The enemy Is a mastermind at stealing identity
It is easy for identity to be stolen, but hard to get it restored.
The devil attempts to destroy your identity
We must remember that we  are in this world but not of the world
The Church is beginning to forget its relationship with Christ
 
The Mission of The Church
Our job  is to be a light in this world
Ministry has not changed, but our methods are changing.
The Kingdom is to be advanced, not changed
How we go about doing the work
(2Cor 4): the God of  this world has blinded the minds of them who believe not

The enemy’s goal is to blind us as to who we are, who He is and who the people of God are:

Who we are to One  another, 1Corinthians 12:12-14  12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14 For the body is not one member, but many.
We were born blind, “dead in trespasses and sin”
(Ephesians 2:1) 1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Except a man be born again, he cannot perceive, rightly maintain,
You must be born again  (JOHN 3:16)

Matthew 10:8-) 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 
We were once blind but not we see
- We are new creatures,
We were once under the power of darkness
He (God)  has delivered us out of the miry pit
Our joy has been restored

Psalm 51  restored to us the joy of salvation
God has not changed his mind about you, or His church

​We have been transformed, changed in nature and function
From sin nature to divine nature
(Romans 8:16)     "The Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" . our nature, action and attitudes are changed
All things are new,  We are being transformed by the renewing of our minds,
The enemy  is trying to make us conform to this world
 
Our challenge is to Keep our minds stayed on the things of God
Our Goal:   that Christ be formed in us
 
 
We are crucified with Christ 
(Galatians 2:20)   I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,
Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
He wants to be formed in us and revealed through us
The enemy wants you to feel like less than you are
 
Be familiar with the opinions of others, to whom you witness and relate to
(Matt 16:13)  Whom do men say that I am?
Remember" glory to glory" message from last week
It's no time to be weak now, you must be strong
He is preparing us for greater works
 
Whom do ye say the Son of the living God is?
(Matthew 10) Jesus sent out 12 with a commission
Freely you have received, freely give
After going out and upon returning to Him, Jesus asked,  whom do they say that I am?
 
John the Baptist was crying out in the wilderness,  {We should be doing this now)."Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"    to the Pharisees and scribes who came, he said, "bring forth fruits of repentance" 
(Matt 3:8)
the heart of the Father desires that none should perish  (2 Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 
There are many challenging ideas as to who Jesus is
The spirit of the world/compromise  can cause us  be fearful and hold back
Be reminded of past times God has worked miracles in your life
Loaves and fish  Peter knew from experience and by the Spirit
Cast not away your confidence, patience  (Hebrews 10:35,)  "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward."
Confidence for your life and your church

After you have done the will of God you will know  (John 7:17) 
Verse 16  thou art the son of God  Jesus says thou art Peter, a rock,  you are strong
Jesus is THE ROCK
 
Let the weak say I am strong,  fruitful, prosperous, healed
It’s a new season, a new hour
our nature changes when we get revelation
we apply Him!  Cast our cares upon Him
our nature changes and gives us strength and power
'He touched me’ 
We need a touch from God
Get a picture of who Jesus is
 
The nature of a man changing  (3 EXAMPLES)
Abram  from sojourner to father of many nations
Jacob encounter with the angel
First a supplanter, became a prince=with God
Saul of Tarsus, destroyer becomes a builder of the church after his encounter with Jesus

Don't let the devil steal your identity - Redeemed, child of God, heir of God
There must be a power greater
Trust in the Lord, He will change your mind to think as He does
 
God has not changed his thoughts concerning  His church
Army - put on the whole armor of God
Called to warfare, automatically enlisted
We have been given weapons, artillery, all that we need for spiritual warfare
(Ephes 6)    (2Cor 10) weapons of our warfare are mighty through God
The First attack of the enemy is , against your mind
But we are more than conquerors in Jesus
We plead the blood of Jesus,
Use the sword of the spirit (the word of God), we speak healing, peace and deliverance through the name of Jesus
Pray in that name - everything must bow to that name
All rulers of darkness and every evil work must bow as we do Warfare in the Spirit 
 
The church is a healing center
(James 5:14)  if there be any sick among you if there be any sick among you ? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
The prayer of faith, Balm in Gilead, He sent His word and healed them.  He delivers from all destruction, brings healing of minds, bodies and relationships
We fight in the Spirit
We have the spirit of obedience now that we are born again
The church is an equipping center
Study to show yourself approved unto God ,a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth  (.2Timothy 2:15)
Hunger for the Word, live by every word from the mouth of God  (Matthew 4:4) 4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
( 1 Peter 2:2-4) 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 

Be trained, learn to walk and operate in power
(Ephesians 4:11-13) 11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ^12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ^13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
5 fold ministry gifts
 
The church is a community in a community
It is an outpost where people come to be ministered to spiritually, physically, and mentally
The church is a family - household of faith
By one spirit baptized into one body under the blood
We are challenged to understand the unity we have in the body of Christ
We must advance the kingdom above culture, be concerned about lives
Magnify the blood of Jesus above ancestors
We are a royal priesthood, a chosen generation, a peculiar people
We have liability and responsibility
​
Though our methods are different, our mission is still the same
No weapon formed against us shall prosper,  Every tongue that shall rise up against us in judgement we shall condemn  (Isa 54:17) 
The Heritage of the Servants of God

   Pastor Reginald Bruce Miller  Sunday   11/01/20)

What a great sacrifice Jesus made for us!

“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.”  (1John 3:16)
The Atonement,
Verse 10  we were enemies, reconciled by His death and shall be reconciled by His life
We have been purchased, redeemed by His paying a ransom price for us.  His precious blood shed on calvary’s cross was the price paid.
Access
(Hebrews 4:16)  Because of the atonement, we have access, can come boldly  16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
We can come beyond the veil.  We can come right into the presence of God at any time to worship our father.
(Rev. 14:12) He has given us power to overcome the devil  by the word of our testimony and by loving not our lives to the death
“the only real problem is the disease of sin”
(Isaiah 59)  “our sin has separated between us and our God”
“What can wash away our sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus
We can’t legislate morality, sin nature or the power of darkness
Until sin is dealt with, your way might seem right
 
Sin of omission, failing or refusing to do what is right
Sin of commission, transgressions, iniquities we commit
 
 
(see recording)
The main sin of omission is unbelief
There are natural cures for natural disease, helping the body to heal itself
The disease of sin in the souls of mankind can only be dealt with by the blood
 
(see recording)
Sin is a cancer, a type of virus, often transmitted by evil communication
Sin corrupts, infects seduces
The lust of the eyes, etc.
Sin of Commission: refusal to repent, causes people to go to Hell
*Not because of lifestyle, but because of unbelief causing people to spend an eternity away from God
(John 3:16,17)    God loved the world, He didn’t come to condemn the world, 16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Because they do not believe on the Lord.  their deeds were evil They love darkness,
but the only way to salvation is to accept the free gift.
(John 3:18-19) 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

(Acts 4:12) No other name by which we must be saved,
(1 Tim 2:5) There is one mediator ,
(John 14:6) He is the way, the truth and the life.  )
(John 3:36) He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. He who has Him has life.
(John 10:10) That you might have life more abundantly,
(Luke 13:5)  except ye repent you shall all likewise perish,
(1John 1:9)   if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us,
We must accept the free gift
If we miss the mark  (sin) we have an advocate
Determine in our hearts to please the Father
 
SOZO Salvation: Delivered from sin, sickness, poverty and death!
(Romans 5:8)  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(Isaiah 53) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
He has given us Salvation of the whole man: spirit, soul and body
He will present us blameless  (Jude 1:24)  (Phil 1:6)
 (Ephesians 5:27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish
Salvation is not just to get us to heaven, but that we can live in deliverance in this life

DELIVERED FROM THE POWER OF SIN
Justified – acronymn  “just as if I’d never sinned”

(Isaiah 5:9) Now being justified by His blood. – shall be saved from wrath to come
He has cast our sin as far as the east from the west!
(Isaiah 1:18)   Though our sins be as scarlet
Be reminded of His great sacrifice and the suffering He endured for us
(Isaiah 53) God laid on him the iniquity of us all!

(Ephesians2:8) " For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: lest any man should boast."
We all have sinned, by the mercy of God we have been saved, not of works!
 
He died the death we deserved.  We take communion in remembrance of what we have been delivered from and in remembrance of Him.
 
We were born in sin and shapen in iniquity because of Adam’s transgression.
(1Cor 517) we have been born again, new creatures, except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God
We are now children of God , divine nature, no longer have the spirit of disobedience.  Now our nature is to do good
It’s by nature that sinners sin.  That’s why they must be born again.
 
SOZO – God delivers us from the power of sin, sickness and death! 

2) He delivers from the power of SICKNESS
(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;
 
(Isaiah 53:5)  By His stripes we are healed
(3John 1:2)   I would that you prosper “AND” be in health even as your soul prospers
Healing Is part of the covenant.    It is part of what Jesus bought for us.
 
3. Delivered from lack/poverty
(Phillipeans 4:19) “My God shall supply all your needs
He provides!
 
(Matt 6:33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
 
(Luke 12:29-32) 29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
(Psalm 35:27): He delights in the prosperity of His children
 
He came so that we can have abundant life.
(John 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly
 
(Psalm 23) As we delight in Him he wants to prosper us.  He is our shepherd and we shall not want.   He leads us and we lack for no good thing because we are the servants of the living God
 
4) Delivered from fear of Death - The last enemy
(Hebrews 2:15) We are no longer under bondage to fear of death after this life is over   15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
 
(2Cor 5:8)  To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord
 
Oh death where is your sting? The devil no longer has the power of death over you.
 
(1 Corinthians 15:55)  5O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  Your body is just the house you live in.
You are a spirit, your body goes back to the dust at death and you get a glorified body, like that of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The children of Israel were in bondage for 400  years
God gave Moses instructions to take the blood of a lamb, and apply it to the doorposts
We must symbolically apply the blood of Jesus to our lives.
It is not sufficient only to know and accept Jesus to no longer be under the fear of death.
 
                                    Communion  
(1 Corinthians 11:1-32)   Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 2 For I received from the LORD what I also passed on to you: The LORD Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the LORD's death until he comes. 27So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the LORD in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the LORD. 28Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the LORD, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

(Since publishing,  notice corrections to Transformed, and Touched are underlined in the article)

Glory to Glory (sermon notes, Sunday, October 25, 2020)
We are encouraged by the faithfulness of God and by the love of God.  His love is forever extended to us and nothing can separate us from His love.   No matter what’s going on in your lives, or what’s going on around us, If He’s for us what can be against us.   We are more than conquerors in Him.  We are not victims, but victorious.  He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.  Meets all of our needs.
We must understand that (after our initial salvation experience), we as the people of God are a work in progress.  There is a transformation, a process, a change.    God has begun a good work in us. He will perform it.   He has not forsaken us.  What God starts He will complete as we are willing to be in that place in Him, submit ourselves to His will and his way.  Hold fast to our commitment, faithfulness and obedience to Christ that He might bring us from glory to glory!
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  2Corinthians 3:17,18
 
As we spend time with the lord and abide in His presence there is a change that  others can see, even when we cannot see it.   There is no time to quit or get distracted from the love of Christ.  Don’t lose focus 
We are near the finish line of this age.  Many are departing from the faith.  We are challenged to allow the transforming power of God to equip us and prepare us for a greater work He has for us for this last day.
We are being changed as we draw nigh to him in prayer and worship and in the study of His word.
We as the people of God are a work in progress! What God starts, He will complete as we are willing to submit ourselves to His will. There is a change in us.  He wants us to draw closer and grow stronger in Him.  Apostasy, departing from the faith is all around us.   Allow God to equip us to stand. 
II Cor 3:17. The Lord is that Spirit there is liberty
As we abide in Him, submit in obedience , and spend time with the Lord He brings transformation
Transformation (definition): Undergo a total change for the better. 
Salvation is a one-time event.  We immediately become new.  Not an upgraded, better version, but a new species of being (2Cor5:17).   All things are made new and our sins have been cast as far as east is from the west
Free from power and penalty of sin debt taken care of at calvary,   We have new life in Christ but we have not yet arrived Jer 29:11. Ephes 2:8. Quote here Created unto good works God ordained and planned for us He will not abort his plans
Be steadfast, always abounding in the work of the lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved ... Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.   Hebrews 12:1-2   Run the race with patience Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. 
Be encouraged that God works in us both to will and to do his good pleasure Metamorphosis.  Process of total transformation Caterpillar to butterfly Sinner to saint **(Look up process of cocoon. Larvae. There is a death process) Present bodies a living sacrifice. Transformed by renewing of your mind. 
 What has to be changed/transformed to experience the presence of God and go from glory to glory? Acts of God - love combined with power Character/nature of God   The names of God tell of his character and nature.  He takes us through trials to make us experience his glory and power.   Those who are willing will be changed as we behold his face.   Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.  Are you willing to go through the process of transformation? *(Romans 12:2.) Be transformed...prove that perfect will of God
 
Not conformed to the trinity of evil. Lust of the eyes, pride of life, lust of the flesh 1John 2. Love not the world - the ways of the world Friends of the world - enemies of God Things detract from the kingdom of God Life of godliness CANNOT OVEREMPHASIZE: THIS WORLD WILL PASS AWAY OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN
We must Desire a continual lifestyle of fellowship like Enoch.
 
2 Kinds of People:  Touched by God  and Transformed by God ​
King Saul motivated by position and self-image. Apostle Paul by process and dependence on Gods power. (2Cor 3:4, 5,6) Our Sufficiency of God,  Crucified daily (Gal 5:24)  
1.Transformed are willing to commit to lifestyle of godliness.   Determined to pray, study, obey and spend time with God, 
2.Touched experience his goodness, power and love
Only occasionally willing to pray and obey.
Satisfied only when being called on when men can see your faithfulness or
 Draw nigh with lips but heart far from Him.   Satisfied with occasional encounter
Challenge of accountability to God has to come to a new level.
King Saul 1st King of Israel . Head and shoulders above others Great stature and reputation Sent by father to find lost mules Prophesied under the spirit of prophecy in an atmosphere of worship with a band of prophets along the way.  He operated under the spirit of prophecy.  Spirit, gift and office of prophet is different In the midst of worship atmosphere Word of knowledge, insight on sight Unknown language Desire to prophesy.
King Saul experienced the presence of God,  had an encounter, did not maintain lifestyle of obedience.   In battle he did not obey and utterly destroy the enemy but saved king of the Amalekites and livestock.  Would not repent until Samuel revealed the sin.  Still touched but not transformed.
Saul of Tarsus/Apostle Paul:. Zealous Encounter on road to Damascus Was trained in the way of the law, and out to destroy the things of Christ. Zealous according to His level of understanding at the time.   Phil 3. Circumsized the 8th day,  “Pharisee of pharisees”, Scholarly reputation among the people.   But God can only be known by the spirit through his son Jesus.   There is a way that seems right unto man...(prov. 14:12  Only 1 right way Except a man be born again (John 3:16) Impossible w/o salvation God has a way to make his presence known to any who desire to know Must have Holy spirit to lead you into all truth (John 16:13)   Things that are right in the sight of God are revealed by the Holy Spirit.  Common objection: Not fair for God to judge all people!? God did not come to condemn the world. Jesus came that they might be saved.  God has a way to get the word to them.  God is a sovereign God a merciful God.   By visions, dreams, manifesting himself God has ways to reach people He is a merciful god Our job is to reach as many as we can with the love and the word of God.
 Paul was doing what he knew to do.  When encountered by the Lord Jesus, he asked, Who are you Lord? What would you have me to do?
Paul’s desire: “that I might know Him in the power of His resurrection and  the fellowship of his suffering”.  Everything else worthless (dung).   He wanted to be transformed to His glory Wanted to know, to comprehend that for which He had been apprehended. One thing I do, forgetting that which is behind…   
Looking for more of his attributes, power.  Looking for more of His power, (Philippians 3:10,13,14)
 
What must I do to experience the presence of God and go from glory to glory? Affections must be changed: Set your affections in things above. (Col. 3:1-3) Attention on the right things We have too much attention on fear, financial collapse, storms, weather patterns, etc. men’s hearts failing for fear (Luke 21:26) Set your affections on things above (Col 3:1) Christ our life, not a part of life,   (John 15) without me ye can do nothing.  When Christ shall appear... Ye shall appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:4)
 
4 things must change to experience and go from glory to glory.
Affection, Attitudes, Actions, Acquaintances,
 
-Affection must be changed. Set your affections in things above. (Col. 3:1-3) --- Our attention must be on the right things to keep our affection on Jesus.  We have too much attention on fear, financial collapse, storms, weather patterns, etc. men’s hearts failing for fear (Luke 21:26) Set your affection on things above (Col 3:1) Christ is our life, not a part of our life (John 15) w/o me ye can do nothing When Christ shall appear... Ye shall appear with him in glory
- Attitude changes as our affection does: Attitude of Giving thanks no matter what you go through:  Bless the Lord at all times and forget not all his benefits. Attitude of gratitude   (.Psalms 1053) Attitude of forgiveness Cannot hold grudges– let go.  Attitude of a conqueror, not a victim Attitude of fullness of life   Attitude of a  Warrior, (more than a conqueror). 
-Actions: love in action: (James 1:22) do good to all men, especially of the household of faith.  Actions will change as your affections change- do the work not just talk We must take action (Galatians 6:10 ) Like the good Samaritan, do good to all men. Cannot avoid people who have need.  Be concerned about the souls of those around you Ask God how we can help. 
-Acquaintances must change, too . 
(Job 22:21) Acquaint now thyself with God   You can decree a thing and it shall be established unto you.
           Communication. Evil communication corrupts good manners. 
Get acquainted with your family in Christ.   Tune in to the voice of God. Conformed to Christ.
Acquaint with the people of God  (IJohn 1:3-4, 4:7) The blood Jesus shed is     upon us and His spirit is within us. Communicate with the people of God. We are being conformed to Christ Romans 8 predestined to be confirmed to Christ. More of Him less of us.  Let our light shine and our voice be heard in this hour. 
 
The goal is to be like Christ!  When people see and hear us they should see Christ in our words and works, Transformed to his word and likeness. He is moving through with us.   We must be equipped with greater glory. Bring others out of their bondage, too More of his glory and power.  As we continue to decrease, His glory shines through us.  From glory to glory.  Not by our might, more of His glory and power and love manifest through us.
 I John 3:1-2. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. He world will not understand our commitment to Christ and our willingness to forgive, etc.  2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
We see in part and know in part as we look through a glass.
[“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (Cor 13:12)]
Now we know in part but when he comes we shall know.  As we are faithful in little that we now, we shall be made rulers over much.
 
Be obedient in what you know to do.   The glory of the corruptible will soon be transformed to the glory of the incorruptible.
1 Corinthians 15:52 “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and (we shall be changed).” 
 
We are still a work in progress.  Going from glory to glory.

We look forward to the glory the blessed hope, the glory of his return and our gathering together unto him, but in the meantime we look to the glory of His power and anointing in us to make a difference in the world.
​

                       The Voice in the Storm 10/18/20 
going to the other side( Matthew 14:22 )
There are storms in life
important to know the voice and obey the voice
The wind was contrary, Jesus was walking on the sea in the 4th watch of the night
God wants to remind us of his faithfulness
(Mark 6:41, John 6:1)  disciples had just witnessed the miracles of the 2 loaves and 5 fish
participants in the greatest miracle we know
and followed Jesus 3 days
no resources sufficient to handle the need!

Real faith believing for abundance in the midst of famine
healing in the midst of weakness
His strength is sufficient
The disciples first witnessed the miracles, then they were sent into a dangerous situation
(John 6:13)  12 basketsful of fragments left over  -  Jesus fed the 5,000!
Now commissioned to go into a storm
He is the God in the desert and in the sea
He is able to deliver, faithful and ever present.   count it all joy
trying of your faith works patience
wants us to know He is the same God in the desert and in the stormy sea

pg 2notes
He knows there is a storm on the horizon, but
sends them anyway!

cant be satisfied with fish and loves...son: "blessed when we go and when we come..."
He gives all things richly to enjoy

(John 6:53, Romans 6:3)except ye eat my flesh and drink my blood..

I have decided to follow
will you still follow Him when it seems like you can't see Him,  are you still in tune with Him
When it seems that the storm is overtaking you?
everything that's not totally committed will fall

(Hebrews 3:12)  - evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God
when persecution, affliction, hardship comes  we have decided to follow
(Matt 7:25) rains descended, winds began to blow, built on the rock stood!
take a stand!

the truth, rhema word revealed truth
many voices, spirit of deception in the world today!
truth clouded by so many lies, vessels
in the body of Christ!
know the truth, the scriptures
pg3
(Psalm 1) blessed in that they speak the word...intimacy  to know and discern word like never before
@19:40?   find this on recording !!!!   Jesus allowed his disciples to witness and then sent to a great storm!
(Joshua 24:15)choose ye this day whom ye will serve,    Elijah says you're in or out
(Matt 7:14)  , Jesus says: narrow is the way, few be that find it!
make up your mind
what God will you serve?
threat of the enemy immediately after the miracles
(2Tim. 1:7) God hath not given the spirit of fear!
trust God in the mountain and in the valley

@21:36 recorder
 (I Kings 19:9) God spoke in a still small voice
hear Him in the midst of all that we see!
tune in to the voice of God
exceptions, spirit of fear 
(Luke 21:28)when you see these things, look up!
your redemption draweth nigh!
be of good courage, believe also in Him!
pg 4
(Matt 14:28) bid me come most people see Peter as a failure
Peter's determination and desire to be with Jesus
he got a revelation, determined to walk with Jesus
wanted to be like Him!
(John 14:13) Jesus mourns Johns death
in the midst of Jesus' grief, over John the baptist
Peter able to see His compassion on the multitudes
our past victories help us to get through
HIs power has not diminished
He said he would never leave you...
Elijah was a man of like passion as we,  but he prayed!
this is humanity
eyes on Jesus, ears opened to voice of God!  hear instruction: this is the way, walk ye in it
(Isaiah 30:21)
look at external things, look beyond the Hills
trust in the Lord with all your heart
Jesus spoke!
in the midst of trouble
Peter prayed,
Jesus said be of good cheer
(James 1:2)  count in all joy when you fall... knowing this...that He is your joy, His joy in you gives strength
pg5
He is here!  I am, the self sufficient one, Alpha and Omega  the First and Last...
if it is you, bid me come,   Jesus replied, "Come"


calling us out of that ship of fear to come to a new level
God wants to perform supernatural signs and wonders
mustard seed faith, mountain moving faith!
(Mark 11:24)  when you pray believe you have it and you will receive it!
Have an ear to hear the voice of God!  a level of intimacy
willing to get out of the boat
He will sustain you
water will not hold you,  it takes the supernatural to walk on water
call on Him!!
walked back to the ship

encouragement for disciples
it might be you to set the example, 
step out 
Peter had a revelation of Jesus being greater than the circumstances
pg6
(Isaiah 30:21) your ears shall hear when you turn left or right saying this is the way
 word behind you

ears to hear, discerning spirit
(1Peter 2:2)  it's time to feed on the word like never before!  the sincere milk of the word

may need to hear him for our survival
purifying process, a shaking
heart to encourage, bless one another
see lives changed

we are going to hear the voice of Jesus in the midst of all you are going through
stand!, continue to stand!

"Arise and Shine" Pastor R. Bruce Miller
We will see How to let our light so shine and let our voices be heard
Like the sons of Issacar (I Chronicles 12:22) understand the time and what Israel ought to do.
Know and see what's going on around us and know what to say
Understand the time we are in.
Know what to do, say, respond and how to react.
What action should we take to go forward and advance the kingdom?

We know that we are in the last days as the Bible makes it very clear!
Isaiah 60:1-5  "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 4Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. 5Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Darkness on the earth and in the people,  as referred to in Isaiah 60
What should be our response to the darkness we see?
 (Romans 5:20) Where sin abounds  grace much more abounds 

We have an adversary, the devil, the prince of darkness
The enemy is trying to blind us to the truth of Gods word and eternity
blinding people to the truth of God's word, truth of God's love' truth of what eternity really holds after this life is over" (2Cor 4) seeing we have this ministry we faint not
(2 Corinthians 4:1-4) 1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In 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.
We need to let our light shine so men can see the works of God. (Matt. 5:16)

let our voice be heard  so they can hear the voice of God, 
develop a bold confidence, boldness to speak forth in the midst of persecution, threats and attacks
the spirit of antichrist is  on the rise to stop the word of God
word being challenged like never before

takes the power of the Holy Ghost in us in this hour in order to declare the works of the Lord!
(Matt 24)  love of many wax cold because iniquity abounds even amongst those who name the name of Christ

There is confusion and apostacy in the church.
people turning away from God
confusion even amongst the people of God
they wrongly focus on the fear of men instead of God
accomodating the world system rather that being faithful to the word of God
we are in the kingdom of God

stand in unity regardless of what the world says!
we must stand in agreement with one another
agreement according to God's word
the enemy tries to to bring distractions destruction
people destroyed for the lack of knowledge

God always has a remnant
people who will stand
called to be lights, salt of the earth, responsibility to bring men out of darkness
let them know the truth of God's love for them.   (John 3:16)
without God, no hope in the world
technology, strength, outside of God only brings fear
sound mind

We have a ministry, called to be lights, salt in the earth
2cor. 4:1 having this ministry... renounced hidden things
if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost
lest the light should shine unto them

responsibility to let our light shine
he looked out upon the multitudes and saw them as sheep, fainting
falling into the ditch
not here to preach ourselves, but to preach Christ
servants of the Lord
tell others the knowledge
we are blessed with all spiritual blessings
we have the light, have this wisdom, mind of Christ,  blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places,
in order for the light to shine (works to be revealed, word to be heard, and our voice to be heard :
There must first be a breaking of the flesh in order for the light to shine.
Jesus says, seek first the kingdom of God 
 
3 things that hinder our witness  (Galatians 5 )  works of the flesh
Get rid of selfish motives, pride, and fear!

1) selfish motives:  " if any man come after me he must first deny himself, take up his cross      and follow me.  self image, self worth, self gratification, selfish pleasure, not a true witness
      cares of life - lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life, deceitfulness of riches, cares of this world,  lust of other things.  (Mark 4)  seed sown amongst thorns 
2) pride:  "pride - goeth before destruction, haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18)
exalt others before ourselves (Phil. 2:3)
               by grace are ye saved, nothing to boast in!
we must be humble and grateful
the anointing of the Holy Spirit inside us makes the difference
only because of the mercy of God that we can admit our sin and ask forgiveness. (Ephesians 2:8)


3) fear of rejection - timidity fear of man, that they won't hear what we have to say,
fear of man greater than fear of God - Let God be true and every man a lie 
     apostacy falling away, iniquity,   church causing distortions, hardening of the hearts,
     men believe a lie, spirit of deception
  be clear on what the bible says,  true to what it commands so that men can see these good works and glorify the Father

There is a higher level of persecution coming to the church, holy boldness and discernment needed  to stand when threatened, intimidated
will take a greater boldness and confidence, be firmly established, fully committed
the enemy has seducing spirits and enticements to cause many to lose focus and faithfulness to the things of God
enemy is becoming more intense in our nation

3 ways God judges sin - famine, pestilence, war

Gideon:  persecution in his day (Judges 6:13) - children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and he delivered them into the hands of Midian 7 years
- if the Lord be with us, why then all this trouble?...where are the miracles?
Call unto me and I will answer!
who hath believed our report?  where are the miracles?
God will manifest himself
These last days: We will see greater miracles even in our day
-this is war for the souls of men!
we must keep our eyes ahead, keep watching
greater warfare in the realm of the spirit
Strategies to overcome are found in Judges 6 and 7  
only 300 qualified for battle in Gideon's army
those who would watch and drink/watch and pray
lantern inside clay pots
trumpet in one hand
break lantern/earthen vessel
sound the alarm with trumpets
break the flesh - 
selfishness and fear broken for light to shine
we have treasure in earthen vessels
after breaking the flesh/the earthen vessel/lantern, 
let light of God shine and lift your voice like a trumpet
let them know what sin leads to
let them know God's grace
be bold and declare the works of the Lord!

THE ENEMY TRIES TO SILENCE YOU
Acts 3:2 Peter and John go to the temple - a man begging alms, Peter says silver and gold have I none, but such as I have...
have a word of knowledge and the gift of healing to share with the world!
miracle working power of 
God has to be demonstrated

These signs shall follow: Mark 16:17-18  17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

lay hands on the sick
gifts of healing are a great eye opener
word of knowledge:  reveals something about a person or situation that is currently happening that no one else can know
Your personal relationship with Holy Spirit is of utmost importance

How to gain strength and boldness
- pray much in the Holy Spirit
spirit of discernment when and how to say what God says!
He will precisely identify and cause heart of a person to receive
a word of knowledge and gifts of healing necessary!
- in the name of Jesus rise up and walk
Power of God, healing power, authority
trust in the name of Jesus!!

let people know!  blessing in the name!
no other name by which man can be saved
can't be timid, back off, be politically correct

Acts 4:8 (Acts 4:8,16,17; 5:40)  
they were commanded not to speak threats coming
in every case - filled with the Holy Ghost
times of refreshing, new infilling, all filled again!   
- go on a fast to break the flesh
be continually filled
for a mighty light to shine, continue to worship, pray in the Holy Ghost, get acquainted with His power
get acquainted with His power
know the difference, speak with authority
when they saw the boldness they marveled that they had been with Jesus

Spend time with Jesus.
Acts 4:18  they were commanded not to preach the name of Jesus.  Henceforth speak to no man in that name or teach in the name of Jesus...
whether it be right in the sight of man or God,  we speak what we have heard concerning our lord

Grant unto thy servants boldness that we many speak thy word by stretching forth thy hand to heal  (confirm your word)

Why do the heathen rage...gathered together against the Lord and HIs Christ!!  increase like never before!  They do not know the love of God.

We must Identify Jesus as the only way out!
Lord, wake us up.  We will stand up and speak up
Strength to stand in the evil day against the wiles of the devil.  Open our eyes, Lord!

20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  (John 17:20-22)

Here is where Pastor began his message:

God has commanded a blessing where there is unity!
​
Psalm 133   Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments
fitly joined together
blessing comes when walking in unity

We have an adversary who wants to bring division
 He tries to divide and conquer
he is a deceiver, a master manipulator,  

Satan is launching attacks to bring more division
division doctrinal, denominational, racial  (Sunday is most segregated day of the week)
increasing more in this hour  many offended, deceived, hearts growing cold

We must understand we are in warfare
realize the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,   take up the whole armor of God

A House divided cannot stand  Mark 3:25, 

Satan's main goal:
to divide and conquer the temple of God
Satan comes in many forms:
as a serpent    Revelation 12:29
as a roaring lion   1Peter 5:8
as a thief  John 10:10
as accuser of the brethren  Revelation 12:10

Our Goal as the people of God:-  
to unify, 
walk in the love of God, 
maintain the spirit of agreement
to bring in a harvest of souls

Our God adds and multiplies (brings increase)
Acts 2:47:  added daily to the church
Acts 6 members multiplied

Satan, our enemy divides and subtracts

the key to the power of agreement
Matt 18:19:  any two gather together in my name I am with them
Joshua 23:10:  one can put to flight a thousand, 2 can put ten thousand to flight
Matthew 10:8 the two shall be one   the power of Marriage: 2 together  
Amos 3:3  how can 2 walk together except they be agreed

You must know who you are and understand the power of agreement
Satan sows seeds of deception
deceives you to not know who you are
the spirit of suspicion of others

we are instructed not to compare ourselves one with another   2 Corinthians 10:12
honor the Lord with what we have
We will answer to God for ourselves. Every man gives account of himself  to God  Romans 14:12 

Discord is one of 7 things God lists as something that he hates   Proverbs 6  
6 things God hates
7 are an abomination
a proud look, they that sow discord among the brethren

Ephesians 4:3:  maintain unity of the spirit 
Galatians 6:2 learn how to bear one another's burdens
John 13:35 by this shall all men know that you are my disciples

Unity and Power
unity of the spirit in the bond of peace

1Cor 1:10  Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, 
stand against the spirit of discord
all speak  "Is Christ divided?"

Concerning divisions about voting rights:
cast your ballot at the throne of God every day
He is King and HIs name is Jesus
I thank God we have the right to vote if we want to
still, our citizenship is in heaven    2 Corinthians 10:12     

render to Caesar, render to God things that are His
He is the God of all flesh
our trust has to be in Him
speak the same thing concerning things of God
God of creativity and diversity
all not the same!
highest thing is kingdom of God

re: Racism
We are all of one blood one race/ the human race

Galatians 3:6 We are all  children of God by faith in Christ Jesus
ICor 12:12  baptised into one body
heavenly father loves us all the same
the body is one
2 Peter 3:10  the elements will melt away with a fervent heat
He will rule, we will rule with him one thousand years if we remain with Him
Jesus' unity prayer before the cross may be the best prayer, that we be one with Him and the Father and with one another
John 17:21,22   21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Let God arise, that HIs name be exalted
pray for those in authority- 
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,   1Tim 2:1-3 
acknowledge God
when men's ways violate God's ways
challenge our faith, let honor and trust for the believers reign
give testimony to God's greatness
He will deliver us
Exemplify godliness, remind people the world system is coming to an end
Isaiah 60:1  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
darkness is upon the earth and the people 
it is time to arise and shine and let God be glorified

Those who are people of God have common identity

we are the called Romans 8:28,  we are a chosen generation 1Peter 2:9
sons heirs of Christ  Romans 8:16-17 , church, city set on a hill  Matthew 5:14,  household of faith  Galatians 6:10,
 our oneness is in God

our enemy is well organized, manipulative, 
mysteries of iniquity, to undermine the foundation, behind the scenes, workers of the enemy

the body of Christ has compromised and must refocus on who we are, most of all, on whose we are

ambassadors, representatives, seeking, commanded to bring as many as we can
we beseech you, let you know except you repent, yo will perish

our safety, we abide under the shadow of the almighty
the name of the Lord is a strong tower

 We know one day and not very long we will be with Him
Jesus strong warning re: the last days, many deceived, cold hearted
judgment begins with us, the church
Not standing together as an example
the church is the ground and pillar of truth
we must make the difference
walk in agreement with one another
Judgment begins with us (not from us)
2Chronicles 7:14  “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 
GOD IS CALLING FOR HIS PEOPLE TO REPENT ,THEN HE CAN RESTORE 
THE STAGE IS BEING SET FOR  THE LAST GREAT MOVE OF GOD
An outpouring of the Spirit, Harvest of souls
preparing us to go forth in power,

God is proving himself with great signs
nation rising against nation,   racial tension like never before
reminding us of the soon return of the Lord
Now is the time, now his high time  opt to walk by faith.  
We will see God's hand move like never before!

The enemy rages because he knows he has but a short time!  Revelation 12:12
the world needs to see the true people of God
all creation groans waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God  Romans 8:19

look beyond their faults, they are being influenced, controlled by the spirit of disobedience
they have no direction and  no peace
pray that their eyes be opened, that the light of the gospel shine upon them

we have the love of God, allow Holy Spirit to work through us
pray for unity and restoration among the people of God

more grace, more anointing, more discipleship! 

​This message is a simple, but profound foundational truth of God's word.  It refers to the account of a great King of Judah during Old Testament times and how he responded in the midst of an attack.  How he overcame by the word of the Lord and how he had victory.  This message speaks of the enemy we face, but most of all, how the battle is not ours, but the Lord's. We can be encouraged by his example today.
 2Chronicles 20
The children of Moab and Ammon  came against 
Jehosaphat and Judah to destroy them.
They also bought others with them, so as to form "a great multitude".

Jehoshaphat's Primary Focus - Seek the Lord
(Proverbs 3:25)
Be not afraid of sudden fear   
note: the verse goes on to refer to the desolation/destruction of the wicked  "when it comes"
Immediately, Jehosaphat  set himself to seek the Lord
all the cities of Judah came to seek the Lord!
fear will come naturally, but don't lean to your own understanding

We hear news of evil, pandemic, natural disasters, chaos, etc. Address it, know how to deal with it.  We need to look up, our redemption draws near
don't ignore spirits of poverty and lack
don't let them steal our peace, joy and confidence in the Lord
seek the Lord by fasting and prayer
(immediately seek the Lord for strength, peace, direction)

A Surprise Attack (don't be caught off guard) 
Don't be ignorant concerning the devil's devices!  Be not dismayed.  "count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations".  James 1:2
Jehoshaphat was surprised by the attack from nations that they had spared!
they had turned on them and become their enemy
 friends may turn on you and become your enemies
(enemies may become friends, too!)

Put God in remembrance
Remind  God of what he has already done in our lives, not get in fear of the future
that same God is able to deliver now!
--  all things are possible to them who believe  Mark 9:23

Psalm 103 
Bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not all his benefits
He has done mighty things for us.
2 Chronicles 20:11 
"turned on us to cast us out of thy houses in which thou hast given us!"

keep your eyes on the Lord!
bless, forgive, do good to your enemies
the battle is the Lord's!  He will repay
the weapons of our warfare are mighty!
what enemy meant for evil, God turned for good  - Gen. 50:20
No weapon formed against us shall prosper  Isaiah 54:17
When the enemy comes in like a flood    Isaiah 59:19

Jehoshaphat acknowledges that he does not have strength
 2 Chronicles 20:12
God judges them ?
"we have no might, neither know we what to do"
Now - rioting, pandemic, governmental elections, etc.  keep our eyes on Him!

We must have a prayer life, consistent and strong in the Spirit
prayer and fasting is needed
seeking HIs wisdom  relationship with God through the Spirit
KNOW HOW TO STAND IN THE VICTORY THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Acknowledge that you don't know what to do, and pray much in the Holy Ghost!  
(Romans 8)
We know not how to pray but the Spirit makes intercession according to the will of God!
When we pray in the spirit, we speak mysteries unto God while the Holy Spirit prays for us.  He helps our infirmities and inabilities!  God has a master plan!
We need to understand who the enemy is

Ask the Lord to show you what to do, that he might be glorified.

Jesus also makes intercession for us
we don't know what to do but our eyes are on you
(Hebrews  2:8)
"we see not everything under his feet but we see Jesus"

Don't put your eyes on His feet looking at what you think should be under his feet,
look at His face!    communicate face to face! 

Moses - I don't know what to do, if you don't go with me I will not go...
show me your glory! show me your way
seeking your face - Jehoshaphat set himself

Trust in the Lord!
David  (Psalm 27) 
the Lord is my light and my salvation
strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid
be confident, that will I seek after  to behold the beauty of the Lord  He shall hide me in his pavillion
also Psalm 91  hide in the secret place -  no evil shall befall me.  he satisfies me with long life

Know where we stand, who we belong to
He shall set me up on a rock  lift up your head, your voice your praise

(Psalm 24:6)  the generation of them that seek thy face Oh Jacob, Selah!
Lift up your heads. the King of glory shall come in!

Our response should be to seek His face, call on the Lord
Trust in Him  - He knows!
He will give us strategies, instructions, what paths to walk, what things to do
Psalm 27:8  When thou saidst seek my face, thy face will I seek

(Ezekiel 37:3)  -  God asks, "shall these bones live?"  -  "Lord,  you know.
We speak mysteries to God (praying in the Spirit) and he gives wisdom
The Spirit of the Lord himself will come
Then came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation
God sends help by 5 fold ministry gifts, angelic beings, fellow believers, etc.
(2Chronicles 20:20) - believe in the lord your God, so shall ye be established, believe His prophets so shall ye prosper

(Acts  11:26)  First called Christians in Antioch
persecution had come to the church, don't be confused, astonished when it comes, know that Gods grace is sufficient
(I Peter 4:12)  think it not strange concerning the fiery trials that shall try you.
His grace is sufficient - they ministered to the Lord and fasted/the Holy Spirit said 
"In this hour you will need to have a relationship with God that you hear him.
You must have strong relationship with God
Don't follow the voice of another."

God sends angels to help us and guard us, to fight our battles, etc.   ie: (Psalm 91 and other accounts)
(Revelation 19) 
Isle of Patmos  Angel of the Lord with John the apostle.   He referred to himself as a fellow servant, not to be worshipped.
fellow servants - 5 fold ministry for greater instruction and confirmation of what the spirit has already told you. 
same unction, testimony, spirit of prophecy upon individuals,5-fold ministry confirms
The Holy Spirit Spirit will speak to you.  Learn how to get into the Word of God for yourself.   Get in tune like never before
Seek God for your strategy for your family, your health, your ministry...what He is telling you to do.
(Chronicles) - strategies to overcome the enemy
Be so in tune to His voice in this hour.  Do what He is telling you to do.   
Hearken, be not afraid nor dismayed..., the battle is not yours 
1) be not afraid  don't allow the spirit of fear to overtake you or the spirit of dread and confusion or be overwhelmed by what is going on in this world!
you have access to the weaponry and presence of God.  We are more than conquerors

God gives victory 
So shall we ever be with the Lord
we are in the kingdom to let people know.  He is the only hope
Let our light so shine, 

Lessons from Jehoshaphat
1) don't be afraid,  2)the battle is the Lord's   3) direction: what to do, where to go
God's direction to Jehoshaphat:
"tomorrow set yourselves, stand ye still and see, fear not.  tomorrow go out  to...

(Exodus 14:13) 
Set yourself.  don't be double minded  your answer is in Christ Jesus
(Galatians 5:1)
stand ye still, stand fast in the liberty, be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage
(Galatians 5:7-15) 
ye did run well, but who did hinder you that ye did not obey
the answer is in God  he is the only way out of the problems of this life
our victory is in Christ Jesus
Not in politics, medicine, etc.
cry, call the nation, sinners, saints to repentance!
Seek His face before you bow to his feet in worship once you get the revelation, the answer, the word from God.  If He says it, it will happen
when He gives you the answer,  look up and praise him!
Release praise and the angels do battle! 
lift up your heads and He comes in and does battle
(2 Chronicles 20:22)
Jehoshaphat appointed singers to the Lord,  praise the Lord for His mercy endureth forever
Praise was the weapon of war they had to confuse the enemy. 
praise confounds/confuses the enemy  - Jehosaphat's  enemies attacked one another!
Let God arise and the enemy will be scattered
His praise shall continually be in my mouth
2 Chronicles 20:22   when they began to praise, the Lord sent ambushment against the children of Ammon and Moab.  The enemy destroyed themselves and left riches for the Hebrews.
Remember Gideon: the sword of Gideon
 and the Lord
Let God arise and the enemy will be scattered.

STAND FAST!  SPEAK THE WORD, PRAY IN THE SPIRIT!
(Romans 8:28)  we know that all things work together for good, 
(Jeremiah 29:11)  thoughts of peace toward you...
This is the hour in which the people of God must seek God in fasting and prayer.
relationship, covenant with the Lord must be stronger than ever before
pray in the spirit and speak mysteries unto God and He gives wisdom as to what to do

The power of your word, consistency of our love
covenant commitment to God has to be stronger than ever before!
because the devil knows that he has a short time and sin is abounding, but grace much more abounds
stand, set yourself, stand ye still and ye shall see the mighty hand of God!
We declare victory right now!

God’s Mercy - God's greatest gift to mankind
He came to deliver us, desires we be free from the powers of darkness and reign with Him, have
life with him forever

The importance of forgiving and walking in forgiveness one to another:
The prayer of repentance accepts full responsibility, can’t justify or
minimize sin

Against thee only have I sinned
Psalm 51
King James Version
51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my
transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be
clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt 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 to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they
offer bullocks upon thine altar.

God gives access.
I John 1:9
If we confess or sin he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us of all
unrighteousness
Prov 28:13
He that covers his sin will not prosper but he who confesseth and forsakes

There is no act He will not forgive, great is HIs mercy, removes the cloud of condemnation if you will call out
restore the joy of our relationship
forgetting, cast as far as the east is from the west
God decides not to remember
He "dismembers" it and does not recreate the situation

Come let us reason together He will restore
He brought us up out of the miry clay, a new creation, gives a new slate, a new beginning,
shows us how to show mercy and forgiveness to our fellow man
we deserve death, but we get the gift of life
Psalm 103
"Bless the Lord, Oh my soul who forgives all our iniquities and heals our diseases!

Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness. His shed blood paid the penalty, He became sin for us!
HE PAID THE PRICE

Isaiah 53:5, He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement
of our peace was upon Him
He died that we might be made righteousness

REJOICE BECAUSE YOUR ARE BORN AGAIN -YOUR NAME IS WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF
LIFE
"Blessed is the man whose sins have been forgiven"

Forgive one another - fully appreciate what mercy we have received
if we don't forgive, God can't forgive us our sins
Matt 6:12,14
Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

The greatest sin is to die in sin
1)"except you repent you shall all likewise perish"
2) if we don't forgive, that separates us from God's presence (Isaiah 59)
the following promises will have to impact
our confessions and decrees have no power Mark 11:23,24 whosover shall say... believe...he
shall decree a thing and it shall be done unto you, if any 2 agree as touching, if you ask
according to His will you have, speak to the mountain
- “when you stand praying, forgive”
this is the greatest hinderance to prayer in the life of a believer
Matt. 18:23 one servant owed 10,000 (mIllions of dollars in debt)
- I forgave you all that debt should thou also have had compassion on our fellow servant?
forgive from your heart every one his brother, remember were He brought your from

Forgive yourself
God’s mercy is enough, you don’t have the spirit of pride to keep brining it up

2 Cor 5:17
Old things are become new

Romans 8:1
There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus...free from the law of sin and death - don’ allow the enemy to make you feel guilt declare who you are in Christ!

Paul on the road to Damascus - on the way to destroy the church, orchestrates the murders of
Christians in his ignorance to the law of Christ
resentment builds up if you don’t forgive
bitter indignation of having been treated unfairly, root of bitterness becomes spirit of murder,
want to see bad come to those who hurt you

like a vine chokes the life out of your spirit and paranoia and fear set in
Corrie Ten Boom - forgiveness was the key to releasing her from bondage

the enemy reminds us of what has been done in our past, brings a root of bitterness

forgive, forget and be free
don’t cuddle it, or nurse it
it becomes a “badge of honor”
let it go
pray for grace to forgive

Don’t rehearse it
2Cor 10
Cast down imaginations, our weapons are not carnal
we overcome by the blood o the lamb, speaking life
bring every thought into captivity
plead the blood over your emotions

Ephesians 4:29
Cast your care upon the Lord, go to him you and He alone
reconcile, walk in the peace of God
Galatians 6 let him who is spirtual go to him in a spirit of meekness

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouth, minister grace to the hearers

Ephesians 4:26
Be ye angry and sin not (let him that stole steel no more
(“if you can’t say something good.”)

Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor and slander be put away
from you along with all malice

Matt 5:43-46 
​Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,
pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you that you may be the children of your
Father in heaven,,,if ye love them that love you what reward have you?
”Don’t nurse it, don’t cuddle it, don’t rehearse it”

​We must know the heart and the desire of the father.  What brings joy to Him?  
What pleases the Father? 
Seek first the kingdom of God 
John 15 (The Desire of the Father) Seek 1st the Kingdom of God. What pleases the Father?
If ye abide in me and my words abide in you
Herein is my father glorified that ye bear much fruit so shall ye be my disciples   John 15:8
John 15:16-19 King James Version (KJV) 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Jesus identifies himself as the vine 10:7 ask what you will…

We put Greater emphasis on verse 7.  naming our desires confessing the promises of God
Greater understanding of the power of agreement John 5 confidence 
we stand strong in believing and seeking the blessings of God

any two agree it shall be done we have been well equipped to understand why we should abide in the word to access the promises made to us
power of agreement greater assurance and greater manifestation 

We have learned how to name and decree and speak life
why it is so important to abide in the word so we can ask
1John 13,14
Mk 11:22…have faith in God, say to the mountain… when you pray believe that you have them and you shall receive them.
We have keys to the kingdom, access to the throne of grace

I John 5 confidence we have assurance of His word and signs following
5:13,14 confidence ...we desired of Him
Because he hears us we know we have the petitions we have desired of him.

access to the throne of grace, but we have put more value on temporary things, not eternal
material more than spiritual, earthly more than heavenly
verse 8 that the Father be glorified

There is something God wants to do in and through us
that you should go and bring forth fruit and that fruit remain
how they can be effective soul winners themselves
We need an awakening amongst the people of God, purpose and responsibility to reach souls!

-Col 3 if ye be risen, seek things above
-2Cor 4 things seen are temporary, light affliction not but for a moment. Things work in our favor
- be steadfast, unmovable
-don't cast away your confidence
-be not weary in due season
God cannot lie, whatsoever He promises, He will perform
He rewards those who diligently seek Him

Don't get in love with things of the World, focus attention and value, set affection on things above - temporal verses eternal
I John 2 - Love not the world...be not conformed
Mark 4 the sower and the thorns - In the parable, the seed took root and began to grow.  But the cares of life, deceitfulness of riches choke out the word.

Souls are eternal!
if we are concerned about souls, we have peace. We are not given the spirit of fear
It is selfish to have this knowledge and be unconcerned about these controlled by the powers of darkness.  It is our right and privilege to be soul winners!
We were once bound, now free.  This is the word of our testimony!
Jesus died for our sins, loves you! He set an example for us.  He came to seek and save…to do the will of the father!

Herein is the father glorified that we bring forth fruit - souls!

This is a command.   We must win souls!
Matt 10 sent out 2 by 2
go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel
freely you have received, freely give!
There is none righteous…not by works of righteousness are we saved...
blessed with material things, power to get wealth
that we heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils in His name

Jesus rose again, disciples hid in fear
John 20 sins remitted and regained
power to see people saved, sins forgiven
give understanding that sins are dealt with
NOW tell them!
all they have to do is believe on the Lord Jesus

don't have to be in sickness, torment, fear
Jesus is preparing a place
He has given angels encamped about you in a new covenant based on promises in His Word
until they come to the knowledge of Christ
- He who has the son has life John 3:16
miracle of leading souls to salvation
miracle worker every day!
soul winning not an option for the believer, a command to His disciples - go, in Christ's stead
- He's made a way
I beseech you in Christ's stead

Matt 28 go ye therefore and teach all nations.  "all souls are mine"
Mark 16 they that believe...
Not just power to heal, etc., but power to save, commission and command


Ezekiel 3 watchman
warn them of impending danger, sin, see what is going on around us!
Matt 24 wars, rumors, pestilence, famines earthquakes in diverse places...look up, Lift up your heads your redemption draws nigh
It’s a matter of time before judgement comes
when we let them know what concerns their future, not just responsibility to warn
- Ezekiel 3:17 blood required at thy hand if you don’t warn, wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
verse 19, delivered thy soul if you warn the wicked,  warn the righteous to stay saved

3-fold mission: get saved, stay saved, help others come in
vs. 20 warn the righteous to stay saved
warn the wicked to get saved and warn the righteous to stay saved
souls are at stake and we have responsibility of letting them know that Jesus is savior
-Luke 15:1 He saw them as sheep without a shepherd.  Sheep are helpless, have no defense their wool is like a sponge that can cause them to drown should they fall into a body of water 
they are most helpless and hopeless
all we like sheep have gone astray…    Isaiah 53
God loves all sheep, all mankind
Desiring that you come to know him in the pardoning of your sin
God is glorified when you bring forth fruit, you have been ordained
Bringing souls into the kingdom of God
No an option, a command
Do! Go!  
What would make God rejoice? What would cause a celebration in heaven?
Luke 15:1 they drew near the hear him (Publicans and sinners)

3 Examples of rejoicing over finding something precious that has been lost.
parable of the shepherd who left the 99 sheep to find the one that was lost
found my sheep which was lost. "Joy in heaven over 1 sinner that repents more than the 99 already saved!!
Rejoice with me!
People are fainting 
There is a celebration in heaven
Jesus had compassion on them, men's hearts failing them for fear
it's prime time to tell them there is one way - Jesus- “I am the way”!
Just as the woman who lost her coin and rejoiced over the piece which she had lost when it was found!
The Father begins to rejoice over one sinner!
Likewise, rejoicing in the presence of the angels!  The father rejoices when one sinner repenteth!
Can you reach at least one?  remember the starfish story – “I saved that one”.

warn, encourage let them know   goodness, plan, purpose God has for them
if you don’t get saved you will die in your sin

prodigal son realized what he had squandered!
if only people could realize what it is like to know what is like to be in the presence of the father, to know that your name is written in heaven, 
tell them they can have the same peace you have
rejoicing over one soul
bring forth the fatted calf, the best robe, the ring
this is the one that was lost!

when was the last time you brought joy to Him by winning a soul?
when was the last time you brought joy to the father in that way?

CROWN OF REJOICING/SOULWINNER’S CROWN
Understand the value of a soul. God is salvation.  this is the reason He came
for souls to be saved, for lives to be transformed by the power of His love
you have the key that you can open the door, invite them in and welcome them in to the body of Christ
many ae waiting for your to give them the invitation.  Offer them the invitation
encourage the saints to stand fast, hold fast to your confidence in the faithfulness of God.
Romans 10:10 whosoever believes shall be saved.  if they only receive the invitation, encourage them to stand fast, stay faithful, keep confidence

Death and destruction are all around
Ask the Lord to remove all fear and pride in sharing the gospel. 
Have conviction in your heart, urgency iny our spirit, compassion to be willing and obey,
Be a soul winner.  Bring joy to the Father's heart!

Symptoms to know you are under attack of the spirit of discouragement and how to overcome and have victory

"When God gives a promise, the enemy has a plot to destroy us."  
no promise is fulfilled without opposition, hindrances, obstacles to discourage us from fulfilling our purpose
(1 Peter 5:8) 
the devil roams around seeking whom he may devour

3 symptoms that we are under the enemy’s attack 

• Fatigue
  
• Frustration
  
• Failure

Our reaction to these symptoms is often to succumb to DOUBT, ANGER, LUST, JEALOUSY, etc.  The enemy entices with the same types of attacks, leading to   GUILT and  CONDEMNATION
When God gives you a promise, it is not a guarantee that you will actually receive it, you must fight and overcome the hinderances
I will do a new thing...shall ye not know it?  (Isaiah 43:19)  

 Numbers 13:2
-God already gave the assurance of a good land and his strength to be with them 
2. Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel:


Israel's examples to us:
The case of the Red Sea and the Promised Land: 
God gave them a promise: - promised land flowing with milk and honey, (Exodus 33:1-3 )
Exodus 33:1-3 
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' ²I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. ³Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.

How were they discouraged?
Numbers 13:28
They focused on the problem instead - the threat of the enemy, allowed it to become greater than then truth of God's word
Numbers 13:31-33
31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.
32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.


The Case of Rebuilding the Wall:  
God’s promise: Nehemiah 4:4,

How were they discouraged? 

Discouragement and despair follow God's judgement on Israel through Nebuchadnezzar 
Nehemiah and his peers set out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and the temple of God. ( It had been considered one of the 8 wonders of the world.)
while looking at the rubbish of the once great temple, they remembered the great glory of the former temple and became discouraged at the prospect of rebuilding,  
(Neh. 4:10)   the strength of the bearers of burden is decayed, we are not able to build the walls!

behold the word of God, keep your ears tuned to it  
those who have ears to hear, discouragement comes when distractions and deceptions come - leading to unbelief

(1Tim 4:1-2, 1Tim 4:8,  2Tim 3) Beware brethren ...departing from the faith

Lessons from Nehemiah and Haggai:  
unbelief is not going to please God!
keep ourselves encouraged
remembering how things used to be in the past always seems like things were better then
faced with challenges they'd never seen before
We don't want to go back into bondage as they did!
your past is behind you


HOW DID THEY RECOVER?
God brought encouragement and direction through his prophets,  Haggai and Nehemiah, Ezra and Levites
(Haggai 2:4,6,9) 4 "yet now be strong...all ye people of the land...and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord, and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts: 6yet once it is a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea,  and the dry land..9for the  glory of the latter house greater than the former, and in this place will I give peace."
(Nehemiah 4:14)  Be not afraid of them; remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses."
(Nehemiah 8:10) the joy of the lord is your strength


What about us?  

How to know when you are under the attack of the enemy
3 symptoms that we are under attack 
fatigue, frustration, failure

Once we give way to these “symptoms”, they often give way to DOUBT, ANGER, LUST, JEALOUSY, etc.   The enemy can then entice us with the same tools he used to control us before salvation came to us.   GUILT and CONDEMNATION follow.
you may find yourself looking at the things around, the report of the world,
the enemy uses special weapons/attacks of sin in the same areas where you experienced weakness and sinfulness before your salvation

feelings of self-condemnation, regret, inability, weakness, apathy, unworthiness, etc.
the enemy tries to take away your will to fight and fulfill the blessings and calling of God.



,
HOW CAN YOU  OVERCOME AND HAVE VICTORY?
(Galatians 5:1) be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage
(Heb.l:2) run the race with patience
(1Tim. 2:3-5) endure hardness as a good soldier
(Hebrews 12:1)   lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us

**how to lay aside, how to deal with the "enemy within me" giants within us
(Romans 8:1) there is therefore now no condemnation
(2Cor 5:17) If any man be in Christ - new creature
(Ephesians 6:10) be strong in the lord and the power of HIs might  
by HIs spirit authority of His name, power of the blood, know who He is and who You are

KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON JESUS
  be on guard concerning what you give ear to what you allow your eye to see and ears to hear, distractions  - 
(Hebrews 12:2) Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith
set your eyes upon Him, seek first the kingdom 

Take heed to what your hear most news is not good news the nature of a man is to be drawn to bad news  earthquakes, fires, etc. 
 there is little media about revival, good news, healings

Encourage yourself in the LORD!
(Jeremiah 17:16-26, John 15:19, 1John 2:15-17) Remember we are in this world, but not of it
(Proverbs 4:20-) incline your ear to God's Word
(Isaiah 53) Who hath believed the report of the Lord
(2 Cor 5:17) you are born again, the future is better than the past
wages and consequences of sin
(Psalm 27:13) I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living
the past is behind you

(1Tim 4:1-2, 1Tim 4:8, 2Tim 3) Beware brethren ...in departing from the faith

How can we be strong in the lord?

(I Cor. 10:13) there is no temptation that is not common
He knows how to give you strength
(Phil. 3:14) This one thing I do, press toward the mark
there will be trials in this life
____but through it all, Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11
He has plans for you, strength and preparation
make sure your ear is on Him
you can start over, change is a part of life
God is faithful to bring you through the transition



BE ENCOURAGED, "THERE IS LIFTING UP!" 
(Psalm 121, Psalm 24:9)  lift up your eyes...King of glory shall come in
GOD IS IN CONTROL 
 I am doing a new thing, "God"

There is a better day ahead
Kingdom age, out of the church age
not the name of a pastor, building
bringing people out of darkness
(Matt 9:36) look out on the multitudes, see them lost, without God and without a savior, heart deeply oved with compassion
it's time for us to give them hope!
We are the church, this is a new day!
don't get discouraged!

pick up the pieces
Nehemiah rebuilt the walls after destruction

3 SYMPTOMS OF DISCOURAGEMENT 
complaining, negative proclamations
Ie:  Neh. 4:10   "strength of the bearers of burden is decayed, we are not able to build the walls!"
tired, fed up, decree 

1) fatigue - tired
physical and mental
procrastination, delay when tired
2) frustration - too much to do, too hard, can't see progress, etc.
causes you to get angry, hot tempered, responding out of anger, not love, where is your smile,   encouragement
3) failure
failure is not an option in your life
"I didn't fail, I just came to realize that I have to attack it a different way."
take charge, take authority, seek the Lord for a strategy.


HOW TO RECOVER

GOD ALWAYS GIVES US THE VICTORY
Rejoice in Him!  He is your strength to go forth,  stand, fight, go forth
cannot give in!

THINK OF THE GOODNESS OF JESUS, THINK ON THESE THINGS...
"He Did Save, He Is Saving, He Will Save!"
renew my strength
Psalm 51
God will remove discouragement, anxiety, fear

(Neh 4)  Hear and know we are discouraged, "they have provoked thee"
 (4:9)  we make our prayer - Sanballad, Tobias, etc. were trying to keep them from doing the work of God
(4:4) Sanballad, etc. were angry will they build, etc.
the enemy is angry when he sees you try to rebuild, you must watch as well as pray, be on guard against evil 
set up to rebuild, take sword, spears and bows
you must increase your prayer life!  

KNOW THAT THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S
Fight for the relationship with God that He has established, 

SEE THE BIG PICTURE:  one problem or desire in your life can make you lose focus on God's blessings and benefits made available to you, one situation can blind you 
(Genesis 3:1, 2:17) God said, of all the trees, don't eat of this one tree
Gen 3:4
Satan casts doubt.  Ye shall not surely die, the tree is good for food, etc. The devil told her that God was hiding something from them
Gen 3:6
When she saw: it the tree was  good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it
 
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another's burdens, encourage.
Discouragement is contagious.   
One wrong look,
Attitude can easily spread negative feelings
Pass on the word of God & stand together

Galatians 6:14 
Stand together, encourage one another
Pray for one another (I Samuel 12:23)  I will not sin against God in ceasing to pray for you
exhort one another daily  (Hebrews 313)
Neh 4:14
(Deut. 31:6, Jer. 1:8, Neh. 4)    be not afraid of them, remember the Lord - I fight for your families

Rejoice and fight having on the whole armor of God!
returned everyone to his work
Nehemiah split half the people to work on the wall, the other half to fight - 1/2 and fighters- shields, harbingers, 1/2 builders- bearers, workers 
“The Joy of the lord is your strength”


Be encouraged, you shall fulfill your call!