MY PURPOSE - It's in the SEED....

MY PURPOSE - It's in the SEED....

 

Sometimes your obstacle is your gateway.

A seed has everything it needs to become a tree with hanging fruits.  It was 'born' with it.  It just needs to be planted in the right soil, watered and nurtured.  Its strength depends on how much further it goes down in the soil.  The deeper the roots, the stronger the tree.  Each tree blooms and flourishes based on its season.  Each tree is different.  Apples bear apples and peaches the same.  We become what was already inside of us. Each of us were made with a destiny already pre-conceived.

Psalm 139:13-18

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

You are pre-destined....

 

You are not an accident, nor your own creation.  Every primary thing that you need to fulfill your destiny is innate.  Other things come to shape and harden what God has already created.  The rains, the sun and the winds are all a part of the process to strengthen and form you.  Various circumstances were created to prepare you for your future.  (David led and protected sheep before he led and protected people.) Your roots make you stronger.  It is important to be grounded in Christ.  If you want to flourish more, you've got to go deeper down in the soil.  Jeremiah 29 If you want to be solid and sure seek God more.  

 

Philippians 4:13   

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

"You were born with your greatest gifts. You can do what you believe. BELIEVE!"

God knows your ability because HE created you.  HE is more interested in changing your mindset to match HIS.  HE believes in you.  HE has equipped you with all you'll ever need to accomplish HIS purpose for your life.  But you have to read the manuscript.  You have to read the blueprint, HIS blueprint for your life.  

 

Jeremiah 29:11  

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

"If God planted you there, HE KNEW you could survive there. Your strength is innate. TRUST HIM!"

Your destiny is for your good....

 

Sometimes we get scared or angry about the challenges or obstacles in our lives.  But these obstacles are a part of the process.  In the right season, when it's time to bear fruit, just before the harvest we were created for, a whirlwind might come along.  But winds scatter blossoms, winds scatter new seeds.  One tree will now create many more trees with the greatest of opposition i.e. whirlwinds.  Stay rooted and allow God to do what only HE can do - MIRACLES!  HE can transform your life just like that from a shepherd boy to a King - a most unfamiliar place.  David had never been in a palace, had no 'royal friends'.  But at the right time without any connections he became the leader of the army and later the King.  God is not limited by time and space.  HE created them.  God lives in eternity.  HIS clock starts and stops when HE says so.  God is not intimidated by our circumstances and HE doesn't expect us to be either.  Luke 10

"God always sends your Goliath to reveal you: your influence, power, tenacity, drive.  Your Goliath is your platform to your destiny." Rev. T.D.Jakes

Tend to what god has placed in front of you; because HE is preparing you for something greater than you could ever imagine.  Your destiny doesn't depend on your beginnings, nor your reality.  Your destiny depends on HIS plans for your life, and your submission to HIM.  God created you to dominate your circumstances and the world you live in.  Genesis 1 HE has given you a Kingdom to dominate before the foundations of the earth. Ephesians 1 Will you embrace it?  Will you pull close enough to HIM to hear what HE has to say about your present and future? You have the ability. Do you have the right mentality?  Let the Holy Spirit teach you The Will of God for your life here on earth. Ask HIM! You are the salt of the earth, the yeast in the dough, the light on a hill.  It's not about your size but your influence.  You are created to make a big difference everywhere you go, just like Jesus did. So do it!

TESTIMONY: Steve Harvey's Success journey | Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord...

 

WORSHIP:  Come Away!

Your PURPOSE - It's already in you!

Looking for love?

   Looking for love?

St. John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten son.  That whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life

I know a love....
That kisses my ugliness
Embraces my scars
Nurses my wounds
And leaves a seat for me at the table

I know a love....
That teaches my feet to stand again
My lips to smile again
My mind to believe that I can again
Again

I know a love....
That clears a new path for me
Opens the gates for me
Breaks down the walls
That are way too high for me

I know a love....
That walks beside me
Makes a pillows to calm me
Stands daily to guide me
Gives me a rod for my seas

I know a love....

That formed me before I knew me
Said I was pre-destined
Before I had a plan
HE created

HE created my destiny
Sits outside of time in eternity
Forgave and affirmed me
Said I'm in HIS hands
Almighty

HIS Name is Almighty
God, King, Father and Friend
Restorer, Deliverer
HE made me HIS own
Accepted

Accepted my faults
Rebellion and stupidity
Lack and insufficiency
HIS Grace and Mercy
Is available to all

Available if you'll let HIM
Show you HIMSELF
Why you are worth it
You are always worth it
HIS LOVE is your love....

TESTIMONY:  Suicidal Atheist finds Jesus

WORSHIP: Reckless Love

 You are always worth it....!

IN THE STORM….wake up Jesus!

IN THE STORM…wake up Jesus!

 

One day, when Jesus was on a boat ride with HIS disciples on their way to preach the gospel to a new set of people they were caught in the middle of a storm. It was crazy terrifying for all of them, as the boat seemed like it was going to sink for everyone-else but Jesus who was fast asleep on a pillow in the bottom of the boat. He was quite unaware of what was going on at sea level. I guess they didn’t miss HIM at first. But when they needed all hands on deck; or when it seemed like they were really all going to die, they must have taken a head count and realized that HE was missing. Imagine that, Jesus was fast asleep in never, never land. They were all at the same location simultaneously, yet having different experiences. They were all horrified that they were going to die, while Jesus was blissfully at rest on a pillow. Jesus was at peace in the middle of the storm, in the belly of the boat.

What do I do when I’m faced with uncontrollable opposition that threatens my very life existence, my philosophy, my livelihood? They were fishermen. This was their career, their trade, yet they were failing miserably - tossing things overboard just to stay afloat. This was their territory.  This was what they knew how to do. They were experts here. The sea was their natural habitat. Sure they’d seen many storms before, endured lots of bad weather. But on this occasion they were in panic mode. What do I do when I don’t know what else to do? What do I do when I’ve exhausted all of my resources at a time when I anticipated anything else but a storm? I find Jesus.

The government of heaven....

Our decisions in the midst of any turmoil is to find Jesus in the belly of our boats/ trials. Let the billows roll, and the storms rage. Let the winds howl and the bows break. We just need to get our heads on HIS pillow next to HIM.  Find God in the middle of our troubles and let HIM fight our battles for us. Get HIS opinion.

^{Phillipians 2: 5-11}

⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus had a completely different perspective, a different mindset from HIS disciples.  HE was not terrified of the storm. First we need to understand that being alive means that we are an active part of a kingdom.  Naturally, we are born into the kingdom of this world which is dominated by the devil and his demons.  But we can choose to transfer our citizenship to become a citizen of the Kingdom of God.  Both kingdoms have different laws and principles, rights and privileges.  The Kingdom of God is more powerful than the kingdom of this world and will over-ride every decree when 'its citizens' activate their authority.   

Jesus was a citizen of God's Kingdom, HE  told Pilate: "MY Kingdom is not of this world. In fact HE is the King of that Kingdom. St. John 18  Jesus did not retreat in the face of opposition, HE always stood HIS ground.  And that is what HE commands us to do.  Ephesians 6 The army of the Lord represents its citizens whenever they are in danger from the enemy.  The angels of God fight on our behalf, and they are superior to every strategy/ weapon of the devil.  When we pray we petition for assistance that God guarantees to HIS citizens.  Jesus on earth taught us how to take advantage of our citizenship by HIS actions.  HE healed the sick.  HE cast out demons. HE performed miracles.  HE even repaired the ears of HIS enemy when the soldiers came to arrest HIM in the garden of Gethsemane.  HIS mission was not physical war(fare), it was spiritual.

IN THE BOAT…wake up Jesus!

"It’s not the storm. It’s in the wind. Rebuke the wind"....Rev. T.D.Jakes

1 John 4:4

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

The source....

Sometimes the forces that come against us are not as a result of our doing. They are much bigger than us and will take a much bigger source than us to counteract and destroy them. For instance: David vs. Goliath. That bigger source was/is God. When the disciples awoke Jesus from the belly of the boat HE cursed the winds. HE cursed the winds, not the storm, not the sea, but the wind. They feared the storm, but HE knew it was the wind. The enemy was unseen to the naked eyes, it was spiritual. HE wasn’t alarmed. HE wasn’t petrified. HE took control, because HE was in control. God is always in control. It doesn’t matter what turmoil is ‘abrew’. It is important to know God’s position when we face opposition. David understood that.  1 Samuels 17 Knowing where to find the ultimate power to destroy our opposition is extremely important.  The same power that Jesus exercised, HE also gave to us.  HIS authority came from The Almighty God, HIS Father.  Jesus gave us that same authority to use.

St John 14: 11- 20

¹¹ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. ¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.¹⁵ “If you love me, keep my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
²¹ Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

In order for us to take advantage of the privileges of citizenship we first have to become citizens. Romans 12 The laws of the Kingdom of God are very different from the laws of the kingdom of this world.  That's why Jesus gave us The Counsellor - The Holy Spirit to train us; to help us understand the culture of God's Kingdom. Obedience guarantees your rights.  It is not enough to be familiar with God's laws.  It's very important to be obedient to them.  In God's Kingdom, obedience is better than sacrifice.  Don't just be hearers of the word. Be doers!

TESTIMONY:  Muslim Encounters Jesus Christ on Hospital Bed

WORSHIP:  Songs in the night

                                      

Jesus says, "seek me, find me, run to me, use me!"

IN THE VALLEY….trust GOD!

In the valley - TRUST GOD!

Did Noah feel that way in the ark?

...like God, when is this rain going to stop, we’re seasick and the ark smells horrible with all this animal dung. Or Joseph in prison for crimes he didn’t commit. He went joyfully to serve his brothers and look at where he ended up, in prison? How long was it from the pit to the throne room? How did Jesus feel in Gethesemane, his friends deserting him; his long road to the cross? Did it make HIM want to die more though HE knew the outcome. How unbearable it must have been, the agony, the nakedness in the streets, the accusations, the shame of being hung on a cross. For sure God had deserted HIM because HE acknowledged it on the cross.
HE said, “my God why have YOU forsaken me?”
But what did it do to HIM? Does knowing the outcome make it any painless?

Jeremiah 29: 11-13

“For I know the plans I have for you saith the Lord.
Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.
Plans to give you a hope and a future….”

"MY HOPE in JESUS is like an hard boiled egg. I may crack on the outside, but I'm still solid on the inside"... Stephen Furtick

In HIS presence....

Valleys are often long and meandering with no favorable end in sight. Often times when I come to a crossroads, when I hit a speed bump I try to pull the brake handle all the way up and begin to sniff. Like a rescue dog I sniff for solace. Most times it’s the place that I feel most comfortable - at HIS feet, most times. I sniff for worship. I close my eyes and let worship music pour over my soul like alcohol in a flesh wound it soothes. It doesn’t always bring an answer, just a peace and a transition from the focus on the thing that’s trying to drive me crazy at that time, to focus on The Almighty God. 

I don’t always feel for it. But because I’ve proven that it works on multiple occasions. Even when I’m not in the mood for it I find The Word on my phone and fall asleep listening to it. Or I find worship music on youtube and do the same. That’s my drug. It’s true. For me, all roads lead to worship. It always makes all things better, even if it’s just in that moment. When it doesn’t make sense I leave it in God’s hand, I mean at HIS feet. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done or failed to do. It doesn’t matter what I’m guilty of. I’ve trained myself to sniff. Something about God’s presence is very calm, safe, uncondemning and empowering.

Isaiah 26:3

God will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on THEE!

 

HE gives us power....

 

The thing about the valley is that there's no place too low that the presence of God doesn't reside.  It doesn't matter how we feel, HE gives us keys to unlock any and every door that keeps us 'boxed in'.  HIS word says, whatsoever we bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatsoever we loose on earth is loose in heaven.  Matthew 16 Absolutely nothing can/ should keep us in entrapment.  Like David we need to seek God.  Even when he sinned he acknowledged that: "against thee only have I sinned".   The rules of engagement in the Kingdom of God are different from the rules of engagement in the earthly kingdom of darkness i.e. the devil.  We are not familiar with God's ways.  We are not familiar with God's government. 

 

The Almighty God lives in heaven. HIS ways are higher than our ways and HIS thoughts the same. We cannot comprehend how to escape and or manipulate our environs without God's intervention.   Since Jesus overcame every tactic of the devil, we too can do the same, but not in our own strength.  We need help. When we seek God's help HE sends HIS Holy Spirit to guide us so that we can be successful in achieving and sustaining productive results.  1 Corinthians 10 We were created to win.  Because when we win we reflect God's glory. When we win it looks good on HIM.  God never looses. HE'S always in control.  We have to trust God's methods.  HE only has our best interest at heart.  It is HIS great pleasure to give us the Kingdom. Luke 12.

 

 James 4:8

Draw nigh unto God and HE will draw nigh unto thee!

 

TESTIMONY:  Nahum’s Story - Pain Turned to Purpose (Full Testimony) | 2018 Youth Summit

WORSHIP: Hills and Valleys

                                    

HE knows what HE'S doing....TRUST GOD!

Spiritual Warfare - The Essence of Our Battle

Spiritual Warfare - The Essence of Our Battle....

Ephesians 6:11 - 12

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The Bible tells us to 'put on' the WHOLE armor.  It's something we need to do individually everyday.  The devil our enemy is a trickster; and our being armed is what will cause us to defeat him. The devil is not an idiot.  he is extremely wise and experienced.  Our battle is not against flesh and blood.  Our fight is not physical. It is not with people.  In the Kingdom of The Almighty God the angels, not people are the army of God. In the Kingdom of God the 'we' who wrestle represent the angels who wrestle on our behalf.  Hebrews 1 The angels are assigned to every believer. They represent us by fighting against four different entities.  Just as God had order and rank and file in heaven, so too when the devil was cast out of heaven he replicated God and created rank and file on earth.  In order to defeat our enemy it is important that we follow the strategy outlined by God.  We fight in tandem with God's commands.  God's strategy is that we:

* put on the armor - be hid in Christ St. John 15 Truth, peace, righteousness, salvation and the Holy Spirit are all through Jesus.  It is a lifestyle, a daily exercise, not just a one off event.

* make a 911 call through prayer.   Call on God when you need HIM and don't 'hangup the line.'  Be like Daniel, i.e. pray without ceasing - Stand!  Daniel 10 Daniel didn't stop praying, you shouldn't either.

We petition God, then HE sends HIS angels. The Kingdom of God has a totally different government system than the ones we are familiar with.  We have to be taught how to live and operate as citizens in this Kingdom.  Ephesians 2   Jesus told Pilate that HIS Kingdom was not of this world.  The Holy Spirit is our teacher that knows and understands God's system.  Jesus assigned HIM to us.  Luke 24  We have to study our enemy as well as know the habits and nature of our enemy, so that he can't deceive nor use us.  Jesus told Peter: "get thee behind me satan."  The fight is between kingdoms.  We are no match for the enemy in our own strength.  The wrestle/ fight is against four different entities:

1. Principalities -  These are demons who rule specific territories eg. communities, families, blocks, etc...  They are strongholds, not easy to overcome. These demons are ranked.  They are the generals in the army of the devil.  There are several root demonic forces: 

         a. moral impurity - immorality, improper sexual behaviour, homosexuality, adultery,lust, fornication, etc...             

         b. bitterness and unforgiveness

         c. temporal values - things that don't last

 

Psalms 68:35 

One of us can put a thousand to flight and two of us can set the legions free.   

 

It is important to be accountable to another saint.

 

2. Powers - Ability to delegate influence.  The devil has power, but he doesn't have all power.  he can do supernatural things too.   But only God is all powerful.  The power that God has given us is more powerful than all the powers of the devil and his minions.  2 Peter 1  The earth belongs to God, not the devil.  Do not fear the one who can kill the body.  Rather fear the one who  can kill both the body and soul.

 Romans 8:38-39

 
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Even though principalities and powers are often 'buddies' together, neither of them has power enough to separate us from God's love.  God's love towards us includes HIS re-positioning us as rulers of the earth.  HE sent Jesus on that successful mission to re-introduce us to HIS government. Isaiah 9

 
Ephesians 1: 15-23 

 
 ....That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.  Jesus who lives inside of us is seated.   

 

Jesus who lives in side of me, whose power is resident inside of me, is seated far, far, far above ALL principalities and powers.  Hence I have absolutely no need to fear their powers because they also are way, way, way below me.  Greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world.  We don't ever need to fear demons. Wherever the Kingdom of God exist, so does the power of God.  Where sin abounds, grace doth more abound.   Romans 5 Jesus said, The Kingdom of God is upon you, and it is in you. Luke 11 & 17  The same powers that Jesus exercised while HE was on earth, as a child of God and a citizen of the Kingdom I too have them. Ephesians 2  I'm also seated in the heavenly realms with God, so I too have the power to command or change what happens in the earth like Jesus did.  I have the power to cast mountains into the midst of the ocean based on my faith in God.

 
Ephesians 3: 8-12 

 
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.  

 

First we need to understand the truth about what God intended for us as humans in the earth.  Man was made to dominate the earth and worship God. It is God's great pleasure to give us the Kingdom.  Luke 12 There are so many rights and privileges in our citizenship. A primary role is to declare in the heavenly realms who we are and whose we are.  We are authorized by God to command principalities and powers boldly to flee, like Jesus did with the legions and the pigs. We are to remind them about what God has said about us HIS children and them HIS enemies.  Our power and authority is based on God's righteousness, not ours.  We need not fear for anything.  Our focus should be to learn and understand the wisdom of God through the teaching of the Holy Spirit.

 

Colossians 2:9-15 

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

 

1 Peter 3: 22

 

22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

 

We have superior power over principalities and powers of darkness.

 

3. Rulers of darkness - absence of truth/ light. The devil operates in areas of darkness and fills our heads with lies.  Secrets are his major weapon.  he pulls us away and influences us to keep things hidden.  But the truth is, we cannot be holy without the discipline and help of The Holy Spirit.  It is not by might, nor power by MY Spirit says The Lord. Zechariah 4  We don't need to try to do anything in our own strength.  In fact, it is a sin to do things in our own strength, because those that worship God must worship HIM in spirit and in truth.  St. John 4 Our sins separates us from God's light which is HIS presence.  Our responsibility is to stay in god's presence, even when we fall into sin.  We need to ask God's forgiveness and chase after HIM.  Sin is often a camouflage of the truth.  The devil thrives in ignorance and deception.  his aim is to keep you there - deceived. Light always dispels darkness. Seek the truth, that's where the light is.  Be guided by Jesus' commands and lifestyle.  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.  And pray, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Luke 11

James 5:15-16 

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

4. Spiritual host of wickedness in high places - demonic plots, schemes and plans executed in high places with the goal of bringing you to a place of giving the devil credit.  High places is always in reference to a place of worship.  Our fight is no longer on a physical level for us.  God has revealed the secrets of the Kingdom which grants us access and authority to open and close doors of opportunity to triumph in every circumstance we will ever face.  Mark 4 God allows things to happen for our maturity.  We should worship the Lord especially when we're feeling like we're under attack.  The apostles in prison praised God. Desist from talking about the devil and talk about God instead.  Our situations are controllable.  

We have the power to calm every storm that rises up in front of us.  We have the power to part every Red Sea that we run into.  Not by might, nor power, but by HIS Spirit! God wants us to overcome the challenges so that HE can get the glory.  All the glory belongs to HIM!  Romans 8  Everything that we do should be with the intent to bring glory to The Almighty God.  The devil and his soldiers are no match for us and God's angels.  God's Kingdom can never be defeated! The battle serves to prove that The Almighty God is sovereign over all creation.

TESTIMONY: Exposing Satan's End Time Strategy | Mario Murillo | Something More

WORSHIP: This Is A Move

  

The Kingdom of God can never be defeated!