Build your ALTAR..that's where the power is!

Build your ALTAR...that's where the power is!



An altar is a place where humanity meets divinity. At an altar an exchange is made.  An altar is a place of slaughter and or sacrifice. We live and operate in two different realms simultaneously. Altars work for or against human forces in the spirit realm.  At an altar a human submits to the authority and power of the spirit realm. It is a gateway from the physical realm into the spiritual realm. God responded to Noah’s sacrifice on the altar.  

 

Genesis 8: 20 -22

  

 ²⁰ Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. ²¹ The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.  

²² “As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease.”

 

God responded to Elijah’s sacrifice on the altar. The fire came down in response to Elijah's sacrifice.  I Kings 18 The altar is a very powerful place. Life and death takes place there. Covenants are made/ broken there based on the power of the god represented. Before we can 'enter into God's presence we need to make sure that our appearance is acceptable to HIM. There needs to be a sacrifice. Hebrews 9 The Almighty God of heaven calls HIMSELF a consuming fire. HE is Sovereign and has specific standards and legislature. God's power and dominion is supreme in both realms. HE destroys every law of opposition that seeks to defy HIMSELF and HIS authority.   

 

Deutoronomy 4: 23-24

 

²³ Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. ²⁴ For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

 

The spiritual realm is real....

 

Even though we cannot see it with our physical eyes, the spiritual realm is 'realer' than the physical realm that we see. But based on THE WORD of God, everything that happens in the physical world originates in the spiritual world. Physical defeat is as a result of spiritual defeat. In order for us to see it manifested we have to activate it with our words and actions. Nothing leaves heaven until something leaves earth.   It's an exchange. Altars are triggered by sacrifices. A sacrifice is the most important thing when it comes to power.  Your victory or defeat is based on your power. There are two different powers at work in the earth:

• the kingdom of this world which is ruled by the devil (a discharged angel of God)
• The Kingdom of God (heaven on earth) which is owned by The Almighty God in heaven; and ruled by us HIS children and ambassadors through the leadership of God manifested in person of The Holy Spirit living in us.

God's Kingdom power is activated when 'the children of God' know, understand and use their authority.  Jesus defeated 'the strongman' in the earth i.e. the devil and gave us back dominion which God had initially ordained.  Mark 3  'The Messiah' Jesus  Christ restored earthly authority to mankind when HE gave HIS life as the ultimate sacrifice to God on the cross once and for all on behalf of mankind. Hebrews 7  The day Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple in Jerusalem was torn from top to bottom.  Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice and High Priest representing God's people to The Father.  Since then, God does not require animal sacrifices on altars anymore.  Neither does HE require a human high priest to represent us anymore. Instead HE requires that we like Jesus present ourselves in surrender to HIS Will.  It is only then that we can take advantage of the privilege and power through The Holy Spirit to defeat the devil in every aspect of our lives like Christ did on earth.  We overcome because Jesus overcame.  We can command victory because HE did.  We are now made sons and daughters, heirs and co-heirs of God's Kingdom.  Whatsoever we command on earth will be released from heaven to be made manifest in the earth.  And whatsoever we undo will have the same effect.  Because of Jesus, we now have those keys.  Because of Jesus we can now control the circumstances we face.   Jesus never had a crisis!  Moreover, Jesus is still alive.  All other high priests have died.  HIS power and intercession is still active today in our lives.

 

Romans 12: 1-2 

 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

 A Paradigm Shift....

To understand The Kingdom of heaven requires a paradigm shift.   We need a new mindset, a different way of thinking.  Absolutely nothing is governed by the laws of gravity, etc... that we are familiar with.  It's a completely new world altogether, completely different laws.  In The Kingdom of God FAITH is the currency, and there can be no exchange of goods nor services without it.  For instance: in The Kingdom of God, life and death is in the power of the tongue. 

Proverbs 18:21 

Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

God spoke and the world came into orbit.  Jesus consistently told the people that their healing was according to their faith.   In a Kingdom, whatever you believe you decree.  That's how authority works.  Orders are followed or there's death. You are in charge.   As sons and daughters of God on earth, you are in charge.   1 Peter 2  Royalty doesn't ask others their opinion in order to decree a thing.  Who can counsel The Almighty God? Isaiah 40 As sons and daughters of The Most High God we have HIS Holy Spirit as HIS counselor to us.  All we have to do is do like Jesus did, and obey what HE says.  HE said, I only do what The Father tells me to do. St. John 12  We must be submitted and obedient to the leading of The Holy Spirit.  This is how we increase our faith.  As we continue to submit to the tutorship of The Holy Spirit we begin to understand the laws and principles of God's Kingdom.  Then we're able to apply them and live our lives at the standard which God originally intended.  God created us to be in charge.

Genesis 1: 26-29

²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,^[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

²⁸ God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

²⁹ Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. ³⁰ And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.

The significance of our offerings....

 

In the Kingdom of God our words and actions work in tandem with each other. Moses stretched out his rod. Elijah told the widow to fetch containers. Jesus offered up the two fishes and five loaves. It is all about activating Kingdom laws. We are supposed to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. But we are also to make offerings unto God of our first fruits. In fact, we're to offer up tithes and offerings. 

• Your tithe is not just financial. It's the discipline of 'sowing physically' the tenth portion of anything God blesses you with. For instance: your tenth pair of shoe is to be given away. Your tenth orange is to be given away, etc... It's the principle of generosity and good management skills. Jesus told HIS disciples to collect the leftovers. HE didn't waste it. God calls us to be to others what HE is to us. HE freely gives us all things, HIS Son, an inheritance, HIS authority on earth. Our mentality should be to help others, not hoard away. We could even giveaway 9/10th of our blessings because God's resources are never depleted. They are pressed down, shaken together and running over. Jesus commanded us to give. In fact, the more we give is the more we receive. This is indeed a paradigm shift. Luke 6 Once we understand the magnitude of our power, things/ numbers are irrelevant.  Jesus gave them one basket of 2 fishes and five loaves to distribute, yet HE collected twelve baskets full of leftovers.

• Like King David, we should not offer to God that which cost us nothing. 2 Samuels 24 Your offering is based on your personal conviction. It's 'a substantial' part of your sacrifice offered unto God on the altar.   Whatever you place 'on the altar' is symbolic of your perception of and relationship with God. God judges the heart. HE sees not just what you give, but what you keep for yourself, like the woman in the synagogue. HIS resources are as free to you as yours' are to HIM. Jesus teaches us to ask for the same portions we're willing to give, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us". This is another paradigm shift. We should not expect God to do for us what we're not willing to do for others. For how can we say we love God whom we've not seen if we can't love our brother whom we see. God expects our best. For instance God sacrificed HIS Son. The moabite King sacrificed his eldest son. God is more impressed with your heart, not your substance. 

Mark 12: 28 - 33 

 ²⁸ One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

²⁹ “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

³² “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. ³³ To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

• If you come to the altar and remember that your brother has ought against you, go seek him out and make it right first. Mark 5 Instead of blood God requires holiness. Jesus did that - paradigm shift. The power is in the purity not the provision. While in the kingdom of darkness it's the opposite. Jesus already died. Jesus has already overcome the world we just need to stand in authority; take up our position. Spiritual battles are battles for spirits, not humans. The devil and his demons wrestle against the army/ angels of God. We set it off with our actions and words. Angels are ministering spirits who come at our bidding. Hebrews 1 As children of god we are in control. Jesus said, "the same authority and power which The Father has given to me is the same one I'm giving to you". Do not be afraid little flock. I've given you the keys to The Kingdom i.e. the ruling authority. I've also given you The Holy Spirit to maintain your guard. You cannot be defeated, just listen to HIM. HE will guide you into all truths. HE will teach you how to rule."
  

• When you come into God's presence come boldly to the throne of God. Hebrews 4 Jesus said, "And whatsoever you ask in MY NAME believing I will do it." St. John 14 The only thing standing in the way of our dominion and or defeat is our faith. Faith is like a seed which grows. What is most important is that we have it. But our experiences in the counsel of The Holy Spirit should/ will increase our faith. Faith grows with knowledge and understanding. The more faith we have the more we can take control of our circumstances. The less faith we have the more control the devil has over us. 'The ball is really in our court!'

^{2 Timothy 1:7}

 ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

 

Our altars reflect our hearts. We can't fool God. There were over 400 Baal worshipers against one Elijah. Jesus said, "If your faith is as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain be cast into the midst of the sea. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17 The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth seeking for those whose hearts are fully committed to HIM in order to support them. 2 Chronicles 16 If you truly want to experience the presence and power of God seek HIM with your whole heart. Submit to the leading of The Holy Spirit. Make quality time for God, and HE will show you the secrets of The Kingdom. An altar is a place where covenants are made, conversations take place, and sacrifices are offered. Daily, walk in the spirit and you will not gratify the lust of the flesh.  For if god is pleased no form of opposition can withhold HIS bountiful blessings and privileges to you; neither can they stand against you and win.   

 

Philipians 4: 15-19

18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

TESTIMONY: John Ramirez - Rock Church - “Spiritual Warfare”

WORSHIP: All on the Altar

Build your ALTAR...that's where the power is!

A Week Like This...from celebrating to suffering!

A Week Like This...from celebrating to suffering!

 

What do you do when the picture changes so fast?  How could it have been so great not so long ago and now so drastically different?  Where are you God in all of this?  You said I was blessed, we were blessed.  I had a....job/ husband/ good children/ a home/ money/ my parents, etc... What changed? Things changed! Now it's all just horrific, pain and suffering and so much agony.  God do YOU understand what I'm talking about?  Where are YOU now?  You suddenly find yourself in the middle of a crisis. I want to encourage you to believe that Jesus understands because HE'S been there too.

  

Luke 19: 29 - 38

29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38 saying,

“Blessed is the King
    who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
    and glory in the highest heaven!” 

 

Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was greeted with a fanfare, a great pageantry of Hosannas. Yet at the very end of that week the very same crowd shouted crucify HIM! Instead of spreading robes on the ground they have stripped HIM of HIS very own garments, beaten HIM, spat on HIM, and given HIM a cross to carry. At the beginning HE was surrounded by all of HIS disciples and the crowd, yet in the end HE is on the cross alone between two strangers and forsaken by God HIS Father.  Luke 23

It comes with the territory....

 

Know that if you get to live long enough, life is all about opposites.  There will be good and bad days.  Bad days are inevitable. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God they were excommunicated from access to God and HIS Kingdom resources in heaven.  God gave Adam dominion over the earth and Adam gave/ lost that dominion to the devil when he sinned.  The devil and his demons have been ruling the earth ever since. Originally the devil and his demons were angels in heaven who rebelled against God.  Since then God excommunicated them from heaven.  They tried to replicate God's Kingdom government in the earth.  They have power and they use it to do evil.  

 

When Jesus came HE brought the original government of heaven which is more powerful than the kingdom which the devil ruled on earth. Isaiah 9 Jesus Christ was sent by The Almighty God as the Messiah to earth to overthrow the devils dominion and give it back to men.  HE  did that through HIS death and resurrection.  The devil only continues to rule territories which men allow him to.  Most men are not used to kingdom government, and definitely not God's government.  Hence, Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to teach us how to dominate the earth effectively.  St. John 14 The Holy Spirit is familiar with the nature of God and the culture of heaven. Power of authority to overthrow and control our original domain - the earth is based on our relationship with The Holy Spirit.   Jesus only grants power to those who follow HIS guidelines and leadership representative of the Holy Spirit.  

 

^{St. John 1: 12-13}

¹² But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

 1 Peter 5: 8

 

 ⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

 

 St. John 10:10

 

 ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Just as you prepare for a wedding or an examination, so too you should prepare for the bad days, for they will come.  Bad experiences can be so overwhelming and in order to get through them you will need some kind of support; some kind of hope; some kind of 'advanced' plan to overcome. Often times the bigger the situation the bigger the resolution required.  Today I'm proposing God as your resolution.  There is no situation that HE is not equipped to deal with.  

 

The Almighty God is Supreme.  HIS WORD is true.  When the bad days come, God NEVER leaves. God is never in a crisis.  HE created the heavens and the earth. Fear not! Trust God to get you through your bad times.  People will forsake you, but God never will.  HE always has a way of escape. God has no plan B.  HIS plan A always works!  When Jesus was on the cross and HE called out to HIS Father HE knew that HIS Father had a bigger plan and this was all a part of it.  HE knew that HE was in the middle of God's plan, God's purpose. Know that you were created for HIS purpose.  Let HIM direct you.  

 

Psalms 23:4  

 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

TESTIMONY: FROM MODEL TO MISSIONARY || My Christian Testimony

WORSHIP:  The Blessing

                       

                      

 

Don't panic - nothing takes God by surpise, absolutely nothing!