Ephphatha! Be Opened!

Ephphatha! Be Opened!

Mark 7 is about three different stories/scenarios of 'shut tight' situations.  These are situations that require a massive, superior power of intervention for necessary change.  In all three instances, Jesus reveals that HE has the power to change impossibly difficult situations effortlessly.  Jesus reveals that the challenge isn't the situation, but faith in God is.

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Scenario One:  - The Laws Of God

(Open Your Heart)

The Pharisees condemned the disciples of disobedience to the laws of God. But Jesus rebukes them not just for disobedience but amelioration.  They rearranged the law and approved it, nullifying God's authority. 

13 So you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. You do many things like that.”

The Pharisees made the laws the issue. Plus, they did not consult God before changing the laws to suit themselves. Jesus revealed that God's intent was man's heart condition towards him and each other.  The laws were made as a guideline.  They are a path setout for us based on the 'conviction' of our hearts.  Jesus came to earth to explain the significance of the laws.  Jesus opened up our understanding of God's view. His compassion gave the laws (the skeleton) God's original intent - flesh.  HE demonstrated that obedience to the laws should be driven by compassion for God.  Obeying the laws without conviction is abominable unto God.  

6 He answered them, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites. As it is written:
These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7 They worship me in vain, teaching human rules as if they were doctrines.

God is interested in people who desire to serve and please HIM innocently.  Pride is a very subtle and dangerous weapon.  We need to stay humble. Our God and Father is extremely jealous.  HE will not share HIS praise with anyone else.  

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Scenario Two: - The Greek Syrian Phoenician Woman

(Open Your Arms)

God told the Israelites that they belonged to HIM.  Everyone one knew and saw that based on the countless victories Israel endured amidst their enemies.  Over the years, all the other nations feared, hated, and or rejected Israel.  Israel was set apart by God, and God protected and provided for them.  They alone were HIS responsibility.  Jesus was the first Jewish leader who offered an outsider the same opportunity as the Israelites.   HE listened to her story and afterwards granted her request and healed her daughter.  It's as if HE engrafted her. She understood that she was an outsider, yet she confronted God. Instead of turning her away, HE accepted her and improved her situation.

Mark 7: 26 - 30

26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

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Scenario Three: - The Deaf and Mute Man

(Open Your Eyes)

See what the Lord has done, is doing.  Jesus touched lives.  HE healed many people of all their diseases.  In this case HE touched a man and caused him to be able to hear and speak simultaneously.

Mark 7: 33 - 35

33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 

34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 

 

35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

Jesus traveled all throughout the cities and towns exhibiting the love of God for people. HIS challenge to us was and is to first open our hearts to God.  Then open our arms to others.  Jesus demonstrates HIS love towards us by touching lives and souls; healing diseases and casting out demons.  HE did for us what we couldn't/ can't do for ourselves. Jesus is a healer.  HE restores completely. There is nothing that HE cannot fix. Jesus reconciles us to the Father. Romans 5. Seeing HIS actions towards us and others should lead us to hear/ listen to the 'Word Of God' and in turn share it with others.  John 15.  It is the word of God that has the power to change our hearts and minds. But we first need to feed our souls with the right kind of nutrition. For if we truly love God, then we will keep HIS commandments.  Our hearts need to be like fertile soil where the seed of God's word can take root. Matthew 13.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Ephphatha!  This is God's cry to us today. Hear the heart of the Lord and go share it with others. Jesus did not come to earth to do away with the law.  The first two commandments are to love God first, and then love others next.  For how can we love a God whom we cannot see if we can't love our fellow men that we do see. 1 John 4. God's call to mankind is always to walk in obedience to the precepts of HIS word.  For faith find its roots in the soil of HIS word. Romans 10. The more we spend time in the word of God is the more that HE will reveal HIS heart to us with the assistance of the Holy Spirit who understands the nature of God, and gives us revelation. John 16. We need God's help to serve God well.  We cannot succeed without HIS power and intervention.  We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.  Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  We have the power to overcome because HIS divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through our knowledge of HIM who called us by HIS own glory and goodness. We were born to thrive and dominate.  So DOMINATE!

TESTIMONY: Misused or Misunderstood? Defending the New Testament with the Old | Case For Messiah

WORSHIP: Breathe - Dunsin Oyekan #dunsinoyekan #worship #praise

God's word is the oxygen our spirits need to thrive in and dominate the world we live in!

Overwhelmed? Turn To The Wall..

 Overwhelmed? Turn To The Wall..

When you feel so overwhelmed by challenges on everyside, or just too humongous for you to bear, find a place of solace, turn your face away from all the distractions, and your back away from all the noise. Turn to the wall, and seek God's face in prayer. His word to us is that, if and when we seek HIM with all of our hearts, we will find HIM. HE will always come to our rescue. Jeremiah 29

Prayer is our most powerful weapon! 

FACT: PRAYER is the most powerful weapon on earth!

11 Kings 18 - 20 This is the story of King Hezekiah. 

Hezekiah was a jewish king of Judah several years ago.  He became king at age 25. His father worshipped idols and false gods. But when he became king he did the very opposite of his father. He worshipped the Almighty God, and did right in the sight of God. By destroying altars, and all places of worship to other gods, simultaneous to re-opening the temple of God for local worshippers; Hezekiah was committed to his faith in God. He destroyed the bronze snake rod that belonged to Moses because the people had started to idolize it. He re-introduced God to his nation. 

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At that time, there was a very powerful Assyrian king called Sennacherib who was determined to conquer all of the region. This included Judah. At first, Hezekiah tried to sway him by offering all the silver and even the gold which came from the architecture of the temple.  He was extremely arrogant. He boasted that having conquered all of Israel, that Judah was defensless towards him. In fact,  he stated that it was also futile for them to seek the assistance of any allies such as Egypt. He offered Hezekiah 2000 horses if he conceded. His army consisted of 185,000 soldiers.  

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All the nations were afraid of him. So far, he had conquered everyone else.  But Hezekiah had a strategy. His defense was to go into his chambers and pray to his God. That's all that he did.  He went into God's temple and asked God for intervention. He encouraged Isaiah and others to pray with him to God. He sought help from his God, and God answered favourably. God sent one angel who killed all the 185,000 soldiers in one go.  When the Asyrian king returned to his home, God allowed his very own two sons to kill him with his sword.  God has not changed. HE'S still in control of everything and everyone in the earth.

Problems are a part of life.  They come in different sizes, shapes and forms. Some are like tsunamis, they knock us off of our bearings completely.  They are so gigantic and overwhelming. Especially now that we're in the latter days.  We have to decide in advance what will be our strategy when confronted. The bible says God has shortened the days because they are more evil than before.  HE did it to help believers cope and encourage their faith.  

Matthew 24: 22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

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On another ocassion, God sent Isaiah to Hezekiah with a message. He told him to get his affairs in order because he was going to die.  AGAIN, Hezekiah went before God.  Hezekiah used the same strategy as before.  His defense was to go into his chambers and pray to his God. That's all that he did. He shut his door and turned his face to the wall and prayed for God to change his mind. Before Isaiah could get far, God instructed him to turn back and tell Hezekiah that HE had heard his prayers.  HE was going to extend Hezekiah's life by fifteen more years instead. Practice turning to and talking with God especially when you're in problems. Start the conversation and wait on God. James 5 The effective fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much, ask Daniel.

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When we walk in obedience to God and HIS precepts, what won't HE do for us?  When we trust HIM with all of our hearts and soul and mind, what can keep HIM from coming to our rescue? HE loves us so much.  HE leaves the 99 and comes after us the one lost sheep. HE'S the father of the prodigal son, watching and waiting for us to come back home to HIM.  (HE does not condemn us.) We are the lost coin HE stops at nothing to find. HIS love is relentless towards us.  All we have to do is call upon HIM because HE is our for sure deliverer.  When everyone else is afraid or has deserted you for whatever reason, look to God your faithful father. 

Psalm 91:14-16

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

WORSHIP: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

TESTIMONY:

HE will protect you always!

Eight Weapons To Fight The Enemy.. MASTERY!

Eight Weapons To Fight The Devil..

The thing about any kind of war is that the better prepared you are, the better qualified you are to win.  The quality of your weapons is more important that your manpower.  Especially in today's world where one can just press a button and have a nuclear weapon annihilate an entire city over 1 million miles away.  Knowledge and strategy go hand in hand in winning wars.  You need to be able to be at least one step ahead of your enemy.  The devil is God's enemy, therefore an enemy of a follower of The Lord Jesus Christ.  There's no love lost between them both.  They will never, ever become friends again.  So as a believer, it is imperative that 'the christian' knows and understands the enemy's strategies as well.  

Jesus' death and resurrection from the grave has given 'the christian' access to the most powerful weapons in the spiritual realm.  Learning how to properly use them will cause you to live a 'lifestyle' of victory rather than victim. 

2 Peter 1:3

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

We literally have no excuse to sin because we have power to defeat/ overcome any and every artillery that the devil can throw at us. In addition, Jesus is our advocate to the Father.  HE is our legal representative in the Supreme Court Of Heaven. Once we make HIM Lord of our life and lifestyle, then HE commits to winning our battles according to the WILL OF THE FATHER. 1 John 2  HE has also given us HIS HOLY SPIRIT to lead and empower us for every decision we'll ever have to make. Proverbs 3, John 16 Here are some very powerful weapons to destroy the devil's camp and attempts to defeat you: (Armed and Dangerous - John Ramirez)

1. The Name of Jesus

Phillipians 2: 6-11

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

2. The Blood of Jesus

Revelation 12:10-11

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

“Now have come the salvation and the power

and the kingdom of our God,

and the authority of his Messiah.

For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,

who accuses them before our God day and night,

has been hurled down.

11 They triumphed over him

by the blood of the Lamb

and by the word of their testimony;

they did not love their lives so much

as to shrink from death.

3. The Word of God (Jesus)

Jeremiah 23: 25-29

25 “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? 27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? John 1

4. Speaking In Tongues

Romans 8; 22-27

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

5. Prayer

Psalm 50: 14-15

14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God,

fulfill your vows to the Most High,

15 and call on me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” 1 Thessalonians 5

6. Praise And Worship

2 Chronicles 20: 15-29

15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:

“Give thanks to the Lord,

for his love endures forever.”

22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. 25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing[b] and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah[c] to this day.

27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps and lyres and trumpets. 29 The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. Psalms 100

7. Pulling Down Strongholds

2 Corinthians 10: 3-6

3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Matthew 12

8. Fasting

Isaiah 58: 6-14

6"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. 13"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, 14 then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.

It is important to be focused in battle.  You need to first master your mindset.  You cannot master your mindset if you don't first learn to master your appetite, both physically and spiritually.  Fasting helps you to build  discipline for your mission.  Matthew 4

It is extremely important to understand how to destroy what has been sent to destroy you. The devil is not omnipresent. He gets tired too. He was created like every human.  He is not all knowing. He has to answer to God's laws. In the story of Job God asked satan where he was coming from.  He responded that he was roaming the earth 'to and fro'. He is 'like a roaring lion whose only motive is to steal, kill and destroy your destiny.  1 Peter 5 It doesn't matter if you aren't trying to pick a fight with him.  He's always on the offensive - Believe That!  But we are more than conquerors because of Jesus. Romans 8 Whose report will you believe? Practice the discipline of combining the weapons based on the tutoring of the Holy Spirit.  Learn the mastery of all. Prophesy. Jesus did what HIS Father told HIM to do, so does the Holy Spirit. John 5 It is imperative to study God's precepts and ordinances. We overcome Only Because IT IS WRITTEN!!!

TESTIMONY: 

Kareem was raised for Jihad, until he saw the risen King!

WORSHIP: THERE'S NOTHING THAT OUR GOD CAN'T DO

Whose report will you believe?