Relationship in the midst of Rituals  (Got Questions) 

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught” (Isaiah 29:13). While the Israelites were saying the right things, their hearts were far from God.

The word heart is a common metaphor. In English, heart often represents someone’s emotions. When we say that someone has a “heart of stone,” we do not mean that his blood-pumping organ has been mineralized; we mean that he is unmoved by emotional appeals. When an ancient Israelite used the word heart metaphorically, he was thinking of the center of someone’s soul, the place where he makes all his decisions and experiences all his emotions. The “heart” was the location of one’s will and intellect. Therefore, when the Bible commands us to love something “with all our hearts,” it means loving with everything we have on the inside.

When God said that “their hearts are far from me,” He meant that they had chosen other loyalties besides God. While they might have sounded religious, they did not love God or obey Him. Their thoughts and their decisions were bent away from God. The NET Bible has a helpful translation here: “These people say they are loyal to me; they say wonderful things about me, but they are not really loyal to me. Their worship consists of nothing but man-made ritual” (Isaiah 29:13). In English, we might say that the Israelites worshiped “but their hearts weren’t in it.”

In the New Testament, Jesus quotes this verse in an important confrontation with the Pharisees (Mark 7:6–7). They, too, had hearts far from God. The Pharisees pretended to care about God’s law by following outward acts like hand washing, but they did not care about God on the inside. When they met God in the person of Jesus, they tried to kill Him! After quoting Isaiah 29:13, Jesus scathingly summarized their heart condition: “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions” (Mark 7:8). The Pharisees still did religious things but had forgotten the reasons behind their actions. They said the right things, but their hearts were far from God.

As Christians, we face the same temptation as the hypocritical Israelites. Sometimes, it is easy to maintain the outward appearance of religious obedience by following basic rules, yet we lack any real relationship with God in our hearts. We start “going through the motions” without growing in love for God or for others. We might faithfully go to church every Sunday but ignore God the rest of the week. Like the Pharisees and the ancient Israelites, “faking it” is not spiritually healthy, and it will eventually catch up with us.

(Quoted from “Got Questions)

God has exposed our hearts to help us return to true worship in spirit and in truth. And by His Grace God promise in Isaiah 29:14 saying, ¹⁴ Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvellous work Among this people, A marvellous work and a wonder;
For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.”

God through His Mighty and Abundant Grace and mercy will do a marvellous work among them not only a work but a wonder. (miracle)  For the wisdom of men and the pride of men will perish.  Paul says, “I am what I am by the Grace of God” nothing else.

Isaiah 29:18,19  says “And in that day the deaf shall hear and the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind (spiritually) shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The humble also shall increase the joy in the Lord.”

Vs. 24 - “This is the work of My hands and the Lord will bring those who erred in the spirit will come to understand the things of God and those who murmured will learn doctrine.”   So let us worship Him with a true heart and understanding and let His joy be our strength and repent for all our religious behaviour and going through the motions only.   Let us be Christ-conscious than men-conscious.

Prayer:  GOD HELP US TO KNOW YOU WITH UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM.  WE HUMBLE OURSELVES TO HONOR YOU WITH OUR HEARTS FIRST AND WITH OUR LIPS.  MAY WE BRING GLORY TO YOUR NAME. HELP US TO LEARN DOCTRINE FROM THE SPIRIT OF GOD.  IN JESUS NAME. AMEN.

 

 

 

CHANGING CHURCH ATMOSPHERE – Rev. Frank Damazio

Intro: Atmosphere has the power to move my emotions, penetrate my thought processes and shape me during that moment.  Atmosphere is actually a very powerful force in our lives, our families, our society and our churches. 

A)  Understanding the Power of Atmosphere

Definition: The word “atmosphere” means a pervading or surrounding influence or spirit, general mood or social environment.  Atmosphere is affected by décor, music, art and spirits (Eph. 6:10-12).  Atmosphere may be affected by a carnal, confused mind, by demonic forces or evil or by the Holy Spirit of God.

The atmosphere of a barren church will be different from that of a church that is alive, growing and filled with signs of life.

A barren church atmosphere might be stale, stagnant, boring, confusing, judgmental, legalistic and out of touch with people.

A barren church atmosphere can be detected in every aspect of the church’s expressions, the worship, preaching, offering, prayer, pastoral departments, the youth, children and so on.

A church that has broken the bands of barrenness and is experiencing the life flow of God will see a change in its atmosphere.

The pastor-leader should take special interest in keeping the atmosphere conductive to a life flow of God. Scripture offers leaders several examples of a life-producing atmosphere: Example –

1.  God in the garden: An Atmosphere of Communion (Gen. 3:8; 18:17-33; Exod. 25:22; Num. 7:8,9)

2.  God on the Mountain. At Atmosphere of Faith (Gen. 22:13-19; 2 chron. 3:1; Rom. 4:20,21; Heb. 11:17-19; Jas. 2:21-23)

3.  God in Prison. At Atmosphere of Hope and Vision (gen. 37-41)

4.  God in the Secret Place. At Atmosphere of Awesomeness (Gen. 28:10-22; Exod. 2:14; 3:6)

5.  God in the House/Church. At Atmosphere of Worship (1 chron. 5:13,14)

6.  God in the Prayer Meeting. At Atmosphere of the Supernatural (Acts 2:1-4; 4:1-10)

7.  God in the corporate Gathering. An Atmosphere of Spiritual Awareness (1 Cor. 12:14) 

B)  Leaders Affect the Atmosphere

Question: Who is responsible for the atmosphere of a church?  The pastor and other influential leaders within the congregation.  The pastor’s perspective concerning God’s presence.  God’s promises, spiritual warfare, life, ministry and the Holy Spirit will contribute to establishing the spiritual atmosphere of the congregation.

Therefore, the pastor should approach every service with an:

Ø 1. Attitude of Faith: I expect God to so something great today                                                                                                                  

   2. I have an overflow of godly love to give out today

Ø 3. Attitude of Satisfaction: I bring to this service a sense of peace.

Ø 4. Attitude of Enjoyment: I love what I do, I love God and I enjoy the ministry and the church.

Ø 5. Attitude of Team: I desire gifts and ministries to function. I encourage participation, not control.

These attitudes are only a few that a leader is encouraged to develop and deposit into the church every time the church gathers. These attitudes will help to shape the other leaders and those people involved with the public church service.

C)  Atmosphere Affected by Legalism

Atmosphere change is absolutely necessary in moving a church toward harvesting lost people. It requires the change of spiritual attitude, perspective and passions in the church as a whole in all areas.

The climate change may need to take place in some traditions of the church.  Legalism, a rule-based rather than a relationship-based way of relating to God, creates a climate uninviting to spiritually dead people.

Legalism a rule-based rather than are a relationship-based way of relating to God. External legalism that requires

Spiritual atmosphere that makes people want to be in church. They are drawn to it.

D)  A church that has broken the bands of barrenness has:

Ø An atmosphere of open heavens, no spiritual hindrances.

Ø An atmosphere of unified expectancy, no business as usual service.

Ø An atmosphere of expecting supernatural surprises, no common, ordinary god to serve.

Ø An atmosphere where people are honoured and valued, no person is unimportant.

Ø An atmosphere of victory

Ø An atmosphere of offensive and aggressive Christianity. It either survival or revival.

Ø At atmosphere of giving liberally without selfishness and small thinking, no excuses or apologies.

Conclusion:

This life-producing, love-giving, grace-pumping atmosphere is what the church needs now to revive those who are barren and to produce the fruit of the end times harvest. Let’s more beyond barrenness by diagnosing our blockages, remedying our unhealthy attitudes and adjusting our impure motives so the birthing chambers of God’s celebration houses are bursting with new babes in Christ and healthy families to care for them.

 Lessons: In the Power of Atmosphere we have discovered that:

Ø The atmosphere of the church is the responsibility of the pastor-leader.

Ø Atmosphere is affected by decoration, music, art and spirits.

Ø Barren churches are often marked by legalism, an illegitimate form of control that requires unanimity, not unity.

Ø A barren church atmosphere can be detected in every aspect of the church’s expressions: the worship, preaching, offering, prayer, pastoral departments, the youth, children and so on. 

Ø A life-giving atmosphere is a grace climate. Grace heals the wounds, but does not condemn people for being wounded. Grace blesses without requirements, legalism has so many requirements that people cannot get blessed.

Ø The motive for obeying the laws of Christ under grace is gratitude because we have been blessed, rather than in order to be blessed.  And our motive is to bless others. 

Ø Churches that grow have an alive, spiritual atmosphere that makes people want to be there.  Both believers and nonbelievers respond to the love, grace, mercy and sincerity found there.

Evaluate our situation today. 

1)  What is the atmosphere of our church today? In what ways do we need to loosen up, love more and extend more grace and mercy to our people and congregation.

2)  Are there any areas in our church where legalism has crept in?  Where are we too controlling?  (In pulpit, finance, etc.) 

3)  Are we motivated by the blessings we have received, or by the blessings we hope to gain?

4)  Does the atmosphere of our church reflect an attitude of gratitude for what Christ has done?  What prevents us from fully surrendering our worship and praise to God?

 

GOG INVASION OF ISRAEL

    

GOG AND MAGOG  -  Ezekiel 38:1-16  

¹⁴ “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? ¹⁵ You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. ¹⁶ You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

“Here the prophet saw the final manifestation of antagonism to Jehovah and His people. He saw it gathering itself in terrific force, the mightiest alliance that had ever acted against Israel.” (Morgan) 

“These verses create the impression that Gog is an imperial power with vast military resources.” (Block) They are coming with missiles, deadly bombs and latest Technology equipment today ever invented.  This battle may happen before the beginning of the last seven-year period of human government, before the glorious return of Jesus Christ. It may in some way usher in the dominance of the final world leader and his government. It can happen during the pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation or end of tribulation.

The Invasion of Gog of the land of Magog.

Ezekiel 38:1-6 And the word of the LORD came to me saying, (2) "Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him (3) and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. (4) "I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords; (5) Persia, Ethiopia and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet; (6) Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops--many peoples with you.

Magog Invasion.

So to sum it up, Ezekiel 38 and 39 speaks of a coming alliance of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and possibly Germany. Russia and Turkey will descend upon Israel from the north. Iran will come from the east. Libya from the south west. Sudan and Somalia will rush from the south. Israel will be entirely circled by some of the greatest threats and military powers that the world currently knows.

“I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out: God promised to bring Gog with all his army against Israel.” Whatever Gog’s own motivations for attack and invasion might be, there would be an overriding Divine purpose in this.

Those who see Gog as a leader of Russia have offered many ideas as to why Russia would invade Israel (a desire for a warm water port, a desire to intervene in the Middle East for the sake of oil, a desire for Dead Sea minerals).

So to sum it up, Ezekiel 38 and 39 speaks of a coming alliance of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and possibly Germany. Russia and Turkey will descend upon Israel from the north. Iran will come from the east. Libya from the south west. Sudan and Somalia will rush from the south. Israel will be entirely circled by some of the greatest threats and military powers that the world currently knows.

Russia, Syria, Turkey and Iran hold high-level talks in Moscow. (May, 2023)

Ezek. 38:17 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You are the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel. At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them. 18 This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. 19 In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20 The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence.”

What God Will Do to Gog?

The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. 21 I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. 

22 I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulphur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. 

23 And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’

a. I will call for a sword against Gog: Because Gog was arrogant enough to invade God’s own land (My mountains) God would come against Gog and his allies with military power. One way it would come would be as the allied nations began to attack one another (every man’s sword will be against his brother).

“Gog’s armies and the nations following him would become so confused that they would slay one another in suicidal strife (cf. Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 14:20; Haggai 2:22; Zechariah 14:13), while the Lord supernaturally destroyed them.” (Alexander)

b. I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed: Yahweh would also send disease and death against the attacking armies. This would be a demonstration of His justice.

c. Flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone: The instruments of previous judgments would all be sent against Gog and his allies.

Ezek. 38:23 And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.

 “The invaders are destroyed by earthquake (cf. Zechariah 14:4-5), by violent distrust of one another (Zechariah 14:13), by pestilence (Zechariah 14:12), and by torrential rain and fire from heaven (Revelation 20:9).” (Wright)

d. I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself: This overwhelming and obviously divine defeat of Gog and her allies would testify to the whole world of God’s character and power. The world will know that God and Jesus is Lord of all.

 

 

A) WHO WAS LYDIA IN THE BIBLE? - Acts 16:13-15.

11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

THE CHARACTERISTIC OF LYDIA

The story of Lydia in the Bible is a powerful one. This woman of such great reputation, class and wealth had an amazing conversion story.

The life of Lydia would have lots of empowering and encouraging messages for the women of today.

The picture of Lydia in the Bible is one of humility, grace, and the power of God to save anyone from any walk of life.

Let’s explore some of the qualities of Lydia that makes her such an outstanding female character in the Bible.

THE STORY OF LYDIA HOUSEHOLD

According to Acts 16, Lydia was from Thyatira in Asia. She was a business woman and a believer in God. 

She traveled to Phillipi probably to do business. On the Sabbath, she found herself at a place of prayer by the river where a gathering of women only worshiped together. 

By God’s orchestration, Paul was told to go to Macedonia in which Phillipi was a province. He showed up at worship on the very day that Lydia was there. 

Paul preached about the good news of Jesus. Lydia believed and was saved. Her entire household was saved as well.

1. LYDIA WAS WEALTHY

Lydia was a city woman. She lived and worked in geographical areas colonized by the Romans. Phillipi and Thyatira were two of the most popular commercial and metropolitan areas of her time. Living in the city can bring many business opportunities.

Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth. A very successful merchant. She was basically in the fashion industry. Lydia ran an empire of sorts.

Purple dye was extracted from either the root of the madder plant or the glands of shellfish found in the Mediterranean Sea.

Lydia was a financial mover and shaker. She was a business mogul with a more than descent fortune for which she worked very hard.

2. LYDIA WAS INDUSTRIOUS

Running a business takes a lot of work. Making purple cloth was also quite a process.

To make the dye alone took days and hours. Over 10,000 snails would need to be harvested from the sea then boiled in vats. This amount would make only 1 gram. That’s just one tiny part of the process.

Then to spin the thread and fabric. All of this was done by hand in those days. No machines.

It was no easy task to pull all the pieces together and then keep up with the supply and demand.

3. LYDIA WAS A WOMAN OF IMPERFECT FAITH

Lydia was believed to be a Gentile but she had learned about the Jewish God and started to worship with the Jews. However, her understanding of God was still not clear enough.

She probably grew up being polythestic, which many Greeks were, believing that each part of creation and life was controlled by a different god.

But Lydia had rejected all of that and had been seeking for truth. When she met the Jewish faith, she would have learned that there was one God in heaven.

4. LYDIA WAS OBEDIENT

After being taught by Paul, Lydia finally got the complete picture of salvation.

Learning about Jesus brought closure to what was missing from all she had been learning.

When she learned what God required her to do, she got baptized.

This was the very first piece of evidence that Lydia had been converted by the gospel. Lydia did not question any further nor did she delay.

She immediately went about obeying the word of God.

5. LYDIA WAS ASSERTIVE AND COURAGEOUS

Lydia was the leader in her household and the owner of a flourishing textile business.

Her assertiveness was seen also when she insisted that Paul and his friends board at her home. She almost forced them into taking up her offer of hospitality.

Then there is the matter of her choice to become a Christian. In those days, it wasn’t popular or cute to be a Christian.

People who believed in Jesus were laughed at, punished and persecuted. But Lydia made the decision to follow Christ anyway.

6. LYDIA WAS HOSPITABLE

The time Lydia received the gospel from Paul, she not only opened her heart but she also opened her home. Well, one of her homes.

Although Paul resisted, she insisted on it. She wanted to make these missionaries comfortable while they travelled and spread the gospel.

They would have a comfortable place to wash up, sleep, and access decent food to eat.

What a blessing that must have been!

7. LYDIA WAS A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

When Lydia found out about the gospel, she started a fire in her home. A good fire.

She went home and told her family and household what she had found.

They all decided to accept the gospel too. She had such an impact in their lives that she didn’t have to work too hard to convince them of the truth she had found.

B) LESSONS FROM LYDIA IN THE BIBLE

What can we learn about Lydia in the Bible?

1. Mind Your Own Business

Because the Bible is still being misapplied, some women in some congregations, whether married or single, are made to feel badly about wanting to run a business for themselves. There are many women of faith who struggle with whether or not it’s OK to be a business woman.

I believe that there is nothing wrong if you want to be a Christian woman who is also a business mogul.

Having a legitimate business that brings income for your family is God honouring.

So go ahead. Mind your own business if God has placed it on your heart.

2. FIGHT FOR YOUR FAITH

The gathering that Paul joined at the place of prayer had no men. 

These women clearly didn’t care about that. They decided to fight for their faith.

Regardless of what the rules were, they were not going to give up on the possibility of having worship together. They were not going to allow the absence of men or the presence of man-made laws to prevent them from seeking God.

They seemed to say to themselves, “No men? No problem! We will still continue to honour God “Circumstances are not always favourable but keep fighting for your faith.

Whatever you must to keep the flame of your faith alive!

God Bless you and your family!

I SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS

 

I SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS  

Philippians 2:9-11 - “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the mention of the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, those on earth and those under the earth and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’  NIV.

Understanding His names is a means to understand who God is—and, in turn, how important you are to Him.

The names we’ve studied are: Elohim: the strong Creator, Jehovah: and the self-existent one, Adonai: owner, master, and supreme authority,

Today we are going to study the names of Jehovah.

1.  I SPEAK JEHOVAH JIREH

"The Lord will Provide." Genesis 22:14. From "jireh" ("to see" or "to provide," or to "foresee" as a prophet.)

God always provides, adequate when the times come. “The God who provides.” Just as He provided yesterday, He will provide today and tomorrow.

There are about 14 names of Jehovah in the Bible. But I will touch a few names of Jehovah. We speak the name of Jesus because His Name are connected to us. His Names is a revelation of who God can do for us. His names have power, deliverance and healing. You may have been in poverty, but today you are blessed with Jehovah-Jireh.

The word for Jireh is rendered “see” in speaking of Abraham as he journeyed with Issac to the place of sacrifice and God will provide Himself a lamb.

The Lord is the Universal provider for His people. He had provided life for our death, salvation for our sin, atonement for our guilt, health for our sickness, joy for our sorrow, strength for our weakness and heaven instead of our hell and all this in the Lamb of Calvary.

2. I SPEAK JEHOVAH RAPHA

Jehovah Rapha: The God Who Heals.

Jehovah-Rapha has the power to heal physically (2 Kings 5:10), emotionally (Psalm 34:18), mentally (Daniel 4:34), and spiritually (Psalm 103:2–3). Neither impurity of body nor impurity of soul can withstand the purifying, healing power of Jehovah-Rapha.

You may have been sick, but now you are blessed with Jehovah-Rophe.  Jehovah Ropheca it means the Lord that Healeth, or the Lord our Physician.

(Exod. 15:26) The word means to mend as a garment is mended, to repair and to cure as a person is restored to health. The word is rendered “make whole” in Job 5:18.  God heals our spiritual life, our diseases. He healeth the broken heart (Psa. 147:3) and he heals the backslider from his backslidings (Jer.3:22) and he heals our body infirmity in Abimelech case (gen. 20:17). The reason of the healing is found in Him, by Whose “stripes we are healed”.

JESUS CHRIST OUR HEALER

Jesus Christ showed that He was the Great Physician who heals the sick. In Galilee, Jesus went from town to town, “healing every disease and sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23). In Judea “large crowds followed him, and he healed them there” (Matthew 19:2). In fact, “wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed” (Mark 6:56). Not only did Jesus heal people physically, He also healed them spiritually by forgiving their sins (Luke 5:20). Every day, in every way, Jesus proved Himself to be Jehovah-Rapha in the flesh.

3. I SPEAK JEHOVAH NISSI

Exodus 17:15 - And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner;

Psalms 60:4,5  - But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—a rallying point in the face of attack. Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power (NLT).

We are introduced to the Hebrew name, Jehovah Nissi, in the story of the Israelites and Moses while wandering in the wilderness.  Moses was the first one to call upon the Lord Jehovah Nissi in Exodus 17.

But they travelled with something else too, something else that no other nation on earth had – a pillar of fire, a cloud of smoke, the very presence of God. Israel did not fight its battles alone. No matter how inexperienced or overmatched they were they were never the underdogs. No matter how desperate they felt they were never at a loss. The great general, the perfect protector, the LORD was with them. The very name used in Scripture is Jehovah Nissi - "the Lord is my banner". Moses experienced both physical and spiritual victory with the Lord's banner waving over the battle.

LIVING AND SPEAKING HIS NAMES

When you live in the Name of Jesus, you live with a continuous blessing. You identify with His Name.

·         You may have been sick, but now you are blessed with Jehovah-Rophe.

·         You may have  been in poverty, but today you are blessed with Jehovah-Jireh.

·         You may have been with no identity, but today you are blessed with Jehovah-Nissi.

·         You have been living in loneliness, but today you are blessed with Jehovah-Shammah.

·         You have been struggling with unrighteousness, but today you are blessed with Jehovah-Tsidkenu. (His righteousness)

·         You may have been living with weakness, but today you are blessed with El Shaddai. (God Almighty)

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Name is above all and every names in this Universe. Your name gives us power to believe who you are and what you are in our lives.  We speak the names of Jehovah to meet all our needs in Christ.  We are blessed that your names reveals your power and character and blessings we should know in our walk with you.  Thanking you for revealing your names each day to us to meet our daily needs.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

JESUS RECEIVE ALL THE PRE-EMINENCE IN HEAVEN

Revelation 5:11-14

¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

¹³ And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:  (Prophetic declaration)

“Blessing and honor and glory and power  (3 things missing)
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

¹⁴ Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

ARE ALL THE 7 FOLD BLESSINGS BELONGS TO THE CHURCH? YES!

As Jesus Christ is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17)

"My SON,’ the father answered, "you are always here with me, and EVERYTHING I HAVE IS YOURS. 32 But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; HE WAS LOST, BUT NOW HE HAS BEEN FOUND’  - Luke 15:31-32

WHERE ARE WE SEATED?

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

1. JESUS IS YOUR POWER

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Christ is the Power of God

Paul tells us in the New Testament: I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.  —1 Corinthians 2:4–5

But to those called by God to salvation … Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. —1 Corinthians 1:24

Living in the Power of God  -  Five Areas in which we need Power:

a. Power for our inner lives – Eph. 3:16

b. Power to witness for Jesus – Acts 1:8

c. Power to believe in God – John 14:12

      (wealth, jobs, business, family, relationships, etc)

d. Power in gifts and ministry – 1 Cor. 12:7

e. Power in spiritual warfare – Col. 2:15

      (Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.) 

2. JESUS IS YOUR WEALTH (RICHES)

Jesus was rich and became poor so that we might be rich in wealth.

3 John 2 - Beloved I wish you that you might prosper in all things. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

For God delights in the prosperity of His servants. “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” (Psalm 35:27)

THE WEALTH OF NATIONS – Isaiah 61:6

3. JESUS IS YOUR WISDOM - 1 Corinthians 1:30

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

How to Ask Wisdom from God?

James 1:5  - tells us that if you ask for wisdom, God will give it generously without finding fault: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

The Fear of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  - Prov. 9:10

"That...the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him“      - Eph. 1:17

What is the Spirit of Wisdom? "That...the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him" (Eph. 1:17)   Having a spirit of wisdom and revelation gives us "the full knowledge of Him.”

We Need Spiritual Wisdom

a. A new understanding of self. - Rom. 12:3

b. An understanding of spiritual revelation truth. –  Eph. 1:17; 1 Cor. 2:10-12

c. An understanding of Scripture – 2 Tim. 3:14-17

d. An understanding of God’s will – Col. 1:9; Eph. 5:15,16; James 1:5-8

e. An understanding of the signs of the times – Matt. 24:36, 42-44;

    1 Thess.  5:1-6.

4) JESUS IS YOUR STRENGTH

⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

HOW TO FIND STRENGTH IN THE STRENGTH OF GOD?

•        “I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Paul did work hard. But his effort was in some way not his.

•        “I toil, struggling with all His energy that he powerfully works within me” (Colossians 1:29). We toil. We struggle. We expend effort and energy. But there is a way to do it so that it is God’s energy and God’s doing.

•        “Whoever serves, [let him serve] as one who serves by the strength that God supplies” (1 Peter 4:11). We serve. We exert strength. But there is a way that our serving is the effect of God’s gracious power.

5. JESUS IS YOUR HONOR

HONOR THE LORD YOUR GOD!

Psalm 91:15 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁵ He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.

HOW DOES HONOR COME TO DAVID? - ^{1 SAMUEL 16:10-13}

¹⁰ And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” ¹¹ Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest,^[a] but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” ¹² And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” ¹³ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

6. JESUS IS YOUR GLORY

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. – Psalm 3:3  David says.

Is God your glory?

Psalm 3:3 says – The word glory is the translation of a Hebrew word meaning “weight” or “significance.”

THE GLORY IS IN YOU!

But did you know that the glory of God is available to you 24/7? It’s built-in. That’s how God designed it—it’s how He designed you. Because you were born of God (John 1:13), that glory is inside you right now!

Tapping into God’s glory by looking, praying, preparing and walking, and watch the glory of God be revealed in you

7. JESUS IS YOUR BLESSINGS

Deuteronomy 28:2 - And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you… in Old Testament blessings.

 Deuteronomy 28 starting with “Blessed shall you be in the city…in the country…the fruit of your body…your basket…when you come in…when you go out…” (Deuteronomy 28:3–13)

New Testament Blessings

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, … (Ephesians 1:3)

PRAYER –

THANK YOU, JESUS THAT YOU ARE MY EVERYTHING.   YOU ARE MY POWER, YOU ARE MY RICHES (WEALTH), YOU ARE MY WISDOM, YOU ARE MY STRENGTH, YOU ARE MY HONOR, YOUR ARE MY GLORY AND YOU ARE MY BLESSING.

THERE IS NOTHING THAT I CANNOT RECEIVE APART FROM YOU.  JUST AS YOU HAVE BEEN SLAINED TO RECEIVE I ALSO RECEIVE.  I ALSO RECEIVE YOUR PEACE, LOVE AND JOY IN THE SPIRIT AND ABOVE ALL YOUR PRECIOUS SALVATION FOR MANKIND.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME AND THE CHURCH, YOUR BODY. IN JESUS NAME! AMEN!

Benediction:

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AS YOU LIVE FOR HIM