For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied).
2 Corinthians 8:9 AMP

Because Jesus became poor, you and I have been made rich – rich in every way – not just spiritually. We know this, especially since this scripture, taken in context, is talking about money and material things. How did Jesus become poor? There is no evidence that Jesus, or His family, were any poorer than any of the other people among whom they lived. Rather, Jesus became poor by voluntarily becoming a man – giving up His rights and privileges, as God, and becoming human. He became subject to human limitations such as place and time. He was still essentially God, in the flesh, but He set aside His glory and His rights to experience everything we experience and ultimately, to take our place and bear the punishment for our sins and sickness and death and lack. Hebrews 2:17 AMP says, “So it is evident that it was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful (sympathetic) and faithful High Priest in the things related to God, to make atonement and propitiation for the people’s sins.”

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:5-11 KJV

Jesus Christ humbled Himself to come and serve us. He became “poor” when He became human, because He gave up, and set aside, so much on our behalf – even His reputation. However, He never went without anything that He needed. He had a money bag and a treasurer (Judas), He had houses to stay in and people to serve Him and provide for Him. He never went without. When Jesus had a need, He knew exactly where to find it every time. In this way, He demonstrated the provision of God that would be available for all God’s children if they would believe and obey.

When Jesus needed temple tax, He got it out of a fish’s mouth:
However, in order not to give offense and cause them to
stumble [that is, to cause them to judge unfavorably and unjustly] go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find there a shekel. Take it and give it to them to pay the temple tax for Me and for yourself.  Matthew 17:27 AMP

When the multitudes needed food, He fed them from only five loaves and two fish (and still had leftovers):
Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.  Matthew 14:19-21 NKJV

When He needed transportation, He knew where to go to get it and who would willingly give it up for His use:
When He came near Bethphage and Bethany at the mount called [the Mount of] Olives, He sent two of His disciples, 30 Telling [them], Go into the village yonder; there, as you go in, you will find a donkey’s colt tied, on which no man has ever yet sat. Loose it and bring [it here]. 31 If anybody asks you, Why are you untying [it]? you shall say this: Because the Lord has need of it. 32 So those who were sent went away and found it [just] as He had told them.  Luke 19:29-32 AMP

Paul learned the secret. He knew that he would never lack anything if he put his faith in God. He did not need to worry or fear, because the Lord was his source and supply: 
I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].
Philippians 4:12-13 AMP

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 AMP

The Lord is my Shepherd – I will not lack! (Psalms 23:1) If you are a tither and a giver, then you are not dependant only on an earthly bank account – you have a heavenly bank account! Whatever you need is available to you, when you need it, because Jesus became poor so that you could become abundantly supplied! Hallelujah!

 

Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God’s law by transgression or neglect — being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will).  1 John 3:4 AMP

Now we recognize and know that the Law is good if anyone uses it lawfully [for the purpose for which it was designed], 9 Knowing and understanding this: that the Law is not enacted for the righteous (the upright and just, who are in right standing with God), but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinful, for the irreverent and profane, for those who strike and beat and [even] murder fathers and strike and beat and [even] murder mothers, for manslayers, 10 [For] impure and immoral persons, those who abuse themselves with men, kidnapers, liars, perjurers — and whatever else is opposed to wholesome teaching and sound doctrine 11 As laid down by the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.  1 Timothy 1:8-11 AMP

The Law of God is not enacted for the righteous, but for sinners. Through the blood of Jesus, we are forgiven and our sins are washed away. From then on, we serve Him in righteousness and we don’t go back and deliberately sin again. At least, that is what we should do. There is a heaven and there is a hell. Father God does NOT want anyone to go to hell, so He gave us laws and boundaries so that we can know and be aware and avoid the trap of sin and also death and hell.

The Law of God was made for these classes of people:

1. Lawless– Greek: anomos– which means: contempt for law; no rule of moral conduct. Translated as “lawless” (1Timothy 1:9); “without law” (1Corinthians 9:21); “unlawful” (2Peter 2:8); “transgressor” (Mark 15:28; Luke 22:37); and “wicked” (Acts 2:23; 2Thessalonians 2:8).
2. Disobedient– Greek: anupotaktos – which means: not under subjection; insubordinate; undisciplined. Translated “disobedient” (1Timothy 1:9); “not put under” (Hebrews 2:8); and “unruly”
3. Ungodly– Greek: asebes – irreligious; irreverent.

1 Peter 4:17-18 KJV – For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

2 Peter 3:7 KJV – But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Jude 4 KJV – For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 14-15 KJV – And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

4. Sinners– Greek: hamartolos– transgressors of law. Translated “sinner” and “sinful”.

Mark 8:38 KJV – Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

5. Unholy– Greek: anosios– totally depraved; the utter opposite of holiness within and without.
6. Profane– Greek: bebelos – heathenish; wicked; not fit to attend public worship.

1 Timothy 4:7 AMP – But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers’ tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit].

2 Timothy 2:16 AMP – But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.

Hebrews 12:16 AMP – That no one may become guilty of sexual vice, or become a profane (godless and sacrilegious) person as Esau did, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.

7. Patricides– Greek: patraloas– those who strike or slay their father.
8. Matricides– Greek: metraloas– those who strike or slay their mother.
9. Murderers– Greek: androphonois– those who take any human life contrary to law.
10. Whoremongers– Greek: pornois– Fornicator; whoremonger; male prostitutes; libertines – persons who are morally or sexually unrestrained
11. Sexual perverts– Greek: arsenokoitais– sodomite; abusers, who defile themselves with mankind; those guilty of unnatural sexual practices.
12. Menstealers– Greek: andrapodistais– kidnappers; enslaver – those who steal slaves and sell and buy them, or who hold men for ransom.
13. Liars– Greek: pseustais– saying for truth what is known to be false.

John 8:44 ERV – Your father is the devil. You belong to him. You want to do what he wants. He was a murderer from the beginning. He was always against the truth. There is no truth in him. He is like the lies he tells. Yes, the devil is a liar. He is the father of lies.

1 John 1:10 NKJV – If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

1 John 2:4 NKJV – He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 2:22 NKJV – Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.

14. Perjurers– Greek: epiorkois– those who lie under oath.
15. Those guilty of any vice contrary to sound doctrine.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV

 

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  John 10:2 AMP

 

7. A good Pastor/Minister desires divine success – they realize that they are under-shepherds under the Good Shepherd, Jesus, and they are responsible to Him for His sheep.

 

1. A good Pastor/Minister is a minister – not for money or popularity or any other selfish reason – but out of God’s call, out of love for Him, out of the desire to please Him, and out of love for people.

 

John 10:11-13 AMP – I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. 12 But the hired servant (he who merely serves for wages) who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock]. 13 Now the hireling flees because he merely serves for wages and is not himself concerned about the sheep [cares nothing for them]. 

 

1. A good Pastor/Minister must be zealous and fearless to protect, heal, preserve, increase, watch over, and sacrifice for the flock.

 

Mark 16:15-18 NKJV – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 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.” 

 

James 5:14-16 NKJV – Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  

 

Luke 19:10 NKJV – For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

 

1. Father God uses strong words against pastors and ministers who do not do their job and who do not take care of the flock. He expects the pastors/ministers to love, lead, feed, protect, warn, reprove, rebuke, and admonish the flock. He also expects them to stand in the gap for them and warn them of things to come.

 

Jeremiah 23:1-5 NKJV – “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord. 3 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord.

 

Ezekiel 13:1-9 NKJV – And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the word of the Lord!'” 3 Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 4 O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts. 5 You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord. 6 They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord!’ But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed. 7 Have you not seen a futile vision, and have you not spoken false divination? You say, ‘The Lord says,’ but I have not spoken.” 8 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Because you have spoken nonsense and envisioned lies, therefore I am indeed against you,” says the Lord God. 9 “My hand will be against the prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord God. 

 

Ezekiel 34:1-5 NKJV – And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. 4 The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.

 

Ezekiel 34:10 NKJV – Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.”

 

Ezekiel 34:31 NKJV – “You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God,” says the Lord God. (See Ezekiel 34:1-31)

 

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life… Proverbs 14:27 NKJV

The fear of the Lord leads to life… Proverbs 19:23a NKJV

The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of both wisdom and knowledge:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.  Psalms 111:10 NKJV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7 NKJV

The word “fear” does not mean being afraid of God, but it has to do with reverence and honor. The word “beginning” means: first principle. Reverencing God is the beginning of wisdom – not the end. True wisdom exalts God and His word above all other wisdom or knowledge or opinion.

This is how you fear the Lord:

In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. Proverbs 16:6 NKJV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.  Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.  Proverbs 8:13 NKJV

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil,

And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it…18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.  Psalms 34:11-15 & 18 NKJV

You fear the Lord by giving Him, and His Word, the utmost respect. When He speaks, you pay attention to His words and you also obey Him promptly.  You fear God by believing His word over the word of man.  You fear the Lord by continuing to be faithful to Him even under the pressure of persecution. You fear the Lord by hating evil; by departing from evil yourself; by doing good; by keeping your words free of evil and deceit; by seeking peace and pursuing it – determinedly chasing after it.

Those who fear God are close personal covenant friends of His and know Him intimately.

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant. Psalms 25:14 NKJV

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him:

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.  Psalms 147:11 NKJV

The fear of the Lord will add years to your live and make it worth living:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.  Proverbs 9:10-11 NKJV

The fear of the Lord prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. Proverbs 10:27 NKJV

In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.  Proverbs 14:26-27 NKJV

In the fear of the Lord is both your protection and your provision:

The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!  9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.  Psalms 34:7-10 NKJV

The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.  Proverbs 19:23 NKJV

The Lord amply provides for the humble who fear Him:

By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.  Proverbs 22:4 NKJV

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. 12 The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. 13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, Both small and great. 14 Maythe Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children. 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.  Psalms 115:11-15 NKJV

He shows mercy to those who fear Him and keep His covenant:

For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;  12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.  Psalms 103:11-14 NKJV

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.  Psalms 103:17-18 NKJV

Fear God, not man, because eternity is real and He is your only hope:

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.  Proverbs 29:25 NKJV

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; 18 For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.  Proverbs 23:17-18 NKJV

We can have peace with God:

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.  Isaiah 53:5 AMP

Jesus, the Messiah, was chastised so we could obtain peace.

 

Jesus gives us peace:

Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).  Romans 5:1 AMP

We can enjoy peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The peace Jesus gives is different than the world’s peace:

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]  John 14:27 AMP

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]  John 16:33 AMP

 

Because Jesus gives us His peace, we should not be afraid. Even though in the world we may have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration, in Jesus, we can have perfect peace and confidence.

 

Wicked people will not know peace:

There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked.  Isaiah 48:22 AMP

And they have no experience of the way of peace [they know nothing about peace, for a peaceful way they do not even recognize].  Romans 3:17 AMP

 

Be full of peace:

Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!  Psalms 34:14 AMP

Run away from evil and run hard after peace. Anyone who does this will certainly receive peace.

 

Peace is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives:

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness.  Galatians 5:22-23 AMP

Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].  Romans 8:6 AMP

 

We can have peace through prayer:

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 AMP

 

Peace comes from doing good:

But glory and honor and [heart] peace shall be awarded to everyone who [habitually] does good, the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile).  Romans 2:10 AMP

 

Peace comes from walking in the reality of the new birth:

For neither is circumcision [now] of any importance, nor uncircumcision, but [only] a new creation [the result of a new birth and a new nature in Christ Jesus, the Messiah]. 16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and regulate their lives by this principle], even upon the [true] Israel of God!  Galatians 6:15-16 AMP

 

Make peace with others quickly:

So if when you are offering your gift at the altar you there remember that your brother has any [grievance] against you, 24 Leave your gift at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come back and present your gift.  Matthew 5:23-24 AMP

Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.  2 Corinthians 13:11 AMP

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 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. 20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. 21 Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.  Romans 12:18-21 AMP

Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.  Ephesians 4:3 AMP

 

Peace is the umpire in your heart:

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].  Colossians 3:15 AMP

Follow the peace in your heart. Only do what the peace lets you do. Only follow the path on which peace leads you.

Foundation scriptures:

 

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. Acts 9:1-16 KJV (See also Acts 9:17-22)

 

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Acts 1:8 KJV

 

1.  Saul of Tarsus had an encounter with God:

1.  On the road to Damascus.
2.  A great light – a voice – blind for three days.
3.  Name change: Saul to Paul.
4. One of the greatest persecutors of the Church became one the great apostles of Jesus – and wrote over 2/3 of the New Testament.
5. Saul was passionate for the Law, but God had a bigger plan for his life and once he received a touch from God, he became passionate for the Gospel.

 

1. Jesus had an encounter with the Holy Spirit:

1. John 1:29-33 KJV – “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.”
2. Jesus operated as a prophet under the Abrahamic Covenant.
3. He spent 30 years preparing for 3 ½ years of ministry.
4. He did not step into ministry until He was anointed by the Holy Spirit.
5. Acts 10:38 KJV – “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

 

1. The apostles had an encounter:

1. Acts 1:8
2. Acts 2:1-18
3. Verses 14-18 KJV – “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy”

 

1. Everyone needs an encounter with God:

1. We need to be anointed with the Holy Ghost and power.
2. We need the anointing to do the works of Jesus.
3. We need the anointing to fulfil our calling.
4. I needed and wanted an encounter with God.
5. July 1989.
6. Crying out for an encounter and a touch.
7. He answered and the fire fell.

 

1. There is a difference between the omnipresence of God and His manifest presence:

1. April 1989 – in upstate New York.

Let God touch you right now.

Foundation scriptures:

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16 Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; 17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:11-18 KJV

Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; 48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. Deuteronomy 28:47-48 KJV

1. Never forget that God – not man – is your source.
a. Many people look at their job, or salary, as their source of supply.
b. We need to depend more on God than anything or anyone in our life.
c. Because we depend on God alone, does not mean that we should quit our job.
d. Trusting God is not laziness.
e. Faith works – and believes and trusts.
f. 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 KJV – “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”

2. Acting on His Word.
a. In order to live in God’s provision every day, you need to be a doer of God’s Word.
b. Hearing the Word is not enough, you must put your faith into action.
c. James 1:22-25 KJV – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
d. Luke 9:12-17 KJV – “And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. 13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. 14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.”

3. Don’t lose your joy. 
a. Sometimes adverse circumstances can cause you to lose your excitement of living for Jesus.
b. When that happens, you may stop giving thanks or being thankful.
c. Stay expectant. Expect Him to move on your behalf every day.
d. Expect His blessings and favor to be on your life.
e. Trust Him for the smallest things in your life.

4. Be thankful.
a. Have a heart that is thankful for all He has done for you.
b. Think back on your past victories.
c. Be thankful for your salvation.
d. Be thankful for your family; spouse; children; health.
e. Thank Him for where He’s brought you from.

5. Testify of His goodness and His faithfulness. 
a. Revelation 12:11 KJV – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
b. Your testimony gives thanks to the Lord.
c. Your testimony gives glory to God.
d. Let this be your motto: I will bless the Lord at all times.

Foundation Scriptures:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! 5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. 6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:4-7 AMPC

Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit.
As you allow the Spirit of God to do a work in your heart and life, the natural result will be that the fruit of the Spirit is manifested through you.
If you are full of God, you will be full of joy.
1 Chronicles 15:16 AMPC – “David told the chief Levites to appoint their brethren the singers with instruments of music—harps, lyres, and cymbals—to play loudly and lift up their voices with joy.”
When we praise God, we should do so with joy and rejoicing.

Joy has a Voice. If you are full of joy it will be evident to others around you.
Proverbs 15:13 AMPC – “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.”
Proverbs 17:22 AMPC – “A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
They will see joy on your countenance and they will hear joy in your voice and in your song of praise.
Psalm 33:3 AMPC – “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.”
Psalm 98:4 AMPC – “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!”
Psalm 98:6 AMPC – “With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!”

Receive Your Salvation with Joy. Isaiah 12:1-6 KJV – “And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. 5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”
Verse 3 says: with joy we draw forth water from the wells of salvation.
In other words, you could say that joy is the bucket we use to draw forth the salvation that God has provided for us.
The Hebrew word translated here as “salvation” means deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity, health, help (-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), and welfare.
God has already handed salvation to us on a platter.
It is up to us to open our hearts to receive it.
Joy is a key to receiving from God that which we need.

True Joy Does Not Depend on Your Circumstances.
True joy is not manipulated by our circumstances, like happiness (which is dependent upon positive circumstances).
Even in the midst of a storm, joy is there, strongly anchoring us to the Word of God.
We are instructed by God to cast all of our cares upon Him.
1 Peter 5:7 AMPC – “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”
There is a rest and a joy for us as we allow Him to carry our burdens.
Philippians 4:4-7
When your faith is working for you, you rest in joy, knowing that God is bringing it to pass.
Why worry when God is in control!

Worship and Rejoicing Bring the Victory.
Psalm 5:11 AMPC – “But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.”
Psalm 35:9 AMPC – “Then I shall be joyful in the Lord; I shall rejoice in His deliverance.” 
Psalm 95:1-3 AMPC – “O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” 
Psalm 138:5 AMPC – “Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord and joyfully celebrate His mighty acts, for great is the glory of the Lord.”

The Lord Rejoices Over You.
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV – “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.&rdquo
He loves you with an immense, incredible, everlasting love that cannot be stopped.
He will never stop loving you.
All you need is His love.
In His love is every answer to every question you could ever have.
He loves you so much that He sings joyfully over you.
You can rejoice over the fact that He loves you and that He rejoices over you!

Foundation Scriptures:
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.  Psalm 127:1 KJV

Now when Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? 14 And they answered, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. 15 He said to them, But who do you [yourselves] say that I am? 16 Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros—a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra—a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].  Matthew 16:13-18 AMPC

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.  Acts 2:47b NKJV

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.  Acts 16:5

The Beginning.
Thirty years ago, this month, December 1987, we arrived in America with $300.
For nine years, we travelled around America and the nations, preaching, winning souls, and having revival
In October 1996, the Lord spoke to me to start the church – The River at Tampa Bay.
We started the church on December 1, 1996, with 575 people in attendance.
The Lord told me, “I want Sunday mornings back.”
The Lord wants us to preach, teach, and demonstrate His power every time we gather together.
His commission to us was for us to have a place where we could prepare people for eternity.
Powerful praise and worship.
Powerful preaching and teaching.
Demonstrations of the Holy Spirit.
Winning souls.
Testimonies of lives changed.

Twenty-One Years.
December 1, 1996 – First service of The River at Tampa Bay Church.
1997 – The River Bible Institute.
1998 – The Dream – New York City.
1999 – New York GNNY – Good News New York.
2000 – Good News Shreveport, Louisiana.
2001 – 60 Cities. World Headquarters.
2002 – Preached via satellite into 100 million homes. Command the Harvest. Kelly’s home-going.
2003 – The Manor. The least of what I will do.
2004 – Good News Soweto.
2005 – Good News Umlazi.
2005 – River School of Worship. Good News Mamelodi.
2006 – Good News Mdantsane.
2007 – Great Awakening Tour – USA.
2008 – Great Awakening Tour – USA.
2009 – Run to the Nations. 50 Days of Glory East London. New Beginnings. River Broadcasting Network.
2010 – The Decade of the Glory of the Lord Covering the Earth. Reaching the World from Tampa.
2011 – The Great Awakening Live.
2012 – River School of Government. GAT
2013 – GAT.
2014 – Washington D.C. Celebrate America. GAT.
2015 – River Bible Institute Español. GAT.
2016 – GAT.
2017 – GAT.

Into the future:
2018 The More Excellent Way.

Building the Kingdom – Shaking the City.
Goal – to see this whole region shaken by the power of the Gospel.
Reaching out to our city; county.
In-reach. Outreach.
Children.
Youth.
Adults.
Seniors.
Families.
HOJ’s – currently 95.
Evangelism.
Discipleship.
Launching.

1. Giving Thanks and Prayer.
2.  The giving of thanks and thanksgiving is an important aspect of prayer.
   b.  1 Timothy 2:1 KJV – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men…”
   c.  Give thanks to God in spite of your situation.
   d.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
   e.  Don’t pray the problem – pray the answer.
   f.  Confess God’s Word as you give thanks.
   g.  Colossians 1:3 KJV – “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.”
   h.  Do not worry about anything – pray in faith – with thanksgiving.
   i.  Philippians 4:6 KJV – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
   j.  Ask God for what you need AND thank Him for it, at the same time.
   k.  Many people are asking God for what they need, but they forget to give thanks to the Lord.
   l.  We give thanks BEFORE we receive the answer.
   m. We give thanks in faith and expectation.

 

2. Come into His Presence with Thanksgiving in Your Heart and in Your Mouth.
   a.   Everything we need is in God’s presence.
   b.   We need to come into God’s presence to ask for what we need.
   c.  Hebrews 4:16 KJV – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
   d.  The way we enter into God’s presence is through our worship and thanksgiving.
   e.  Psalm 100:4 KJV – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
   f.  Often, God’s people are not walking in His blessings, because they have been ungrateful.
   g.  Deuteronomy 28:47 says that God’s people were cursed with a curse, “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness of [mind and] heart [in gratitude] for the abundance of all [with which He had blessed you].” (AMP)
   h.  It is a good thing to regularly “count your blessings” and give thanks to the Lord for them.
   i.  Hebrews 13:15 KJV – “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
3. Worship and Give Thanks.
   a.  Worship the Lord for His mighty works.
   b.  Psalm 107:22 KJV – “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.”
   c.  Thank Him for Who He is and for what He has done for you.
   d.  Psalm 116:17 KJV – “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.”
   e.  Speak out your thanks and also sing your praises to Him.
   f.  Psalm 147:7 KJV – “Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.”
   g.  Worship and give thanks for His goodness and faithfulness.
   h.  Psalm 92:1-2 KJV – “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High. 2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.”
   i.  It is a good time to worship and give thanks to Him any time of the day or night.
   j.  Psalm 119:62 KJV – “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.” 
   k.  Give THANKS to the LORD for He is GOOD and His MERCY endures FOREVER.
   l.  Psalm 136:1-3 KJV – “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. 3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
   m.  The righteous give thanks.
   n.  Psalm 140:13 KJV – “Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.”
   o.  Psalm 33:1 AMPC – “Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].”
   p.  Don’t let a stone do your job!
   q.  Luke 19:37-40 KJV – “And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”
   r.  Give Him thanks because you already have the victory.
   s.  1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”