Pastor Kerrick’s Sermon Notes

You Are Called By God – 4/28/24

[Isa 14:27 NKJV] 27 For the LORD of hosts has purposed, And who will annul [it]? His hand [is] stretched out, And who will turn it back?”

[2Ti 1:9 NKJV] 9 who has saved us and called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

[Eph 1:17-18 NKJV] 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

[Rom 8:26-28 NKJV] 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit [is], because He makes intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.

helps – take hold together with and against

weaknesses – limitations

love God – because you love Him, you do what He has called you to do

purpose – setting forth of a thing, putting in view, shewbread, a purpose

The loaves were a symbolic acknowledgment that God was the resource for Israel’s life and nourishment and also served as Israel’s act of thanksgiving to God. The arrangement of the bread on a table in two rows of six (Leviticus 24) was an important aspect of the presentation because some verses in the Bible literally speak of “the bread of the arrangement” (1 Chronicles 9:32, 23:29; Nehemiah 10:33). – Britannica

This bread consisted of twelve loaves made of the finest flour. They were flat and thin, and were placed in two rows of six each on a table in the holy place before the Lord. They were renewed every Sabbath ( Leviticus 24:5-9 ), and those that were removed to give place to the new ones were to be eaten by the priests only in the holy place (see 1 Samuel 21:3-6 ; Compare Matthew 12:3 Matthew 12:4 ).

“The number of the loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and also the entire spiritual Israel… the placing of them on the table symbolized the entire consecration of Israel to the Lord, and their acceptance of God as their God.”

What has God placed in front of you to do? Are you working your land?

[Rom 11:29 NKJV] 29 For the gifts and the calling of God [are] irrevocable.

[Act 9:26-28 NKJV] 26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought [him] to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

X Marks The Spot: Do You Really Know What’s In You 4/21/24

[2Co 4:6-7 NLT] 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Do you really know what’s in you?

[Eph 3:16 NKJV] 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

[Pro 20:5 KJV] 5 Counsel in the heart of man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

[Mat 12:35 NKJV] 35 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

[Psa 119:11 NLT] 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

[Rom 10:17 NKJV] 17 So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

[2Ti 1:5-6 NKJV] 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

[1Ti 4:14-15 NKJV] 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

Do you really know what’s in you?

The fruit of the Spirit

Gifts and giftings /Abilities and anointings

1 Corinthians 12 Gifts, Operations, and Administrations

Romans 12 Gifts

Impartations

Plans

A measure of faith

(Ephesians 2:10 AMPC) 10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), ^[d]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

God has a plan and you are part of His plan. You are a piece of His puzzle.

[2Ti 1:9 NKJV] 9 who has saved us and called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

You are part of God’s purpose and plan for this time.

[Isa 14:27 NKJV] 27 For the LORD of hosts has purposed, And who will annul [it]? His hand [is] stretched out, And who will turn it back?”

[Eph 4:16 NKJV] 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

[Phl 1:19 NKJV] 19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

You have a supply!

One of the Old Testament names of God is that He is El Shaddai. He is the Almighty God Who Has The Supply. He is the All Sufficient One Who Has All Power To Do All Good and He does it all the time!

He put His supply in you!

Treasures and supplies in your life are unlocked through prayer, through obedience, through giving, through being in the right place, and being in different environments that you are directed to go to by the Spirit.

[Rom 8:28 NKJV] 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.

X Marks The Spot: There’s More Available Than You Know

[1Co 2:1-7 NLT] 1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness–timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 6 Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God–his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.

[Rom 11:33 NKJV] 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable [are] His judgments and His ways past finding out!

[Eph 3:8 NLT] 8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

[Pro 25:2 NLT] 2 It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them.

It’s not hidden from you, but for you!

[1Co 2:7-13 NLT] 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God–his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.

[Mat 13:33-35 NLT] 33 Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” 34 Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. 35 This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

[Mat 13:44-46 NLT] 44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. 45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

How valuable is the hidden treasure to you?

[Eph 3:16 NKJV] 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

[Pro 20:5 KJV] 5 Counsel in the heart of man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

[Mat 12:35 NKJV] 35 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

[Psa 119:11 NLT] 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

[Rom 10:17 NKJV] 17 So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

[1Co 14:2 KJV] 2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Finding X: The Foundation Of Your Identity

[1Co 15:1-9 NLT] 1 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you–unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. 3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

[1Co 15:10 NKJV] 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God [which was] with me.

[1Co 15:10 NLT] 10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me–and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

Paul tied his identity to the grace of God. He tied his identity to the power of God. He tied his identity to the favor of God. His identity was in Christ.

When I find my X, I can find my Why

Your perceived identity directs your actions.

Faith flows with an accurate and secure identity

What is informing your identity? The essence, foundation, and core of your identity must be who you are in Christ.

Is your perceived identity getting in the way of your miracle?

Humility is yielding to what God says about you.

Accepting an identity that is opposite of what God says is a form of pride.

[Phl 3:12-14 NLT] 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

You are not who you used to be.

[Eph 2:1-10 NLT] 1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil–the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

You’ve been recreated in Christ. Do not let the world define who you are. They are not qualified to make that declaration.

[Col 2:6-8 NLT] 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. 8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Your identity must be rooted in Who Christ is and you must build your life on that truth.

I know Who He is so I know who I am

Because I know WHO HE is, I know who I am and I know what’s available to me.

No More Shame: Drawing An X Over Shame

Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won’t become weary and give up.

Shame – a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.

[1Co 15:3-4 NKJV] 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

[Rom 4:25 NKJV] 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

When you were justified, you were declared not guilty.

[Isa 61:7 NKJV] 7 Instead of your shame [you shall have] double [honor], And [instead of] confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.

[Rom 8:1-2 NLT] 1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

What John The Baptist And Judas Had In Common

[Jhn 1:6-8, 29-36 NASB20] 6 A man came, [one] sent from God, [and] his name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but [he came] to testify about the Light. … 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 “This is He in behalf of whom I said, ‘After me is coming a Man who has proved to be my superior, because He existed before me.’ 31 “And I did not recognize Him, but so that He would be revealed to Israel, I came baptizing in water.” 32 And John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. 33 “And I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 “And I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.” 35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

(Mat 11:7-19 NASB20) 7 As these [disciples of John] were going [away,] Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft [clothing?] Those who wear soft [clothing] are in kings’ palaces! 9 “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and [one who is] more than a prophet. 10 “This is the one about whom it is written: ‘BEHOLD, I AM SENDING MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’ 11 “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen [anyone] greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been treated violently, and violent men take it by force. 13 “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 “And if you are willing to accept [it, John] himself is Elijah who was to come. 15 “The one who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call out to the other [children,] 17 and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a song of mourning, and you did not mourn.’ 18 “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19 “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ And [yet] wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

John the Baptist was called. He was anointed. He was the fulfillment of prophecy. He was anointed with same anointing that Elijah had. He was the greatest prophet under the Old Covenant.
What led Jesus to share this discourse about John?

(Mat 11:1-6 NASB20) 1 When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now [while] in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent [word] by his disciples, 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 [those who are] BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and [those who] limp walk, [those] with leprosy are cleansed and [those who are] deaf hear, [the] dead are raised, and [the] POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. 6 “And blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.”

Notice what Jesus said in verse six – blessed is here who is not offended at me. Other translations say offended at me.

[Mar 3:13-19 NKJV] 13 And He went up on the mountain and called to [Him] those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: 16 Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; 17 James the [son] of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the [son] of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.

Judas was called, anointed, and authorized. He preached, healed the sick, and cast out devils just like the rest of the Apostles.

[Mat 26:6-13 NKJV] 6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured [it] on His head as He sat [at the table]. 8 But when His disciples saw [it], they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 “For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to [the] poor.” 10 But when Jesus was aware of [it], He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 “For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12 “For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did [it] for My burial. 13 “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

[Jhn 12:1-8 NKJV] 1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s [son], who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

[Mat 26:14-16 NKJV] 14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

[Jhn 13:1-2 NASB20] 1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that His hour had come that He would depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon, to betray Him,

300 denarii was equivalent to about a year’s salary. 30 pieces of silver was roughly 1/3 of a year’s salary.

[Mat 27:3-5 NKJV] 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What [is that] to us? You see [to it]!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

[Act 1:17-18 NASB20] 17 “For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.

X (Part 1) – The X-Factor

X – Factor

a noteworthy special talent or quality.
a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome.”

[Mar 10:46-52 NKJV] Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” 50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

Jesus said to Bartimaeus, his faith made him well. Faith is an X-factor in your life.

Because I know WHO HE is, I know who I am and I know what’s available to me.

Son of David – Messianic title. (Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 11:1, Jer. 23:5-6). There were Sure Mercies promised in covenant to David.

Sure mercies – unfailing love, steadfast love

Mercy is covenant love. It is God’s desire to bless you and fulfill His covenant. Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus. He believed He was the Son of David and had mercy to give to Him. Because He had mercy to give to Him, He asked for it.

Before Bartimaeus received His miracle, He changed His identity.

Your perceived identity directs your actions.

The garment identified Bartimaeus as an official beggar. He threw away the identity because He knew Jesus had mercy for him. Is your perceived identity getting in the way of your miracle?

[Jas 4:1-7 NKJV] 1 Where do wars and fights [come] from among you? Do [they] not [come] from your [desires for] pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend [it] on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Humility is yielding to what God says about you. Accepting an identity that is opposite of what God says is a form of pride.

A wrong identity will cause you to ask amiss and will stifle your faith.

What negative identity are your nursing in your life? What negative story to do you keep telling yourself and others? This baggage and mask will limit the X-factor in your life. Your faith flows when your identity is secure.

[Mar 11:1-11 NKJV] 1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; 2 and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring [it]. 3 “And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” 4 So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. 5 But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” 6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread [them] on the road. 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed [is] He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ 10 Blessed [is] the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

[Psa 118:1, 23-26 NKJV] 1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for [He is] good! For His mercy [endures] forever. … 23 This was the LORD’s doing; It [is] marvelous in our eyes. 24 This [is] the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed [is] he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.

Psalm 118 is the psalm that the crowds were shouting and quoting that day. They were singing Hosanna to the Son of David. As they sang this, they saw themselves as recipients of salvation, prosperity, and mercy.

[Mar 11:12-14, 20-24 NKJV] 12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard [it]. … 20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive [them], and you will have [them].

Have faith – take faith, possess faith, hold faith

Two Things You Need To Pray For This Week (February 18th, 2024)

Col 4:2-5 (NKJV)

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those [who are] outside, redeeming the time.

Col 4:3-5 (NLT)

Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

Eph 5:15-17 (NLT)

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Open Door – An opportunity

The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity. – Leonard Ravenhill

1Co 16:9 (AMP) 9 because a wide door for effective service has opened to me [in Ephesus, a very promising opportunity], and there are many adversaries.

Num 13:26-33 (NKJV)

Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this [is] its fruit. 28 “Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land [are] strong; the cities [are] fortified [and] very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 “The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.” 30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they [are] stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies [is] a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it [are] men of [great] stature. 33 “There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

Rev 3:7-8 (NKJV)

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Act 2:46-47 (NKJV)

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Exo 3:21 (NKJV) “And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed.

Exo 11:3 (NKJV) And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses [was] very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.

Exo 12:36 (NKJV) And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them [what they requested]. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

Psa 5:12 (NKJV) For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as [with] a shield.

Proverbs 3:3-4 (AMP) 3 Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

Are You Standing In Front Of A Red Sea? Get Moving! (February 11th, 2024)

Exo 14:13-16 (NLT)

But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” 15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.

Exo 3:19-22 (NKJV)

“But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. 20 “So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. 21 “And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. 22 “But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put [them] on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

Exo 4:1-2 (NLT)

But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The LORD never appeared to you’?” 2 Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.

Exo 4:17, 20 (NLT)

And take your shepherd’s staff with you, and use it to perform the miraculous signs I have shown you.” … 20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to the land of Egypt. In his hand he carried the staff of God.

The staff represented the anointing. It was the sign and the signet of the anointing of God upon the man of God. What are you doing with the anointing that God has placed upon your life?

Jdg 6:11-14 (NKJV)

Now the Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree which [was] in Ophrah, which [belonged] to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide [it] from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD [is] with you, you mighty man of valor!” 13 Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where [are] all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 14 Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”

miracles – wonders

When Gideon asked, “Where are His miraculous wonders?” What was the response of God? “You, go!” What does this mean? As you go, you will see them.

When God sends, He anoints.

Jhn 6:5-13 (NKJV)

Then Jesus lifted up [His] eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” 10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed [them] to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered [them] up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.

Act 2:1-4 (NKJV)

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and [one] sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

They heard something different
They saw something different
They were filled
They began to speak different

Authentic & In Awe (February 4th, 2024)

Ephesians 5:8-12 (AMPC)

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].

9 For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or [c]the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life.

10 And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him].

11 Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] [d]expose and reprove and convict them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret.

You are not who you used to be. You are light. You are chosen. You are a miracle! You are a sign! Believe and raise your standard.

Job 9:10 (NKJV)

He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number.

Psalm 77:14 (NLT)
You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.

(MSG)
O God! Your way is holy! No god is great like God! You’re the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do— You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble, rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph.

God wants to do miracles, signs, and wonders in your life.

signs - a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature – of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God’s

wonders – marvels, what is extraordinary, wonderful things and works, what distinguishes and separates, what is too high and too difficult and beyond a person’s ability to be done

Gen 18:14 (NASB20)

“Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

too difficult – too wonderful

Gen 18:14 (NASB20)

“Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Num 11:23 (NASB20)

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’S power too little? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”

Zec 8:6 (NLT)

“This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me? says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

Job 42:2 (NASB20)

“I know that You can [do] all things,And that no plan is impossible for You.

Jer 32:17 (NASB20)

‘Oh, Lord GOD! Behold, You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,

Dan 11:32 (NKJV)

“Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out [great exploits].

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