Welcome Happy Advent (Four Weeks of Preparing)
Thanksgiving Casts Out the Stronghold of Familiarity
Today begins the four weeks of Advent, which means "to Come." Thanksgiving not only looks back on our history but helps prepare for God's presence to be manifested (incarnated) both among us and through us in the world. The Kingdom of heaven is begun - heaven is where God fully manifests his presence to bless. Joy to the world.... He comes to make his blessings known. His presence brings blessing which gives purpose and momentum in life. His purpose sharpens our spiritual focus the sharpened spiritual focus leads to accomplishment and that accomplishment leads to contentment and contentment must be expressed with Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is not only response but also a great weapon. As we give thanks for God’s grace in our nation and our personal history, we become even more thankful for looking ahead for God’s coming in new ways to us. God came again and again in American history bringing revival and awakening, and we need Him again-not to take us away but to restore. One of the ways we get ready for his coming is to use thanksgiving as a weapon against an enemy called Familiarity. Familiarity breeds contempt because we take one another and God for granted. It is a stronghold for demonic lies, division, sin and pain.
A stronghold is a thought that has a strong hold on your life. Thoughts are like seeds. If received and nurtured they produce fruit in our life after their own kind. Fear, self-pity, envy, resentment, etc… cannot produce love, joy, peace or righteousness. In this Year of Proper Planting we must block negative and familiar seeds that rob us of a full life in God’s presence.
Use the weapons of Thanksgiving to break down the strongholds of familiarity being thankful for God's history in saving us and our nation and looking ahead to God coming to us and giving us purpose and sharpened spiritual focus that will lead to new accomplishment vision and faith and hope for the coming year.
Although we live with mixture and imperfection of God incarnate in our weak, human condition, remember that “we have this treasure in jars of clay,” 2 Cor 4:7. In Matt 13:53-58 people devalued Jesus’ ministry because of familiarity, but when we honor God and one another we receive and give blessings. God have mercy on us and help us to be thankful and fruitful.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wilma’s Story
Break Wrong Agreements & Be Delivered
Wilma’s story
During the teaching about demons and agreements, my mind went back to when my husband Don was sick (nearly 8 1/2 years ago!) and how people prayed for him and he died anyway. My statement then was that my faith "was shaken." I still had some faith, but not like it was before. Little did I realize that the demons found a way to get "in" and have been working on my faith level ever since! I told someone once that I didn't have much faith and then went on to explain that there was no doubt God COULD do anything, I just wasn't sure if He WOULD. I really identified with the guy in the Bible who said, "I believe. Help my unbelief." This was brought out to me more when at Young At Heart group they asked for people with "faith for healing" to pray for someone. Well, my immediate thought was "I don't have any faith" so I didn't pray.
The other little agreement I unconsciously made with the devil was this: when Don died, Mother said one of the hardest things for her when my Daddy died was that she wasn't #1 in anyone's life anymore. So, I'm not #1 in anyone's life anymore - and haven't been for 8 1/2 years. You sort of take that for granted until it's not there anymore. You get used to someone "having your back" - no matter what. Now I feel vulnerable.
I also give thanks for the prayer last night for Gloria, Frances and me - that God is our Father and our Husband. He is all we need. I am #1 in His life! "My picture is on His refrigerator!" Isn't it incredible to think that each one of us is #1 in His life and that doesn't diminish our unique status one little bit!? Only God could do that. Hallelujah!
Today when I was praying at home, I felt the spirit of "faithlessness" leave - three big sighs - and then later the spirit of "loneliness" left - with some coughing. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to come in and fill all the empty places and spaces and I felt God told me the Holy Spirit was "moving in, sweeping out and taking over"! What a day this has been and what a difference I think it will make in my life!
Thank you for making me think, and thank you, Father, Son & Holy Spirit for bringing these things to my mind! Amen. The Creator of time and space, the Creator of the Universe knows me by name and loves me! And, in reverence and awe and thanksgiving, I bow before Him.
-Wilma
Wilma’s story
During the teaching about demons and agreements, my mind went back to when my husband Don was sick (nearly 8 1/2 years ago!) and how people prayed for him and he died anyway. My statement then was that my faith "was shaken." I still had some faith, but not like it was before. Little did I realize that the demons found a way to get "in" and have been working on my faith level ever since! I told someone once that I didn't have much faith and then went on to explain that there was no doubt God COULD do anything, I just wasn't sure if He WOULD. I really identified with the guy in the Bible who said, "I believe. Help my unbelief." This was brought out to me more when at Young At Heart group they asked for people with "faith for healing" to pray for someone. Well, my immediate thought was "I don't have any faith" so I didn't pray.
The other little agreement I unconsciously made with the devil was this: when Don died, Mother said one of the hardest things for her when my Daddy died was that she wasn't #1 in anyone's life anymore. So, I'm not #1 in anyone's life anymore - and haven't been for 8 1/2 years. You sort of take that for granted until it's not there anymore. You get used to someone "having your back" - no matter what. Now I feel vulnerable.
I also give thanks for the prayer last night for Gloria, Frances and me - that God is our Father and our Husband. He is all we need. I am #1 in His life! "My picture is on His refrigerator!" Isn't it incredible to think that each one of us is #1 in His life and that doesn't diminish our unique status one little bit!? Only God could do that. Hallelujah!
Today when I was praying at home, I felt the spirit of "faithlessness" leave - three big sighs - and then later the spirit of "loneliness" left - with some coughing. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to come in and fill all the empty places and spaces and I felt God told me the Holy Spirit was "moving in, sweeping out and taking over"! What a day this has been and what a difference I think it will make in my life!
Thank you for making me think, and thank you, Father, Son & Holy Spirit for bringing these things to my mind! Amen. The Creator of time and space, the Creator of the Universe knows me by name and loves me! And, in reverence and awe and thanksgiving, I bow before Him.
-Wilma
Saturday, November 13, 2010
“How to sow and reap with demons”
What if the devil offered a seminar on incarnating evil:
sinister like “How to sow and reap with demons?”
With all the pop interest in vampire stories and the occult, it almost sounds like it could be the title of a TV “reality” show.
Would Satan advertise like this? Learn how to build strongholds around pain and hurt. How to agree with harmful ideas and feelings. How to use blame as a defense. How to judge the motives of others’ hearts and think the worst about them. How to be controlled by present emotional hurts and past lie-based pain. How to avoid bringing these things into the light and from healing. How to hide the truth from yourself, others and even from Jesus.
On the other hand, we offer healing prayer encounters. On Saturday, Nov 19, we will be here at 9AM to do an hour teaching then pray one on one or a few people together to receive healing from present and old pain, lies and demons.
Present pain acts like a window through which we can become aware that some old experiences, hurts or memories need the healing presence of Jesus. As a good mechanic listens to the engine and looks under the hood, so we listen to our hearts and for what Jesus brings in exchange for the old lies of the accuser.
Here’s a fictional example: perhaps today I reacted with hurt and anger again because I feel no one values the work I do. As I pray, I realize I accepted this as a lie from the devil-that I am worthless. I recall that when I was growing up my father did not notice me or praise the work I did, but instead gave his approval to my older sibling. When I offered my hurt to Jesus, He spoke into my heart that He looks at me each day and enjoys the things I do and He loves me whether I do things as well as others or not. I felt his peace both now and in those memories.
But there is more. I am able to forgive my father. And as I ask God’s forgiveness for my anger I realize that besides the healing I also can now be delivered from the angry and jealous spirit which has oppressed me and so quickly would react.
Since I know what was the source of the anger, and I have been healed of the hurt, I remove the grounds for demons of anger and jealousy to torment me. And since the lie that I am worthless has been exchanged with Jesus’ own words of love and his pleasure in me I can command the spirit of anger and jealousy to leave and I can be more filled with the Holy Spirit.
sinister like “How to sow and reap with demons?”
With all the pop interest in vampire stories and the occult, it almost sounds like it could be the title of a TV “reality” show.
Would Satan advertise like this? Learn how to build strongholds around pain and hurt. How to agree with harmful ideas and feelings. How to use blame as a defense. How to judge the motives of others’ hearts and think the worst about them. How to be controlled by present emotional hurts and past lie-based pain. How to avoid bringing these things into the light and from healing. How to hide the truth from yourself, others and even from Jesus.
On the other hand, we offer healing prayer encounters. On Saturday, Nov 19, we will be here at 9AM to do an hour teaching then pray one on one or a few people together to receive healing from present and old pain, lies and demons.
Present pain acts like a window through which we can become aware that some old experiences, hurts or memories need the healing presence of Jesus. As a good mechanic listens to the engine and looks under the hood, so we listen to our hearts and for what Jesus brings in exchange for the old lies of the accuser.
Here’s a fictional example: perhaps today I reacted with hurt and anger again because I feel no one values the work I do. As I pray, I realize I accepted this as a lie from the devil-that I am worthless. I recall that when I was growing up my father did not notice me or praise the work I did, but instead gave his approval to my older sibling. When I offered my hurt to Jesus, He spoke into my heart that He looks at me each day and enjoys the things I do and He loves me whether I do things as well as others or not. I felt his peace both now and in those memories.
But there is more. I am able to forgive my father. And as I ask God’s forgiveness for my anger I realize that besides the healing I also can now be delivered from the angry and jealous spirit which has oppressed me and so quickly would react.
Since I know what was the source of the anger, and I have been healed of the hurt, I remove the grounds for demons of anger and jealousy to torment me. And since the lie that I am worthless has been exchanged with Jesus’ own words of love and his pleasure in me I can command the spirit of anger and jealousy to leave and I can be more filled with the Holy Spirit.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Practice values that Build Community and Transform Neighborhoods
Practice values that Build Community and
Transform Neighborhoods
Awakening in our day; Reformation in our lifetime
Enter into Christ’s suffering in the world to redeem the world. Don’t protest and criticize as an outsider. Be leaven; serve in love, bring change from inside out.
Is it going to rain?
If so we need to build ‘Arks’ in our neighborhoods .
1. Make friends in neighborhood (Lk 16)
2. Deepening love –keep the unity in the Spirit (Eph 4).
3. Personal House in order and good stewards together (remove debt, learn how to barter, have emergency savings and food stocks, be proactive in discipleship and committed relationships not just friendships).
4. Humbly repent and ask God’s grace and miraculous power be demonstrated over evil all around and in us.
5. Encounter God’s love and receive healing prayers.
6. Paradigm Shifts: Move from “my church” to the church. From going to be in church to being on mission wherever we go. From koinonia (fellowship among us) to ekklesia (called to represent God and His kingdom in earth). From fear and apathy to bringing hope. Christ is victoriously resurrected. We work for a good future. This pivotal moment in history is our opportunity.
7. “Big Mo” - build positive momentum: disagree with negativity and familiarity. Replace them by looking for the good and praising it. Bring change from inside out. Show honor to what/who is honorable rather than just criticizing what/who is imperfect. Be a peacemaker and problem solver—salt and light in the world.
8. Persevere in prayer and service: It takes 5x as much energy to make steam as to get to the boiling point so don’t quit.
9. Become a worshiper-sing and speak God’s Word: Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree of the Lord. Jesus said to pray like this: “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven.”
Transform Neighborhoods
Awakening in our day; Reformation in our lifetime
Enter into Christ’s suffering in the world to redeem the world. Don’t protest and criticize as an outsider. Be leaven; serve in love, bring change from inside out.
Is it going to rain?
If so we need to build ‘Arks’ in our neighborhoods .
1. Make friends in neighborhood (Lk 16)
2. Deepening love –keep the unity in the Spirit (Eph 4).
3. Personal House in order and good stewards together (remove debt, learn how to barter, have emergency savings and food stocks, be proactive in discipleship and committed relationships not just friendships).
4. Humbly repent and ask God’s grace and miraculous power be demonstrated over evil all around and in us.
5. Encounter God’s love and receive healing prayers.
6. Paradigm Shifts: Move from “my church” to the church. From going to be in church to being on mission wherever we go. From koinonia (fellowship among us) to ekklesia (called to represent God and His kingdom in earth). From fear and apathy to bringing hope. Christ is victoriously resurrected. We work for a good future. This pivotal moment in history is our opportunity.
7. “Big Mo” - build positive momentum: disagree with negativity and familiarity. Replace them by looking for the good and praising it. Bring change from inside out. Show honor to what/who is honorable rather than just criticizing what/who is imperfect. Be a peacemaker and problem solver—salt and light in the world.
8. Persevere in prayer and service: It takes 5x as much energy to make steam as to get to the boiling point so don’t quit.
9. Become a worshiper-sing and speak God’s Word: Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree of the Lord. Jesus said to pray like this: “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven.”
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Humble See the Humble: Take it to the Streets
The Humble See the Humble: Take it to the Streets
In Luke 14, Jesus went to a Pharisees’ home to eat. After observing them he told three dinner stories which surely gave them indigestion. “Don’t take best seats for yourself. Don’t invite people for what they will return to you. Don’t invite the proud and full who will make excuses for why they don’t respond. But go to people in need, humble and hungry."
If our group, our heart, our garden seems closed, Jesus gave us the antidotes: humble ourselves until we see and connect with the humble and needy. Go give to new people without thought of what they will give you back. Best way to work up an appetite is to do some hard work. Exchange mercy and love for judgment and negativity.
Jesus was a street preacher. Most of what we celebrate in church didn’t happen in church. He was interacting with people where the conditions of need and hunger were present. He even called his disciples from where they were working not attending.
To reach new people we have to meet new people. Otherwise we start noticing negative things about the same people around us (familiarity breeds contempt) instead of getting with people who don’t have what we all have. Then they are interesting to us and we are of interest to them. HUNGER
To refresh appreciation for what you have, go share with someone who doesn’t have it instead of comparing your knowledge with people who all seem to have the same thing.
Luke 14:21-23 Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' 22And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' 23And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.
All Saints Day: remember Christian martyrs. Pray for the persecuted church. Remember those in prison as if it was you. Pray for those on mission. Be on mission by living the Incarnation of Jesus Christ among those who need to see the Word made flesh.
In Luke 14, Jesus went to a Pharisees’ home to eat. After observing them he told three dinner stories which surely gave them indigestion. “Don’t take best seats for yourself. Don’t invite people for what they will return to you. Don’t invite the proud and full who will make excuses for why they don’t respond. But go to people in need, humble and hungry."
If our group, our heart, our garden seems closed, Jesus gave us the antidotes: humble ourselves until we see and connect with the humble and needy. Go give to new people without thought of what they will give you back. Best way to work up an appetite is to do some hard work. Exchange mercy and love for judgment and negativity.
Jesus was a street preacher. Most of what we celebrate in church didn’t happen in church. He was interacting with people where the conditions of need and hunger were present. He even called his disciples from where they were working not attending.
To reach new people we have to meet new people. Otherwise we start noticing negative things about the same people around us (familiarity breeds contempt) instead of getting with people who don’t have what we all have. Then they are interesting to us and we are of interest to them. HUNGER
To refresh appreciation for what you have, go share with someone who doesn’t have it instead of comparing your knowledge with people who all seem to have the same thing.
Luke 14:21-23 Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' 22And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' 23And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.
All Saints Day: remember Christian martyrs. Pray for the persecuted church. Remember those in prison as if it was you. Pray for those on mission. Be on mission by living the Incarnation of Jesus Christ among those who need to see the Word made flesh.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Jesus: Prince of Peace By Richard Lineberry
Jesus: Prince of Peace
By Richard Lineberry
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
Jesus, John 14:27
Peace might mean different things to different people: a sleeping infant, absence of war, etc. To the original hearers, it meant shalom, i.e., peace, salvation and well being. Peace from God doesn’t just concern the outside world, but has everything to do with the heart.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, wasn’t over reactive to outer circumstances. He wasn’t anxious at the sight of 50,000 hungry people before Him. He slept though a storm. His trials didn’t intimidate Him for the secret of His peace was His relationship with the heavenly Father.
There are two kinds of peace. There is “peace with God” which comes when one receives the new spiritual rebirth. When our sins are forgiven, the hostility between us and God vanishes. Then we know Him as our loving, caring Father who wants the best for us.
Then there is the “peace of God.” This is the result of spiritual growth and embracing of Christ’s rule over our minds. Finding rest for our souls is the result of “taking His yoke upon us” (Matt. 11:28-29). Prov. 16:7 tells us that “when a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with him.” God drives back the powers of unrest and disturbance when our minds are stayed upon Him.
Peace of heart and mind are byproducts of learning obedience to God and His Word. Anxieties and fears as well as many illnesses are the result of undisciplined lives that dwell only on the fears this world continually set before us.
My prayer for you today is that God will give you peace in everything that you are carrying. As we worship and experience His Spirit, simply let Him be the object of your affection. Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you. Let His peace rule your heart.
By Richard Lineberry
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
Jesus, John 14:27
Peace might mean different things to different people: a sleeping infant, absence of war, etc. To the original hearers, it meant shalom, i.e., peace, salvation and well being. Peace from God doesn’t just concern the outside world, but has everything to do with the heart.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, wasn’t over reactive to outer circumstances. He wasn’t anxious at the sight of 50,000 hungry people before Him. He slept though a storm. His trials didn’t intimidate Him for the secret of His peace was His relationship with the heavenly Father.
There are two kinds of peace. There is “peace with God” which comes when one receives the new spiritual rebirth. When our sins are forgiven, the hostility between us and God vanishes. Then we know Him as our loving, caring Father who wants the best for us.
Then there is the “peace of God.” This is the result of spiritual growth and embracing of Christ’s rule over our minds. Finding rest for our souls is the result of “taking His yoke upon us” (Matt. 11:28-29). Prov. 16:7 tells us that “when a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with him.” God drives back the powers of unrest and disturbance when our minds are stayed upon Him.
Peace of heart and mind are byproducts of learning obedience to God and His Word. Anxieties and fears as well as many illnesses are the result of undisciplined lives that dwell only on the fears this world continually set before us.
My prayer for you today is that God will give you peace in everything that you are carrying. As we worship and experience His Spirit, simply let Him be the object of your affection. Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you. Let His peace rule your heart.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Testimonies and Exhortations
Testimonies and Exhortations
Gloria Bohn received an “all clear” from the Dr on her heart one year after her heart surgery.
Glen and Dorla’s granddaughter is cancer free.
Dick and Karen are doing well following their surgery.
Wilma has this testimony of God bringing healing deliverance: As I was praying about various things, and feeling SO TIRED of making all the decisions(!!!) (widows know what I mean!), I started coughing - and then felt relieved. The Lord told me the spirits (see, no capital "s"!) of dread, indecision and loneliness had been kicked out! PTL! My prayer was then, "Thank you, Lord and come in Holy Spirit, fill me with Your love and everything I need! Isn't that wonderful that God can deal with us one-on-one! This has happened before and probably will again one day. - Wilma Cabaniss
From Attractional to Incarnational
Glen Beaty took Gary Cake’s story and exhortation and did it: he joined a group of remote controlled car racers and is potentially building relationships for the kingdom.
Below are a few of the various words and prayers last Sunday confirming that we are on track with God as we pray for our neighbors and seek to build relational bridges into the kingdom as we love and serve them.
Ryan received this word last Sunday about us bringing life:
If we are the Body of Christ and in this neighborhood we are the heart, then what are the people and places surrounding this place? They are the other body parts. And the job of the heart is to give life to the other body parts. And that is our job as the heart, to bring life to the people around us, and it is also our job from Jesus Christ.
- Ryan Ellis
Tim Cunkle had a word that the front door was not for the kingdom to come in to us, but us to go out to bring the kingdom.
What are you hearing and how are you praying?
Gloria Bohn received an “all clear” from the Dr on her heart one year after her heart surgery.
Glen and Dorla’s granddaughter is cancer free.
Dick and Karen are doing well following their surgery.
Wilma has this testimony of God bringing healing deliverance: As I was praying about various things, and feeling SO TIRED of making all the decisions(!!!) (widows know what I mean!), I started coughing - and then felt relieved. The Lord told me the spirits (see, no capital "s"!) of dread, indecision and loneliness had been kicked out! PTL! My prayer was then, "Thank you, Lord and come in Holy Spirit, fill me with Your love and everything I need! Isn't that wonderful that God can deal with us one-on-one! This has happened before and probably will again one day. - Wilma Cabaniss
From Attractional to Incarnational
Glen Beaty took Gary Cake’s story and exhortation and did it: he joined a group of remote controlled car racers and is potentially building relationships for the kingdom.
Below are a few of the various words and prayers last Sunday confirming that we are on track with God as we pray for our neighbors and seek to build relational bridges into the kingdom as we love and serve them.
Ryan received this word last Sunday about us bringing life:
If we are the Body of Christ and in this neighborhood we are the heart, then what are the people and places surrounding this place? They are the other body parts. And the job of the heart is to give life to the other body parts. And that is our job as the heart, to bring life to the people around us, and it is also our job from Jesus Christ.
- Ryan Ellis
Tim Cunkle had a word that the front door was not for the kingdom to come in to us, but us to go out to bring the kingdom.
What are you hearing and how are you praying?
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