This is a very small (3mins) portion of the message "Stiff-necked People"! described to be obstinate and difficult to lead. The Word describes these as having uncircumcised hearts and ears and always resisting the Holy Spirit. As God spoke to Moses, "I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people. 

The message speaks to those that were serving idols, false gods, and statues that they had molded or carved by hand and paid homage to them as if they were the Living God. It seems when trouble from disease, sickness, or surrounding people after praying to their gods and nothing happened they would then seemingly turn to God, who had on many occasions delivered them. Now once again, they had turned their backs on God and were seeking the prophets to go to God on their behalf. 

However, God spoke and ask them various questions about their fake god, to which they had no answer to His questions. Take a listen to this three-minute portion of, Stiff-necked People!

Presented here is a message from three segments from my much earlier days of preaching the Word of God. This message is taken from chapter One of the Book of Acts.  Combined it's about 9mins in length. The message covers the differences in languages spoken yet they were able to understand one yet to another, it also speaks of the casting of lots after Judas' betrayal of Jesus to those seeking to take him away. As well as to those that were present.  

Not all of our LORD's followers were in the Upper Room, for only about 120 were present, and 1 Cor. 15:6 states that at least 500 people saw the risen Christ at one time. Bible scholars do not agree on the size of the population of Palestine at that time; their estimates run from 600,000 to one million. But regardless of what figure we select, the 120 believers were still a minority, yet they turned their world upside down for Christ. 

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.

And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed, Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, You, O LORD, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." And they cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. 

Prayer plays a significant role in the story of the church as recorded in this book. The believers prayed for guidance in making decisions and for the courage to witness for Christ. In fact, prayer was a normal part of their daily ministry. Let's remember, prayer has moved mountains and caused giants to fall! 

Exploring this 4m+ episode from the reading of the book of James. Whence come wars and fighting among you? The root cause of every war, internal and external, is rebellion against God. At the beginning of creation was perfect harmony, but sin entered the world, leading to conflict. Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4), and lawlessness is rebellion against God. 

God graciously draws near to us when we deal with the sin in our lives that keep Him at a distance. He will not share us with anyone else; He must have complete control. We submit to God's control by confessing our sins and asking for His cleansing. If we do this, then God will draw near, cleanse us, and forgive us; and the wars will cease! (See v.1.) We will not be at war with God, so we will not be at war with ourselves. This means we will not be at war with others.  

We as Christians need to have discernment, but we must not act like God in passing judgment. We must first examine our own lives and then try to help others (Matt. 7:1-5). To speak evil of a brother or sister and to judge that person on the basis of partial evidence and (probably) unkind motives is to sin against him or her and against God. We are not called to be judges; God is the only Judge. He is patient and understanding; His judgments are just and Holy; we do well and can leave the matter with Him.  

Best said, we need to stay in our own lane, God knows how to drive and He truly knows the path. 

Welcome to this episode recorded from the LIVE broadcast of the Prayer, Praise, & Worship Power Hour service of The Church Within You! Evangelist Rose Booker Denard of Orlando, Fla was our guest speaker and she truly blessed us with the WORD of God coming from Luke 11:1-4 and Galatians 5:22-23. The message topic was, Developing A Life Dedicated To Prayer! 

I pray that you pause and take a listen to this message where she searched the scriptures and delivered the WORD to us regarding how to develop a prayer-filled life. In the Bible Paul said; "Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thes. 5:17-19).  This means that we should always have our minds on the things of God, be in constant communication with Him, trust, and believe that God hears our prayers at all times. 

I welcome you to take a few minutes out of your busy day and listen to this broadcast. There may be a blessing or two waiting for you!

Remember to leave a comment in the comment section!

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

The episode presented in this message is from the Men's Group, Iron Sharpens Iron is led by Bro. Booker is based out of Rochester New York. The topic preached by their platform speaker Deacon Carmichael of Massachusetts, THE POWER WITHIN taken from the Word 2n Corinthians 4:7.   

"In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul makes a beautiful statement that “we have this treasure in earthen vessels so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” The context helps us understand what is the treasure in earthen vessels (other translations say “jars of clay”). Paul is exhorting his readers that, even though there is great difficulty in their ministry, he is encouraged (2 Corinthians 4:1). He acknowledges that in his ministry he had received mercy and that he and the others who shared that ministry are not losing heart (in this case he is also referring to Timothy, see 2 Corinthians 1:1). They could have confidence because they were walking in the truth of God’s Word and not in their own cleverness or craftiness (2 Corinthians 4:2). Because their confidence was in His truth and not their own ability, they could fulfill their ministry with good conscience even as God could observe their actions (2 Corinthians 4:2)."

Deacon Carmichael explains in detail the gift that lies within us is given by God and is to be used for the Glory of God. "Even though Paul and Timothy’s gospel-proclaiming ministry was at times met with rejection, it was not because of any flaw in the good news itself. Unbelievers suffer from a blindness of the mind and are unable to see the “light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:3–4). Because of this great need, the message of the gospel is so important. They weren’t proclaiming or promoting themselves; rather, they were serving others by proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5). The light that Paul and Timothy were proclaiming had come from God—that same God who had originally created light (Genesis 1:3) and who had determined that Christ would come to provide light to humanity (John 1:4–9). God had accomplished the creation of light and the coming of Jesus. What He determines shall happen; it will indeed take place, and God had shone a light in Paul’s and Timothy’s hearts that they would be equipped to present the wonderful truth of Jesus Christ and the eternal life He provides (2 Corinthians 4:6). It is for this reason that Paul explains that they have the treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7) and why that is significant."

Take a listen!

Take a listen to this 6min episode from the seventh chapter of the Book of Mark in regard to what is it that defiles a man. The rulers in Jerusalem had already determined to kill Jesus (Jn 5:18). No doubt they heard of His waning popularity in Galilee (Jn 6:66). They now sent this delegation of Pharisees to push their propaganda campaign, hoping to make Him more unpopular with His own disciples, for it is likely that many of them held to the same traditions as the Pharisees. 

The hand washing described in these verses was purely ceremonial and was not for sanitary purposes. It was not prescribed in the Law but was an invention of the teachers of the Law. 

The Pharisees and the scribes were guilty of the sin of legalism. A legalist substitutes outward acts or words for proper inner attitudes that come from being born of God and the Spirit.

The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was external only as they kept many rules; they prayed, praised, fasted, read God's Word, and attended worship services. However, they substituted the outward act for the correct inner attitudes. Jesus said the righteousness that God requires of the believer is more. The heart and spirit, not only the outward deeds but must conform to God's will in faith and love. 

The heart in Scripture is the totality of intellect, emotion, desire, and volition. Contemporary people generally consider the head with its brain to be the center and the director of human activity. However, the Bible speaks of the heart as the center; "out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4:23). Many other spiritual activities take place in the hearts of regenerated believers. They praise God from their heart (Ps. 9:1), meditate on God's Word continually in their heart (Ps. 19:14), cry out to God from the heart (Ps. 84:2), seek God with all their heart (Ps. 119:2,10), hide God's Word in their heart (Ps. 119:11), trust in the LORD with their whole heart (Prov. 3:5), experience the love of God poured out into their heart (Rom. 5:5), and sing to God from their heart (Eph. 5:19).

An impure heart will corrupt one's thoughts, feelings, words, and actions (Prov. 4:23). What is needed is a new, transformed heart, made after the image of Christ (see Luke 6:45). Therefore, it's not as the Word states, that which goes into a man that defiles him because what goes in enters the belly and exits out into the draught. In short, those awful actions, those mean things spoken from your lips are from within your heart. Think about it. 

FL|HSB

This 9m episode takes you the reader onto the ship with Jesus and His disciples as they crossed over the other side of the shore. This was when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him. This story is told in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus drawing tired wanted to rest his head for a bit. He and the disciples climbed into one of the boats and set sail. Besides them, there were other boats. 

As they were making their way over, a storm arose and the winds were high causing the waves to beat against the sides of the boats so that the waves broke over them.  However, Jesus being tired had drifted into a deep sleep. We must remember that Jesus, was in His earthly body, and we know that these bodies do grow tired and require rest. Jesus had been preaching and teaching to the multitudes of people that had gathered around him all day. He was tired and most likely fell fast asleep as soon as His head laid upon the pillow. 

The Sea of Galilee which was once calm now produced waves probably as high as one of the tall buildings of today. The men began frightening, they probably thought they were going to be tossed into the sea where they would drown.  Now quite odd was that these men had to been caught in plenty of storms before this one, Yet, this storm seem to be worst than any they had ever experienced. The water was filling the bottom of the boat and even with all the rocking, bobbing, and thrashing Jesus, He slept on. Proverbs 3:24 says, "If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." Remember the sleep of a believer is sweet and peaceful because he knows that the LORD is always with him. 

The disciples rush to Jesus' side and out of fear they called out to awaken Him, "LORD, save us; we perish." Jesus woke and saw what was happening and said to them, "Why are you fearful," and then ask, "O ye of little faith"? He then rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Just like that! Jesus' rebuke caused the mighty sea to stand still. 

No matter what we are going through in this life, if we put our trust in Jesus He is ever so faithful to bring us safely through. All we have to do is trust in God. Believe in His Holy Word, where He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake." Be strong, be courageous. Knowing that He is our God and will keep us no matter what the trial may be, He is ever so faithful. 

BH

 This 4 min. episode reading from the Book of James heavily emphasizes prayer. IS ANY AMONG YOU AFFLICTED…When you experience poverty, affliction, or distress, Scripture invites you to seek strength from God through prayer. Draw near to your mediator, Jesus Christ. He will represent you before God, make intercession for you (Heb. 7:25). And give mercy and grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). Take seriously God’s Word: “casting you’re your care upon Him; for He careth for you (1 Pet. 5:7). If we are happy in the LORD, we must since songs of praise to Him (Ps 33:2-3; 81:1-2; 92:1-3; 98:4-6; 144:9; 149:1-5; 150). 

Here he speaks of anointing with oil. James is speaking of physical sickness. We may deal with illness by sending for the elders or leaders of the church. It is the duty of pastors and elders to pray for the sick and to anoint them with oil. Note that the responsibility to pray the prayer of faith is on them, not on the ill person. The oil probably represents the healing power of the Holy Spirit and was used as an aid to faith (Mark 6:13). It is the prayer that James emphasizes as most important. Effective prayer must be offered in faith if the sick is to be healed. The LORD will give faith according to His Will. People may or may not always be healed (on this side); nevertheless, God promises to be with all those who cry unto Him in fervent prayer. The LORD shall never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

IF HE HAS COMMITTED SINS, James recognizes that sickness may be due to sin (v. 16). Hence, whenever sickness occurs, one should examine himself before the LORD in prayer to determine if his sickness is due to personal sin. The “if” makes it clear that sickness is not always the result of personal sin.

FERVENT PRAYER … AVAILETH MUCH. The prayer of a man who is righteous accomplished much. A righteous man’s prayer draws him near to God (Heb. 7:25); opens the way to a Spirit-filled life (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:14); brings him power for ministry (Acts 1:8; 4:31, 33) and Christian devotion (Eph 1:19); builds him up spiritually (Jude 20); gives him insight into Christ’s provision for him (Eph. 1:16-19); helps him overcome Satan (Dan. 10:12-13); Eph. 6:12-13,18); clarifies the will of God for him (Ps. 32:6-8; Prov. 3:5-6; Mark 1:35-39); enables him to receive spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1)p brings him into fellowship with God (Mat. 6:9; John 7:37; 14:16).

HE PRAYED … THE HEAVEN GAVE RAIN. Elijah was a man who had faith that his prayers to God would accomplish much, even to the point of God’s intervention in the course of nature. He believes that prayer by a righteous man does change things and circumstances(Vv. 13-16; Ps 34:6; Is. 38:1-5; Mat. 17:21; 26:41, 53; Mark 11:24).

IF ANY OF YOU DO ERR. Believers should do everything p[possible to turn back to God for those who stray from the truth (Gal. 4:19; 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:18, 25-26; Jude 22-23). The salvation of a wandering brother or sister should always be a high priority in the Christian community. If the backslider returns to Christ, the one who converts him or her will have saved the soul of the sinner “from death,”, spiritual death, and eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23; Gal. 6:8; Rev. 20:14).

HSB/FL

This 4m episode provides you the reading of James 1:21 to the conclusion of what it is to be a Doer and Not Hearers Only of God’s Word.  Christians begin their new life in Christ by being born again by the “Word of Truth”. New life in Christ demands that we get rid of all moral filth that offends the Holy Spirit, and that we are constant in receiving the Word of God into our hearts. The term “engrafted” means “implanted,” implying that the Word must become a part of our very nature. The implanted Word brings us to our final salvation (Mat. 13:3-23; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:2; Eph. 1:13).

LAW OF LIBERTY: VV 25 puts it this way, this law is the will of God internalized in our hearts by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ezek. 11:19-20). Through faith in Christ, we receive not only mercy and forgiveness (2:12-13) but also the power and freedom to obey the law of God.

In the book of James, verse 1:22 the Word tells us, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Just hearing the Word is not enough; we must do it. One of the enemy’s tricks is to convince us that our Father is holding out on us, that He does not really love us and care for us. James urges people who listen to God’s Word to demonstrate a sincere commitment to the LORD by reacting to what they hear with obedient action. Do not fall for the tricks of the enemy.

The original language gives the sense that we must “keep on becoming” doers of God’s Word. Genuine faith calls for obedience that endures. Doers of the Word are the opposite of Sunday morning Christians who go to church, sit and listen to a message, and then view it as merely an interesting spiritual discourse. Jesus said that only doers of the Word are truly blessed: “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 11:28, NLT).

Jesus gave a stern warning to people who hear the words of God but don’t act on them: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘LORD, LORD,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

The Word of God is not just a beautiful piece of literature to be savored and enjoyed. Its purpose goes beyond provoking thought and inviting meditation. It requires more than memorization and sharing with others. It demands a change of heart that prompts a change of behavior. The Word of God is to be obeyed.

Blessings, Elder Barbara

Wiersbe/GQ

This 6m episode provides you the listener a reading of James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This is the first thing James writes in his letter after his salutation. Why? Because of its importance.  Many Christians think once they’ve made that decision for Christ that everything will fall into place and life will be that proverbial bowl of cherries. And when trials and tough times come upon them or continue, they begin to question, “why?” Wonder how they could possibly endure horrible circumstances and consider it joy.

The word “temptation” does not refer to enticements to sin, but to trials, persecution, and afflictions from the world or Satan. The believer must meet these trials with joy (Mat. 5:11,12; Rom. 5:3; 1 Pet. 1:6), for they will develop patience (i.e., perseverance, endurance). Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with difficulties and opposition. James calls these trials a “trying of your faith”. Trails are sometimes brought into a believer’s life so that God can test his or her faith. Scripture nowhere teaches that troubles in life always indicate that God is displeased with us. They can be a sign that He recognizes our firm commitment to Him (Job 1-2).

“Perfect” reflects the Biblical idea of perfection, defined as a right relationship with God that bears fruit in a sincere endeavor to love Him with all one’s heart in undivided devotion, obedience, and a blameless life (Deut. 6:5; 18:13; Mat. 22:37).

Wisdom means the spiritual capacity to see and evaluate life and conduct from God’s point of view. It involves making the right choices and doing the right things according to God's will revealed in His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We can receive wisdom by drawing near to God and asking for it in faith.

Remember God did not promise us days without rain or days where the sun would not shine.  However, if we put our trust in Him, He will never leave you nor forsake you.

The safest place in the whole wide world is in the Will of God. My prayer is that You will use me LORD in Your service and draw me nearer to thee! Elder Barbara

Wiersbe/GQ