You can watch us live each week!
http://www.lmcigreenville.org/watch-live/
Service Times
Sunday AM: 11am
Sunday PM: 6pm
Wednesday: 7pm
www.lmcigreenville.org
Worship Cast License #: 6786
CCLI #: 3105920
Time of the Second Advent – Rick Bagwell
Tag: time
LISTEN – PART II
LISTEN WITH UNDERSTANDING:
NEHEMIAH 8:2 – AND EZRA THE PRIEST BROUGHT THE LAW BEFORE THE CONGREGATION BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, AND ALL THAT COULD HEAR WITH UNDERSTANDING…
SO WHEN WE LISTEN TO HEAR, WE CAN DO IT WITH UNDERSTANDING. TO UNDERSTAND, MEANS TO COMPREHAND OR DISCERN.
WE NEED TO LISTEN TO GOD:
GOD DOESN’T HIDE ANYTHING FROM US.
MARK 4:22-25 – FOR THERE IS NOTHING HID, WHICH SHALL NOT BE MANIFESTED; NEITHER WAS ANYTHING KEPT SECRET, BUT THAT IT SHOULD COME ABROAD.
IF ANY MAN HAVE EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR.
AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, TAKE HEED WHAT MEASURE YE MEET, IT SHALL BE MEASURED TO YOU: AND UNTO YOU THAT HEAR SHALL MORE BE GIVEN.
FOR HE THAT HATH, TO HIM SHALL BE GIVEN: AND HE THAT HATH NOT, FROM HIM SHALL BE TAKEN EVEN THAT HE HATH.
GOD DESIRES FOR US TO HEAR WHAT HE HAS TO SAY TO US.
THE ONLY WAY WE CAN HEAR FROM GOD IS TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM IN OUR SECRET PLACE, READ HIS WORD, AND MEDITATE ON IT, AND LISTEN FOR THAT STILL SMALL VOICE.
THE MORE WE HEAR FROM GOD, THE MORE WE WANT TO HEAR.
THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL OPEN OUR UNDERSTANDING OR COMPREHENSION OF WHAT HE IS TRYING TO GET ACROSS TO US IF WE WILL ONLY LISTEN.
I’M SURE THAT THOSE WHO HAD GOOD PARENTS: WISH THEY HAD LISTENED MORE TO THE ADVISE THEIR PARENTS GAVE THEM WHILE GROWING UP. WE WOULD HAVE MISSED SOME OF THE TROUBLES AND HEARTACHES WE WENT THROUGH, HAD WE LISTENED.
YOU ARE PROBABLY THINKING OF SOME OF THEM RIGHT NOW.
WELL, LISTENING TO WHAT GOD HAS TO SAY IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVEN WHAT OUR PARENTS HAVE TO SAY.
HUMAN BEINGS CAN ONLY REALLY KNOW BY EXPERIENCE; BUT GOD KNOWS THE FRONT, BACK, AND IN-BETWEEN OF EVERYTHING.
HE IS OMNISCIENCE, ALL KNOWING:
I JOHN 3:20b – GOD IS GREATER THAN OUR HEART, AND KNOWETH ALL THINGS.
GOD HAS FOREKNOWLEDGE:
ISAIAH 48:3,5 – I HAVE DECLARED THE FORMER THINGS FROM THE BEGINNING; AND THEY WENT FORTH OUT OF MY MOUTH, AND I SHOWED THEM; I DID THEM SUDDENLY, AND THEY CAME TO PASS.
I HAVE EVEN FROM THE BEGINNING DECLARED IT TO THEE; BEFORE IT CAME TO PASS I SHOWED IT THEE: LEST THOU SHOULDEST SAY, MINE IDOL HATH DONE THEM, AND MINE GRAVEN IMAGE, AND MINE MOULTON IMAGE, HATH COMMANDED THEM.
GOD DESIRES US TO LISTEN TO HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE KNOWN TO US HIS PLANS FOR US. THE WORLD DOES NOT HAVE THE ANSWERS.
VERSE 17 – THUS SAYETH THE LORD, THY REDEEMER, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL; I AM THE LORD THY GOD WHICH TEACHETH THEE TO PROFIT (GAIN), WHICH LEADETH THEE BY THE WAY THAT THOU SHOULDEST GO. THIS IS JESUS SPEAKING THROUGH ISAIAH.
GOD WILL LISTEN TO US:
DAVID PRAYED TO GOD IN PSALM 4:1,3 – HEAR ME WHEN I CALL, O GOD OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS: THOU HAST ENLARGED ME WHEN I WAS IN DISTRESS; HAVE MERCY ON ME, AND HEAR MY PRAYER.
BUT KNOW THAT THE LORD HATH SET APART HIM THAT IS GODLY FOR HIMSELF: THE LORD WILL HEAR WHEN I CALL UNTO HIM.
ISN’T IT WONDERFUL THAT THE SUPREME BEING, ALMIGHTY GOD, WILL LISTEN TO US WHEN WE CALL. DAVID IS SAYING, THE LORD HEARD HIM WHEN HE PRAYED, AND HAS RELIEVED HIM FROM HIS DISTRESS.
YOU MIGHT HAVE TO TAKE THE TEST OVER
I HAVE BEEN TOLD, WHEN WE ARE TRIED, AND DON’T PASS THE TEST OF ENDURANCE, AND TRUST GOD TO FIGHT OUR BATTLE —- BY THIS, I MEAN, WE TAKE IT IN OUR OWN HANDS —-WE WILL AT SOME POINT IN LIFE, HAVE TO TAKE THE SAME TEST OVER AGAIN.
IT IS MUCH BETTER FOR US TO GO AHEAD AND WATCH GOD MOVE ON OUR BEHALF, AND WAIT IT OUT, AND LET GOD GET THE VICTORY FOR US, THAN TO HAVE TO FACE THIS AGAIN.
YOU WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN THROUGH A TRAIL, DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT; BUT YOU WILL FACE ONE AT SOME POINT AND TIME AS YOU SERVE THE LORD.
II CORINTHAINS 8:2 – HOW THAT IN A GREAT TRAIL OF AFFLICTION (OR IN A TIME OF MUCH TROUBLE) THE ABUNDANCE OF THEIR JOY AND THEIR DEEP POVERTY ABOUNDED UNTO THEIR RICHES OF THEIR GREAT LIBERALITY. PAUL IS WRITING A LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS TO INFORM THEM OF HOW THE MACEDONIAN CHURCHES WHO WERE GOING THROUGH A TIME OF GREAT TROUBLE, WERE STILL FILLED WITH JOY THAT THEY COULD BE IN AN OVERFLOW OF GIVING TO THE CHURCHES IN JERUSALEM.
MANY OF US WHO ARE GOING THROUGH A GREAT TRIAL, WHETHER IT BE PHYSICAL OR FINANCIAL, WHATEVER IT IS, COULD LEARN FROM THESE MACEDONIANS. THEY WERE ONLY ACTING ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE PROMISES OF GOD.
THEY DIDN’T ALLOW SATAN TO STEAL THEIR JOY, AND THEY WERE SOWING AN OFFERING AGAINST THEIR OWN POVERTY TO MINISTER TO THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS. WHAT A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE TO US.
IF WE ARE BEING TRIED, WE SHOULD FIRST, PRAISE GOD THROUGH IT, AND THEN, TRUST HIM FOR THE OUTCOME.
ALSO, WE SHOULD ASK HIM, “LORD,WHAT CAN I LEARN THROUGH THIS?”
I PROMISE YOU, HE WILL SHOW YOU, AND BRING YOU TO A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW HE WORKS.
JAMES 1:2-4 – MY BRETHREN, COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YE FALL INTO DIVERS TEMPTATIONS (OR VARIOUS TRIALS):
KNOWING THIS, THAT THE TRYING OF YOUR FAITH WORKETH (DEVELOPS) PATIENCE.
BUT LET PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT (COMPLETE) WORK, THAT YE MAY BE PERFECT (MATURE) AND ENTIRE, WANTING NOTHING (OR LACKING NOTHING).
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN GOING THROUGH TRIALS THAT DEVELOPE PATIENCE, AND BEING TEMPTED TO DO EVIL. BEING TEMPTED TO DO EVIL , IS BEING DRAWN AND ENTICED BY YOUR OWN LUST.
GOD DOES NOT TEMPT MAN TO DO EVIL (JAMES 1:13-18).
JAMES 1:12 – BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT ENDURETH TEMPTATION: FOR WHEN HE IS TRIED, HE SHALL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE, WHICH THE LORD HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM.
JAMES TELLS US TO COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN WE FALL INTO TRIALS (VERSE 2), BUT HE IS NOT TALKING ABOUT FALLING INTO SIN, HE IS TALKING ABOUT DISCOVERING THAT WE CAN FIND STRENGTH TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION AND ENDURE TRIALS, THROUGH THE LOVE OF GOD AND HIS POWER.
WITHOUT THE POWER OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER, TRIALS CAN CAUSE HIM OR HER TO BECOME BITTER AND CRITICAL AND LOOSE THE CROWN OF LIFE.
VERSE 12 READS …WHEN HE IS TRIED… THIS SHOULD TELL US SOMETHING: WE WILL BE TRIED AT SOME POINT IN OUR LIVES.
LETS PASS THE TEST THE FIRST TIME, SO WE WON’T HAVE TO TAKE IT OVER AGAIN!!!
3 STEPS TO DEATH
MARK 5:1,2 – AND THEYCAME OVER UNTO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SEA, INTO THE COUNTRY OF THE GADARENES.
AND WHEN HE WAS COME OUT OF THE SHIP, IMMEDIATELY THERE MET HIM OUT OF THE TOMBS A MAN WITH AN UNCLEAN SPIRIT.
HERE WE HAVE A MAN WITH AN LIFECLEAN SPIRIT. A MAN WHO HAS COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL OF HIS LIFE.
THERE ARE 3 STAGES OF DEMONIC ACTIVITY: OPRESSION,OBSESSION, POSESSION.
THIS MAN IS IN THE LAST STAGES OF DEMONIC ACTVITY, HE IS POSESSED.
HIS WILL HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER BY AN UNCLEAN SPIRIT. SOMEWHERE IN HIS LIFE HE OPENED THE DOOR FOR DEMONIC ACTIVITY.
THIS MAN LIVED IN TOMBS. HE LIVED AMONG THE DEAD.
THE DEVIL COMES TO KILL, STEAL, AND DESTROY.
THIS MAN HAD A GODGIVEN PURPOSE. GOD HAD A PLAN FOR HIS LIFE. THE DEVIL WAS TRYING TO KILL THAT PURPOSE: HE WAS STEALING TIME FROM THIS MAN.
EVERY MINUTE THE DEVIL CAN STEAL: MOMENTS, DAYS, WEEKS, AND YEARS FROM A PERSON’S LIFE, HE IS STEALING FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD’
THE DEVIL DESIRES TO DESTROY GOD’S PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES.
THIS MAN WAS TORMENTED, LOST, AND ON HIS WAY TO HELL.
HE WAS TRAPPED, AND THE DEVIL WAS EATING UP TIME; HE WAS DELAYING PURPOSE AND TRYING TO KILL THIS MAN.
JESUS CAME TO THIS MAN. THIS MAN DIDN’T CROSS THE SEA TO FIND JESUS. JESUS CROSSED THE SEA AND CAME TO WHERE THIS MAN WAS: TO DELIVER HIM.
JESUS GAVE HIM HIS ASSIGNMENT.
THIS MAN WANTED TO TRAVEL WITH JESUS, BUT THAT WASN’T GOD’S PURPOSE FOR HIM. JESUS TOLD HIM TO GO HOME AND TELL HIS FRIENDS.
TELL THEM WHAT? ….WHAT GREAT THINGS GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU AND HAS HAD COMPASSION ON YOU.
WHAT A MESSAGE!!!
THE LORD WANTS TO DO GREAT THINGS FOR US AND BLESS US WITH COMPASSION SO WE CAN GO AND TELL OUR FRIENDS ABOUT JESUS AND LISTEN FOR HIM TO GUIDE US TO HIS PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES.
HOW THE DEVIL CAN WORK FOR YOU -PART II
JOD 12:6 – THE TABERNACLES (OR TENTS) OF ROBBERS PROSPER, AND THEY THAT PROVOKE GOD ARE SECURE; INTO WHOSE HAND GOD BRINGETH ABUNDANTLY.
HERE, JOB GOES BACK TO HIS MAIN ARGUMENT, AND MAINTAINS THAT, THE WHOLE COURSE OF EARTHLY EVENTS BEING UNDER GOD’S DIRECTIONS, ALL THE RESULTS ARE TO BE ATTRIBUTED TO HIM, AND AMONG THEM BOTH THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED, AND, BY PART OF REASONING, THE SUFFERINGS OF HE RIGHTOEOUS.
THIS IN NO WAY IMPLIES THAT GOD IS UNFAIR, IT MEANS THAT GOD IS LONGSURRERING AND USES THE WICKED TO BRING FORTH THE MEANS, OF THE END OF HIS PURPOSE.
THE WICKED WILL ALWAYS BE PUNISHED, AND THE RIGHTEOUS WILL ALWAYS VICTORIOUS IN THE END; EITHER HERE OR IN THE WORLD TO COME.
GOD IS GOOD, THEREFORE HIS PLANS SRE GOOD. HIS PLAN CANNOT BE DEFEATED.
IN THE END, JOB WAS PRIVILEGED TO REALIZE THAT GOD HAD A WONDERFUL PLAN THAT HE COULDN’T SEE. HE CAME TO UNDERSTAND THAT HIS SUFFERING HAPPENED FOR A LARGER PURPOSE —-EVEN IF HE COULDN’T PERSONALLY UNDERSTAND THAT PURPOSE. HIS EYES BECAME OPEN TO THE FACT GOD IS GOOD, HE CARES ABOUT HIS PEOPLE, AND HIS PLAN CAN’T BE DEFEATED, NO MATTER WHO IS USED TO BRING IT TO PASS.
ISAIAH 19:14 – THE LORD HATH MINGLED A PERVERSE SPIRIT IN THE MIDST THEREOF, AS THE DRUNKEN MAN STAGGERETH IN HIS VOMIT.
AMOS 3:6 – SHALL THERE NOT BE EVIL IN THE CITY, AND THE LORD HATH NOT DONE IT?
TO BRING EGYPT INTO SO DISTRACTED A STATE, THE HAND OF GOD HAD BEEN NESCESSARY. HE HAD INTRODUCED INTO THE NATION A SPIRIT OF PERVERSENESS. THOSE IN WHOM THE SPIRIT WAS HAD, THEN LED EGYPT ASTRAY IN ALL HER DOINGS. THEY HAD MADE HER LIKE A DRUNKEN MAN, WHO STAGGERS ALONG HIS PATH, AND SLIPS IN HIS OWN VOMIT.
LONG -CONTINUED SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY PRODUCES OFTEN A SORT OF INTOXICATION IN A NATION.
WE SEE HERE THAT GOD HAS CONTROL OVER MAN’S CIRCUMSTANCES. EVEN IN OUR REBELLION, GOD CAN WORK HIS PURPOSES THROUGH THEM ALL.
I WAS STRUGGLING ABOUT HOW TO END THIS MESSAGE AND REALLY WANTED GOD’S MIND.
DURING MY TIME WITH THE LORD THIS MORNING, HE SPOKE THIS TO ME:
“NOW TRUST ME TO GIVE YOU THE ENDING OF THIS MESSAGE. THE REASON YOU HAVE STRUGGLED WITH IT, IS BECAUSE IT IS ABOUT THE EXPOSING OF THE ENEMY’S PLANS. IT EXPOSES THE FACT, THAT ALTHOUGH HE GOES AFTER THE DESTRUCTION OF MY OWN CREATION, I STILL TAKE HIS REIGNS AND HE CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. IT IS ALWAYS THAT I AM IN CONTROL OF MY CHILDREN’S DESTINY EVEN THOUGH THEY RUSH AHEAD AND BRING DELAY TO THEIR OWN HURT. I WILL ALWAYS SUCCEED IN MY WAY OF DOING THINGS. I KNOW THAT YOU DON’T ALWAYS SEE THAT I AM IN CHARGE, BUT I EVEN USE HIS PLANS TO FULFILL MY PURPOSE. HE THINKS HE IS A MATCH FOR ME, BUT HE HAS NEVER BEEN A MATCH FOR THE ONE WHO CREATED HIM. HE IS YOUR ENEMY, BUT I USE HIM AS A PUPPET IN MY PLANS. HE THINKS HE CONTROLS THE LIFE OF A SINNER, BUT HE ONLY FOOLS HIMSELF INTO THINKING IT. I AM ALWAYS COAXING AND TURNING THE SINNER HERE AND THERE TO SEE THE TRUTH AND COME TO MY PLAN OF SALVATION AND FREEDOM FROM THE BONDAGE SATAN HAS THEM TRAPPED IN. YOU SEE IT ALL THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES. AS YOU SEE IT, I AM ACTUALLY REVEALING IT TO YOU. THE DEVIL HAS NO POWER OVER ME AND MY PLANS. I JUST USE HIM. THE SINNER HAS A WILL TO CHOOSE, BUT I ALLOW HIM TO BE MOVED HERE AND THERE; BUT THE ULTIMATE CHOICE IS UP TO HIM TO CHOOSE ME AND MY LIFE FOR HIM,—OR SATAN’S. I MAKE SURE THOUGH, THAT, THAT SINNERHAS EVERY CHANCE TO SEEK THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I MOVE HIM HERE AND THERE, AND WATCH OVER HIM LIKE A SHEPHERD HIS SHEEP, BUT WITH THE GREATEST LOVE AND CARE THAT NO ONE CAN MATCH. YES, THE DEVIL THINKS HE IS IN CHARGE HERE, BUT I NEVER GAVE HIM FULL POWER. HE IS …THE PRINCE AND POWER OF THE AIR…, BUT HE WILL NEVER BE KING. I HAVE THE PLAN FOR HIS DESTRUCTION ALWAYS IN MIND. HE KNOWS MY PLAN BUT THINKS HE HAS THE POWER TO BEAT IT. HE IS NEVER IN CHARGE OF MY CREATION, NEVER!”
“IT IS IMPORTANT THAT MY CHILDREN KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THIS. THIS IS NOT A NEW REVELATION, BUT A REVELATION LONG FORGOTTEN BY MAN. I AM READY FOR THIS TO BE REVEALED TO MY CHURCH.”
THE PREACHER THAT QUIT
I KINGS 19:1-4
AND AHAB TOLD JEZEBEL ALL THAT ELIJAH HAD DONE, AND WITHAL HOW HE HAD SLAIN ALL THE PROPHETS WITH THE SWORD.
THEN JEZEBEL SENT A MESSENGER UNTO ELIJAH SAYING. SO LET THE gODS DO TO ME, AND MORE ALSO, IF I MAKE NOT THY LIFE AS THE LIFE OF ONE OF THEM BY TOMORROW ABOUT THIS TIME.
AND WHEN HE SAW THAT, HE AROSE, AND WENT FOR HIS LIFE, AND CAME TO BEER-SHEBA TO JUDAH, AND LEFT HIS SERVANT THERE.
BUT HE HIMSELF WENT A DAY’S JOURNEY INTO THE WILDERNESS, AND CAME AND SAT DOWN UNDER A JUNIPER TREE: AND HE REQUESTED FOR HIMSELF THAT HE MIGHT DIE; AND SAID IT IS ENOUGH; NOW, O LORD, TAKE AWAY MY LIFE; FOR I AM NO BETTER THAN MY FATHERS.
ELIJAH THE PROPHET WHO HAD CHALLENGED THE PROPHETS OF BAAL, CALLED FIRE DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN, KILLED THE PROPHETS OF BAAL, PRAYED DOWN RAIN OUT OF HEAVEN. WHAT A VICTORY.
JEZEBEL THREATENS HIS LIFE, FEAR GRIPES THE MIND OF ELIJAH. ELIJAH HAD BEEN SO BOLD WITH GREAT FAITH, BUT KNOW HE HAS FORGOTTEN THE POWERFUL RELEASE OF GODS POWER INTO HIS LIFE.
THIS SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL BROUGHT FEAR, DISCOURAGEMENT AND CONFUSION UPON HIS MIND. ELIJAH LOST HIS VISION, HIS PURPOSE WAS FORGOTTEN. HE RAN FROM GOD, HE RAN FROM MINISTRY, HE RAN FROM JEZEBEL. HIS PURPOSE AS GODS MAN DIDN’T MATTER ANYMORE.
HE WAS FEARFUL, DEPRESSED, DISCOURAGED, DISILLUSIONED, FULL OF SELF PITY. HE LEFT HIS SERVANT BEHIND AND TOOK OFF.
THROUGH THIS EXAMPLE OF THE ATTACK ON ELIJAH’S MIND, I UNDERSTAND THE WAY SATAN ATTACKS AFTER GREAT SPIRITUAL VICTORIES.
DISCOURAGEMENT IS ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE DEMONS IN THESE LAST DAYS. FEAR IS ITS SISTER.
I HUMBLY TELL YOU, I HAVE FELL UNDER THIS ATTACK MANY TIMES, AFTER GREAT VICTORIES COME ATTACKS. DRY SPELLS AND ATTACKS AGAINEST THE MIND.
I HAVE LEARNED TO REST, AND TO UNDERSTAND THAT WHEN I MINISTER TO OTHERS AND GIVE OUT THE ANOINTING ON MY LIFE, THAT I MUST PULL AWAY FROM MINISTRY AND BUILD UP MY INNER MAN THROUGH PRAYER, WORSHIP AND THE WORD OF GOD. READ A CHRISTIAN BOOK, LISTEN TO TAPES OR CD’S ON FAITH. SERVE THE MASTER AS A GOOD SERVANT IN HIS PRESENCE. THE WAR WE ARE IN IS A SPIRITUAL WAR AND MUST BE FOUGHT WITH THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. I AM CONVINCED ELIJAH FELT COLD SPIRITUALLY, HE FELT LIKE GOD HAD DESERTED HIM. CAN YOU IMAGINE THE ANOINTING THAT WAS ON ELIJAH WHEN HE CALLED THE FIRE OF GOD DOWN ON THE SACRIFICE. HOW HE FELT WHEN HE PRAYED DOWN RAIN. NOW ELIJAH FEELS NOTHING. DEMONS ATTACK HIS MIND, HE FEELS DESERTED BY GOD, HE THINKS HE’S THE ONLY ONE SERVING GOD. DESERTED BY GOD HE TURNS TAIL AND RUNS, HE QUITS. HE HAD NO FAITH OPERATING, I HAVE BEEN THERE, CRYING OUT ACCUSING GOD OF NOT CARING. WE LEARN BY OUR MISTAKES. WE MUST KEEP THE FAITH AND CLAIM VICTORY REGARDLESS OF WHAT WE SEE OR HEAR.
ELIJAH COULD SEE THE PROPHETS OF BAAL BUT COULDN’T SEE THE DEMON’S ATACKING HIS FAITH.
AFTER GREAT SPRITUAL VICTORIES WE NEED TO REST OUR MIND AND BODIES, YOUR SPIRIT CAN BE STRONG AND YOUR BODY TIRED, THIS WILL MAKE YOU WEARY IN WELL DOING.
JESUS PULLED AWAY FROM THE PEOPLE TO PRAY AND SEEK THE FATHER, HE RESTED AT TIMES IN THE PRESENCE OF THE FATHER. HE WAS IN A HUMAN BODY HE COULD GROW TIRED.
MARK 6:31
AND HE SAIN UNTO THEM, COME YE YOURSELVES APART INTO A DESERT PLACE, AND REST A WHILE FOR THERE WERE MANY COMING AND GOING, AND THEY HAD NO LEISURE SO MUCH AS TO EAT.
ELIJAH HEARD THE STILL SMALL VOICE OF GOD ON A SECLUDED MOUNTAIN.
ELIJAH’S MINISTRY IS NOT OVER YET. HE AND MOSES CAME DOWN ON A MOUNTAIN IN ISRAEL AND TALKED TO JESUS ABOUT HIS SUFFERING IN JERUSALEM. ELIJAH WILL BE ONE OF THE PROPHETS THAT WILL PREACH ON THE STREETS OF JERUSALEM IN THE 1ST PART OF THE TRIBULATION PERIOD. FOR THREE AND ONE HALF YEARS HE WILL PREACH THAT JESUS IS THE JEWISH MESSIAH WHO CAME AND WAS CRUCIFIED FOR THEIR SIN. HE WILL PREACH JESUS CRUCIFIED AND RESURRECTED. AND THAT HE IS COMING AGAIN TO SET UP HIS KINGDOM ON EARTH. HE WILL DO MIRACLES AND CALL DOWN FIRE OUT OF HEAVEN. 144,000 JEWS WILL BE SAVED AND PREACH THE GOSPEL. ELIJAH WILL BE THE FORERUNNER OF THE RETURN OF KING JESUS TO JERUSALEM. THE MINISTRY OF ELIJAH WILL BE SEEN AROUND THE WORLD BY TELEVISION AND INTERNET, PREACHING THE GOSPEL.
DOESN’T SOUND LIKE THIS PREACHER STAYED QUIT. NO ELIJAH IS STILL IN THE MINISTRY WAITING FOR HIS PULPIT AGAIN, TO PROPHESY TO KINGS AND PREIST AND TO ALL THE LOST THE KING IS COMING, KING JESUS.
CAN I TELL YOU THAT YOUR MINISTRY IS NOT OVER EITHER, YOU ARE JUST GETTING STARTED. GOD IS NOT THROUGH WITH YOU. THE GIFTS AND CALLING OF GOD IS WITHOUT REPENTANCE. STIR UP THAT POWER THAT IS INSIDE OF YOU, LET THE ANOINTING OF GOD REFRESH YOU AND GIVE YOU NEW VISION.
GOD TIMING CHRISTIAN
GENESIS 21:2
FOR SARAH CONCEIVED, AND BARE ABRAHAM A SON IN HIS OLD AGE, AT THE SET TIME OF WHICH GOD HAD SPOKEN TO HIM.
SARAH COULD HAVE CONCEIVED 25 YEARS SOONER, BUT THAT WASN’T IN GOD’S TIMING.
ABRAHAM’S FAITH HAD TO BE TESTED. GOD KNEW HOW HE WOULD SCORE, HE KNEW THE GRADE OF HIS REPORT CARD.
ABRAHAM FATHERED AN ISHMAEL BEFORE HE FATHERED AN ISSAC.
HE MISSED GOD’S TIMING, I HAVE MISSED GOD’S TIMING, I KNEW WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT, BUT MISSED GOD’S TIMING.
THIS CAN CAUSE CONFUSION AND DOUBT.
MOSES MISSED GOD’S TIMING, HE FELT THE CALL AND KNEW HIS PURPOSE, BUT HE MISSED GOD’S TIMING.
BUT PRAISE THE LORD AFTER WILDERNESS UNIVERSITY, HE RECEIVED A BURNING BUSH DEGREE. WHAT A MAN OF GOD MOSES WAS.
JOSEPH HAD A DREAM THAT HE WAS A LEADER OF THE FAMILY, THEY WOULD ALL BOW DOWN TO HIM. THIS DREAM WAS FROM GOD, BUT JOSEPH’S TIMING WAS OFF. IT WOULD HAPPEN OVER 20 YEARS LATER. GOD’S TIMING. JOSEPH MUST BE TESTED. THE WORD OF THE LORD WAS TRIED. BETWEEN THE TRYING THERE IS CRYING SOMETIMES. BUT THE BLESSING IS WORTH THE WAITING. GOD GIVES GREAT GIFTS TO THOSE WHO WAIT ON HIS TIMING.
DAVID WAS ANOINTED KING OF ISRAEL, BUT HE WAS FORCED TO WAIT ON GOD’S TIMING. BUT WHAT A KING DAVID WAS, HE WAS A MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART. HE WAITED PATIENTLY, WHILE KING SAUL TRIED TO KILL HIM. BUT GOD RAISED DAVID UP AND MADE HIM KING.
OUR LORD JESUS WAITED FROM BIRTH IN THE FLESH, UNTIL HIS MINISTRY BEGAN ON EARTH 30 YEARS LATER. JESUS IS NOW WAITING IN HEAVEN FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF HIS MINISTRY, WHICH WILL BE HIS RETURN TO EARTH TO PUT DOWN ALL OF HIS ENEMIES, UNDER HIS FEET, AND SET UP HIS THOUSAND YEAR REIGN ON EARTH.
GOD HAS SOMETHING GREAT FOR US IF WE WILL WAIT ON HIS TIMING.
GALATIANS 6:9
AND LET US NOT BE WEARY IN WELL DOING: FOR IN DUE SEASON (TIME) WE SHALL REAP, IF WE FAINT NOT.
AT THE APPOINTED TIME
MANY PEOPLE STRUGGLE FROM HEARING FROM GOD, AND TODAY I BELIEVE YOU WILL BE ENLIGHTENED ON THIS SUBJECT.
GENESIS 8:14 – IS ANYTHING TO HARD FOR THE LORD? AT THE TIME APPOINTED I WILL RETURN UNTO THEE, ACCORDING TO THE TIME OF LIFE, AND SARAH WILL HAVE A SON. GENESIS 21:1,2 – AND THE LORD VISITED SARAH AS HE SAID, AND THE LORD DID UNTO SARAH AS HE HAD SPOKEN. FOR SARAH HAD CONCEIVED AND BARE ABRAHAM A SON IN HIS OLD AGE, AT THE SET TIME OF WHICH GOD HAD SPOKEN TO HIM.
THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD “APPOINTED” IS, ASSIGNED OR ARRANGED.
HOW MANY OF US HAVE HEARD FROM THE LORD, AND BECAUSE IT DIDN’T HAPPEN WHEN WE THOUGHT IT SHOULD, WE SAID,”MAYBE THIS WAS IN MY MIND; MAYBE I DIDN’T REALLY HEAR FROM GOD.”
THIS IS WHEN DOUBT COMES IN AND FAITH GOES OUT.
II SAMUEL 17:14 —-HERE WE FIND ABSALOM, TRYING TO TAKE OVER DAVID’S KINGDOM; BUT DAVID WAS CHOSEN BY GOD AS KING. AND EVEN THOUGH DAVID IS RUNNING IN THE NATURAL, HE KNOWS HIS APPOINTMENT—-FOR THE LORD HAD APPOINTED TO DEFEAT THE GOOD COUNSEL OF AHITHOPHEL, TO THE INTENT THAT THE LORD MIGHT BRING EVIL UPON ABSALOM.
15:31 – AND ONE TOLD DAVID, SAYING, AHITHOPHEL IS AMONG THE CONSPIRATORS WITH ABSALOM. AND DAVID SAID, O LORD, I PRAY THEE, TURN THE COUNSEL OF AHITHOPHEL INTO FOOLISHNESS.
DAVID HAD A REBEL SON, ABSALOM, WHOSE PLAN WAS TO TAKE OVER THE KINGDOM GIVEN TO HIM BY GOD. FOR THE PROMISED SEED TO COME : JESUS, WAS TO COME FROM THE LOINS OF DAVID.
ABSALOM TOOK COUNSEL FROM TWO MEN, BUT HE ACCEPTED THE COUNSEL OF AHITHOPHEL, ONE OF DAVID’S COUNSELORS WHO JOINED IN THE CONSPIRACY WITH ABSALOM AGAINST DAVID, THE KING.
WHEN SOMEONE TOLD DAVID THAT AHITHOPHEL, HIS OWN ADVISOR, WAS BACKING ABSALOM, DAVID PRAYED, “O LORD, PLEASE MAKE AHITHOPHEL GIVE ABSALOM FOOLISH ADVICE.”
AS SOON AS HE HAD FINISHED PRAYING, AND HAD REACHED THE TOP OF THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, WHERE PEOPLE WORSHIPPED GOD, DAVID FOUND HUSHAI THE ARCHITE WAITING FOR HIM. BUT DAVID TOLD HIM, “IF YOU GO WITH ME, YOU WILL ONLY BE A BURDEN. RETURN TO JERUSALEM AND TELL ABSALOM, I WILL COUNSEL YOU AS I DID YOUR FATHER. THEN YOU CAN FRUSTRATE AND COUNTER AHITHOPHEL’S ADVICE. SEND WORD BACK TO ME WHAT IS GOING ON.”
SO WHEN DAVID’S FRIEND, HUSHAI, ARRIVED, HE WENT IMMEDIATELY TO SEE ABSALON.
ABSALOM ASKED HIM, “WHY AREN’T YOU WITH DAVID?” AND HE ANSWERED, “BECAUSE I WORK FOR THE MAN WHO IS CHOSEN BY THE LORD AND BY ISRAEL, AND ANY WAY, WHY SHOULDN’T I? I HELPED YOUR FATHER AND NOW I WILL HELP YOU!”
THEN ABSALOM TURNED TO AHITHOPHEL AND ASKED HIM, “WHAT SHALL I DO NEXT?” AHITHOPHEL TOLD HIM, “. GO SLEEP WITH YOUR FATHER’S WIVES, FOR HE HAS LEFT THEM HERE TO KEEP THE HOUSE. THEN ALL ISRAEL WILL KNOW THAT YOU HAVE INSULTED HIM BEYOND RECONCILATION, AND THEY WILL SUPPORT YOU.”
SO ABSALOM DID EVERYTHING AHITHOPHEL TOLD HIM, UNTIL ONE DAY AHITHOPHEL ASKED FOR TWELVE THOUSAND MEN TO GO AFTER DAVID AND KILL HIM WHILE HE WAS DISCOURAGED.”HE AND HIS TROOPS WILL BE THROWN INTO A PANIC AND EVERYONE WILL RUN AWAY,” HE SAID. BUT ABASOLOM ASKED HUSHAI HIS OPINION.
“WELL,” HUSHAI REPLIED, “THIS TIME I THINK AHITHOPHEL IS MISTAKEN. YOU KNOW YOUR FATHER AND HIS MEN; THEY ARE MIGHTY WARRIORS AND ARE PROBABLY AS UPSET AS A MOTHER BEAR WHO HAS BEEN ROBBED OF HER CUBS.
YOUR FATHER IS AN OLD SOLDIER AND ISN’T GOING TO SPEND THE NIGHT AMONG THE TROOPS. HE HAS PROBABLY ALREADY HIDDEN IN SOME PIT OR CAVE. WHEN HE COMES OUT AND ATTACKS AND SOME OF YOUR MEN FALL, THERE WILL BE PANIC AMONG YOUR TROOPS AND EVERYONE WILL START SHOUTING THAT YOUR MEN ARE BEING SLAUGHTERED. THEN, EVEN THE BRAVEST OF THEM WILL BE PARALIZED WITH FEAR, BECAUSE ALL ISRAEL KNOWS WHAT A MIGHTY MAN YOUR FATHER IS AND HOW COURAGOUS HIS SOLDIERS ARE.’
“I SUGGEST YOU MOBILIZE THE ENTIRE ARMY OF ISRAEL. AND I THINK YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY LEAD THE TROOPS. THEN, WHEN WE FIND HIM, WE CAN DESTROY HIS ENTIRE ARMY, SO THAT NO ONE IS LEFT ALIVE.”
THEN ABSALOM AND ALL THE MEN OF ISRAEL SAID, HUSHAI’S IS BETTER THAN AHITHOPHEL’S.” FOR THE LORD HAD APPOINTED TO DEFEAT THE COUNSEL OF AHITHOPHEL, WHICH REALLY WAS THE BETTER PLAN; SO HE COUD BRING DISASTER UPON ABSALOM. —-AND HE DID.
WHEN GOD GIVES US A WORD, THAT HE IS GOING TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE, IT IS BEST FOR US TO KEEP OUR MOUTHS SHUT UNTIL THE APPOINTED TIME, AS WAS IN THE LIFE OF ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH (LUKE 1). THE ANGEL TOLD HIM WHILE HE WAS DOING HIS SERVICE TO GOD IN THE TEMPLE, THAT HIS WIFE, ELIZABETH, WOULD HAVE A SON NAMED JOHN. BECAUSE OF ZACHARIAS’ UNBELIEF THE ANGEL STRUCK HIM DUMB UNTIL THE APPOINTED TIME.
WHEN GOD DECIDES TO DO SOMETHING, HE HAS A PURPOSE AND A PLAN HOW HE WANTS IT CARRIED-OUT.
THE BEST THING WE CAN DO, IS WAIT IT OUT UNTIL IT COMES TO PASS. IT IS VERY EASY FOR US TO GET INTO UNBELIEF. WHEN WE GET TIRED OF WAITING, WE CAN BRING AN ISHMAEL INTO OUR LIVES, AS DID ABRAHAM AND SARAH. THEN WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE ACTIONS THE REST OF OUR LIVES.
WHEN THE PROMISE DOES COME, WE FIND WE CAN ENJOY IT LIKE GOD PLANNED IN THE BEGINNING, BECAUSE WE HAVE NO ISHMAELS TO DEAL WITH.
WHEN WE BEGIN TO QUESTION GOD—-WE SHOULD BE SAYING, “GOD, I TRUST YOU WITH JUST THE RIGHT TIMING, AND I TRUST YOU WITH WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND ME.”
IN THE BOOK OF ESTHER, ESTHER’S UNCLE, MORDECAI HAD TOLD HER. “NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO ACT. NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO REVEAL YOURSELF.”
ESTHER 4:14 – FOR IF THOU ALTOGETHER HOLDEST THY PEACE AT THIS TIME, THEN SHALL THEIR ENLARGEMENT (OR HELP) AND DELIVERANCE COME FROM ANOTHER PLACE; BUT THOU AND THY FATHER’S HOUSE SHALL BE DESTROYED: AND WHO KNOWETH WHETHER THOU ART COME TO THE KINGDOM FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?
BY MAKING HER MOVE AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME, SHE DESTROYED ALL THE ENEMIES PLANS.
I DESIRE INTIMATE TIME WITH YOU
“I DESIRE INTIMATE TIME WITH YOU.”
THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SPOKE TO ME THIS MORNING WHILE WE SPENT TIME TOGETHER IN OUR SECRET PLACE.
I KNOW SOME OF YOU THINK GOD DOESN’T SPEAK; AND OTHERS OF YOU THINK GOD IS LOOKING DOWN ON US, WAITING FOR US TO STEP OUT OF LINE, SO HE CAN BRING HIS WRATH ON US. BUT THIS IS NOT THE GOD OF THE BIBLE, NOR THE GOD WHO SPENDS TIME WITH ME EVERY DAY.
HE LOVES ALL CREATION AND HE DOES, OF COURSE, JUDGE SIN.
FIRST, LET’S EXAMINE HIS CHARACTER: HE IS LIFE; HE IS OUR PEACE; HIS BANNER OVER US IS LOVE; HE IS EVERYTHING WE NEED IN ANY GIVEN SITUATION; HE IS THE DIRECT OPPOSITE OF THE ENEMY OF OUR SOULS, SATAN.
NOW, LET’S LOOK AT SATAN’S CHARACTER: HE IS SELFISH;HE BRINGS PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL DEATH; HE IS LIKE A ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE SOMEONE ON WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO BASE YOUR CHARACTER?
I FORGOT TO SAY, HIS END IS DESTRUCTION. HE DOES DESTROY, BUT IN THE END, HE WILL BE DESTORYED; ALONG WITH ALL WHO SERVE HIM.
TO FOLLOW GOD, IS TO BE WHAT HE WANTS US TO BE: BY ACCEPTING JESUS AS OUR SAVIOR, AND MAKING HIM LORD OF OUR LIVES.
IF WE WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BE INTIMATE WITH, WE LOOK FOR JUST THE RIGHT PERSON: THE ONE WHO IS FOR US AND NOT AGAINST US. LET’S DEFINE THE WORD INTIMATE: IT IS CLOSE IN FRIENDSHIP; WELL ACQUAINTED; FAMILIAR; AND CONFIDENTIAL.
WHY SHOULD WE EVEN SPEND THE TIME OF DAY WITH SOMEONE WHO DESPISES US AND WANTS TO TAKE US TO HELL? THINK ABOUT IT!
WE HAVE MANUALS TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH EVERY APPLIANCE OR GADGET WE BUY. THEY CALL IT INSTRUCTIONS. IT TELLS US WHAT THAT THING WILL DO, AND EVEN WHAT IT WON’T DO. HOW DO THEY KNOW? IT HAS BEEN TRIED AND TESTED.
WELL, WE HAVE A MANUAL, THE BEST SELLER OF ALL TIMES, YEAR AFTER YEAR, CALLED THE HOLY BIBLE. IF WE WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT GOD, OR SATAN, WE CAN FIND IT IN THIS MANUAL.
MY HUSBAND HAS STATED, REFERRING TO THIS, WHEN HE FELL IN LOVE WITH ME, HE WANTED TO KNOW ALL ABOUT ME. IF THERE HAD BEEN A BOOK WRITTEN ABOUT ME, HE WOULD HAVE READ IT TO SEE WHAT WOULD MAKE ME HAPPY.
I TELL YOU, WE CAN PLEASE GOD, BUT SATAN IS NEVER SATISFIED. HIS ONLY PLEASURE IS TO HAVE OUR SOUL AND DAMN IT TO HELL.
EVERYDAY PEOPLE MAKE CHOICES: SOME TURN OUT GOOD, AND SOME BAD; BUT I TELL YOU, THIS CHOICE TO SERVE GOD BRINGS EVERLASTING LIFE AND PEACE WITH IT. NOTHING ELSE WE CHOOSE WILL EVER STAND THAT TEST.
IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT IS GOOD AND TRUE, SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES. THEY BRING EVERLASTING LIFE.
EVERY OTHER gOD, LITTLE “g”, THAT MAN HAS SOUGHT OUT TO BE INTIMATE WITH, HAS BROUGHT DEATH OR BONDAGE. WHY SHOULD ANYONE AS INTELLIGENT AS WE THINK WE ARE, WANT TO SERVE AND ENTITY LIKE THAT?
TELL ME, HOW COULD WHOLE NATIONS WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN TO A gOD WHO REQUIRES THEIR DEATH, FOR FALSE BENEFITS, AND TEACHES THEM TO TAKE LIVES? HOW COULD THEY?
WHEN WE FOLLOW JESUS, WE ARE FOLLOWING HIM TO WIN THE LOST FOR CHRIST. AND HE BRINGS US INTO HIS PRESENCE.
THE ANOINTING OR PRESENCE WE FEEL WHEN WE WORSHIP GOD, JEHOVAH, IS PLEASURABLE. WE GIVE OUR LIVES TO HIM, AND I KNOW SOME HAVE DIED FOR HIM BY BEING MARTYRED, BUT NO ONE HAS EVER COMMITTED MURDER FOR HIM, KILLED UNBORN BABIES FOR HIM, NOR COMMITTED SUICIDE FOR HIM.
WHY DO YOUM SUPPOSE THE MUSLIM god TELLS HIS FOLLOWERS NOT TO BE PROMISCUOUS, AND THEN TELLS THEM THEY CAN BE, IF THEY KILL AND COMMIT SUICIDE IN THE PROCESS? STOP AND THINK! IT IS IN THE KORAN, WHICH WE COULD SAY, IS THEIR MANUAL.
THERE ARE PRECIOUS SOULS IN THE BALANCE, AND WE SHOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT WHO WE SERVE AND COMMUNE WITH. EVERYBODY AFFECTS SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE.
MY HEAVENLY FATHER WANTS COMMUNION WITH HIS CHILDREN, AND ALL OF US HAVE A PLACE WITHIN OUR BEING, THAT WANTS TO WORSHIP SOMEONE OR SOMETHING.
THE MESSAGE I DESIRE TO GET ACROSS TO YOU, IS: WORSHIP THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD!
HE DESIRES TIME WITH YOU, BUT TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM, YOU HAVE TO KNOW HIM PERSONALLY.
MY FRIEND, ALL OTHER gods BELONG TO SATAN AND HIS KINGDOM. HE HAS JUST THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU, TO DECEIVE YOU INTO WORSHIPPING THAT FALSE god; BUT IN REALITY YOU ARE WORSHIPPING SATAN, AND HE LOVES IT.
GOD THE FATHER IS THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD; GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, AND GOD THE HOLY GHOST: THREE IN ONE.
I HAVE READ THE REAL MANUAL, THE HOLY BIBLE, WRITTEN UNDER THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; AND I HAVE BEEN IN HIS PRESENCE, AND HAS SEEN HIS SUPERNATURAL OPERATION IN MY LIFE. HE HAS CHANGED ME, AND IS CONTINUALLY LOVINGLY CHANGING ME.
WHY DO I SERVE HIM? BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME, AND REACHED DOWN FOR ME. HE DREW ME TO HIMSELF. I ACCEPTED HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, AS MY SAVIOR AND HE CHANGED THIS GIRL INTO A WOMAN OF GOD WHO LOVES AND TRIES TO REACH ALL THE PEOPLE SHE CAN TO BRING THEM TO THE TRUTH.
I SPEAK BLESSINGS OVER YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS: SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL, AND FINANCIAL BLESSINGS.
