Victory Life KY

By Pastor Gary Toney

Join us each week on the Victory Life KY podcast. You will hear teaching from our senior Pastor Gary Toney. Our Purpose Is Helping People Discover and Develop A Life In Christ. Visit us at www.victor... more

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December 28, 2020Willing and Faithful
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, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and 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.”

Being able to live this way comes out of time with God and His word. It’s the things God promise us that develop the faith that is in us.

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.

So our prayer is that this talk inspires our thinking, inspires our faith, to move past thinking that our lives here and now is all there is to a life in God. Seriously, this is the shortest thing a believer will ever do.

So as we say goodbye to 2020! Let’s help each other refocus our attitudes, refocus our faith and according to Jesus, “OCCUPY TILL HE RETURNS.”

Listen to the apostle Paul, he makes it very clear that we are to redeem the time we have here because the days are evil.

“Joshua addressed the People of Israel: “How long are you going to sit around, putting off taking possession of the land that GOD, has given you?”

So what do say? Let’s make 2021 the year we’re more about the Master”s work. After all, this portion of what we call life is going by quicker than any of us give thought to.

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

Revelation 22:12,NKJV- “And behold, I am coming quickly, and MY REWARD IS WITH ME, to give to every one according to his work.”

I truly believe 2020 was a wake up call for God’s people. Statements like, “Behold, I’m coming quickly” should take on a fresh meaning for us all. And I know in my own life, a time of reward from the Lord wasn’t always something I gave much consideration to.

But the more I began to dig into this subject, there more revelation God was giving me on this subject. Jesus actually talks about reward a lot, so maybe we should give a little more consideration to this reality.

1 Corinthians 3:13-14,AMP- The work of each one will become plainly, openly known (shown for what it is); for the day of Christ will disclose and declare it,
because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.
If the work which any person has built on this Foundation, any product of his efforts whatever survives, he will get his reward.

Here’s the wake up call, our willingness and faithfulness here and now has significant influence in our life in the next dimension.

Here’s the revelation every born again has got to come to terms with, OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL NEVER BE BASED ON WHAT WE DO, OUR REWARD IS.

A big part of our reward is absolutely connected to our position in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Moody was right, what we do here and now is simply training for our next chapter.

Revelation 5 tells us that Christ has made us kings and priest, and we shall reign on the earth. Take a second, you ever think about what kind of role the next chapter of your life will be? (Parable of minas in Luke)

God is counting on those that have accepted this truth and are making themselves available for it, embracing the reality that we’re actually in training right now.

Stop thinking simply from this 3 dimensional world. You are a brand new species of being. Made in the image of your Father.

Remember, OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL NEVER BE BASED ON WHAT WE DO, OUR REWARD IS.

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.

Listen very carefully, God is not a man that He can lie, and He does not change, His ways and His word are forever settled.

The Kingdom of God is not a democracy. And without a doubt, God is not a socialist!

The fact is, the more Jesus can trust you with this life, the more He will entrust you with in the next dispensation.

When we follow Jesus through the gospels, the thing He talks about more than anything was the Kingdom of Heaven. (150 references in the gospels)

The crazy thing is, the majority of todays church gives little consideration to the things of the Kingdom.

But here’s something we should consider, Jesus talked about it so much that some His closest disciples tried securing their positions right then.

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.

But make no mistake, clothed in humility, God is absolutely looking for those willing and faithful people taking care of His business.

Matthew 6:1,3-4,6,16-18,NKJV- Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

v.3, But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

v.4, And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

v.6, But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

v.16,Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
v.17, But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
v.18, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

This stuff God is dealing with is all a heart thing. He’s talking about our born again lives Jesus died that would could experience right now.
But if we’re ever going to live supernatural, we’ve got to start talking and thinking supernatural.

Which means we’ve got to take to heart what the apostle James told us, we cannot continue living a double minded life.

Let today’s talk inspire our faith to move past thinking that our lives here and now is all there is to a life in God. Let’s help each other refocus our attitudes, refocus our faith and according to Jesus, let’s help each other be about the Master’s work.

And even though it’s not all about rewards, don’t kid yourself, ask any parent who loves rewarding the children for doing good, our Father is the same way, God wants to reward, He wants to distinguish you! (Esther)

But here’s the thing, possibly one of the biggest challenges the born again face is embracing a way of living that is beyond here and now.

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.

Revelation 22, I am coming quickly, and MY REWARD IS WITH ME, to give to every one according to his work.

Matthew 16, Jesus tell us that he will return in the glory of the Father and He will reward each one according to his works.
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41min
December 21, 2020Celebrating Him II
Isaiah 9:6,NKJV-“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And HIS NAME will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus told us that He would do whatever we ask in His name, He will do anything in His name, that every knee will bow at His name. There’s no other name under heaven by which man can be saved.

Mark 16:17-18,NKJV- “And these signs will follow those who believe: IN MY NAME they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Jesus was God’s plan from the beginning, He is the Lamb slain before the foundations of the world. So knowing the power of free will, God wanted a family that would willingly choose Him.

This is why Christmas still remains our greatest celebration we take part in, so lets make sure Christ stays at the center of our celebrating. But without a doubt, CELEBRATE!

Remember, the whole reason Jesus came to the planet was for us to have a life with Him beyond humanity. To have and enjoy the good life in Christ with the blessed assurance of eternal life.

And even if the world around us drifts further away from the real reason we celebrate Christmas, let’s make sure we help each other, not only acknowledge but share what Jesus did for us.

Think about it, Jesus wants to use your style, your personality, and as long as we're connected to Him, He said He would make us stand out like a city on a hill. Like a light on a lamp stand.

Because of the way God designed us, He knows that in the heart of every human lies the desire to be connected to Jesus, even if they don't realize it yet.

So never underestimate the power of the gospel working through anyone who will trust in it more than their own abilities.

This Christmas, let the people you come in contact with experience Christ in you. Things like peace, joy, love, God’s goodness and blessing.

Deuteronomy 28 tells us that when the people of the earth see the goodness of God on our lives, they will know that we are called by His name.

Listen to what Peter says, Because Jesus we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven, and the future starts now!

This is why Christmas still remains our greatest celebration we take part in, so embrace your life in Him.

John 10, “...I came that you may have and enjoy an abundant, excessive, extraordinary life.”

He left His world and came to ours, giving His life that we could not only become citizens of His world, but joint heirs of His kingdom.

This is why it’s so important that every believer stays aware of the fact that God has predestined us to be conformed to Jesus' image.

So, the next time you start thinking you’re not whatever, you can't make it, or you can't overcome this, remind yourself of who's you are.

Remind yourself, you’re born of Heaven, heirs of the throne, sons and daughters of the Almighty. And to top it off, called by Jesus Himself to represent Him in the earth now.

Ephesians 1:5,MSG- Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago He decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ.

This Christmas, let the Holy Spirit inspire your thinking. After all, we are celebrating the fact that the Savior came for us.

1 John tells us, embracing a life with God, us living in Him, and Him in us, means our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s.

Think about it, what better time than Christmas to be an expression of our Savior.

After all, it was Jesus that told us we’re a light on a lamp stand, a city on on a hill, anointed to inspire others. A Christmas inspiration!

Remember, Jesus didn’t come to our world to condemn it but to save it.

Regardless of how you may celebrate Christmas, ultimately there's only one reason this holiday even exists.

Christ left His world to come to ours to make a way for us to go to His.

Jesus actually told us, "I came so you could have life like me."

Christmas is above all things, a Salvation Celebration. A celebration of a brand new life.

Listen to the angels words out of the gospel of Luke. I'm telling you the greatest thing humanity has ever heard. And it will bring great joy to all who receive it. The Savior, ourLord, has been born today in Bethlehem!

And the incredible thing about this new life Jesus made for us is that just like a Christmas gift, God's abundant grace and gift of righteousness only has to be received.

2 Corinthians 5 paraphrase, When we look inside, we see that anyone united with Christ gets a fresh start, they become a new creation. The old life is gone; a new life is underway.

This is why Christmas will never be just another holiday for the Christian because we know that Christmas proclaims we have a Savior.

The Psalmist wrote, "This is the day God acted, so let's celebrate."

We don't just celebrate what Jesus saved us from, but what He saved is to.

Seriously , how often do you think about eternity? A place of no more pain or suffering, no more death, it's definitely worthy of celebrating.

This Christmas, as we always do, we gather around the Lord’s table. So keep in mind, it’s not just a baby in a manger, it stand as a memorial of an empty cross and an abandoned grave.

I personally believe Christmas is one of the most special times we can gather around the Lords table.

Communion takes each of us back to when His incredible gift of grace changed our lives forever.

And for everyone here today, come knowing His table is for the broken, the seemingly forgotten, the one feeling unworthy, even the confused.

And whether it’s your first time or 100th, let this Christmas communion be a turning point in your life with Him.

He'll replace frustration with peace, guilt and shame with forgiveness, worry and anxiety with confidence, depression with hope, emptiness with purpose, confusion with clarity.

Today we celebrate the greatest thing humanity can ever be a part of, Jesus is alive.

Something for all of us to remember as we celebrate, as we worship and honor Him, is that our lives are light to all those around us.

And I believe one of the best things we can do is to simply live our lives like we are the light Jesus says we are.

So the next time you find yourself questioning your relationship, wondering if your okay with God, questioning your eternity, if you’ve blown it too bad this time, simply come back to the Lords table.

It stands as an eternal reminder of God's love and grace.

Maybe this is why God told the apostle Paul, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."

It's a pretty humbling thing to realize the God of all creation picked us.

Truth is, our new life in Christ boils down to fact that by His grace, He made it so we couldn't mess it up, all we have to do is believe it.

Yielding to this kind of undeserving power is what enables every believer to rise above their old nature.

And become the new person Christ died that we could be.

Peter says this out of the Message, What a God we have... Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!

This is why Christmas will never be just another holiday for us.

And there’s no better way for us to honor the birth of our Savior than by gather around His table this Christmas.
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36min
December 21, 2020Occupy Until I Return II
Luke 19 discusses the parable of the minas, and when the master passes out the minas, he makes this statement, “OCCUPY TILL I RETURN”

Occupy, do my business, exercise dominion, run things
Till I return, there is a day He’s coming back

Here’s two key statements Jesus made about His return, Blessed is the servant the master finds watching for Him, then He said, Blessed is the servant that’s busy about the master’s work when he returns.

Matthew 24:36, The day and hour no one knows, not even the angels, only the Father.

Just like Jesus expected the people of that time to be able to recognize His first time coming, He absolutely expects the people of this time to be able to recognize the time of His coming.

This being said, we should absolutely be watching for Him at the same time busy about His work.

You heard me say this so many times, “The new is in the old contained, the old is in the new explained.”

1 Corinthians 10:32,NKJV- “Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,”

We introduced our talk last week with Paul’s revelation Jesus specifically gave him for the end time church.

Galatians 1, I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This revelation from the Lord to Paul for every born again was pinned to the church of Thessalonica.

So as saints begin to pass away and the Lord still hasn’t returned, the church had questions, especially when different teachings began to circulate. Think about it, they’re just grasping this new revelation of the resurrection from the dead.

So Jesus calls Paul to Heaven and teaches him.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4,NLT- “I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows.
Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body.
But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.”

In 2 Peter he actually acknowledges Paul’s revelation contained things hard to understand.

They hadn’t heard Paul’s revelation yet since he had just received it from the Lord. So the Holy Spirit is going to use this churches concern about saints that have already passed on to the other side, as well as for the saints that will be on the planet at the time of this special event.

Now as we get into this remember what Jesus told us in Luke, blessed are the one that’s busy about the master’s work when He returns.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18,NLT- “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.
14, For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15, We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.
16, For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.
17, Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
18, So encourage each other with these words.”

And I know there are different views on this subject, and I can take some scripture and partially support some of those beliefs, but I can only support one with 100% confidence from the scripture, and it is this same revelation God gave the apostle Paul.

So when it comes to this event that we call the rapture, there are types throughout the Bible. But God’s children going through the great tribulation, we can’t find them.

As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:21, There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Remember, even though we’re talking about His return, Jesus was very clear, occupy till I return. Blessed is the servant the master finds watching for Him and busy about the master’s work when he returns.

He wouldn’t have told us to be watching and busy about His work at the time of His return if it wasn’t important. I believe He wants us to use this revelation God gave Paul as an evangelistic tool, not some religious scare tactic.

But if we cant have a confident, intelligent conversation about these truths, people will be just like they were in the days of Noah when God delivered his people from the wrath to come.

Jesus actually tells that it will be as it was in the days of Noah when this event takes place. They went about they’re business, ignoring, mocking, even coming against what Noah was doing, until the day the Lord shut up the ark.

Here’s what we’ve got to stay open to, this revelation stands along side all other Holy Spirit inspired words He gave to His creation.

One of the main reasons for this talk is to eliminate any confusion around this subject.

Think about it, if you’ve read the book of Revelation, how is there any way we can comfort and encourage each other to look forward to facing that kind of wrath and destruction, not to mention the antichrist.

v.17, Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

This word caught, (harpadzo) snatched away by divine energy.

So when we read Revelation and the terrible things to come, this revelation absolutely brings comfort and excitement!

Don’t let anyone talk you into believing that the God who loves us so much that He sacrificed His firstborn, won’t keep us from that wrath that’s coming.

So, be watching, be busy, live ready!

Now keep in mind, Paul is dealing with a number of false teachings as well as fear, unbelief, not to mention much opinion.

One of the biggest was dealing with those misguided souls that were assuming the rapture had already taken place and the antichrist was already at work.

What I want to do with this teaching is simply give a different perspective on what I believe the Holy Spirit is saying through Paul’s letter.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4,NKJV- Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,
not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Ive always with struggled with the “falling away” commentary on this passage, and after watching the documentary on the Galilean wedding, I was absolutely convinced.

Think about it, it just doesn’t make sense that Christ would be returning for a bride that has fallen out of love with Him, not prepared for Him or looking for His return.

I have a very old Oxford dictionary and this phrase falling away in the Greek is the word apostsia, is translated 2 ways, rebellion and departure.

Then Peggy and I were talking about the history of our nation and our founders and how the Geneva bible was one of the first they used.

v.3, Geneva bible, Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come, except there come a departing first, and that that man of sin be disclosed, even the son of perdition.

Before the Geneva bible, William Tyndale”s first translation also used the word departure in this passage.

The Wuest translation, “Unless the departure of the church came first...”

And I get it, this word, apostasia can be translated either way, departure or rebellion, but in the context of the chapter, it actually ties everything together.

I personally think it’s simply more of a common sense interpretation.

2 Thessalonians 2:5-8,NKJV- Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

He who restrains until He is taken away; think about it, He, the Holy Spirit is the person and life of God in the church.

In John 14, Jesus said that He would abide with us forever.

Not to mention, He is part of the Holy Trinity. He is omnipresent.

He’s also the only way a human can be born again, and millions will be born again during the tribulation.

My perspective is that He the Holy Spirit, in His earthen vessel, the body of Christ, not the bride of Christ, will be taken out of here. A departure.

We’ve got to remember, Jesus told His disciples on more than one occasion, “I’ve given you all authority over the powers of darkness.”

In Acts, the born again receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on them.

The apostle Paul reminds us the we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

And I love this one, Jesus said, if anyone receives you they receive Me.

I’m more convinced than ever the restrainer preventing the antichrist from manifesting is the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:4-7,NLT- God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much,
that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
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45min
December 15, 2020Celebrating Him
Isaiah 9:6,NKJV-“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Genesis 1:31, NKJV- God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.

Think about it, The Almighty laid down His deity and took on free will, yielding Himself to humanity for the sole purpose of making passage for humanity to come back, not only to eternity, but into a divine relationship with our Creator.

Philippians 2, When the time came, Jesus set aside the privileges of deity and became human! Having become human, He stayed human.
He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death.
Because of His obedience, God lifted Him high and honored Him far beyond anyone or anything,
so that all created beings in heaven and on earth will bow in worship before Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that He is the Lord of all.

Jesus was God’s plan from the beginning, knowing the power of free will, God wanted a family that would willingly choose Him.

John 10, “...I came that you may have and enjoy an abundant, excessive, extraordinary life.”

This is why Christmas still remains our greatest celebration we take part in, and is ultimately our responsibility to make sure Christ stays at he center of our celebrating. That being said, CELEBRATE!

It’s why we will always respond, Merry Christmas, not happy whatever.
Christmas — Christ, the Anointed One
Mass, festival, celebration

A celebration of the Anointed One. The Creator became the created.
The King of all existence exchanged His royalty for humanity.
The Author of time stepped out of eternity and subjected Himself to time.

As we celebrate the Christmas season with all our favorite traditions, the decorating, shopping, the time with family, the gift giving, the parties, stay Christ centered.

Remember, the whole reason Jesus came to the planet was for us to have a life with Him beyond humanity. To have and enjoy the good life in Christ with the blessed assurance of eternal life.

And even if the world around us drifts further away from the real reason we celebrate Christmas, let’s all of us help each other acknowledge what Jesus did for us.

After all, we're going to Heaven.

And one of the most amazing things about Jesus coming was that He chose to use us, everyday people to be an expression of His goodness and mercy. Extending His characteristics to beyond around us.

For all of us that follow Jesus, my prayer with these couple of simple talks during Christmas is to stir up a little God nature in all of us. Ultimately that would be His goodness and love.

You see, Christmas, regardless of how you celebrate it, is all about Him arriving and empowering others.

Think about it, Jesus wants to use your style, your personality, and as long as we're connected to Him, He said He would make us stand out like a city on top of the mountain. Like a light on a lamp stand.

2 Corinthians 3:18,MSG- When God is personally present. Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of His face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.

Because of the way God designed us, He knows that in the heart of every human lies the desire to be connected to Jesus, even if they don't realize it yet.

And regardless of your style, or personality, the power of the gospel will work through anyone who will trust in it more than their own abilities.

This Christmas, let the people you come in contact with experience Christ, in you. Things like peace, joy, love, God’s goodness and blessing.

Remember, God didn't send Jesus into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
Let’s help each other this Christmas, right in the middle of challenging situations to still embrace just how good our God is.

King David said, Open your eyes and actually see how good God is. Blessed are those who look to Him. If you really want God’s best, worship Him; worship opens doors to all His goodness.

What if we became a little more intentional about believing Him, expecting His goodness to be a regular part of our lives?

Why not make this Christmas a turning point for all of us? To the degree that we place a demand on His world.

Here’s the thing, God loves us right where we’re at, but He loves so much that He doesn’t want to leave us where we’re at.

Deuteronomy 28 tells us that when the people of the earth see the goodness of God on our lives, they will know that we are called by His name.

And as I began studying this truth from God’s word, there’s a common theme throughout the scriptures, God is good, and God does good.

Psalm 34, paraphrase,
I sought the LORD and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Those who looked to Him and were radiant.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, with awe-inspired reverence they worship Him, and He rescues each of them.
O taste and see that the LORD our God is good; How blessed, fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God is the man who takes refuge in Him.
For those who fear Him there is no want. Those who seek the LORD will not lack any good thing.

This Christmas, as we celebrate Him, let this our inspiration, God is good!

This Christmas, lets make God’s goodness a goal in our life?

If we go back to the very beginning we’ll see that not only is God good, so is everything He made.

Genesis 1:31, NKJV- God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.

In Eden, everything was very good.

But something a lot of christians never consider is that one of Jesus’ primary objectives was to reintroduce what God had created in Genesis to the world. He came to this planet to show us how the people of God are to live.

John 10, “...I came that you may have and enjoy an abundant, excessive, extraordinary life.”

Jesus actually shows us what it was like before the fall, what we were actually created to be.

This why Corinthians calls Jesus, the last Adam.

And according to Jesus, nothing is impossible for those of us who honestly believe what He tells us. So exactly what are you believing for, specifically?

What do you thing Jesus meant when He said things like: “According to your faith, let it be done.”

What if we were more intentional about believing God for His goodness to be a regular part of our lives?

Think about it, if God, my Father tells me I’m blessed, prosperous, favored, healed, why wouldn’t I say what my Father says about me?

Let’s make God’s goodness a regular part of our meditation, of our conversations. God is good and God does good.

Listen to what Peter says, Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven, and the future starts now!

And if nothing is impossible for those of us who believe what God tells us, then why wouldn’t we make God’s goodness a goal in our lives?

Psalm 34 says, Open your eyes and actually see how good GOD is. Blessed are those who run to Him. If you want God’s best, worship Him; worship opens doors to all his goodness.

This is why Christmas still remains our greatest celebration we take part in, so lets make sure Christ stays at he center of our celebrating. That being said, CELEBRATE!

Remember Genesis 1, God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.

This Christmas, let the people you’re around experience Christ in you. Experience His love, joy, peace, His goodness and blessing.

John 10, “...I came that you may have and enjoy an abundant, excessive, extraordinary life.”
...more
41min
December 10, 2020Occupy Until I Return
Luke 19 discusses the parable of the minas, and when the master passes out the minas, he makes this statement, “OCCUPY TILL I RETURN”

Occupy, do my business, exercise dominion, run things
Till I return, there is a day He’s coming back

A conversation many have been having lately has been centered around the return of the Lord. So I felt like maybe we should talk about it, but as we get into it, the thing I want to stress is that Jesus’ main point was us occupying until He returns.

In Luke 12 Jesus is once again talking to His disciples about occupying and in v.37, Jesus says, Blessed in the servant that the master finds watching. In v.43, He says, “Blessed is the servant that’s busy about the master’s work when he returns.”

Then He said to the multitudes in v.56, “You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times.”

Just like Jesus expected the people of that time to be able to recognize His first time coming, He absolutely expects the people of this time to be able to recognize the time of His coming.

One of the things His disciples repeatedly asked about was the timing of the restoring of the Kingdom, and in Acts 1 He basically tells them, timing is the Father’s business, but you will receive power. In other words, be ready and occupy till I return.

Matthew 24:36, The day and hour no one knows, not even the angels, only the Father.

But in v.32, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branches have already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.”

So as we approach the age of the church coming to its end, we should definitely be about the masters work. Because after the church, that’s when the judgement of God will come on the earth.

The only judgement the church will face is the judgement seat of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:10,NKJV- “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

1 Corinthians 3:11-15,NKJV- For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.
If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

I believe Moody was right, everything we do this side of Heaven is preparing us for what we’ll be there.

And I realize there are many different views around the events of the end, so what we have to do is go to the only true source to support any belief.

You heard me say this so many times, “The new is in the old contained, the old is in the new explained.”

God gives us a simple revelation that will make understanding events of the Bible much easier to interpret.

1 Corinthians 10:32,NKJV- “Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,”

Here’s the thing, having this simple understanding concerning any truth from the scriptures is a key component of clarity; who’s talking, who they’re talking to, and what they’re talking about.

So with this in mind, there are glimpses of Jesus’ return throughout the scriptures, but the major players are, Daniel, Revelation, Jesus In Matthew 24, and Apostle Paul.

We’re going to start with Paul’s revelation Jesus specifically gave him.

Galatians 1:11-12,NKJV- “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Even though we are able to get a glimpse of what’s next on God’s calendar, we stay about the masters work until!! Maybe even get a little more dialed in because we recognize our time is short.

That being said, the next event the church should be ready for is our departure.

This revelation from the Lord to Paul for every born again was pinned to the church of Thessalonica.

Keep in mind that after Jesus’ resurrection He appeared, disappeared, and reappeared many times over His last 40 days on the planet. To the degree that those closest to Him got used to it.

Acts 1:11,NKJV- “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

This would be Jesus’ last disappearance for a while, but there were many that were expecting the same thing they had seen repeatedly over the last month.

But days turned into weeks, weeks into months, months into years, and no sign of Jesus.

And as saints begin to pass away and the Lord still hasn’t returned, and keep in mind they didn’t have any kind of reference, like a bible, not to mention this new revelation of the resurrection from the dead is just now being taught.

So Jesus calls Paul to Heaven and teaches him.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4,NLT- “I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows.
Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body.
But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.”

In 2 Peter he actually acknowledges Paul’s revelation contained things hard to understand.

They hadn’t heard Paul’s revelation yet since he had just received it from the Lord. So the Holy Spirit is going to use this churches concern about saints that have already passed on to the other side, as well as for the saints that will be on the planet at the time of this special event.

Now as we get into this remember what Jesus told us in Luke, blessed are the one that’s busy about the master’s work when He returns.

Paul actually gave the Corinthian church just a little glimpse.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52,NLT- “But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18,NLT- “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.
14, For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15, We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.
16, For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.
17, Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
18, So encourage each other with these words.”

And I know there are different views on this subject, and I can take some scripture and partially support some of those beliefs, but I can only support one with 100% confidence from the scripture, and it is this same revelation God gave the apostle Paul.

Remember, The new is in the old contained, the old is in the new explained.

So when it comes to this event that we call the rapture, there are types throughout the Bible. But God’s children going through the great tribulation, we can’t find them.

As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:21, There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Here’s just a few types of God taking His people from His judgement:
Noah and his family, Lot and his family from Sodom, Enoch, Jesus in Acts 1, John in Revelation 4

So the next event in the history of God’s people is the churches departure to meet the Lord and take part in the marriage supper of the Lamb.

But until then, Jesus was very clear, occupy till I return. We are to use this revelation God gave Paul as an evangelistic tool, not some religious scare tactic.

But if we cant have a confident, intelligent conversation about these truths, people will be just like they were in the days of Noah when God delivered his people from the wrath to come.

Jesus actually tells that it will be as it was in the days of Noah when this event takes place. They went about they’re business, ignoring, mocking, even coming against what Noah was doing, until the day the Lord shut up the ark.

When this event takes place, just like any major news that breaks, the kingdom of darkness controlled media will determine how it’s portrayed, millions won’t even believe it happened.

But there will be those we’ve shared the truth with that wouldn’t accept it while we were here, but they’ll know exactly what happened because we’ve told them in detail what it will look like.

Listen to Paul’s words very carefully, Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

Here’s what we’ve got to stay open to, this revelation stands along side all other Holy Spirit inspired words He gave to His creation.

Listen again to v. 18, So encourage each other with these words. These words in Thessalonians has carried many saints through some unspeakable situations, not only knowing they would instantly be with the Lord, but now on the other side they could no longer be harassed by the enemy about going through the Great Tribulation.

One of the main reasons for this talk is to eliminate any confusion around this subject.

Think about it, if you’ve read the book of Revelation, how is there any way we can comfort and encourage each other to look forward to facing the antichrist.

In Luke 12 Jesus is once again talking to His disciples about occupying and in v.37, Jesus says, Blessed in the servant that the master finds watching. In v.43, He says, “Blessed is the servant that’s busy about the master’s work when he returns.”

Then He said to the multitudes in v.56, “You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times.”

Just like Jesus expected the people of that time to be able to recognize His first time coming, He absolutely expects the people of this time to be able to recognize the time of His coming.
...more
54min
December 07, 2020Courageous II
John 10:10,AMP- “...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
Abundance (perissos) surplus, extraordinary, more than enough, excessive.

The only way we become who God has designed and called us to be, the only way we participate in this extraordinary life is by embracing who we are from His perspective.

Isaiah 26:3-4,NLT- You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Think about it, right now, what kind of self image would you say you have? What about your in Christ image?

I bring this up because Jesus’ promises, our inheritance is directly connected to our comprehension of our new identity. Remember, John instructs us that we will prosper as our soul prospers.

Let’s be more intentional with our God life, like Isaiah says, fixing our thoughts on Him.

2 Corinthians 3:18,NKJV- But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

MSG, “When God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”

This is why transformation is absolutely essential. Throughout our journey of faith, we will all be presented with uncertainty, and it'll be in those times that we'll have the opportunity to trust God.

One of the most inspirational OT characters is Joshua, because he represents the overwhelming majority of Christians.

He's just a regular guy that decided to put his faith in God and do something with it.

He’s about to become one of God's new leaders, helping people, leading people to step into God's promises.

Joshua is a great example of how God honors the faithfulness of someone simply willing to do whatever is asked of him.

What we've got to make sure we don't miss here is that Joshua’s willingness to obey God is what actually open the door for God's advancement.

Regardless of where we may find ourselves in our journey of faith, let Joshua's example of faith inspires us to keep our thoughts fixed on Jesus.

Joshua 1:1-9,NLT- After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant.
2. He said, Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO LEAD these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.
3. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you,
4. from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’
5. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
6. Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.
7. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
8. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
9. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

One of the first things we've got to recognize is how God continually encourages Joshua to stay strong and courageous.

Joshua inspires us that even though we have God’s help, it’s still on each of us to take the necessary steps of faith to embrace our next with God.

See yourself as a one of God’s courageous, influential followers that have something to offer, that you’re ready to step into God's next for you. Be courageous.

Maybe one of our biggest takeaways from Joshua is the reality that, we cannot be who we're suppose to be and who we used to be at the same time.

Remember what v.8 tells us; Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

The challenge with this way of life is that His word, His promises, many times take our faith to what seems risky.

It's in those seemingly uncertain times that we learn to rely on Jesus.

Like Joshua we've got to allow what God tells us to shape our courage, passion, motivation, even our expectations.

This means that there will be times when we've got to stop focusing on what we're not, what we don't have, no to mention, the things we think we can't do.

For many this means we’ve got to stop the double-mined approach to life.

The more single-minded we are, the stronger our faith becomes, and the more excited we'll be about His promises.

If you're not here yet, get around some believers that will help fuel your expectations and passion, and at the same time, inspire a little courage.

Something we've all got to come to terms with is the fact that God will never create a life for us where He won't be needed.

That's the lesson of the day from Joshua; Be strong and courageous because He's with us. Possessing our promises, just like with Joshua’s generation, it will demand the same kind of faith.

Ephesians 6:10-11,NLT- A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Make no mistake, this is part of the abundant, extraordinary life Jesus came that we could have. This is what God is teaching us through the life of Joshua.

The thing is, long before Joshua stud in front of the Jordan, God was already working on him. So wrap your head around this, right now, God is preparing you for His next.

Hopefully one of the most important things we take away from Joshua is the fact that when we find ourselves in uncertainty, we can absolutely trust that God is with us.

Here’s what ever believer has to come to terms with, and it’s why He repeatedly told Joshua to be strong and courageous, we still have to take the steps of faith God leads us in.

So, make today the day you start seeing yourself in the light of who and what Jesus says you are.

2 Corinthians 3:18,NKJV- But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Be intentional about it, because if we don't practice these truths, chances are high that we'll never take the time to develop our God life.

Here’s a major component of the God life, it demands change. And let's be honest, no body likes change.

It disrupts our routine, threatens our habit patterns, forces us to reevaluate, and maybe the most difficult, sometimes we have to unlearn familiar behavior.

The generation before Joshua was unwilling to change. Because of uncertainties, fear, and unbelief they chose to settle for the desert life rather than be uncomfortable embracing something new.

Think about it, right now, how many of us are standing on the bank of the Jordan, the bank of what God’s promised us and we simply lack the faith to step into the water?

Afraid to step into the extraordinary life Jesus told us He came to this earth that we could have. This is why God told Joshua, be strong and courageous. Go in and possess the promises I’ve already given you.

Is it possible that we’ve been comfortable for too long enjoying the blessing of the Lord on our land and just maybe the church has gotten a little complacent, allowing the enemy to come in and take some of what God gave us?

Remember, Jesus is coming back for a glorious church! Make no mistake, God knows right where we’re at in this unGodly world and He’s anointing us to prepare for His return.

We’re called to the Kingdom for such a time as this. Therefore be strong and courageous.

Haggai 2:4-9,NLT- Now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
5, My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.
6, For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land.
7, I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
8, The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
9, The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!
...more
47min
November 30, 2020Couragous
John 10:10,AMP- “...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
Abundance (perissos) surplus, extraordinary, more than enough, excessive.

One of Jesus’ primary purposes was restoring to His creation the Father’s intent from the beginning. This is why in 1 John He tells us another key component if His coming was to destroy the works of the devil.

But what about when we’re not seeing the abundant, overflowing life? It’s at this point that we have the opportunity to start walking by faith not by sight.

Embracing the abundant life right in the face of uncertainty, fixing our trust in Jesus. Refusing to accept anything other than what He said will absolutely require a little courage. And the key is knowing He is with us every step of the way, leading us in His triumphant victory parade.

Zig Ziglar said, "It's not a lack of time people struggle with, it's a lack of direction.

Joshua 1:9,NLT- This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

God’s with Joshua to do what? Possess the land God promised. And make no mistake, stepping out in faith like Joshua will demand a certain mind set.

Isaiah 26:3-4,NLT- You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

This phrase, thoughts are fixed in the Hebrew language refers to imagination.

And for the born again, the more our thoughts are fixed on Jesus, the more inspired our imagination will be. Or we could say it like this, the more inspired our spiritual imaging will be.

This is why getting our thoughts fixed on Him helps us with our new identity, which in turn helps with our courage.

Psalm 23:1-6,NKJV- The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2, He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3, He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
6, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

This Psalm is a perfect example of how we mange our thought life better. After all, we’re created in His image and likeness. And this is why time in His word is so vital, it’s absolutely the key to influencing a Godly thought life.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5,NKJV- For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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.

The only way we become who God has designed and called us to be, the only way we become courageous is by embracing who we are from His perspective. FIXING OUR THOUGHTS!

Think about it, right now, what kind of self image would you say you have? What about your in Christ image?

I bring this up because Jesus’ promises, our inheritance is directly connected to our comprehension of our new identity.

Embracing our God identity will demand that we move out past human logic. And let’s face it, Jesus operated way out past logic. (spit & mud)

With the corruption and manipulation driving mainstream media, we have to keep a diligent watch over our thought life. Because we move in the direction of our most dominant thoughts.

Let’s be more intentional with our God life, like Isaiah says, fixing our thoughts on Him.

2 Corinthians 3:18,NKJV- “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Throughout our journey of faith, we will all be presented with uncertainty, and it'll be those times that we'll have the opportunity to trust God.

One of the most inspirational OT characters is Joshua, because he represents the overwhelming majority of Christians.

He's just a regular guy that decided to put his faith in God and do something with it.

Let's not forget, Joshua's original name meant, Helper. And as God continued developing him, He led Moses to change his name to describe his new role.

He would become God's new leader, helping people, leading people to step into God's promises.

Joshua is a great example of how God honors the faithfulness of someone simply willing to do whatever is asked of him.

What we've got to make sure we don't miss here is that Joshua’s willingness to obey God is what actually open the door for God's advancement.

Regardless of where we may find ourselves in our journey of faith, let Joshua's example of faith inspires us to keep our thoughts fixed on Jesus.

Joshua 1:1-9,NLT- After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant.
2. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO LEAD these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.
3. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you,
4. from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’
5. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
6. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.
7. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
8. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
9. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

One of the first things we've got to recognize is how God continually encourages Joshua to stay strong and courageous.

Joshua inspires us that even though we have God’s help, it’s still on each of us to take the necessary steps of faith to embrace our next with God.

See yourself as a one of God’s courageous, influential followers that have something to offer, that you’re ready to step into God's next for you.

Maybe one of our biggest takeaways from Joshua is the reality that, we cannot be who we're suppose to be and who we used to be at the same time.

Remember what v.8 tells us; Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

The challenge with this way of life is that His word, His promises, many times take our faith to what seems risky.

It's in those seemingly uncertain times that we learn to rely on Jesus.

Like Joshua we've got to allow what God tells us to shape our courage, passion, motivation, even our expectations.

This means that there will be times when we've got to stop focusing on what we're not, what we don't have, no to mention, the things we think we can't do.

We've got to change our thinking.

And as our thinking changes, the more our faith develops, the more excited we'll be about His promises.

If you're not here yet, get around some believers that will help fuel your expectations and passion, and at the same time, inspire a little courage.

Something we've all got to come to terms with is the fact that God will never create a life for us where He won't be needed.

That's the lesson of the day from Joshua; Be strong and courageous because He's with us. Possessing our promises will demand the same kind of faith.

The thing is, long before Joshua stud in front of the Jordan, God was already working on him.

Truth is, our journey with God is always preparing us for His next.

Hopefully one of the most important things we take away from Joshua is the fact that when we find ourselves in uncertainty, we can absolutely trust that God goes with us.

This is why He repeatedly told Joshua to be strong and courageous.

So, make today the day you start seeing yourself in the light of who and what Jesus says you are.

Be intentional about it, because if we don't practice these truths, chances are high that we'll never take the time to develop our God life.

Here's the thing, Romans tells us, change our thinking, change our lives.

Isaiah 26:3-4,NLT- “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”

Growing to the place demands change.

And let's be honest, no body likes change.

It disrupts our routine, threatens our habit patterns, forces us to reevaluate, and maybe the most difficult, sometimes we have to unlearn familiar behavior.

The generation before Joshua was unwilling to change. Because of uncertainties, fear, and unbelief they chose to settle for the desert rather than be uncomfortable embracing something new.

Think about it; if we've been created to live a life of faith, why would we continue to ignore it. This is why God told Joshua, be strong and courageous. Go in and possess the promises I’ve already given you.
...more
40min
November 23, 2020Give Thanks II
Listen to president Lincoln’s words as he addressed our nation, “We often forget the source from which the blessings of our fruitful years come. No human wisdom or mortal hand has devised these things.
They are the gracious gift from the Most High God, I therefore invite my fellow citizens to observe this day of thanksgiving and praise to our Father who dwells in Heaven.”

As Americans, we honor the holiday our forefathers believed in.

But as Christian, thanksgiving is so much more than a national holiday. Thanksgiving should be at the heart of ever believer confessing Jesus as their savior.

Giving thanks to God is really a declaration of our trust and reliance to the goodness of God no matter the circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,NKJV- “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Since is our last Sunday before Thanksgiving, listen to what the apostle Paul says about a thankful heart. As we open our soul to this words, here’s something to keep in mind, this world is not our home.

Colossians 3:12-17,NKJV- “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
v.13, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
v.14, But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
v.15, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
v.16, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
v.17, And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

I honestly believe that as we embrace a more thankful heart, it will absolutely be a turning point in our life of faith, which is ultimately embracing God’s promises, right in the face of challenging situations.

And always remember this, a consistent life of thanksgiving is a faith inspired acknowledgement of all God has done for us. This includes the unseen.

Cultivating a lifestyle of thanksgiving is the doorway to receiving more from the Lord.

This righteous response of thanksgiving is truly an exercise of humility, and what’s comforting is that God gives more grace to the humble.

Moses is referenced as one of the meekest of his generation. What’s interesting is that he was also the most used of God in his generation.

King David said, “Let’s give thanks at the remembrance of His name.”
Offering up heart felt thanksgiving is one way we glorify God.

Luke 17:11-16,NLKV- Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12, Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.
13, And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14, So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
15, And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
17, So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?
18, Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”
19, And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.””

The thing I love about this guys heart was that he stopped right away and went back to thank Jesus.

When we follow the children of Israel in their journey out of Egypt, they didn’t have this kind of faith inspired attitude of gratitude.

Remember, gratitude is a declaration that God is faithful and good.

Their unbelief hardened the hearts to what God had already done for them. Think about it, all they had to do was genuinely give God thanks and step into what He’d already given them.

Truth is, unbelief and unthankfulness go hand in hand. Psalm 78 actually gives us some clear insight into just how destructive ungratefulness can be. “They limited the Holy One of Israel.”

Seriously, faith thanks God for the unseen. For the things taking place in the spirit. Understand this, spiritual doesn’t mean imaginary.
Actually when it comes to giving thanks, I would go as far as to say, there’s spiritual power in thanksgiving.

And this is why I’m convinced that a major key to receiving more from God is simply being more thankful. Acknowledging what He’s already done.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58,NKJV- “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

In a single act, Jesus wiped out sin, guilt, and death and now He’s leading us in his victory campaign.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15,NKJV- “Now thanks be to God who ALWAYS leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

MSG- In Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us He brings the knowledge of Christ everywhere we go.

A big take away from Paul is that thanksgiving is connected to victory. But giving thanks before we see the victory is faith, and faith is what connects us to God’s grace.

Maybe we could say it like this, In Christ we always win.

My prayer today is to remind everyone that the triumphant, victorious, over-comers Jesus is leading are just regular people, with humble, thankful hearts, willing to trust Him.

I’m talking to those regular people that are still in the middle of the storm, that are coming out of failure, your biggest mess up, or disappointment, still packing around some of your junk,
but you’re humble enough to recognize even one touch of God’s immeasurable love is bigger than anything you’re going thorough.

At the end of the day, there are no perfect people, there’s just people, with all our junk, our wins and losses, ups and downs, humbling ourselves with thankful hearts before our Savior.

2 Corinthians 4:7,MSG- If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us.

The longer I pastor, the more I realize that anyone willing to embrace this humble thankful approach to a life in Jesus will have a recognizable difference in their life.

I realize it’s a pretty radical thing to give someone you can’t even see the lead in your life, but it’s the only way to discover the life He has for you.

The thing about a life in Christ we have to stay aware of is that we’ll never discover this life passively waiting around for Him to make everything perfect before we do something.

The statement, “He always leads us in triumph” is the result of following.

Like perfume fills a room, every time we yield to Jesus, He fills our little part of the world with His presence.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15,NKJV- “Now thanks be to God who ALWAYS leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

This is how King David, (adulterer, assassin) who God referred to as a man after His own heart, stood in the office of King.

Remember, every triumphant, victorious, over-comer Jesus is leading is just regular people, willing to trust Him.

It’s humble, thankful believers that recognize even one touch of God’s immeasurable love is bigger than anything we’re going thorough.

During this Thanksgiving, let’s all believe God to help us learn the language of thanksgiving.

Practice being grateful. Chances are, the thing many of us take for granted, someone else is praying for.
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39min
November 19, 2020In God We Trust- John LoBuglio
This election really has me worried Church and I think we have to recenter our Faith and our attention to God. Not a man, but to God...
A lot of Christians are tore up right now, I need to ask where is our faith?

I found myself on election night checking and kept checking the results and the Lord called me out.

“John where is your faith? In me or in who I let into the oval office?”

Don’t get me wrong here, God can use anyone to achieve His will. He will use those that say YES!

Josephs brothers meant harm and evil, but God used it for good.

Daniel being thrown in the Lions den was meant for evil, but guess what, God got the glory.

Or how about the fiery furnace, so hot that the guards throwing them in died from the heat, but the three thrown in didn’t even smell like smoke.

Just because its not how we think it should be or match our picture does not mean it is not Gods will.

Luke 22:42 Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Even Jesus, asked God to let it happen this way, but your will Father be done.

Jesus understood that the Fathers will and plans are ALWAYS best!

I know I have tried to fit Gods plans for my life in a box or my own understand. When will we understand that we won’t always understand.

God can see the whole picture so even though we may be in valley or storm we don’t see the other side, we won’t understand the outcome, until it is finished.

So Church Are we willing to allow God’s plan, have faith and give Him control? Or does it have to be how we thought everything should shake out.

We are not called to understand we are called to have faith in Him! We should be Obedient to His Plans.

Obedience is our responsibly……. the outcome is God’s responsibility.

I want to be clear, I am not making a political statement nor am I trying to say what His plan is, we are seeing it unfold. There is a bigger plan at hand, so don’t sit down and have a pity party, instead have a prayer party.

Stand up and press in..

Stand up and pray..

Stand up and fight......

When I say fight not on Facebook, but In the Spirit, our battle is not against one another

James 3:7-12
“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.”

Church we are called to be different. It doesn’t matter who the vessel or person that’s in the office, they are still made in Gods image and He loves them. We got to stop with the name calling and instead share love!

If we spent the energy we use bashing on social media and sharing our opinions, on praying against the evils, Gods will to be done, we would find an inner peace that only God can provide.

We can only share Jesus by being light not by being right.

I can’t say it any better than Jesus did in starting in Matthew 5:43

Matthew 5:43 -
You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’q and hate your enemy. 44But I say, love your enemies!r Pray for those who persecute you! 45In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47If you are kind only to your friends,s how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Or how about Ephesians 4:29 NIV “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Love God and Love people, ALL people! We got to stop fighting one another, casting stones at one another and instead press into the Word and become prayer warriors.

If we share the love of Jesus over our opinions, we will change this world.

The forces of darkness should tremble when we say Let’s pray!

Our faith should not waiver, because of this and God is in control.

So, if you're like me who said things during this election that wasn’t very “Christ” like or things you wish you could take back, this talk is for us together.

But this is why our God is so good, He will take what we give Him, we don’t need to get it right we just give Him what we got.

If you got broken faith its better than no faith.

I heard this from another Pastor, and it has stuck with me - We will never give god our more than enough if we don’t give him the not enough. We can’t give him big faith if we can’t give our broken faith.

Grow your Faith

First get in the Word, it is God’s living word, it is truth, and He continues to speak to us today through our Bibles. Did you know that only 9% of Christians actually read their Bibles daily?

No wonder why we are lacking the Supernatural we are not even doing the basics of getting into the word!

In regard to faith there is no better place to start than Hebrews 11. Read it and re-read it will truly grow your faith. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through it.

Hebrews 11:1-3 “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.”

Look around all of what you see was created from the Unseen. God Said let there be light and boom, light! You can’t see spoken words, or can you?

Hebrews 11:39-40 “All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.”

I hope when something is written about me it's how these men and women of the Bible are portrayed and that’s by their huge faith. I don’t know about you, but I want to be a faith giant, nothing moves me unless God says to move.

Until then we keep pressing in, we keep praying, and we keep fighting.

Prayer is so important it’s like our Bat Phone to God. You know the one I am talking about the red phone that when anyone calls Batman picks up and saves the day.

I want to change our mentality about prayer though, God is not a genie and we should not just come with request, yes this can apart of it, but not the whole picture.

But truly it's about the relationship, the more you do it the easier it is to hear His voice. To know those nudges.

When teaching my Kids about prayer I like to use an acronym with the word Pray. If you don’t know where to start, start here….

Praise - 1st and foremost.
Repent - acknowledge and thank for his grace, because I am a sinner.
Ask - Put my needs, the family, communities, all those things I want to bring up
Yield - This is so important we need to be Obedient to God

Don’t you hate when God says to wait, but you don’t want to? Remember Obedience is our responsibility, the outcome is His!
We are going to have faith in God and not in a man, because In God we Trust. Our faith is in the creator who made us, in the one we call Father. He is our provider and our source.

We are going to see people how God sees them and love them like Jesus would

We are going to build our faith by getting in the word. Learn directly from God and put into practice what we are being taught

We are going to be prayer warriors; we will use our mouths for praise and lifting up. We will be builders of His kingdom not destructors
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44min
November 16, 2020Give Thanks
In 1789 President George Washington made this statement to our nation, ‘It is our duty as a nation to acknowledge the providence of the Almighty God, to be humbly grateful for His protection and favor. And to render unto Him our sincere and humble thanks.

As we enter another holiday season, for me personally, Thanksgiving is the kick off of the season, but at the heart of thanksgiving, it’s so much more than a holiday, it’s an attitude of our heart. It’s part of the nature of the born again.

What if we were to live a life of thanksgiving? Let the holiday be and everyday.

Psalm 9:1,AMP- I will give thanks and praise the LORD, with all my heart.

Thanksgiving and praise go hand in hand.

Hebrews 12:28,NIV- “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”

Psalm 95, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, and the great King above all gods.”

Psalm 100, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”

When we take closer look into the scriptures, there are several Hebrew and Greek words that we pull our English word thanksgiving from; and the one word that they are all centered around is worship.

And at the heart of worship our characteristics like humility, reverence, honor and adoration.

What every born again needs to realize is that this kind of thankful, worshipful, reverent heart is truly the threshold for the supernatural.

So be assured that this kind of heart truly demonstrates faith, and absolutely requires expressing.

Daniel 6:10,NKJV- “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and GAVE THANKS BEFORE HIS GOD, as was his custom since early days.”

I honestly believe that as we embrace a more thankful heart, it will absolutely be a turning point in our life of faith.

Psalm 116:17,NKJV- “I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD.”

This is the example Daniel demonstrated.

Here’s something we should all keep in mind, faith inspired thankfulness simply acknowledges what God has already done for us.

The Alabaster Box

Luke 7:37,NLT- “I tell you, her sins, and they are many, have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”

A person forgiven little shows little gratitude.

We see it all over today, an entitlement, complaining, ungrateful heart is always focused on self, focused on what we don’t have.

We’ve gotta take this home with us today, a thankful, worshipful, reverent heart is truly the threshold for the supernatural, connecting us on a more authentic level with God’s presence.

At the end of the day, the closer we grow in our relationship with Jesus, our natural response will be a more authentic worship.

Psalm 34, “I worship GOD every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe GOD;

David said, “Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

For the people of God, a thankful heart is at the forefront of worship.

Psalm 95:2,CEV- “Come to worship Him with thankful hearts and songs of praise.

Worship is a spiritual avenue for the people of God to connect with our Father on a more authentic level.

To bring the one thing God’s creation can actually offer Him that He loves and enjoys.

Psalm 89:5-7,NKJV- The heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints.
For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD?
God is greatly to be FEARED in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in REVERENCE by all those around Him.

It was King David that said, “In my deepest reverence I will worship you.”

I can’t help but wonder that in our self made, super comfortable atmosphere we’ve created in the 21st century church that we’ve allowed our times of worship to become more of a performance time, than true reverence for our God.

With absolutely no condemnation, I’m asking everyone of us to take an honest look at our own attitude of reverence to our Father.

Psalm 29, Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Psalm 147, It is good to sing praises to our God, it is pleasing and beautiful to Him. Great is the Lord and mighty in power. He understands the infinite, He Numbers the stars and calls them by name.

This is why Jesus told us that the Father is seeking those who will worship Him.

It's really not so much about style and preference. It should never be about what kind of mood we're in, or what we think we might need from Him.

Ultimately, our worship services are about us using our voices to exalt our God through a song.

It's a place where we reverence our God with our words and our heart. A place every child of God can freely go at any time.

Worship is one of the most spiritual things a Christian can take part in.

John 4:24,NLT- “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

And make no mistake about it, although we are not to rely on emotion, worship is meant to impact us emotionally.

After all, we're emotional people.

Don't kid yourself, when your spirit connects on a spiritual level with your Creator, there's no avoiding emotion.

When King David brought the presence of God back to Jerusalem, he worship so emotionally that his wife was offended, and he said,

"And I am willing to look even more foolish than this"

Throughout the scriptures we see that God's people are emotional people when it comes to worship.

They would worship so loud that surrounding cities would not only hear them, they would feel it.

This being said, we are never to rely on emotion to be our guide in how good worship is.

And at the end of the day, just like your life of faith, your life of worship comes down to nothing more than a mind set.

Why don't you ask God to help you in your worship.

Psalm 67 Let all the people praise You, O God. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy! LET ALL THE PEOPLE PRAISE YOU. Then the earth shall yield her increase, and our God will bless us.

God's word is very clear that His blessing, His breakthrough, His victory, was always preceded by the praise of His people.

We have to realize that a humble, thankful heart, offered to God through our worship, is something our Father loves, but knows that ultimately it’s more for us than Him.

We humbly bring our worship before Him.

AW Tozer said, "When we worship in those times when we don't feel like it, it's even more treasured."

You see, it's in those times that we take a step of faith and offer our sacrifice of worship to God that we experience Him in new light.

Another very significant component of us participating in public worship is that it creates such an atmosphere that when new people show up they actually feel His presence when they walk into the room.

Let's help each other recognize and embrace the fact that one of the main reasons we were created was to worship. To bring God pleasure.

Revelation 4:11,NLT- “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

This is why one of the very first thing we have to acknowledge is that thankful heart of worship will absolutely connect us on a more authentic level with God’s presence.

Psalm 95, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, and the great King above all gods.”

Psalm 100, “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”
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45min

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