Great Awakening Tour City #20 North Miami Beach, Florida

We went to Miami Court house and a man that was conducting a ballot got saved. He was talking to a lady and was in so much pain and asked Rashael and I to pray for her. Rapshael and I prayed and she walked on and she couldn’t even fill out the ballot before.

Norma D
N/A Kentucky United States

There were many Jews in the Early Church, who had received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Of course, all Jews were circumcised at birth, but Gentiles were not. Some of the more legalistic Jews – the Judaizers – insisted that only Jews could become Christians and so any Gentile wishing to be saved must first also be circumcised and become a Jew. Even today there are Christians who try to return to Jewish traditions, believing that you are not fully a Christian without it. This is simply not true. The Judaizers accused Paul of preaching a false gospel, but they were the ones preaching a false gospel. Paul calls these men “false brethren”.  The good thing was that they had a high regard for the Law and the Scriptures and God’s choice of the Jews as His chosen people. Their concern was that His commands may be overlooked or broken. However, they proceeded to add their own human traditions and standards to God’s Law and they also ignored the fact that God’s promises are to all nations!

A religious spirit is always judgmental and feels compelled to stuff everyone into the same mold. Because these men were perverting the gospel, Paul did not give them an opportunity to air their views. They were not interested in the truth – all they wanted to do was argue – but Paul refused to be dragged into a fight. Paul had been even more legalistic than they and had been set free and brought into the liberty of salvation through Jesus Christ. He knew all their opinions and he knew they were wrong. There was nothing else to discuss.

The Judaizers accused Paul of perverting the truth, but he had received his message from Christ Himself. Galatians 1:10-12 (KJV) says, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

“The Judaizers said that Paul was a traitor to the Jewish faith, but he had been more advanced in Judaism than most of his contemporaries and more zealous for the traditions of his fathers’ than any of them, until his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road. For the first time, Paul experienced God’s grace and was completely set free. The change was so great that God even changed his name! He was now as zealous for the Gospel as he previously was for the Law – yet with no malice!” (Galatians 1:13-17)

“The Judaizers said Paul compromised and preached a watered down message to the Gentiles, but he had met privately with the other apostles and they, themselves, had declared that the message Paul preached was indeed the true Gospel. Not that he needed their approval because he had God’s approval, but out of courtesy, he met with them. In speaking to Paul, the apostles realized that God had indeed called him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and gave him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. They only asked one thing of him: that he would remember the poor, which he was already eager to do.”
(Galatians 2:6-10)

The Judaizers said Paul was disregarding the Law of Moses; however, all he did was to put the law in its proper place. The Law was given to show people where they have sinned and it points them to their need for a Savior – Jesus Christ.

“What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Galatians 3:19-29 NKJV

If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise!

Rodney Howard Browne teaches on the Crowne Of Life

Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 AMPAnd I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me [harass and trouble and molest Me]? 8 And I replied, Who are You, Lord? And He said to me, I am Jesus the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.

III. How should you respond?
•    Bless your enemies.
•    Romans 12:14 AMP – Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.
•    Resist the urge to fight back – let God fight your battles.
•    Romans 12:19 AMP – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.
•    Hebrews 10:30 AMP – For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people.Rodney Howard Browne discusses the Persecuted Church

I. The Crown of Life
•    The Crown of Life is also known as the Martyr’s Crown
•    This crown is promised to those who are faithful unto death.
•    Revelation 2:10 AMP – Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. [Dismiss your dread and your fears!] Behold, the devil is indeed about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and proved and critically appraised, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be loyally faithful unto death [even if you must die for it], and I will give you the crown of life.
•    It is also promised to those who live prepared to die for their witness.
•    Revelation 3:11-12 AMP – I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown. 12 He who overcomes (is victorious), I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God; he shall never be put out of it or go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God out of heaven, and My own new name.

II. The Crown of Life will be given to those who are persecuted for their faith and yet endure.
•    Persecution comes simply because we bear His Name.
•    John 15:20-23 AMP – Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours. 21 But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates Me also hates My Father.
•    Persecution is the suffering Jesus talks about that His people would go through – not sickness or disease.
•    Philippians 1:29 NKJV – For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
•    You will be persecuted for righteousness and living a godly life.
•    2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV – Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
•    Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
•    If you are completely submitted and obedient to the Lord and doing His work, and they persecute you, it is as if they are persecuting Jesus, Himself.
•    Acts 22:7-8 AMP –

IV. The Persecuted Church.
•    Remember – you are not alone.
•    1 Peter 5:8-10 NKJV – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
•    Those who have gone before us suffered so that we could receive the Truth.
•    Hebrews 11:35-38 AMP – [Some] women received again their dead by a resurrection. Others were tortured to death with clubs, refusing to accept release [offered on the terms of denying their faith], so that they might be resurrected to a better life. 36 Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith]; they were sawn asunder; they were slaughtered by the sword; [while they were alive] they had to go about wrapped in the skins of sheep and goats, utterly destitute, oppressed, cruelly treated — 38 [Men] of whom the world was not worthy — roaming over the desolate places and the mountains, and [living] in caves and caverns and holes of the earth.
•    The genuineness of your faith will be tested.
•    1 Peter 1:5-7 AMP – Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God’s power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time. 6 [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7 So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed.
•    We are counted worthy of the kingdom of God when we endure persecution and tribulations with patience and faith.
•    2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 NKJV – We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rodney Howard Browne encourages us to never give up.

V. Don’t ever give up!
•    Philippians 1:21 NKJV – For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
•    Struck down but not out.
•    2 Corinthians 4:7-11 AMP – However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. 8 We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; 9 We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; 10 Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies. 11 For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death.
•    Who shall separate us from Christ or His love?
•    Romans 8:35-39 AMP – Who shall ever separate us from Christ’s love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? 36 Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
•    We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us!

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:15 AMP

1. Rodney Howard Browne teaches that the reason most people fail in their life is because they do not understand authority, they do not recognize legitimate authority and they do not make a proper response to authority.

God is Supreme authority—He created everything and is over everything. Every created thing must bow to Him.

Isaiah 45:23

Romans 14:11

Philippians 2:10-11

God created man in His image and gave them authority over the earth.

Genesis 1:27-28 AMP

The devil is an illegitimate authority. He stole man’s authority from Adam and Eve.

Even though he took man’s authority by deception, God still could not just snatch it back from him. Jesus took it back on behalf of man. The devil never would have crucified Jesus if he had known God’s plan to take back man’s authority and to restore man once again into right-standing with God.

1 Corinthians 2:8

God uses His authority for GOOD! God is LOVE, His primary motivation is MERCY and His desire is to BLESS!

2. If you want to succeed in every area of your life, you must submit to legitimate authority. By doing so, illegitimate authority can have no place in your life.

You must personally submit your life to the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

James 4:7 KJV—Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Do not give the devil any place in your life.

Recognize all authorities that God has placed in the earth. Romans 13:1-10

Make a decision to walk in the love of God toward all men at all times.  That includes—and is especially applicable to—your own family.

3. Husbands and fathers—God has set you in place as the head of your home. You not only have authority, but you have responsibility.

Make the decision that Joshua made: as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

You cannot force your family into serving God—you must influence them in.

Set the example of a godly man, who honors the Lord and is submitted to Him in all things.

According to God’s plan, you should be the most unselfish person in your house—not the most selfish—as is often the case.

You are the head of the house—not the dictator and not the wimp!

Recognize that your wife is not as tough as you are and live considerately with her so your prayers will be answered.

1 Peter 3:7

Do not be like a bull in a china shop with your children, but do not abdicate your responsibilities to raise them right either.

Don’t irritate and provoke them—raise them tenderly. Correct them and teach them. Ephesians 6:4

Do not break their spirit. Colossians 3:21

You are the protector or your family. Protect your wife and children from anything that could harm them physically, mentally or spiritually.

Protect them from corrupting influences.

You are there to bless your house and to be a blessing to them.

4. Wives and mothers—God has given you your place, under the headship of your husband, to have authority over your household.

Submit to your husband in the fear of the Lord. Submission is not just allowing someone to walk all over you against your will. Do not make your husband force submission on you by rebellion or indifference.

Don’t be a bucking bronco or a whipped puppy. You must make the decision for yourself. Decide to submit to your husband—in faith—out of respect to God’s Word.

Submit without giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you. 1 Peter 3:6

God has given you a pattern in Proverbs 31:10-31

Your husband should be able to confidently trust you, because you only do him good as long as there is life within you. Proverbs 31:11-12

Be secure in the Lord; prepare for the future in faith; speak kindly; take care of your family, while keeping your nose out of everyone else’s. Proverbs 31:25-27

5. Children (of all ages) respect the authority of parents that God has placed in you life. They are there for your good—not your harm. God will hold them responsible for your care and well being.

Obey your parents in the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-3 AMP—Children obey your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right. 2 Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother–this is the first commandment with a promise–3 That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.

Colossians 3:20 AMP—Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

NB Every one of us will give our own account to God for our own thoughts, words and actions. Whether we are in authority or under authority, let us each one honor the Lord in our choices. In doing so, we will fulfill God’s purpose for our lives and we will leave a trail of blessing and not a trail of devastation in our wake!

My Testimony –

When God First Anointed Me

 

When You Grow Up in the Fire,

You Cannot Stand the Smell of Smoke

 

I was raised in a Pentecostal home and born again

at the age of five. I later received the Holy Spirit into my

life at the age of eight. As I was growing up, I continually

saw supernatural manifestations in the church we

attended. I also saw it in my home.

 

I remember on one occasion, my mother fell and

broke her arm in three places. Her arm bone was jutted up

above her wrist. My parents were sitting in the living

room listening to a Kathryn Kuhlman tape back in the

days of the reel to reel tape recorder.

 

After they had taken communion, our pastor came

and laid hands upon my morn and the power of God went

through her arm like pins and needles. She felt a burning

fire running up and down her arm and she knew she was

healed. Our pastor was a powerful man of God. Back in

the fifties, he had gone into a deaf school and emptied it

by the power of God. Every deaf person was healed.

 

When my mother said she was going to cut the

plaster cast off because she was healed, I pleaded with

her not to. I was only about six years old at the time. To

me, if something was broken, it was broken. I thought if

she took off the cast her arm would fall off!

 

She went into the bathroom and filled the tub with

hot water and while she was cutting away the cast with a

razor blade, she was praying in the Holy Ghost. A little

while later, she came out of the bathroom totally healed

by the power of God. This was only four days after she

had broken her arm. It was a total miracle that astounded

the medical profession – a proven, documented miracle.

 

What I am saying is that you cannot grow up

seeing that happen without being affected as a child

towards the reality of the power of the Holy Ghost.

 

The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together

 

My parents would sometimes pray from seven in

the evening until two in the morning. People would come

to the house and not want to leave because the presence

of God was there, the anointing of God was there.

 

We would sit at the table and my father would

start to pray over the food. I could tell from the way he

prayed whether we were about to eat or whether we

would eat a little while later. The anointing of God would

come upon him and he would begin to prophesy. My

mother would put the food back into the oven. She knew

we were about to have church!

 

Hungry and Thirsty for God

 

I knew that there was more, much more. During

the years that would follow, I began to get hungry for

God. In July of 1979, I cried out to God in sheer

desperation. I wanted Him to manifest Himself to me and

in me. I was hungry.

 

He told me that I had to hunger and thirst. At first

said to Him, “Why don’t You just give it to me? I have

served You all my life. I have been a good boy. I haven’t

done this, I haven’t done that, as others have. God, I

deserve it.”

 

He said, “I’m not a respecter of persons. You

come the same way everyone else does. You come in

faith and you get hungry and you desire it. Then I’ll give

it to you.”

 

You have to desire it like a man who has been in

the desert three days desires water. All he can cry for is

water. If a man walks up to him and offers him half a

million dollars, he will push him aside and shout, ‘No,

water, water, water!’ He wants water more than life itself,

because the only thing that is going to save him is water.

 

When you become desperate for the Holy Ghost

in your life like that, so that you want nothing else, then

He will come. There is something about a hungry and

thirsty heart that will cause God’s power to move over a

million people and come to your house.

 

Baptism of Fire

 

As I prayed that day, I told the Lord, “Either You

come down here and touch me, or I am going to come up

there and touch You.” I was desperate. I must have called

out to God for about twenty minutes that day.

 

Suddenly the fire of God fell on me. It started on

my head and went right down to my feet. His power

burned in my body and stayed like that for three whole

days. I thought I was going to die. I thought He was

going to kill me.

 

I thought, He has heard my prayer,

“Either You come down here and touch me or I will come

up there and touch You,” and now He has come down

here and touched me and He is going to kill me and take

me home.

 

I was really praying, “Lord, I am too young to

die.” In the forth day, I am not praying, “O Lord, send

your glory,” I am praying, “Please lift it off me so that I

can bear it.” I was plugged into heaven’s electric light

supply and since then my desire has been to go and plug

other people in.

 

My whole body was on fire from the top of my

head to the soles of my feet. Out of my belly began to

flow a river of living water. I began to laugh

uncontrollably and then I began to weep and then speak

with other tongues.

 

Drunk on the New Wine

 

I was so intoxicated on the wine of the Holy

Ghost that I was literally beside myself. The fire of God

was coursing through my whole being and it didn’t quit. I

began to realize why we would need a glorified body

when we get to heaven. When the natural comes in

contact with the supernatural, something has to give way

and it’s not going to be the supernatural.

He did finally lift that intense anointing off me,

but it stayed lightly on me, that I was aware of, for two

weeks. Because of that encounter with the Lord, my life

was radically changed from that day on.

Thoughts on Stewardship – from the Book of Genesis

Seedtime and Harvest
Foundation Scripture: Genesis 8 verse 22

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.  Genesis 8:22 AMP

1. While the earth remains:

While the earth remains, the rhythms of time, seasons, weather, and temperature will continue on as they always have and seedtime and harvest will continue on without interruption. God promised that we would always be able to count on these things. Sowing and reaping is an eternal principle – it will always be so – in the Spirit realm and this earthly realm.

2. In order to reap a harvest you have to sow a seed:

Whether its fruit or vegetables or grains – if you want to produce food to eat – you must take those particular seeds and plant them in ground that has been prepared for that purpose. Then you must water, and continue to water the seeds, and the plant as it grows, and keep weeds and bugs out of the area. God is the one who grows the plant and brings the increase, but He can do nothing for our harvest unless we first plant that seed in the ground. No harvest can come from an unplanted field!

And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground, 27 And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and increases–he knows not how. 28 The earth produces [acting] by itself–first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe and permits, immediately he sends forth [the reapers] and puts in the sickle, because the harvest stands ready.
Mark 4:26-29 AMP

3. You have to be patient:

You will reap a harvest if you do not give up. Have the faith and the commitment to the word of God to keep doing what you know to do. Do not allow the devil to discourage you or talk you out of the promises God has made to you. Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”  The devil will try to rob you of hope. He will try to wear you down and make you tired and then try to convince you to give up, but Isaiah 55:11 says that God’s word never returns void, but it accomplishes what He pleases and it prospers in the thing for which He sent it. So keep your faith out over your seed and you will reap the blessings of patience!

4. Every seed produces after its own kind:

Apples seeds produce apples; corn seeds produce corn; etc. Galatians 6:7 NKJV says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

5. The harvest is inevitable:

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NKJV says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”  If you are faithful to plow, plant, water, and weed, you will see the results; you will see the harvest. This is an immutable law of God!

Pastor Adonica’s thoughts:

God is a faith God – He does everything by faith. We are His children, created in His image. We do what we see our Father do. Obey God; sow in faith; expect the harvest; be blessed!

Pastor Rodney’s thoughts:

I learned a lesson about seedtime and harvest, as a young boy, when I planted my own garden. I decided to plant peanuts, but I was impatient for results. I put them in the ground and watered them, expecting them to immediately begin growing out of the ground. I kept digging them up every day, because I wanted to see why they were not growing and poking out of the ground. I did not realize that I was disturbing the seed and not leaving it to die and then bring forth fruit. Eventually I just washed them and ate them. Well you guessed right – I never did harvest any peanuts! So it is with any seed we sow. Have patience – the law of seedtime and harvest will go into effect. God’s word declares that God is not mocked – whatever a man sows that will he also reap. Be patient – have harvest patience – know that when you plant your seed in the ground a harvest will come to pass.

Prayer and Confession

Father, I pray that you will give me harvest patience as I sow my seed (my finances) into the Gospel. You are the Lord of the harvest and my harvest is inevitable! I have sown and I expect to reap. I WILL REAP! This week is my week of great harvest and increase. I believe this and I speak my faith as I sow my seed.

Drink waters out of your own cistern [of a pure marriage relationship], and fresh running waters out of your own well. 16 Should your offspring be dispersed abroad as water brooks in the streets? 17[Confine yourself to your own wife] let your children be for you alone, and not the children of strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain [of human life] be blessed [with the rewards of fidelity], and rejoice in the wife of your youth.  Proverbs 5:15-18 AMP

In this portion of scripture, God tells men to “drink waters out of your own cistern,” which means they should enjoy a loving, refreshing, fulfilling sexual union with their own wife. He says, “Confine yourself to your wife.” Don’t have sex with other women, so that you do not end up with unwanted children all over the place, who are running wild, with no father to properly raise them and care for them. Stick with your wife – keep yourself only for her before you marry her and after you marry her, so that you will be blessed with the rewards of fidelity and your children will be blessed with a secure environment and a stable, loving family. Children desperately need good, decent fathers, who love and accept them and who provide for them. They need this for their emotional health as much as for their physical health. The absolute best environment for children to grow up in is where there is a father and a mother who are fully committed to one another and their offspring.

The way children are produced is through the sexual union, therefore, for the benefit of children the sexual union should be confined to marriage, and preferably committed marriages. To the world sex is “dirty.” In fact, the more impure and illicit it is, the more “exciting” it is to people and the more entrapped they become. The problem is that impure sex is like taking drugs – you need more and more and you never, ever are satisfied. The devil is in control of this arena of sexual perversion and he will lead you, like a foolish donkey, straight into a hellish life with his “carrots” of lust and temptation. The only pure sexual relationship is inside marriage.  Sex is not dirty if it is practiced God’s way – inside a loving, committed marriage. God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. God gave us His laws to live by and He does not give His laws arbitrarily. God’s laws work for us; they work in our favor; they are there for our protection and blessing. When God’s laws are violated, that’s when people are hurt and damaged. Little people – children – are the most vulnerable in a godless, selfish society.

The current liberal, cultural climate in the world is very detrimental to children and families. Unfortunately, today society is moving more and more toward extreme selfishness. People are encouraged to do whatever feels good, not what is good. People are not encouraged to put anyone else first. These days, because people are so sexually promiscuous, even when they eventually marry someone, they find it extremely difficult to remain either faithful or committed to their marriage partner. Faithfulness and commitment to your marriage partner begins before marriage. Faithfulness and commitment to your marriage partner is also a commitment to your children!

We are not animals – we are people, created in the image of God. We are thinking, feeling, emotional, and spiritual beings. Sex is not just a bodily function that you practice with anyone who happens to be available. You need to think about the consequences to your mind and your spirit as a result of your sexual activities. Brain scientists tell us that when we have sex with someone, a chemical reaction occurs in our brain, which bonds us to the other person. This is really good inside a marriage, but really bad in an uncommitted relationship. You also need to think about the consequences to any children who could come along as a result of your sexual activities. The children, who are not thrown away through abortion, more often than not suffer great rejection in their lives as a result of their parent’s unrestrained sexual activities. You have an obligation to the next generation; you have an obligation to your own children – future and present – to conduct yourself with integrity in this area of your life!   

Researchers will tell you that teenagers who respect their parents and who have a close, loving relationship with their parents are far less likely to drink, smoke, do drugs, sleep around, commit crimes or commit suicide than kids who have no healthy, positive parental influence in their lives. Parents have the biggest influence over their children – more than teachers, peers, or TV – and the greatest responsibility for their children. If you have fallen short in your parenting, if you have made choices that have been bad for your children, then today is the day to change. Today is the day to repent, turn around, and start living life God’s way. No matter what has happened in your past; no matter what mistakes you have made; make a commitment to God and His word, to purify your heart and to discipline yourself and your flesh. Do this for yourself; do this for your spouse (past, current or future); and do this for your children and your grandchildren. The choices you make – good or bad – affect future generations of people. Let the past be the past and let a new day dawn in your life. Your children are depending on you!

A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children.  Proverbs 13:22a AMP

The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed (happy, fortunate, enviable) are his children after him.  Proverbs 20:7 AMP

Jesus – the Name above all names – the Name that evokes very different responses in different people. Some people love to hear that Name; some hate it and use it as a curse word. Demons fear and tremble at that Name. What does that Name mean to you? How do you respond to the Name and person of Jesus Christ?

 

John the Baptist and Elizabeth:
As a baby, in his mother’s womb, John recognized the presence of Jesus and responded by moving in his mother’s belly. The anointing of the Holy Spirit came on Elizabeth and she rejoiced with Mary at what God had done in her, because she, herself, had experienced a great miracle – she was pregnant after many years of barrenness. Elizabeth recognized the Baby in Mary’s womb as the fulfillment of God’s promise to save His people.

And at that time Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, 40 And she went to the house of Zachariah and, entering it, saluted Elizabeth. 41 And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb!  Luke 1:39-42 AMP

 

The shepherds:
The shepherds in the field were minding their own business when they had a visitation from angels, which initially scared them out of their wits, but after the angel told them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!” they went to see Mary and Joseph and the baby, Jesus. From there, they went out and told everyone what they had seen. They testified about the angels and the baby – born a Savior, the promised Messiah – and people were astounded and they marveled at what the shepherds told them. (Luke 2:8-20)

 

Simeon and Anna:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one). 27 And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law, 28[Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said, 29 And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word. 30 For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation, 31 Which You have ordained and prepared before (in the presence of) all peoples, 32 A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring] praise and honor and glory to Your people Israel.   Luke 2:25-32 AMP

 

Simeon recognized the Messiah because he was looking for Him. When he saw Him, the anointing of the Holy Spirit came on him and he knew this was the Savior of the world! He prophesied to Jesus’ parents what the future would bring and then he told God that he was ready to depart this world in peace, because God’s promise had been fulfilled. Anna, a very old widow woman, who never went out from the temple enclosure, because she worshiped God night and day with fasting and prayer, also saw the baby Jesus and rejoiced with Simeon and gave thanks to God. She told everyone, who was looking for the redemption of Israel, about Jesus. (Luke 2:25-38)

 

The wise men from the east:
Wise men, from the east, followed a star to find the One born King of the Jews. They obviously knew of God’s promise and sought its fulfillment, unlike the religious leaders of the day, who despised Jesus and sought to destroy Him. When they found the place Jesus was, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy; they were thrilled with ecstatic joy! They fell down and worshipped Him. They gave Him, and His parents, very expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-12) It does not matter who you are, or what family or what denomination you were born into. It only matters that you have a heart after God and that you recognizes Him when you see Him and that you honor Him for Who He is.

 

Herod and the religious leaders:
Herod tried to kill Him once; the religious leaders tried a few times – all unsuccessfully – until He laid down His own life. They all saw Him as a threat to their power and their leadership. Because they were arrogant and power-hungry, they missed their own opportunity to receive salvation.

 

The people:
The people mostly came around Jesus to receive things for themselves, but they let Him go to the cross alone. They acted selfishly. What has Jesus done for you? Think about it and then ask yourself this: How much do you love, honor and appreciate Jesus? What does He mean to you and what are you doing for Him?

 

 

 

 

 

The saying is true and irrefutable: If any man [eagerly] seeks the office of bishop (superintendent, overseer), he desires an excellent task (work).  1 Timothy 3:1 AMP

He must rule his own household well, keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commanding their respect in every way and keeping them respectful. 5 For if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how is he to take care of the church of God?  1 Timothy 3:4-5 AMP

The same qualities that are required to be the head of the house, to earn the respect of your wife, and to raise godly children, are also the qualities needed to lead God’s people. If it doesn’t work at home – in your own house – don’t export it. Do not ever make ministry your first priority. Make your own relationship with God your first priority and your spouse and children second and third before ministry. Make sure you take responsibility for them. Too many people in ministry are minding other people’s business ahead of their own. Minister to your family – make sure that you love them, provide for them, protect them, direct and correct them. Then you may bring direction and correction to others outside of your family. What good is it if you save the whole world, and your own family goes to hell?

He must not be a new convert, or he may [develop a beclouded and stupid state of mind] as the result of pride [be blinded by conceit, and] fall into the condemnation that the devil [once] did.  1 Timothy 3:6 AMP

People who are newly born again should not be placed in a place of leadership. Even if someone is older in years or a leader in business or the community, that does not qualify them to lead God’s people. Those who want to be in leadership must be mature in the things of God. There are some young people, who have served God all their lives – like Timothy – who are more qualified to lead in the Body of Christ, than an older person who was only recently saved and sanctified.

 

Grey hair does not automatically give you wisdom, but the fear of God, and obedience to Him and His word, is the beginning of wisdom. A spiritually immature person is too vulnerable to pride to be in leadership. A potential leader must learn humility – they must learn the lesson that God is in charge. They must learn not to be moved by persecution or by praise. It all goes to God. The Lord wants to protect you from pride, because pride is the devil’s way of deceiving you and leading you astray.

Furthermore, he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside [the church], lest he become involved in slander and incur reproach and fall into the devil’s trap.  1 Timothy 3:7 AMP

Some people behave one way in church and another way in the world. They are little angels in church, but when they are not in church, they act just like the world, because they are carnal. You will never win sinners to Jesus by acting like them. Those who want to be in leadership must carry themselves in a godly way all the time, wherever they are. Being godly is not being “super-spiritual” or religious. It is just consistently walking in the love of God and being a blessing to others– not promoting one’s self, but putting the welfare of others first.

In like manner the deacons [must be] worthy of respect, not shifty and double-talkers but sincere in what they say, not given to much wine, not greedy for base gain [craving wealth and resorting to ignoble and dishonest methods of getting it]. 9 They must possess the mystic secret of the faith [Christian truth as hidden from ungodly men] with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tried and investigated and proved first; then, if they turn out to be above reproach, let them serve [as deacons].  1 Timothy 3:8-10 AMP

Deacons must also adhere to the same standards with a clear conscience. No matter what your level of involvement, no matter what position of leadership you aspire to, the same standards apply. Those who want to be in leadership must not be two-faced or critical of others. Matthew 5:37a NKJV says, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.'” and Ephesians 4:15 AMP says, “Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one).”

[The] women likewise must be worthy of respect and serious, not gossipers, but temperate and self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of but one wife, and let them manage [their] children and their own households well. 13 For those who perform well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and also gain much confidence and freedom and boldness in the faith which is [founded on and centers] in Christ Jesus.  1 Timothy 3:11-13 AMP

Women generally like to talk more than men do and sometimes are more open to temptation in the area of gossip and criticism. Both men and women who desire to be used by God need to put a guard on their lips. Psalms 34:12-13 AMP says, “What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” and Psalms 141:3 AMP says, “Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.”

If you do all these things, then God will be able to use you. You will promote God’s Kingdom – not your own – and be a blessing to all the people whose lives you touch.

 

 

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in). Matthew 6:24 AMP

 

Jesus says that no man can serve two masters—God and mammon. It’s like a see-saw—when one is up, the other is down; when one is down, the other is up. Mammon is riches—money, possessions, or whatever you trust in or rely upon. You either love mammon and hate God or you are devoted to God and despise mammon. If you have made a choice to serve God, it means that you have made a choice not to serve mammon, but if you have made a choice to serve mammon, it means that you have made a choice not to serve God.

 

Some people believe that owning money and/or possessions is bad, but God said that everything belongs to Him, so how can it all be bad? What’s bad is when we worship the creation and not the Creator. It’s bad to make stuff your god; your idol. If you have stuff and stuff does not have you, you are in a good place with God.

 

When you recognize that the purpose of the stuff is to meet needs and to advance the Kingdom of God, then you will be able to have it and use it to glorify God not man. Because God loves people so much, He wants every need of man to be met. He wants us to be at peace, with every need met, spirit, soul and body. He wants us to know how much He loves us.

 

If we know how much He loves us, we will realize how much we have to be thankful for. Everything we have is His—even the next breath you breathe is His. He gave you your very life and breath! When you know how much He loves you, and you know that everything you have is really His, you will have no problem committing it to His care and giving it away to bless someone else.

 

Because you are confident in His love for you, you know that even if you give everything away, you will be okay; you will be provided for; because God will take care of you and get you everything you could possibly need, and then some! If you truly love God with your heart and not just your mouth, then you will want to love and bless God and you will also want to love and bless other people.

 

The litmus test is whether or not you love God and your neighbor, is whether or not you can give your stuff away without a struggle. When you fall in love with Jesus, you become free from the love of stuff—it is not hard to give Him your stuff or your money. At the same time, the more you give, the easier it is to give. The more you obey God in your giving, the more you trust Him to meet your needs. The more you trust Him as your source and supply, the easier it is to give to Him of your substance. It’s a blessed cycle!

 

Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.

 

33 And with great strength and ability and power the apostles delivered their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace (loving-kindness and favor and goodwill) rested richly upon them all.

 

34 Nor was there a destitute or needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses proceeded to sell them, and one by one they brought (gave back) the amount received from the sales 35 And laid it at the feet of the apostles (special messengers). Then distribution was made according as anyone had need. Acts 4:32-35 AMP

 

In the Book of Acts, when people were newly saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, they absolutely fell in love with Jesus. Every bit or selfishness and self-centeredness left them. Suddenly, they only wanted to please God. Suddenly, they did not place so high a priority on their money and stuff. They did not think twice about selling things they owned and sharing it with their fellow Christians who had needs, and they did not begrudge it or regret it afterwards. They were happy to do it.

 

They were so in love with Jesus that money and possessions were way down on their list of priorities. We must ask ourselves this question: Is Jesus our FIRST love or is He way down on the list somewhere? If you are not tithing and you are not free in your giving, you need to re-prioritize. Get a revelation of how much God loves you and how much He has done for you and how much He still wants to do for you.

 

God has always been unstintingly generous with us. He has shown us His grace by giving us what we did not deserve and His mercy by not giving us what we did deserve! Freely you have received—freely give!

 

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

 

2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;

 

3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

 

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

 

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place — unless you repent. Revelation 2:1-5 NKJV