Mark 1:25-28

 Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and earth. He is God. Everything is under His command. Everything is under His control. Now He accomplishes this through the power of Holy Spirit until He comes again in glory to rule. His Kingdom  has no end!

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." 

We live by faith when we trust God's promises are true, even when our circumstances remain unchanged. We live by faith when we trust that Jesus secured our relationship with God, even when we're tempted to try to earn God's favor with good works. We live by faith when we believe Jesus will return and consummate His victory in the new heavens and new earth, even when it seems that this world is deteriorating before our eyes. First5 

Mark 1:25-28

25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying,  “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee. The New King James Version

The demon cried out let us alone, not because it was speaking for other demons in the man but because Jesus was a threat to all demons. Jesus constantly confronted demons and about 20 percent of the approximately 35 miracles recorded about Jesus involved helping those troubled by demons. The demon acknowledged Jesus as the Holy One of God, but Jesus refused the testimony from such a disreputable source. 

Mark notes the extent of recognition this great miracle brought Jesus by saying His fame spread throughout all the region. Mark creates suspense by contrasting the people who received Christ with the Pharisees and rulers who worked to bring about His death. The sad truth remains that often the religious of the world do more to keep people from Jesus Christ than most worldly atheists. But the gospel is not religion. It is Good News that can free even the most horrible sinner. The NKJV Study Bible

With this command, Jesus simultaneously neutralizes the spirit’s attempt to oppose Him and prevents His identity as the Messiah from becoming public knowledge. Exorcists were common in the ancient Near East. For example, among the Dead Sea Scrolls (circa 250 bc–ad 50), a text containing an incantation formula designed to exorcise demons was discovered. Jesus distinguishes Himself from other exorcists in that He did not rely on complex incantations. He could simply command the demons and they would leave their hosts. Jesus’ inaugural exorcism sets off a chain reaction, as those who hear the good news respond to it. Faithlife Study Bible

This unclean spirit hated and dreaded Christ, because he knew him to be a Holy One; for the carnal mind is enmity against God, especially against his holiness. When Christ by his grace delivers souls out of the hands of Satan, it is not without tumult in the soul; for that spiteful enemy will disquiet those whom he cannot destroy. This put all who saw it upon considering, What is this new doctrine? A work as great often is wrought now, yet men treat it with contempt and neglect. If this were not so, the conversion of a notorious wicked man to a sober, righteous, and godly life, by the preaching of a crucified Saviour, would cause many to ask, What doctrine is this? Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 4:24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

Matthew 9:31 But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.

Matthew 17:22 Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men,

Mark 8:11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him.

“Life Church Vineyard” Lancaster, OH

Pastor Mitch Price continues “Retelling The Story Of Christmas”

Colossians 3:17  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The birth of Christ probably happened in spring, on  a damp and chilly day, in Bethlehem. It was most likely nothing like we imagine here in the U.S.. We all have our memories of Christmas in our family. Jesus was usually not at the center of our traditions. 

Christmas was at the center of the newly founded Body of Christ over 2000 years ago. Their hope began and ended with Jesus. He died a sacrificial death for us.

Deuteronomy 6:

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. The New King James Version

We need to retell the truth of Jesus. Pointing others to Christ.

What story is your life telling right now. Do we share the peace and joy we find in Jesus? Do we long for His return? 

There was a 400 year of silence. God was not speaking to His prophets. They had heard of the coming Messiah but many had forgotten that promise.

Luke 1:5

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

God hears our prayers. He always answers us in the most perfect way. Maybe not how we think it should be but the one that is perfectly in His will for us.

All of Gods’ promises come to pass at a their proper time!

Our lives should be lived in anticipation of His return.

Romans 15:13

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

O Holy Night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine

Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name 

“Tree Church” Lancaster, OH

Pastor Mackie McAdam

Jesus did what we could not do on our own…He died for us!

You are a God who keeps His promise…you sent Jesus!

There’s a stirring in the Spirit He is coming. Come have Your way in us. Pour it out Lord…Like a violent wind I feel You rushing in. Like a mighty flame of fire. Let it pour out Spirit. 

Have Your way Lord in Your Churches

Evangelism at its base is just sharing your faith with others.

John1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. The Preincarnate Work of Christ 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. The Forerunner of Christ 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. The New King James Version

Excitement leads to proclamation

The message of Christ is THE most important one that we receive and can share that leads to life eternal.

Passion allows us share the miracle that is Jesus.

John 1:

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Spilling the tea…why is it easier to share gossip than our faith.

Jesus would leave all to find you that is how important you are to God.

Faithfullness will get you to the goal line.

John 6:4-14

4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” 10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

Andrew brought the boy to Jesus. 

Faithfulness equal life change. One person who is faithful to share with us the miracle of Jesus impacts us for life.

John 12:20

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Andrew wanted the Greeks to be saved.

 Jesus is for everybody. 

It is the Good News that will last forever.

Jesus has the supernatural power to enter our lives and give us Holy Spirit to gift us the courage to share our faith with others.

Jesus crossed cultural and religious boundaries going where others would not to share His gift of salvation. 

Holy Spirit enables us to do what we cannot do on our own.

Our calling

Our calling is  twofold. It involves the talents given to us by the Father  but our relationship with Him is our  highest calling. God gives us the desires of our heart.  Our eternal salvation is always the end goal. Whatever you are called to do with your talents or your calling to follow Christ give it everything that you are capable of giving.

There is no formula for balancing work and the other elements of life. But take care not to let a sense of calling to a job blind you to God’s calling in the other areas of life.

Mark 3

13 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. The New King James Version

The Call to Belong to Christ and Participate in His Redemptive Work in the World. Article / Produced by TOW Project

In the Bible, the word “call” is used most often to refer to God's initiative to bring people to Christ and to participate in his redemptive work in the world. This sense of calling is especially prominent in the letters of Paul, whether or not the word “call” is actually used.

Romans 1:6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

1 Timothy 2:4  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

The calling to belong to Christ goes deeper than the kinds of workplace “calling” . For this reason, it is important to start our exploration of calling with the call to follow Jesus. It is a call to a restored relationship with God and with other people and with the world around us. It encompasses all of a person’s being and doing. It reminds us that the call to a particular kind of work is secondary to the call to belong to Christ and to participate in his redemption of the world.

In particular, our work must be an integral part of our participation in Christ himself. His work of creation underlies the act of creativity and production in the universe (John 1:1-3). His work of redemption can occur in every workplace through justice, healing, reconciliation, compassion, kindness, humility and patience (Colossians 3:12). Christ’s redemptive work is not limited to evangelism, but encompasses everything necessary to make the world what God always intended it to be. This redemptive work occurs in harmony with the work of creation, production and sustenance that God delegated to humanity in the Garden of Eden. The Bible does not indicate that the work of redemption has superseded the work of creation. Both continue, and in general, Christians are commanded to participate in the work of both creation and redemption.

God calls us to belong to Christ in every element of our lives.

Colossians 3:17  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Our jobs are not necessarily the most important aspect of our calling or our service in Christ’s work of redemption. First, we must remember that work is not limited to paid work. The work God leads us to may be unpaid work, such as raising children or caring for a disabled family member or tutoring students after school. Even if we are called to paid work, God probably doesn’t call many of us to jobs that would prevent us from also serving others through unpaid work.

Even if you have a paid job, the most important work God calls you to may be outside your job. Your job may meet your need for money — which in itself fulfills part of God’s command to work — but it may not fulfill all the other purposes God has for your work. We have seen that caring for children and for aged or incapacitated people is a kind of work, and many people who do it also have another paid job. On the other hand, a so-called hobby could be the most important work God is leading you to. You might work at writing, painting, music, acting, astronomy, leading a youth group, volunteering at a historical society, maintaining a nature reserve or a thousand other kinds of work. If something like this is your calling, you will probably engage it in a more serious way than someone else to whom it is a leisure activity, yet you may still earn your living in some other way. There is a distinction between work and leisure. But any given activity could be work — paid or unpaid — for one person, and leisure for another.

Second, we must take care not to let work dominate the other elements of life. Even if God leads you to a particular job or profession, you will need to set limits to that work to make room for the other elements of God’s call or guidance in your life. If God leads you to be married and to be a small business owner, for example, then you will have to balance the time and responsibilities of both callings. Work should not crowd out leisure, rest and worship. There is no formula for balancing work and the other elements of life. But take care not to let a sense of calling to a job blind you to God’s calling in the other areas of life.

Proverbs 24:3-4

Thirty two of us broke bread yesterday at our home…I am so very, very thankful for family.

Thank you Father for those that you have placed in our life.

Tonight the out-of-state members will share the leftovers :) with us.

Proverbs 24:3-4

3 Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4 By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. The New King James Version

This proverb describes the constructive nature of wisdom. Proverbs elsewhere personifies wisdom as an industrious woman who builds her house. Here, wisdom does not just build the house; she fills it with prosperity and happiness. Faithlife Study Bible

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house,But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

Wishing a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! 

Family is such a precious gift. 

Siblings, nieces and nephews and all of our children and grandchildren coming here from Texas, North Carolina and all over Ohio to celebrate at our home. We are so very thankful...

To persevere in our faith and enter God's perfect rest, it's vital that we keep our eyes on Jesus. Like Israel, we may not always see how God's will is being worked out in our lives, but even when we can't see, we can continue in faith that God's plans are good and that nothing can separate us from His love. (Romans 8:28;  Romans 8:37-39) First5 

The Gospel According to Luke

We may not know the timeframe but we do know that Jesus will return to His Body of Believers.

Exodus 14:14 The Lord Himself will fight for you. You need only be still.  

Though we cannot track God's thoughts for us, we can be sure they are greater than any fears, foes or woes that come against us. First5

To receive life as a gift is to acknowledge that we do not — and indeed cannot — hold our world together out of our sheer effort, will and strength. Most of the best things in life can only be received and held with open hands. Like the story of the Israelites receiving manna from God in the desert, we receive what we need as sheer mercy, but it cannot be hoarded, clung to or clutched. Instead, understanding all of our existence as a gift allows us to see that we are limited in our own capacity to control the world and yet we are given what we need, day by day.” (Rev. Tish Harrison Warren) “SabbathMoments “

The Gospel According to Luke The NKJV Study Bible

For Luke, Jesus is the promised Messiah (1:31–35), the Son of God (9:35), the Servant through whom God works (4:16–18), and the Lord who is called to sit at God’s right hand exerting His authority and giving the Spirit to those who believe. Though aspects of God’s plan are fulfilled in Jesus’ First Coming, other parts of the plan remain to be fulfilled when Jesus returns (21:5–36).

1:31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

9:35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 36 When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

21:5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” 7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 

8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” 10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 

25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” 29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Colossians 3:12-15

Love fulfills the Law!!! 

We live with Gratitude and Thanksgiving in response to the teachings of Christ. Have a happy and blessed thanksgiving!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave us…JESUS

Our God is rich in mercy, (Ephesians 2:4) and He longs to be gracious to us. (Isaiah 30:18) We do not have to live fearing God's judgment because He offers salvation to all who call on Him, (Romans 10:9;  Romans 10:13) to all who come in repentance and humility before Him. (Mark 6:12;  Acts 3:19) One day this opportunity will be no more. (Proverbs 27:1;  Hebrews 3:15) May we accept His mercy today and so live transformed by the power of the Son of God, who gave Himself in our place! (Galatians 2:20;  Romans 8:1;  Romans 6:23) First5

Colossians 3:12-15

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. The New King James Version

Originally, God chose the nation of Israel to be His people. However, because such distinctions are rendered irrelevant in Christ, Paul affirms the Colossian believers as being among God’s chosen people. Believers must have patience with one another, even while enduring difficult situations. Even in the community of believers, the actions of some offend or hurt others; how believers respond is critical. Experiencing God’s forgiveness shows that believers must forgive one another. The Greek word used here, eirēnē, refers to wholeness or the absence of conflict in a relationship. Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts. Paul commands the Colossians to express gratitude for the things they have and the people in their lives. Gratitude is a safeguard against grumbling and complaining, both of which can ruin a community. Faithlife Study Bible

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly is apparently a parallel thought to Paul’s statement in Ephesians 5:18 where he says to be “filled with the Spirit.” Both here and in Ephesians, the result of being “filled” with the Spirit or the word of Christ is singing. The psalms are the psalms found in the OT, the “songbook” of the early church as well as of Israel. The hymns would be the songs of the church that reflected the new truth in Christ. Spiritual songs may have been other kinds of songs praising God. Paul sums up how Christians should live. We should commit everything we do or say to Jesus and continually thank God for all His good gifts. The NKJV Study Bible

We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his working in all who are his. Thanksgiving to God, helps to make us agreeable to all men. The gospel is the word of Christ. Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no power over them. The soul prospers, when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ. But when we sing psalms, we must be affected with what we sing. Whatever we are employed about, let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on him. Those who do all in Christ’s name, will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 11:25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Ezekiel 20:45-49

Babylon was used as the Sword of God. He will use the Refiners fire to bring you back to  your senses. He will separate the chaff, the product of sin, from the wheat, producing fruit, in our lives.

Jesus did not leave us to fend for ourselves!

What is impossible for us on our own power…Holy Spirit makes possible through His. 

But we must stay alert and resist the enemy by resisting the ways of the world. 

Justice happens to the degree that we align ourselves with God’s hand of fairness. When you teach a disabled child to walk or read, when you care for the elderly, when you rally to support the oppressed, you accomplish something that will continue into the world to come. It’s a wonderful thing to restore art or dilapidated houses, but it is a holy thing to restore human dignity. When we join hands with God’s, justice finds oxygen, and oppression hides in the corner.

To be clear, the day is coming when God will forever balance the scales of justice. The glory of the new kingdom will be hallmarked by prosperity and justice. Until then, let’s partner with him in the pursuit of what is right. When you stand up for the downtrodden, justice has a chance, and Satan has a fit. Max Lucado

God desires for us to declare war on our sin and hate it as much as He does. He sent Jesus to die for our sin so that we can live in the freedom of His grace. (John 3:16) He's provided everything we need to defeat the enemy, even a Comforter to help us become like Jesus. (Ephesians 6:10-17;  John 14:26) First5 

"Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, mighty in battle!" Thank You that I can count on You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to strengthen, equip and fight the enemy of our souls. We are victorious when we do what 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Laura “First5”

Ezekiel 20:45-49

45 Furthermore the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 46 “Son of man, set your face toward the south; preach against the south and prophesy against the forest land, the South, 47 and say to the forest of the South, ‘Hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it shall devour every green tree and every dry tree in you; the blazing flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be scorched by it. 48 All flesh shall see that I, the Lord, have kindled it; it shall not be quenched.” ’ ” 49 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! They say of me, ‘Does he not speak parables?’ “ The New King James Version 

The forest land, the South refers to the land of Judah—the southern kingdom—which had more trees then than now. From the south to the north is a  figure of speech and expresses totality, meaning “everywhere.” The NKJV Study Bible

Judah and Jerusalem had been full of people, as a forest of trees, but empty of fruit. God’s word prophesies against those who bring not forth the fruits of righteousness. When He will ruin a nation, who or what can save it? The plainest truths were as parables to the people. It is common for those who will not be wrought upon by the word, to blame it. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

In the Hebrew text, this verse marks the beginning of chapter 21. The change in subject matter is also marked by Ezekiel’s characteristic phrase, “The word of Yahweh came to me.” An expression indicating Ezekiel’s act of turning his attention toward his intended audience. Many of the oracles in Ezekiel open with this phrase. The Hebrew word used here, teman, was used for the direction south and as a name for a place in Edom, southeast of Judah. It literally means, “that which is on the right.” The south is on the right when facing east. Ezekiel’s oracles of judgment were also directed at geographical or topographical locations that represented the human recipients of judgment. Fire is the agent of destruction against the southern region. A figure of speech called a merism that indicates totality. Here it symbolizes that all vegetation will be consumed by this fire. The power of the fire will reveal its divine origin. Ezekiel wonders whether his parables and metaphors are getting through to his audience. Perhaps the people had come to hear him more for the entertainment value of his artistic word-images than for the conviction that should come from hearing God’s message. Their view of him as an entertainer would lessen the gravity of his warnings and neutralize his effectiveness as a watchman. Faithlife Study Bible

Isaiah 9:18 For wickedness burns as the fire; it shall devour the briers and thorns, And kindle in the thickets of the forest; they shall mount up like rising smoke.

Isaiah 9:19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts the land is burned up, and the people shall be as fuel for the fire; no man shall spare his brother.

Jeremiah 21:14 But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings,” says the LORD;“ I will kindle a fire in its forest, and it shall devour all things around it.” ’ ”

Ezekiel 21:2 “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, preach against the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel;

 

Life Church Vineyard Lancaster, OH

Everyone Gets To Play! The Spiritual Gift of Prophesy. 

Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead.

Joel 2:28-29

28 “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

Acts 2:1-4

2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

God gifts me with what I need for the person in front of me. He is the gift giver. We are the gift deliverer. Holy Spirit is available in ALL situation.

“The how comes when we do the what.” John Wimber

The healthier you are, the healthier the Church is.

“Church health is determined by its commitment to address the mess.”

“The messiness of ministry is the ministry.” Mitch Price

The gifts are the equipment of Holy Spirit.

“There are no healers, there are only those who are being used to heal.” Ron Grubb

Faith without action is dead. We show our faith by what we do.

Tongues is not essential or a mandate …but it is beneficial and an opportunity to use this prayer language.

The gift of prophesy

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

14 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Without love we are just noise.

18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Live a life of expectancies…expecting Holy Spirit to give you utterance.

Prophesy is:

Calling forth the things of God.

A divinely inspired revelation of interpretation.

More about “forthtelling” rather than “foretelling”.

We need to weigh the prophesy with Scripture and realize that it coming through a fallible human being.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 Thessalonians 5

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

The New King James Version