Redemption Centre -The Pastoral Files

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Pastor Joan Millar on January 3, 2016

Sunday, May 10, 2015

MANDATE ON MOTHERS!

Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: "All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days." So they told Mordecai Esther's words. And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!" So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him. Esther 4:10-17 NKJV

We all know the story of Esther...the queen who saved her people, by taking her own life into her hands! She was a person in the right place at the right time, but was at first, hesitant to do what was required from a person in her position, until brought face to face with reality, which was more dangerous than her perceived barrier or danger. Many are afraid to stir the waters.

Many are content to live and let others live. But what if others will die because we refuse to take the initiative and redeem the time? What if our failure to act in a timely manner results in our ultimate destruction. Most of us will hesitate to endanger our comfort or lifestyle for some seemingly unpleasant cause, and then we realize that if we do not, then our very existence is threatened, and what matters our creature comforts or personal safety then!

Most of us are aware of the well known words of Martin Niemöller a prominent Protestant pastor and an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler who spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps. (1892–1984)

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me .

Inaction now can result in a bitter harvest later . How many of us are willing to remain in their present position of doing nothing, while evil flourishes and multiplies. We think that because of our connections, position, color or creed, we will escape the effects of evil if we just sit quietly and do nothing. Don't stir the waters. Don't get involved. Don't upset the status quo, they say!

Desperate times calls for desperate measures!

When children are going astray it's a desperate time.

When children are already astray it is a desperate time!

When Christians are being targeted it is a desperate time!

When values and principles dear to the Word of God and truth are being ignored, slighted, mocked, derided, trampled upon, persecuted and made light of, it is a very desperate time indeed!

Those who consistently and ferociously attack the truth of God's Word, and persistently demonize the saints of God are not our friends nor partners but the enemy! We need to properly identify the forces gathered together against the Lord and His Anointed, and to cry out mightily to our God, our refuge and strength in times of trouble. "if I perish, I perish!" It's a decision to do...or definitely die!

Mothers never have a dull or boring moment! It is always time for mothers everywhere to take control of their children's destiny. There is an enemy who seeks to destroy all that you have, and all that identifies you as a mother. There is an enemy who wants to eradicate you, and your influence as a Christian mother. The enemy has gotten hold of the ears of the highest in the land. He has immense influence in high places and he makes full use of it! He fills up your mind with the lying concept of the independent woman! He fools you into thinking that you are your own, in direct contradiction of God's Word which says you are not your own, for you are bought with a price.

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

When you are bought it means you are owned! You belong to Someone! You are Someone's property, and that Someone is the Lord God Almighty! Therefore you are yielded and submissive to Him first and foremost, for any other way is rebellion. You get to decide whether you will submit to the Son of God or the prince of this world! Every decision or choice you will make will be in either one of these two ways. There is not a third alternative.

The truly empowered woman is the one whose priorities are fixed in Christ! The enslaved woman is the one who has been deceived by the enemy into believing that she is wiser, smarter, and liberated! It's the oldest lie straight from the serpent tongue in Eden. It's easy to bring down the house when the foundations are weakened. There is nothing left to stand on when the pillars of righteousness and holiness are thrown down. Don't trade your power for a lie!

There's a time and it's now, when mothers have to stand up and be identified for who they really are... Godly Christian Mothers! Children of the Lion of the tribe of Judah! As lionesses are ferocious when it comes to protecting their young, even so godly mothers act on behalf of their children! Concerning lionesses and their young, it is noted that lionesses give birth away from the pride and keeps their cubs hidden from all animals, and only introduce them to the pride after about two months.

Many of the lionesses from one pride give birth around the same time, so it is natural for them to protect, care for and feed each other's young.

Lionesses will do everything possible to protect their young. They will fight to the death sometimes, and will band together to drive of the intruders!

We need more Christian mothers who will respond like who they are; offspring of the Lion of the tribe of Judah! It is vital for Christian mothers to stand up, stand firm and declare "I am a Christian mother Hear me roar!" They need to recognize that they have an audience with the Almighty, and need to capitalize on that privilege. Importunity is a potent tool in getting the attention of the Almighty!

For such a time as this! The verse is a pivotal one in Esther. There is a crisis in the land. Everything that is dear to her, and the very existence of her generation is threatened. Everything that she stood for is at stake. The future is at stake, for the bloodline of the Messiah was being threatened.

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NKJV

Fleshly resistance is ineffective against a spiritual offensive. Children of Light should do what they are called to do! Shine the light, for nothing else dispels darkness. The shadows only creep in where the light is restricted, prevented access or removed. Darkness can only succeed or gain when light has receded. It's the truth, whether it refers to an individual, a family, a body or group, a country, a nation, or the world!

"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." John 3:18-21 NKJV

Men love darkness rather than light so they do their utmost to extinguish or remove the light! They give you all the right sounding reasons why it is to your advantage. They make you feel like the bad one and the enemy, in their effort to bring you into line! However that which makes manifest is light! But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Ephesians 5:13 NKJV

You have the ear of the King of kings! You have an audience with Almighty God! Use it! Forget about lesser beings! Go for the Ultimate One! Importunity is a weapon in prayer, use it!

When the people of God unite in fasting and intercession, they can move heaven to act on earth on their behalf!

The truth is forever settled in heaven! Let us get it settled on earth in our lives, our children's lives, our homes, our communities, our cities, our countries! Let us stop the wavering, the waffling and the vacillating!
The truth is that while man plots and schemes and connives and devises, God has the final say!
The truth is that while man plunges foolhardily onward into an unknown future, God already knows the outcome, even before there was a beginning!
The truth is that Jesus Christ the Messiah died for our sins. His blood is for our atonement, redemption, sanctification, deliverance, and ratification of the eternal covenant! Forever!
The truth is that the Bible remains the inspired Word of God, which will not pass away until it all be fulfilled!
The truth is that God created them male and female, to be joined together as man and wife, and any attempt to legalize any other union is a perversion, contrary to God's Word, and in defiance and open rebellion against God!
The truth is that a child is a human being and a life, whether in the womb, or out of the womb, and any attempt to make murder legitimate is abomination in God's sight. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Romans 1:18 KJV
The truth is that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and the Life! No man comes to the Father but by Him!
The truth is that the Truth will have the final say and the Hamaans of this world will be hung from their own gallows, because there were consecrated mothers, and fathers, and children who were desperate enough to pray with importunity until they received an answer from the King of kings and Lord of lords!

What therefore should we decide? What should we make up our minds and determine in our hearts to do?

Like Daniel we will purpose in our hearts not to defile ourselves with alluring display of the of the meats of this world!
Like Joshua we will declare that as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
Like Hannah we will pray until the world thinks we are drunk and mad, because we are desperate!
Like Jacob we will hold on and not let go until He speaks to us the Words of victory!
Like Jeremiah let His Words be like fire shut up in our bones that we cannot contain but must declare it!
Like King Hezekiah we prostrate ourselves before God until we hear from heaven!
Like King Jehoshaphat we will intercede until the Lord brings confusion among the enemy!
Like Moses we will desperately intercede for the presence of God in our midst!
Like the Syro-Phoenician woman we will doggedly determine despite the insults to get our child's deliverance!

Even though the heavens seem like brass and your voice rebounds back to you, increasing your despair, discouragement, disappointment, disillusion, doubts, depression, as Satan mocks you and pours on the pressure.

What do you do then? Do you give up? Do you throw down weapons, lay down your tools, fold into yourself and roll over and die. NO! NO! NO! We do not! What do we do then?

We eyeball Satan with our fiercest look and turn right back to Knock Knock Knocking on Heaven’s door! Like the widow in the parable we will continue to call!

“AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

Let Satan laugh

“AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

Let the demons mock

“AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

Let the world smirk in skepticism

“AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

There is no other way, no other source, no other person but my Father in Heaven.

We will continue to ask “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

We will continue to seek “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

We will continue to knock “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

LORD I am still here! I am not leaving! “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

Hellooooo God! “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:7-8 KJV

Aragorn: My brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me! A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the age of Men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight!

Like in the movie Independence Day movie where the president said: We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on, we're going to survive!!!

We will not go quietly out into the night but will ceaselessly cry “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”
We will not vanish without a fight but will ceaselessly cry “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”
We're going to live on, we're going to survive and will ceaselessly cry “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”
We will not give up without a tooth and nails, lick down, dragged out, punch out, kicking and screaming fight “AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY!”

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

THERE REALLY IS MORE! FAN THE FLAME!

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 2 Timothy 1:6-10 KJV

We have all at sometime or the other come to the point where we ask the following or similar questions, Is this all there is to this Christian thing? Is it really just this, a routine thing every time, going through the motions? Or is there more? Are we satisfied and content with our present status, or is it time for an update?

There really is more! It all depends on what we do about it! God has given us all things! What are we doing about it?

Maybe we have gotten too comfortable in a routine and fear a disruption! I have it on very good evidence, that there is more, and that every time God intervenes, intrudes and gets involved in the affairs of men, there is extensive disruption of routine and dynamic changes in everyday living.

Most of our lives, all we have to show, or testify about, is some tiny, indistinct blessing that is the major highlight in our testimony! As Gideon asked, Where...where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of...?

Moses was content to dwell in the relative peace and quiet of his shepherd lifestyle, and then God appeared in a burning flame, and a bush spoke to him! The children of Israel were in slavery and were in a submissive resignation to their lot, and then Moses came with the message from God. Here there was no rising up in protests marches, or lying down pretending to be dead! It was a patient waiting on God while He had power negotiations with Pharaoh through Moses!

Gideon's life was also projected from obscurity, hiding behind a wine-press, into public notoriety, with 300 men shouting "the Sword of the LORD and of Gideon!"

Mary's life was routine and ordinary, then she was visited by an angel. Joseph her fiancé was content, going along with the status quo, then he had a dream of an angel. Zacharias' life was a religious routine, then an angel of the Lord came to him. Life was not the same ever for them. And the list goes on! They all found out that there was something more!

Yes! There is something more! And the only ones who are in the way of this something more is what we refer to as "little old me"!

We have been content to sit down, and have been laid back in our commitment to God and His gift within us! We have carried on as usual, with our own pet plans and programs, while either diligently or dumbly avoiding all commitment to the release of His power that resides in us! Be reminded that He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20 KJV

We should not allow the gift of God to die out like a neglected fire! A fire goes out when unattended, and not supplied with that which is essential to keep it going. Fuel and oxygen! We should be making ourselves available to the Holy Spirit. Stir up the gift. Fan it back into flame. How does one fan a dying fire back into a flame?

There was a gift imparted to Timothy through the laying on of hands by the apostle Paul.

It's possible Timothy was so freaked out by the excesses of manifestation exhibited by others that he pulled back from an outward demonstration. He therefore had to be reminded and urged to exercise that which had been bestowed on him, and not to be afraid, but to demonstrate the power of God in love and self control, as opposed to the excessive prideful excesses of others.

Many of God's saints have neglected the gift they received through the laying on of hands through the ministry. That gift needs to be stirred up, or fanned back into flames. We look for that spark and blow gently on it. We supply kindling material to feed that flame. The kindling should catch fire easily to boost that flame. The environment should promote rather than destroy the progress of the flame. Wet logs will not serve here but dry flammable kindling material. Damp conditions will not help.

Kindling, flame and oxygen! Scraps and pieces of paper will only last so long. Sooner or later we have to add the firewood for sustained flames.

Moses was so saturated with the presence of God that his face literally shone! Joshua would not depart from the tabernacle even when Moses went out to speak to the people. And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. Exodus 33:11 KJV Do we wonder why Joshua became Moses' successor?! A hunger for the presence of God must be a priority in our lives

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 KJV

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 KJV

It is the flame of God's gift that fuels the vision! Like an old fashioned reel to reel projector we can have the film properly threaded and the reels turning but until the lamp is burning there is no projection of what is in the film. Even so, unless the flame of God is encouraged and allowed to burn brightly and freely, the projection of the vision will be non-existent! The vision becomes our goal, the ever present mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Joseph never lost sight of the visions given to him by God. The vision kept him on track with God, and patient in the middle of all the adversities he went through.

If we allow this vision to remain buried, we will bury ourselves in despair and defeat. What God has given to us has to be kept, nurtured, and unquenched! We should not bury it under a mountain of clutter that reduces the flame to the faintest glimmer. We should always ensure that the fire is burning unimpeded and brightly. It's the only way we can respond effectively when crisis hits the nation, threatening to affect the rest of the known world.

We can allow pressure to expand the distance between us and God by placing it between us, or we can allow that same pressure differently positioned to move us closer to God.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 1 Timothy 4:14 KJV

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophesyings.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 KJV

Believers, disciples of Christ, saints of God should never be content with the status quo! They should have what I would call a holy discontent with business as usual! We need to press into the presence of God, and allow His flame to ignite a passion in us, and a longing for His presence to be made manifest to the church and the world!

People look the following verses and totally ignore the real message from them:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11 KJV

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 1 Timothy 6:8 KJV

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 KJV

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31 KJV

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:39 KJV

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 1 Peter 2:2 KJV

What are we doing with the gift of God which has been given to us? Have we pushed it into a corner of our lives and carried on with business as usual? Or are we ready to nurture it and fan it back into flame until all the combined flames become a conflagration so intense and immense, it consumes everything before it!

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 KJV

The Spirit of the Lord changed Peter from a denier to a declarer! From a deserter to a defender! He moved from ordinary to extraordinary by the Spirit of the Lord!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF HIM!

BELIEVE ON HIM!

To the question, Sirs what must I do to be saved, came the simple answer, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved and your house!

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. Acts 16:30-32 KJV

What was this all about?

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:8-10 KJV

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:13-14 KJV

Being a Christian was never about joining an organization or a church. It was about repenting and believing the gospel! That is why John was preaching: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:15 KJV

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES!

Jesus said, Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. John 5:39-40 KJV

Jesus urged us to search the Scriptures. However in our search through the Scriptures we are not looking for proof text to support our particular line of thought or belief. We are searching the Scriptures looking for Him, for in Him alone we have eternal life.

Jesus met two doubtful and questioning followers on the Emmaus Road and said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27 KJV

He gave them a thorough exposition of what the Scriptures had to say about Himself.

Shortly after He spoke to the rest, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Luke 24:44 KJV

Over 300 prophecies were fulfilled at the first coming of Jesus Christ!

He was the Seed of the woman , born of a virgin

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15 KJV

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 KJV

Being born of a virgin was vital to the redemptive work on the cross!

He was the descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was of the seed of David. He was that Prophet Moses spoke about. His suffering and death were described with extraordinary precision in the Scriptures!

THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF HIM.

The wise men made a lengthy journey of hundreds of miles because they also found the Scriptures that testified of Him. How did this happen? It probably all started with Balaam who prophesied: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Numbers 24:17 KJV

But it all became more defined when a Jewish captive called Daniel recorded the revelations from Yahweh for posterity. Daniel was the person who saved the collective lives of the wise men or magi in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, and was held in high esteem in the kingdom. The book of Daniel records extensive visions and revelation including the remarkable "70 Weeks" prophecy of the Messiah! The magi had access to this and based on the calculations were able to pinpoint the star that announced the birth of the Messiah! Of course when they came to Israel they went to the most obvious place to find the King, Jerusalem the capital. They did not know of Micah's prophecy which gave the location of the Messiah's birthplace! The same Scriptures which we are advised to search gave His birthplace as being in Bethlehem. This in itself is remarkable since Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth of Galilee in Northern Israel, but due to a census ordered by Caesar, they had to travel south past Jerusalem to Bethlehem. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2 KJV

From Genesis to Malachi the Scriptures testify of Him and in the final book of Revelation we are told that: they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:9-10 KJV

This is He of whom the angel told Mary: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:31-33 KJV.

This is He of whom the angel said unto the shepherds: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 KJV

We are well advised to search the Scriptures for the Savior has come and all who come to Him will have eternal life.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. John 5:39-40 KJV

Sunday, December 21, 2014

OUR FATHER IS A PRIORITY!

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

More than half of the prayer, taught to the disciples by the Lord, emphasized the Father!

In eating we do not eat the same thing every day.

We also do not cook the same things in the same way every time,

We vary our dishes and vary our methods of preparation

Why?

How about dressing? We do not wear the same thing every time

Some things may be our favorites but even then we vary a little sometimes.

Some say if it ain't broke don’t fix it, but maybe we have lived with broke for so long, it has become normal! So we resist all attempts to fix it, even to the point of resisting the Holy Spirit!

Joseph's coat of many colours was a source of envy to his brothers. It was a garment befitting royalty and showed the favor and affection Israel had for his son.

God has clothed us as kings and priests unto Him. He alone is worthy of all our praise

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:9-10 KJV

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:6 KJV

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV

Remember Moses also said this about the children of Israel:

Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. Exodus 33:13-16 KJV

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 KJV

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalms 22:3 KJV

The wings of the cherubim embraced the glory of God, on the mercy seat which covered the ark of the covenant! May our praises likewise embrace Him in our midst as we worship Him!

There must be more than this

O breath of God, come breath within

There must be more than this

Spirit of God we wait for You

Fill us anew we pray

Chorus:

Consuming fire Fan into flame

A passion for Your name

Spirit of God Fall in this place

Lord have Your way

With us

Come like a rushing wind

Clothe us with power from on high

Now set the captives free

Leave us abandoned to Your praise

Lord let Your glory fall

You deserve the glory

And the honor

Lord, we lift our hands in worship

As we lift your Holy name

Chorus:

For You are great

You do miracles so great

There is no one else like You

Worship means to prostrate oneself, to lie low before God.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24 KJV

To worship God in spirit and in truth means to move beyond the outward demonstration and display, to an inner attitude and disposition. And here's a powerful message. The inner attitude will reflect, nay, it will radiate in an outward response and disposition!

Many think worship is merely stringing a few songs together, sometimes at random, and then singing them one after the other. The truly amazing thing is that many of us who have been in church for years think we have the process of worship , yet new saints enter into God's presence and worship God more that they do!

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:4-5 KJV

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:9 KJV

Light of the world

You stepped down into darkness

Opened my eyes, Let me see

Beauty that made this heart adore you

Hope of a life spent with you

Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that your my God

You're altogether lovely

Altogether worthy

Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days

So highly exalted

Glorious in heaven above

Humbly you came to the earth you created

All for loves sake became poor

Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that your my God

You're altogether lovely

Altogether worthy

Altogether wonderful to me

Behold, bless ye the LORD,

all ye servants of the LORD,

which by night stand in the house of the LORD.

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.

The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion. Psalms 134:1-3 KJV

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

I will sing to Him a new song.

I will celebrate

Sing unto the Lord

I will sing to Him a new song

I will celebrate

Sing unto the Lord

I will sing to Him a new song

I will praise Him

I will sing to Him a new song

I will praise Him

I will sing to Him a new song

Meditating and studying the Scriptures is like peeling an onion. So is worshiping God! You can keep on looking at the onion in its skin and it won't mean anything. When you take off the skin and peel a layer something happens. You begin tearing up. As you peel more layers more tears flow. Each succeeding layer takes you deeper to the core and the heart. As the Spirit opens layers of the Scripture before you there is always something more. The more you stick at it the closer you get to the heart of God. The more it affects you. How's your peeling going?

And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. Exodus 33:18-23 KJV

When Moses asked God to show him His Glory, what did God say? What did God seem to equate with His Glory?

And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped. Exodus 34:5-8 KJV

Glorify Thy name, glorify Thy name,

Glorify Thy name in all the earth.

Father we love You

We worship and adore You