A message from the land where the giants dwell.  By Wayne Newcomb
Before we begin ask yourself, ‘what is your perception of your life and your circumstances?’ In Numbers Chapters 13 and 14 we find an excellent scriptural passage revealing much about how we can approach what is and will be in our lives. I encourage you to read it when you have time to meditate on it. For now let’s look briefly at a few key points. The three words that mark these points are, chosen, blessed and accountable. First, you see God choosing the twelve to go and do His work. What an honor to represent God’s people in exploring the Promised Land. Second, the assignment was pleasant and full of rewards. Look at the size of its fruit and the abundance it held for them. They had the blessing to see before everyone else all that God had prepared for them. Third, they were accountable to tell the people what wondrous things God had waiting for them. If you could send someone else ahead to see your circumstances in the days ahead, what report would they return with? God’s Word promises a future with hope because of His care for you in Jer 29:11. The places that God intends to be full of blessings and great bounty are also the places the giants want to settle into, so that they might steal what God has for you. These giants want to dwell in your places of blessing and fulfillment. You must be like the two spies who brought back the good report and have faith that God has a future of blessing and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him for His strategy to take what is promised to them. There is an old song we used to sing in the church which had this phrase in it, “Whose report will you believe?” There is an interesting passage toward the end of Joshua’s life in which he says that God did not drive out all of the inhabitance of the land so that they might learn to do battle. Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan; 2 only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly). (Judges 3:1-3) NASU Your circumstances are waiting for you to encounter them. You can encounter them through faith as the promises of God fulfilled or through fear as great trials to face without hope of success. You will not escape battle, but you will take the land if you trust His promises and seek His strategy for each battle. There is a message coming from the land of the giants, but whose report will you believe? Say it with me, ‘I will believe the Report of the Lord’!
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The Eye of the Needle An Urgent Word for the Church Today
Matt 19:24-26
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go into the kingdom of heaven.
25 When the disciples heard this, they were utterly puzzled (astonished, bewildered), saying, Who then can be saved [from eternal death]?
26 But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God. [Gen 18:14; Job 42:2.] Amp
Jesus speaks a shocking Word.
In order for us to understand its weight and truth today we must look a little deeper. In the Old Testament times a person who had wealth was seen as blessed and favored of God. This adds to the shock value of the passage. Jesus is saying that even those who are seen as favored and blessed of God will not be able to make it into the kingdom unless they lay down their status, wealth, power and humble themselves or literally strip themselves of these.
A prophetic Word from the Lord for His Church Today
The Lord brought this passage to me in prayer recently. As I studied and sought the Lord about this He spoke clearly that we have entered a season as His people in which this passage applies to us all. Specifically this is referring to those in ministry and their ministries. Our gifts, anointing, influence, education and titles or position are not enough to take us into this new season. It is required of us that we lay down all of these things and that like the camel pictured in the illustration lower or humble (get on our knees) ourselves so that we might make it by the Lord’s power as He pulls us through the narrow opening into the Kingdom work He is calling us into in this hour.
What God will do as we move forward will be impossible for man or woman to accomplish but as the passage states all things are possible with God. The Blessings, favor, fame and status which you and your ministry now enjoy are like a vapor or mist in the coming storm. They will not survive outside the gate. The only way in is the Eye of the Needle. Those who humble themselves before the Lord and not just posture humility for others to see will prosper in the fulfilling of the Lord’s purposes.
Phrases like ‘new levels new devils’ will pale in comparison to the opposition we will face and the miraculous level of provision we will experience in fulfillment of the purposes of the Lord. We can rest and be at peace in God as we see the measure of His overcoming which will be manifested as it will be far greater than the enemies’ fierce and fiery storm.
Background study
How can a camel pass through the eye of a needle? There have been scholars who have refused the validity of the explanation that has been given; but whether or not the detail is true in the field of architecture, it is true in the field of theology. The city gates were closed at sunset, and beside the great gates there were small gates which, it is said by some, were called the needle's eyes. If at the close of day the great gates were closed, and a shepherd and his flock came shortly afterwards, he could turn
aside from the main way and easily enter the city by the small gate nearby, the gate called needle's eye. But if a caravan of a rich merchant came after the gate was closed, the camel upon which he rode had to be maneuvered through the gate also. To think of the man's riding through the gate in stately pride is out of the question. If he had come earlier, he would have ridden his beast with high disdain, and flipped a coin to a cringing beggar. But now the camel must be brought to its knees. The rider must dismount and walk through the gate like any lowly peasant. The camel, kneeling on a carpet, will be dragged through the gate, the frightened animal barely squeezing through.
This is the position of every man before God. The way of entry by works has been closed. The righteousness of God has barred the gates of pride. No man will enter into Heaven with the rich doings of his own life, and with the disdain and hauteur that accompany human pride. There will be no pride in Heaven except the proper pride of God, who alone is perfect, and who can alone rejoice in His own being because there is no lack in Him whatsoever.
(From Romans: Expositions of Bible Doctrines © 1966 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. All rights reserved.)
God says you are able.
God Calls your name today and He says, “You are able to lay down all things that would allow pride and self-righteousness to hinder you from entering into the fulfillment of His Kingdom purposes for the days ahead. Notice in the background study how the camel is even provided a carpet for his knees, even so God will provide provision and comfort even as we are taken through the Eye of the Needle!
The Time is Now!
So, I encourage you to seek the Lord with fasting and prayer to discover what you must do to get ready for Him to pull you through ‘The Eye of The Needle’ that You will be useful in fulfilling His plans in the days which are upon us. Do not get stuck outside of the blessings and wondrous unfolding of His purposes that lay ahead of us.
Copy write © 2011 Wayne Newcomb
Artwork from http://www.biblepicturegallery.com/Bible
Nursing and Rehearsing the Hurts of the Past
Nursing and Rehearsing the Past or Walking in the Wonder of New Life in God?
When we nurse and rehearse the disappointments and hurts of our past we miss what God has for us today. If we, like the man in the Gospels who had been forgiven much by the king are unwilling to forgive those who have hurt or disappointed us and who owe us comparatively little compared to what God forgave us, we are in danger of losing the very freedom Christ died for.
Matt 18: 21-35 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? 22 Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.23 Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.26 The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me' he demanded.29 His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'30 But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.32 Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart. NIV
All of us experience hurt, disappointment and pain at the hands or because of the mouths of people who are acting out of the best intentions. These people may be passionately serving God and due to their own character weakness or lack of wisdom and understanding disappoint or hurt us.
Sometimes the more passionate ones are the most harmful because they act with great force to do what is right. Although we do not want to stifle passion we do want to temper it with wisdom and Godly compassion. I Corinthians 13:4-7 states that love keeps no record of wrongs.4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.NIV
The next time you get to talk to someone or a group of people ask them if they enjoy being around people who are angry, complaining and bitter all of the time. Most people will say NO. Psalm 1:1-2 tells us about the person who sat in the seat of the scornful, Blessed is the manWho walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. NKJV
This was a person who sat at the gate of the city and rehearsed to everyone who would come by his plight. They would nurse their wound by telling everyone how they were wronged and by doing this to gain favor so that their cause would be supported and they would be judged innocent and the one with whom they had complaint would have to act to make things right.When we were transferred out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of the son of God's love Col 1:13-14 we had the penalty and the shame of sin removed from us.13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins NIV
When we refuse to forgive others we sit in the seat of the scornful and bring our lives back into darkness because we shut ourselves off from God's life giving Spirit when we cling to the filthy rags of someone's sin against us. We cannot cling to death and darkness and walk in the light and life God want us to each day.
Today God has given you a wonderful opportunity to live for Him in freedom and experiencing the fullness of His love for you.I am not saying this is easy or that it might not take time and hard work, but we have a choice to make.Are you ready to become to forgive, let go and move onto the life that God desires for you or are you going to rehearse your story and nurse your wounds for all to see that you are unwilling to move on to the new things God has waiting?
Rejecting God's love will not resolve your issues. He is waiting for you to forgive as you have been forgiven!
Receiving the Prophetic Word
During any fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit and period of New Wine outpouring the gifts of the Spirit and the Five-fold ministry are given fresh to God’s people. It is necessary for those in leadership to train God’s people Biblical principles and practices for receiving and processing Prophetic words given them by those who operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Below are listed several principles which should bring forth God’s intended purpose and fruit from the application of the word given through the prophet or the gift of prophecy. Our goal should be to clearly hear, understand and apply the word to our lives as seen in these three words, Revelation, Interpretation, and Application.
1. What was the prophetic Word (Revelation)
2. What does it mean (Interpretation)
3. How should I apply it? (Application)
What was the word spoken or demonstrated or pictured? It is so important to get this part right. This is where a tape recording, detailed notes, a picture or video come in handy. How shall they run unless the message is clear?
Hab 2:2-3 Then the LORD answered me and said, Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.3 "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay. NASU
If the person receiving the message does not get a clear understanding of what the message is then they cannot ‘run’ with it. They cannot gain a true understanding nor can they apply it as God would have them to. If the word is not recorded in some way the intended target of the word should seek out the speaker or giver of the word. If that is not possible they should seek out these who were nearby when it was given. If none of these are possible they must seek God carefully before proceeding any further.
There are two examples in scripture I would like to point out of principles regarding a message or word given to God’s people. In Luke 2:19, Mary carefully hid the words of the angel in her heart. In Acts 17:11, It says ‘The believers in Berea gladly received Paul’s preaching and then carefully read the scriptures to see if the things he said were true.’
What does the prophetic word or message mean? To determine the meaning of a prophetic message or word from the Lord we should first seek to see if the scriptures agree with that which were spoken when the messages was given. Looking at several translations, looking up the Greek or Hebrew word meanings is also useful. Examining the Biblical context of the original message is also useful. Sometime the prophetic massager may be sought out to see if they have additional insight into the meaning. Seeking out experienced and mature leaders or believers who move in the Spirit may also help. Here is where we want to include those we are in covenant with and that we trust. Our spouses, mature believing friends and other wise spiritual leaders should be included. We should be asking how the word or message fits with what God is already doing or the direction He has already given us in the past. In Luke 24:32 the disciples talked with each other about the effect of Jesus speaking to them on the road to Emmaus.
How do I apply this word? Application of the word or message is the final part of the equation or process of receiving a prophetic Word. If we seek to apply a Prophetic word without a clear understanding of it and then do not seek the Biblical Interpretation of it we will be unable to accurately apply it. Often people receive a word and immediately seek to act on it. THIS IS DANGEROUS.
One part of the process of applying a prophetic word is the examination of our own heart. A clean heart and right motive are necessary. This along with seeking wise council and understanding the Biblical truth related to the word helps to insure that the word is applied wisely.
There are additional elements of applying a prophetic word. This is the when, where, how etc. Every phase of this process must be bathed in prayer and soaked in the presence of God. A Word from God never contradicts the Bible. God is not a God of confusion and therefore does not contradict Himself. We do not need to kneel and pray about committing a sin or doing something we know is wrong as we already have God’s Word, the Bible, to tell us what is right and wrong. God would not have us violate one covenant He has given us to obey another.
If we are not willing to go through this process the enemy can use what God intended to be a blessing, encouragement and His leading into a detour away from what God would desire for us. Our own motives must be examined and we must continually be humble before God as we seek Him at these times.
There is however no need to fear, or anxious. If we are willing to hear and willing to wait on God’s timing and direction at each step then the prophetic word or message can be a part of God’s working in our lives.
This is not an exhaustive examination of the process of Receiving of a Prophetic Word but should help you as you seek to understand the process of Receiving a Prophetic Word.
Arsenal Books also has: Receiving the Word of the Lord: Bringing Life to Your Prophetic Word at www.arsenalbooks.com along with many other good books on the prophetic such as Prophets and Personal Prophecy: God's Prophetic Voice Today by Dr Bill Hamon.
(c) Copywrite, Wayne Newcomb 2011
Looking Beyond the Manifestation of His Presence
Many people are attracted to the results of God at work. It might be His heart, His power, His majesty, His mercy and goodness or His glory, that attracts them, but what they see is the results of God’s presence. It might be in an individual, a group, a city or a nation but people are attracted to the results of God’s impact on His creation.
In the midst of, or at the time of His working, or the time of His visitation or outpouring people are attracted to the evidence or manifestation of His presence. These times of God’s interacting with people are recorded in the Bible and throughout history. Often they are the catalyst for a fresh move of God, a revival of His work among people, or even a great awakening which changes the course of a nation or history throughout the earth.
During these seasons or times it is easy for us to focus on the manifestation of His presence. The focus may be on His holiness or our lack thereof. The focus may be on His power or majesty, etc. In these seasons people attempt to understand and communicate God’s interaction with them in ways that fit their times or they point to a demonstration of His majesty or characteristic of God in the Bible to define it. This would include but not be limited to, the river that flows from under His throne, Rev 22:1, His glory as revealed in several encounters with God in scripture, His fire as seen on Pentecost and in several places in the Old Testament, and His holiness as revealed in Elijah’s encounter in the temple, Isa 6:1-7.
In the life of each person God desires more than our fixation on, or identification with a particular results or symbol of His having been present at some point in time interacting with us. Let me use the nature walk near my home as an example of what I mean. This is a man made drainage and nature area that originally was a natural drainage area with a creek which captured water runoff. The area has the trees and other vegetation from where the original creek was and the 50 yards away there is the man made one which was created when a housing development was built in the area. There is a great 8 to 9 foot concrete sidewalk to walk on with threes planted along it.
When you turn off from the sidewalk next to our street and enter the nature walk area you notice this large valley with rock formations adjacent to the beginning of the drainage area. During the spring and summer you can see the results of the creek’s life along its banks. There is a variety of vegetation and wildlife that are present close to the immediate area of the creek. Then throughout the valley surrounding the creek and running up to the fences of the housing area there is additional vegetation and wildlife.
During these seasons you cannot see the creek because of the vegetation, but its evidence is very clear in all that is growing around it. This is a very good picture of the results of God’s presence or the river of life having been present at any point in our lives or history itself.
It is God’s desire for us to move beyond looking for the manifestation or results of His presence elsewhere and for us to come into a close personal relationship or to use a biblical term ‘walk’ with Him. When we have a close personal walk with God we will have many times and seasons when the evidence of His presence in and through us will be made known to those around us. The presence of God can be seen in the lives of many people in the Bible, many of whom are mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11.
The most complete picture of this relationship with God will be a composite of all of those interactions, but it is clearly demonstrated in Jesus the Messiah. Jesus demonstrates how we can both lay down our life and plans, along with the authority over our life, while being empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that pleases God.
The beginning of the Jesus model can be pictured in three passages of scripture. Philippians 2:5-11, John 17:1-5 and Matt 3:11-4:1 In these passages we see Jesus humbling Himself by laying down His authority and power and doing the Father’s will while being empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will.
This is extremely important as it demonstrates to us that we can live a life that is pleasing to God empowered by His Spirit if we are willing to surrender our will and our ability to accomplish it to Him. Then we will be prepared to experience firsthand the outpouring of God’s presence and glory. While others will see the manifestation or evidence of His glory.
This is the first in a series of articles on (Living a Life of passionate participation in God.)
Copy write © Wayne Newcomb 2010
Enoch’s Amazing Walk with God
How We Can Have an Amazing Walk with God Beginning Today
Gen 5:24
And Enoch walked [in close fellowship] with and pleased God; and he was not, for God took him [home with Him].
Heb 11:5-6
Because of faith Enoch was caught up and transferred to heaven, so that he did not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. For even before he was taken to heaven, he received testimony [still on record] that he had pleased and been in close (intimate) fellowship with God. [Gen 5:21-24.]
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Amp
Introduction
What an amazing thing this is, to be in such a close and pleasing relationship with God that you just walk into heaven with Him without dying.
· This Walk, Relationship, Adventure that God is calling us to is greater than the George Lucas’s ‘Star Wars’ Movies, it is greater than J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ series, greater than Homer’s ‘Iliad.’
· It is an Adventure that will never end. Let is capture your heart, let the roots of your life go deep into the soil of God’s love and join Him in Living a Life of Passionate Participation in God.
· Align yourself with Jesus the Messiah, the Cornerstone. This is why you were created. This is what Adam and Eve had a taste of and cut it short because they doubted God and had faith in Lucifer.
· A ‘Life of walking with God’ is not meant to be a part of your life, it is meant to be your life! God has given us a free will and does not demand that we give Him our all, but invites us into a life, an adventure of intimate fellowship with Him.
· God is calling, He is inviting us to a life without comparison, a life with Him, the author and perfecter of all that was and is and shall ever be. (HEB 12:1-2)
· Each person’s journey will be different. It will be your own unique adventure with God, but like John Bunyan’s Pilgrim in his book ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ who was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God. ( Heb 11:10 Amp) We were created for more than life on earth, but a life that does not end in death and is much more than life on earth in the flesh without God.
· There is no story ever written or told on video greater than the one God has for you. You however must choose to actively participate with Him in faith.
· BE like Enoch, Live a Life of Passionate Participation in God, walk or live in continuous relationship with Him. THIS is why you were created.
· Chose to walk with God. Do Not just let Him walk with you! Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Operate or live by choosing to continually act in faith by seeking Him out concerning every detail of your life. By doing this your life is lived in active faith as you include God and seek Him concerning every detail and aspect of your life. He is a rewarder of those who genuinely and sincerely seek Him. Heb 11:6
· Your unique life; who you are, how you function, your gifts, heritage education, personality etc. make you the One and only person like you and God wants you to walk in intimate and continual relationship with Him! God love the infinite variety He has created and celebrates every single person. He does not compare you to others. He is not a respecter of one person’s uniqueness over another. He wants an intimate ongoing relationship or walk with you!
Let’s start the adventure by learning more about Enoch’s Amazing Walk With God so that we may Live a Life of Passionately Participating in God.
I. The Plan Unfolds
In The Beginning: Adam and Eve had such a walk/relationship with God. God came to visit them in the cool of the day. Unhindered by sin, they had amazing fellowship with God daily.
· Do you remember the joy of your salvation?
· Remember what it was like when you were first in love with Jesus!
Satan’s Scheme: In Genesis 3 we see the unfolding of Satan’s master plan to destroy humanity’s Walk with God. ‘You shall be like God he said, when actually they became like him, separated because of their sin from God. (Satan was challenging their faith in God)
3. God response: in Genesis 3:15 the beginning of God’s plan of restoration with is seen with a demonstration in the shedding of the blood of animals to provide clothing, which is a fore shadowing of the shedding of the Messiah’s blood that we might have that close relationship or walk with God once again. Theologians call this the Protoevangelicum which means the prototype or the original beginning of the good news or Gospel message.
LET’S LOOK AGAIN Gen 5:21-24 & HEB 11:5-6
At what these verses say about Enoch again
Reread the verses above and note their key points.
Comment: Scripture does not give us many details about Enoch’s relationship with God beyond these verses, but we can look at other people in scripture that pleased God.
Action: If we are to discover more about having a walk with God that pleases Him we must begin with the message of the Gospel and Jesus’ ministry as prophesied in Gen 3:15.
II. The Gospel is our Beginning Point: God’s Purpose and Action.
Luke 19:10, John 3:16 and Col 1:13-14
1, Luke 19:10
"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world, which He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
Col 1:13-14 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
III. What is next: Laying The Foundation 1 Cor 3:10-11
According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Preparing the Soil: If you have ever built or watched a foundation being built you know that the land must be prepared and that you must be careful as to what type of soil you build on.
When we come to God as new believers we have sin and its results in our lives.
We not only need to repent from sin and renounce ungodly influences in our lives, but we may also need cleansing and healing from sins impact in our lives.
Build on Christ alone: We must build from the cornerstone which is Christ a foundation which is from Him and Him alone.
Building a Relationship: Building on that foundation requires a growing relationship.
Relationships have several key parts.
Motivation, Interest, Interaction, Response, these are part of an ongoing cycle which must be kept fresh and alive. Illustration in dating and marriage
IV. Building on the Foundation Which is Christ I Cor 3:12-15
Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
The Word of God as illuminated by the Holy Spirit is our primary and most important resource for knowing and developing a walk/relationship with God. Our prayers and our worship must be founded in the Word or we risk being led away from God by our own soulish desires and responses.
We need both Knowledge and Experience: Wisdom is gained by experience that comes from applying what we believe in life. The Greek valued knowledge, the Hebrew goes one more step to say if you believe something you will act on what you believe. As Christians we must be function like the Hebrew by acting on what we believe.
Knowledge by Itself is not enough
Illustration: Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev former Soviet Premier memorized large portions of scripture to get candy as a child but never came to Christ or served Him.
V. The Enoch Type of Walk with God helps us in Avoiding False Doctrines which take us away from God and from constantly responding in faith and building our relationship daily.
It keeps us from being caught up in the latest fads and winds of doctrines.
False doctrines always have some truth. They also can take truth out of its biblical setting when it was not meant to be. Examples:
Judas went out and hung himself and Jesus said go and do the same thing. These two scriptures do not go together. Christ never told anyone to hang themselves.
Talking daily to Angels instead of God. God assigns His angels to us. We need not seek them out as they are on assignment by God. When they do show up in Scripture it is a big event and we should pay close attention to them. We must however be careful not to get away from our daily conversations and relationship with God Himself.
We must judge our experiences and all we think and do by the Word. There are plenty of false teachings floating around in every generation and we can avoid them if we are in close relationship with God based on His Word.
The solution is getting to know Him intimately and saying YES to Him
VI. Simple Steps to a Growing Intimate Walk with God.
Hebrews 11:6b He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. NASU
ü Start where you are at and build little by little 5 min prayer, 5 min reading, 5 min worship
ü Find and fellowship with others who love God
ü Start with a good study Bible and learn how to use it, read, read, read and study,
ü Then add an exhaustive Concordance
ü Then a Bible dictionary
These three resources will make you a good student of the Word!
ü Learn to pray by using Scriptural prayers, start with the lord’s prayer
ü Listen to worship and praise music as much as possible
ü Spend more time doing these things than listening to others teach and preach or in reading other people’s books
ü Work on making God your best friend and seek Him out every minute you can.
Growing in our relationship with God requires us to ACT and be active in Drawing near to God!
VII. Do what the Apostle Paul Did and Taught I Cor 14:18-19, I Cor 14:4.
1 Cor 14:18-19 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; NASU
1 Cor 14:4 Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves. NRSV
This gift is available to all Christians in every generation.
VIII. Prayer of Action and Response to This message:
Lord God, please forgive us for being so busy living our lives that we have not made you the priority of our lives. Father bring us close to you by your Spirit and through your Word that we might build a relationship that pleases you and that we might have walk a with you even as Enoch did!
Father, if we have not built wisely then please show us where we must rebuild our foundation and help us to restore our first love with you.
Amen
9/26/2010