Victory Life KY

Intentional Mind Part 1

How many of you think Jesus knew exactly what the landscape of society was going to look like today?

So, you think He’s still counting on us embracing the fact that one of His primary reasons for coming was that we could have an abundant life in Him, advancing His Kingdom.

But here’s the deal, at some point, just like the first disciples, a life in the Kingdom is not the same as a life in this world. Jesus actually lets us know from His prayer in John that we are no longer of this world, just like He’s not.

This means we have to realize, this kind of life will requires effort. An intentional mind set. Think about it, we’re not successful at anything of value on accident. So why would we assume our spiritual life would be any different?

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!

Romans tells us, set your mind on things of the Spirit.

Joshua says, meditate on the things of God day and night.

Paul says, don’t look at the things that are seen, but the things that are unseen.

Through the history of God’s people He inspired them to rise to the occasion, for the sole purpose of advancing His Kingdom. And I believe we’re living in one of those times, where Jesus is looking for those to distinguish. I believe it’s time for the world to see “Greater is He that’s is us, then he that’s in the world.”

God wants to distinguish you! (Abraham,Joshua,Esther,Gideon, David) This means we’ve got to do things His way. And this is why the apostle James tells us we cannot continue living a double minded life. But just like with everyone of these, or any other patriarch of old, they had do to things God’s way. And it starts with seeing things the way He does. And faith gives us that ability.

Faith allows us the ability to fix our thinking on Him to the place where we actually comprehend our new life. After all, faith comprehends as real fact things that haven’t been revealed to human senses yet.

Something most Christians never take the time to embrace is the fact that we’re made in God’s image. But because of free will, it’s up to us to make room for faith inspired thinking.

It’s actually one of the most creative, powerful forces a human being possess. It’s how we see spiritually. Faith is the substance of things not seen. This is why He told us to take control of our thoughts, to actually bring them into obedience with Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV)  Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG) The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought, emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.

Twice in Matthew 6:25 & 31, Jesus tells us not to worry. But what’s interesting is in the KJV, He says, “take no thought” I agree with the KJV because ultimately, worry originates from one place.

This is what Paul is wanting us to understand when he tells us to bring every thought into captivity.

Think about this, Jesus telling us to take no thought isn’t any different that Him saying, don’t sin any any other way.

And I realize these are spiritual realities that will contradict everything in this natural world, and this is why we have to become people of faith, which means we have to do things God’s way.

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!

The fact is, we’ll never become who God says we are until we start seeing ourselves the way He sees us.

Practice seeing yourself the way God’s word describes you.

I promise you, the more you begin seeing yourself through the lens of His word, inspired by His Spirit, the more influential, effective, and positive your life will be.

Think about it, right now, what kind of in Christ image do you have?

What’s your thought life look like? What occupies the most space in your thinking? Do you honestly believe that the more you think on what God says, the more transformation is happening?

This is why the apostle Paul instructs us in Romans that if we continue living according to our carnal human nature, it only leads to destruction and separation from God.

Then he says this is chapter eight, “Those who live according to the Spirit of God, set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

And here’s a wonderful revelation, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Set your mind on that.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith...

The New Testament teaches us that watching, listening, following Jesus will absolutely transform everything about how we live our lives in Him.

Is it possible that we could get to a place in our walk with Jesus that the cares and trails of this world no longer have the power to sideline us?

Here’s the thing, we’ll never become who God says we are if we never take the time to let Him show us.

Why not let God inspire our thinking to the place where we see from His perspective?

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT) Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

What if we started with this one passage and made it part of our daily meditation?

Romans 10 makes it very clear that when we consistently make ourselves available to God’s word, faith becomes established in our hearts. This is how Abraham grew stronger in his faith.

Any believer willing to start walking in these truths; not only is your life going to change, but your impact on those around you will be significant.

This is why He tells us things like, His word is the lamp that lights our path.

Truth is, God is counting on some of His kids, His ambassadors, living positive, faith filled lives for Him.

So for those of us that are going to live one of these positive lives for Jesus, we have to realize that we’re going to have to be a little more intentional about it.

This is why God tells us to put on our new nature that’s in Christ.

Jesus actually told us that He’s picked each of us that we would bare much fruit with our new lives in Him.

That we were created in Christ to do the good works He planned for us long ago.

Remember Paul’s words, “It’s no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.”

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

• Romans 12, So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. It’s one of our greatest acts of worship.

• This is why we should never reduce worship down to just singing songs from emotion. Realizing its our offering, from a humble, reverent heart. And make no mistake, God absolutely loves it when we come to Him with a reverent of love and reliance totally on Him.

• Jesus told us the Father is seeking those who will worship Him this way. Worship Him in spirit and truth. Those willing to come to Him in a reverent spirit of dependency and gratitude for everything Jesus did for us.

• And every time we gather around the Lord's table, it provides us this wonderful opportunity of a fresh heart of worship. I personally believe one of the greatest things worship does is keep us more God inside minded.

• Think about it, the same Spirit that raised Jesus, that hovered over the earth at creation, God’s Spirit, lives in us.

• And practicing worship around the Lord’s table, really does bring things into proper perspective for us. Remember, I say this all the time, communion is one of the most spiritual things we can do.

• And for many of us that have walked with Jesus for a little bit, we have the privilege of showing the younger generation how to engage in spiritual realities like communion.

• Here’s the thing, something all of us have to help each other with is the reality that it’s only in our grace empowered, steadfast, lifelong pursuit of our Savior that we discover God’s nature and character, His love.

• And in the discovery of His love, we embrace the heart of worship.

• Coming together like we do during communion helps us to not be so  preoccupied with the cares of the world.

• It also helps some realize, and others to remember God is bigger than anything we're facing, from challenge to success. Communion really helps all of us with perspective.

• Psalm 34, Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.”

• Think about it like this, you ever go out a night a look at the stars?

• With just our natural vision all we see are twinkling dots of light in the sky.

• But through a high-powered telescope, we see massive spheres of fire, millions of times larger than our planet, brighter than the human eye can stand.

• When we come together with a heart of worship, magnifying Jesus, it's like a high-powered telescope in the spirit. Because most of the time, it's usually our view of Him that needs to change.

• And communion is one of the special times of worship that helps us see the greatness of God through our faith.

• There's no better place for enlightenment and inspired vision than worshipping around the Lord's table. Not to mention, keeping our relationship fresh.

• Because in today's fast paced society, constantly being bombarded with everything but the truth, it's way to easy to be distracted, sometimes even forget.

• Truth is, our heart won't be in what our mind isn't on. And without question, communion absolutely helps get our mind on the things of God.

• You see, at the heart of worship, nothing magnifies our Savior more powerfully or passionately than acknowledging Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

• The reason worship is such a significant part of communion is because ultimately, only Jesus can bring someone into God's presence.

• And our humble acknowledgement of what Jesus did is what makes our worship acceptable before God.

• Acts 2:22-24,NIV- “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. 
• This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. 
• But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. 

• I realize that we are all at different places concerning the realities of Calvary. So as we gather around the Lord's table today, let's be very clear about it; Jesus was no martyr. His life wasn't taken from Him. He was on the planet according to God's fixed, deliberate plan.

• Jesus said, "No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” 

• 1 Peter 1, For you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, by the precious blood of Christ.
• Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so your faith and hope are in God. 

• I believe one of the best things communion does is remind us that we will never find our God ordained identity in the things of this world.

• Remember in Acts, Jesus was handed over to be crucified by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge.

• And if God had a deliberate plan for Jesus, the first born, make no mistake, He has a deliberate plan for the rest of His kids.

• Psalm 139:16,NLT- You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 

• Communion is that anointed reminder that we are made by God, for God.

• Let today’s communion motivate a reverent desire to take your next step into the ordained life He has for you. A life that can only be found in Him. A life paid for by His eternal sacrifice.

• You see, because our worship is joined to Jesus' atoning sacrifice, God accepts our worship as if Jesus we're bringing it Himself.

• And this is the power of the Lord's Table. Worshiping around His table, in light of what we might be dealing with right now, reminds us that God tells us not to look at the things that are seen, but at the things that are unseen.

• Hebrews 12:28,MSG- Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. 

• I honestly don’t believe we can come around the Lord's Table without reverence for Him. And make no mistake about it, there is a direct connection between our reverence of God and His manifested presences.

• I think real reverence is simply our humble acknowledgment of who the living God is. From our own personal revelation of the Him.

• Psalm 86:11-13,NIV- “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 
• I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. 
• For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.”

• And what better expression of our worship than to gather around the Lord's Table as a family.

• And as irrational and unreligious as this may sound to some of you, in the middle of your worst times, on the other side of your biggest failure, Jesus' broken body and shed blood still declares everyone who accepts Him, righteous.

• We have communion Sunday, because sometimes in our humanity, we simply need reminded of the sacrifice of our Savior is. Of God's amazing Grace. 

• Reminding us that He continually uses imperfect people to reveal Himself to a lost, confused world.

• Communion gives us the opportunity to acknowledge Jesus for who He is, as well as embracing who He's made us. Joint heirs with Him.

• I am redeemed. I am forgiven. I am eternal. I am His son. It reminds us that our identity can no longer be found in the things of this world, now our identity is in Christ. 

• Communion echoes throughout eternity that God's love isn't based on conditions, it's simply who He is. It will always raise us to His level.

• And one of my favorite things to do as a family of believers is to gather around the Lord's table together. Expressing a heartfelt attitude of worship to our King.

• Remember we have the underserved privilege of standing in His presences. This is why Jesus told us, every time we take communion we remember His sacrifice.

• Listen to Paul's words out of his letter in Ephesians, God, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. 
• Then He picked us up and set us down in the highest heaven in company with Jesus.

• Revelation 5:9-10,NKJV-  They sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us KINGS and PRIESTS to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

• This phrase kings and priests is not just the future assignment of God’s people, it’s a reminder that God’s original design was and is for His people to be at the center of all social, civil and government to functions.

• Throughout our talk, the first and consistent truth we see is that in every account that kings and priests worked together, they were a successful, blessed nation.

• Our OT is full of incredible stories of God’s people experiencing the supernatural forces of our kingdom when they chose to obey. At the end of the day, living a Godly life is simply living from within God’s Kingdom.
• After all, we are God’s chosen people.

• 1 Peter 2:9,NKJV-  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

• As God’s special people, when we come together, inspiring, encouraging, assisting, balancing one another, doing things His way, it absolutely proclaims and displays the praises of our God.

• These principles only work within the boundaries of the Kingdom of God. Which means we have to have a clear understanding of how God’s government works.

• And the first thing we’ve got to accept is that He’s expecting His Kingdom to be implemented by His governing body, the church in the earth.

• It’s never out of some legalistic approach, but functioning within the boundaries of God’s established government. In other words, operating under the instructions of the King.

• Luke 6, “Why do you call Me Lord, and not do the things which I say?”

• One of Jesus’ primary purposes since He arrived is establishing His Kingdom, getting His self-contained government operational.

• Matthew 6:33,AMP- “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”

• John 14:21,NKJV- “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

• But until we stop seeing Christianity, more specifically the church as some religious organization and understand Jesus’ commands, were never intended to be a bunch of legalistic, religious rules, but commands from our King concerning the function of His Kingdom.

• This is why he tells all of us we have to put His Kingdom principles first.

• But when the influence of God is removed form the social and civil functions of any society, people are left to their own conclusions.

• This is why God gave the church apostles, prophets, evangelist, and teachers, to equip the body of Christ with truth pertaining to His kingdom.

• God designed us to be His anointed representatives of His Kingdom in our natural world.

• Make no mistake, Revelation 5 is absolutely bringing God’s original intent back into perspective, He made us kings and priests to reign on the earth. 

• And even though Jesus is referencing a future date, He doesn’t mean that we’re subject to the kingdom of darkness until said time.

• But here’s the thing, possibly one of the biggest challenges the born again face isn’t so much the powers of the kingdom of darkness,  it’s our refusal to embrace the world we’re born of, embracing a way of living that is beyond humanity.

• Philippians 3:17-20,NLT- Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 
• For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 
• They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 
• But we are citizens of Heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.

• Psalm 115, The heavens are the Lord’s, but the earth He has given to the children of men.

• “Let them have dominion” is the fundamental principle of the Kingdom of God into this visible world God gave His creation.

• Colossians makes it very clear that God has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.

• One of Jesus’ primary objectives was restoring God’s original creation to his God ordained position. Functioning as Kings and Priests in this foreign land. Establishing our Kingdom. God, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

• As a matter of fact, Kingdom of Heaven principles can’t even be executed here without an heir of the Kingdom exercising dominion. Functioning with complete reliance on our King.

• As Kings and Priests, don’t make the mistake of thinking this kind of life will just happen. Training is required. Obedience demanded.

• Seriously, it’s no different than how this fallen world works, minus the supernatural power God makes available for His Kingdom.

• Bottom line, if we’re ever going to live supernatural, we’ve got to start talking and thinking supernatural.

• Romans 8 tells us that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ.

• Romans 8:5-7,NKJV-  Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 
• For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 
• Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

• Paul highlights this reality in 1 Corinthians when he tells them he can’t even speak to them spiritually, because they are so carnal.

• God wants to distinguish you! (Abraham,Joshua,Esther,Gideon, David) This means we’ve got to do things His way. And this is why the apostle James tells us we cannot continue living a double minded life.

• Another way to say it would be, double Kingdom. Remember, Jesus told us a kingdom divided can’t stand.

• What if it’s time for God to distinguish His church? Time for the world to see that greater is He that’s in us than he that’s in the world.

• 2 Chronicles 20:15,NKJV- “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 
• You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.”

• v.20-22, So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 
• And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever.” 
• Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.”

• Remember, every time God’s people listened to the Kings and Priests, God began to move. When kings knew their role in secular, civil, and governmental, and they relied on the spiritual guidance of the priest, all they did was blessed.

• As a matter of fact, they were 3 days gathering the spoils of the enemy. And there they called the place the Valley of Berachah, the valley of blessing.

• Amos 9:13-15,NKJV-  Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; The mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it. 
• I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. 
• I will plant them in their land, And no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them, Says the LORD your God.

• My prayer is that all of us believe God for insight and revelation from this talk. For us to have a better understand of the divine partnership of kings and priests. 

• Thanks for all the response at the Get Plugged In table last week.

• Something very important to remember is that it’s just as important that you’re in service and not serving all the time.

• Also, as you’re trying different departments, if it doesn’t fit don’t get frustrated. Simply move on to something else.

• 1 Corinthians 12:27,MSG- You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything.

• In Ephesians 4 Paul says it a little different way, Jesus fits His whole body together perfectly. And as each part does it’s own special work, it cause the whole body to grow.

• Get Plugged In is a simple invitation that allows anyone listening to become part of something Jesus is doing through His body, the local church. And studies have proven that one of the fastest ways for someone to experience God is by getting involved.

• God is constantly looking for those willing to come along side other believers to be part of what He’s doing on the local level, serving along side each other, creating our God anointed identity. Creating an atmosphere for anyone still discovering who Jesus is.

• CHRISTIANITY ISN’T JUST BELIEVING, IT’S BELONGING

• This is why we're continually trying to get as many as possible involved in serving in our church. According to Romans, serving is one of our greatest acts of worship.

• Romans 12, So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. It’s one of our greatest acts of worship.

• This is why I love the heart of Jonathan’s amorbearer, “Do all that is in your heart. I am with you, according to your heart.” 
• Talk about plugged in! 

• So never underestimate the significance of God orchestrating personalities, giftings and talents in accomplishing His purpose, advancing His kingdom.

• And by design, He makes local churches unique because everyone he calls fits somewhere.

• The question every believer has to answer is, will we let Him plug us in.

• Acts 4:32,MSG- “The whole congregation of believers was UNITED as one. One heart, one mind!”

• Think about it, what if we were like these men and women in the book of Acts today? Remember the Psalmist makes it very clear how God feels about unity. Probably because it takes love to be unified, and that’s where He commands His blessing.

• And watching the church at it’s birth got me thinking of something Jesus said, “The harvest is great” 

• Matthew 9:35-38,NLT- Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. 
• When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 
• He said to His disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 
• So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.”

• Today, there are even more confused,deceived, harassed, lost people going through life not realizing that humanity is only the beginning.

• But for all of us that belong to Jesus, humanity will be the shortest, most difficult thing we do.

• And one of the things we do by coming together is create an atmosphere where those lost, confused, deceived can discover truth.

• Get Plugged In is simply an invitation to help others discover what happens when we come together for something much bigger than self.

• One of the greatest things about a local church is that Jesus gives us the opportunity to become part of something He's compassionate about.

• Throughout Jesus’ time here He was constantly calling His followers together, empowering them to finish what he started.

• And as each of us grows spiritually, we begin seeing things more and more from His perspective. Seeing that our own individual role in the body of Christ is for a much bigger purpose than our own spiritual satisfaction.

• But here's the thing, in order for this to happen, you've got to see yourself the way God does. 

• See yourself chosen by Him. See yourself as a person the adds value. See yourself as a person of influence.

• And when it comes to influence, don't be deceived into thinking influence is always to one with the title or position, even age.

• Make no mistake, if you belong to Christ, He has every intention of using you, not just you're voice, but your hands, feet, personality, your gifts and talents, your money, all that you bring to the table. 
• Remember the 3 T’s

• The key to changing this world for God is understanding that every time we change one person's world, we're making changes in the world.

• I hope this talk encourages all of us to make sure we're never the one standing on the sidelines saying, "somebody should do something about that."

• Think about it from a sports perspective, it's always the ones in the stands doing the complaining and blaming.

• Get in the game, stay in the game, be the best in the game.

• Sometimes all it takes is just one simple step of faith.

• Just get moving.

• Exodus 14:15,NLT- Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!

• Get Plugged In is stepping out, moving toward what God has already planned for us. It’s what we can accomplish when we come together for the things Jesus is compassionate about.

• Remember, The Lord told Moses, stop crying. Tell the people to get moving!

• They've been delivered from Egypt and they're standing in front of the Red Sea, and they’re all crying to Moses. Think about it, God's plan to save an entire nation of people started with one guy saying yes to God.

• And when it comes to our own NT assignment from Jesus, God hasn't changed.

• He said the harvest is great but the workers are few. It starts with one person saying yes, then another, then another. Sometimes it’s as simple as, “GET MOVING”

• Moses is a great example of what God will do when someone says yes.

• Somebody has to be willing to go first.

• Get Plugged In is just a simple reminder for all of us to stay open to what God is doing, to be moved with compassion for people the way Jesus was.

• Think about it, at the end of the day, we’re simply a group of people praying, preparing, serving together to make an impact on everybody that comes through our doors every service.

• I'm sure you've heard us say this for years, "Saved people serve people."

• My prayer is that talks like this challenge all of us that consider ourselves followers of Jesus, to take on more of a leadership role when we show up on Sundays or Wednesdays.

• Here’s the thing, most unchurched and new believers haven’t gotten to that place in their journey of faith yet, and if we're doing our job right, we'll always have these in our church.

• I’m believing that we can all walk away from this talk with the understanding that every time we open our doors, we see every service as one of our best tools for reaching those Jesus is still moved with compassion over.

• And especially for a new believer, it's just easier for them to ask a friend to come and see what's going on.

• We must never get so comfortable with what we do that we overlook the fact that every Sunday could be the day of salvation for someone.

• I promise you there's no greater feeling than to know that the one you were friendly too, the one you invited, the one you served that Sunday stepped into Heaven because is your faithfulness.

• 1 Corinthians 12:27,MSG- You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything.

• CHRISTIANITY ISN’T JUST BELIEVING, IT’S BELONGING

• Revelation 5:9-10,NKJV-  They sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us KINGS and PRIESTS to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

• This phrase kings and priests is not just the future assignment of God’s people, it’s a reminder that God’s original design was and is for the church and business, education, and government to function as one.

• God is counting on Holy Spirit anointed men and women, occupying as kings in their field of business, education, and government.

• And God has filled our OT with pictures of His original design to not only inspire us, but strengthen us to translate this truth into our culture today.

• Exodus 19:3-5,MSG- As Moses went up to meet God, God called down to him from the mountain: “Speak to the House of Jacob, tell the people of Israel: “You have seen what I did to Egypt and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Me. 
• If you will listen obediently to what I say and keep My covenant, out of all peoples you’ll be My special treasure. The whole Earth is Mine to choose from, but you’re special: a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.”

• 1 Peter 2:9,NKJV-  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

• As God’s special people, when we come together, inspiring, encouraging, assisting, balancing one another, doing things His way, it absolutely proclaims and displays the praises of our God.

• Kings and Priests flowing as one.

• Throughout the OT, on every occasion, when kings knew their role of secular, civil, and governmental affairs, and they relied on the spiritual guidance of the priest, all they did was blessed.

• God’s plan is and always has been that all spiritual and civil structure of any society be led by Him, to function under His ordained positions of the king and the priest.

• We simply have to be able to interpret this kings and priests revelation in light of Jesus’ New Covenant. His design has always been for the church, His body to be at the center of all civil, social, and governmental affairs.

• And I do think the NLT’s view, “priest kings” is a great description from the perspective of how God designed us to flow together. But the function of each does differ. 

• Being submitted to God’s kingdom doesn’t mean unhooking from the world and going into the ministry. Don’t forget God deliberately plants the righteous in certain places in this fallen world.

• This is why Jesus prayed for us this’d way, “Father, I have given them Your word; because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”

• This is Peter’s point that we are to be these royal, priestly people representing God. 

• 1 Peter 2:9,NKJV-  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

• But because we have allowed division between the kings and priests, the enemy has gotten his foot in the door. And one of his most successful tactics of distractions is manipulation and fear.

• But the church is waking up! I believe what the prophet Ezekiel said is unfolding. “This desolate land will become like the garden of Eden.”

• Think about it, what if the ascendency of the righteous became so dominant that all the affairs of the nation were under the hands of the righteous?

• Genesis 1:26,NKJV- Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

• The Kingdom of Heaven, God’s government is His ordained system that He’s expecting to be implemented by His governing body, the church in the earth.

• These principles only work within the boundaries of the Kingdom of God. Which means we have to have a clearer understanding of how God’s government works.

• God is calling kings and priests together for the advancement of His kingdom in these last days. These principles are superior principles from a supernatural position. Accessible only through faith and obedience.

• Remember our OT examples, every time kings and priests flowed together, obedient to the Lord, everything they did was blessed.

• It’s never out of some legalistic approach, but functioning within the boundaries of God’s established government. In other words, operating under the instructions of the King.

• The centurion soldier understood this reality perfectly.

• Luke 6, “Why do you call Me Lord, and not do the things which I say?”

• Colossians 2:6,NKJV- “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,”

• One of Jesus’ primary purposes since He arrived is establishing His Kingdom, getting His self-contained government operational.

• Matthew 6:33,AMP- “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”

• John 14:21,NKJV- “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

• But until we stop seeing church as some religious organization and understand Jesus’ commands, were never intended to be a bunch of legalistic, religious rules, but commands from our King concerning the function of His Kingdom.

• No where in His plan did He ever intend on religion being part of it.

• From His start, Jesus was setting up His kingdom with people willing to follow Him, of their own free will.

• Religion is nothing more than mans response to the spiritual vacuum created as a result of a broken covenant.

• Something religion refuses to embrace is that God in His self-existing holiness cannot violate His Word.

• This is why he tells all of us we have to put His Kingdom principles first.

• But when the influence of God is removed form the social and civil functions of our culture, people are left to their own conclusions.

• Proverbs tells us, where there is no divine revelation from the Almighty, people make their own decisions.

• I honestly believe that this OT model of Kings and Priests is exactly the answer our world needs before Jesus comes back for His glorious bride. “Father your will be done on the earth as it is in heaven.”

• Unfortunately, in the world we live in today, it absolutely amazes me just how much people will accept as truth so they don’t have to submit to the Lordship of Jesus.

• This is why God gave the church apostles, prophets, and teachers, to equip the body of Christ with truth pertaining to His kingdom.

• Remember what Paul told us, “The same way you received Christ, walk in Him.” Each person has to choose. That’s the incredible power of free will. Just like we believe Jesus is Savior, we must believe that He is Lord.

• We have to choose to accept the fact that Him and His Word are the "I Am" of His self-existence.

• This is why the Psalmist says, His Word is flawless, proven, living, and eternal. Forever settled.

• So, when God spoke in Genesis 1, He established the realities of His Kingdom, within His creation.

• This is why the angel said, what is man that you are mindful of him?

• Hebrews 2:6-8,NKJV- What is mankind that you are mindful of them, and son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; 
• you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet. In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. 

• Genesis 1, God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; LET THEM have dominion over all the earth.

• He didn't say, let Us have dominion.

• And regardless of how much religion apposes this revelation, by His very own words, He established mankind as the only legal authority on the earth.

• "Let them have dominion" is the foundational principle behind God creating us.

• God designed us to be His sovereign representatives of His Kingdom in our natural world.

• Make no mistake, Revelation 5 is absolutely bringing God’s original intent back into perspective, He made us kings and priests to reign on the earth. 

• God's plan for His creation hasn't changed. This is why He made us in His image. We're suppose to act like Him, not religions attempt at what He's like, but what He's actually like.

• 1 Corinthians 12:27,MSG- You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything.

• In Ephesians 4 Paul says it a little different way, Jesus fits His whole body together perfectly. And as each part does it’s own special work, it cause the whole body to grow.

• I personally don’t think God’s plan for His church has ever changed.
• Obviously we change culturally as a society. And yes, without question, we have to change to maintain relevance, but never who we are as heirs to our Father’s Kingdom.

• That being said, as His body, His church, then we should still look like Him, sound like Him, respond like Him, represent Him.

• Now when it comes to the local church, a popular question is, do I have to be part of a local congregation?

• Truth is, we don’t have to, we get to. It truly is Gods design that we be called out and together.

• Your local church family is a place where we worship together, grow together, we laugh together, hurt together, discover who we are together. Your local congregation is a save place you can get plugged in.

• Get Plugged In is a simple invitation that allows anyone listening to become part of something Jesus is doing through His local church. And studies have proven that one of the fastest ways for someone to experience God is by getting involved.

• God is constantly looking for those willing to come along side other believers to be part of what He’s doing on the local level, serving along side each other, creating our God anointed identity.

• Never out of some competitive agenda, but from a heart of a servant.

• Christianity isn’t just believing, it’s belonging. And one of the coolest things about belonging is that’s where we usually discover our next steps. The journey is the preparation.

• Here’s the thing, being a part of Victory means being part of our  identity and personality that God has graced us with as one of His local bodies.

• Romans 12:4-5,NLT- Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

• When you get plugged in, you’re simply advancing our purpose as part of His body in the earth.

• I love how God describes His church in Ephesians, “I’m building a home, using all of you, irrespective of how you got here.”

• This is why we’re always encouraging you to get plugged in, regardless of how small it may seem, serving in your church is the on ramp to discover some of the gifts God has already graced you with.
• Because at the end of the day, it’s all,about people.

• This is why we're continually trying to get as many as possible involved in serving in our church. According to Romans, serving is one of our greatest acts of worship.

• Romans 12, So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. It’s one of our greatest acts of worship.

• So never underestimate the significance of God orchestrating personalities, giftings and talents in making a local church unique.

• You ever wonder why Jesus set up His church the way He did?

• Think about it, we are these frail, fickle, flawed people. But because God created us to be like Him, His grace allows us the privilege of discovering who we can be when we come together.

• Psalm 133, How good and how pleasant it is when believers come together in unity! It is like precious anointing oil that was poured on Aaron, covering his entire body. 
• Being unified is like the dew that covers mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing.

• Remember Ephesians 4, We are all one body, with one Spirit, called to the same glorious future.

• God never stops calling believers together to love one another, pray for each other, and serve along side each other for Christ.

• Remember what the Holy Spirit said in Ephesians, “I’m building a home, using all of you, irrespective of how you got here.”

• Ephesians 2, Truth is, we are His workmanship, recreated in Christ to do those good works He predestined for us. 
• It’s God’s gift from start to finish! Our part is trusting Him enough to let Him do it. His plan from the beginning was for us to join Him in His predestined work through Jesus.

• I can’t help but wonder how many of us honestly look at what we do for His body, the church as part of that predestined work?

• You’ve heard the old saying, “God’s not interested in your ability until He has your availability.”  Availability=Humility 

• And here’s the kicker, more times than any of us want to admit, availability, willingness introduces itself as change.

• There’s a great picture of this with Jonathan and his amorbearer. I love the heart of his amorbearer in 1 Samuel 14, “Do all that is in your heart. I am with you, according to your heart.” Talk about plugged in!

• This one faithful act, unbeknownst to them at the time was about to become a key part in God positioning King David’s reign over Israel.

• This armorbearer’s simple act of faithfulness brought him into his next part of God’s predestined plan. Think about it, we’re talking about him today.

• One of the greatest things the OT does is repeatedly show us, that simple acts of faithful people discovering their predestined life when they make themselves available for what God is doing.

• When it comes to any of us discovering our predestined plan from God, there will be times, just like Jonathan’s amorbearer that we’ve got to be open to change.

• You know the old saying, growing people are changing people.

• Our God ordained transformation is by design, and the more open and teachable, the more available we are, the more the Holy Spirit can use us.

• Embracing Christ like change results in us becoming people that Jesus doesn't just live in, He lives through.

• Here's the thing, making ourselves available to this life Paul is praying for us to have in Ephesians will always be a struggle without mixing faith with it.

• But when we do step out in faith, and we make ourselves available to Him, the stronger His influence through us becomes. 

• Becoming part of something bigger than any one individual requires change on an individual level. Unfortunately, we don’t like change, it disrupts our routine, asking us to let go of the comfortable and step into the unknown, many times asking us to unlearn old, comfortable habits.

• For example, at 211 degrees, all you get is hot water. But at 212 degrees, you’ve got boiling water. Many times it’s that one degree of change that makes us effective. That takes us to that next level.

• Max Dupree says, “We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” In other words, it’s time for change.

• And for our next big change, we will be merging campuses starting July 11. 
• Our lease will be up in Lexington, which cost us a little over $7000 a month
• And instead of renewing another 3 year lease, we believe that saving that money helps move toward our next step.
• And our next step is moving toward a new facility that seats 1500 people.

• Our goal is somewhere right off the interstate. We currently have people attending Victory from 15 different cities. 

• Berea, Carlisle, Corinth, Cynthiana, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, Leesburg, Mt. Sterling, Nicholasville, Paris, Richmond, Sadieville, Versailles, Winchester

• And I believe God is going to continue adding people from up and down the interstate. So if you call this fellowship yours, I’m asking you to join us in taking responsibility for creating an atmosphere where people from all over our region can discover and develop a life in Christ.

• A place where they can get plugged in.

• Ephesians 2, Truth is, we are His workmanship, recreated in Christ to do those good works He predestined for us. 
• It’s God’s gift from start to finish! Our part is trusting Him enough to let Him do it. His plan from the beginning was for us to join Him in His predestined work through Jesus.

• When we begin to discover the "good works" He's prepared for us, it's important to understand that at the same time He's revealing, He's preparing us for them.

• This life-long process of staying open to guidance from Jesus positions us for God ordained transformation, and the more open, teachable and willing we are, the more the Holy Spirit can express Himself through us, individually and corporately. 

• The question is, will we let Him?

• Psalm 133:1-3,NKJV- “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.”

• Acts 4:32,MSG- “The whole congregation of believers was UNITED as one—one heart, one mind!”

• Revelation 5:9-10,NKJV-  They sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us KINGS and PRIESTS to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

• Isaiah 48:17,NKJV- Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.”

• This phrase kings and priests in its simplest form is a reminder that God’s original design was and is for the church and business, education, and government to function as one.

• According to Isaiah, God will lead us in success, but we’ve got to do it His way. The church inspiring businesses, and God using them to supply the church. Kings and priests, priests and kings.

• The Holy Spirit anointing men and women as kings in their field of business, education, and government.

• Some of the more modern translations of Revelation 5 call us “priest-kings” or a kingdom of priest. Ultimately, as with any subject pertaining to the Kingdom of God, our true source has been and always will be God’s word.

• Ultimately, everything about this talk is driven by and centered around  the Kingdom of God.

• So for true clarity on the revelation of Kings and Priests, our OT pictures of God’s original design is what we have to rely on for us to translate this truth into our culture today.

• And as we become successful in following the Lord, what He spoke through Isaiah starts coming to pass; Isaiah 11:9, “For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”

• So as we unpack this, the first and consistent truth we see is that in every account that kings and priests worked together, they were a successful, blessed nation.

• OT Kings- ruled over God’s people, led them into battle. They were land and business owners. They oversaw all trade and commerce, and managed the nations economy. They were the government of the day.

• OT Priests-Levites, offered prayers, intercession and sacrifice for the people. Took care of all temple duties, all liturgical functions, widows and andorphans. They pronounced God’s blessing on the king and the people. Even for told God’s upcoming plans for the king.

• Amos 3:5,NKJV-"Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”

• On every occasion, when kings knew their role of secular, civil, and governmental affairs, and they relied on the spiritual guidance of the priest, all they did was blessed.

• 2 Chronicles 15:1-4,NLKV-"Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. 
• And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him: “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. 
• For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law; 
• but when in their trouble they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them.”

• God’s plan is and always has been that all spiritual and civil structure of any society be led by Him, to function under His ordained positions of the king and the priest.

• Example: church and business, government, education, working hand in hand. Now when I use the term church, I’m in no way referring to any one denomination or organization, 

• I’m referring to the spiritual reality of the body of Christ in the earth functioning through those He has called. Priests and Kings working together.

• And moving into the NT, God ordains the apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor to bring forth revelation for His people.

• Acts 8:29-31,NKJV- Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.”

• One of our primary focuses today is to interpret this kings and priests revelation in light of Jesus’ New Covenant. His design has always been for the church to be at the center of all civil, social, and governmental affairs.

• And I realize that in light of the born again nature of every believer, revelation from the Holy Spirit does flow to anyone born again. But God implemented the Kings and Priests principle as a kingdom partnership, a covenant alignment for the advancement of His Kingdom. 

• And He highlights this truth for us in the book of Revelation, reminding us that His OT principle was never supposed to go anywhere.

• Example: If the majority of the kings (leaders, owners, teachers) time and energy go to their duties, God anoints priests to give the king inspired guidance. As a matter of fact, every OT Godly king relied on the anointed guidance of the the priest.

• “It’s not good that we should leave the word of God to go a serve the people.”
•  
• 2 Chronicles 20:14-17,NKJV-  Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 
• And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 
• Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 
• You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.”

• Our OT is full of example of kings and priests working together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Unfortunately, there’s also many examples of those refusing to work together.

• Make no mistake, our enemy will be relentless at creating division, strife, jealousy, resentment... he knows a house divided will not stand.

• For example, our nation, a nation founded on Godly principles is no exception. God never intended for there to ever be any form of separation of church and state. (The king and the priest)

• As a matter of fact, the popular phrase “separation of church and state” is not in any of our government documents, specifically the constitution.

• President Harry Truman, “This great country of ours demonstrates the fundamental unity of Christianity and democracy.” 

• But because we have allowed division between the kings and priests, the enemy has gotten his foot in the door. And it’s time for that to change. The prophet Ezekiel actually says, “This land that has become  desolate (bleak, dismal, wild, and grim) is now like the garden of Eden.”

• Remember all of our biblical examples, every time God’s people returned to Him, God began to move. When kings knew their role of secular, civil, and governmental, and they relied on the spiritual guidance of the priest, all they did was blessed.

• My prayer is that all of us believe God for insight and revelation from this talk. For us to have a better understand of the divine partnership of kings and priests. This means we’ve got to have a better working knowledge of the Kingdom of God.

• Jesus never intended for the gospel of the kingdom to be limited to just missing hell and making heaven.

• One of the main reasons Jesus is called the last Adam is because He came to restore the first Adam’s dominion.

• Genesis 1:26,NKJV- Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

• And the closer we follow Jesus, it’s amazing how much He actually talks about the kingdom.

• The Kingdom of Heaven, God’s government is His ordained system, He’s expecting to be implemented by His governing body, the church in the earth. This is every born again believer.

• I truly believe the two most important decisions anyone can make in their life is first, giving their life to Jesus. And second, discovering why He called you.

• This is why Jesus makes radical statements like He did in Matthew 6:33,AMP- “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”

• According to the apostle Paul, we literally are ambassadors for this kingdom we’ve been born into.

• Remember what God told Adam, “subdue the earth and have dominion over it.”

• But when the influence of God is removed form the social and civil functions of our culture, people are left to their own conclusions.

• Proverbs tells us, where there is no divine revelation from the Almighty, people make their own decisions.

• Proverbs 14:12,NKJV-  “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”

• I honestly believe that this OT model of Kings and Priests is exactly the answer our world needs before Jesus comes back for His glorious bride. “Father your will be done on the earth as it is in heaven.”

• Isaiah 48:17,NKJV- Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.”

• Revelation 5:9-10,NKJV-  They sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us KINGS and PRIESTS to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

• Ruth 4, So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and the LORD gave her a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

• Boaz is the great grandfather of King David, who is the seed of our Lord, King Jesus.

• Ruth is a simple story, only 4 chapters, but this young women’s faithful, loyal heart brought honor to God and according to the prophet Samuel, “Those who honor the Lord, He will honor.”

• So often we fail to see what God is doing in our lives when we’re right in the middle of Him doing it because it’s not always pretty. 

• This side of Heaven we face a real enemy, not to mention this fallen world we live in, that we’re created to be light in, presents its own challenges.

• But Ruth’s heart brought honor to God. She was determined to honor Naomi, not leaving her, not letting things like selfishness, pride and fear distract her.

• Think about it, this everyday, average person lands in the Holy cannon of scripture.

• And it all hinges on the faithfulness of one individual, because of her faithfulness, loyalty, simply the honor she displayed toward her mother-in-law.

• This Mother’s Day, let the heart of this one humble, faithful individual inspire everyone of us to rise to our call, to fill our spot in the scope of the Kingdom of God. 

• And it all starts with the heart of the individual.

• 1 Samuel 16:7,NKJV- But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

• Here’s the thing, a humble, reverent heart alway brings honor to the Lord. What we have to realize is that honoring the Lord with a right heart positions us for honor.

• Once again, as with everything that pertains to God’s Kingdom, it always comes down to faith. It’s truly the only way a human accesses or functions within God’s kingdom. 

• Proverbs 3:5-6,NKJV- Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

• Some of the things Naomi told Ruth to do could not have been easy.

• In Thessalonians Paul reminds us that as we grow in our walk with God, not only does it bring honor to the Lord, but it impacts those that are around us that may not be there yet.

• When it comes to our life in God, He never gives us the complete picture because He created us to be people of faith and if He were to give us every detail, then no faith is needed.

• This is why Paul says, “The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

• Here’s one of God promises that will help, He told us that if we’re willing and obedient we would enjoy the good of the land. But Ruth still had to go out and do the things that positioned her to encounter Boaz.

• Joshua told the people of Israel: “How long are you going to sit around, putting off taking possession of the land that God has given you?”

• Jesus makes it very clear that He’s got something wonderful in store for all those willing and faithful.

• Don’t think for a second the people that want nothing more from Jesus than to escape hell are going to be in the same class as those willing and faithful in serving Jesus.

• Remember, todays talk is all about the heart. Listen to Samuel’s words again, Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

• Here’s another mom lesson for all of us today about the heart;

• Matthew 20:20-23,NKJV-  “Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. 
• And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” 
• But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 
• So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”

• Jesus repeatedly made this statement, “The greatest in the Kingdom will be a servant.” And possibly one of the most noticeable characteristics will be humility. Remember what Naomi told Ruth, “Go out into the field and pick up scraps.”

• Make no mistake, clothed in humility, God is absolutely looking for those willing and faithful people that will follow His leading.

• Remember it’s a heart thing. Stories like Ruth all point us to a life Jesus died that would could experience right now.

• Lets remember, even though Boaz is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, Ruth was the Kings great grandmother. And with the kind of faith she displayed in her life, make no mistake about the influence she had into her grandchildren’s lives.

• One thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s usually those closest to us that play the biggest role in shaping our dreams, beliefs, our lives.

• And without a doubt, mom’s take one the most significant places of influence for shaping humanity.

• And from Paul’s letter it’s obvious that he knew Timothy’s mother and grandmother. They actually met on his first mission trip to Lystra.

• And I’m sure, like most moms, and even more so with grandmothers, Paul heard plenty of bragging about young Timothy.

• 2 Timothy 1:5-6,NKJV- When I call to remembrance the GENUINE FAITH that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

• I believe the Holy Spirit highlights Lois and Eunice in His Book because some things don’t change,

• It was these two mothers that made sure Timothy went to church, learned about Jesus, made sure he was introduced to the life of faith.

• This is what Paul is doing in this letter to Timothy, reminding him to not only stir up his gift, but to stay genuine in his faith.

• What if we all practiced encouraging one another in our faith, helping each other stir up our gifts?

• Today’s talk is a simple reminder that genuine faith, like Timothy’s, like Ruth’s is most of the time the result of someone sowing into our lives.

• I believe just like with Ruth and Timothy, there are God ordained times of favor already in your path. Some God orchestrated opportunities.

• Both of these young examples displayed loyal hearts that brought honor to God and according to the prophet Samuel, “Those who honor the Lord, He will honor.”

• Here’s the thing, genuine faith is an attitude that chooses to accept what God tells us regardless of what circumstances are saying.

• Today, make room for this kind of faith in your life. Walk out of here expecting moments of God’s favor to find you.

• Remember, the steps of the Godly are ordered by the Lord.

• Regardless of where you currently are in your faith journey, I promise you God still has dreams, plans for all of us we haven’t considered yet.

• Ephesians 3:20,NIV- Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

• So go ahead, get your hopes up, right in the middle of uncertainty. Start imagining big, expecting big. Stir up that gift God has in you. Be genuine in your faith because it honor’s the Lord.

• Just like with Ruth, I believe God wants to do exceedingly, abundantly in our lives, but there will be times just like with Ruth that it doesn’t look like it in the middle of it.

• But Ruth’s heart brought honor to God. She was determined to honor Naomi, not leaving her, not letting things like selfishness, pride and fear distract her.

• Think about it, this everyday, average person lands in the Holy cannon of scripture.

• And it all hinges on the faithfulness of one individual, because of her faithfulness, loyalty, simply the honor she displayed toward her mother-in-law.

• Lets keep this in mind, Ruth was the Kings great grandmother. And with the kind of faith she displayed in her life, make no mistake about the influence she had into her grandchildren’s lives.

This Mother’s Day, let the heart of this one humble, faithful individual inspire everyone of us to rise to our call, to fill our spot in the scope of the Kingdom of God.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5 NKJV

What is overflowing out of you? Is it the things of God? Or the things of this world? 

Make no mistake about it we will not stay empty we will be filled; the question is it’s what will we be filled with? Is it His will and His ways? Or yours and the worlds? 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 NKJV

I got to be honest, I need some work here. I know I don’t always as the scripture puts it, hunger and thirst for righteousness. Sometime me and my flesh, just wants to be right, or make it right. Hey I like that eye for an eye thing…. 

But if we take that approach and we give into that hunger, we will get filled and eventually consumed by anger, bitterness, un-forgiveness…. 

Like I shared before we will get filled, but what is occupying that space? What are we allowing in? 

The great thing is if we are full of Him (and not ourselves) there is no room for the other stuff. The more we allow Him to occupy the less, junk that can fill in the gaps… Jesus wants you to live filled with His ways, His will, His desires

Think of yourself as a hotel and each room can hold something different, you want that hotel to be booked out “No Vacancy” sign lit up bright… What are we renting space in our heart to? 

There is no room for anything other than God in our hearts…. 

But I continue to get caught up on the Overflow piece, isn’t Full good enough? I mean you don’t Overfill your gas tank, or a cup of coffee. That would just make a mess or be a waste. Overflow Milk cup….

Now don’t get me wrong, when we talk about overflow, I am good with overflow in the bank or in the pantry, we won’t talk about that like its ever too much or a waste… 

How often do we come to Church on Sunday we fill our cup and expect that to sustain us all week? We get ours and then go home? Saturday comes and we are parched 

Living a life of Overflow makes us change this mentality and our approach on how we should operate. 

Let’s dive in - When you break up overflow you have Over and Flow

Over - More, greater, abundance, above and beyond

Flow - Steady, moving, stream

In my study time, and as I broke this word up, for where God showed Himself, Over  and more than enough. 

Now there are many many examples of this, but one of my favorites is found in Kings 4:1-7. 

You have a widow here who is about to lose everything. When we think lose everything in todays world when we lose things it is not like this situation where she was going to lose her kids to a debt collector. But God shows up, through His people. 

A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.” So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.”

Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.” So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.” 2 Kings 4:1-7 NKJV

I love this story and it shows 

God is not a God of not Enough , or 

God of just enough, but He is the 

God of more than enough. 

He is the great multiplier. 

He works in abundance. 

He works in the OVER…

She asked for money to pay off the debt collector, but now her bank OVERflows to live off of. 

Many of us want that blessing, but we come to God with a thimble and say ok give me my fill for the week Lord… 

Notice in the story Elisha told her Go borrow jars for everywhere, DO NOT just gather a few!! 

I think we can take that advice. God is pouring out, God is freely giving, but if we show up with a single Coffee Cup and wonder what gives. Next time show up with a dump truck… Here I am LORD I am READY! 

Lets show up everyday, not just Sundays with an increased expectation, lets show up with as many jars as we can and a knowing in our heart, that he is the God of more than enough and that He will fill everything we bring to him. 

You might need to share what you get… Actually at some point you WILL have to share what you get

We are those vessels and He will occupy and fill everything we bring to Him. 

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV

Are we coming to Him with arms stretched out, Lord here I am fill me, all of me. Not just the parts I show people, but those areas we want to hide those areas we are ashamed of…..

He will fill everything we bring to Him… But He doesn’t stop there, He wants us to over FLOW, not to be just filled, but to over flow.. 

Something happens to water when it sits there, it gets Stale, grows algae, its just not good. If faced with needing water, I want it from a steady river or creek that has a nice flow, vs a stagnant river… 

Ever notice how those body of waters look best when they are moving… 

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38

I find it really interesting how Jesus says out of our heart will flow rivers of living water. I think this is so important there is flow, it is fresh, it is renewing, it is clear. 

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” John 4:13-15 NKJV

Don't you find it interesting that this overflow that should come out of us is referenced as water? Our Cup will over flow, out of us will flow rivers of living water, a fountain of water springs up…. 

So why water… Well first you ever try living without water? Well heres a secret, it can’t be done…. You can go a few days, but you will need it at some point. You can actually go without food longer than you can without water. 

Our world is in need this Living Water, but we got to share. Jesus allows to over flow, but we got to allow Him to. 

Jesus gives us the Over and the Flow is for those around us. We can’t just show up and fill our cup. We need it to Overflow. 

Our world is in desperate need for His followers to live and operate in Overflow… When what is in is Overflows out of us, all those we are around and come in contact with lives are impacted. 

When we live and operate in the overflow given to us we will be the world changers that Jesus has called us to be. 

Lets take a look at John 7:37-38 again… 

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38

If you know Jesus and declared Him Lord and savior of your life, we are called to live different and be different.

Out of us should OVERFLOW rivers of living water. We can do this because He is in is, He has changed us, and He wants us to help others see Him as Lord and Savior. 

Will you bring it all to Jesus, and allow His Overflow to work in your life so those around you are benefiting? So those around you are refreshed and renewed? 

Our word is needing us to live the life Jesus has called us to. 

If you are here for maybe the first time or never gave your life to Jesus. But you know your life is missing something. Maybe you are seeking for things to fill what only Jesus can and not out fill, but Overflow. 

The first part is simple, the word tells us we need to believe in your heart and declare with your mouth. So we will do a simple prayer together. 

Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of a savior. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. Come into my heart and make me new and rom this day forward I am a citizen of your Kingdom. In Jesus name Amen… 

If you said that for the first time, know that there is a party up in heaven for you. 

Allow us to celebrate with you by telling some, stop by out Information desk we will have a gift for you! 

For all of us lets live tomorrow like no other day, we have been commissioned by the King Himself to share and live our life in Overflow so that others may know Him like we do. Let’s operate in Overflow as we leave here and everyday we have breath in our lungs. 

• Matthew 13, When Jesus returned to his hometown, He made a real hit. They had no idea he was this good!” But in the next breath they were cutting him down: “We’ve known him since he was a kid; he’s the carpenter’s son. Who does he think he is?” And he didn’t do many miracles because of their unbelief.

• Psalm 78, How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, they continually turned back and tempted God, limiting the Holy One of Israel.

• Here’s the question we’ve looked at throughout this talk; can our unbelieving, our ungodly thinking limit what God wants to do in our lives today? As a man thinks, so is he.

• This is why we have to be proactive with our thinking. Making ourselves available to God, to His word, to the realities of His world, isn't something that comes natural to our human nature.

• Here’s the harsh reality, as long as we continue living, thinking, responding solely out of our human nature, we absolutely limit Him.

• Romans 8 makes it very clear, those who live spiritual, set their minds on spiritual things. Psalm 46 gives us very simple instructions, calm down, be still and know that He is God. 

• Practicing Psalm 46 will absolutely keep us from ever getting an “oh yea, I know Jesus” attitude of familiarity allowing for complacency.

• Once again, it all comes down to faith. It’s truly the only way a human accesses or functions within God’s kingdom. Faith is simply trust!

• Psalm 37:3-5,NKJV- “Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 
• Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 
• Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.”

• Proverbs 3:5-6,NKJV- Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

• God sent the children of Israel into the promised land to stretch their vision, but instead of seeing from His perspective, all they could see was from their natural, logical, human perspective, limiting what God had already planned for them.

• As a believer, we have to ask ourselves what a story like this is even in the Bible for. You think just maybe, God wants to lead all His children into the supernatural He has for each of us..

• Let’s not kid ourselves, there will be times in our faith journey that following God will not cooperate with our logic.

• Remember we asked this last week, are you willing to let what God reveals to you get in the way of your current beliefs? 

• Ultimately, it’s making room for God’s thoughts in our lives, to the degree that we don’t leave any room in our thinking for unbelief.

• Let the Holy Spirit inspire your thinking, which influences your believing. Here’s a great example of a Holy Spirit inspired attitude;
• THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!

• God never intended for His people to simply accept whatever humanity serves up and call that life, nor simply grow comfortable, or should we say complacent hanging out inside the church building.

•  As part of His body in the earth today, He's actually counting on each of us to make the most of the life He’s designed for us. He will always be sending the righteous among the lost.

• God needs anointed, favored, confident, intentional followers in every profession.

• After all, that's where you're going to connect with the majority of people He's wanting to impact through you.

• In Ephesians Paul writes: We should make the most of every opportunity.

• This means getting rid of wrong thinking, especially things like, why would God want to use me? And the enemy’s favorite, “why’s all this bad stuff happening to me?”

• Why do you think its called a fight of faith?

• 2 Timothy 1:7,AMP- For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, of cowardice, fawning fear. He has given us a spirit of power and love, of a calm, well-balanced mind with discipline and self-control. 

• Let’s remember, we belong to a supernatural God, who designed us to participate in the supernatural.

• Acts 4:29-30,NKJV- Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.

• Let's get a little more intentional with our expectations from God. Using our faith to let God enlarge our vision?

• FAITH GETS READY!!

• What if God wants to bless you, favor you, advance you in such a way that everyone will know that He's who did it?

• What if you're the one God's wanting to take to a higher level, maybe not so much for you, but for those He's planning on influencing through you.

• Start letting the Word of God shape your thinking, your imagination.
• Imagination is meditation.

• King David said, blessed is the one who delights in the Word of God, whatever they do will prosper.

• There's only one person who can stop you from becoming who God intends on you being, and that's you.

• But we’ve got to be willing to let the challenges we encounter stretch our faith instead of dictate unbelief.

• Maxwell says, "If we're unchallenged, we'll be unchanging."

• Here's the thing, If we always estimate difficulty in light of our own abilities and resources, we'll never attempt very much.

• Psalm 18 says, It's God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. In His gentleness, He makes me great.

• I wonder if that's why James told us to count it joy when we're in the middle of the challenge.

• As God's people, we've got to understand, when He looks at our lives, He's not just an observer, He's an investor.

• Let your faith be stretched, embrace the challenge, should I say like James, get excited about it.

• God’s plan of success will never discovered on accident, or by chance. Truth is, it’s discovered with every step of faith we take with Him.

• It's the positive result of a steady forward life of faith, discovering our own God appointed destiny.

• Maybe the question for some of us is; will we be willing to give up what we are to become what God already sees we can be?

• What we have to stay aware of is the reality that God will stretch us beyond our logic and comfort, to a place of total dependence. He is El-Shaddai. His is Jehovah Jireh.

• He is the Lord that sees and provides. And like Abraham, there will be times we’ll have to go only trusting.

• Remember Psalm 46, Calm down, be still and know that He is God. It’s this kind of revelation that will absolutely keep us from ever getting an “oh yea, I know Jesus attitude of familiarity making us complacent.

• Here’s the thing, a humble, willing heart is what makes us available for our vision.

• Proverbs 29:18,AMP- Where there is no vision, no redemptive revelation of God, the people perish...

• MSG- If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves.

• It's the oldest, simplest, most proven recipe for success; when opportunity shows up, be ready!

• God never intended for us to reach a certain place of comfort and simply settle in.

• One of the main reasons Jesus came was for us to have a new life in Him. An abundant life.

•  The thing is, He's actually counting on each of us that have received our new life in Him to make a difference with it.

• John 15:16,AMP- You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting, that it may remain.

• The prophet Zechariah said, "It's not by might nor power, but by the Spirit of the Lord."

• In other words; it'll be God honoring your faithfulness. Positioning your for His divine guidance and anointing. Orchestrating His plan for your life.

• Doors being opened, dreams revitalized, negatives turned around, promises fulfilled.

• The question is; are you honestly, intentionally looking for, expecting, getting ready for God to do something?

•  Remember 2 Timothy, God has given us a spirit of power and love, of a calm, well-balanced mind with discipline and self-control. 

• A spirit that's completely reliant on Him.

• You may have experienced disappointment, bad breaks, discouragement, even heartache,

• But God is reminding us; "It's not by might nor power, but by the Spirit of the Lord."

• We have to stop entertaining all the negative what if's, and instead, make our mind up that all the promises of God are yes and amen in Christ.

• Let’s never let our familiarity with Jesus become some un-reverent, faithless approach to our life in Him that ultimately limits what He has planned for us.

• Regardless of all the unbelieving thoughts that'll try and hold you back, make today the day you get in agreement with God.