Church of the Word Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Larry Mills shared  a story of a blimp and how that there was a gentleman that tied the rope of the blimp to himself. The blimp just held onto him and the gentleman just enjoyed the ride. Larry mentioned that there is a rest that the people can hold onto. It is just that we have to tie the rope and trust God. Let Him hold onto us and enjoy the ride. We need to depend on God and trust Him more. God is the God of the impossible. Larry mentioned that we need to pray for continued wisdom. Larry referenced Galatians 5:25. He shared what God is doing throughout his ministry with couples and families and the new building for their cafe. All the years til now has prepared him for this year and it is not a cliche. Larry encourages the people not to sit but, to rise up. He questions, " What's it mean to walk in the Spirit?" Larry mentions three things that must be a part of our lives. 1) Reading the word of God. 2) Prayer, get into a habit of talking to God. Choose something you do everyday and attach it to that to get into the habit of talking with God. 3) Sharing your faith with someone. Larry mentions that most people have difficulty sharing faith.  He references John 20:21, the first disciples saved. With this great gift of eternal life, the salvation comes with great responsibility. If you just sit back and don't share than there are others who won't have the opportunity to experience salvation. Larry references Philemon 1:6, acknowledge every good thing. There two tips Larry had given and gave statistics of how many people could get saved over the span of sixteen years. 1) Write down five people's names who may be open to the gospel. Pray for them desperately daily. Declare an open Heaven over them. 2) Pray for the other laborers that would come along, show them how to lead people to Jesus. Show the unconditional love of God. Meditate on Philemon 1:6. He encourages us to trust God and to not to be afraid. If you can't get excited about what He has done in you, don't even try. However, if you can get excited about every good thing He has done in you then you have a voice. Larry mentioned that if the Body of Christ can rise up that revival would come. He mentions about blood covenant and the importance of understanding it. Jesus walked the path for you and I. We were in His Loins as He walked the path. If anyone be a new creation in Christ old things have past away behold all things have become new.

Pastor Sydney mentions that we are coming into a season of change. He reminds us that the Lord knows what is going to happen way before we do and that He has the answers to those problems. We allow the lack of time to destroy our faith. 1) Trial of your faith works patience. 2) The problem is bearing down and there is no time to believe God. Take the limit off of God. Pastor Sydney shared about how they started their ministry in Colorado. Don't allow your failure to pray in the past. God has given us boldness and confidence. Pastor Sydney read out of Joshua 1-6. We are leaving things and we are going to things. Pastor Sydney mentioned that it is important what the Lord has done for us in the past and to look at that as a memorial which, is not to be worshiped. In Joshua 5, Pastor Sydney mentioned that there was some cutting off before moving forward. In Joshua 6, It is very important that the instructions given by the Lord had been followed. Just as it is important  to take instruction for what is to come for the year of 2018. Pastor Sydney asked what is it that the Lord wants us to do for 2018? What territories is it that the Lord wants us to overtake? Are we going to do life as we did in 2017 or are we going to make changes in 2018 and tell people about the gospel and what the Lord has done for us? True circumcision is of the heart. Uncut portions of our heart is where the condemnation lie and needs to be dealt with. We need a renewed focus and renewed agreement with the Father.

Gene English speaks about developing a heart of thanks. One of things that came to Gene is that the development of a heart of thanks doesn't come easy. In looking at a child, they would say give me that or that's mine. The parents are training children to say, "Please may I have that". It is natural for us to want. It is another thing to take a step forward and deliberately develop a heart of thanks. Gene mentions that there is a progression with that and that we began to have a thankful heart. It is not just a heart of thanks, it is also a thankful heart. Gene encourages to just stop everything and not think about what the next events are. To sit there with our eyes closed. To take a breath and begin to see where you were ten or fifteen years or, one year ago.To see where you are now and to be thankful. I am thankful to God. The word thank you is over used just like the word love. When you begin to develop the heart of thankfulness. Another progression turns into a heart of thanksgiving. Reflect on Christ's birth. Nothing like it to give away what you have. Gene encourages us to open the eyes of our hearts. Are we so busy that we don't see the importance of Jesus' birth. It takes sacrifice. Contentment comes from a thankful heart. Gene read from Luke 2. and Genesis 3:14-15, the Lord is talking to Satan. Gene references John 3:16, Genesis 4:25, Genesis 9:27, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 21:12, Genesis 25:23, and Genesis 49:10. Is Jesus our schedule or is He our convenience? Gene encourages us not to get caught up. He wants us to look for the details of how Christ was revealed. Colossians 1:17. He questioned if we are too busy to see God's extravagant love of the birth of Christ. Gene Zephaniah 3:17. Gene mentions for men to stop perverting God's love. To accept and be who you are in Christ. Then He can do a work in you.

What we give is our expression of love unto Him. Luke 2:26, favor meaning grace with God. Pastor Sydney questions, "How do you comprehend something so big of what the angle is saying?" It was a word for her and to her. 2 Corinthians 8, it's talking about money. Being rich is not limited to money.  Philippians 4:19, 2 Corinthian 9, as you sow you will reap. God respects faith. James 5:13, why pray? It will bring you into the presence of the Almighty. Hebrews 11:6. In order to please Him you have to believe that there is a God and that you believe He rewards those who seek Him. Luke 5:16 and John 5:19, Jesus often withdrew himself to pray. In the time of prayer with God revelation is given. Luke 9:28-31, Pastor Sydney read from. Things are revealed to Jesus what was going to happen. The problem is our stinking thinking. We get a religious mindset of what prayer is and causes prayer to become a drudgery. It is important that we hear correctly. Prayer is Communion with God. He has the answers for you and prayer was created to have a relationship with you. What makes a healthy relationship as when there is dialogue. Pastor Sydney talks about Jesus drove man and beast out of the temple. Jesus is always love but, He is not always cuddles. The temple represented what you and I are. The market was created for the people to be able to travel without having to travel with the animals or having concern about the things that might happen to them along the way. The intention was that the people would be provided for so that they could come and have something to sacrifice. The problem was that they brought everything inside. Jesus wasn't upset that they were buying and selling animals. He was upset that they had ruin the atmosphere meaning, the reverence of God. He wouldn't permit anyone to walk through there. Today we would call Him religious or judgemental. What was His motivation? It all had to come back to that it is to be a house of prayer. Prayer is talking with God. Jesus is always with you. The priest would inspect the lamb and not the person. Jesus does the same. Carry in your heart an awareness of God's presence and know that He is good. God knows the most that we should allow Him to talk the most. Often we are the ones doing all the talking. Pastor Sydney encourages us to go be in prayer with the Lord and to commune with Him.

Pastor Sydney read from Matthew 25:31, He judge them on their works and not their salvation. Matthew 25:40, talking about what the sheep and goat did for the Body of Christ. Pastor Sydney talks about prayer. 1) What is prayer? Prayer is a two way conversation or communion with God the Father. James 5:13 was read from. Let's not be too quick to put the responsibility of prayer on others. In James 5:16, talks about earnest heart felt prayer. Pastor Sydney encourages us to think about why we should pray. Pastor Sydney references Hebrews 11. 2) Why are people not praying? Because people believe that there is no God. Pastor Sydney read from James 4:8. Believe that He is real, He is, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Pastor Sydney read from John 15:5, reshaping or retooling. The Holy Spirit is the tool placed within us. Luke 5:16, Jesus found necessity to pray like this. Pastor Sydney questioned why is that we don't pray how He did? Pastor Sydney referenced Mark 1:35 and Luke 3:21. Luke 6:12, we want revival. However, we are not putting in the time of prayer and working for it. We get lazy or think we know enough. Pastor Sydney referenced Luke 9:18, Luke 9:28, and John 5:19,30.  Pastor Sydney talked about How Dan Stoltzfus prayed for people everyday and now has gone on to be with the Lord. Pastor Sydney encourages us to pray and talks about the influence Dan had in Jim and Deb Wolfs' lives through his prayers for them everyday!

The Gospel is the power of God. Pastor Sydney read from Romans 1:16. Ways to find the power of God;  a) Open up your bible, b) Ask Him, c) Follow the Spirit of God. God is the one that gives the ability to understanding, Pastor Sydney references Ephesians 1. Prayer is important. When we pray out then the change comes. Pastor Sydney read from Romans 10:17 and referenced John 3:8. You can believe something and it's not faith. Real true faith comes from what God has said. James 5 shows the power in praying God's word. John 3:16, God loves you and wants to save you from the mess you are in. Romans 15:17, preaching the good news of God. Pastor Sydney read from Acts 13:48, Acts 14:1, and Acts 14:8. Pastor Sydney talked about an experience while preaching in Liberia Isaiah 53 was read. Ninety percent of the people that were healed had gotten healed after the word of God was read or spoken out. The Gospel is the power of God. Pastor Sydney read from Mark 4:2. He also talked about how the seed is planted for a purpose to life and that nothing is cancelled but, to be revealed. Pastor Sydney read from Acts 20:32. The sower sows the word. We are farmers! The power is in the seed. Pastor Sydney encourages us to sow into our hearts first. Don't stop desiring the truth and continue to have revelation of God's word. Abide in His word and let His word abide in you.

Main Message(Guest Speaker):

The speaker read from Luke 6:46-49. Acknowledge the Lord and invite Him into you day. Have the desire to love Him for who He is. The disciples were in awe of who Jesus was. The speaker encourages us to get before the Lord and seek Him for who He is. The more time we spend in His presence, the more our hearts will beat or align with His. We need to obey, John 14:21 and John14:23. Obedience is parallel with love. We are not to be speakers of God's word, but to also be doers.

Pastor Sydney read from Isaiah 53. He mentions that we have to keep our ears opened to what the Holy Spirit is telling us. Pastor Sydney points out that we were not just healed that we were replaced when we are born again. Pastor Sydney encourages us to take hold of God's word. Luke 1:38, be it unto me according to His word.

1) Acknowledge the person you are thanking. 2) Praise is when you brag on someone. We can boast about the Lord to one another. 3) We can worship the Lord and only Him. Pastor Sydney reads from Psalm 30. He mentions that the last recorded words of Mary is "to do what He tells you to do".  Pastor Sydney talked about the need of having his wife in the service so that God could use her to share testimonies with the body. Pastor Sydney encourages us to do our part in the Body of Christ, and to do it unto the Lord. Pastor Sydney reads from Romans 1. The Lord has placed on his heart is to go back and listen to the messages from the beginning sermons. The Lord wants to focus on the foundation.  Pastor Sydney refers to Matthew 23:8. In Ephesians, Jesus gave us a teacher. We depend on our father or someone we look to to be our guide or mentor. We have to recognize who "The Father" is. We are not to look at man to be our teacher, but we are to look to the Holy Spirit. Pastor Sydney read from Romans 1:16. God's righteousness is revealed. The measure of faith is your ability to believe the promise that what Jesus did was for you. The good news is the very power of God. When the good news comes to you the power of God comes with that. It is important that we be speakers of the Word. Never underestimate the seeds that have been planted. Pastor Sydney references Ephesians 2. Mark 4:2, in sowing, some of the seeds fell on the ground and some on the pathway. Mark 4:13-20, the sower sows the word. When you go about things in your life in sowing the Word. It is not our job to determine where the Word gets sown at. Pastor Sydney encouraged us to not give into the temptation. Where ever we have sown seed that it will still grow. Plant the seed, even if it is not good soil. Be sowers of the Word of God into your hearts first then to others. Paul says that one plants, the other one waters, and God gives the increase and causes growth. Let's be Planters of the Word!

Apostle Dale Armstrong read from Matthew 9:26. We need to be single minded or focused. Popularity is not a revival. This issue became men and women. What is not popular is to not talk about being civil and about honor. Jesus was not wrong because people didn't like him. Jesus was not right because He was popular. Apostle Dale asked, "What are you going to do if you are the only Christian Left? Would you compromise what you believe?" Sometimes love says no. Sometimes love doesn't listen. Sometimes love doesn't tolerate. Never be led by your needs. Don't let needs dictate your direction. Matthew 9:29, "According to your faith let it be to you". Single focus faith. Agree with God and not your opinions. We have to look at our lives. Determine if you want change or do you want to tolerate things? " Dale mentioned that in Matthew 9:27, the blind had opportunity to become offended and not to follow Jesus. Dale read from Matthew 15:22 and referenced Ephesians 3. Apostle Dale talks about how with childbirth the mother just doesn't give up because, she's got a baby to deliver.  Sometimes love doesn't listen. Sometimes love doesn't tolerate. Sometimes love doesn't listen, Matthew 15:23. God loved this woman but, did not answer her. God does not talk to anyone when they are in unbelief. Matthew 15:25, we have to learn how to worship Him. Worship Him not to get healed, or to get a job, or to fix your marriage. Worship Him, because you love Him. Even after the Lord called the woman a dog, she still worshiped Him. God is trying to get her single focus. Not begging, crying, or hoping. God wanted the woman to have single focus faith that her child was not going to die. When people go to Jesus for help. Jesus changes them so that they can help themselves. Hebrews 11:6, pleasing God. Get into agreement with God, because He likes being in agreement with you. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Dale shared a testimony of the faith he saw in two boys that had just gotten saved. That was more pleasing to him, then seeing Brother Copeland preach. Apostle Dale mentions about how he wears glasses and haven't been healed because he has not focused it. If glasses had not been invented, he would then focus on being healed so that he didn't have to wear glasses. Dale mentioned that he wears the glasses because, it is the easy way out. Mark 11:24.

John Lehman mentioned that God moves mountains. He also encourages us not to get discouraged and when losing sight of things to ask God to show you the mountains He has moved in the past. John mentions that God's word never changes. We make promises but, being human we sometimes don't follow through. God is always faithful. He's never failed me yet. John encourages us to go on a journey with God. "Secrets of the Secret Place," by Bob Sorge was the book John encouraged us to read. Father is how we should refer to God. He wants us to know that He is the Father. Using the word "Father" we have the same inheritance. Psalm 91:1-2 is what John read from. John uses the example of how when we were kids, we would meet in the secret place with all of our friends. Genesis 3:8 John referred to. He also referenced Matthew and Luke, there was a time of refreshing. In that time of meeting with the Father, direction, strength and recharge comes.  In the book of Daniel, Daniel was in captivity and thrown into a lion's den but, he was not touched. Daniel survived the lion's den because he went to the secret place. John referred to the movie "War Room". He also talked about there needing to be change within. God is asking us to go and meet with Him. To build a deep relationship with Him. Our benefit to being God's child is that He does move mountains. However, God wants to be and do more than just that. God wants to have a relationship with us. Matthew 11:29, another reason why we are to meet God in the secret place. Going to the secret place is to get rest. Your soul will find rest. Being at a restful state brings clarity and purpose to your soul. Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength. When we try to the move the mountains ourselves everything starts to hurt, like your back for example. Matthew 6:6, shut every distraction out to get into that secret place with God. "There is no panic in the secret place". Listening is a priority. God wants to fellowship with His children. Confession also takes place in the secret place. Be bold and say things to the Father that you would never say to anyone else. Worship also takes place in the secret place. Thanksgiving is what we do in the secret place. Your mountain being moved would encourage someone else in their mountain being moved. Another thing to do in the secret place is praying and talking to the Father. John challenges us to change the distance between us and the Father. John had us close our eyes and ask God for a picture of us (you and Him).