The World of The Evangelist

Fan The Flame Men's Conference

2011-12-11T12:48:00.006-05:00

Fan the Flame Men's Conference

"The Spiritual Man"

(The Making of a Man of God)

Friday, March 30, 2012 - Saturday, March 31, 2012

Host pastor: Coy Rice

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church - Saucier, MS

Registration includes:

A complete notebook for the Conference
Dinner Friday Night
Breakfast Saturday Morning
Snacks during the event
Drawing for Free Gifts
Great fellowship with other men
All For ONLY $20.00
Scholarships available
wwww.dennisdeese.com/conference.htm

Event Leader: Evangelist Dennis Deese

I Want To Escape!!

2011-11-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

One of the things I am hearing too often is the number of men who are under considerable stress. The stress is derived by the overwhelming weight of responsibility to meet all the demands placed upon them in their many roles. Many want to escape and run from all the demands they feel they simply can not live up to. In fact, many men have already bolted. Maybe the only ones that can understand this plight are those who themselves are experiencing it. Too often, there seems to be no way out. To make matters worse it may seem as if God doesn't care. After all, He could change your situation in a second but He doesn't. What can you do?

I. Guard your thoughts

Think on things above not on things on the earth.

II. Grow your spiritual man

III. Keep praying no matter what

IV. Don't give up!

V. Don't let down your guard

VI. When you break through remember your brother who may be going through the same thing. Too many men that are greatly blessed are too inconsiderate of others

VII. Remember that God can give you favor in one moment and it change everything.

You are loved. We are here to listen and help anyway we can.

Blessings Evangelist Dennis Deese

"Reaching Your Potential"

2011-10-07T14:44:00.000-04:00

MARK 1:14--18; JOHN 1:40-42 (SEE Jeremiah 18:2-6)

I believe next to salvation the most important thing we could ever do is achieve our potential. We’ve been created in the image of God and that image is an image of tremendous potential. The character study I want to consider is a man who certainly began as a diamond in the rough but became a jewel in the hand of God - Simon Peter.

A bird’s eye view of his development: READ JOHN 1:40-42 beginning of discipleship; MATT 16:17-18 progress; JOHN 13:36-38 confession of commitment; JOHN 18:10-11 cut off Malchus ear; JOHN 18:15-18 17*, 25*-27* denials; JOHN 21:3 influential backsliding; JOHN 21:1517 restoration - 3 denials required 3 affirmations; ACTS 1:15-16 leading with boldness and the rest is history.

He was a man with temporal secular values (a fisherman) - basically and factually insignificant. But by developing his God given potential - he became a man of significance (one aspect of that is the books of I and II Peter that God used him to pen)

Simon. The name means "hearing.”
Cephas is Hebrew
Peter is Greek,
"Stone" is English.

It means a mass of rock detached from the bedrock or strata on which the earth rests. The future tense, "thou shalt be", indicates that of Peter’s possible potential. It is given prophetically to describe the stability to which the then weak and vacillating Simon should attain.

What are the building blocks for reaching your maximum potential? I’m going to give you a list of words that concisely define the essential building elements for reaching your full potential. There is the building block of:

I. SALVATION

This fundamental, yet an essential element, is the foundation that must be laid. Most of the people in this world are trying to reach their potential apart from God and it can’t be done. How does a person get saved? What is necessary for salvation?

A. Revelation Mark 1:14 “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and saying,”

1. The Presence of sin (Romans 3:23) In a person’s life.

“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (Luke 5:8 - saw miracles of fish in net)

2. The Price of sin (Romans 6:23) It is death

1Jo 1:8 ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

3. The Provision for sin

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

B. Repentance Mark 1:15 “Repent,”

Lu 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

In the recorded context of Simon Peter’s opportunity and acceptance of that opportunity to become what Jesus wanted him to be, he is called to repentance

C. Receptivity Mark 1:15-18 “believe the gospel”

II. SUBMISSION Mark 1:18

Many are missing the key elements of:

A. Desire 1:17

B. Trust 1:17

C. Obedience 1:18

D. Anticipation 1:17

E. Consistency

Ro 6:13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:66-69)

F. Self-denial (SEE Matthew 16:24-26)

III. STUDY
Ec 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

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

We need:

A. Mentor John 1:40 Andrew and Jesus

B. Motivation

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

C. Means - The Bible, books, tapes,

IV. SPIRITUALITY

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. {to be carnally...: Gr. the minding of the flesh} {to be spiritually...: Gr. the minding of the Spirit}” (Ro 8:5-6)

This is the element of authenticity that keeps us:

A. Clean

B. Close

C. Committed

“IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR AMERICA”

2011-08-12T08:32:00.000-04:00

II CHRONICLES 7:11-22

I make no apology for being a loyal patriot of the United Stated of America. But just as I am a Southern Baptist Christian make no mistake about it I am a Christian before I am a Southern Baptist. And just as I am an American Christian I am a Christian before I am an American. That very statement is in fact the reason this great Nation was birthed into existence.

Consider for example some of the most beloved historical and sacred charters and documents of our Country:

The Mayflower Compact (an agreement or covenant):

In 1620, the Pilgrims wrote “The Mayflower Compact” which established the first basis in the new world for written laws which began with the words”in the name of God” and stated their purpose was (and I quote)”for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.” (The University of Oklahoma Law Center - Chronology of U.S. historical documents)

John Winthrop the Puritan (who arrived about 10 years after the Pilgrims) Leader stated:

“We are a company professing ourselves fellow-members of Christ.... Knit together by this bond of love.... We are entered into covenant with Him for this work....For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us; so that if we shall deal falsely with God in this work we have undertaken and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a byword through the world.” (Original Intent by David Barton page 77)

Time fails me to tell you of like charters from colonies such as Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other areas were virtually the same.

The Declaration of Independence:

The causes which impelled the United States to separate from Great Britain was declared in the Declaration of Independence unanimously by Congress, July 4, 1776 stated in part, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable (not to be taken away) Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,”

The Pledge of Allegiance:

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which is stands One Nation Under God.” (Changed in 1954 to include this)

The Star Spangled Banner: (which the American Congress adopted in 1931as our National Anthem)

The fourth stanza is a prayer: “Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just, And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’ And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave”

Our Currency:

During the Civil war (1861-1865) there were many appeals to recognize God on our coins. The first recorded letter requesting “In God we trust” came to, then Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase. As a result, Secretary Chase instructed James Pollock, Director of the Mint at Philadelphia, to prepare a motto, in a letter dated November 20, 1861:

“Dear Sir: No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins. You will cause a device to be prepared without unnecessary delay with a motto expressing in the fewest and tersest (tûrs: concise) words possible this national recognition.”

As a result of this and the approval of congress, “In God We Trust” first appeared on the 1864 two cent coin. (Department of the U.S.Treasury)

Ps 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Ps 118:8 [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Ps 20:7 Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

“America’s rapid rise as a successful nation was a wonder to many foreigners; how could a group of farmers and merchants have defeated what was arguably the world’s greatest military power? Furthermore, how had America established a government which so quickly became envied across the world?” (Original Intent by David Barton page 119)

Ps 33:12 Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

1Pe 2:9 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 marvelous light:

Because I am neither an Optimist or pessimist but a Biblical Realist my driving passion for our nation, our country is found in these words of warning from our God:

2Ch 7:20-23 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

My message today is birthed out of the Crisis America faces! The very core of her fiber as being God blessed America is being destroyed by the nature of sinful humanity. We must understand this:

There is no question that the thing that makes America great is she has been blessed by God. Her very foundation and formation is clearly etched and founded in her faith in the Living God.

Our God is not only a God that loves, He’s also a God that hates and finds some things disgusting (Abomination):

Pr 3:32 For the froward (perverse) [is] abomination (disgusting thing) to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous.

Pr 15:9 The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

Pr 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.

Pr 6:16-19 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

In addition, God not only blesses He also judges.

“This nation, born July 4, 1776, must be born again or we will perish.” Adrian Rogers

Ps 9:16 The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.

De 32:4 [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

With that in mind, we need to understand what can be done to save her? What is the solution that will stay the hand of God’s undeniable impending judgment?

The solution is not government regulated morality. The government’s place is to protect the righteous not to regulate morality because they can’t.

Ro 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.

For example, they can’t make me love you but they can enact laws and dispense the delegated judgment of God on those who would kill me. So what is the solution? The people of God is the solution. They are the hope of America. Thus, what is your part as a professing Christian?

John Wesley: Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world.

“O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, `Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.' Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus' name, Amen.” A.W. Tozer

Solomon knew that the success of the moment was completely attributed to the Lord and may God help us to realize that God has made this life of ours so wonderful here in America. God made the moment! It was truly a God moment and one that neither God nor His people wanted to lose.

Also, he realized how vulnerable he and the people were at drifting away from the Lord and if the people were going to continue to experience personal and national revival then the most important issue at the moment was their ongoing walk with God. Thus, God gives his people a threefold word about how they could continue their walk with Him. His word can lead us to a personal and national revival. It’s not too late for you and America!

I. HEAR HIS WORD OF CAUTION 7:13

There are three contemporary warnings here. There is the caution light of:

A. A Barren life 7:13 “That there be no rain”

“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” (Mt 13:22)

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2)

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16)

B. A Defeated life 7:13 “The locusts to devour the land”

Through the Deception of Satan’s lies

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Co 2:11)

“Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

C. A Sinful life 7:13 “Pestilence among my people”

“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2)

II. HEED HIS WORD OF CORRECTION 7:14

If you’ve been awaken by God’s word of caution and you have drifted away from God, by falling into one of the 3 above categories, how do you recover? How do you renew and continue your walk with God? God gives us a corrective description of a person who walks with Him. How does He describe a revived person?

They are a:

A. Saved Person “If my people”

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)

God’s word about enmity and reconciliation: Romans 8:7; II Corinthians 5:18-20; & Ephesians 2:14-16

B. Separated Person “Which are called by my name”

I wonder if the people you work with know that you’re a Christian?

C. Surrendered person “Shall humble themselves”

Humble - 03665 kana` {kaw-nah'} AV - humble 18, subdue 11, bring low 2, bring down 3, subjection 1, misc 1; 36 1) to be humble, be humbled, be subdued, be brought down, be low, be under, be brought into subjection.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Pr 16:18)

“Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.” (Pr 3:34)

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)

D. Supplicating person “And pray”

E. Seeking person “And seek my face”

F. Sin-forsaking person “And turn from their wicked ways”

A revival person hates sin because of what it did to our Lord!

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Mt 1:21)

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” (I John 3:5)

III. HONOR HIS WORD OF CONCERN 7:21-22

A. Our Intimacy with Him 7:16-17a “Mine heart shall be there perpetually”

B. Our Instruction from Him 7:17b “Do according to all that I have commanded thee.”

C. Our Influence for Him 7:21-22 “Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land and unto this house?”

Torreys Prescription For Revival

I can give a prescription that will bring a revival to any church or community or any city on earth.

First, let a few Christians (they need not be many) get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is the prime essential. If this is not done, the rest that I am to say will come to nothing.

Second, let them bind themselves together in a prayer group to pray for a revival until God opens the heavens and comes down.

Third, let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use as He sees fit in winning others to Christ. That is all!

This is sure to bring a revival to any church or community. I have given this prescription around the world. It has been taken by many churches and many communities, and in no instance has it ever failed; and it cannot fail!

Castro took Cube with a band of 80 men.

Lenin began the communists’ revolution with only a few thousand men.

Jesus began the mightiest movement the world has ever known with only 12 disciples.

Jos 23:10 One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he [it is] that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has scheduled a debate in the Senate for the Federal Marriage Amendment the week of July 12 , 2004 . At the close of debate, if 60 Senators vote ‘Yes', the bill will be sent to the floor for a FULL VOTE OF THE SENATE!!!

Voting Makes a Difference

By One Vote
Texas was admitted to the Union in 1845 by a single vote

By One Vote
Hitler won leadership of the German Nazi Party in 1923

By One Vote
The US House of Representatives, in 1801, elected Thomas Jefferson as President of the United States

Don't Give Up!

2011-06-28T11:30:00.001-04:00

Qualities of Godly People #1

GENESIS 2:7-8, 15-25; 3:17-24

“George Washington fought nine major battles in the Revolutionary War. He lost six of these battles but won the war.”

“The man who cannot survive bad times will not see good times.”

The struggles that Adam faced are far from numbered or recorded. Yet, the ones we know are astounding for example,

1. His feelings of Failure, as a spiritual leader, when Eve was enticed and sinned (Ge 3:6)

Ge 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Ge 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life;

2. His own personal spiritual failure (Ge 3:6 & 11)

Ge 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

3. His disqualification and lost opportunity to serve God in a very unique way

Ge 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

4. His personal feelings of being duped by the Devil

Ge 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

5. His feelings of failure and inadequacy as a parent

Ge 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

6. His brokeness over the death and loss of a godly son & a rebellious son

(He had to find his son’s dead, bludgeoned & bloody body and then he had to dig the grave and bury his son)

Ge 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

7. The consequences of a sin cursed world and its toll on his and Eve’s bodies

Ge 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

“By perseverance the snail reached the Ark.” -Spurgeon

“In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins - not through strength, but through perseverance.”

“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20^th” Julie Andrews

Pr 24:16 For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

“Fortitude and the power of fixing attention are the two marks of a great mind.”

So, the question must come to mind how did he continue his life with all the heart aches and disappointments he faced and experienced? I believe he learned three important eternal & unchanging truths about God that Satan could not duplicate or cover up. He learned about:

I. THE GOODNESS OF GOD Gen 2:8 “man became a living soul”

Ps 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.

Ps 145:9 The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.

He gave him:

A. Life Gen 2:7

Ge 2:7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

B. Paradise Gen 2:8

Ge 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

C. Authority Gen 1:26

Ge 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
1Sa 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

Ps 75:7 But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

D. Favor

Ge 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought [them] unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that [was] the name thereof.

E. A Wife

Ge 2:20-25 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

II. THE GRACE OF GOD Gen 3:21 “...God make coats of skins, and clothed them”

1Co 15:21 For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

Ge 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Ge 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

Ge 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ro 5:15 But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

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

A. The Endowment of it is the exercise of God’s wisdom

Ge 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

B. The Essence of it is the expression of unmerited love

Ge 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Ge 3:8-9 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where [art] thou?

C. The Effect of it is the experience of empowering strength

Ge 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

Ge 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

2Co 9:8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

III. THE GREATNESS OF GOD Gen 1:27 “God created man”

Ge 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

De 3:24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God [is there] in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?

Ps 77:13 Thy way, O God, [is] in the sanctuary: who [is so] great a God as [our] God?

Ps 135:5 For I know that the LORD [is] great, and [that] our Lord [is] above all gods.

Ps 145:3 Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.

A. Superiority

B. Authority

C. Worthiness

"What About Suicide?"

2011-06-27T16:00:00.001-04:00

ACTS 16:23-34 Unfortunately, there have been several in my extended family who’ve committed suicide.
In 2006 (the latest year for which we have national statistics), there were 33,300 suicides in the U.S. (91.2 suicides per day; 1 suicide every 15.8 minutes). This translates to an annual suicide rate of 11.1 per 100,000.(source - www.suicidology.org)

Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death. Suicide ranks third as a cause of death among young (15-24) Americans behind accidents and homicides

Kasey was only 16 years old when he ended his own life last May, 2001. We were heart broken and shocked beyond belief. He told no one that he was feeling sad or that he was thinking of ending his own life. This is unusual because 80% of people contemplating suicide do tell someone.

Beginning with that very second in which we discovered what our son had done, the small- but- powerful three- lettered question, "Why?!", relentlessly echoing over and over in all of the minds of those that knew our son or heard about his death. Amazingly only 10 to 15% of all suicides leave a note behind and yes, he did leave us a very short note just saying "Don’t blame anyone but me." which gave us little comfort.

Kasey was a good young man who never drank alcohol or used drugs. However many people will drink or use drugs in an attempt to end the pain they feel inside as a way of self medicating . There was no "sudden" change in our son’s personality or appearance, nor did he give any of his possessions away. He went to school every day and was often on the honor roll. He participated in the usual things that a normal teen would participate in during the last few days of his life. Saturday night he went bowling with a friend. Sunday, along with his family he visited his grandparents and went to church after which he accompanied a church leader to visit a homebound elderly lady. Monday he helped his family plant flowers for the city and went out for ice cream; he fertilized our lawn. But on Tuesday, after school and dinner, while the rest of the family was away, he ended his own life. Kasey’s mom - Stacy (adapted from www.Jaredstroy.com)

1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

Job 3:21 Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;

Job 7:15 So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.

Jeremiah 8:3 And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jonah 4:3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.

Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

Matthew 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

This is an incredible event. A man experiencing extreme despair suddenly changed and experiencing extreme joy.

There are three movements of thought I want us to consider:

I. THE INSTIGATION OF HIS SUICIDE ATTEMPT 16:27 “seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.”

Here’s a man whose foundation was shaken to the core of his soul. His perception suddenly changed (no longer as a loved husband, needed dad and respected soldier) as he peered into a dark and seemly empty jail. For a moment his life was as dark, quiet and hopeless as the grave. His soul was as empty as the jail appeared to be. But thank God for the light that reveals the truth!

What are some of the forces that could incite a person to so suddenly give up on life. An:

A. Intense frustration (compilation of contributing events and circumstances)

We have no idea what had happen in his life prior to this event. There may have been many contributing factors that led to his decision. With the mention of his family so prominently in his post suicide attempt, I believe he was having some extremely serious family problems. It could have been his marriage, a problem teenager or even adult child, etc. We really have no idea and most people don’t when a person attempts or commits suicide.

B. Intimidating fear (a force to be reckoned with)

C. Insurmountable failure (failure that appears to be incapable of being overcome or dealt with)

D. Ill-favored future (his prospect of the future from his current perspective was loathsome and unwelcome - he had nothing to look forward to and what he did see he hated - a disgraced soldier!)

II. THE INTERVENTION TO HIS SUICIDE ATTEMPT 16:28 “But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.”

A man standing at the threshold of death, on the brink of eternity at the conclusion of the whole matter - and suddenly He experienced GRACE!

There is a tremendous weight of responsibility we carry as Christians having the solution to life’s greatest need.

Numbers 16:48 And he (Aaron) stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

A. It took an act of God 16:26 “there was a great earthquake”

1. He prepared Paul and Silas before they were put in prison and were mistreated 16:25 “they prayed”

Acts 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

1 Peter 2:20 For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.

2. He caused an earthquake
3. He restrained the prisoners
4. He restrained the guard

B. It took a spiritual minded person 16:25 “sang praises”

Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

C. It took a unselfish person 16:28 “do thyself no harm”

1 Corinthians 10:33 Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

D. It took a forgiving spirit 16:23 “when they had laid many stripes upon them”

I’m not so sure we can measure the amount of forgiveness it would have taken to have a forgiving spirit when you’ve just been thrown into maximum security and then put in stocks while your bleeding and wounded.

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

E. It took a prepared soul winner 16:28 “do thyself no harm”

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

F. It took a genuine testimony 16:29 :”fell down before Paul and Silias”

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

This guard had previously heard out of the mouth of those imprisoned cursing and vile language - but these men were different. Are you different? Are you a solution to problems or are you a problem?

Romans 13:13-14 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

1 Peter 2:9 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:

G. It took an act of faith 16:31 “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved”

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

III. THE INSIGHT FROM HIS SUICIDE ATTEMPT 16:34 “and rejoiced believing in God with all his house”

A. Jesus changed everything - no matter where you may be in life, Jesus can make the change you need.

God took an earthquake and shook a man to his core!

1. He was a ordinary man - married, had family and job

2. He was a callous man - soldier

3. He was a hurting man - would have killed himself

B. There are people who care - Paul and Silas - the church cares!

There could have been grief and pain and a broken family.

C. God has a great plan for your life - was the church a Philippi his doing?

D. It’s going to get better
Ask anyone who has attempted suicide and they will tell you how grateful they are that they didn’t succeed. Things will get better!

Psalms 30:5 For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

E. God truly loves you

Why Do We Sing In Church?

2011-06-27T15:50:00.001-04:00

EXODUS 15:1-21

Evangelist Dennis Deese

A Baptist preacher and his wife decided to get a new dog. Ever mindful of the congregation, they knew the dog must also be a Baptist. They visited kennel after kennel and explained their needs. Finally, they found a kennel whose owner assured them he had just the dog they wanted.

The owner brought the dog to meet the pastor and his wife. "Fetch the Bible," he commanded.

The dog bounded to the bookshelf, scrutinized the books, located the Bible, and brought it to the owner.

"Now find Psalm 23," he commanded.

The dog dropped the Bible to the floor, and showing marvelous dexterity with his paws, leafed through and finding the correct passage, pointed to it with his paw.

The pastor and his wife were very impressed and purchased the dog.

That evening, a group of church members came to visit. The pastor and his wife began to show off the dog, having him locate several Bible verses. The visitors were very impressed.

One man asked, "Can he do regular dog tricks, too?"

"I haven't tried yet," the pastor replied.

He pointed his finger at the dog. "HEEL!" the pastor commanded. The dog immediately jumped on a chair, placed one paw on the pastor's forehead and began to howl.

The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said, "Good night! He's Pentecostal!"

When it comes to music and worship, we Baptist remind me of that couple!

Why do you think the Devil hates music in church so much? Because it reminds him of what he used to have and be!

Ezekiel 28:13 seems to indicate that Satan was involved with music in Heaven. The two Scripture passages that describe Satan before he fell are Ezekiel 28:12-19 and Isaiah 14:12-15. Satan was the “anointed cherub” (Eze 28:14). He was adorned with every precious jewel imaginable (Eze 28:13). He was “the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (Eze 28:12b). Likely he was the highest of all angels. He was persuasive enough to convince one-third of the angels to join him in his rebellion (Rev 12:4). Even after his fall from heaven, not even Michael the archangel dares to stand up to him without the Lord’s help (Jude 9). Satan fell because of pride. He did not like being “second best”. He wanted to be God: “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain’” (Isa 14:13).

Was Satan the head musician? I don’t know. Scripture does not say enough about what his duties were in heaven. Considering the fact that the angels constantly worship God (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8), it is possible that Satan led in worship. For Satan to rebel despite having such an exalted position and close relationship with God – the devil is surely due his eternal destiny (Rev 20:10). Adapted from Got Questions Ministries

We need to ascertain, discern and realize from scripture the:

I. EXAMPLES OF SINGING 15:1 “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord”

1. Regularly Employed

1Ch 9:33 And these [are] the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, [who remaining] in the chambers [were] free: for they were employed in [that] work day and night.

2. Assisted by a full Orchestra

1Ch 15:16 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

1Ch 23:5 Moreover four thousand [were] porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, [said David], to praise [therewith].

2Sa 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

3. Choirs led by Precentor (music minister)

1Ch 15:27 And David [was] clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah (ken uh NIGH uh) the master of the song with the singers: David also [had] upon him an ephod of linen.

4. It led to the manifestation of God’s glory

2Ch 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

5. They sang new songs

Ps 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

Ps 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Ps 96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

Ps 98:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

Ps 144:9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

Ps 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.

Isa 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Re 5:9 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;

6. They sang in times of suffering

Ac 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Jesus sang at the end of the Lord’s supper, before going to the cross and when He was betrayed

Mr 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

II. EXHORTATION TO SING 15:1, 21 “I will sing unto the Lord”

Psalms 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Psalms 81:1 <> Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Psalms 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

III. ESSENCE OF SINGING 15:1-21

Essentially the essence or motivation for singing is composed of three parts.

A. Adoration 15:1, 6-7

B. Appreciation 15:2,

Psalms 104:33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalms 13:6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Ps 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

C. Acclamation 15:3

1Pe 2:9 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:

We’ve seen the exhortation, examples and the essence of singing in the Bible. What are you going to do now? Will you come before His presence with singing?

Psalms 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

STANDING AT THE THRESHOLD OF GOD'S BEST

2011-05-06T18:09:00.016-04:00

JOSHUA 1:ff

By Evangelist Dennis Deese

The Bible says in Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

And one of my favorite statements and governing themes of life is based upon that verse,

"The value of a vision is that it encourages you to give up at any moment, all that you are, in order to receive all that you can become."

God offers His best to all of us. The question we must answer, knowing that God's best is the best, is what stands between us and God's best?

We can answer that by considering what it takes to discover, receive and keep His best. It requires a:

I. LOVING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

Ex 33:11 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.

A. Produced by salvation

Am 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Ro 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. {the carnal...: Gr. the minding of the flesh}

Eph 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: {thereby: or, in himself}

B. Sustained by spirituality 1:8 Ameditate therein day and night,

Nu 27:18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom [is] the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

Jos 3:5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

Jos 8:30 Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,

2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: {to: or, by}

1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. {may: Gr. shall}

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Ro 12:-1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 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.

C. Prioritized by the scriptures (not doing something for the Lord or getting something from the Lord, but giving of ourselves to the Lord)

Matt. 22:35-38 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

II. SPIRITUAL REVELATION FROM THE LORD 1:1 "the Lord spoke unto Joshua"

De 31:7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

De 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

A. Purpose 1:2, 5-6 (His glory)

Jos 24:31 And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.

2Ti 1:9 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,

Php 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

B. Plan 1:2-4 "go over this Jordan"

Ph 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Joh 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Joh 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

C. Presence 1:5, 9

III. GODLY RESPECT FOR THE LORD

Jos 5:14 And he said, Nay; but [as] captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

Which will result in:

A. Obedience 1:7-8

Nu 32:12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

Jos 11:15 As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.

B. Commitment 1:10

C. Faithfulness 1:8

IV. RECEPTIVE RESPONSE TO THE LORD

Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

A. The foundation it provides

B. The fruit it produces

C. The faith it projects

Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. {in faith: Gr. according to faith}

V. CONSISTENT RELIANCE UPON THE LORD

1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

VI. SINCERE REPENTANCE BEFORE THE LORD

A. Concern about sin

B. Confession of sin

C. Cleansing from sin

“SOUL WINING 101"

2011-03-11T18:00:00.007-05:00

LUKE 10:1-8

The Great Command: Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

We’ve been given an assignment. We’ve got a job to do.

There are two aspects of the great commission: "going" & "discipling" (making fully devoted followers of Jesus)

A 1980 Gallup poll indicated that out of all evangelical, American believers, "only two percent had introduced another person to Christ." SOURCE: J.K. Johnston, Why Christians Sin, Discovery House, 1992, p. 140.

It is easy to determine when something is aflame. It ignites other material. Any fire that does not spread will eventually go out. A church without evangelism is a contradiction in terms, just as a fire that does not burn is a contradiction. Christian Theology in Plain Language, p. 162.

What can make a difference in our lackadaisical attitude? In a word, "change". What is needed in order to bring about this change?

There must be A Soul-winning:

I. COMPLIANCE (10:1) “the Lord appointed” (Yielding, acquiescing)

Our Lord dealt with excuses "after these things"

Lord (2962) Kou-ree-os: supreme authority, controller

Just as He gave these disciples a mission, he's given us a mission. He doesn't make people follow; however, He has given us the opportunity.

A. He sent them two by two

B. They went before His face - He was watching over them.

C. They were to go into every city and place

II. COMPASSION (10:2) "The Harvest truly is great"
not being judgmental, but concerned about their eternal destiny.

Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

James Hudson Taylor in challenging English students during his time to be involved in China mission work, used to tell of the story about Peter, his Chinese convert and disciple. On one of their sea journeys, Peter (who did not know how to swim) fell from the side of the boat. Fortunately, there were fishermen nearby, just a grab away from where Peter fell. Taylor shouted at the fishermen and asked them to help his friend, “Hey, help my friend, he is drowning.” However, the fishermen did not bother to do his call for help because they were busy loading their catch from the net to their boat. Taylor continued to yell, “Stop what you are doing, and help my friend. He is just a grab away.” But the fishermen continued on their work until the last fish was loaded to the boat. Then they jumped and got Peter out of water. They tried to revive him, but to no avail. Peter died of drowning. He could have been saved because he was just a grab away from the fishermen. Then, he asked the students/church members what they thought of about the Chinese? Some said, they are bad, evil, selfish, unconcern about the salvation of a dying man. You know how Taylor responded? He said, “I saw differently. I think the Chinese are like most Christians today, they are unconcerned about the plight of the sinners who are now just a grab away from them. The reason is that they are so busy with their work.”

III. COMMITMENT (10:2) "The laborers” (er-gat-ace 2040 worker, toil) are few.

Why no commitment?

A. Our priorities have been misdirected "where he himself would come" "This is what Jesus would do." Martha anxious about many things in Luke 10:38-42

John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

B. Our perspective has been marred "Lord of the Harvest"

What does the Lord want?

John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

1 Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

C. Our prayers have been missing "pray ye"

1. for laborers (See I Cor 3:6-9)

Mark 13:33-37 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. [For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

2. the lost

“It is distinctly stated that the Son of Man is come to seek…Seeking the lost is more than a mere attempt to locate unsaved men, for they are present on every hand. The term ‘seeking the lost,’ therefore, suggests a divine preparation of the unsaved that will bring them into adjustment with the necessary conditions of salvation.” – Lewis Sperry Chafer; True Evangelism: Winning Souls Through Prayer, pg. 13.
3. God's peace 10:5

D. Our purpose has been misunderstood

IV. COURAGE (10:3) "send forth laborers"

"Go your ways, behold I send you forth as lambs among wolves."

Acts 4:29 Peter's prayer: "and now, Lord, behold their threatenings; and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word."

"If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room." (Anita Koddick)

When you see a church that’s empty,
Though its doors are open wide,
It’s not the church that’s dying,
It’s the laymen who have died.
For it’s not by song or sermon
That the church’s work is done,
It is the laymen of our country
Who for God must carry on.

Spurgeon wrote, " I think I may say to every person whom I am addressing,-If you are yourself saved, the work is but half done until you are employed to bring others to Christ. You are as yet but half formed in the image of your Lord. You have not attained to the full development of the Christ-life in you unless you have commenced in some feeble way to tell others of the grace of God; and I trust that you will find no rest to the sole of your foot till you have been the means of leading many to that blessed Saviour who is your confidence and your hope?
Let us ask Him to give us grace to go a-fishing, and so to cast our nets that we may take a great multitude of fishes. Oh, that the Holy Ghost may raise up from among us some master-fishers, who shall sail their boats in many a sea, and surround great shoals of fish!" 1. Spurgeon, Charles " Instruction In Soul Winning "

Four years after the Titanic went down, a young Scotchman rose in a meeting in Hamilton, Can., and said, I am a survivor of the Titanic. When I was drifting alone on a spar that awful night, the tide brought Mr. John Harper, of Glasgow, on a piece of wreck near me. Man, he said, are you saved? No, I said, I am not. He replied, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

The waves bore him away; but, strange to say brought him back a little later, and he said, Are you saved now? No, I said, I cannot honestly say that I am. He said again, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and shortly after he went down; and there, alone in the night, and with two miles of water under me, I believed. I am John Harpers last convert. Quilla Webb

"Making The Most of Our God-given Opportunities"

2010-12-28T12:52:00.017-05:00

EPHESIANS 5:14-17

“Time is precious. Ask the coach whose team is behind in the final seconds of a game. Ask the air traffic controller in charge of scheduling takeoffs and landings at a major airport. Ask the news reporter who has just received a breaking story from the AP wire. Ask the cancer patient who has recently learned they have only two months left to live.

Time management is an oxymoron. Time is beyond our control, and the clock keeps ticking regardless of how we lead our lives. Priority management is the answer to maximizing the time we have. Our days are identical suitcases—all the same size—but some can pack more into them than others. No one has a magical ability to make time, but if our lives have direction, we can make the most of the moments we have been given.” John Maxwell

“Opportunity is rare, and a wise man will never let it go by him.” —BAYARD TAYLOR.

There are two great days in a person’s life -- the day we are born and the day we discover why. William Barclay

The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. William James

Missed opportunities: Noah’s Ark, Sodom & Gomorrah, Promised Land, Rich man with Jesus, ETC.

“The opportunity to do mischief is found a hundred times a day, and that of doing good once a year.”

“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.”

We have access to more spiritual growth tools than ever before, but it seems the Devil has lulled us into a spiritual slumber and sleep.

The lesson which life repeats and constantly enforces is "look under foot." You are always nearer the divine and the true sources of your power than you think. The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are. Do not despise your own place and hour. Every place is under the stars, every place is the center of the world. --John Burroughs

SOME VERSES THAT CHALLENGE US:

Jn. 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night (the night of death - see next verse) cometh, when no man can work.

Ec 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

“Many do with opportunities as children do at the seashore; they fill their little hands with sand, and then let the grains fall through, one by one, till all are gone.” REV. T. JONES.

Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

IPe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Regarding Time: The scripture says,

Ja 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Proverbs 6:4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

Proverbs 6:9-10 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

“Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good actions; try to use ordinary situations.” RICHTER.

Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

SOME CONSIDERATIONS THAT SHOULD MOTIVATE US: There are four motivations given in Romans 13:11-14 It comes through the realization of:

1. The Brevity of time Romans 13:11 “knowing the time”

Ps 90:10 The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Our English word {opportunity} comes from the Latin and means 'toward the port.' It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the harbor. The brevity of life is a strong argument for making the best use of the opportunities God gives us. --James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988), p. 391.

2. The Goodness of God Romans 13:11 “our salvation”

In an item in a recent issue of Fortune magazine, quoting the New York Times: After his butcher shop in Brooklyn was robbed four times in one month, William Levine bought a bulletproof vest in 1980. Other business proprietors asked him where they could get a vest like his. Mr. Levine began taking orders as a sideline. Today the 32-year-old Mr. Levine is out of the butcher business and full-time president of Body Armor, International. He supplies 40 sales representatives across the country, he says, and is selling 500 to 600 vests a month.

3. The Activity of Satan Romans 13:12-13 “the works of darkness”

It’s time to quit glorifying the Devil (talking about all the things he’s doing) and start glorifying the Lord (talk about all that He’s doing) Main thrust of sermon

4. The Vanity of life Romans 13:14 “make not provision for the flesh”

Ps 39:4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it [is; that] I may know how frail I [am].

Ps 78:39 For he remembered that they [were but] flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

Ps 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.

We’ve begun the journey of a new year. The question we should consider is where will this path end at the conclusion of the year? Will we reach God’s destination for our lives during the course of this year? If we are to achieve His ultimate destination, then we must make the most of His opportunities. To me it’s a fearful and disheartening thing to think I could end this year at a different destination than the Holy Spirit intends. Here’s what I know - He wants the very best for us and for lives to have eternal significance!

“It’s tragic that you have to get older to understand what you should have done when you were younger.” Dennis Deese

Even worse, is getting older and knowing what you should have done and you still don’t do it.

“Let us endeavor to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.”~ Mark Twain

SOME ESSENTIALS THAT HELP US
“Twenty years from now you be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” Mark Twain Executive Speaker, February 2005

What is needed in order to make the most of our God-given opportunities? What have we got to do?

I. WE’VE GOT TO REVIVE OUR SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT 5:14 In entails: A

Mt 25:24-29 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, [there] thou hast [that is] thine. His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give [it] unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

A. Call 5:14 “he saith, awake thou”

Mt 13:44-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Mr 8:34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

“Some men go through a forest and see no firewood.” English Proverb

Eph. 5:10 Our lives are to be living testimonies (so becoming of Christlikeness and godliness they are attractive, fascinating, interesting, and alluring before the eyes of the world “we are to be the light of the world Ephesians 5:8") of what is acceptable and pleasing to God.

1. Callous response (blind)
2. Critical response (distracted)
3. Careless response (deceived)
4. Cold response (indifferent)
5. Careful response (changed)

It’s a movement of God (it’s a God thing - no human can do it. It is achieved by:

1. The Word of God 5:14 “he saith”
2. The Spirit of God 5:18 “be filled with the Spirit”
3. The Light of God 5:13 “made manifest by the light”

B. Confession 5:14 “thou that sleepest”

C. Concern 5:16 “redeeming the time”

II. WE’VE GOT TO RESUME OUR SPIRITUAL COURSE 5:15

Eph 5:15 - Circumspectly (199) akribos {ak-ree-boce'}: perfect 1, perfectly 1, 5; exactly, accurately, diligently.

5:15, 16) “See” is blepō (βλεπω), “to discern mentally, observe perceive, consider, contemplate, look to in the sense of taking care, take heed.”

“Circumspectly” is (199) akribos {ak-ree-boce'} akribō (ἀκριβως), “exactly, accurately, carefully.”

“Walk” is (4043) peripateō (περιπατεω),”to order one’s behavior, to conduct one’s self, or occupy.”

"Time" is 2540 (Karios) “time as regarded in its strategic, epoch-making, seasonable, opportune seasons.”

The translation reads, “Be constantly taking heed how accurately you are conducting yourselves.” That is, see to it that your conduct is accurate with respect to the demands of the Word of God. It is like a motorist accurately following on the right side of the center line dividing traffic.

What are the road signs that indicate we’re on the right road?
A. Submission 5:1, 21
B. Sacrifice 5:2

“If we obey God it is going to cost other people more than it costs us, and that is where the sting comes in. If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything, it is a delight, but it costs those who do not love Him a good deal. If we obey God, it will mean that other people’s plans are upset, and they will gibe us with it? You call this Christianity? We can prevent the suffering; but if we are going to obey God, we must not prevent it, we must let the cost be paid.” Chambers, O. (1993, c1935). My utmost for his highest : Selections for the year (January 11).

C. Separation 5:3-4, 7, 11
D. Sincerity 5:8-11
E. Service 5:16
F. Steadfastness 5:17
G. Soul-winning 5:13-14

III. WE’VE GOT TO RENEW OUR SPIRITUAL COMPREHENSION 5:17

When you are eighty, sitting on that porch rocking, and looking back on your life, how will you feel? You won’t have to answer to anybody but yourself. . . not your parents or your spouse or your business associates.

What did you do with this gift of living? It will be an important question to you then. So, you should make it an important question now.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

You renew spiritual comprehension in order that:
A. God’s word is practiced 5:14
B. God’s way is prioritized 5:15
C. God’s will is pursued 5:17

A LIST OF WORDS THAT CONCISELY DEFINE GOD'S WILL:
1. Salvation - I Tim. 2:4
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2. Stewardship - Phil. 3:15-16, I Thess. 5:18
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Philippians 3:15-16 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

3. Spirituality - Eph. 5:15-18
Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

4. Sanctification - I Thess. 4:3, Rom. 12:2
1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

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.

5. Submission - I Peter 3:13-17
I Peter 3:15-17 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
a. for Character
b. to God (I Peter 3:17, Matt. 26:39) "Jesus in the Garden"

George Truett F.B.C. Dallas
"the greatest knowledge is to know God's will"
"the greatest achievement is to do God's will"

“I FEEL SO LONELY THAT I COULD CRY!”

2010-11-09T20:25:00.002-05:00

JOHN 16:32-17:1

"I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Hank Williams in 1949. The song about loneliness was largely inspired by his troubled relationship with wife Audrey Sheppard. Wikipedia

"I feel lonely," Presley said, "even in a crowded room."

Albert Einstein once commented, "It is strange to be known so universally, and yet to be so lonely" Nelson, 517

Have you ever said “Leave me alone!”? We all have our moments when being alone is the most desirable pleasure of the moment; however, constant aloneness can lead to deep feelings of loneliness and the Bible has a lot to say about that.

I want to focus on the hurting kind of loneliness - the type Jesus felt in this passage.

Mark 14:50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

Hurting loneliness: Abandoned loneliness, death loneliness, divorce loneliness, moving away loneliness, high school loneliness, single loneliness, inferiority loneliness, fame loneliness, military loneliness, failure loneliness, the feeling of being unloved loneliness, etc.

John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

It was alone the Saviour prayed In dark Gethsemane,
Alone He drained the bitter cup And suffered there for me.
Alone! Alone! He bore it all alone.
He gave Himself to save His own,
He suffered, bled, and died alone, alone.
"Alone" by Ben H. Price (1914)

Psalms 22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my roaring?

Psalms 142:4 I looked on [my] right hand, and beheld, but [there was] no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

“4 weeks ago my whole life changed! I came back from a business trip and my husband made the announcement that he was not happy and was leaving. We have been married for almost 6 years. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, so I asked for a chance to make whatever the problem was better. He said he was backed into a corner and hanging on the edge of his rope. For a week he stayed, and I walked around on land mines trying to do and say everything right. Finally on July 4th he walked out. He is now living with his parents. He won't talk about this, he just wants a divorce and that is it. he says he’s not happy and our marriage has been more bad times then good times. He calls me just about everyday. Sometimes he is nice and sometimes he is very hurtful. I cry myself to sleep just about every night and wonder what I did that was so wrong. I asked why we couldn't just separate and see what happens, but there is no discussion. He went to a lawyer and filed and that is the end of it. I just have to accept it! I feel so sad all the time. Thankfully, we have no children, but the hurt and rejection I feel is no less...” Anonymous

Seven times previous to Genesis 2:18 the Lord says, “it is good” then there comes a change in His perfect observation and He says,

Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Loneliness is not good to God. In fact, He made us to have a relationship with us. God longs for fellowship with us and He knows we too need fellowship.

Exodus 33:11 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.

John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

If you’re experiencing the pain of loneliness, then I want to give you some simple, yet workable, goals for combating your pain:

I. ACTIVATE YOUR FAITH BY BELIEVING GOD’S WORD THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE 16:32 “yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me”

What will this believing faith do?

A. Expect His presence

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Psalms 40:17 But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

John 14:17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 14:22-23 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

B. Seek His presence

Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Deuteronomy 4:29 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.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

C. Practice His presence

John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

II. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSITION YOUR LONELINESS INTO SOLITUDE 17:1 “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven”

A. Praying

Matthew 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Jesus - John 4:31-34 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

B. Meditating before God

Psalms 73:28 But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

1 Peter 3:4 But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

C. Reading God’s word

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

III. BE PROACTIVE IN GAINING CONTROL OF YOUR SITUATION BY PURSUING GOD’S BEST 17:1 “the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:”

You can’t sit around thinking it’s someone else’s responsibility to rescue you. God expects you to do His best and His will. It’s not about you and it’s about God’s heart and will

A. Determine your God given gift (Is it God’s will for me to be alone) (not lonely)?

1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

1 Corinthians 7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

1 Corinthians 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

1 Corinthians 7:32-33 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please [his] wife.

B. Start today further developing your social and Christlike skills

Proverbs 18:24 A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Proverbs 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

1. Read books on building good relationships

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

2. Attend and join a Sunday School class and attend as many church opportunities as possible

Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

3. Sow what you want to reap - go to Nursing homes, hospitals, orphanages, widows, jails etc.

James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:

Matthew 22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

“LIFE CHANGING PASSIONS”

2010-10-01T21:54:00.002-04:00

I THESSALONIANS 2:1-12

Paul was a man consumed with a passion for God.

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Matthew 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

The passions that will change us the most are those embraced by Jesus because no one has ever been more successful than He (He is our example). I want us to consider the Christ-like passions that can lead to our greatest God honoring and pleasing success in life. What passion do we need to embrace?

We should embrace the passion of:

I. INTEGRITY 2:3 & 10 “Was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile”

1Pe 2:21-22 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

II. THE ANOINTING 2:2 “Bold in our God” (see I Thess. 1:5)

Ac 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

III. OBEDIENCE TO GOD 2:4 “Pleasing God”

Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Lu 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

IV. PERSONAL SOUL-WINNING 2:9 “We preached the gospel”

Pr 11:30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.

V. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 2:12 “Walk worthy of God”

Lu 2:46-47 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Lu 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

1. Wisdom = mental, 2. stature = physical, 3. favor with God = Spiritual, & 4. favor with man = social. The divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in life.

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

VI. MENTORING 2:8 “we willing to have imparted unto you . . . ourselves”

Joh 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

VII. MINISTRY TO OTHERS 2:7 “but we were gentle among you, even as a nurse”

Lu 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

VIII. VISION 2:1 “You know our entrance in unto you that it was not in vain”

Pr 29:18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.

What contributes to a godly vision?

A. PRAYER (Listening more than talking)

B. GODLY COUNSEL

Pr 11:14 Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.

Pr 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

C. DECISION MAKING

D. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

THE UNIQUE LEADER, MINISTRY AND CHURCH

2010-08-23T21:44:00.024-04:00

WHY COME TO YOUR CHURCH OR WHY USE YOUR MINISTRY?
There are hundreds of choices when it comes to church selection. Why would somebody choose your church? What makes it the preferred church choice? What makes it 'different' to not better than all the other churches?

THE UNIQUE LEADER:
Powerful new leadership advancement seminar material coming soon. This new material will empower you with tools to take your life, church and ministry to the next level. To breakthrough the barriers that hold you back and hinder your forward progress. We want you to achieve your God-given potential! We are on your side and ready to offer side by side help. Sleeves rolled up working seminars to put into action what is needed to get you there. Through the roof growth!

THE BIG VISION:
If you are going to make the effort to establish a vision and goal for your church, then establish a BIG vision, a BIG goal because you serve a BIG God! Our new leadeship and ministry advancement material and workshops get you on target with the fire of enthusiasm that could sweep through the congregation!

Learn more at: http://www.dennisdeese.com/

“HOW TO PRAY FOR THE FALLEN”

2010-07-14T20:33:00.003-04:00

Ga 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

How do you pray for those who have presently given up? What specific needs of restoration do they have? What is the primary pathway to complete spiritual recovery?

The use of the word restoration is synonymous with the words “FULL STRENGTH AND FUNCTION.” The problem is the inability to function. Those who have been drained of life and power are like ink pens that have run out of ink. They must be refilled and rejuvenated in order to return to their normal called function and purpose. The one thing we can do for them is to honestly pray for them and to pray very specific for their needs. Pray for their:

I. MENTAL RESTORATION (Focused, Renewed, Refreshed & Revived thinking from God’s perspective)

1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

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.

Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

II. EMOTIONAL RESTORATION (overcoming the broken and wounded heart)

1 Samuel 30:4 Then David and the people that [were] with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

John 11:35 Jesus wept.

1 Peter 1:6-8 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

III. UNDERSTANDING RESTORATION (Gaining insight as to why it has happen and what I can do about it and what God is doing about it)

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

IV. HUNGER RESTORATION (A renewed desire for God himself and service to him)

Psalms 42:1-5 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God? When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance.

V. SPIRITUALITY RESTORATION (The disciplines of the spiritual man and the regained sense of full usefulness to God, the church, and the kingdom)

1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.

Psalms 28:8 The LORD [is] their strength, and he [is] the saving strength of his anointed.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

VI. JOY RESTORATION (Acceptance that God will and wants to use me again)

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

VII. VISION RESTORATION (The new spiritual direction is God leading me in now)

Proverbs 29:18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.

1 Samuel 3:11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

Joshua 3:4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed [this] way heretofore.

VIII. PASSION RESTORATION (A sincere desire to find, follow and fulfill God’s personal calling)

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

IX. COMMITMENT RESTORATION (Taking the initial steps of faith in God’s new direction)

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

X. MINISTRY RESTORATION (Actually doing what I’m now supposed to do)

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure and disappointment, let us answer God’s standing challenge (Jeremiah 33:3) , ‘Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not! (J. Hudson Taylor)

Ps 142:4 I looked on [my] right hand, and beheld, but [there was] no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

One final thought: You are not God and you cannot fix all the problems

Finances (Stewardship) Wisdom Thought 10

2010-05-31T18:40:00.001-04:00

The Thrust of Luke 16:1-13 Many of this world have the worldly wisdom to know how to get their temporal wealth while at the same time, many, if not most of God’s children, who have spiritual light, are not wise enough to have spiritual wealth. Why? Because they don’t manage the secondary wealth correctly so God can’t entrust them with true wealth. The thrust of Jesus’ message in this passage is - Get your Stewardship in order because if you’re not trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, how can I entrust in you true riches (spiritual wealth).

"If you don't master your money, it will master you and Jesus said you can't serve two masters" Dennis Deese

What can you do today? 1. Start tithing & giving offering 2. By stopping unneeded and wasteful spending 3. By paying off your current debt (paying off bills by applying every extra income you can to your current debt) Pay off your smallest debt first by applying any additional money you receive on that bill. Once you have paid your smallest bill off, then take the amount you were paying on that bill and apply it with the payment on your next lowest debt - you will be putting the two former payments together and now any additional money you receive apply it with the two payments to your current lowest payment. (This method it slow at first - but it has a snowball effect - the opposite of debt and interest) An Example:You are paying Visa $150 per month and MasterCard $150 per month and Discover $200 per month. Once you have paid off Visa you would then be paying MasterCard $300.00 per month (the first two payment combined). Once Master card was paid off you would then be paying Discover $500.00 per month (all three payments combined). 4. Getting rid of your credit cards (except for one) 5. Paying off the one credit card you have each month

Personal Development - Wisdom Thought #7

2010-04-29T10:21:00.004-04:00

Someone has rightly stated, "When you are through growing you are through." As I reflect over the past 52 years of my life and in particular the past 27 that I have been saved, there are many things that have led to my personal growth: First, Study in themes. I studied leadership for five years. In other words, nearly everything I read and listened to was related to leadership during that time. John Maxwell was my primary study mentor during that time frame. Second, take a book of the Bible like Ephesians and read it everyday for 90 days. Then move to a larger book of the Bible (like The Book of John) and break in down into 5 chapter segments. For example, read the first 5 chapters 90 days then move to the next five chapters etc. until you finish the book. Keep Growing - Your Mentor Evangelist Dennis Deese

For futher Development be sure to order your copy of my new book, "Why I Can't Quit" (Why you shouldn't either). It will inspire you to keep moving forward even if it's just a baby step. Next thing you know you will be taking GAINT leaps. Blessings.

NEW BOOK "Why I Can't Quit"

2010-04-06T15:48:00.002-04:00

You may now order my new Book. I hope you will get a copy and get a copy for a friend who may be struggling with their faith. This is a book of encouragement to overcome discouragment.

To order and/or learn more click on the title above. It is an easy read hard cover book with 109 pages.

“THE PURPOSE OF YOUR LIFE”

2009-12-28T19:09:00.002-05:00

JOHN 17:1-5

As a man was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. When he answered, he heard his wife warn him urgently, "George, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on 280. Please be careful coming home!" "I'm there right now," said George, "and it's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"

Luke 6:47-48 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

What is your purpose in life? The same as that of the Lord Jesus Christ! Glorifying God! But we all do that in our own God-given unique way.

"This one thing I do, not these many things I dabble with." D.L. Moody

Matthew 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?

God has and will make the way and provide what is needed.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

2 Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

How do you Glorify God in the unique way in which you were created for? It has to be

I. FOUND

A. Salvation

2 Timothy 1:9 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,

B. Revelation

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

C. Preparation

Luke 2:46-47 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

II. FOLLOWED

When I think about the following aspect of God’s purpose, I am reminded of the man who’s cap blew off into a busy freeway and he chased after it right into the path of the traffic and was tragical killed. Later a reporter wrote and article about the incident and said, “he was chasing something that didn’t matter.”

I want you to know chasing God’s purpose does matter and it matters eternally.

A. Sanctification - commitment

Psalms 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

B. Submission - obedience

Jeremiah 7:23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

C. Spirituality - discernment

Psalms 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Psalms 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou [art] my God: thy spirit [is] good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

III. FULFILLED

A. Priority - assurance

II Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

B. Purity - holiness

Luke 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

1 Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory [due] unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

C. Perception - prayer

D. Perspective - eternal

Preached at Higher Ground Baptist Chuch this past Sunday

2009-12-02T12:50:00.004-05:00

I had the joy of preaching at Higher Ground Baptist Church in Kingsport, TN this past Sunday where Dr. Phil Hoskins serves as pastor. The worship and response was awesome. It was good to see many friends there.

“DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS”

2009-12-02T11:23:00.007-05:00

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

I can't do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide. You can trust my decision because I'm not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders. The Message Paraphrase

There are some occasions in our life, few I’m glad to say, that are pivotal points along life’s journey where are our entire destiny is determined by the choices we make.

On the other hand, most of our decisions are incidental.

We all have to make many different decisions; however, some of the things we have to do in life are involuntary decisions. They are made automatically. For example,

We blink approximately 10 to 15 times per minute. That Means that in the last hour you’ve blinked about 720 times. Now I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I’ve been spared having to make those additional 720 decisions this past hour and I’m certainly glad I haven’t had to make that decision 17,280 times in the past 24 hours. Now don’t you feel better already?

Let’s consider some:

I. PERSONAL DISCOMFORTS “As I hear, I judge”

Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

It is amazing how many of us hate, with a passion, to make decisions. It may be because we have to make so many of them. Nevertheless, we have make decisions every day.

What contributes to it being so uncomfortable?

A. Procrastination

“Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.” Margaret Thatcher

B. Fear of the unknown

C. Too many options

D. Making the wrong choice (making a mistake)

E. Inability or unwillingness to delegate

F. Resistance to change

G. Lack of knowledge

H. Lack of counsel

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.

I. Presumption - It will go away! I hope!

J. Lack of responsibility

“If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” Jim Rohn

K. An Obsession for making the best choice (there are consequences to all choices) - an obsessive compulsive

II. PRACTICAL WISDOM “I can of my own self do nothing”

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time” Unknown to me

The three-fold components for sound decision making:

A. Assurance

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust” 03820 labe: The Hebrew word means confidence (notice with the phrase “with all thine heart”) in the inner man, mind, will, heart, & understanding.

Ps 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Ps 27:13 [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

La 3:25-26 The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him. [It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

1. Presence John 5:30 “As I hear”

2. Faithfulness Proverbs 3:“trust in the Lord”

Ps 54:4 Behold, God [is] mine helper: the Lord [is] with them that uphold my soul.

Ps 116:6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

3. Understanding John 5:30 “Father”

The very use of the term Father rather than God suggests comfort. Even if you don’t make the best decision and your heart is to honor Him, He will take care of you.

Ps 40:17 But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

4. His Guidance Proverbs 3:5 “He shall direct thy paths”

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

B. Abasment John 5:30 “I can of my own self do nothing”

Proverbs 3:5 “lean not” 08172 (sha`an) shaw-an' :to lean, lean upon, support oneself. Don’t support yourself on your inadequate understanding, but rather lean upon HIM.

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

C. Acknowledgment Proverbs 3:6 “acknowledge him” 03045 (yada`) yaw-dah': To know, to recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess.

We are to change the way we think by pursuing God (not His will per say) in every decision, opportunity, circumstance and in essence in all our ways.

“my judgment is just” Jesus was saying that his selection (judgment) was approved (just) of or acceptable of God because he sought to know the Father and thus hear the Father!

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

III. POTENTIAL REWARDS “My judgment is just”

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” Alan Lakein

A. Sense of Accomplishment

John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

B. Sense of Relief (the dread of the task is alleviated)

John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

C. A testimony of good stewardship

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

D. Doors of opportunity open up

The Breath of God

2009-09-15T15:21:00.015-04:00

Why is the church so powerless? How can it return to the Power of the Book of Acts? As an itinerant evangelist, my heart is both excited and broken. I have the wonderful opportunity to preach in some of the greatest churches in America. On the other hand, I have seen the aftermath of Ichabod (the glory has departed). What can be done?

How can we pray most effectively about our churches and their worship services? In Acts 2:1-21, the dominant force is the Holy Spirit. When He breathed on them "as a rushing mighty wind", it changed everything. So I want us to learn how to pray specifically for the breath of God. Pray weekly for The:

DIRECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit’s Guidance and direction in our decisions for our Worship Services, Sunday School and ministries as we prepare: For every leader, preacher and teacher in our church

REVELATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
To illuminate our mind to His Word including teachers and students, preachers and congregation
　
ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Supernatural power for teachers and preachers in delivery of His Word - The Holy Spirit on them.

CONVICTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The working, drawing and compelling of the Holy Spirit in the heart of all who hear His Word on the church campus.
　
ENABLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Empowering of all who hear His Word to be receptive and to boldly respond to God’s Word with immediate obedience.

THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

2009-09-10T08:16:00.005-04:00

When I survey the Bible, the number of encourages is encouraging. Often, if not every time, when one of God's children was discouraged, threatened or challenged, you will find another saint there offering encouragement. I truly believe the need of the hour is to have those who are active in exercising the gift of encouragement.

The church is filled with those who have the GIFT of criticism. It's amazing those who are willing to get in line to throw stones. It would be a great day indeed if the church would line up to offer encouragement to those who need it and trust me there are many who need it. Deuteronomy 3:28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. Let's help each other succeed in their God given assignment!

One last thought, don't be surprised by those who won't like you helping others especially those who have sinned. If a person has truly repented and dealt with their sin, what else can they do? I'm not condoning the practice of sin. But we need to quit being the Judge, jury and executioner. There's only one true judge. I don't think we all are as spiritual as we want others to believe. The only thing that makes us perfect is the cleansing blood of Jesus. Let's pursue holiness and bring others along with us. Have a great day and go encourage someone.

WANTED! POWERFUL PREACHING

2009-08-12T14:53:00.005-04:00

The need of the hour is powerful preaching. People are looking into the face of desperation. For many the legitimate assurance of God's love, concern and ability is absolutely imperative if they are to survive their present state. People are looking for reality, hope and help. People need the Lord Jesus. Preachers let's pray for the anointing in the preparation and delivery of His Word. May the hungry soul find sustenance when they come under the presentation of the Word of God when you and I stand to proclaim it.

"Jesus, we ask you for a double portion of Elisha's spirit. Anoint us dear Lord with power in the preaching of your great word. In Jesus Name. Amen!"

The Grace Place

2009-08-02T20:03:00.002-04:00

Wow! What a glorious morning. I had the joy of returning to Grace Baptist Church in Tullahoma, TN where brother Tim McGehee serves as senior pastor. I preached both Morning services and it served as a kick off to their Marvelous Monday's in August. What an incredible morning. There were at least four who said they received Christ this morning and many came to the altar. The Spirit was Alive!! Brother Michael led the worship and he and the choir kicked it up a notch. If you live in that area, be sure and attend their Monday night services this month starting tomorrow night. The services start at 6:30 and the speakers include: Michael Mason, Sherrel Nave, Roc Collins and Danny Sinquefield. Here's a link to their web site: The Grace Place as I call it.

Final Billboard Live Oak, FL Crusade

2009-07-29T17:42:00.000-04:00

Where's The Passion?

2009-07-19T14:37:00.000-04:00

One of the greatest complimants I have ever been given was a young lady who once said after I had just finished preaching God's Word, "Preacher, I don't believe what you believe but I do believe you believe it."

My observation over the past year or so has been the lack of passion (possibly the Anointing) from those who share God's Word. Maybe it's a spirit of intimidation or the presentation of the "talk" that so many are gravitating toward. I don't see a lack of passion in sports do you? Yet, we are dealing with the eternal destiny of human beings and presenting the eternal Divine Library of truth. God raise us up some passionate PREACHERS today! Men preach it like you believe it!

Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Recovery

2009-07-18T14:56:00.001-04:00

Thearapy is more painful than the surgery. I guess that's true because you are so drugged up you'd let them cut you any way and where they wanted to. My injury was primarily from not warming up and not stretching before and after working out on Bow Flex. So, keep in mind when you get a little older, warm up before and stretch when you are done. At least after a few days you can get around some. In fact, I mowed the yard yesterday and it's only been 9 days since surgery. Go to our web site to learn much about the life of the evangelsit - namely Evangelist Denins Deese