Tim. 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
There should not be any controversy amongst the people of God as to who He is or concerning his deity
We understand from Isaiah 9  that Jesus Christ is God
100%  God and 100 man
there are many mysteries, some of which will not be revealed until we see Him face to face.
By the witness of the spirit we know that Jesus is God
“A child is born” – speaks of His humanity
“a son is given” speaks of His divinity
1John 3:16    Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren
He came to take on humanity ?  for the sake of the salvation of all mankind
As a substitute, he took on our Sin
With His stripes we are healed. 
He shed His blood as an offering for the sins of mankind.
Then he rose and applied his blood to the mercy seat in heaven.
He came as a lamb 
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Because of the spirit of ‘God and His word, there is no question as to the divinity of Jesus.
God is a spirit, His words are spirit.
The word became flesh
Jesus is God in the flesh, the beginning
The Alpha  and omega, first and last
There is none before him or after him.
Jesus was far before the beginning.
He has always been
In the beginning was the Word.
1John 5:7 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.John 1:4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men in him was life and the life was the light of man
 
He came to reclaim what belongs to him and to restore order to his creation
God makes manifest, makes what is invisible visible, makes the unseen seen.
Jesus  took on the form of a servant.
Phil 2  let this mind be in you,
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The Son of God became the son of man so that the sons of men can become sons of God!
Our God is a God of love,  He is the only God who desires to be with his people.
He came to seek and to save.  He laid down his life a ransom for many that he might destroy the works of the devil.
There is a great future for the saints of God
 
 
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His birth invaded Satan’s domain.
Satan, the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers.
2Cor 4:3  3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
God gave Adam and Eve dominion over his creation in garden of Eden and Satan challenged their obedience, their willingness to follow God.
 
God had given them the power to choose, to willingly serve him.   To be desiring to please him and have a close relationship with God.
The devil had authority over man and all that Adam had and  Jesus came to restore and reclaim what  the first Adam had lost.
Satan had convinced them to disobey his command not to eat of the tree. 
In doing this, they submitted themselves to the devil
All they had and all they were had become submitted under Satan’s authority.
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 5:12-21)  
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All things were made by him…He was the alpha and the omega, the God of all creation.
All that Adam had was given over to  Satan’s authority.
The second temptation Satan offered Jesus:
Luke 4:5      And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” 
Satan told Jesus, If you will worship me all this will be yours.
Jesus’ response was, “get thee behind me.”
Why do we have all these troubles in the world?
THE WAGES  OF SIN IS DEATH BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE!–
Evil things manifested when Adam fell:  confusion… greater intensity and increase in deception.  Destructive things come to a climax, condemnation,
Jesus came to restore the creation to himself.
Satan is now the God of this world the prince of the power of the earth.
The work of the devil is to bring deception. Jesus said the devil comes to kill,  steal and destroy, but He is come that we might have life.
Many are depressed by the devil
When people hear lies over and over again, they begin to believe  a lie.
False evidence seems to be true.
The serpent was more deceitful than all the beasts of the field.
The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy.The devil is a liar and a murderer.
 
1John 3:8  "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." 
Acts 10:3  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Destruction had been permeating the earth so He laid down his life to destroy the devil.
 
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Jesus brings healing and peace
He sent his word to deliver, save and heal to provide for those who put their trust in him.
Many don’t know the truth of Jesus’ power
He has great demonstration to provide for those who put their trust in him. 
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  no man comes to the father  but by me.
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Jesus said, “I am the truth”. – Sanctify them by thy word.  thy word is truth.  Everything must line up with the truth of God’s word.
The truth is absolute, cannot be altered.   truth makes you free. Get into the word of God, believe the word of God.
The disciples asked Jesus, “What must we do to do the works of God?”  His answer –Believe in God and he whom he has sent.

He led captivity captive
He took away the fear of death when he rose from the dead.
He said, “He that liveth and believeth shall never die.
We go from life to life. 
 
Jesus gave opportunity for all of mankind to be saved
Phil 2:18  He humbled himself  - it pleased the father to bruise him.
. He prayed, “not my will but thy will be done.”  Because of his obedience many sons came to glory!
Matthew 28:18  Jesus said,  “all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
He came to restore order as judge and king of kings.
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IN HIS RETURN, He will restore and reclaim his kingdom
Every man will stand at the judgment seat or at the great white throne judgment
He is coming as king of kings and Judge who will reign and pass judgment
Let  not your heart be troubled.
Be at peace, believe in God, believe also in me
I Thes 4:12-18 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto The coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
 
BEHOLD THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH...  Mat. 25
10 virgins:    5 foolish with lamps but no  oil in vessels, 5  wise with lamps trimmed and  vessels filled with oil.  The oil represents a relationship with Jesus
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The father seeks such to worship him. They that worship him in spirit and in truth.
Keep worldly things cut away, be filled with the Holy  Ghost
Keep the word of God, the love of God, the spirit of God.
 Be prepared, know that He is coming
 
He came to reclaim his  kingdom, restore all  creation to its state before the fall
Thou shalt worship the lord thy god and him only wilt thou serve.
be not conformed to this world.  We are in the world but not of the world.
 
We are to be His ambassadors, representatives. 
Speak the language of the kingdom.  Speak life, walk in faith and in love.
love, serve, bless.
 
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Rev. 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
The four and twenty elders worshipped the almighty which wast and art and is to come, the almighty
…by thy great power and hast reigned
Rev. 11:18  Saying, We give you thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which are, and were, and are to come; because you have taken to you your great power, and have reigned.
1John 3:1  what  manner of love hath the father bestowed on us.   now we are the sons of God 
when he shall appear we shall be with him
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Now we know what we need to know to do what we need to do,
Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure..
Don’t allow distractions, etc. cause you to lose your true purpose
He came for us to have relationship with him,  love him  and reign with him forever.  

 This is a time of pandemic confusion, etc.
we are in the kingdom for such a time as this!
 
Regardless of the challenge, the grace
If we will call on him, he will answer us and show us great and mighty things 
reveal off my people who are called by my name
the word is food for our soul
 
Last week we learned about being a friend of God
Jesus was preparing his disciples  for things to come
reminding them that he is going away and is coming again
he would not leave them comfortless
Jesus commanded them that they should love one another.
Have an ear to hear
 
(Hebrews 13)  1Let brotherly love continue. 2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. 4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6So that we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear
What man shall do unto me.
7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 
we must be willing to encourage and to be a support those with health issues, marriages, relationships,
So that we can boldly say,  ”the lord is my helper and I will not fear.”
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when one  part of the body rejoices, we all rejoice together
Jesus said, I no longer call you servants , but friends
A friend knows what his master is doing
 
Today we focus on the foundation
Jude says we should earnestly contend for the faith
our common salvation!
Jesus asked, “who is my sister and my brother and my mother, father, etc.  but they who do the will of the father?
The blood of Jesus is stronger than human blood
We must have a great relationship with the father,
(1Peter 2:9) "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
 
We have a great identity in the family of God
(John 15)  Jesus said to his disciples, “I have chosen you that you should bear much fruit and that your fruit should remain.
Before we were saved, we were bound by sin and he delivered us out of darkness.
the same blood that protected Israel at Passover protects us.
delivers out of darkness and bondage
We have common identity through Jesus’ shed blood.
we are covered and proteted by the blood of the lamb.
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By the blood of the lamb we have access enter in to the holy of holies.
the enemy makes us feel week and that we don’t have the victory
we can come boldly to the throne by grace and find mercy
 
Satan comes to buffet, but we boldly declare that the lord is our helper
God’s grace is sufficient
As we submit ourselves unto the lord, we can resist the devil.   
We are more than conquerors.  If God be for us he is more than all the world against us.   
God meets all our need by his glory.  He came that we might have life!
 
We must know who we are in Him and who He is!
Against all our enemies, the foundation of the lord stands sure!
We have no reason to be in dread or discouragement!  ‘we have been seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus
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He created all this – without Him there was not anything made that was made.
He humbled himself as a servant.
He is God, the creator of all things, the sustainer of all creation.
We must remain encouraged.
Learn what it means to be a royal priesthood – a peculiar people purchased by his blood.
 
 
The foundation of the gospel is LOVE.
  We have received salvation.  Rejoice!  God so loved the world  (John 3:16)
because of His love we share a common identity, common enemy and a common destiny
 
(Psalm 11:3)
“If the foundation be destroyed what could the righteous do?”) 
IT WILLNOT HAPPEN!
THE STANDARDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS CANNOT BE DESTROYED,
THE BIBLE IS THE FOUNDATION AND HIS WORD CANNOT PASS AWAY!
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God’s angels respond to his word.
Don’t doubt in any way. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Don’t be distracted!
A Foundation is the basis on  which something stands
The strength of the foundation determines the strength of the house.
NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST IT SHALL PROSPER!
 
The enemy has gates where he plans and plots.  These are the wiles of the devil
We have a sure foundation. 
Remember the parable of the wise man.
The winds, storms and floods beat against his house.  Because   he had obeyed the instructions of the lord in building it, the house stood.  He built his house on a arock. He was a doer of the word.
The foolish man, however, had not obeyed the lord in the building of his house foundation.  His house did not stand but fell when the storms came.  He had built his house in the sand.  He was not a doer of the word.
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Winds of adversity will come.  They are literally happening in our world today!  We had deadly storms through Arkansas and Kentucky yesterday.
Many have no relationship with God and the spirit of antichrist is on the move.
Rumors of wars, (in the Ukraine lately) creating fear and panic    the spirit of chaos, confusion about everything.  about the economy, gender, government, what the future holds in the pandemic.
We have the hope of eternal life,
Without God, there is no hope in this world.
Men’s hearts are failing them for fear as Jesus said they would.
 
But as a child of God, you must be strong in the lord.  Don’t be deceived in any way.
There is major confusion as to what is real and what is not real.
Virtual reality is common.  NO one is sure what is true at any given time. 
There is a spirit of deception on the increase now, but there is an absolute truth in the Word of God.
The world says “You decide what truth is for you.  We must stand on the truth of the cross.  Jesus is the way the truth and the life.
The world is in great perplexity
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Without Jesus there is no hope. The return of Christ is very near.
 
Our adversary
1Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you
He will exalt you if you dwell in the  secret place of the most high, he will exalt you in due time.  cast all your cares upon him. on
 
Be sober, be vigilant, not taking advantage of people
gross darkness is upon the people, we must arise and let our light shine!
Be encouraged, you are a light, an example of God’s love.
 
Resist steadfast in the faith.
the same afflictions are accomplished in the righteous.  Greater persecution is coming.  Suffering and untold terrors in other lands.  pray that they continue to hold fast to the faith of Christ Jesus!
 
(1 Peter 5:10) 10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish your heart 
, strengthen, settle you  
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through it all we keep our eyes on things not seen!
 
wait on the lord, he will strengthen you
continue to believe for the goodness of the lord
 
Be strong. We have an adversary but we have a great king! 
We have a great future already planned for us
Be like Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Remember Jesus’ admonition to his disciples.(John 14:1)  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you…
be prepared for the return o the Lord.  Jesus already told us… “when you see these things begin to happen, look up, your redemption draweth nigh.
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This is not the end!
If this was all there was, we would have no hope.
Material things are of no security!
This world will be dissolved with a fervent heat.  There will be a new creation.
There are great things ahead.
(Revelation 21:1)  a new heaven and a new earth. 
the former things will be passed away.
No more devil, no more pain.  Jesus makes all things new!
Let people know of this great hope and great future.
write these things are true and faithful
He that overcometh
(Rev 21:2-7)  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me,
Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
 
We must be overcomers, go through, stand strong.
 
We have a common enemy, a common identity, and a common destiny
The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations.  The lord giveth them light.  These are the things which must shortly be done.  His sayings are faithful and true.
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for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross,  despising the shame.
He suffered for us.  there is no greater love than that!    He was willing to endure such contradiction of sinners.    He knows what it feels like to be rejected. He
Jesus understands.  Maybe not your friends,e tc.
He can be touched with the feelings of your infirmities. 
Get to know him.  He loves you so much. 
 
Honor him, worship him like never before!
John 17 Jesus prays to the Father before his crucifixion. 
Because He knew it would honor the father to see many souls brought into the kingdom, he humbled himself as the sacrifice.
 
(John 15:8 ): Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.herein is my father glorified
Be born again
Be ye steadfast, unmoveable
Nothing you do is in vain
Jesus said, “My reward is with me!  Be faithful
 
A basic note of encouragement -
We need one another now!  confess our faults one to another.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:13-16)
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A Friend of God
John 15  Intimacy with God is of utmost importance
 
Isolation, separation from one another, etc.  ultimately brings us closer to God
Jesus gave us a new name/title, Friend.! 
what does friendship with God mean?
John 15:11kjv  : "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full
 
The  joy of the lord is our strength.(Nehemiah 8:10)
 
Circumstances try to rob us of our joy!   We must have a steadfast confidence in the faithfulness of our God.  ‘This is joy.
 
Spend Time in His presence, rejoicing in him, his praise.
 
Let God arise and his enemies be scattered.
Keep a joyful  praise!  there is a blessing in continuing to rejoice.
Know that you have authority over all the plan of the enemy.
This is my commandment that you love one another.  As I have loved you.
He was very serious about this!
Daniel 11:32  They that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.
The Father seeks true worshippers
 
2 remain
John 15:12  this is my commandment that ye love one another that your joy may be full.
John 15:16 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you
because they know not him that sent me
The servant does not know what his lord does but I call you friends.!
 
 
persecution will come because of my name’s sake
We must make a special effort, a work to keep the unity of the spirit
maintain love, care and bear one another’s burdens
in the last day the world will hate you.  Don’t be surprised.  Marvel not.y
On this type unity, He has commanded a blessing. (Psalm 133)
(John 15:13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Now I call you friends!
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keep the slate clean, be submitted, lay aside every weight and sin
Hold fast to a life of purity before God.
Satan looks for a ny way he can discourage us.
Don’t forget the simplicity of how this whole thing began!  Not by works of righteousness which we have done.
Romans 5  when we were yet without strength…he still loved us enough to die for us!  while we were yet sinners!
John 3:16 
Romans 6 the wages of sin is death but the gift of god is eternal life
verse 9  much more then if they be reconciled
Romans 6
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Romans 5:9,10  For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, ?
Much more, having closer to him the most intimate to be called friends of  been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
John 3:16 for God so loved the world that he gave…
What shall we say then to these things
Be reminded of God’s love for us.  He is in control!
We are sons and daughters of God.  heirs, co-laborers, the redeemed, anointed, appointed   Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.  He is coming to rescue us.
Our joy should be full at all times.
Draw closer to Him, most intimate to be called friends of God.
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A friend loveth at all times.
God’s love does not stop
Don’t go around with unconfessed sin!
Let Him cleanse you and purify you.
Exodus 33kjv  1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it:
Moses, a friend of God,  Communicated with God “as a man speaketh with a friend.”
We need wisdom!  In these last days,
 
 
God is speaking to us by his son now!
(Heb. 1:2 ) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds
We cannot serve 2 masters.  With the study of his word and worship in personal time the spirit begins to be more alert, able to discern, hear the still, small voice of God!
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3 Hebrew words concerning intimacy 

​1) Yada  loving and being loved  knowing and being knownHe knows or uprising, our intent and our motives
We want to know as we are known
1John 3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 
to know even as we are known  spirit reveals things we need to know  He knows better than I know myself!  There are no secrets – He knows all about you  better than you know yourself
be honest with God.  nothing hidden
cannot present ourselves with facades, past hurtShine a light from heaven on my soul..  If you find anything that shouldn’t be, take it out and straighten me,  I wanna be right I wanna be saved I wanna be whole?”
 
2)Sakan:  you care about me  people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care for them
People need to know they are cared for and they have value.
God cares and is in control

3)Sod: allows me to know Him
He makes himself known
Revelation 3  behold I stand at the door and knock…
He is showing you the things the father has in store
exemplify his love
people need to see him through your actions
When people see us they should be able to see him in us
they should see the peace, the life of Christ in us
You are the light of the world
 
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John 15  I have called you friend
All things that I have heard of my father I have made known to you
There are greater things ahead of us!
Be seated at his feet to hear his word!
(Luke 10:38) Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Mary’s desire was to seek the heart of Jesus as Martha helped prepare to receive him into the house
 
Martha’s  labor became more important than the love, service more than intimacy
 
The spirit of competition – leaves the witness for souls un dealt with/ undone
 
Remember Jesus’ goal for us his disciples/friends:  that you bear fruit and that your fruit should remain ,
be a true servant of God!  a servant of all
allow God to get all the glory
Otherwise there is a frustration in trying to do, to serve.
service must come as secondary to worship!
Jesus said, to Martha,  one thing is needful
(Luke 10:42) 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
John 12  in the 3rd year of his ministry, Jesus shared with Mary things about to come in preparation for things to come!
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.   that I may know him
Philippians 3:10-10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead
 
How can I show love by being a blessing?  He will show you.  only ask him! 
He has provided everything that you need
They that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits
If we are strong in faith we will see breakthroughs, healings, etc.
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Praise is a Weapon of War
spiritual warfare:  He is a God who keeps covenant
He is the faithful God
We come with a thirst for righteousness
Psalm 68   Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
 
Let God arise
 
Man outside of a relationship with /God is hopeless
it is time to maintain focus and not lose sight of God's will​…
 
Maintain your praise
the attack of the enemy is to get you distracted and not mindful of the goodness of the lord
 
the strategy of every  battle is found in the word of God, 
Praise is the environment that God dwells in
 
As we speak forth life and  the truth we have light!
God will turn it around -we always win.
 
 all of his creation praises him!
the trees of the field clap their hands
praise should be in our nature, who we are a vessel of praise
When things are not going well, it’s easy to forget to give God praise.
God is not moved by our circumstances
pg 2
 
I will bless the lord at all times
be ever mindful of his abiding presence
If god is for us, who can be against us?
there is no reason to be in despair, depressed or discouraged!
MAINTAIN
In everything give thanks
It is God’s will that we praise him and bless the lord – Do Not ALLOW IT!
 
DECLARE THE WORD OF GOD
Don’t allow the enemy to get you to the point of not trusting in the faithfulness of God and the love of God
 
God is drawn to the praises of his name!
If we expect victory over all attacks – health, mind, finances etc. we must maintain an attitude of worship

2Cor 3:17  Where the spirit of the lord is there is liberty! 
continuous victory must have continuous praise!
 
You must be a worshipper before a warrior
 Remember David at Zicklag!
the families of Isarel were stolen, the people threatened to kill David and he encouraged himself in the lord.
Needing wisdom fromGod, he took the Ephod, the priests garment,
Understanding himself to be a worshipper first, he went to God for wisdom and direction for what to do.
 
God is preparing his people for a great onslaught of trial before the great revival of souls!
 
This is on a horizon that we have not faced as of yet
 
We must know that we are more than conquerors in him
Remember what God already did! – breakthroughs, testimonies, and victories
Our future is even brighter than our past!
Psalm 103   Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He does not change.
He brought water out of the rock, He got Jonah out of the whale.
It isGod who is working in us and He is able to do exceedingly above all
He forgivevs and satisfies
Don’t forget all his benefits
 
1Corinthians 2:9eye hath not seen neither has ear heard the hings that he has prepared for us.
 
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Proverbs 3:5  trust in the lord with all your heart.
when you lose your praise, you lose your strength.
the power and deception of the enemy flee when you open your mouth.
He lets you know he is in control
We have an adversary.  Don’t lose your will to fight.
put on the whole armor of God
Hold fast, be willing to fight, Not like Ephraim
if you don’t use your weapons, Satan wins
We have great opportunity to exercise the weapons of our warfare
remember that praise is a weapon of war
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2Chron 20:12  Jehoshaphat set himself to seek the lord as to what to do.
"We know not what to do but our eyes are on you."
 
God gave the strategy: set yourself, stand still, see the alvation of the lord.
 
Settle it in your mind, not afraid to die
 
I have decided to follow Jesus.  No turning back, not turning back.
 
There is a great departing from the faith in these last days.
trusting in the wisdom of man and the arm of flesh, departing from God’s word

STAND
stand still, the battle is the lord’s
Ephesians 6  stand therefore having on the whole armor of God
Galatians 5   stand fast in the liberty wherein Christ has mad you free
 
stand on the rock,  on the true foundation
Matt 7  the wise man heard and did what the Lord said.
when the winds blew
 
The battle is the lord’s
Judges - Gideon
the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God
 
weapons of praise confuses the enemy and brings chaos into the camp
2Chron 20, Judges 6:10  the people disobeyed the lord and were given over to the enemy
People wonder where arew e now?
God is still faithful and His grace is sufficient
Where is our God?
Go in this thy might.  Have not I sent thee?
Judges 6:10  And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thGideon believed and received what God said!
Isaiah 53  who has believed our report
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Judges 6:14,23, 24  Gideon buit an altar to the lord
Believe the report of the lord and commit to him!
be transformed by the renewing of your mind
be a living sacrifice, pleasing to the lord
believe and be a true worshipper
 
the altar of Baal was cast down
tore down the altars or the past, idols, etc.
 
old idols,  demolishing the past idols, money,  accomplishments talents, people you know, places you’ve been...
 
Pride AND   sin -  "I" in the middle of these words
lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets you
 
Hebrews 12:1-4
1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
 
Gideon needed a second confirmation to make sure that God was with him and telling him to do this, that he was on the right track and should keep moving forward.
 
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God was making sure he go all the glory!
Gideon gathered an army of 300 men and God said that was too many.  He and tested them at the brook as God instructed. Those who lapped like dogs had to go home.He judged the others to be true soldiers .
This was a pruning.  God always has a remnant.
 
He gets the glory  It is not by might, nor bypower, but by His spirit!
He will prove who the true soldiers are!
 
There is an army rising up!  a willingness to fight
Judges 7:13  the enemy testifies of his own defeat
there is an increase of God speaking through visions and dreams
Gideon worshipped when he had the final confirmation
We praise God because we know we already have the victory! praise God “on credi”t – in advance
He has already given us the victory
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 Judges 7   God gave the strategy – let our light shine, lift up your voice like a trumpet, sound the alarm, apare not!
Many have no hope, many are being deststroyed by the adversary
We must let them know the only hope is in Christ Jesus
The dead in Christ shall rise first
Jesus is coming soon!  set our eyes on him!
 
Set the watch, blow the trumpet, brake the pitchers and proclaim “the sword of the lord and of Gideon”Tthe enemy will be sattered
 
Our great weapon to initiate our victory is in our praise
 
The King of Glory  Psalm 24:6-10  This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
He is the lord of hosts of angel armies
He is King of Kings and lord of lords, conqueror, commander in chief leading us into victory
His praises shall continually be in our mouths
Let God Arise!
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