
Gods way
7 Gifts Of The Spirit
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)
1 Wisdom
2 Understanding
3 Counsel
4 Might
5 Knowledge
6 Fear of the Lord
7 Spirit Of The Lord (Piety)
Let's talk about each one...
Wisdom.
To have wisdom is to be skillful, wise & prudent.
When you're prudent you know how to make 'careful' decisions.
Wisdom is applied knowledge.
Understanding.
To have discernment, to act, to object to knowledge, personified.
The concept of being able to not just receive information, but gain illumination is how understanding works in the believers life.
Counsel.
To get advice & plan.
Wise counsel is biblical.
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
Might.
To have strength, valor, brave, mighty deeds of God.
We need His strength all through our life.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10)
Knowledge.
To have perception, skill, aware, discernment, & understanding.
Make sure the information you're receiving is biblical and from the Lord.
Fear of the Lord.
To have respect and reverence for God.
This is not the fear the world gives us.
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. (Proverbs 8:13)
Spirit of the Lord.
Ruah the breathe of God.
We need God's presence wherever we go.
We need God's breathe that gives us life.
Praise God!
Please go study Ephesians 1 the whole chapter.
You'll find a lot of these in that chapter alone.
If you want to know who you are in Christ... go read Ephesians.
It shows the believers who they are and the authority we carry.
In Jesus name!
Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
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There are 9 Spiritual Gifts shared in 1 Corinthians 12
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
1 Word of Wisdom
2 Word of Knowledge
3 Faith
4 Gifts of healing
5 Miracles
6 Prophecy
7 Discerning Of Spirits
8 Tongues
9 Interpretation of Tongues
Now let's give examples of each one according to scripture.
Word of Wisdom is the ability to see a future event in someone's life.
Word of Knowledge is the ability to see a current event in someone's life.
In John 4 Jesus was able to know the Samaritan women's current situation about your husband and husbands... this was a word of knowledge on her life.
In Acts 5:1-11 we see Peter know the situation in Ananias & Sapphira... which he later states 'you have not lied to men, but the Holy Spirit.
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. (Acts 5:4-5)
Faith is another gift.
There's measures of faith but also a gift that allows God to move.
The bible says that because of 'their' faith, a man was healed. Something about people's faith that allows God to move in a supernatural way.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (Mark 2:5)
Jesus let the centurion's servant be healed because He saw he had great faith.
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! (Matthew 8:10)
Gifts Of Healing
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. (Acts 28:7-10)
We see Apostle Paul healing the father of Publius and the rest of the island that had diseases.
Healing is a gift of the spirit.. but ONLY given by the Holy Spirit.
Gifts Of Prophecy
All prophecy leads back to the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Theres Prophets that operate in the office.
& there is ways to operate in the prophetic.
The word of knowledge & word of wisdom are examples of operating in the prophetic.
Discerning Of Spirits
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” A
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We have grace that was given according to the measure of Christ's gifts...
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7)
Before we talk about the 5 fold ministry...
These are the 4 keys I want to impart on you in regards to ministry gifts:
1 It’s a gift over a title.
Just because you have the title… doesn’t mean you’re operating in the gift given by God.
2 Don’t idol the title.
Your identity is found in Christ… not your title.
3 Your gifts bear good fruit.
Your fruit is evidence of these gifts.
4 If we are to carry a title… it’s servant
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
How do we receive these gifts?
God gives these gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Born again.
Discipleship.
Obedience.
How do I know my gifts?
Be surrendered to God daily.
Get into environments where God wants to use you.
Make sure you’re under healthy godly covering & counseling.
How do I grow in my gifts?
Exercise your gifts.
What are the 5 fold ministry gifts in Ephesians 4?
Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (Ephesians 4:11)
Apostles are builders, they lay down the foundation alongside the prophets.
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, (Ephesians 2:20)
Apostles plant churches, rebuke false doctrine, confront the body of Christ with correction & lead armies.
Prophets war for God’s kingdom.
Read about Elijah in 1 Kings…
Prophets pray. They continue to stay prayed up & only speaks with God wants them to speak.
Great example of this is Micaiah in (2 Chronicles 18)
Evangelists plant seeds in the world.
There mission is not to save souls… but to plant seeds & water them in the field… then let God do the increase.
Jesus saves the soul.
We are called plant.
They must be wise when it comes to soul winning.
11 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)
They are not called to bring people to church… but prioritize bringing souls to Christ.
We can learn more in Acts 8 with Philip the evangelist.
Pastors.
They pray & share God’s word to people.
God has chosen shepherds to be over His sheep.
15 And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15)
A pastor doesn’t just preach on Sunday… they are there to steward the sheep all week.
Teachers.
Teach Gods word with sound doctrine.
They build roots into the disciples and build them up to grow and bear fruit.
There’s so much more we can talk about each gift.
And we need to remember it is a ministry gift over a title.
God given.
God ordained.
God appointed & anointed.
The Lord gave us these gifts for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry & for the edifying of the body of Christ.
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:12)
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The Holy Spirit... our guide, comforter, teacher, revelator.
The Holy Spirit that is upon all the believers in these last days.
We have been given gifts from the Holy Spirit according to the grace of God.
6 "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,..." (Romans 12:6)
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7)
3 Truths about The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit.
1 God gives the gifts as He wills
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. ( 1 Corinthians 12:11)
2 Chase Jesus, don't chase after gifts.
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)
3 Your gifts make room for you.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men. (Proverbs 18:16)
Now we're going to share all the gifts with the scriptures that back up each gift given to us.
9 Spiritual gifts
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
1.) Word of Wisdom
2 Word of Knowledge
3 Faith
4 Gifts of healing
5 Miracles
6 Prophecy
7 Discerning Of Spirits
8 Tongues
9 Interpretation of Tongues
7 Gifts Of The Spirit
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)
1 Wisdom
2 Understanding
3 Counsel
4 Might
5 Knowledge
6 Fear
7 Spirit Of The Lord (Piety)
7 Administrative Gifts
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8
1 Prophecy
2 Serving, Ministering
3 Teaching
4 Exhortation
5 Giving
6 Leadership
7 Mercy
5 Fold Ministry Gifts
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (Ephesians 4:11)
1 Apostles
2 Prophets
3 Evangelists
4 Pastors
5 Teachers
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Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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Good news.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John are called the Gospel’s because it studies the life of Jesus Christ.
He is the good news.
Now as we get deeper to understand the TRUE gospel... it's according to our obedience to God.
The real gospel is transformation & the REAL power of God!
God's word should transform us.
His Spirit does that regeneration in our life everyday!
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
In Matthew 16, it shares what the true gospel is about...
1 Deny Our self
2 Take up that cross
3 Follow Jesus
Knowing that our flesh & spirit are warring against each other daily, Galatians talks about how they are contrary towards one another.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:13-25)
Our flesh is always present with us because are flesh can't leave us as along as we are on this earth.
You can't cast out the flesh, but you must crucify the flesh.
The flesh wants to glorify self.
The Spirit wants to glorify God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Our firm foundation is Jesus Christ.
& we must be deeply rooted in Him... that no matter what wind comes, we'll still be able to stand because of how deeps our roots are.
The window blows, the divorce comes, the bankruptcy, the job fires you.. no matter what, the Lord is your strong tower, He is your fortress, He is your rock!
The most safest place to be in this world.. is in the will of God.
The most dangerous place to be in this world... in in the will of you.
A true Christian life, is an interrupted life.
A surrendered life.
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle t
What's next after biblical deliverance as a disciple of Jesus Christ?... Grab our pamphlet knowing who you are in Jesus Christ👉🏻https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/do-you-know-jesus-christ-in-you-hazel-simon?_pos=2&_sid=6bb09b074&_ss=r
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🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
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⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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How to keep your deliverance:
- Yield to the Lordship of Jesus in every area of your life. Put God first.
- Know who you are in Christ.
- Stay faithful to God.
- Stay humble.
- Stay grateful.
- Be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Live by the Word of God.
- Put on the whole armor of God.
- Put on the helmet of hope.
- Put on the garment of praise. Learn how to worship Jesus in spirit and in truth.
- Cultivate godly relationships and fellowship.
People get into God's presence to GET delivered, but don't stay in His presence long enough to STAY delivered.
43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45)
We must continue to be filled up with the presence & glory of God daily!
The very thing we got delivered from and set free from... can be the VERY thing that will attack us even harder in the seasons ahead.
Stay sharp in the spirit & be vigilant!
Now, as we are keeping and maintaining our deliverance, we have to understand it's a process.
Just as God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt from Pharoah into promise land... they had to go through a wilderness.
There's several reasons the Lord allows us to be in wilderness according to Deuteronomy 8.
(Deuteronomy 8:1-5)
To humble you
To test you
& to know what is in your heart... welcome to wilderness
And as we go through this process, the Holy Spirit is doing a mighty work in you & through you!
5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5)
That regeneration is renovation.
A true renovation in your heart, mind, & soul.
The Holy Spirit is a true gift from God.
May the Holy Spirit do a full renovation in your life.
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
What's next after biblical deliverance as a disciple of Jesus Christ?... Grab our pamphlet knowing who you are in Jesus Christ👉🏻https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/do-you-know-jesus-christ-in-you-hazel-simon?_pos=2&_sid=6bb09b074&_ss=r
🎧Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-uncaged/id1663388836
🕊️Grab our Holy Spirit Filled Hoodie: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/holy-spirit-filled-hoodie?_pos=1&_sid=97298aa47&_ss=r
📝Grab our 21 Day Accountability Challenge: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/21-day-daily-productivity-accountability-mentorship?variant=44520464744730
🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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It's not always 'deliverance' thats needed.
People need DISCIPLESHIP!
Deliverance is not a show or performance.
& people do need deliverance.
But may God be glorified through it! Not the vessel or instrument being used to do deliverance.
There is a HUGE difference between idolizing someone vs. honoring them.
Ministry & deliverance is NOT always 'instagrammable'. It's not always looking pretty & exciting.
Ministry is work, it's surrender, it's decreasing in the flesh so God can increase in the Spirit.
The work that's done behind cameras in private when no one is watching.
We MUST continue to grow in God.
People get into God's presence to get delivered... but don't STAY in God's presence to STAY delivered.
That's discipleship.
There's a process out of being 'rescued from evil' & STAYING set free in Jesus name.
Praying for purity, reverence & REAL fear of the Lord.
12 Keys on what to do after deliverance:
- Yield to the Lordship of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in all areas of your life.
- Stay humble.
- Put God first.
- Meditate on the word day and night. Look up scriptures that pertain to what you have been delivered from. It is important to have a word to be able to resist the devil. Example: if you were delivered from the spirit of fear. Look up all the scriptures on fear and memorize them. And when the enemy tries to bring any situation or thoughts of fear. You have the word to say, as it is written in 1 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given me the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.”
- Know who you are in Christ.
- Pray without ceasing.
- Turn away from all occult and any idolatry.
- Get rid of things in your house that can cause an open door. Any decorations, artifacts, clothes, photos or any items that does not honor Jesus.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a church that is biblically based, spirit filled and led by the Holy Spirit.
- Attend Bible studies regularly.
- Continue to live a life of Holiness, Righteousness, and Reverence to God.
- Study the power and authority that you have as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
What's next after biblical deliverance as a disciple of Jesus Christ?... Grab our pamphlet knowing who you are in Jesus Christ👉🏻https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/do-you-know-jesus-christ-in-you-hazel-simon?_pos=2&_sid=6bb09b074&_ss=r
🎧Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-uncaged/id1663388836
🕊️Grab our Holy Spirit Filled Hoodie: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/holy-spirit-filled-hoodie?_pos=1&_sid=97298aa47&_ss=r
📝Grab our 21 Day Accountability Challenge: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/21-day-daily-productivity-accountability-mentorship?variant=44520464744730
🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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It's not always 'deliverance' thats needed.
People need DISCIPLESHIP!
Deliverance is not a show or performance.
& people do need deliverance.
But may God be glorified through it! Not the vessel or instrument being used to do deliverance.
There is a HUGE difference between idolizing someone vs. honoring them.
Ministry & deliverance is NOT always 'instagrammable'. It's not always looking pretty & exciting.
Ministry is work, it's surrender, it's decreasing in the flesh so God can increase in the Spirit.
The work that's done behind cameras in private when no one is watching.
We MUST continue to grow in God.
People get into God's presence to get delivered... but don't STAY in God's presence to STAY delivered.
That's discipleship.
There's a process out of being 'rescued from evil' & STAYING set free in Jesus name.
Praying for purity, reverence & REAL fear of the Lord.
12 Keys on what to do after deliverance:
- Yield to the Lordship of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in all areas of your life.
- Stay humble.
- Put God first.
- Meditate on the word day and night. Look up scriptures that pertain to what you have been delivered from. It is important to have a word to be able to resist the devil. Example: if you were delivered from the spirit of fear. Look up all the scriptures on fear and memorize them. And when the enemy tries to bring any situation or thoughts of fear. You have the word to say, as it is written in 1 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given me the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.”
- Know who you are in Christ.
- Pray without ceasing.
- Turn away from all occult and any idolatry.
- Get rid of things in your house that can cause an open door. Any decorations, artifacts, clothes, photos or any items that does not honor Jesus.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a church that is biblically based, spirit filled and led by the Holy Spirit.
- Attend Bible studies regularly.
- Continue to live a life of Holiness, Righteousness, and Reverence to God.
- Study the power and authority that you have as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
🎧Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-uncaged/id1663388836
🕊️Grab our Holy Spirit Filled Hoodie: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/holy-spirit-filled-hoodie?_pos=1&_sid=97298aa47&_ss=r
📝Grab our 21 Day Accountability Challenge: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/21-day-daily-productivity-accountability-mentorship?variant=44520464744730
🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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We are called to discern the voices we hear.
There are several voices out there… not everything you hear is from God.
1 World
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
The ‘world’ is the godless system.
Don’t let this godless system influence you.
2 Devil
3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:3-4)
The devil spoke and tempted Jesus in the wilderness.
If Jesus heard the devils voice, what makes us think we don’t?
3 Flesh
The flesh wants to glorify self.
The spirit wants to glorify God.
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:16-17)
Now the works of the flesh are in the next few verses in Galatians that are ‘evidence’ of the work of the flesh.
4 God
What are the different ways God speaks?
God speaks through people.
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. (Proverbs 19:20)
God speaks through prayer.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [g]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
God speaks through dreams & visions.
Then He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I
, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. (Numbers 12:6)
God speaks through the bible.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ( 2 Timothy 3:16)
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
Out of all 4 mentioned, the best way to know when God speaks is through the bible.
Questions to ask yourself when hearing God.
Do you wait on God? & do you wait in God?
Does it agree with scripture?
Does it give you peace?
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provid
🕊️Grab our Holy Spirit Filled Hoodie: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/holy-spirit-filled-hoodie?_pos=1&_sid=97298aa47&_ss=r
📝Grab our 21 Day Accountability Challenge: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/21-day-daily-productivity-accountability-mentorship?variant=44520464744730
🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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Hearing God's voice tends to be an interesting topic to teach & share.
The more wisdom you get, the more you understand you must continue to surrender to God.
The Lord speaks & confirms in different ways.
We must continue to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and yield to the Holy Spirit everyday.
You must know God, not just knowing of God.
1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.(John 10:1-5)
The sheep know the shepherds voice.
How can we grow with the Lord if we don't spend time with the Lord.
If you want to know God's voice, spend time with Him more.
When you are intimate with someone, you can know how they speak.
The Holy Spirit may say things that are uncomfortable.
Just because it's uncomfortable, doesn't mean its not God.
4 ways that God speaks
1 God speaks through people.
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter days. (Proverbs 19:20)
2 God speaks through prayer.
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, (Jude 1:20)
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [g]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
3 God speaks through dreams/visions.
6 Then He said,
“Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you,
I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision;
I speak to him in a dream. (Numbers 12:6)
4 God speaks through the Bible.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)
3 Questions to ask yourself to know if it's God's voice
Do you wait on God?
Does it agree with scripture?
Does it give peace?
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
🎧Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-uncaged/id1663388836
🕊️Grab our Holy Spirit Filled Hoodie: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/holy-spirit-filled-hoodie?_pos=1&_sid=97298aa47&_ss=r
📝Grab our 21 Day Accountability Challenge: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/21-day-daily-productivity-accountability-mentorship?variant=44520464744730
🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
Why We MUST Grow With God! // EP. 20
simplyuncagedpodcast #renewedmind #rcsimon
🎧Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-uncaged/id1663388836
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🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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Walking in the supernatural is a lifestyle.
It’s a daily devotion to God.
A devotion to seek Him first.
A devotion to putting Him first in our decisions.
A devotion to
1 You MUST know His word.
God’s word holds weight in both the physical and spiritual realms.
His word is our weapon, its a sword.
We must know how to use it!
It is written.
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4)
13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
We might know the scriptures, but do the scriptures know us?
It means, do we actually LIVE the word of God?
2 Prayer life
When you pray, things change.
But when you don’t pray… things can change you.
Prayer is a lifestyle & is the oxygen of the believer.
Jesus didn’t teach His disciples how to preach.
But He did teach His disciples how to pray. (Luke 11)
17 pray without ceasing, (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
In the book of Acts they continued to expand God’s kingdom and prayer played a huge part in the growth.
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:40-42)
3 Know The Holy Spirit
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Jesus promised the power of the Holy Spirit… & it’s here!
We must walk in alignment with God’s spirit.
The Holy Spirit is what gives us POWER to move during these end times as believers.
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
🕊️Grab our Holy Spirit Filled Hoodie: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/holy-spirit-filled-hoodie?_pos=1&_sid=97298aa47&_ss=r
📝Grab our 21 Day Accountability Challenge: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/21-day-daily-productivity-accountability-mentorship?variant=44520464744730
🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
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You can be a christian and not a disciple...
but you can't be a disciple and not a christian.
What does it truly mean to be a disciple?
These are the words of Jesus from the bible.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
We are called to make disciples!
There is a difference between a believer & a disciple.
A disciple has a teacher.
Rabbi = Master Teacher.
Jesus is our rabbi & master teacher.
A disciple is...
1 A learner NOT a listener
2 Follows a teaching
3 A doer (Matthew 7:24-25)
4 Imitators of their teacher
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)
5 A student (disciplined)
40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40)
Are you trying to follow Jesus & be like Him?
Let's talk about the 3 marks of a true disciple:
Marks of a true disciple
1 Abide in Jesus Word
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (John 8:31)
2 Love thy brethren
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
3 You bear much fruit
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)
A few commitments we can learn from being a true disciple.
1 It requires COMMITMENT to follow Jesus
2 Commitment to love thy brothers
3 Commitment to bear fruit
Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
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29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! (Acts 5:29)
We've heard this growing up in Christ... "Obedience is greater than sacrifice".
Obedience is God is very important as we followers of Jesus.
You'll see this over and over again in scripture.
Here are 5 benefits of Obedience according to the word of God.
1 Obedience makes you a disciple.
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.(John 8:31)
2 Obedience protects us.
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)
The reason why the Lord gives us instruction.. is for our protection.
3 Obedience shows our love for God.
5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God [a]is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:5-6)
Truly our act of obeying God, shows our love for God.
4 Obedience brings blessings.
1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him. (Psalm 128:1)
When we obey God, we are BLESSED!
5 Obedience reveals our heart.
Obedience to God is worship to God.
Obedience will test us.
1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied. (Genesis 22:1)
The Lord allows wilderness seasons to test us, humble us and know what's in our heart.
2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. (Deuteronomy 8:2)
These tests allow us to really KNOW if we can trust God.
10 I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:10)
Obedience allows us to also WALK with God...
If there's anything you can learn from all this.
It's walking with God.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:8-9)
Be like Noah.
Walk with God!
In Jesus mighty name.
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
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Life is a process.
Ministry is a process.
To cook food is a process.
There are several benefits to why God allows us to go through a process.
1 Humble Us
2 Test Us
3 Builds Character
4 Builds Patience
5 Gains knowledge & wisdom
1 “Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers. 2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. 5 You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you. (Deuteronomy 8:1-5)
As believers, we go through wilderness seasons and moments.
And just because you may feel uncomfortable in your journey, doesn't mean God won't allow it.
If we didn't get uncomfortable, we wouldn't need our Comforter which is the Holy Spirit.
A great verse to meditate on when you're going through trials is in Romans.
5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; (Romans 5:1-3)
Let's highlight 'glory in tribulations'
The ability to glory in tribulation is not always easy.
And in fact, it's hard to rejoice or boast in the Lord when we go through trials.
But we MUST glory through the trials because tribulation produces perserverance.
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:4-5)
Now building patience... comes from waiting on the Lord.
Knowing that His ways are perfect.
26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)
There is a PROCESS to when its time to harvest.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14)
God bless you!
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One of the first messages that Jesus preaches is on repentance!
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)
Repent: metaneoe ~ to change one’s mind
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, (Acts 3:19)
So what are 3 keys that lead to true repentance?
Repentance leads you to God’s goodness.
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, (Romans 2:4-5)
Repentance bears fruit.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, (Matthew 3:7-8)
Repentance is a radical shift
1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” (Luke 17:1-4)
One of my favorite verses on repentance is in 2 Chronicles.
It’s the word of the Lord speaking to Solomon and giving him both a word of living in righteousness and unrighteousness.
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. 15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. 17 As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, 18 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man as ruler in Israel.’ (2 Chronicles 7:12-22)
If you keep reading in 2 Chronicles 7:19-22, you will see the consequences of NOT following God's statues and turning away to other gods.
May we all live a heart that is truly repented to God DAILY.
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Baptism is a public declaration that you made privately between you and the Lord.
Baptism in Greek
1. to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe
3. to overwhelm
When getting baptized, no one else should make the decision for you, its between you and God!
What are some qualifications of baptism?
1 Repent
2 Accept Jesus as personal Lord & Savior
3 Believe in Him
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
Here are a few common questions regarding baptism that we may often hear or wonder.
1 Do you need to be baptized in water to be saved?
-No
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
2 Can a newborn be baptized?
-We can dedicate the baby. They can get baptized when they make a personal decision to a point of reasoning.
3 Can someone get baptized again?
-You can get baptized again.
There is no where in scripture that doesn't say you can't get baptized in water again.
4 Why be baptized in water?
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. (Matthew 3:13-15)
5 What does baptism signify?
Immersion symbolizes death & burial with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Baptism = DIP
Raising up from water = resurrection
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:1-4)
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Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
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What is deliverance?
It means to rescue from evil.
So when we are being 'delivered' by God, we are being rescued from evil.
Deliver: to draw to one's self, to rescue.
13 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. (Matthew 6:13)
Why do we need deliverance?
1 Remove hindrances in your life.
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
2 Destroy the works of the enemy
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)
3 Bring total deliverance in our soul, spirit & body
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;(Luke 4:18)
What is God's plan on deliverance?
(Galatians 4:1-6)
(Genesis 3:14-15)
Now here is the psalmist David asking the Lord to deliver him from his own enemies.
As you read these verses, you can see the humility David has towards the Lord.
He was truly a man after God's heart even in his own trials.
1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust;
Let me never be put to shame.
2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape;
Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
3 Be my [a]strong refuge,
To which I may resort continually;
You have given the commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5 For You are my hope, O Lord God;
You are my trust from my youth.
6 By You I have been [b]upheld from birth;
You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise shall be continually of You. (Psalm 71:1-6)
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
How to prepare for ministry in my life?
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We all have purpose when it comes to ministry for God.
Everything we do in ministry leads to winning souls.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)
The message is Jesus.
The method is based on our life with how the Holy Spirit will use us all according to the gifts that were grace'd on our life.
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7)
When you're truly called in a season to serve and grow in ministry... there are ways to prepare for it.
1 Prayer & the word of God
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:3-4)
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
2 Empty yourself of the world
4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4)
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
3 Humility In Service
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
4 Let go of Ego
Edging God Out
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
5 Sensitivity & Seasons
In order to be sensitive to seasons, you must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)
6 Godly counsel & covering
7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. (Hebrews 13:7)
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
7 Your message & method
The message is Jesus.
How can your life's message reflect Him?
13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:13)
God bless you!
In Jesus mighty name!
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As you grow in the Lord… battles will come.
There will be people who will try to question your calling.
Know you are called by God!
The closer you get to the cross of Christ, the smaller your circle gets.
As you continue to carry God’s calling in your life… people WILL send questions your way.
They’ll even use the word of God.
In Matthew 4 the enemy used the word of God to tempt Jesus… but Jesus knew the word of God ‘It Is Written’
Here’s how John the Baptist responded to the people that the Pharisees sent to question him.
19 This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” (John 1:19-23)
Did you see how John the Baptist responded?
With the Word of God!
Then we see in the NEXT verse Who John notices..
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
The pharisees talked & questioned Jesus.
They saw God in the flesh and did not recognize Him as God.
But when John the baptize saw Jesus, he knew it was Him!
Two things we NEED to know when our calling is getting questioned:
1 The Word of God.
2 Jesus
When you know Who Jesus is & the word of God… You’ll be able to overcome every lie, thought & influences from this world that come your way.
John the Baptist replied to those that questioned him WITH scripture & immediately noticed Jesus as the Messiah.
Know who you are IN CHRIST!
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
📝Grab our 21 Day Accountability Challenge: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/21-day-daily-productivity-accountability-mentorship?variant=44520464744730
🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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Your brokenness may lead to breakthroughs.
But your brokenness can also lead to bondage.
People who love their brokenness are scared of healing.
And some people don’t even know they are trapped in loving their own brokenness.
The enemy attacks the individual… but how we come out of those challenges, shows our faith & relationship with God.
And healthy families come from healthy individuals.
God often tests us…
2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. (Deuteronomy 8:2)
He humble’s us & tests us to know what’s in our hearts.
If we don’t renew our mind, we continue to see these ‘tests’ as an attack!
It’s time to transform from our trauma.
Transform from past labels or thoughts..
Fear of the Lord! (Job 1:1)
Get in God’s word! (Proverbs 3:8)
Abide God’s word! (John 8:31)
Brokenness can build a bridge to breakthrough.
OR
Brokenness can build a bridge to bondage because of rebelliousness.
Its up to you on how you see respond & move during a storm.
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Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
Brokenness, Bondage, And Blessings // EP. 9 #simplyuncagedpodcast
https://youtu.be/IT5eJ1HzUdY
simplyuncagedpodcast #renewedmind #rcsimon
📝Grab our 21 Day Accountability Challenge: https://simplyuncagedgifts.com/products/21-day-daily-productivity-accountability-mentorship?variant=44520464744730
🎧Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-uncaged/id1663388836
🏢 Store: https://simplyuncagedchristiangifts.com
✝️ 21 Day Soulfast: https://www.bfbministries.com/shop
⛪BFB Ministries https://www.bfbministries.com/
➡Subscribe for weekly sermons from Bringing Families Back Ministries:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LcY7IxSjBVLeS1Xj2r8cw/videos
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Constantly pursuing God has it’s challenges.
How to know you’re in His will.
How to continue to have that fire stirred up from the Lord.
We got through our own wilderness seasons where we may question God or might want to ‘experiment’ with living in the world.
Regardless, the Lord want’s to continue to allow us to live for Him.
Jesus died, so we may LIVE!
Here are 4 ways to pursue God consistently.
1 Godly & Spiritual Counsel
1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; (Psalm 1:1)
2 Environments to grow spiritually
25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. (Matthew 9:25)
Who’s in the room? Jesus put out those that ridiculed Him THEN did the miracle to raise Jairus daughter.
3 Connections that are equally yoke
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
4 Constant Prayer & The Word of God
The church grew in the book of Acts because of prayer & the word of God
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Stay planted in the LORD!
Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
We are called to discern.
Discern - wheat & tare
wolf & sheep
right & wrong
evil & good
clean & unclean
Discerning comes through the ‘lens’ of God.
We must also discern thoughts.
Thoughts are seeds.
What seeds have been planted in your mind that needs to be uprooted?
We need to be spiritually fed, we need revelation, & renewing of the mind through God’s word.
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; (Matthew 13:24)
I encourage you to read the parable of the wheat & tare in Matthew 13.
The enemy plants seeds when we’re spiritually asleep & we need to be awake in order to discern what is a wheat or tare in our mind.
There is a process in spiritual warfare & timing in the uprooting of certain seeds that is not of the Lord.
We need to be able to understand how God speaks through the word and praying in the spirit.
Because we have the power to uproot seeds that aren’t from God.
13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch. (Matthew 15:13-14)
God has the power to uproot, but we must take spiritual authority to uproot all seeds of anxiety, doubt, & negativity.
The enemy uses a lie to try and deceive us. Will you believe the father of lies or the father of truth. God’s promises over the devil’s lies.
2 ways to sharpen discernment
1: Fall in love with studying God’s Word.
2: Pray in the spirit
- prayers of spiritual warfare
- praying the word of God
As you continue these things the Holy Spirit will continue to work through you.
Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
How to love unconditionally biblically.
John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
First there are different types of spirits that don't allow a person to love.
Critical spirits
Judgmental spirits,
Witchcraft,
Manipulation,
Controlling spirits,
Spirit of rejection,
Spirit of offense,
Spirit of fear.
These spirits won't allow us to love without conditions.
True love is loving without conditions.
How can I love unconditionally?
Recognize that we must love WITHOUT someone meeting a certain condition, requirement or expectation.
The best way to find love is to find God.
10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation of our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:10)
The love that God gives is agape love.
That agape love is sacrificial love.
If somebody really loves. They are willing to give without gain.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this, we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:4-6)
The world will say love is love, but that is not biblical.
God is love.
But love is NOT God.
Loving unconditionally. It heals us, helps us, grows us, & allows others to experience the love of God.
We are fighting a spiritual battle. So we must pray & ask the Lord if we're dealing with any of those spirits that I mentioned above.
The first step to getting delivered & rescued from evil is recognizing you need deliverance.
Recognize what the hindrance or bondage may be.
Repent from things that don’t please God.
Renew your mind everyday.
So we've got to continue to walk in the spirit & allow the Holy Spirit to reign in your life.
Simply Uncaged is a well, where people can come and drink the Living Water. We are a refuge for those who are thirsty, who are hungry for His word, who have strayed and who needs their candle to be relit again, who needs to fellowship with those who are equally yoked.
Simply Uncaged Gift Store is independently-family owned and operated, whose mission is to provide biblically sound products that bring renewing of the mind. For Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
Revival doesn't come unless there is repentance.
We want true revival in the body of Christ.
When Jesus launched His ministry after coming from the wilderness... He preached repentance.
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)
Jesus preached repentance.
As you're growing in your walk with Christ.
Just like seeds need to break in order to grow roots.
We must also prune branches so we can continue to grow fruit.
Here's the process when God is promoting you in the kingdom.
1 Pruning
2 Preparation
3 Positioning
It's one to receive Jesus... but it's another to remain.
6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. (John 15:6)
When Jesus emphasizes 'anyone', He means anyone.
Whether you're a believer or NOT... anyone can be cast out as a branch.
Abide in Him daily!
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (John 15:16)
How to continue to obey God?
1 Seek Him daily.
2 Be still & listen.
3 Obey His ways.
Obedience is greater than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22)
I pray that you REMAIN in Jesus so that you may bear MUCH fruit!
Simply Uncaged is all about the renewing of the mind.
We always hear about the renewing of the mind in the kingdom.
The biggest prison in this world is not the physical prison. It is the mind.
Warfare and bondage starts in the mind.
The bible calls it strongholds. The world calls it addiction - fear, lust, abuse.
There’s a difference between knowing of God and knowing God.
We must unlearn religion to be renewed in the mind through Christ.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (Isaiah 61:1)
Hurt people, hurt people. Healed people, heal people.
It’s illegal to bring up your past if it’s not covered by the blood of Jesus.
Bringing up your past is like trying to rob your old house, but you don’t live there anymore.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
The future is looking great to those who are in the kingdom.
Welcome to being simply uncaged - living a renewed mind lifestyle.
To live born again. Born from above. A new creation in Christ. Walking by faith and not by sight.
We are creating a community of people who are going to heal from past hurt & trauma. Unlearn things to learn who Jesus truly is and accept Him as the Lord of their life. Lord meaning to have a relationship with Him.
How to plant fruitful seeds according to the bible?
3 ways to plant fruitful seeds.
1 Repentance
2 Wisdom
3 Planning Ahead
Verses to study.
John 15:1-8
Matthew 3:7-9
John 12:23-26
Ephesians 5:15-21
Proverbs 16:3-4
Proverbs 19:21
Psalm 1