Pressing Ahead

Scriptural Context From Philippians 3:12-16

Intro: As we come to the end of another year and look forward to the New Year we should begin to establish our priorities for this coming year. Our priorities will reflect what is really on our hearts. I pray that we will have the same priorities as the Apostle Paul had in these scriptures before us today.

I. Perfection should be the priority for all believers. Philippians 3:12 (NLT)
¹² I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

   a. It’s the reason Christ saved us. Paul saw the Christian life as a process. While believers are considered righteous when they accept salvation, their entire lives are marked by growth toward Christlikeness.

Romans 8:29 (NLT) For God knew his people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

2 Peter 3:18 (NLT)  You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

In Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT) ¹⁰ I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,
¹¹ so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

Paul says he wants to know Christ on a very intimate level.

He wanted to experience Christ’s resurrection power and His fellowship in suffering.

   b. He was pressing toward that goal. Press means to move by force in a certain way.

Paul said I have not made it yet. Paul had not fully experienced all of Christ’s resurrection power working in his life and he wanted to participate with Christ, as a believer, in suffering for the gospel. We share his death as we “die” to sin and the old nature.

We willingly suffer persecution in living for Christ as we seek to be resurrected from the dead.

Paul did not doubt the fact that he would be raised, but how he would experience the resurrection was within God’s plan and power and not his own.

II. We should focus on perfection. Philippians 3:13 (NLT) ¹³ No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

   a. By forgetting the past

Unlike some, Paul did not consider that he had achieved spiritual maturity; he was not all that he knew he should be. Paul would forget his past with all its credentials, accomplishments (and sins).

   b. By looking forward to what lies ahead.  By concentrating & controlling the mind.

It has been estimated that man uses only one-tenth of one percent of his mental capacity. Imagine how far short this is of perfection. We are to focus our mind in the right way.

What lay ahead was total redemption of the spirit, soul, and body.

1 John 3:2 (NLT) Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as he really is.

III. We are being called by God. Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

   a. To reach the end of our spiritual race. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

   b. To receive the Heavenly prize. Paul spoke of this prize in 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 (NLT) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. ⁸ And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

   c. God’s calling for the Heavenly prize is through faith in Christ Jesus. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord makes all this possible. He has saved us for this purpose.

IV. All mature Christians should agree on these things Philippians 3:15 (NLT)
¹⁵ Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.

 That is, they too ought to be pressing on toward the goal. We should never become complacent and lethargic. God is ever calling us onward and upward.

   a. To those who disagree God will make it plain to them

Whatever problem of pride may have threatened to divide the Philippian church, Paul stopped it with these final words.

 Paul invoked the illumination of God himself to make plain the truth of his words.

V. We must hold on to the progress we have already made. Philippians 3:16 (NLT)
¹⁶ But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Revelation 3:11 (NLT)  I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.

a. How do we hold on?

      1. By keeping our spiritual race foremost in our minds & hearts. These believers were in different stages, but everyone needed to obey the truth they had learned already.

Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that we have already received.

      2. Through prayer, daily bible reading & studying, assembling in God’s house

Invitation: As we come to a close for this year, examine your heart and let the Holy Spirit show you where you stand in your relationship with God. If you’re not sure whether you have a relationship with Him or not, make sure today. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God and invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life.

If you already have a relationship with God, make a determination to continue to grow in that relationship by allowing the Spirit of God to lead you on to perfection in your faith

ABIDING IN CHRIST

The New Testament urges the need for Christians to remain living in Christ, by the reality of close personal relationship with Him which can be expressed in continued obedience to His Word. Obedience and love go together. The definition of abide is to stay, remain, continue firm and stable, lasting. Abiding also means keeping close. Jesus Himself requires this of His followers. Remaining in Christ depends upon holding to His teaching, living like Him and receiving The Holy Spirit's anointing, which aids the believer. Christlikeness is not achieved by people's imitation of Jesus, but by God renewing believers and making them more like His Son through the process of sanctification by The Holy Spirit. A living union with Christ is absolutely necessary and without it, the reason for existence has no purpose. Just as in nature, a branch detached from the vine dies, so a believer separated from Christ looses life. A branch (true believers) out of contact with The Vine (Christ) is lifeless.
 John 15:1-11 (NLT) ¹ “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. ³ You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. ⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. ⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.
⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! ⁸ When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
⁹ “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. ¹⁰ When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
¹¹ I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!                       
Christ abides in believers and believers abide in Christ. It is a personal life-giving relationship.      Believers that remain in Christ and Christ in them is a union that is closely connected. Because of Christ, the indwelling of The Holy Spirit enables Christians to continue to live as level-headed disciples and as they do so the reality of His indwelling presence is deepened. Abiding in Christ arises from trust and belief in His promises. Love for Christ and the worship of Him accompany His blessings to His people. Salvation goes from strength to strength from when it is first received. Jesus desires joy that is complete for His redeemed. Living with Christ is a daily experience as believers grow and mature in love and obedience. Remaining in Christ means to continue to do what He says to do. God and His Kingdom are glorified when people remain in a strong relationship with His Son, who also receives glory and honor as a result of His own abiding in The Father. A Christian's life is to be intertwined with Christ always; this keeps their life stable regardless of the circumstances. The certainty of a present relationship with Christ gives the assurance of a secure future centered on the promises of God the Father. Rewards and blessings promised are a free gift. The result of abiding in Christ is fruitfulness which covers many aspects of a believer's life. It also produces development of the character to maturity, effectively in service, or mission ministries. These disclosures are not from human effort, but from the fruition of remaining in Christ. Love and Joy are perfected. Answered prayer is an outcome of abiding in Christ, as is freedom from persistent sin. Christians cannot be absolutely sinless, but have the possibility of living a life in which sin is not the normal habit. Sins in a Christian's life are lessened as the believer abides in Christ.                                                                         Remaining in Christ leads to expectancy, hope, trust and patience. The continuing commitment of The Lord Jesus Christ to The Father is the example for believers in faithfulness.                                                                        There are Scriptural warnings to remain firm in Christ.
If a believer does not remain living firmly with Christ, the faith is groundless and empty, it cannot save and thus is not the faith of a true believer. James 2:17 (NLT) So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
 Not remaining in Christ brings complacency to a believer's spiritual life and a false security. The Bible gives clear caution to those who fail to abide in Christ. To continue remaining in Christ is the purpose for which believers are saved until being made complete when they share in Christ's glory at His return.                                                                   Benefits of staying close to Christ are, living qualified to share His inheritance, being in His Eternal Kingdom, being rescued from the domination of darkness, being free from God's wrath and His judgment upon sin.
Confidence in the Last Day. 1 John 2:28 "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming". Christ's return will inevitably cause one of two reactions. For the believer, the response is confidence, in contrast to the silent terror and shame of those who must tremble before Him at His return.  Living in Christ establishes a stable and unwavering victory in situations, whether emotional, personal or political. Stability, an important element of life, depends upon holding on to the firm and solid of belief which gives resistance to natural and spiritual assaults. To stay living in Christ throughout life, brings humility and gentleness. Christ upholds the believer, guides, provides joy, strengthens, gives hope, gives forth light, broadens understanding of The Father, shows God's will, builds up, confirms the right, comforts the heart, produces fruit in a believer's life, cleanses the conscience and convicts of sin.

Invitation: You can’t remain in Christ if you have never known Him. If you have never asked Jesus Christ to forgive your sins, you can do that now if you really want Him to forgive and save you. If you are ready to give your life fully to Him, ask Him to forgive your sins and then ask Him to take charge of your life and help you to remain in Him. You will be thankful and joyous that you did.

Overcoming the World

1 John 5:4-5

There are so many things happening around us it is really confusing to say the least. Nobody seems to know what to do. Evil, sin, drugs, Ebola outbreak, terror groups, be-headings and the like are everyday news. It seems like the devil is on a rampage in this world on a scope not before known in its magnitude. What should be our attitude toward these things? How do we overcome the world and all its problems? The bible has the answer!

I. Who overcomes the world?  1 John 5:4 (NKJV)  For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.

  a. The person who is born of God overcomes the world.

  b. The victory that overcomes the world? It is our faith. 1 John 5:5 (NKJV)  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

  d. Definition of faith? "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title-deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality—faith perceiving as a real fact what is not revealed to the senses" (Hebrews 11:1, Amplified New Testament).

Faith starts with believing in God’s character, that He is who He says He is. Faith culminates with believing in God’s promises that He will do what he says He will do.

Faith is complete trust, confidence, and belief in God and His word. For believers, the word “hope” is a desire based on assurance, and the assurance is based on God’s character and His word.

 II. Faith that overcomes.  1 John 5:5 (NKJV)  He who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  Overcoming faith is based in Jesus Christ. Victory is gained over the world by faith in Jesus Christ, by believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Anointed One, Savior and Lord of all.

The world is ruled by Satan and the people who belong to the world cannot overcome the world because they are enslaved to Satan and their sinful desires. Eventually, unbelievers lose everything at the end of their lives because death is the end of everything gained on earth. In the competitive world everybody is a loser. Money, fame, or power cannot save them. Fighting over religion will not solve anything! But Christians are victors because Jesus won the victory on the cross by saying, “It is finished.” (John 19:30b) Jesus defeated our enemy Satan, sin, death and ascended into heaven. He is seated at the right hand of God. The world is controlled by the law of the jungle; the stronger prey on the weaker. To survive this world, people cannot help but become selfish and greedy because they’re control by Satan. Then, how can we overcome such a tough world? By faith in Jesus Christ we can be victors. In the sinful world there are only losers but in Jesus we all are victors.  It is faith in Jesus Christ that saves us, and it is faith that keeps us.

Faith is the only way in which you and I will be able to overcome this world around us.

III. Where does faith come from (Romans10:17)

We are to read this word daily for the direction, strength, comfort and the wisdom we need to make wise choices in this world. We are to congregate with the saints who encourage our faith to grow.

IV. We live by faith and not by sight. Hebrews 10:38 (NKJV) Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

  a. We are to exercise our faith. Faith without works is dead.

      James 2:20 (NKJV) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

 b. What faith will do.

   Mark 11:23 (NKJV)  For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

V. What faith makes us.  Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV) ³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. No matter what goes on in this world God is in control!
a. We are more than conquerors through the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Invitation: Are you an overcomer in Jesus Christ? Have you confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you and save you for Heaven? Have you invited Him into your life to take charge of you? Have you been baptized since you were saved? If the answer is no to any of these questions, come down the aisle during the invitation and let me pray for you!

God's Love

Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray

Matt. 6:9-13

In this chapter Jesus is talking about how to pray and when He had finished the disciples asked Jesus to show them what and how to pray. They knew He had contact with the Father through prayer and His prayers were always answered.

This pattern helps believers understand the nature and purpose of their personal prayers in their relationship with their Father.

I. Jesus teaches us to address God as Father as we pray for His name to be honored. Matthew 6:9 (NKJV)  In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 

a. In our lives.

Christians, who bear the holy name of Christ, must be responsible to honor him in every aspect of their lives. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)  Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

b. Pray for God’s name to be honored in the world.

When we pray for God’s name to be honored, we pray that this world will honor his name instead of misusing it. As we look forward to Christ’s return when that will be a reality.

II. Jesus teaches us to pray for the Father’s Kingdom to come to earth. 

Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)  Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 

a. God’s will to be done on earth as in Heaven.

Jesus’ followers recognize that the Kingdom began with his coming to earth. Luke 17:21 records Jesus as saying “Indeed the Kingdom of God is within you. To look forward to God’s coming Kingdom is to pray that more and more people will enter it. Our prayer is that all Christians will help bring God’s Kingdom to earth by living as Kingdom people in obeying the King’s will. This prayer also reaffirms our belief that one day all evil will be destroyed, and that God will establish Jesus as King over all the earth, and that his glory will be known to all the nations. We pray for the day when all nations will worship Him! Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV) ⁹ God also has highly exalted Him (Jesus) and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

b. Example of what it’s like in Heaven. Revelation 21:3-4 (NKJV) ³ And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

III. Jesus teaches us to depend on God for our daily provisions. 

Matthew 6:11 (NKJV) Give us this day our daily bread. 

a. We are to acknowledge God as the source of every good. We are not to forget it’s He who provides for us each day. Don’t take Him for granted!

 James 1:17 (NKJV)  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

IV. Jesus teaches us to forgive others as we want God to forgive us. 

Matthew 6:12 (NKJV) And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 

a. We are to forgive as Jesus forgave us. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

b. This prayer for forgiveness is not for salvation but for our fellowship with God and others. If believers are unwilling to forgive those who wrong them, how can they expect to be in fellowship with their Father who has freely forgiven them for their wrongdoings?

V. Jesus teaches us to pray for God the Father to keep us from sin and the evil one. Matthew 6:13 (NKJV)  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 

a. It is daily our hearts prayer. We want to bring honor to God’s name by avoiding evil.

b. This prayer expresses a healthy distrust of our own ability to resist temptations.

All Christians struggle with temptation. Believers who pray these words realize their sinful nature and their need to depend on God in the face of temptation.

The last part of verse 13 is not in some bibles because some of the older manuscripts didn’t have it recorded in them. But these words come from King David’s prayer after the people gave to build God’s Temple.    1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (NKJV) ¹⁰ David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said: "Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. 

¹¹ Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all. ¹² Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all.In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.¹³ "Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.

God’s power is the energy by which His kingdom is governed and maintained.

To God belongs the glory and the honor in response to His kingdom of grace, and the salvation of men forever and ever. 

God’s power is the energy by which His kingdom is governed and maintained.

To God belongs the glory and the honor in response to His kingdom of grace, and the salvation of men forever and ever.

All our prayers have no other foundation than God alone.

Invitation: Have you entered the Kingdom of God?

What or who do you trust in to get you into God’s eternal Kingdom?

You must believe and put full trust in God’s Son Jesus Christ to enter His Kingdom.

Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and invite Him into your heart to save you.

Acts 4:12 (NKJV)  There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

GOD’S PERFECT WORD

PSALM 119:137-144

The bible is the bestselling book of all times. In 2002 there had been more than 6 billion copies sold. The King James Bible—the bestselling book of all time, the most quoted book in the English language celebrates its 403rd anniversary this year. The bible is different than all other books.  Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)  For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. It gives us wisdom you will find nowhere else. It tells us how our souls can be saved. No other book can do that!

    I. THE PSALMIST’S DISCERNMENT (119:137-138) David taught Solomon in Proverbs 4:7-9 N.K.J.V.⁷ Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. ⁸ Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. ⁹ She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you." King David is credited for writing Psalm 119. God gave David such insight into the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of Him and His will. Written thousands of years ago under the inspiration of God’s Spirit, He tells us in these few verses what we need to know about God and His word and how important both of them are. This entire Psalm is about God’s word which is God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom has saved and directed the lives of millions of people and still is today. All wisdom is originates with God!

First he tells us about; the righteousness of:

A. The Lord’s Character (119:137) God is always right, and he is always actively righteous in all He does. This quality is bound up in our very idea of God. We cannot imagine an unrighteous God. He makes no mistakes no matter what man says or accuses Him of and no matter what we don’t understand. His commandments are fair because they keep us from danger and evil. God’s blessings flow when we are obedient.

B. The Lord’s Commandments (119:138) There are no imperfections in God’s word. It doesn't contain truth, it is the truth. It is beyond a shadow of a doubt absolutely trustworthy. It is dependable for showing us how to live our lives in the most successful way. It tells us how to avoid trouble and find the right path in life. It is good for all ages because it is never outdated or unreliable.

II. THE PSALMIST’S DEVOTION (119:139) ¹³⁹ I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded your words. Indignation means anger and outrage for those enemies of God who disregard His holy word. King David was absolutely devoted to God’s word and lived his life by it. Do we have that same feeling about God’s word? So many today disregard God’s word and it increases evil. When we don’t live by God’s word, it does us no good and evil wins in our lives.
III. THE PSALMIST’S DELIGHT (119:140) God’s word has stood the test of time. It has been around for thousands of years, man has tried every effort to destroy it and have not been successful and never will be. Psalms 119:89 (NLT)  Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Everything else may pass away but God will not allow His word to be changed or destroyed. It is eternal!

IV. THE PSALMIST’S DISTRESS (119:141-144)

A. His Correct View of Self (119:141) To his enemies David was despised and insignificant but he would not turn away from God’s word no matter what. There are Christians all over the world today who are despised and insignificant in the eyes of evil people. But they are willing to give their lives rather than turn from God and His word. We are nothing in and of ourselves.

B. His Correct View of Scripture (119:142) God has always operated in integrity and honesty, and always will. His words are perfectly true now and always.

 C. His Correct View of Suffering (119:143)  When the pressures of life weigh us down and we feel squeezed, we can open this word of God and find joy in His everlasting promises. We find direction for our lives in all situations.  John 10:10 (NLT)  The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying, abundant life.

V. THE PSALMIST’S DESIRE (119:144) God’s word is continually right. Has been right since it was written and always will be! As we pray and read His word, God’s Spirit will help us to understand His word so we may live by them and be victorious in this life. When we read God’s word then shall we truly "live." My spirit will shake off its apathy, and be quickened into a "life" that will live for God.  

Invitation: God’s word says that all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord.

Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) ⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Simply confess your sins against God and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you. Invite Him into your heart and let Him take charge of your life. Go to church and be baptized to prove that you are sincere about your desire to be saved. You will be glad you did.

Fullness of Joy

Revival

Psalm 63:1-11

Revival- An improvement in the condition or strength of something.

	reestablishment,  restoration, resurrection,  regeneration, Rejuvenation.  A new interest in an old or familiar work. A restoration to bodily or mental vigor, to life or consciousness. To live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle into a flame the vital spark which is nearly extinguished? It is clear that the, term "revival" can only be applied to something that is alive, or to that which once lived. It only takes a spark to get a fire a going! Soon those around are warmed in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love. A spark of revival can change our whole concept of God and His will for our lives and touch all those around us. A true revival is to be looked for in the church of God. It can only come through God Himself. It has been said that a revival must begin with God's people; this is very true. The results of the revival will extend to the outside world, but the revival itself, must be within the church. Revival starts with a hunger and a thirst for His presence and will in our lives. The true believer is convinced, that nothing in this sinful world can satisfy the wants and desires of his immortal soul; he expects his joy and peace from God, as his portion. Psalms 63:1 (NKJV)  A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.  God is our personal God. Earnestly (intensely - deeply) will I seek God. Seek – thru prayer and bible study. Thirst – strong, eager desire for.  Long – crave! This world is a like a dry and thirsty land. It creates barrenness in our souls. Psalms 63:2 (NKJV)  So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. The place to find Cure for thirst and longing is God’s house. In this sanctuary we should see the glory and power of God expressed as lives are changed for the  better.  Psalms 63:3 (NKJV)  Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. The kind tender loving care of God motivated by His affection is better than life. Because God is so good, loving, and kind, generous to His children, and because He grants us His power and glory, we shall continually praise Him. Psalms 63:4 (NKJV)  Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.  Because God meets the desires of my soul like nothing else can, I will bless Him as long as I live. I will lift up my hands in surrender to your name. Jews of old raised hands toward the temple in Jerusalem where God’s presence was and blessed His name.  Psalms 63:5 (NKJV)  My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. Just like my body is satisfied with the finest of foods, my soul is satisfied with You, o God. You meet all the needs of my soul. Instead of negative talk, I choose to open my mouth and speak well of You Father God. I will praise (pay tribute to) Your name. Psalms 63:6 (NKJV)  When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. When you can’t sleep, instead of counting sheep, remember God on your bed, Remember His past blessings? How long since you filled your mind with thoughts of Father in the night? Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV) 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. Psalms 63:7 (NKJV)  Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. Think about how many times God has been your help. Under God’s protection and care I will rejoice. Psalms 91:1 (NKJV)  He who dwells in the secret place(the Lord Jesus Christ) of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:2 (NKJV)  I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalms 63:8 (NKJV)  My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Does your soul, your emotions follow close behind God, allowing Him to take the lead. His way instead of my way. If God created us, then surely He must know the best way for us to go, but we must seek His way daily to be fully blessed of Him. As we follow God, His right hand upholds us. Jesus is at His right hand of power where He daily makes intercession for us. We are up held by Him, His Sprit within. Psalms 63:9-11 (NKJV) 9 But those who seek my life, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 10 They shall fall by the sword; They shall be a portion for jackals. 11 But the king shall rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him shall glory; But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped. When we are praising God, meditating on Him, and following His lead, we will be victorious over all enemies. Our enemies’ bodies will be destroyed.

Invitation: The choice is clear, revival or slow spiritual death. We have choice to be close to God or at a distant in our fellowship with Him, to be Saved or lost. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sins against God and you have never invited Him into your life, you would be forever wise if you did. If you really want to be forgiven and have eternal life, ask Jesus to save you right now!

Then be baptized and begin to attend church to show you are sincere!

God of Compassion

Canaanland Is Just In Sight-The Cathedrals

The Sin That Stops God

Mark 6:1-6

Some people think God’s will is always done but that’s not always true. In this passage of scripture today it becomes very clear that unbelief si the sin that will stop the hand of God from working.

Let’s read the scripture for today and see what unbelief cost.

 Mark 6:1-3 (NLT)
¹ Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown.
² The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?”
³ Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

we see what leads to the sin that stops God from working. Unbelief doubts the wisdom of God and the messenger who proclaims it.

They were astonished (surprised) at Jesus’ wisdom and power, wondering where He got it.

They questioned His abilities to perform miracles and became offended because He was a local ordinary person, a carpenter and not royalty.

People today are still offended when the word of God is preached. They will not believe God’s word and they will ridicule and find fault with the messengers of God’s word. They refuse to believe God’s word and go about trying to establish their own righteousness. Romans 10:3 (NLT) For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with Himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.

Mark 6:4 (NLT)
⁴ Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.”

 states another hindrance to God’s word. There is an old saying that familiarity breeds contempt (dislike-disrespect). We get so familiar with those around us that we begin to take them for granted and sometimes disrespect them thinking God can’t use them, they’re just ordinary people like I am. We think, why would God choose them?

Mark 6:5 (NLT)
⁵ And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them.

 says Jesus could do no mighty works there because of their unbelief. This tells us that unbelief can stop God so He will not be able to do any great works.

For God to save or heal without morally directed faith would be to act like the pagan magicians back in Moses day when they duplicated Moses miracle acts.

I pray that we will not be a church that would tie the hands of God and stop Him from doing a great work among us. God works by faith! He can do anything He wants, but He will not work where faith is absent. God doesn’t work like a magician, He works by faith.

God doesn’t show up waving a magic wand, He works when people believe Him. That Jesus couldn’t do any mighty miracles in Nazareth does not mean a restriction on his power. Rather, Jesus could have done greater miracles in Nazareth, but he chose not to because of the people’s unbelief. Jesus’ mighty works were meant to further the Kingdom of God, not to try to convince a group of stubborn people who had already thoroughly rejected him. To do miracles would be of no value because the people did not accept his message or believe that he was from God. Apparently even in Nazareth, a few sick people, humbled by their need, did come to Jesus for healing.

And Jesus, always compassionate, healed them.

Mark 6:6 (NLT)
⁶ And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.

 says that Jesus marveled at their unbelief. They had His presence, His wisdom, and the testimony of His mighty works. They had His power to help them in all their need, yet they stayed away from His meetings. They would not come to Him for forgiveness. In pride, they refused to trust and believe Him. The situation amazed Jesus. Their unbelief was just incredible, but He had to accept their rejection. He could not force Himself upon them, so He left town and travelled to all the villages surrounding Nazareth. Jesus will not stay where there is no faith because that is what He works by.

Unbelief is shocking. It is an amazing thing to think that any man or woman would ever reject the salvation of Christ and His miracles by which He enriches and enhances life so much in every way. John 10:10b He came that we might have life and that more abundant. It’s equally amazing how Christians will not believe God to do a mighty work today. How many times do we prevent the hand of God from working a mighty work in our midst by the sin of unbelief?

Unbelief has its unforgivable consequences. (Read Numbers 14:36-45)

Hebrews 10:26 (NLT)  Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.

Invitation: Where do you stand? It’s time to examine ourselves to see if we are living our lives in faith of God’s word or if we are living in unbelief.

Have you believed God’s word that says you need Jesus the Savior to forgive your sins?

Have you asked Him to save you?

 If you have done that, have you asked Him to forgive your unbelief?

If we say we don’t need to change, we are living in unbelief of God’s word, because

He tells us in 2 Peter 3:17-18 (NLT) ¹⁷ I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people (unbelievers) and lose your own secure footing. ¹⁸ Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

May the Holy Spirit of God convict each of us that need to change and give us the grace to make that change!

Victory Over Fear

PS.27:1 & 14

Fear is a dark cloud that enshrouds and paralyzes us. Fear prevents us from trying something new or taking a risk. It imprisons us and sometimes causes us to let opportunities pass us by. At times, we have all been victims of our fears—fear of failure, sickness, loneliness, lack of finances, the unknown. David certainly had plenty of reasons to be afraid. His enemies, including King were constantly after him. He faced death on the battlefield. He knew the pain of rejection and loneliness. But David also knew that the remedy for fear was always with him. That remedy was God Himself. Psalms 27:1 (NKJV) The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 

In Ps. 91:15, God says, "I will be with them in trouble." When we are in trouble, God Himself is right there beside us. This is why David could be fearless.

As he says in Psalm 23:4 "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid." Why? “You are close beside me." Your provisions they comfort me.” You o God are my light and the strength of my life. V:5 You give me victory over my enemies. Romans 8:31 (NKJV)  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? In Psalm 27:1, David again writes, "Why should I be afraid?" David knew that the light of God's salvation would dispel the darkness of fear. God as his stronghold, his Light and his Salvation, would provide him with something to hold on to during difficult times. David could remain confident even when his enemies' armies marched against him, because God was his Strength, Rock and Protector.  David could live with such confidence because he had learned to wait patiently. He waited years for the fulfillment of God's promise that he would be king, while his enemies continued to attack him. It couldn't have been easy, but David never faltered in trusting God or believing that God was with him.

David found peace in his relationship with God, and so can we. According to the apostle John, “Perfect love expels all fear" (1 John 4:18); namely, God’s love in us that has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. According to the bible, there is only one legitimate fear, and that is the "fear of the LORD" —not a fear that makes us run away, but rather a reverence and awe that draws us closer to the One who made us and sustains us. When we fear God, we won’t fear everything else, were’ walking in light.

Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

 But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)  Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

When we properly fear the Lord, we will cleanse ourselves from all sin of flesh & spirit.

CONCLUSION: What fears are keeping you awake at night? What dark cloud is preventing you from seeing clearly and stepping out in faith? Like David, turn to God as your light and your stronghold. David admonishes us In verse:14 (NKJV) Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

God help us to wait patiently and confidently before him.

 Let Christ’s perfect love cast out all your fears. You will see God's goodness.

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, now is a perfect time to confess your sins against God and ask Jesus to forgive you. Then invite Him into your heart and life to take charge of you. You will be so thankful you did. Then you too will have victory over fear.

Remembering Our Savior

The Jewish people have 7 feasts a year they celebrate in remembrance of their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. As we remember our deliverance from the bondage of Satan and sin, we celebrate who Jesus is, we remember that He is the fulfillment of what these celebrations represent in the Old Testament.

Jesus Christ has already fulfilled 4, and is going to fulfill the other 3 in the future.

 The First Four Feasts that Jesus has already fulfilled are;
1. Pesach or Passover – This Celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage by the blood of the Passover lamb, and future deliverance from the bondage of sin and Satan that Jesus, the Passover Lamb has provided by His shed blood.

2. Unleavened Bread – They eat bread without yeast which represents purity of Jesus.                                                                    

  3. First-fruits Represents Jesus’ resurrection as the first to rise from the dead.
4. Sha-vawt the Festival of Weeks or Pentecost  Represents coming of Holy Spirit 50 days after His resurrection and the beginning of the church. The three to be fulfilled are;

5. Rosh HaShanah or Feast of Trumpets To be fulfilled when Jesus returns for His church. 6. Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement  To be fulfilled when Jesus comes to destroy Satan. Revelation 20:1-2 (NKJV) ¹ Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. ² He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
7. Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles This feast looks forward to Messiahs Kingdom when all His people have been gathered together under His Leadership and rule. Revelation 19:6 (NKJV) And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

When we celebrate the Lord, we remember and celebrate the fact that Jesus has already fulfilled the first four feasts of Israel and soon He will fulfill the last three.The next to be fulfilled is “Feats of Trumpets,” when Jesus returns for His church!              

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV) ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

We want to remember who Jesus is, and what He has done for each of us and is going to do for us in the future. 

God’s word tells us more bout Jesus!

Revelation 1:4 (NKJV) John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,

We remember that because of Jesus we have grace & peace from Father God and the Holy Spirit, as well as Himself.

Revelation 1:5 (NKJV)  and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

We remember the truth that Jesus is the faithful witness. He is the one Person we can depend upon. We can trust what Jesus Christ tells us. Jesus Christ came from God, out of heaven itself, to reveal the truth to us—the truth about God and man and man's world. He was the first to rise from the dead. Of all the people who have arisen from the dead, Jesus Christ is Supreme. He is ruler over all the earth. All other people arise because He arose. All believers shall arise to live with God eternally because He arose and conquered death for us.

V: 5b We remember Jesus’ love for us and the fact that He has washed us from our sins by His blood.  We remember He is Ruler over the kings of the earth.  Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead and exalted to the right hand of God's throne. He and He alone has been given the seat of Sovereign rule over the earth. He "loved us and has washed us from our sins in His own blood." The word  love is in the present tense in the Greek. This means that Jesus Christ always loves us. He loves us today just as He has loved us in the past. The word "washed" means to be loosed, set free, and released from penalty of sin. We have been redeemed from the bondage of Satan.

V: 6 Revelation 1:6 (NKJV)  and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We remember the truth that Jesus has made us kings and priests to His God & Father. By kings is meant a kingdom, a rule, some authority and responsibility that involves management, supervision, and governing. Believers shall rule and reign with Christ. We shall oversee and administer the affairs of the universe for Christ throughout eternity.

By priests means that we have open access into God's presence any time. Believers no longer need human priests or mediators. Believers are themselves made priests before God—all by Jesus Christ. Believers are now to offer their own prayers, praises, worship, thanksgiving, and offerings to God. As we remember these facts we ascribe to Him all the glory (honor, praise) and dominion (supremacy) forever and ever.

Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)  Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

 We also remember the truth that Jesus is coming back to this earth. Every eye shall see Him. The glory of God is so bright and so full of light that it actually shines brighter than the sun. When Jesus Christ returns, there will be a display of His glory that will surround the earth, and the reflection of the Lord's glory will be seen by every eye. Remember also there will be an innumerable host of angels and believers who are accompanying Christ back to earth. The idea is this: there will be so many that they will surround the earth. The nation of Israel and all who have rejected Him will mourn. Israel will repent and turn to Jesus as their Messiah, Savior, and King.

Revelation 1:8 (NKJV)  "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

 We remember the truth that Jesus is the Beginning and the End of all creation.

He has always been, is now and always will be. Jesus Christ is the beginning and the ending of all there is. He began all things and He shall end all things. All things find their purpose, meaning, and significance in Him.  

We remember the truth that He is eternal.  He is, He was, and He is to come.  

 He is the Almighty, there is nothing He can’t do, nothing is impossible with Him.

He is our Savior and Lord. He is present with us right now. 

Invitation: Is Jesus your personal Savior and Lord? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and wash them away? Have you invited Him into your heart?

Will heaven be your home?

If you are not 100% sure, pause and pray asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins against God and others. Invite Him into your life to take charge of you and give you eternal life. Then you can be sure you will be with God when your life on earth is over. 1 John 5:13 (NKJV)  These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

The Righteous Person

Psalm 16

The attitude and lifestyle of the righteous person is described in (vv. 1–8)

 Psalms 16:1 (NKJV) Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

The righteous persons attitude is one of trust. Everyone trusts in something or someone.King David put complete trust in God to preserve  him (to keep safe from harm or injury; to protect or spare) through all he had to face in life. Who do you trust to save and keep you?    Psalms 16:2 (NKJV)  O my soul, you have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You." Have you said that?

His attitude is one of Gratefulness for God’s goodness as Master and Provider.

James 1:17 (NKJV)  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Psalms 16:3 (NKJV)  As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."

Righteous person Delight’s in God’s people. Their God is their glory. They are the true heroes, our missionaries and Christian people. Imagine a world without Christians or churches. God spares America because of His missionaries and His godly people spreading the gospel. 

Psalms 16:4 (NKJV)  Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips.

cf. Ex. 23:13; Deut. 12:3 prohibited mentioning false gods. Righteous people Separate themselves from idolatrous worship. Those with other gods would drink the blood offerings to their god. Righteous people Love God alone! They know where their blessings come from.

Psalms 16:5-6 (NKJV) ⁵ O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. ⁶ The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.

Righteous have Satisfaction in God’s gracious provisions. God has given the righteous a Heavenly inheritance that is “incorruptible and undefiled and does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:4 6a(NKJV) In this we greatly rejoice.”

God is the righteous persons inheritance. He is better than anything we have on this earth.

Psalms 16:7 (NKJV)  I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. Righteous Praise the Lord for His counsel to guide us through life and trust Him and His promises. The communion of our soul with God brings us an inner spiritual wisdom which in still seasons is revealed to us as we meditate on His word.

The attitude of the righteous person in death is described in (vv. 8–11).

Verses 10-11 Refer to Jesus and His resurrection. Peter in Acts 2:25-35 said Jesus was the fulfillment of these scriptures. Jesus’ resurrection is that which gives us our hope and joy. 

Psalms 16:8 (NKJV)  I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Jesus set the Father God before Him as He went to the cross for us. Because He knew the Father was at His right hand, He would not be moved from His purpose.

Righteous also know the Lord is with them even as they face death as Jesus did. 

Psalms 23:4 (NKJV)  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalms 1:2 (NKJV) The righteous person’s delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law (word) he meditates day and night. When we read God’s word, study it and meditate on it, we are keeping the Lord always before us; we experience His Presence and are ready to meet Him in death.

Psalms 16:9 (NKJV)  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. Jesus would have to die. His flesh would rest in the tomb in hope for three days. But His heart was glad and His soul rejoiced because He knew the outcome, mankind’s salvation. Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)  Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. His joy was based on what would happen on the other side of death.

In facing death, the righteous person also is glad, he rejoices and is hopeful. How can this be? As we understand the future God has for us, and what is on the other side we will experience joy. We don’t base our life or death on circumstances, but on God and His promises to us.

Our Faith in Jesus Christ gives us a living joy, and bestows dying rest.

Psalms 16:10 (NKJV)  For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. Jesus’ soul was not left in hell and His body was saved from the decay of death and did not see corruption. In three days He arose from the tomb to eternal life.

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, the righteous are confident that God will also preserve their soul from hell.  Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  2 Cor. 5:8 ‘Absent from the body, present.”

Although our bodies will decay, they will be resurrected perfect in every way. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NKJV)  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead (bodies) will be raised incorruptible, and we shall all be changed.

  Psalms 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. David’s confidence in his ultimate destiny is valid for him (and for all believers) only because Christ has traveled down that path and paved the way for all who believe in Him. David looked forward to Jesus’ resurrection; we look back to Jesus’ resurrection from the grave as the fulfillment of David’s prophecy given here. Jesus said He would show us the way to life. John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. The righteous will travel down the path of life shown to them by Jesus Christ, that is, the path leading to life, which will terminate in God’s joyful presence and the pleasures of Heaven forevermore.                                                                                                           

Invitation: Think seriously about the path you are traveling! Are you traveling the path of life set before you by Jesus who leads to heaven and all the joys and pleasures of God?

None of us know how long we have on this earth, so we should put our trust in God before it’s too late. Have you confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive and save you?

If you have not, then you should do that right now so you too can know the joys and pleasures of Heaven.