Church of the Word Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Pastor Sydney was talking about the reason why it was a little warm in the sanctuary. There had been one of the air conditioning systems down. However, Pastor Sydney mentioned that we should not be concerned about the building, but to be concerned with the temperature of your heart. Not to be luke warm. Asked by Pastor Sydney, "How long are you going to hault between two points?" Our circumstances don't matter in the day that we are living in. "Are we showing up for work?" Pastor Sydney mentions that it is about our identity. It's no longer about me [or you]. It's about Him who lives in me [or in you].

Main Message - Pastor Sydney reads of 1 John 4:7-8 and talks about responding from a place of love. 1 John 14:12 and 1 John 14:21 was read from by Pastor Sydney. We need to examine ourselves and ask are we being the blessing? He mentions that we have to be rooted and grounded in love.He also mentions about not putting pressure on the person, but to instead put the pressure onto God. Be like Jesus. Pastor talked about an experience with an airline that he was not happy with. The worker that helped him multiple times was just always slow and that over time it just became frustrating. The worker happened to be a pastor and mentioned to Pastor Sydney what message he preached on and Pastor Sydney mentioned to the worker that he spoke on the same exact message or bible verse. The worker had not known that Pastor Sydney was a pastor. The worker mentioned that he always knew that there was something different about Pastor Sydney because he was always patient and kind, despite all of the frustration caused by the airline. Pastor Sydney reads out of Colossians 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 6. Three key points to keep with you are A)Treat a person as if they are valuable. B) Know that Jesus died for them. C) Make it your first priority that He is who you represent. Romans 6:16. So remember who you are in Christ and that in any situation to display, be, and do love!

Pre-Service

Worship and prayer had taken place. Keven Burrows had a message for John Tobias from the Lord. "John the Lord says to you to rise up my son. Rise up and dust yourself off. The Lord is saying that you already know how to rise up and dust yourself off because your past dictates what you have done. The Lord says again son my son rise up and dust yourself off. Stand up for the things you stood up in the old. Rise back up for the things you rose up for. My son my son dust yourself off."

The Lord gave Pastor Sydney Psalm 25 not only for him but for John Tobias as well. Pastor Sydney encourages John to get full of hope and prayed for him. A song given through Kevin Burrows from the Lord was brought forth.

"'My healing power will move. To show My glory. You have authority in you lives that you are far above powers of principalities, but where is your faith? That faith that I have placed within you. You have to yield to that faith and you have to stand against satan and its powers and principalities because he is defeated. The Blood is sufficient, the Name is sufficient. Keep on seeking me because I want to do great and mighty things in this place. I do want to see peoples' lives get touched and changed. Stand against the wiles of satan. Stand strong not because of your strength, but because of the strength that I infuse in your body through Jesus Christ the Lord. '"

Pastor Sydney reads out of Psalm 18. Pastor Sydney mentioned that Sandi Burkholder had a message from the Lord during worship.The Lord said that "We are the lean strong fighting machine." He is making us corporately together.

Pastor Sydney mentions that Psalm 18 is a psalm or warfare about a battle  and sets the stage of what was going on and shows the complete victory that God brought Jesus out and because He is the King of nations and we serve Him. He tells us that we would be seated with Him in heavenly places current condition.

Pastor Sydney encourages the congregation to read the series by Keith Moore, "The Offering of the Lord".

Main Message

Pastor Sydney reads out of John 14:12. He uses the example of sunglasses and when you put them on you see the color of whatever tint they are. Instead of seeing the color or tint,  Pastor Sydney encourages us to see things through the eyes of love. In order to receive the Holy Spirit a person must be saved first. Pastor Sydney mentions that Acts 2 gives the comparison of the Holy Spirit being on you verses within you. He also mentions that the reason we have not been bold with stepping out and witnessing is because we act like we have been orphans and alone. Since He is with us we can act in boldness as we tell people the truth and as we witness. Pastor Sydney mentions that people will know if we are true disciples by our love. Conviction is what draws you towards the Lord with the helping you correct what needs to be worked on. Condemnation is pushing you away. The Lord reveals Himself as we act upon His command. Pastor Sydney references Matthew 25. 1 John 3 shows how we are to show love. Pastor Sydney mentions that sometime loving like the Lord is not giving what a person ask for. That it be in the best interest of the person to give them instead what is best for them.

How do I guard my heart? Jude 1:20 and1 Corinthians 14 talks about building ourselves up praying in tongues, Pastor Sydney references. Luke 10:18-20 has the description about the snakes. Mark 16:15 there should be no strife in the Body of Christ. Two take away points; 1)How we treat each other in the body of Christ is a true testament of true discipleship and 2) If we love Him we'll keep His commandment. Pastor Sydney encourages us to be the light!

Pastor Sydney read from Psalm 34. I will bless the Lord at all times.

That is in the good times, the bad times, and the best of time.

Pastor Sydney reads from Romans 5:17. He also mentions that there was a king named death who reigned. Kings reigned that was their job. "Death had been stripped of his authority and power and someone else remains in his place. His name is Jesus!" Pastor Sydney goes on to tell that he has wonderful news and mentions that the Lord wants us to rule and reign with Him. In addition to that, he mentions that we had been given great authority so that we are able to look at the destruction and to look at the things steeling from you. The sickness, disease, whatever it may be, to realize that you have authority. Some question, "Why am I in authority? Because the greater one lives inside of me." Pastor Sydney mentioned that death reigned once, but much more they which receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life. He mentioned that it is not in the future or in heaven some day, but it is the now.

The Lords Revealing and Word of Encouragement 

The Lord showed Pastor Sydney that there is either one or maybe many people who are struggling with some thoughts. Struggling with what is in their minds with condemnation. John 8:23 was read out of, a verse to set us free. If He lives on the inside of you then you are not your own person anymore. You are not who you used to be. Pastor Sydney mentioned that he does not care how bad you were because you are not who you used to be. You are recreated, a new being, you are first and foremost a spirit of God. A spirit from God filled with the Spirit of God. Since you are a spirit, you have an eternal soul. You live in this flesh and bone body. When things of the flesh and body begin to get a hold of you and begin to talk to you. This is what you say to it, "You are from below, you are from beneath. I am from above." Friends you have to separate between who you are and who this flesh is.  Who you are and who the devil wants you to be who you use to be. You have to draw a clear line of who you are now and who you were. I am from above. You[devil] are from beneath. So when the enemy comes to you, or puts a thought in your head do not take ownership of it. It's not from you it is from beneath. Recognize it as such. That's not mine. I don't need to feel bad for that. That was from the enemy, that was from beneath. I am from above and I take no part in that thought. I am with the King and I reign with Him.  Oh Father I ask that You give this revelation right now, illuminate the mind of understanding in each one us to realize this great fact. That we are of You and that we are from You. Those things are from beneath right now those things that would want to come against you are not from us because we are of You. I thank You for this victory. I thank You for giving each person victory." For causing them to reign, use the name of Jesus family." Use that name when you come up against one of those problems. You say thought you are from beneath and I take authority over you by the authority of my King Jesus. Now you can't bother me anymore. Tell Jesus on how great He is because you have the victory. You don't have to walk in that condemnation anymore. No more bloody noses, but walking in freedom.

Word from the Lord through Kathy Neff

He said declare victory in my house, and we are the house. We are the house. You're going to declare victory you must fill my house with praise. Make sure you fill your house with praise. The purpose of praise is to silence the foe and the avenger. 

Tithe Message:

Verse of deliverance for your finances Psalm 34:1. Pastor Sydney describes David being a man on the run. Looking at Him results in the reflection of joy.  Psalm 34:6 cause David poor. The opposite of poor is being rich. God does not want you to be poor. If one believes that it could be that he hasn't gotten the understanding or the revelation of God's character. Money can buy happiness. Money can't buy joy, that only comes from the Lord. God abundance coming to you. Pastor Sydney has been praying for bigger needs because God's word states that He would meet every need. Psalm 34:8, Taste and see that the Lord is good....those that fear Him lack nothing. God is not a God of poverty. Young lion signifies a hungry lion, a lion willing to attack. The young lions are full of strength. Keep your tongue away from evil. Your lips from deceitful speech. Don't speak out doctrines of demons. Speak I am blessed even when I face the mountain. When you face adversity stand on His word. See into the unseen realm. God has delivered us from poverty and from lack. Pastor Sydney prayed over the tithe and a blessing over God's people.

Pastor Sydney then talks about Mission Sunday. We are in a new season at Church of the Word. Focusing on our vision with missions for both here and abroad.

James 5

Pastor Sydney talked about calling on the elders for prayer. Tom Fuss is prayed for. Pastor Sydney wants the people to know that coming before the congregation to pray as one is how it should be done. He dose not want people to feel as though they are bothersome. To do just like it is written in the Word. When there is someone sick to call on the elders, to be anointed, and prayed for by.The Lord is the great physician.

Word from the Lord through Leo Neff for Tom Fuss

It is only symptoms it is not fact. Its the devil trying to discourage you. Don't think that this is just for your physical eyes. God wants to change some other things in you in how you see some things and it is great, it's good, and it's wonderful. Don't give up.

This season is foundational for the season that we are into. God is love and it is so much more profound because He said it.

Main Message

Pastor Sydney spoke out of John 8:30. He mentions that truth does not set you free. You have to do truth in order to be set free. Looking at Adam and Eve, they did not do truth that caused them to be in bondage. Many times we don't come higher then the demons. We have to come higher than just believing we have to be a doer. Are you a disciple or are you just a believer. Pastor Sydney does not want us to get into condemnation but for us to recognize the truth and be a doer. When you come in one do go out a different way or as a changed person. John 14:12 was read out of. We are to keep His commandants if we love Him. As a church we believe God loves us, but yet that is where we stop. We need to stop incorporating Him into our lives. We need to start living like it is the only life. Every moment, every day, every life matters. It ends with us. We need to stop waiting for the other believers to their job. You are the other believers. We've been operating as orphans. We are not without help. Pastor Sydney encourages us to just be brave, rely on God, and do His work. Pastor Sydney talks about how the Holy Spirit works on the people and they open the door themselves, which gives opportunity for the love of God to be shown to them.

Mike Frede had given encouragement and talks about how the Lord is leading him in restructuring their busy schedule to be able to do the work of the Kingdom.

Pastor Sydney mentioned that we are not to take for granted our time together. Jesus promise to never leave nor forsake us, that is an individual promise. He talks about corporate anointing and the promises of God. Whatever we bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven. We do not rely on the worship team to be up front singing."You are the worship team, Pastor Sydney mentioned. What is worship? John 4 Jesus is speaking to the lady at the well. "'John 4:23 but an hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers...'", Pastor Sydney read. What is a true worshiper. They will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. true worshiper in opposition to a fake worshiper. Our worship is not based on our feeling. Feelings are in the soulish and flesh realm. We get to minister to the Lord. Because I'm lead by His Spirit. I am here to serve Him and to wait on Him. Pastor Sydney talks about King Saw. Samuel said to Saw, obedience is better than sacrifice. The Word to say sing, shout, and clap unto the Lord no matter how we are feeling. Truth means not concealed. Pastor goes on to share his experience on what worship was like for him and back then the worship was done on the inside. Praise is bragging on boasting the Lord. Thankful is the expression of grateful acknowledgement. Adoration of our Father.

The Father longs for our worship.Feelings are changeable. 2 Chronicles 20. Worship does generate from your feelings. Pastor Sydney shares a story on where he woke up on the wrong side of the bed. That he just started thanking the Lord and all of a sudden was full of like and joy, his feelings had changed. Psalm 34, was read out of. Praise to be clear, to shine, to make a show, to boast, and thus be glamorously foolish. On purpose celebrate. Psalm 100 was read out of. Praise means hymns or singing. Bless means to kneel in worship. The Psalms are full of telling us to lift up our hands, to shout, to praise. Pastor Sydney talks about sports in regards to the first action that occurs when your particular team is winning. The first thing we do is raise up our hands. It's a natural response of mankind that God has hardwired into us that when we have victory we just lift up our hands. That is what we do when we praise Him. Pastor Sydney read from Psalm 63. Pastor Sydney told a story about how his dog had worship him and adored him. the illustration of how we are to be to Him. Praise means to address in a loud tone. The master is our safe place. Praise and worship isn't something that just happens here at the church it is a lifestyle. He's a practical God.

Pastor Sydney shared with the congregation how much money was gifted to Sky and Noelle Barkley, who were our guest speakers at the July 9, 2017 service. Pastor Sydney also shared the Chief of police's gratitude and thanks for the invitation and prayers from the congregation. Pastor Sydney also shared with the congregation that a fruit basket that was gifted to him, that him and his wife had given it to the police department and prayed for the gentleman that had received the basket. Later on that very same officer had been in the newspaper for and act of heroism, which goes to show that our prayers for protection does make an impact.

A time of prayer and worship had taken place. Psalm 34 had also been sung from. Grady Pickett has been in North Iraq for seven and a half years and studied in Amman Jordan for two and a half years. "Before you reach for your frozen burrito be sure to pray for your amigo", was mentioned by Grady. Prayer is much needed. He had severed in the Marine core for a number of years. Grady said he was always getting into trouble and had a grandmother that prayed for him. He mentioned how he was a wild man and would go to church. It was a repetition of that. He mentioned about how he was a selfish man. "What have you done for me?" Was said by the Lord when He first spoke to Grady. Grady mentioned that he had really stopped to think about that. He always been a taker and was selfish. He mentioned that he didn't give anything back and that he only went to church to hang out with his friends. When the Lord had spoke to him, that had been a turning point in his life. True north meaning a life truly live for the Lord. He had heard the bible being taught passionately for the first time. Grady heard the calling to be a missionary. He had gotten into a bible college then went to a homeless shelter going to school. It was there that the Lord was reteaching Grady some things. In talking about worship, God gives us the psalms to show us what praise and worship can be like. looking at the book of John, Grady goes on to talk about how by faith anything is possible. He refereed to it as it being like a check book to heaven. He mentions that you would not drain that bank account dry and that it is sitting there waiting for you. That we are to start making withdraws and get our mouths in line with the Word of God in what He wants us to do on this earth. Nothing is impossible with Him. He just needs someone who is going to step out in faith and do something scary. The gifts of the Holy Spirit is what got him kicked out of bible college. Grady saw that the gifts were also for today. Grady saw that the gifts of the Spirit will be his ministry tool box.Grady talks about how he had cast out the devil from a man and that it was the first time that he had experienced that.

Three things the Lord gave Grady to do. 1.Big back packing trip around the world. 2.Start learning Arabic. 3. Go to Iraq. Grady mentioned that obedience has its rewards. He had met his wife through an email. Grady goes on to talk about the various areas that he had been to. In some areas it was like a biblical exodus with the wars going on. Kings and presidents were on the run. Basirma Refugee Camp had been created due to there not being any more food or fuel. Grady started a bread project and had support from Christians all over the world. After some of the things that Grady and his wife experience he questioned himself, "Have I made the right decision?" Psalm 41 was read from by Grady. Grady goes on to tell about what God has called him to do. A video was played that gave an insight and testimonies of how the Picketts are being used by God. Pastor Sydney closes in prayer in blessing Grady and his family.

Message from the Lord through Larry Hostetter

Sometimes we use that name that seems to mean nothing. But that name is above every name. That name does have power. When the anointing power of the Holy Spirit is in upon you there is great power, there is great authority. The devil's kingdom shakes. The devil's kingdom moves. It's not just because of the name of Jesus. It is because of the power in back of the name Jesus spoken by you through the Holy Spirit. He is God. The great and awesome three in one, in who there is none like. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus Christ is Lord. His glory and His love and His compassion for you. His children we cannot conceive it in our minds because it is by the Spirit. It is when that Holy Spirit comes upon you to do great and mighty things for Him. You will see the devil move. You will see His glory come, because He has not changed. He is King, Lord creator, and God above every god. He is above every king and He shall come. He shall rule and reign. His name is great and mighty and holy, our God was in the beginning and shall be in the end. Hallelujah give Him praise! He is faithful and He is true.

Intro to Main Message

Let's walk in the authority that we've been given. Not halfheartedly or as an after thought. It is our leading thought, which is the name of Jesus. The problems that you are up against, bet there is a name to it. Use the name of Jesus whatever situation you are in. Declare victory over that situation. Remember Jesus is risen. Victory is yours. 

Prayer

Prayer for planting seed and having the opportunity to do so had been prayed for. He also prayed for people to have dreams.

Intro Continued

Pastor Sydney talked about taking his children to their piano lesson and had determine that he'll go suffer for Jesus and also get a treat at Dairy Queen. Pastor Sydney mentioned that we constantly have opportunities to be a blessing. At Dairy Queen he had the prompting to go pray for a young  in a cast and had believed God might heal him. [Then the other thoughts flooded in] he had thought to himself that after eating his blizzard he would go over and pray for the young man. The young man goes to leave and Pastor Sydney approaches the young man and realizes that he had missed the opportunity to plant a seed.  Pastor Sydney mentioned that we need to live a life of repentance and repented to the Lord and asked for another opportunity to come. The Lord had opened up the door for another opportunity and allowed Pastor Sydney to love on an older gentle who just so happen to have turned eighty-seven years old that day. Towards the end of their conversation, God had him bless the gentleman with money. At first the man did not want to take it but Pastor Sydney insisted that he did and that it was a gift from the Lord. "God is not a God of just enough He is a God of way more than enough". He is a God of abundance. Offering is not something that collect to pay the light bill but it is a lifestyle that we are to live. The place to live is where He is our reward.

Pastor Sydney read from Psalm 91.

Update on Carson

The insulin need continues to decrease. Carson's pancreas has come back to life and his liver is being healed. God has been giving Pastor Sydney and Jen wisdom as to what is going on in Carson's body and shares that with the medical staff. There will be less and less insulin need until Carson no longer needs it and the doctors would start to question what is going on in his body, which is what Pastor Sydney spoke out would happen. When Carson was first diagnosed they were told that no one had ever been healed of diabetes and Pastor Sydney mentioned that it would be a miracle when it does happen. However, going into see the specialist he was given wisdom not to share with the specialist what they think is going on in Carson's body. The medical staff just don't understand it and have been trying to guess and figure out what is going on. Pastor Sydney mentioned, "I want you to be encouraged because you too can walk in this same way."

Guest Speaker-Sky and Noelle Barkley

At the evening service Sky will be speaking about Free Burma Rangers. Main goal is to help the people and to walk in His obedience. Sky spoke about what he has witnessed car bombings and killings of women and children. Sky mentioned that he sees what the devil is doing but he also sees what the Lord is doing. God is so much more powerful than Isis and He so much more powerful than satin.

Main Message

Love like the father. We are told to be imitators of God. Love is what motivates God. Everything that He does is out of love. Pastor Sydney mentioned that love is not warm and squishy bubble wrap that people make it out to be. Love is a full spectrum. Part of love is judgement but we do not have to pay the price of the judgement. John 13:34 and John 3:16 what was read out of; the love for one another and how God gave up His only begotten son was talked about. The people were perishing so it needed a solution and the only solution was for Him to give up His only son for the people that didn't Love Him.

What is eternal life? People of the congregation responded with blessing, never ending, knowing God. John 17, when Jesus was talking to the father. This is eternal life that they may know the only true God. Back then intimacy was the term used when talking about sexual intercourse.That term is not used so much in that sense but does give a deeper scope of knowing God in an intimate and personal level is the eternal life. "Eternal life is a relationship, not just a destination," mentioned by Pastor Sydney.  He also talks about how heaven should not be looked at as a destination but a reality. What happens in heaven is how we should be praying what happens here on Earth. Pray God's will just like it is in heaven. "'Greatest expression of love is giving,'" said by Kieth Moore. No where does it say that God had feelings of love. It is that He had compassion. Romans 5:6, relationship with us is what God is after. Even when we were in opposition of God He still reaches out to us. God did not have feelings of love. God has got a vision and He sees beyond the state of enemies. Love is an action It is a choice. A choice to take a set of actions. We know that God loves us because He gave. Don't be single minded, you can choose to give gifts or to give of you time for an example.  If God is willing to love you while you are His enemy just think of what He would do with you as His son or daughter. If we are going to love like the Father we need a greater understanding of how He loves. We cannot give something we do not have. In looking out our culture today love is viewed as a feeling. Where people fell in love and then fell out of love. When in actuality it is something entirely different, it is lust or love of the flesh. But you as a spirit lead individual can choose to walk in love fully, if you choose to give that there is a high probability that the feelings will follow. Especially in a marriage relationship. "So don't act in response to your feelings allow your feelings to come in response to your actions".

Sky Barkley had come forward and shared his testimony of when he first experienced conviction and had compassion and love for another person as he worked as a bouncer. Then decided that being a bouncer was not for him.

Pastor Sydney mentioned that you have to choose to yield to love. Even on the days you do not feel like loving, choose to love. Pastor Sydney shared about a time when he and his wife had to face some opposition from his own family when he first started a church in Colorado. Terrible things had been said and initially his flesh didn't like what was being said or going on and wanted to respond in such a way, but chose not to. Instead he chose to speak God's word with quoting scriptures. Although in the mist of things Pastor Sydney did not want confrontation and had faced fear. On the inside the end result was compassion. 1 John 4:7, verse is one of the many verses that is special to Pastor Sydney. We have not had a correct understanding of what love is. Love drives condemnation out. For we are as He is in this world. Ephesians 2:6 was read out of. Pastor Sydney talks about how we are seated with the Father. There is no remembrance of any of the wrong doing a person has done. In His eyes we are perfect. Talking about our spiritual being. We do have to continue to work on being more like Him. The one who loves God must also love his brother. How do you truly love someone? You give. How do you truly show hatred towards someone? You take from them. God loves justice. We have a civil government and laws in place to reward those that do good and punish those that do evil. Pastor Sydney talks about being concerned with the individual. When someone does wrong to you individually to turn the other cheek when you are being taken advantage of. What pleases God? Faith and obedience. God is love. We look like Him and smell like Him. Psalm 91.

Pastor Sydney got to talking about spiritual death not physical death, Romans 7:9. Psalm 91, a prayer of protection over our children. There will come a day when a child becomes accountable  and have to choose for Him to stay. As one gets older there may come a day where a child who had become an adult may have to choose again that Jesus is Lord over their lives. There was an overview of Vacation Bible School!

Message to the Body:

"The anointing of God that is on my life for you. I don't speak this way often because I see the danger of how people put pastors on a pedal stool. Do recognized that I am human. I am like you. Don't look at me infallible, without mistakes. I have to be bold about the gifting that God has put in my life for you. I cant shrink back from what God would have me to do on your behalf. It is important that we work together, you and I. As the pastor and the sheep because I am an under Shepard under the Lord in this house. We are to work with each other and stay in sync. We have a vision at Church of the Word, which is Matthew 28. Go and make disciples. Bring the Gospel to people, equipping, and training them. The church is one of the places you get fed. The primary source of where you need to get fed is at home just with you and the Lord. You don't come to church to have a relationship with Jesus. You come to church to be a part of the Body. You can go home and be a Christian but you are isolated and in danger in that place. If you come here to get equipped in this house to do what you are suppose to do, then it is important that you show up. Do not take this as criticism during this summer season for people that are traveling. I ask that if you can't be here I ask that you go to the messages and listen to them online." It may be the very message that you need to hear to get through whatever it is that you are struggling with. "God is gracing whoever the speaker is to speak to you. There is an anointing on my life to keep you from being weary and scattered, not because my name is Sydney. Who ever is the pastor, there is an anointing upon their lives to cause the sheep to not be weary and not to be scattered.Matthew 9:36, if the sheep have no Shepard they would be weary and worn out. Me in my flesh I have nothing to offer you. With the Lord I can offer you what you need and it is not because I am special, but because I obey Him and speak what He would have me to say. I covet your prayers and ask that you would pray for Jen and I as we walk in this role as Pastor for you. There is a target on our back, not that we need to be afraid of it, but it is a real thing. If the Sheppard gets struck the sheep can be scattered. Your prayers are very much needed. Do remember us in prayer." After one of the alter calls Pastor Sydney had prayed against depression and had since been oppressed with it. "'Stay full of strength let the weak say I am strong.'"

Pastor Sydney gave encouragement and inspiration for the people to live beyond themselves. There are spots available for people to serve in the Body of Christ.

Main Message:

Pastor Sydney mentioned that he chooses to walk in His grace because in the flesh he is nothing. Practice walking in love, John 13. Our job is to reach out and show the love of Jesus. You know how when you don't get your way. The next time you want your way that is what Jesus gave up so that we could escape hell and have a relationship with the Father.Which is the beginning of heaven. The kingdom of heaven has come and it is within us. Don't look to heaven as a destination but as a place to abide. People are going to know that you are of God because you love each other. He judged them according to their deeds, looking at what the people did for the body of Christ and not what they did for humanity, but He questioned; "'What did you do for me? Jesus said to love everybody especially those who are your brothers and sisters.'" [Christians] are usually the hardest to love. Now looking at loving the people of the world. If you do not love the people of the world then you are not like the Lord. Pastor Sydney mentioned that his natural instinct is to be alone and that as a teenager heights and public speaking were two things he had feared. Naturally he would be an introvert if he had not allowed Christ to flow through him. He also mentions that he deliberately chooses to be more like Christ. You got to stop labeling yourself as introverted or extroverted. Doing the work of the Lord is what is fulfilling rather than going home and hiding.

John 3:16. When Pastor Sydney only had one son he questioned if he would give his only son up for the people that didn't even like him. He wouldn't want to give up his son for those who have done wrong and much rather have them suffer their consequences. It is that God has found your value so great and so significant that He had given His only son, because He got you back and He got His son back. He loved the world so much that He had given up what was most valuable to Him. Everyone deserves God's love, including the person that cut you off in traffic.

"One sows, one waters, and God provides the increase". We have to stop deciding who is going to get watered or sown to. Pastor Sydney mentioned about how to know when the Holy Spirit is prompting you to speak to someone, "If you thought of it". We know automatically that it is God's will because the devil sure ain't going to tell you to share Jesus with someone. 

Testimony:

Kathleen English gave a testimony about a server  she had at a restaurant, which was a divine appointment.Shane had given a testimony of how he had experienced what it was like to share the love of Christ with someone. We are not to be the deciders of who Christ should be shared with. Pastor Sydney talked about how God used him to witness to a woman and then to a man out on the beach while he was in Florida for an event. In addition to that, God utilized him in prayer for a man in the scene at a bar.

Alex spoke out of the book of James. Alex talked about how he is loved by God but there are trials that his life is accompanied by. James 1:2. Marriage for example is a building process to not only receive but to give. This process is to make you perfect. We really have to stretch ourselves and persevere. Perseverance is not a gift you have to work for it. God puts people together to perfect us. Alex had told about how he could be surrounded by good people but then there is that one person who just does whatever it is to irritate a person. Alex mentioned about how there are times when God is just quiet during the time of you praying asking God why you might be going through whatever situation it is. "The season is for a reason....collect what you can because there is going to be a shift in the season,"  mentioned by Alex. There is something that has to build inside of you. Perseverance has a lot to do with your heart. Alex talked about how when he looks at his children, they are beautiful, but his wife has told him that giving birth is painful. Persevere and endure. Ask God for wisdom to understand what He is doing during the distance in between "A" and "B", James 1:5. There is a perfection process in between, Hebrews 5:13-14. Grow and mature as a whole. Solid food is for the mature. Train you feelings to say no. Alex mentioned that when God is dealing with him that it starts off difficult but ends  good. At first he doesn't see what God is trying do, but then does when he puts his feelings aside. Train your feelings to shut up. If you don't understand what is going on ask God for wisdom!

Pastor Sydney mentioned about being like the old locomotive and compared it  with being changed into His image. Genesis 1:26 had been referenced. Pastor Sydney mentioned that darkness is just the absence of light. Romans 8:29 and Romans 12:2 had been looked at. Do not be conformed to this age. Pastor Sydney began to remind the people that when you speak bad of yourself you have to be reminded that you have the mind of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 had been referenced. Pastor Sydney mentioned about identity and to not  forget who you are. Skip the valley and stay on the mountain. Walk in love and be in love, John 13:34. God did some amazing things and people wondered how did He do it? He was creative in using what He had. Pastor Sydney talked about his experience of how supportive the community had been for the fallen fighter killed in the line of duty. That even through the pouring rain from all across different states, the people had come to honor and serve the broken. We have to intentionally put on love, Colossians 3:14. Put on heart felt compassion. Don't allow condemnation to come in when you see that you fall short. Forgiving means that you release the debt a person owes you. Not to fall in love but to put on love. Above all else put on love. Pastor Sydney had shared a story about an unsettling text he had gotten and wanted to  respond his way, which wasn't loving. Pastor Sydney was reminded about how he had mistreated God in the past but God was still loving and gracious, 1 Peter 4:7-8. Say things in love keeping in mind the benefits of  the person you are talking to. Be kind, be humble, be gentle, put it on, Proverbs 10:12. A great act of love is to give, Galatians 5:6, 13. Let us love each other in such a way that others would say that they want to be like that, changed in the image of Christ.

Pastor Sydney spoke out of Joel 3:10, Isaiah 35, and Isaiah 51:9. Wake up and put on the Lord's power. How do you put it on? It is with your mouth. Wake up in the morning; Pastor Sydney referenced Habakkuk 3:17-19 and Micah 3:8. This is a special church and the victory is ours because of Jesus, who is the one that strengthens us had been spoken through Larry Hostetter. Pastor Sydney mentioned that we were born to create and talked about how Adam and Eve were created. It was that both male and female were created in His likeness. Jeremiah 2:1-4 was also referenced. God wants us to stop waiting on feeling something in order to go out and minister or witness.