Hello Everyone,
Do you understand? Have you ever experience Him as your El Shaddai?
If not He is waiting, with arms wide open for you.
He is the One who delights to help His people.
He is the One who delights to comfort His children.
He is the One who longs to hold and protect His own.
Hear the Words of El Shaddai: Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV
15 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!
16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
As a small child when something frightened you, there was nothing like running into your fathers arms.
And as children of God Almighty (El Shaddai) we can find refuge in His arms.
This truth came home to Abram with his face in the dust before the Almighty.
It must have echoed in his head again and again as he looked into the face of baby Isaac and watched him grow strong.
There where other test that would come for this man of faith, test that would push him to the edge of his endurance.
But from that time on he knew where to run to for strength.
Many centuries later Paul would learn the same truth.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV
9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Weakness and difficulty and need and human impossibilities present no problem to El Shaddai.
The Almighty has all the might you could ever need.
Run to Him run right into the throne room and find His arms open wide.
I have been told that some nursing mothers when they would hear their baby cry out that their breast would instantly fill up with milk.
When El Shaddai hears you as His child cry out to Him He fills up with more than enough for your need.
El Shaddai (God Almighty)!
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Hello Everyone,
If anyone needed to know God as El Shaddai, is was Abraham.
He was ninety-nine years old, and Sarah was eighty-nine, and still they were childless.
Still God had promised them a child of their own.
Gods Word tells us: Romans 4:19 NIV
Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead.
Abraham thought about his impotence. He also thought about Sarah’s dead womb.
And even though he knew that zero plus zero does not equal one, he factored another element into the equation.
How could Abraham give glory to God in such a hopeless situation?
It was because he had met El Shaddai.
Over and over again I have found Him to be my all-sufficient God.
My protector. The unconditional lover of my soul.
He has held me through sickness.
He has held me through the loss of a love one.
He has held me through times of great financial need.
He has held me when I have failed.
He has held me when the challenges of leadership seemed to be overwhelming.
He has held me when I did not know what else to say or do.
He has held me when I had no more strength and wondered how I would ever make it.
He has held me in times of temptation.
When I have run to Him, I have never come away in need.
He is my El Shaddai, my ALL sufficient One. God
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
If anyone needed to know God as El Shaddai, is was Abraham.
He was ninety-nine years old, and Sarah was eighty-nine, and still they were childless.
Still God had promised them a child of their own.
Gods Word tells us: Romans 4:19 NIV
Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead.
Abraham thought about his impotence. He also thought about Sarah’s dead womb.
And even though he knew that zero plus zero does not equal one, he factored another element into the equation.
How could Abraham give glory to God in such a hopeless situation?
It was because he had met El Shaddai.
Over and over again I have found Him to be my all-sufficient God.
My protector. The unconditional lover of my soul.
He has held me through sickness.
He has held me through the loss of a love one.
He has held me through times of great financial need.
He has held me when I have failed.
He has held me when the challenges of leadership seemed to be overwhelming.
He has held me when I did not know what else to say or do.
He has held me when I had no more strength and wondered how I would ever make it.
He has held me in times of temptation.
When I have run to Him, I have never come away in need.
He is my El Shaddai, my ALL sufficient One. God
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Hello Everyone,
Remember that El Actually stands for might or power.
The translation for Shaddai is not as clear in its meaning. I lean toward one scholars’ translation by the name of Andrew Jukes he says:
The thought expressed in the name “Shaddai”… describes power, but it is the power, not of violence, but of all bountifulness.
“Shaddai” primarily means “Breasted,” being formed directly from the Hebrew word Shad, that is, “the breast,” or, more exactly, a woman’s breast.”
Parkhurst thus explains the name “Shaddai, one of Divine titles, meaning the Pourer or Shedder forth, that is blessings, temporal and spiritual…”
Mothers will understand this right off for us guys it might take just a minute.
You might ask how can the title the “Breasted,” or Pourer-fourth,” come to mean “Almighty.”
A baby is crying-it’s restless. Nothing can quiet it only the mothers’ breast.
A baby is hungry. It can’t eat regular food; it will die. No! The breast can give it fresh life, and nourishment.
By her breast the mother has almost all power over the baby.
This is El Shaddai, the “Pourer Fourth,” He pours Himself out for His creation; who gives them His life blood; who “sheds forth His Spirit” and says, “Come unto me and drink”…”Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.”
This is the God who, by the sacrifice of Himself, gives Himself and His very nature to those who will receive Him.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Remember that El Actually stands for might or power.
The translation for Shaddai is not as clear in its meaning. I lean toward one scholars’ translation by the name of Andrew Jukes he says:
The thought expressed in the name “Shaddai”… describes power, but it is the power, not of violence, but of all bountifulness.
“Shaddai” primarily means “Breasted,” being formed directly from the Hebrew word Shad, that is, “the breast,” or, more exactly, a woman’s breast.”
Parkhurst thus explains the name “Shaddai, one of Divine titles, meaning the Pourer or Shedder forth, that is blessings, temporal and spiritual…”
Mothers will understand this right off for us guys it might take just a minute.
You might ask how can the title the “Breasted,” or Pourer-fourth,” come to mean “Almighty.”
A baby is crying-it’s restless. Nothing can quiet it only the mothers’ breast.
A baby is hungry. It can’t eat regular food; it will die. No! The breast can give it fresh life, and nourishment.
By her breast the mother has almost all power over the baby.
This is El Shaddai, the “Pourer Fourth,” He pours Himself out for His creation; who gives them His life blood; who “sheds forth His Spirit” and says, “Come unto me and drink”…”Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.”
This is the God who, by the sacrifice of Himself, gives Himself and His very nature to those who will receive Him.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Monday, April 26, 2010
Hello Everyone,
When Abram first heard the name, it put him flat on his face. And if you think about it, it was the most appropriate place to meet God.
At this time in Abram’s life it was the most appropriate moment for God to reveal Himself as El Shaddai. (God Almighty)
This is how it happened:
Genesis 17:1-8 NIV
1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers."
3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8 The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God."
God appeared to Abram, and the old man fell on His face. What did God say to him?
“I am God Almighty… I am El Shaddai, walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will confirm my covenant between me and you.”
In other words, I am your all-sufficient One. Quiet running! Quiet hiding! Quit looking for other ways!
Trust in Me! Rest in Me! Let Me supply your needs.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
When Abram first heard the name, it put him flat on his face. And if you think about it, it was the most appropriate place to meet God.
At this time in Abram’s life it was the most appropriate moment for God to reveal Himself as El Shaddai. (God Almighty)
This is how it happened:
Genesis 17:1-8 NIV
1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers."
3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8 The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God."
God appeared to Abram, and the old man fell on His face. What did God say to him?
“I am God Almighty… I am El Shaddai, walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will confirm my covenant between me and you.”
In other words, I am your all-sufficient One. Quiet running! Quiet hiding! Quit looking for other ways!
Trust in Me! Rest in Me! Let Me supply your needs.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Friday, April 23, 2010
Hello Everyone,
If God is God, then He must be Adonai He must be Master.
If Jesus is God, then He too, must be Jehovah Adonai. Lord.
Many today don’t mind acknowledging Jesus as a good man, or maybe even a prophet, but they do not want to acknowledge Him as God.
For if He is God, then He must be honored as God.
Philippians 2:10-11
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 10:8-10
8But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Abram acknowledge God as his Adonai and later found Him to be El Shaddai, the all-sufficient One who would nurture him and richly bless him and be to him all that He is.
Yes, He is Master and Lord. But what a Master! What a Lord! And what a joy to bow before the One whose love can never be measured in time or eternity.
Oh How HE (Adonai) Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
If God is God, then He must be Adonai He must be Master.
If Jesus is God, then He too, must be Jehovah Adonai. Lord.
Many today don’t mind acknowledging Jesus as a good man, or maybe even a prophet, but they do not want to acknowledge Him as God.
For if He is God, then He must be honored as God.
Philippians 2:10-11
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 10:8-10
8But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Abram acknowledge God as his Adonai and later found Him to be El Shaddai, the all-sufficient One who would nurture him and richly bless him and be to him all that He is.
Yes, He is Master and Lord. But what a Master! What a Lord! And what a joy to bow before the One whose love can never be measured in time or eternity.
Oh How HE (Adonai) Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Hello Everyone,
Can a person really be saved and deny God’s total Lordship over his life?
Can a man or a woman really call Jesus Christ “Lord” and refuse to do the things He tells them to do?
Can you or I really expect eternal life in Heaven when we’ve never bowed before Him as Lord on earth?
To understand this is to understand what being a true believer is all about.
When we summit to Him as Lord we come to see that He supplies all that we need for what ever purpose or task He gives.
Whatever it is, Adonai supplies what His servants need in order to perform their Masters will.
But as Adonai He has a right to expect obedience!
This is why God became angry with Moses at their meeting at the burning bush.
God called Moses to go before Pharaoh and tell him to release His people. But listen to Moses reply to God.
One thing that you might not know. When “LORD” is in all capitol letters, the word is “Jehovah”; the other times it is Adonai.
Exodus 4:10-14
10 Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."
11 The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
13 But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."
14 Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.
Why was God angry? Because Moses was saying, “Lord, Lord”…Adonai, Adonai” but not trusting and submitting to Him as Adonai.
What good does it do to use your lips to say the word Lord and not bow your knee to His Lordship and turn and go the opposite way of what He says?
Jesus said it best Centuries later in Matthew 15:7-8
7You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8" 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Where is your heart?
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Can a person really be saved and deny God’s total Lordship over his life?
Can a man or a woman really call Jesus Christ “Lord” and refuse to do the things He tells them to do?
Can you or I really expect eternal life in Heaven when we’ve never bowed before Him as Lord on earth?
To understand this is to understand what being a true believer is all about.
When we summit to Him as Lord we come to see that He supplies all that we need for what ever purpose or task He gives.
Whatever it is, Adonai supplies what His servants need in order to perform their Masters will.
But as Adonai He has a right to expect obedience!
This is why God became angry with Moses at their meeting at the burning bush.
God called Moses to go before Pharaoh and tell him to release His people. But listen to Moses reply to God.
One thing that you might not know. When “LORD” is in all capitol letters, the word is “Jehovah”; the other times it is Adonai.
Exodus 4:10-14
10 Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."
11 The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
13 But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."
14 Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.
Why was God angry? Because Moses was saying, “Lord, Lord”…Adonai, Adonai” but not trusting and submitting to Him as Adonai.
What good does it do to use your lips to say the word Lord and not bow your knee to His Lordship and turn and go the opposite way of what He says?
Jesus said it best Centuries later in Matthew 15:7-8
7You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8" 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Where is your heart?
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hello Everyone,
Do you see the need to bow before Him and say, “LORD”?
Do you see the necessity to acknowledge Him as supreme Ruler over all that you have and are?
To many times people seem bored with their Christianity experience.
Could God not be enough for everyone?
Could it be that Christianity just can’t satisfy certain people?
Could it be that they have never truly bowed the knee to Adonai and owned Him as Lord?
Look with me at what Jesus said in His sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:21-23.
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Also in Luke 6:46:
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
It’s a simple question but it is powerful. Acknowledging Him as Lord has to be something more than mere words.
As we having been studying for weeks now, it is a personal relationship!
The Lordship of God means His total possession of me and my total submission to Him as Master.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Do you see the need to bow before Him and say, “LORD”?
Do you see the necessity to acknowledge Him as supreme Ruler over all that you have and are?
To many times people seem bored with their Christianity experience.
Could God not be enough for everyone?
Could it be that Christianity just can’t satisfy certain people?
Could it be that they have never truly bowed the knee to Adonai and owned Him as Lord?
Look with me at what Jesus said in His sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:21-23.
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Also in Luke 6:46:
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
It’s a simple question but it is powerful. Acknowledging Him as Lord has to be something more than mere words.
As we having been studying for weeks now, it is a personal relationship!
The Lordship of God means His total possession of me and my total submission to Him as Master.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Monday, April 19, 2010
Hello Everyone,
Before God revealed Himself to Abram as the all-sufficient God Almighty who could meet Abram’s every need, there was an earlier encounter.
Before Abram learned of an El Shaddai, he acknowledge God by a different name.
The name is first used in Genesis 15:1-2:
1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
2 But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, (Adonai) what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"
After experiencing a great victory against some powerful enemies and huge odds, and after coming to God as El Elyon, God Most High and sovereign of the universe, Abram acknowledge God’s Lordship over his own life.
Over all that he had and was. Abram, a man with firsthand knowledge of the master-slave relationship, called Him Adonai.
LORD.
MASTER.
OWNER.
Before you can really know God as El Shaddai, the all-sufficient One, I believe you must bow before Him as Adonai, your Lord and Master.
When I knelt before Him some 30 years ago I remember distinctly coming to an understanding that I needed Him as more than a Savoir.
I needed Him as my Lord and Master I remember saying with all my heart everything is Yours I want you to be Lord of my life.
At that time I did not know the name Adonai or what it meant I had just come to a place of total commitment to the will of God.
And when I acknowledge Him as my Lord, I found Him as my El Shaddai.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Before God revealed Himself to Abram as the all-sufficient God Almighty who could meet Abram’s every need, there was an earlier encounter.
Before Abram learned of an El Shaddai, he acknowledge God by a different name.
The name is first used in Genesis 15:1-2:
1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
2 But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, (Adonai) what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"
After experiencing a great victory against some powerful enemies and huge odds, and after coming to God as El Elyon, God Most High and sovereign of the universe, Abram acknowledge God’s Lordship over his own life.
Over all that he had and was. Abram, a man with firsthand knowledge of the master-slave relationship, called Him Adonai.
LORD.
MASTER.
OWNER.
Before you can really know God as El Shaddai, the all-sufficient One, I believe you must bow before Him as Adonai, your Lord and Master.
When I knelt before Him some 30 years ago I remember distinctly coming to an understanding that I needed Him as more than a Savoir.
I needed Him as my Lord and Master I remember saying with all my heart everything is Yours I want you to be Lord of my life.
At that time I did not know the name Adonai or what it meant I had just come to a place of total commitment to the will of God.
And when I acknowledge Him as my Lord, I found Him as my El Shaddai.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Hello Everyone,
True obedience is Transforming.
There are blessings that where promised to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 28:3-13 if they obeyed God, true obedience also will release the power of God!Specifically, the POWER of God to transform us and those around us."God can do anything, you know—-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."- Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)"The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."- 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT)The last time I checked, our world was in need for transformation.
The last time I checked, I was in need of transformation.
That is why we need to experience God at work in our lives.
To experience God, we must...Believe He is always at work; that He is pursuing a personal love relationship with us; that He invites us to join Him in the work He is doing; that He is calling us to new steps of obedience in our walk with Him so that we might join in His work; that He can enable us to do what He is calling us to do; that any adjustment required to obey God is worthwhile; and that as I obey Him, He will accomplish His work in and through me.Today, will you obey God?
Delayed obedience is disobedience!
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
True obedience is Transforming.
There are blessings that where promised to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 28:3-13 if they obeyed God, true obedience also will release the power of God!Specifically, the POWER of God to transform us and those around us."God can do anything, you know—-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."- Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)"The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."- 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT)The last time I checked, our world was in need for transformation.
The last time I checked, I was in need of transformation.
That is why we need to experience God at work in our lives.
To experience God, we must...Believe He is always at work; that He is pursuing a personal love relationship with us; that He invites us to join Him in the work He is doing; that He is calling us to new steps of obedience in our walk with Him so that we might join in His work; that He can enable us to do what He is calling us to do; that any adjustment required to obey God is worthwhile; and that as I obey Him, He will accomplish His work in and through me.Today, will you obey God?
Delayed obedience is disobedience!
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday we seen that true obedience is timely today we will see that true obedience is Total - Deuteronomy 28:1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.
Notice it says "fully obey".True obedience is total obedience.
That is why it is important to wait on the Lord to discern HOW He wants us to do what He is calling us to do.
God’s will must be done God’s way.To obey God, I must be willing to make the necessary adjustments, changes, or sacrifices required.
But my motivation to do this comes from knowing that if I will give to God a full measure of obedience, I will receive a full measure of blessing.Yes we have limitations, but we serve a God who has no limitations. God can and will use any Christian who is totally committed to Him.I have quoted it many times: "The world has yet to see what God will do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him."Not a great man, nor a educated man, not a rich man, not a wise man, not an eloquent man, not a smart man, but simply a man.
It is up to us whether or not we will or will not make that complete and full consecration to God.
When a believer surrenders himself completely to God, God is free to work completely through him.
Our God can do extraordinary work through very ordinary people.
Prophecy: 4/11/2010 Given by one of our Ladies at Anderson 1st.
"I am the resurrection and the LIFE. He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Do you not know that the same power that raised me from the dead is the same power that LIVES IN YOU? The power to give life. The power to live life abundantly. The power to live life victoriously. Why do you continue to struggle when you have resurrection power dwelling inside of you? Recognize this power in you. Draw on this power. Live victoriously! STOP your struggling. LIVE IN RESURRECTION POWER!"
LIVE IN THE RESURRECTION POWER!
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Yesterday we seen that true obedience is timely today we will see that true obedience is Total - Deuteronomy 28:1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.
Notice it says "fully obey".True obedience is total obedience.
That is why it is important to wait on the Lord to discern HOW He wants us to do what He is calling us to do.
God’s will must be done God’s way.To obey God, I must be willing to make the necessary adjustments, changes, or sacrifices required.
But my motivation to do this comes from knowing that if I will give to God a full measure of obedience, I will receive a full measure of blessing.Yes we have limitations, but we serve a God who has no limitations. God can and will use any Christian who is totally committed to Him.I have quoted it many times: "The world has yet to see what God will do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him."Not a great man, nor a educated man, not a rich man, not a wise man, not an eloquent man, not a smart man, but simply a man.
It is up to us whether or not we will or will not make that complete and full consecration to God.
When a believer surrenders himself completely to God, God is free to work completely through him.
Our God can do extraordinary work through very ordinary people.
Prophecy: 4/11/2010 Given by one of our Ladies at Anderson 1st.
"I am the resurrection and the LIFE. He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Do you not know that the same power that raised me from the dead is the same power that LIVES IN YOU? The power to give life. The power to live life abundantly. The power to live life victoriously. Why do you continue to struggle when you have resurrection power dwelling inside of you? Recognize this power in you. Draw on this power. Live victoriously! STOP your struggling. LIVE IN RESURRECTION POWER!"
LIVE IN THE RESURRECTION POWER!
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Hello Everyone,
Yes, we must obey the call of God if we are going to experience the working of God.
But what are the marks of true obedience? Well, true obedience is first of all Timely.When should I obey God? When I receive His command!Delayed obedience is disobedience.
Just like the little girl said in Sunday School during their class’s study of the Lord’s Prayer. In discussing the statement, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," the teacher asked, "How do you think God’s will is done in heaven?" The little girl answered, "I think it is done right away!"We have said that God reveals His call in three phases: What, How, & When.Until I am told when, I am, responsible for whatever the Lord has told me to do up until that point.
I need to continue to walk in what He has revealed to me this far, and then when He reveals my next step, I am to walk in that.Jesus said, "Walk while you have the Light [keep on living by it], so that darkness may not overtake and overcome you." - John 12:35 (Amplified)Every moment I hesitate to follow the call of God, is a moment I risk wandering around in darkness.
Every moment I hesitate to follow the call of God is a moment I risk wasting my life, rather than investing my life.
Therefore, I need to commit myself to living my life, walking in whatever light God has given me to walk in today.An illustration that we have used before: The headlights of my car do not shine all the way from my car to my destination.
No, they shine a certain distance, then, when I have traveled that distance, they shine out further.It is the same way with walking in the light God gives.
If I want to receive more light from the Lord tomorrow, I must walk in the light He gives me today.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Yes, we must obey the call of God if we are going to experience the working of God.
But what are the marks of true obedience? Well, true obedience is first of all Timely.When should I obey God? When I receive His command!Delayed obedience is disobedience.
Just like the little girl said in Sunday School during their class’s study of the Lord’s Prayer. In discussing the statement, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," the teacher asked, "How do you think God’s will is done in heaven?" The little girl answered, "I think it is done right away!"We have said that God reveals His call in three phases: What, How, & When.Until I am told when, I am, responsible for whatever the Lord has told me to do up until that point.
I need to continue to walk in what He has revealed to me this far, and then when He reveals my next step, I am to walk in that.Jesus said, "Walk while you have the Light [keep on living by it], so that darkness may not overtake and overcome you." - John 12:35 (Amplified)Every moment I hesitate to follow the call of God, is a moment I risk wandering around in darkness.
Every moment I hesitate to follow the call of God is a moment I risk wasting my life, rather than investing my life.
Therefore, I need to commit myself to living my life, walking in whatever light God has given me to walk in today.An illustration that we have used before: The headlights of my car do not shine all the way from my car to my destination.
No, they shine a certain distance, then, when I have traveled that distance, they shine out further.It is the same way with walking in the light God gives.
If I want to receive more light from the Lord tomorrow, I must walk in the light He gives me today.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Monday, April 12, 2010
Hello Everyone,
As we have spoken about experiencing God at work in our lives, we have identified seven realities associated with knowing and doing God’s will.
1. God is always at work around us.2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with us that is real and personal.3. God invites us to become involved with Him in his work.4. God speaks by His Holy spirit through His Word, through prayer, through circumstances, and through His church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.5. God’s invitation for us to join Him in His work will always lead us to a "crisis of belief’ that requires faith and action.6. We will have to make adjustments in our life in order to join God in what He is doing.7. We come to know God by experience as we obey Him and He accomplishes His work through us.This week, we are finishing out this series by looking at reality number seven - obeying God.
“God has given all of us very simple purpose- love, which is summed up in one word; obedience. We prove we love God by obeying God. If we obey God we will do everything He has prepared us to do noting more, nothing less. (From the book Do Something By Miles Mcpherson)
What if God showed up in person? And He said, “I’ll make you a deal. If you obey Me and follow MY rules, I will bless every area of your life, your family, your finances, and your future. You’ll never have to worry about these things anymore! I’ll watch over you and provide for you both now and forever!”How many of you would say that’s a good deal?
How many of you would say, “Lord, sign me up!
I want to be in on this!
I don’t want to miss any of the blessings you have for Your people?”I’m glad you feel that way. Because this offer is for real!
And it is available to everyone in the whole world.
Once we recognize the call of God, we then have to decide whether or not we believe God can enable us to do what He is calling us to be a part of.
When we have declared our faith in the Lord, we then adjust our lives in order to be in a position to obey.
Obedience is critical, without it, we will never do the will of God and we will not experience Him working in our lives.
Take time this week to read Deuteronomy 28:1-13 this week.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
As we have spoken about experiencing God at work in our lives, we have identified seven realities associated with knowing and doing God’s will.
1. God is always at work around us.2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with us that is real and personal.3. God invites us to become involved with Him in his work.4. God speaks by His Holy spirit through His Word, through prayer, through circumstances, and through His church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.5. God’s invitation for us to join Him in His work will always lead us to a "crisis of belief’ that requires faith and action.6. We will have to make adjustments in our life in order to join God in what He is doing.7. We come to know God by experience as we obey Him and He accomplishes His work through us.This week, we are finishing out this series by looking at reality number seven - obeying God.
“God has given all of us very simple purpose- love, which is summed up in one word; obedience. We prove we love God by obeying God. If we obey God we will do everything He has prepared us to do noting more, nothing less. (From the book Do Something By Miles Mcpherson)
What if God showed up in person? And He said, “I’ll make you a deal. If you obey Me and follow MY rules, I will bless every area of your life, your family, your finances, and your future. You’ll never have to worry about these things anymore! I’ll watch over you and provide for you both now and forever!”How many of you would say that’s a good deal?
How many of you would say, “Lord, sign me up!
I want to be in on this!
I don’t want to miss any of the blessings you have for Your people?”I’m glad you feel that way. Because this offer is for real!
And it is available to everyone in the whole world.
Once we recognize the call of God, we then have to decide whether or not we believe God can enable us to do what He is calling us to be a part of.
When we have declared our faith in the Lord, we then adjust our lives in order to be in a position to obey.
Obedience is critical, without it, we will never do the will of God and we will not experience Him working in our lives.
Take time this week to read Deuteronomy 28:1-13 this week.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Hello Everyone,
God sees all.
He knows the things that were done and He will handle it.
After you realize that God sees, you need to know that in His Sovereignty He permitted it.
As bad as it might be, in Gods economy it will be used for good if you will but know Him, believe Him, and put your trust in Him.
He does not forsake those who seek Him.
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
This is one way it helps to know His name El Roi.
Another way that knowing God as El Roi helps is if you have family or friends who have left or cut them selves off from God or you.
You may have, know idea where they are or what is happening in their lives.
But El Roi does.
He knows where they have come from and where they are going.
He knows what they are thinking and feeling in the deepest part of their hearts.
He sees it all. Right now. At this very instant.
You can’t but He can.
Trust Him, run into the strong tower of “El Roi”…THE GOD WHO SEES.
And Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
God sees all.
He knows the things that were done and He will handle it.
After you realize that God sees, you need to know that in His Sovereignty He permitted it.
As bad as it might be, in Gods economy it will be used for good if you will but know Him, believe Him, and put your trust in Him.
He does not forsake those who seek Him.
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
This is one way it helps to know His name El Roi.
Another way that knowing God as El Roi helps is if you have family or friends who have left or cut them selves off from God or you.
You may have, know idea where they are or what is happening in their lives.
But El Roi does.
He knows where they have come from and where they are going.
He knows what they are thinking and feeling in the deepest part of their hearts.
He sees it all. Right now. At this very instant.
You can’t but He can.
Trust Him, run into the strong tower of “El Roi”…THE GOD WHO SEES.
And Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Hello Everyone,
The Lord said to Hagar in Genesis 16:8: “Where have you come from, and where are you going”?
There was a concern for Hagar’s past and her future in this question.
It was as if the Lord was saying:
· Where have you been Hager?
· What has hurt you?
· Why are you running?
· What will happen to you if you keep running and running like this? Or like you have always done.
Many times when we are mistreated, used by someone else or make stupid mistakes, we tend to run away from the situation.
We don’t know what to do with it so we “stuff it”!
I guess we think that if we stuff it, it will go away.
But our mind stores it away and when someone pushes the wrong buttons or something happens we push replay on our memory button and the pain and the bitterness all come up again and we run for the desert and stuff it all over again.
Question: Can someone be whole who has been so miss treated either by others or themselves?
And if they can where does healing begin?
It begins by running into the “strong tower” of the Name of the Lord El Roi.
It begins with the God who sees.
He was awake. He was aware. He saw it all.
The first time we meet God in His Word as El Roi we find Him telling Hagar to go back and DEAL with the situation.
"Go back to your mistress and submit to her." (Vs 9 NIV)
“Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” (NLT)
God sees all.
And Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
The Lord said to Hagar in Genesis 16:8: “Where have you come from, and where are you going”?
There was a concern for Hagar’s past and her future in this question.
It was as if the Lord was saying:
· Where have you been Hager?
· What has hurt you?
· Why are you running?
· What will happen to you if you keep running and running like this? Or like you have always done.
Many times when we are mistreated, used by someone else or make stupid mistakes, we tend to run away from the situation.
We don’t know what to do with it so we “stuff it”!
I guess we think that if we stuff it, it will go away.
But our mind stores it away and when someone pushes the wrong buttons or something happens we push replay on our memory button and the pain and the bitterness all come up again and we run for the desert and stuff it all over again.
Question: Can someone be whole who has been so miss treated either by others or themselves?
And if they can where does healing begin?
It begins by running into the “strong tower” of the Name of the Lord El Roi.
It begins with the God who sees.
He was awake. He was aware. He saw it all.
The first time we meet God in His Word as El Roi we find Him telling Hagar to go back and DEAL with the situation.
"Go back to your mistress and submit to her." (Vs 9 NIV)
“Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” (NLT)
God sees all.
And Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Hello Everyone,
Hagar discovered this about God soon after she left from the tense situation in her home.
Thirsty, probably lonely and exhausted, Hagar eventually collapses by a spring of water in the desert.
It was here that Hagar has a visitor: Genesis 16:7-8 (NIV)
7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. 8 And he said, "Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?" "I'm running away from my mistress Sarai," she answered.
Hagar discovers some cool things about the Lord here in the desert by a spring.
· He knows right where to find her.
· He knows her name.
· He knows her heartaches at home.
· He knows about the child that she is carrying.
· And the greatest thing that He knows is He knows her future her destiny.
Hagar is blown away listen to her response: Genesis 16:13-14 (NIV)
13 She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.
This is the only time as far as I can find in the Word that a person gives God a name.
El Roi the God who sees.
Oh How He Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Hagar discovered this about God soon after she left from the tense situation in her home.
Thirsty, probably lonely and exhausted, Hagar eventually collapses by a spring of water in the desert.
It was here that Hagar has a visitor: Genesis 16:7-8 (NIV)
7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. 8 And he said, "Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?" "I'm running away from my mistress Sarai," she answered.
Hagar discovers some cool things about the Lord here in the desert by a spring.
· He knows right where to find her.
· He knows her name.
· He knows her heartaches at home.
· He knows about the child that she is carrying.
· And the greatest thing that He knows is He knows her future her destiny.
Hagar is blown away listen to her response: Genesis 16:13-14 (NIV)
13 She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.
This is the only time as far as I can find in the Word that a person gives God a name.
El Roi the God who sees.
Oh How He Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Monday, April 5, 2010
Hello Everyone,
In Genesis 16:1-16 we read about Hagar. She was used for someone else’s needs. She was used and then mistreated pushed to the side.
Have you ever known such a day in your life? Have you ever known what it means to be thrown out, completely rejected?
Did you have the feelings of inadequacy?
That it was all your fault.
Maybe if you had behaved differently, maybe if you have been more than you are, maybe if you had done a better job…The speculations go on and on.
Some of you may have come to a point in your life and you feel, very much like Hagar. You feel mistreated, abused, or neglected.
You understand that you have made mistakes and you live with those, but what’s confusing is when you have to live with the consequences and mistakes of other people.
Where is God you ask?
Where is Elohim, the Creator-God who created me for His purposes? Where is El Elyon, the Sovereign God who promised that all things work together for good?
Does He really know what is going on? Does He see?
YES! He sees.
It is His very name.
He is El Roi, the God who sees.
The Omnipresent God is there and His eyes are not shut.
He isn’t asleep, He isn’t caught off guard, and He isn’t hindered by the darkness.
GOD SEES!
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
In Genesis 16:1-16 we read about Hagar. She was used for someone else’s needs. She was used and then mistreated pushed to the side.
Have you ever known such a day in your life? Have you ever known what it means to be thrown out, completely rejected?
Did you have the feelings of inadequacy?
That it was all your fault.
Maybe if you had behaved differently, maybe if you have been more than you are, maybe if you had done a better job…The speculations go on and on.
Some of you may have come to a point in your life and you feel, very much like Hagar. You feel mistreated, abused, or neglected.
You understand that you have made mistakes and you live with those, but what’s confusing is when you have to live with the consequences and mistakes of other people.
Where is God you ask?
Where is Elohim, the Creator-God who created me for His purposes? Where is El Elyon, the Sovereign God who promised that all things work together for good?
Does He really know what is going on? Does He see?
YES! He sees.
It is His very name.
He is El Roi, the God who sees.
The Omnipresent God is there and His eyes are not shut.
He isn’t asleep, He isn’t caught off guard, and He isn’t hindered by the darkness.
GOD SEES!
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Hello Everyone,
You see, not only can we not stay where we are and follow God, but:We cannot follow God and stay the same!Each time God calls us to a new step of obedience in our walk with Him, He is calling us to change in some way; and each change is designed to make us more like Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[ of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)You see, we are never so much like Jesus as when we determine that any sacrifice is worth making in order to follow God and then take whatever action is necessary to obey Him and be rewarded by Him.
This is what Jesus was referring to when He said:“Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” - Luke 9:23-24 (NIV)“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat - I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?” - Luke 9:23-24 (The Message)How is God calling you to “take up your cross” today?
How is He calling you to obey Him?
What adjustments are you going to have to make in order to obey Him?
Is it an adjustment in . . . . . . your circumstances (like job, home, finances);
your relationships (marriage, family, friends, business associates); your thinking (prejudices, methods, your potential);
your commitments (to family, church, job. plans, tradition);
your activities (how you pray, give, serve, spend your free time);
your beliefs (about God, His purposes, His ways, yourself, your relationship to God)?
Mark this down, whatever changes or sacrifices I might have to make in order to obey God are always worth it because it is only in embracing my “cross” that I will fulfill my God-given destiny.So which will it be? Will you waste your life or invest your life?
Will you live for yourself or for your Savior?
Will you follow the way of the crowd or the way of the cross?
It’s just a few minor adjustments.
Oh How He Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
You see, not only can we not stay where we are and follow God, but:We cannot follow God and stay the same!Each time God calls us to a new step of obedience in our walk with Him, He is calling us to change in some way; and each change is designed to make us more like Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[ of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)You see, we are never so much like Jesus as when we determine that any sacrifice is worth making in order to follow God and then take whatever action is necessary to obey Him and be rewarded by Him.
This is what Jesus was referring to when He said:“Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” - Luke 9:23-24 (NIV)“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat - I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?” - Luke 9:23-24 (The Message)How is God calling you to “take up your cross” today?
How is He calling you to obey Him?
What adjustments are you going to have to make in order to obey Him?
Is it an adjustment in . . . . . . your circumstances (like job, home, finances);
your relationships (marriage, family, friends, business associates); your thinking (prejudices, methods, your potential);
your commitments (to family, church, job. plans, tradition);
your activities (how you pray, give, serve, spend your free time);
your beliefs (about God, His purposes, His ways, yourself, your relationship to God)?
Mark this down, whatever changes or sacrifices I might have to make in order to obey God are always worth it because it is only in embracing my “cross” that I will fulfill my God-given destiny.So which will it be? Will you waste your life or invest your life?
Will you live for yourself or for your Savior?
Will you follow the way of the crowd or the way of the cross?
It’s just a few minor adjustments.
Oh How He Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
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