Joy, Glad Tidings, Good News for all People

Joy, Glad Tidings, Good News for all People

    We think of joy in terms of things and relationships: home, presents, food baskets, meals, time together, visiting people, even going Christmas caroling to those who may be alone or ill.  But to a people oppressed, joy means the arrival of deliverance and justice.  The Jews had both a memory of a “golden age” of peace and prosperity (King Solomon), plus thousands of years of prophecy concerning the glory and dominion and abundant blessing that their Messiah would bring to them.  This week, step with them, out of their need into the joy of His coming.

    Joy comes to those in trouble, who wait, devoted to the Lord
...your love, O LORD, supported me.  When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul (Ps 94:18-19 NIV).  Simeon was devout and just, lead by the Holy Spirit, waiting for the “Consolation of Israel” (Lk 2:25).  Now, he could die in peace—for what do you wait?
    Joy is a gift from God:  This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?  26To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Eccl 2:24-26).  To Zacharias, God promised joy, gladness and rejoicing for many, through the son he was giving to them (Lk 1:14).  Lord, forgive my lack of joy.
    Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).  Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and the babe in her womb leaped for joy, at just hearing the sound of Mary’s greeting (Luke 1: 41-44).  Fill us anew with Holy Spirit joy.
    Joy is a choice, along with faith, hope and love—a choice enabled by the grace of God (diving enabling power).  I choose joy!
...through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… by faith into this grace… And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God… we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance character; and character, hope.  5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Rom 5:1-5).  Lord, help us rejoice even in suffering—growing by faith in His grace.
    Those who know pain, and embrace it, can understand true joy.  It is hard for us to comprehend the persevering desire of those who looked for Messiah to come.  Consider that in the face of her own suffering to come, Mary could rejoice, for all Israel waited in hope:  “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my savior.  48For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant… 52He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the low (Lk 1:46-52).  Lord, fill my soul and spirit with joy in You, regardless of the circumstances?
    Joy is brought to men through God’s News: I gave to Jerusalem a messenger of good tidings (Is 41:27).  God delights in using the poor, and outcasts as his witnesses (Lk 2:10).  How beautiful are feet bringing peace.
    Share his joy by sharing with someone this week, the Good News of God’s Kingdom, and heaven’s joy of new birth.  (Lk 15:7)   

                                 -PD
   

   

Angels we have heard:He shall come with heaven’s Angels

Angels we have heard: 

He shall come with heaven’s Angels

    The most angel activity recorded in history is around the birth of Christ.  Eight angel messages: to old and young, to Jew and Gentile.  In addition to other recorded events, we read that the Holy Spirit caused the baby John to leap in Elizabeth’s womb, in response to Mary’s greeting (Lk 1:41-44).  Then the Holy Spirit directed Simeon and Anna to the temple to see the newborn Messiah (Luke 2:26-35, 36-38).  Finally, we have the miraculous star guiding wise men from afar (Matt 2:1-2).

    In past revivals and current visitations, there have been reports of angel activity, along with dreams, visions, and miraculous signs.  In Muslim and native villages, appearances of Jesus and angels open peoples’ hearts to believe and obey.  The Bible says we are in the last days (Acts 2:17), even the last hour (I John 2:18).  People are excited about angels and revelations, but not necessarily about obedience.
    you should remember the predictions of the holy     prophets     and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your     apostles.  3First of all you must understand this, that scoffers     will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own     passions 4and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?”     RSV 2 Peter 3:2-4

    The issue for us is not whether we see angels or special signs, but that we prepare ourselves for his return, through the obedience of faith.
    So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will     come at an hour when you do not expect him.  45”Who then     is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in     charge of the servants in his household to give them their     food     at the proper time?  46It will be good for that servant whose     master finds him doing so when he returns.  NIV Matt 24:44-46

Read these angels’ appearances and be encouraged that Christ is coming again, with all the angels of heaven (Matt 13 and 2 Thess 2:17)
Lk 1:11-21 Gabriel to Zacharias, that he and Elizabeth would have a son who would be the forerunner of Messiah.
Lk 1:26-38 Gabriel to Mary, Elizabeth’s cousin, announcing she would be the mother of Jesus.
Mt 1:20-24 an angel of the Lord to Joseph, saying to fear not to marry Mary, “for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
Lk 2:9-15 an angel of the Lord to the shepherds, announcing Jesus’ birth
Mt 2:12 God warns the three wise men not to return to Herod.
Mt 2:13 an angel of the Lord warns Joseph to flee from Herod to Egypt.
Mt 2:19 an angel of the Lord tells Joseph in a dream, “return to Israel.”
Mt 2:22 God tells Joseph again in a dream, turn aside to Galilee instead of Judea

God still speaks today.  Angels watch and help wise men hear, worship and obey (Heb 1:7 and Psalm 104:4).

   

OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES OF MESSIAH AND THEIR FULFILLMENT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES OF MESSIAH AND THEIR FULFILLMENT 

IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

This fulfilled the prophet’s prediction… Matt 2:15

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem…  

Gal 4:4 NIV

    Each day this week I encourage you to read aloud from prophecies below, along with their fulfillment.  No other religion has the miracle of God’s Word.  Only the One, True, God of Gods, revealed His purposes through prophesy, then perfectly fulfilled them.  Faith comes by hearing the word.  Your faith will grow this Advent, as you believe, obey and fulfill the puposes of Messiah in your life.  In this way, we prepare for His second coming.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done.  Come, Lord Jesus.

Who:  Emmanuel, God with us—Is 7:14 & Lk 2:21
           Branch of Jesse: Gen 49:11; Is 11:1-2; Jer 23:15; Jn 15:1-2
    (Branch also means Nazarene, fulfilled in Matt 2:23)
           of the tribe of David: Ps 89:35; Lk 1:69, 2:11; Rev 22:16
           Lion of Judah, root of David: Gen 49:10 & Rev 5:5

Why:  He would come: Savior—Matt 1:21; Heb 2:9-17; and Lord,
bringing the kingdom of God Dan 7:13-14;
    Ps 110; Mt 4:17; Mt 28:18; Rev 5:10
    He would reign as Priest who saves: Zech 6:11-13;
    Heb 9:28; as Prophet bringing the Word of God:
    Deut 18:15; Matt 24; and King of Kings, Prince of Peace: 2 Sam 7:12; Is 9:6-7; Mt 2:2; Heb 7:15-17

What He would do: To fulfill the covenant: Gen 3:15, 12:3, 17:7;
    Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:12-13, 9:14-15
    “It is written of me in the Book”: Ps 40:6-7; Heb 10:7
   
Where from:  Bethlehem: Micah 5:2-4; Luke 2:4
    Egypt: Hosea 11:1; Mt 2:15
    Nazareth: Is 11:1; Mt 2:23

How born:  Is 7:14-16; Lk 1:26-35; Jn 1:14

When: John: Is 40:3-5; Lk 3:1-6; Simeon: Lk 2:25-30

With what signs: In sky: Zech 9:9; Num 24:17; Mt 2:2
    In manger: Is 7:14; Lk

The Forerunner

The Forerunner

He will turn the hearts of fathers to children, and the

disobedient, the incredulous, and unpersuadable to the knowledge and holy love of the will of God, to make ready a people for the Lord [perfectly] prepared [in spirit, adjusted and disposed and placed in the right moral state].

(Mal 4:5-6, Is 40:3 and Luke 1:17 AMP)

    This week read how John came preparing the way of the Lord.  Pray the fulfillment of this amazing promise above—the turning of hearts of fathers and children and unbelieving, in preparation for His second coming.  WOW!  What a prayer to pray!
    Who do you need to speak that promise over?  Does your heart need turned toward your children or toward your parents?  Are you praying for a prodigal?  Look how John
fulfilled the prophecies about him, and let your faith and hope be encouraged this week!

Who:  Elijah must come first.  Mal 4:5-6 & Lk 1:17, 76-79

About his birth:  filled with the Spirit in the womb.  Lk 1:15 & 41

What will he be like:
    - A hairy man with leather belt:  2 Kings 1:8 & Matt 3:4
   
    - Eating locusts:  Lev 11:22 & Mt 3:4

    - Where from:  the wilderness.  Is 40:3 & Lk 1:80 & 3:2

What message:  Repent for the kingdom of God is coming.
    Lk 3:7-14; 7:27

Messiah will purify with fire:  Mal 3:1-2, 4:1-2; & Lk 3:16-17

So that:  the glory of the Lord be revealed.  Is 40:5 & Jn 1:14

The end of the old and the coming of the kingdom:  “No prophet greater than John but the least in the kingdom is greater than him”  Luke 7:28

FORGIVENESS IS CENTRAL TO MAKE THE JESUS SHIFT

FORGIVENESS IS CENTRAL TO MAKE THE JESUS SHIFT

By Dwight Cunkle

Part eleven based on The Anger Trap by Dr. Les Carter

It shouldn’t take bone cancer to heal us
of relational cancer

     Like you, I have many memories of the agony of broken relationships which could have been avoided if we had chosen to learn how to practice assertive anger (truth in love). One example is the relational pain I had caused my sisters and I am sure my own parents by withdrawing from them, moving away, and being judgmental and self-righteous toward them. It was not until we shared the care of our father during his final weeks of battling painful bone cancer that I reconciled and began to feel close again to my sisters. In the days of dad’s lingering pain I felt the Lord say to me, “He is filling up the mystery of sharing in my suffering for my body.” His pain gave opportunity to heal our relational pain. But I had to make the “Jesus Shift” to acceptance and ask and receive forgiveness.

Anger and frustration comes in conflict not because we want to fight but because
we want closure and connection.

If your brother is offended at you go and try to make it right with him before trying to bring sacrifices to God (Mt 5:22-23) 

If your brother has sinned against you go to him privately and try to restore the relationship. (Mt 18:18-19)

      If we would just practice the two above Scriptures so much unnecessary pain could be avoided.

     Just as there are both healthy and unhealthy ways to express anger, there is also healthy and unhealthy guilt. Godly sorrow produces intense remorse over our sin and intense motivation to be forgiven and restored. This kind of agony is a gift of God’s mercy leading to true repentance.

     Bad guilt is condemning like shame. It leads us to turn inward but not deep enough-it only focuses on self. Narcissistic introspection won’t restore our soul anymore than blame and holding onto offense. Good guilt directs us to the cross and deep into the core of our spirit where Christ dwells. There He heals and restores.

     The peace which follows from this grace enables us to accept others, ask and give forgiveness. Especially in this season, may God grant us good guilt, reconciliation and peace.

PAIN ALSO SERVES A PURPOSE

PAIN ALSO SERVES A PURPOSE

By Dwight Cunkle

Part ten based on The Anger Trap by Dr. Les Carter

Last week we looked at “myths” that can cause unhealthy and anger-either hidden and passive or openly
aggressive.

Believing and demanding wrong ideals leads to disillusionment, vows like “I will never…” and bitter-root judgments which poison our interpretation of others.

“I need people to treat me fairly,” needs replaced with,“I can manage my anger despite others’ flaws.”
“Being forceful is a sign of strength,” can be replaced with “Gentleness and listening humbly show strength.”
“Accepting or showing weakness means defeat,” Can be replaced with, “Accepting mine and others’ weaknesses the maturity and emotional health I want.”

A key is to not build my self-esteem on what I think I deserve or what privileges to which I feel entitled. As we saw in this past election that always leads to anger and poor decisions. It is healthier to focus on my responsibilities which means I also need to face and accept pain. People who are often hurting others have probably not come to terms with their own inner agony.

Pain can have a redemptive purpose-protecting us from worse injury to ourselves and others.

The cross is the place for our pain since Jesus bore it. The cross is the place of exchange of our rights for his good.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Let pain bring you to Christ’s wounds. Come to Jesus’ side and ask healing from deep wounds. Ask grace to give and receive forgiveness.  Exchange life with Jesus.

SHIFTING OUR PARADIGM OF ANGER

SHIFTING OUR PARADIGM OF ANGER

By Dwight Cunkle

Part nine based on The Anger Trap by Dr. Les Carter

Anger has a positive purpose when not “hijacked” by fear, pride, denial or blame-shifting. This week we look at the power of choosing to face Reality that the world often is not what we want and is always beyond our ability to control. But we can choose how we respond, beginning with letting go of our illusions and shock when life and people are hard. As we accept pain and disappointment we can respond with truth and love. When we abide in God’s love we can choose to love others while speaking the truth to them.

Eph 4:25-27 ...each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

Signs of unrealistic expectations and demands of others:

I can’t believe….
Why cant you just…
I don’t understand why….

When statements like these are followed by a tendency to brood or act out in ways that are hurtful to those around us we can recognize that we have unrealistic demands on life

Two sources of anger from our past:
1. Chronic mistreatment or unresolved friction in our childhood. May influence us to look to the future with vows and illusions, “One of these days….”.
2. Some adults look back on childhood as almost perfect. Anxiety and frustration grow as they are unable to reproduce such perfection in their own home and lives.

Assertive anger uses firmness with calmness and gentleness. Facing reality and facing other people with respect means we choose to not keep score and not keep hold of an unrealistic sense of entitlement about how others and life should treat us.

Bottom line: we need to bring everything to the cross of Jesus Christ. Who is never shocked and sees the end from the beginning. His faithful love never fails.

WHY PEOPLE REMAIN TRAPPED IN ANGER

WHY PEOPLE REMAIN TRAPPED IN ANGER

By Dwight Cunkle

Part eight based on The Anger Trap by Dr. Les Carter


Eph 4:25-27 25 ...each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to answer the question of love and boundaries. The social outcast (Samaritan) had plenty of reason to avoid the stranger in the ditch. The religious persons in the story passed on by, but he was willing to be interrupted (he went near to the one in need and touched him). The Samaritan chose to get involved (inconvenience changed his plan). He personally invested his own resources without expectation of being paid back. He could have reacted with judgment and anger and self-protection but instead he modeled love. He extended his personal boundary to include a stranger from a group different than his own, and he acted in compassion. 

To be a good neighbor means to be free from prejudice, past hurts, and to be willing to allow God to open my heart to receive and to give His agape’ love.
Review from previous weeks:
Understand the positive purpose of anger.
Become aware of the choice to handle anger in a healthy or unhealthy way: assertiveness combined with sensitivity to others. Choose not to suppress anger, be openly aggressive or resort to passive-anger (silence, poor work ethic, complaining, making excuses, blaming others, feeling like a victim, feeling sorry for myself or shunning accountability.
How am I influenced by family patterns to treat me and others with respect or defensive reactions?
Become aware of insecurity, pride, self-absorption, fear of being disrespected or devalued as a person, and myths I may believe about anger.

The purpose of anger is to preserve or protect. Anger is tied to the craving for love, admiration and significance-sometimes it is a cry to be relieved from pain of insecurity, pride, self-absorption, fear.

WHY PEOPLE REMAIN TRAPPED IN ANGER

WHY PEOPLE REMAIN 

TRAPPED IN ANGER

By Dwight Cunkle

Part seven based on The Anger Trap by Dr. Les Carter

Review of the past six weeks: The purpose of anger is to preserve or protect. Anger is tied to the craving for love, admiration and significance-sometimes it is a cry to be relieved from pain of insecurity, pride, self-absorption, fear.

Anger is fear-based
This week we look at how fears of being devalued or disrespected prompt us to mishandle our anger. Three things will help us choose a healthy and positive way to respond:
Be objective: weigh facts with logic to make a reasoned response. Pause before reacting.
Then practice good listening to get all the facts  and avoid negative assumptions or interpretations about what other people might intend or may have been feeling.   
Believe that you are a person of worth, who cares about others, and by the help of God’s grace, can be a peacemaker and a protector of other’s personal worth and boundaries.

Avoid these when you feel threatened:
Pride and Denial: “know-it-all” or living in unreality, or “I can’t change”
Evasiveness: “I don’t care”, withdrawal, hiding
Reversal: deflection-”what about you?”, blaming others, whining about being a victim of circumstances

When we abide in God’s love we can choose to love others while speaking the truth to them. We believe the truth about ourselves-that we have value as a person created uniquely in God’s love. Then we can tell others how their choices may be affecting us and what our own choices are. We can choose to not be controlled by others, even if they mistreat us. And we can still be sensitive to their own unresolved pain and problems while maintaining healthy personal boundaries.

We can do all this by following the Great Commandment to love God and love our neighbor as our self.

Mismanaged Anger and the Pride of Self-Absorption

Mismanaged Anger and the 

Pride of Self-Absorption     

  

  by Pastor Dwight

Part six based on The Anger Trap by Dr Les Carter

Anger is tied to the craving for love, admiration and significance-sometimes it is 

a cry to be relieved from pain. To relate to others with respect or disrespect 

indicates the degree to which we are free from self-absorbed pride.

 Note the exalted “I” imprisoned here: prIde &  sIn 

“Positive Pride”: a parent or leader may feel pride in their children or team and express affirmation of their character.

The “Prison of Pride”: self-absorption is a prison of selfish, self-centered, insecurity, which often stems from unresolved hurts, pain or fears. These strongholds are protected by pride.
We become so inwardly focused that it isn’t just about persevering our needs but we can act smug, un-teachable, rudely, hurtful or mean. Our pride justifies our sinful way of mismanaging anger, instead of humbling ourselves and being assertive in a constructive way about our needs or feelings.

All of us need to Exchange Pride with Humility in Christ: If we say we have no denial or self-protection in us then we are in bigger trouble than we know. But if we admit our need for the mind of Christ (humility) He can help us choose to exchange our prideful ways of control and reaction with his own fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, etc…

Pride on display in Debates: Vice-President Joe Biden treated Paul Ryan with condescension, sarcasm and at times mean anger. President Obama in the first debate was sulky and avoided eye contact with Romney which also showed disrespect. Romney and Ryan don’t always act humble any more than you or I do. But it is easy to see why this administration have fomented division, class envy, blame, irresponsibility and anger. Wisdom and blessing are not present when leaders are filled with self-absorbing pride.

The strong person admits fault in order to improve. Humility is not a “milk-toast doormat.” Christ. acted with righteous anger which was helpful and attractive to the humble.

Freeing Yourself from Anger Rising from Insecurity (Part Five)

Freeing Yourself from Anger Rising from Insecurity (Part Five)

By Dwight Cunkle

based on The Anger Trap by Dr Les Carter

Anger can be understood as serving to preserve personal worth or value.

Emotional Dependency: An angry person may unconsciously be insecure about their own self-worth. All of us have some degree of emotional dependency. We are irritated when others ignore our directions or disrespect our wishes. We are never so detached from circumstances and persons that we never react to rudeness or complications. We all need and desire to feel loved and affirmed.

Love Deficit: Angry reactions reveal our desire to be held in higher regard. When we realize how much we depend on others to affirm our self worth we may not feel very
worthy. It is better to believe our own inborn worth in God’s image rather than be tied to achievement or performance. Worth is inherent whereas God’s love is unconditional.

Delicate Detachment: We can mentally separate ourselves from the judgment and behavior of others rather than taking everything personally. I can act upon my anger and retain my self worth while treating others with sensitivity when I realize their rudeness is probably revealing their own insecurity. My response can be that of a caring person rather than a person who
needs others to make me feel loved.

When I contemplate on God’s love for me, I am a person of worth treating others worthily.

Contemplate:
Who I am and want to be.
I must be willing to hold onto my separateness and my self worth as an individual. Then I can maintain my
composure, be assertive and calm in letting others know what is important to me while still treating them with dignity and love.

THINGS WE ARE LEARNING ABOUT ANGER (PART FOUR)

THINGS WE ARE LEARNING ABOUT ANGER (PART FOUR)

By Dwight Cunkle

based on The Anger Trap by Dr Les Carter

I Am free to choose how to handle my anger.

Once I’ve identified the purpose of anger (to preserve or protect) I recognize I have options how to handle my emotion. I can release myself from acting out of anger in a way that is hurtful to myself and others. I need to see that anger management is about responding appropriately when I feel controlled by others; namely, not trying to grab control myself in these three ways:
    1) Suppressing anger
    2) Acting aggressively
    3) Being passive aggressive. This is very manipulative through non-cooperation, stony silence, saying one thing and doing another, procrastinating, or giving a half-hearted effort.

The above unhealthy attempts to control the situation when I am angry goes beyond the effort to preserve legitimate needs and conviction. Now I am coercing others to fit my agenda through a power-play.

When I realize I have free will to choose healthy ways of responding I am free to let others take their own responsibility while I can be stable and have peace with my choices.

Some of my choices include the following:
1)    Take a time out
2)    Appeal that we talk again later
3)    Involve someone else in the conversation
4)    Choose to address my own needs and perceptions in a firm yet calm manner
5)    Let go of my own fixed agenda of how others should respond
6)    Recognize this is not a contest of wills. So repeating myself unnecessary.
7)    Most importantly, I can choose to forgive and let go of my anger.

BE ANGRY BUT DON’T SIN (PART THREE)

BE ANGRY BUT DON’T SIN (PART THREE)

 
By Dwight Cunkle

based on The Anger Trap by Dr Les Carter

The purpose of anger is to preserve or protect.

The problem with anger is that Sin enters when we act out angrily without respect or sensitivity to others. (Common sense dictates how we treat an intruder or enemy on the battlefield  but I am talking about normal day-today conflict resolution with people around us.)

Trained Incompetence—generational patterns of iniquity
Few people were trained how to handle anger and frustration in positive assertive ways during their childhood. Generational patterns of moodiness and self-protective reaction become entrenched like curses: “demolition derby arguing”, or passive aggressive behavior (“silent treatment” or “saying ‘Yes’ while meaning ‘No’,” procrastination, not finishing work, doing work without excellence, etc...).

Common excuses we use include: “that’s just the way I am,” or “if you had been treated the way I have…” or  there may be a physiological problem like a depletion of serotonin in the brain.The message many received is “just stop feeling that way,” instead of hearing, “tell me more about what happened and what might help.”

The model often was “do as I say not as I do.” We can tell a child their angry action was bad but are they imitating us whining, bickering or suppressing anger?

Then we grow up without being trained how to handle emotions: to slow down, listen, think and make careful choices in how to manage life’s challenges. We don’t realize that we actually need a “plan” beforehand about how to communicate and resolve problems. In most situations anger warrants careful exploration of cause and consequence but do we do it?

Contemplative Thinking:
No matter our age and experience we can choose to learn how to think differently about our feelings and make better choices., rather than just reacting on impulse and out-of-control. Then I can learn to discern the spirit-source/direction. 

Does my anger in this instant have a legitimate cause and do I have a way to communicate how I feel (not just attack)?

How can I respond in a way consistent with life goals, values and Jesus’ commands about relationships?

BE ANGRY BUT DON’T SIN (PART TWO)

BE ANGRY BUT DON’T SIN (PART TWO)

By Dwight Cunkle

based on The Anger Trap by Dr Les Carter

Can anger be productive when handled properly?
Yes, if while I am trying to preserve personal worth, needs and convictions I simultaneously uphold the dignity of the others involved.

We can communicate with a positive kind of assertiveness about our core values when we want others to take us seriously. The true nature of assertiveness is not so strong willed that others feel insignificant or invalidated.

A list of positive functions of anger include:

Standing firmly for right beliefs
Expressing caring concern about poor others’ choices made by others
Stipulating personal limits and boundaries
Establishing self-respect
Holding firmly to personal convictions even as others attempt mind controlling maneuvers
Addressing problems related to irresponsibility or misguided priorities
Being clear about personal needs
Demonstrating confidence and inviting others to consider your perspective
Setting your own course for each day’s challenges
Establishing discipline and coordination in shared efforts

If you are able to tie anger to constructive motives, it is no longer an ensnaring emotion. Instead, anger can become an impetus to propel you to stand for truth and take a proactive approach to conflict resolution.

TIPS FOR PRAYER AND MEDITATION

TIPS FOR PRAYER AND MEDITATION

By Dwight Cunkle

Things that might help in daily prayer and meditation: 
Consider reading the Scripture once the night before, then when you revisit it in the morning something may “pop.”
If needed briefly think about the historical and cultural context to whom the Scripture was addressed.
Keep it simple rather than feel like this is too hard because you may "not be getting anything." You have probably heard God and received from Him many times when reading the Scripture or just thinking (but perhaps not always recognizing when it was God speaking or directing).
Don’t think you have to get something every day. Trust Holy Spirit to reveal Christ’s specific word in you over time instead of feeling pressure to “get” something immediately every time.
You can revisit a previous day. Please avoid looking at other Scriptures during this specific 20-45 minutes. Trust God.
Think in terms of sowing and reaping-how that growth takes time. New ideas may come instantly. New ways of thinking require however long Holy Spirit needs to work in us.
It is said that it takes repetition of 18 days to exchange a new habit for an old one. BUT it takes six months to feel at home in the changes-like they are part of you-in other words to “abide in them.” Be patient with yourself and with God who works in you both to will and to do his good pleasure (Phil 2:13).

Create a daily habit/pattern as "a way that works":
1. Five days a week, 20-45 min daily, praying through the Scripture.  Start with what you are able to do.
2. Give thanks and ask God for the grace as you begin.
3. Think back prayerfully, in the morning or before going to bed. “Discern the spirits” in our thoughts and emotions.
4. Make some notes briefly of your thoughts or responses.
5. Practice consciousness of God during the day
When first waking up consciously learn to wake up mind and spirit. Grow in consciousness of God’s presence and your responses throughout the day. We won't be afraid to think because we become more aware God lives in us.

BE ANGRY BUT DON’T SIN (YEAH RIGHT!?!)

BE ANGRY BUT DON’T SIN 

(YEAH RIGHT!?!)

By Dwight Cunkle

(based on The Anger Trap by Dr Les Carter)

To abide in Jesus (live in the life of The Prince of Peace) and be his dwelling place I will probably have to deal with anger in both forms (healthy and unhealthy). Paul wrote "be angry but don't sin." I'm pretty good at the first part; Not So good at the second. Jesus shows us the right reasons for righteous anger and ways to respond. Selfishness was not one of them. Love can actually be a proper source for righteous anger.

Why is there so much anger? Because of so much Pain!
Types of pain include fear, insecurity and abuse. Other causes of anger include misunderstandings about spiritual and emotional maturity or what it means to be a man or what the true nature of authority is. People trapped in anger often try to exert control in order to meet their demands. If that sounds selfish it is, but remember that much unhealthy anger comes from unresolved pain not just selfishness.
Can angry people change?

If one of the "Sons of Thunder" could become the Apostle of Love (and we don't mean x's and o's) then there is the hope for us. Holy Spirit can uncover and resolve the sources and actions of anger which are harmful not only to ourselves but to those around us if we humble ourselves and ask grace to abide in his love. It’s a long process to learn when to both be angry and take proper actions, while abiding in the love of God.

?What? Be angry and be in God's love at same time?
Do I know I am loved unconditionally by God and have no need to protect myself from him and his will? That is the purpose of anger-to protect myself or others. Do I feel respected by God? Do I think that I have significance to God? Do I feel treated unfairly by God or think He handles others wrongly? Can I talk to God honestly about our relationship and be open to what He will say back to me? Then I am well on the way to handling anger in healthy ways; both my anger toward others and anger from others directed at me.
David handled anger without damaging his relationship with God. He was cautious to not react defensively toward those who mistreated him (like  Saul) but he also expressed his anger toward others like Saul's daughter, his wife. She didn't just disrespect him but the God he was worshipping by his "undignified dance".
So we see that David showed righteous anger toward the enemies of God like Goliath- he fought them. David loved God and knew he was loved by God. That is the source of learning how to be free from bad anger and yet respond rightly when anger is justified.

May God heal us from old wounds and fears and fill us with his  love. We also ask for the courage to speak and act for God's justice for the oppressed and enslaved (who are experiencing a kind of “hell on earth”) and God give us courage to witness and work in mercy and love for those He will save from eternal hell. Be angry and sin not.

JESUS NEEDS A FEW GOOD FOLKS TOO

JESUS NEEDS A FEW GOOD FOLKS TOO

By Richard Lineberry

Three military recruiters were speaking at a special gathering in a college campus. There were recruiters from the Army, Navy, and Marines. Each had been given ten minutes to make their pitch to hearers about how their respective branch of service would be the best for these adventurous young men and women. They had been warned to be faithful to their ten minute limit lest they cheat the others out of theirs.

Sure enough the Army and Navy guys both went over leaving only two minutes for the Marine recruiter to speak. Frustrated, he just sat there and looked at the crowd in silence for the first minute then stood up and said, “I doubt whether there are but two or three of you in this whole room who are cut out for the Marines but I want you to come talk to me after this is over.” As you might expect, when things were over the Marine recruiter was flooded with interested takers. Jesus knew that heroic commitment comes from a heroic dimension of the human heart.

Believe it or not, Jesus calls on that same deep area in us. If you make small demands of people, you get small commitments. Jesus, however, demands our all. With that challenge, church history is full of heroes of the faith, who, through God’s power, did marvelous things and changed their world.

To know that God wants my all strikes a chord in me that says, “How can I give less than everything?” That’s exactly what He gave for me with the giving of His Son.

As we enter into His presence this morning, let’s answer the call with all of our hearts. If we do, He will surprise us with great things!

Grace be to all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible. Ephesians 6:24

Release the Secret Weapon

RELEASE THE SECRET WEAPON

By Dwight Cunkle

In this dark world there is light giving hope in the midst of previously hidden fears and shame. Sean Larkin encouraged us as individuals and as a church to open the closet where we feel skeletons must exist.
But there is nothing there-only the lies, distortions and darkness of the enemy.
Our offenses lose their snare (toward individuals or the church as in discipleship or the faith movement etc), our failures lose their shame (we are accepted in the Beloved together), and our present weaknesses lose their sting (fear of being rejected if we confess our struggles).
How is this happening?
Ladies are sharing testimonies and men are confessing sins.

Love covers a multitude of sins. Confess your faults and pray for one another that you may be healed. If we walk in the light as he is in the light the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
They overcame the accuser by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto death.

God creates a safe place, a grace empowered place, and He becomes a healing stream if we continue to practice honest love one to another. This opens heaven and God releases us from closed ears and unseeing eyes of unbelief and dullness. We can hear His voice and be healed. We can change. Then signs and wonders and social transformation sill follow. The lost will be saved.

Enjoy this from the book Pirate Monks:
When we find the gospel to be true and we begin to wrestle with its implications, we are eventually forced to face our stubborn humanity and admit that we are still the walking wounded, broken yet perpetually healing. But there’s a problem. The problem is that contemporary Church culture requires us [too often] to give the appearance of victory. There are subjects that church people cannot talk about. There are activities that church people do not engage in. There are places we do not hang out, fantasies we don't entertain, computers that do not show images that are destructive, relationships that are not failing, abuses that are not stealing joy. In church, there is no darkness or shadow to speak of. In church we are allowed to talk about our past victories over sin but not the battles that are still under way. As a result, we promote a gospel of our own construction. This is not the gospel the New Testament talks about, the foundation strong enough to bear the weight of the world and the depravity of the redeemed. Ours is flimsy, too fragile to carry our failures. This gospel is unbelievable because it is only half a gospel.

“Bring the full weight of who you are into your relationships.” By this we mean that we are to bring every part of our story-- all of it -- into our conscious decision-making process, into the ways we talk, act, and love others. When we “show up” fully in our relationships, we give others the chance to know us, and we give them permission to be known.

Honest fellowship in Christ and trusted relationships releases the secret weapon of the blood of Christ and our testimony.

the “not so secret weapons” - spiritual disciplines
Abide in Christ and let his Words abide (live in continually).
Ask God’s help to examine thoughts-source and direction
Meet regularly for honest fellowship with a small group
Be accountable to grow in the mind of Christ (fruit of spirit)
Believe  for a release from negative agreements and mindsets
Put off the old self...Be made new in the spirit of your minds...put on the new self created after the likeness of God Eph 4:22-24

Our Teacher

OUR TEACHER

By Richard Lineberry

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. He will teach us to love the Word of God, to meditate on it and keep it. He will reveal the love of Christ to us so that we may love Him fervently and with a pure heart. Then we shall begin to see that a life in the love of Christ, even in the midst of our daily life and distractions is not only a possibility but a reality.
                                … Andrew Murray

The Holy Spirit is a person. He is not enthusiasm or emotions. He is not courage or energy. He is the personification of all that is good. He is a person the same as you are a person but not of material substance. He has individuality. He is one being and not another. He has a will and intelligence. He has hearing and knowledge. He has the ability to see and think. He can bear burdens, hear, speak, desire, grieve, rejoice. He is the Person that is putting Christ together in me.
                                … A. W. Tozer

No one would try to learn a foreign language or try to learn tight wire walking without a teacher. No one that studies a subject thoroughly refuses the wisdom of one who knows everything about the subject. The Holy Spirit is our expert on the Christian walk. Think of the millions of people He has already guided. He is the authorized one to interpret Scripture. He knows how to pray for our deepest needs. He knows the secrets of every heart. He gives God’s gifts to those who seek them. He reveals mysteries. He produces the fruit of love and God’s nature in us. We are His assignment, that is, to guide us into the fullness of Christ.

My prayer for us today is that we listen to Him and open our hearts and wills to his direction. If we say that we have trouble hearing, that is exactly what He needs to hear from us. He removes obstacles, clears our vision and equips us to see God’s doings in everything.

Margin or Marginless

“Let your life be a stepping stone to Christ and not a stumbling block.” 1 Cor. 8:13

“If what you do does not honor and glorify God, it’s a waste of time.” 1 Cor. 10:31

MARGIN OR MARGINLESS?
By: Rick Warren

“God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer… You’ve always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all.” Psalm 61:1, 3 (MSG)

A lot of people are on overload and headed for a crash. Consider these statistics:

·  People now sleep 2½ fewer hours each night than people did a hundred years ago.

·The average work week is longer now than it was in the 1960s.

·The average office worker has 36 hours of work piled up on his or her desk. It takes us three hours a week just to sort through it and find what we need.

·We spend eight months of our lives opening junk mail, two years of our lives playing phone tag with people, and five years waiting for people who are late for meetings.

At least in the U.S., we’re a piled-on, stretched-to-the limit society that is chronically rushed, chronically late, and chronically exhausted. Many of us feel like Job did when he said, “I have no peace! I have no quiet! I have no rest! And trouble keeps coming” (Job 3:26 GWT).

Overload comes when we have too much activity in our lives, too much change, too many choices, too much work, too much debt, too much media exposure.

We’re stressed by information overload; we’re stressed by accessibility overload – we’re connected all the time. Simply put, we’re stressed by the pace of life.

Is there a solution? Yes. The solution is to put some margin into your life. Margin is breathing room. It’s keeping a little reserve that you’re not using up. It’s not going from one meeting to the next to the next with no space in between.

Margin is the space between your load and your limit. But most of us are far more overloaded than we can handle, and there is no margin for error in our lives.

Dr. Richard Swenson, MD says this: “The conditions of modern day living devour margin. If you’re homeless we direct you to a shelter. If you’re penniless we offer you food stamps. If you’re breathless we connect you to oxygen. But if you’re marginless we give you one more thing to do. Marginless is being 30 minutes late to the doctor’s office because you were 20 minutes late getting out of the hairdresser because you were 10 minutes late dropping the children off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from a gas station and you forgot your purse. That’s marginless.

“Margin, on the other hand, is having breath at the top of the staircase, money at the end of the month, and sanity left over at the end of adolescence. Margin is grandma taking the baby for the afternoon. Margin is having a friend help carry the burden.

“Marginless is not having time to finish the book you’re reading on stress. Margin is having the time to read it twice. Marginless is our culture. Margin is counter-culture, having some space in your life and schedule. Marginless is the disease of our decade and margin is the cure.”

HERE’S A THOUGHT...

By Richard Lineberry

 

God is Lord Almighty, Omnipresent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, Provider and King of the Universe.

He is Father, Helper, Guardian, Guide, Beginning and End, Creator and Keeper of all things seen and unseen. Nothing has ever escaped His knowledge. He never has a new thought because He always knew everything.

He always was, is, and ever shall be. He is Unmoved, Unchangeable, Undefeated, and never Undone. He was pierced but eases the pain of others’ wounds. He was persecuted and bound yet He brings freedom. He was dead but authored life. He is risen from the dead and still gives power to those who are dying.

The world can’t understand Him and armies can‘t defeat Him. Leaders often ignore Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Nero couldn’t crush Him and the New Age can’t replace Him. There is no one like Him in heaven or upon earth. Kings, Prime Ministers and Presidents will ultimately bow to Him.

He is Light, Life, Holy, Righteous, Love, Mighty, Purity, Eternal. He is my comfort, peace, joy, Lord, Savior, and best friend. He knows me better than I know myself.

I serve Him because I want to. The bond between us is love, his burden is light and His goal for me is abundant life. He knows the future before it happens and gets me ready for it.

When I fall, He lifts me up. When I am lost, He is the Way. When I am confused, He is my wisdom. When I fail, He forgives me.

He will never leave or forsake me, never mislead or lie, forget me, overlook me and never belittle me. He is altogether lovely and does things beyond my wildest expectation. My Heavenly Father can whip the “god of this world” any time or any place. My God is in control and that means all is well with my soul.

WHAT IF THINGS GET WORSE?

By Richard Lineberry

An old story from my grade school years tells me of a man sitting in a dark room with his depression. He moans over his dilemmas but suddenly hears a voice saying, “Cheer up! Things could be worse!” So…… he cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse.

God always demonstrates unusual ways to get our attention and help us. We pray in a bad situation, and sometimes things do seem to get worse before they get better.

Setting a broken bone often hurts worse than the original break. Pulling out a splinter is no fun. A good surgeon knows he mustn’t be deterred from causing pain to his patient for he knows things won’t get better without causing some discomfort. He must look beyond symptoms and get to the root of the problem. To hurt more so you can stop hurting altogether just doesn’t seem like the easy way to alleviate pain and suffering. It is, however, part of life in this world.

When we suffer and ask God for help, He seems to walk with us for a while first. Then at the right time of hHs choosing, He begins to diagnose the problem and give us wisdom and power for relief. Perhaps God has something more in mind in such situations than we do. I think so.

Along the way, Jesus is building a bridge between us and Himself. He wants our total trust. Although uncomfortable at times, the Lord is with us and we can and do recover. This trust bridge is the most important thing we can have. God drives His will, His ways and His total concern across it during our darkest hours. Things sometimes seem to get worse before they get better. The darkest part of the night is just before the dawn.

My prayer for us is that the Lord’s healing and help be right on time for your situation today.

In Affliction and Trial

Selected excerpts from Abiding in Christ

By Andrew Murray

Every branch that bears fruit He prunes,

That it may bear more fruit.

John 15:2

“In each affliction we need to hear the voice of a messenger that encourages us to abide even closer...  Abide in Christ!  This is the Father’s object in sending the trial...  Through suffering the Father leads us to enter more deeply into the love of Christ.  It is an unspeakable  mercy that the Father comes with His affliction and makes the world around us dark and unattractive.  This leads us to feel more deeply our sinfulness, and for a time we lose our joy in what was becoming so threatening to our spiritual life.

Pray for grace to see in every trouble, small or great, the Father pointing you to Jesus and saying, “Abide in Him.”  Abide in Christ; in this way you will become particular of all the rich blessings God designed for you in the affliction… Your assurance of His unchangeable love will become stronger...the love in which, as sympathizing High Priest, He descended into all your sorrows.  Abide in Christ; for by conforming to your blessed Lord in His sufferings, a deeper experience of the reality and the tenderness of His love will be yours.

Say that now you have but one object in life: making known and conveying His wonderful love to others.  You will learn the art of forgetting self, and, even in affliction, using this separation from ordinary life to plead for the welfare of others.  When you see affliction coming, meet it in Christ; when it has come, feel that you are more in Christ that in the affliction, for He is closer to you than affliction can ever be; and when it is passing, still abide in Him.  Let the one thought of the Savior...become your time of choicest blessing...that He and you belong entirely to each other...that you are more completely satisfied with Him and more wholly given up to Him than ever before.

Delight yourself in the assurance that closer union with Him and more abundant fruit through Him are sure to be the results of trial.

Scripture to Pray for US 

and for us (church)

Abiding in God includes repentance:

Pray for our nation, for the church, for ourselves.

2 Chronicles 7:12-14 "Then the LORD appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people,  if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."   

"Behold the kindness and severity of God" (Rom 11:22). "It is Gods kindness and mercy that leads us to repentance" (Rom 4:2). "Lord have mercy on me" (Luke 18:13).

Is it difficult for us to humble ourselves and receive forgiveness or confess sin? Ask God for the grace we need grace each moment.

It is God's Grace working in us (not just an old experience but a present and ongoing effect in our lives and relationships that enables us to accept one another and ourselves in all our brokenness and sin and be transformed together.

For prayer and meditation:

1. We are watchmen for God and responsible to speak and warn the people He tells us are in danger: Ezekiel 3:16-21

Pray for those in authority that we may live godly peaceful lives and all men be saved 1 Timothy 2:1-8

2. We can follow these examples of Corporate and representative repentance by just reading these Scriptures: Daniel 9:3-19 and Nehemiah 1:4-11

3. Judgment can be averted. A famine was ended by the leader hearing God and making restitution for sin after seeking God 2 Sam 21:1-21.   So we pray and ask God to guide our leaders to do justice and mercy and humbly keep covenant. Judgment can at least be postponed by righteous leaders renewing covenant: 2 Kings 21:11-13 (read the whole story in ch 21 and 22).

4. Ezekiel 16:48-50; 59-63 although they were prideful and selfish the Lord kept covenant with Israel and atoned for all their sins. So it is not “IF GOD.” it is “IF MY PEOPLE”... God so loved the world he gave His Son, so He is well able to SAVE our nation.

-PD

The Beloved Disciple

By Richard Lineberry

The Four Gospels present Jesus from four different viewpoints.  Matthew was specifically writing to Jews.  Mark wrote for the Roman mindset.  Luke wrote for Gentiles (particularly Greeks).  John wrote to try to attract all of them. 

If you want theology, read Paul.  If you want the heart of Christianity, read John’s writings.  Before he met Jesus, he and his brother James were fishermen with their father, Zebedee.  Simon Peter was his long term partner.  Having a tender heart, John was evidently a little hot headed whereas Jesus called him and his brother “sons of thunder” because they wanted to call fire down from heaven upon the heads of some other men who were preaching about Jesus but weren’t a part of the main 12 disciples.

John was an extra loyal disciple and the only one who followed Jesus to the crucifixion where Jesus delegated the care of his own mother to John as He was about to return to heaven.  At the last supper, John is known for leaning on Jesus’ breast as they reclined at the table, thus signifying a deep desire within John for intimacy with the Lord.  John saw something about Jesus that many of the others seemed to miss.  He saw that the heart of the Lord’s mission to earth was the Father’s love for humanity.  John proceeded to reflect this understanding in writing five books which are included in our New Testament.  History tells us that when John was very old and people would gather to hear him talk that all he would say was, “Little children, love one another.”  That’s a great summation of the Christian life.

History tells us that John outlived all the other disciples and was the only one that didn’t die a martyr’s death.  It’s no wonder that the symbol the church has used to stand for John is the eagle.  It was a long hard road to travel from bad temper to a heart of tenderness.

“He that has the Son has life.”

The Beloved Apostle, I John 5:12

When Truth Comes

By Dr. Richard Lineberry

In the book, Well Intentioned Dragons, Marshall Shelley comments on the “dragon of personal criticism,” by saying we must pay attention to the criticism that is leveled towards us from time to time.  “Solitary shots should be ignored but when they come from several different directions, it’s time to pay attention.  If someone calls you a mule, ignore him.  If two people call you a mule, look for hoof prints.  If three people call you a mule, get a saddle.”

Proverbs 9:8 says “reprove a wise man and he will love you.”  It is, however, one of the ways God uses to improve us.  When truth first comes to us, it is often in a negative form because we really don’t see ourselves as others see us.  That’s the problem!  God speaks to us as we really are while we often try to act like someone we aren’t.  God speaks to me at the reality place, not the wishful place I think I occupy.

The hope of the Christian is to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit into the image of Christ.  That is a lifetime process, not a single experience.  There is lots of unraveling to do on the inside of us.  Remember the story of how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead?  As soon as he came out of his grave, Christ gave the order to remove the grave clothes.  When we give our lives to the Lord, He wants us to disassociate ourselves from everything that smacks of our old nature.  For that to happen, we must hear God’s Word and believe that what He says about us is true and trust that He will change us into new, different and better people.  A change in our thinking about God, ourselves and others is part of the program.  The ways we react to difficulties and fears change as we draw closer to the Savior.  Overall, the change is for the best.  From the Gospels, we see Christ’s life so much different than our own and usually wonder how we could ever be like Him.  We must remember that He has given us His Holy Spirit to bring glorious changes in us.  If we stay faithful, we become people equipped with heavenly resources for the best kind of life.  Let us not despise the correction that comes from the Lord.  Like a loving parent, He has better things for us. 

 

My prayer for us today is that God’s Spirit will bring healing and spiritual freedom that we may walk more closely with Him.

I believe in the Holy Ghost. 

(Words to Declare over us)

God makes us stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Cor 1:21-22)

As one of God's elect, I am a stranger to the world, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: grace and peace be ours in abundance (1Peter 1:1-3).

I believe in Holy Spirit, the Counselor, who when He comes, convicts the world (and me) of guilt, sin, righteousness and judgment (John 6:18-11)

I believe in Holy Spirit who dwells in me as a temple (1Cor 3:16) and who lives in me and is jealous over me. (James 4:5)

I believe in the Comforter, Counselor, Spirit of Truth, who guides us into all truth, who brings glory to Jesus by taking what is His and making it known to us. (John 16:15) He brings all things to remembrance that Jesus said, and gives me what to say when I testify (Matt 10:19-20).

I believe in the Holy Spirit who is the Anointing and abides in me and teaches me (1 John 2:20, 26), in whom we are baptized into Christ (1 Cor 12:) and are all made to drink of one Spirit (Eph 4:4).

I believe in the one Spirit of God who anoints me with power to do good and to heal in the name of Jesus (Acts 10:38).

I believe in Him who gives me life, leads me and because I have my mind set on the things of the Spirit I have life and peace (Rom 8:6-7)  and am renewed in my mind (Eph 4:24). I am filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:19) and power (Acts 1:8).

He quenches my thirst (Jn 7:37-39), prays in me for the saints according to the will of God (Rom 8:27-28), prophecies through me (1 Cor 14:1-3), gives me strength as I wait on the Lord, quickens my body, enlightens the eyes of my heart (Eph 1:17), gives me revelation from the Father, uses the Word of God as a Sword in my mouth (Eph 6:17) and gives me a NOW word that has proceeding application and power (Mt 4:4).

I am born of the Spirit (Gal 4:28), born from above (Jn 3:7).

I have received the Spirit by faith not by works (Gal 3:2) from Him who supplies the Spirit (Gal 3:5) and since I began in the Spirit (Gal 3:3) I can continue to live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:25) for God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts; so, I am no longer a slave but a Son (Gal 4:6-7) and His Spirit bears witness with my spirit that we are children of God. (Rom 8:15-17).

I believe in the Holy Spirit who bears in me spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

The Holy Spirit helps me walk in the spirit so I will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16) but I will be led by the Spirit (Gal 5:18).

I believe in the Holy Spirit who gives manifestations of grace through me as He wills, and I earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that I may prophesy to the building up of the body in love (1 Cor 14). I also ask Him and He gives through me by the same Spirit words of wisdom and knowledge, supernatural faith, healing and working of miracles, discerning of spirits, tongues and interpretation of tongues (1 Cor 12)

  

I Believe in Holy Spirit

Another day of memorial I 

think it proper to remember:

On June 1, 1865, Senator Charles Sumner commented on what is now considered the most famous speech by President Abraham Lincoln. In his eulogy on the slain president, he called it a "monumental act."  He said Lincoln was mistaken that "the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here."   Rather, the Bostonian remarked, "The world noted at once what he said, and will never cease to remember it. The battle itself was less important than the speech."

November 19, 1863, Gettysburg Address

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Tour overview

We went out both with joy and we sowed precious seed with tears.

WE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN!

-24 days

-9 travel days to eight locations in six states

-9 service days and sometimes in multiple locations at the same time since Kirkland MCs were with us three places

-17 ministry events in churches and schools plus one prayer walk in the red light district of Louisville.

We won't know how many lives were touched until we stand before Christ.  We know that some people told us they committed their lives to Christ because of previous visits so we believe others did this time as well.  Some confessed deep sins, others received healing and comfort from old hurts; some forgave others who had hurt them…

Everywhere people received prayers, words from God, at least one immediate physical healing. Several men and ladies took applications for MC and team members grew in faith, in boldness to testify and in ability to hear God's voice and follow his leading because they did nearly everywhere every time we ministered.

Some of the team went out as young students and now come home as emerging men and women of God. All of us matured in leadership, selfless love and service for God.

Another way we benefited was by renewing and developing relationships everywhere we went:

A feeling of being part of something much bigger than just our church or MC.

Strengthened relationships where we have been before: host homes, pastors, youth, and other Covenant Churches.

Deepening relationships with friends in the Kirkland MCs.

Some new Friends and some potential students.

We still have Paul Doherty’s Victory Fellowship in Little Rock, June 1-3

Then we work a MS Show in Orlando returning by Sat June 16.

Click here to read the blog about each tour stop.

Click here to see Kendra’a photo contest—many funny pictures and captions

Click here to see a variety of pics from various stops on tour.