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FaithTalkFaithTalk  Our Flesh, Our Ego, and Our PrideSaturday, July 23, 2011
It seems like for the last few weeks, God has had me study out Matthew 4. God really showed me that Satan does not have any new tricks to try to snare us with. He has used the same tricks over and over for generations. He has no need to try to come up with any new tricks since we fall for the same one's over and over. Satan appeals to our Flesh, our Ego, and our Pride... he said in verse 3 of Matthew chapter 4, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." He knew that Jesus was hungry after fasting for 40 days. Then in verse 6, "If you are the Son of God," he said, "Throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" Satan also knows the word of God, and he was challenging Christ's ego...I'm afraid I may have fallen right there, my flesh would have wanted to say, "Oh yeah! Well just let me show you who I am." And zapped him right there...Then in verse 9, "All this I will give you," he said, "If you will bow down and worship me." Pride... Look at what I have...but then again look at the cost. But, see how Christ handled Satan. He was calm, he did not let his emotion's overtake him, he confronted his test with the Word: "Man does not live by bread alone." Then, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test," and then finally, "Away from me, For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" God has really been saying to me, don't act from your flesh, your ego, or your pride. Just stop for a minute, keep your mouth shut, and think before you say anything and when you do open your mouth, speak the Word. So often I want to say "get 'em God," and then I want a front row seat to see what happens. We must try to keep our flesh from being the boss. We can never do the things God wants us to do if we let our flesh run our lives.
- RaeAnn Berry
ENTER INTO HIS RESTWednesday, June 29, 2011 These are difficult times for many people. We hear of those who are now unemployed and some even losing their homes. There seems to have been more natural disasters recently. We hear of famines and hunger in so many places even here in the United States. Things certainly are not as comfortable for most as they were 10-15 years ago. Our culture/society is changing with a strong swing to a "serve me first" mentality. Instead of thinking of others first or serving others we want our own needs met. We even see this among our leaders and those who are supposed to be role models. We are also seeing more overt attacks against our Christian values.
We pray, crying out to God for help, for deliverance, and for His peace. We seek Him for direction in these times of trouble and unrest. He loves us so much and He answers our cries. He sends and comorts us with His Holy Spirit and reassures us with His Word; but often these are not the responses for which we are looking. We are looking for a more "natural" or "physical" response. Perhaps we wanted to see our enemies defeated. Maybe we were expecting a huge inheritance check in the mail.
We still have bills to pay. Our mortgage has become an impossible burden in this economic climate. Our car has held together much longer than we expected, and yet we know we cannot just run out and buy another one. Maybe for some it has become increasingly more difficult to maintain relationships with those around you. Perhaps those you work with and maybe even some of your own family members have become a burden to you. Instead of finding "joy" with them you seem to be at odds and in a state of conflict and turmoil. Instead of receiving the answers to our prayer (the answer we wanted) we are left feeling even deeper disappointment, deeper concerns, and maybe even fear as we look at the landscape of our wilderness journey.
Why? Why?
Why do we still have unrest, doubts and fears?
WE HAVE NOT FOUND OUR RESTING PLACE IN GOD.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV) "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls."
In the Book of Hebrews it says there remains a "rest" for the people of God. Pastor has recently been teaching on the subject of "The Word of God." He has really brought a lot of insight into the power and effectiveness of God's word in our lives. If you have not been paying attention, get the messages and listen again. Truly, your Heavenly Father is answering your cries, your prayers in these messages. It's up to us to discern His voice and to listen. Noah preached 120 years and no one listened and received what he had to say except his own family.
Recently on a Wednesday night service Pastor was sharing about the two miracles of feeding the multitudes. One time they fed 5,000 men and the other time they fed 4,000 men. Many scholars believe the actual numbers were significantly more as the scriptures do not mention the women and children who were apparantly also present. The point that Pastor was making in regards to these two miracles is that in each instance His own disciples didn't get it. The disciples, failed to understand the provision of God, the ability of God, and the willingness of God. God was right there in their midst and they did not have the discernment, the awareness. The scripture even says, "Their hearts were hardened."
When you pray are you looking for an external answer? Are you expecting God to respond to a situation in the same way you would? Do you want worldly/natural answers from a spiritual/heavenly God? Beloved He came down to redeem us to take us back up into His presence.
Stop looking to the world for answers! Our founding fathers understood that it was only God Himslef who would provide us with care and sustenance. So many of the original documents of this nation testify of the Providence of God. We as Christians, of all people, must get back to a understanding, a true faith, that God is our source. He fed the thousands at one setting. HE CAN STILL MEET OUR NEEDS!
Dear child of God, do you not know that there is an abundant supply for you? Even as I say this some of you are still thinking carnally, you may desire the wealth of this world. What God has promised us is the His seed will never beg for bread. The thousands that were fed did not complain about the gift, they thankfully received what was offered.
Trust in the Lord. Understand the power of His Word even as it is working in you. He will take care of you in times of famine. It is in our most difficult times that God expects us to call upon Him. He wants us to lean upon His everlasting arms.
Do you need peace? Do you really desire rest for your soul? His voice is clear. The sound of His word is going forth. We must simply trust and obey.
Below are a few scriptures I would encourage you to look up and read. Spend some quiet time in His presence, and allow His Holy Spirit the opportunity to bring revelation and insight into His desire to be your provider. It was never intended to be any other way. Take hold of these scriptures, as they are "life" and "peace." You will finally realize the Father really does have your best interest at heart. He has already made provisions for you and will bring its release when you cease from your own labors. Wait for Him, only then will you find "rest" for your soul.
(Hebrews 3:10-12; Hebrews 4:9-11; Matthew 11:28-29; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 132:11-15; Psalm 33; Psalm 62:8; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Jeremiah 10:23; Isaiah 54:11-14; Proverbs 3:5)
- Dan Johnson
His Kingdom ComeMonday, March 21, 2011 I believe we are in a time when the Kingdom of God is ever present and on the increase. When John the Baptist came on the scene, he was preaching for people to repent saying "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:2) Later Jesus reiterated this message saying "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15) Soon after, Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, giving them power over evil spirits and to heal the sick, telling them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. (Luke 9:1-2)
We have the same powerful kingdom message today. It has not changed but is more clear and relevant than ever before. God is still healing, delivering, saving, and setting people free from Satan's control. God is awakening his children to be kingdom minded; to advance Heaven's will wherever they are. At work, school, or even at the supermarket, God's kingdom is meant to advance with the power of Heaven displayed in miracles, healings, deliverances, and salvation. At one point Jesus sends out the seventy telling them to display the power of God wherever they go by miracles, casting out devils, and healing the sick. "And whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near you.' (Luke 10:8-9)
Praise God that His kingdom is presently advancing in power and salvation and God's children are becoming ever more mindful of the advancement of His will on the earth. We are to declare that His kingdom is advancing with the evidence of God's power displayed resulting in people running to the cross and nations receiving the gospel. So understand God's kingdom IS advancing and declare that, "His kingdom come thy will be done!"
- Pastor James Williams A Table in the WildernessMonday, March 21, 2011 Psalm 78:19, 22 (KJV)
V. 19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?"
V. 22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in His salvation.
After bringing us out of Egypt, is God not able to provide? How many of you are saved? How long have you been a Christian? After God has brought you out of the darkness of satan's kingdom, (I don't want to give him place, not even to capitalize his name), is He not able to do something wonderful in your life? Is God limited in His abilities? The children of Israel though so. They angered the Lord because of their unbelief.
Sometimes in our minds we do not recognize that we are questioning God's ability. Can God do something wonderful with my life? Many times we believe we have messed things up so badly God will never be able to use us in His kingdom. The accuser of the brethren is constantly reminding us of our failures, our weaknesses, the promises we have made to God and have not kept. We often look into our own hearts and cannot believe that God could possibly forgive us one more time let alone use us in His kingdom. Why are we so afraid? Is it because we see our failures? Is it because our own family members, church members, and others view us as insignificant? We may think we doubt our own abilities, but in fact, like the children of Israel, we doubt God. "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" Can God use me in His Kingdom?
In the last days HE WILL pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. Saints, this is exactly what God is doing. The desert shall bloom like the roses.
Galations 4:27 (KJV) "For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath a husband." There are many in our fellowship that are ready and need to step out in faith. Too many times we wait for the "man or woman of God" to do something. Don't wait for a special invitation. He is calling now. Jesus asked the disciples, "What shall we feed them?" He already knew. He just wanted them to get connected. He is always the source and the supply. I speak to you specifically to say do not fear. This is the hour God is making the barren fruitful. DO YOU BELIEVE? Do't read this and think it's for someone else. It's for you. 2 Cor. 4:6 "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus." Remember Sarah and Abraham "waxed old." This means they were used up.
There was nothing left, BUT GOD!!
Another example is found in 1 Samuel 1 where we see Hannah childless, with bitterness in her heart. Yet she cries out to God and He hears her prayer.
He hears your prayer. (Psalm 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute) In a corrupt city, nation, and world; in a place where many have lost the vision of God, where it looks barren even in our own hearts, the Spirit of God is stirring. Can He prepare a table in the Wilderness? YES! And He is doing it. In Psalm 23 David said, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." Right in the midst of our weakest moments God is there to show Himself strong. You don't have to prove anything, you don't even have to be successful, just do what He asks, and believe. Do you believe? God has created you for His kingdom. Step into it!
- Dan Johnson
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