HINDERED

 ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:12-13, 16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good. … 16 Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn.” 

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:12-13, 16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hidden 

Interest 

Negatively 

Diverting 

Expected 

Results

Evading 

Detection

Unrealized goals are difficult to manage. Plans that we make are often thwarted by things in our lives that we fail to recognize. I’m not talking about sin. Sometimes, we have motivations that are outside our conscious realization. The most devastating part of the process in dealing with unfulfilled goals is digging through the pile of broken dreams to discover what hindered their fulfillment. Hidden Interest Negatively Diverting Expected Results Evading Detection.

The Spirit of God desires to be an active participant in every area of our lives, but He cannot act without invitation. We believe we want to hear from God. We follow all the prescribed steps, but when we hear His voice, we are somehow hindered. The question we face today is, what hidden interest lies within us that is negatively diverting expected results and evading detection?

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:18-19, 22, 24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

18 “You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. …22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. … 24-25 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:18-19, 22, 24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What are the results you’re looking for in your family, church, community and job? I’ve been teaching in some capacity or another since 1992. I’ve been a credentialed minister since 1996 and happily married to my beautiful wife for 26 years and counting. Every aspect of my life has been filled with expectations and agendas. 

My life has been lived leading, guiding, directing, and managing people, events and situations. One thing I’ve learned through it all is that human beings are a stubborn lot. We each have some type of hidden agenda, or interest that may be so deeply buried in our subconscious that we ourselves are unaware it even exists. Yet, when our desired outcome is not in line with God’s plan, we quickly allow our interests to divert the godly results we are expecting. How do we draw these thoughts, attitudes and actions out into the light? How can we stop ourselves from being diverted and evading detection?

The Israelites were literally up close and personal with God, but His presence was so unnerving to them that they begged Him to stop speaking. How often have we done the same, perhaps not in words, but in our actions?

How many of us are “filled with the Holy Spirit”?

God is waiting to move through a willing people. He has promised and in fact has “poured out His Spirit”, but do we act according to His direction or beg Him to stop speaking?

Ezekiel‬ ‭47:1-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ (emphasis added)

“In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the water flowing out through the south side of the east gateway. Measuring as he went, he took me along the stream for 1,750 feet and then led me across. The water was up to my ankles. He measured off another 1,750 feet and led me across again. This time the water was up to my knees. After another 1,750 feet, it was up to my waist. Then he measured another 1,750 feet, and the river was too deep to walk across. It was deep enough to swim in, but too deep to walk through. He asked me, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Then he led me back along the riverbank. When I returned, I was surprised by the sight of many trees growing on both sides of the river. Then he said to me, “This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows. Fishermen will stand along the shores of the Dead Sea. All the way from En-gedi to En-eglaim, the shores will be covered with nets drying in the sun. Fish of every kind will fill the Dead Sea, just as they fill the Mediterranean. But the marshes and swamps will not be purified; they will still be salty. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”” 

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭47:1-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hidden Interest Negatively Diverting Expected Results Evading Detection. What is God saying in Ezekiel’s vision? How does his vision apply to us?

The Spirit of God is represented in scripture as water. Many of us just love to splash around in the puddles. Those are the waters that are “ankle deep”. Some of us wade out a little bit deeper into the “waist deep” waters. Still fewer of us have gotten into the “waters to swim in”. God has promised an outpouring of His Spirit in the “last days”! Those are the days in which we live. Moving in the Spirit calls us to get into the “waters to swim in”. 

Please don’t take that statement to mean anything goes in terms of, jumping shouting, and going wild in the name of a Pentecostal revival. Scripture is very clear. There is an order. There are God instituted standards, but we’ve stopped teaching on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. The “river” that flows from the Temple is the Spirit of God. Everywhere the Spirit of God goes, there is life and healing. The angel in the vision asks, “Have you been watching, son of man?”

Did you notice, there are fishermen on both sides of the river? When Jesus called the original disciples, they were fishermen. The “fish of every kind”, in Ezekiel’s vision, represents people from every nation.

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV

“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

During the festival of shelters, Jesus was teaching in the Temple. He promised “living water” which was an introduction to the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit flows through us if we’re thirsty, and open to His leading.

‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’””

‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hidden Interest Negatively Diverting Expected Results Evading Detection. Before reading the next passage of scripture, call back to your mind Ezekiel’s vision.

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT

“Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. No  longer will there be a curse upon anything. … 5 For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon.””

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

John’s vision in Revelation 22, gives us a glimpse into future events. This is a picture of how the world will be when Crist returns to reign. The River of Life flows from His throne and everywhere the Spirit goes life flourishes.  From the River of Life comes the medicine to heal the nations. God has spoken His word through prophecy that there will be an undeniable move of His Spirit in our time and from this area. This is not an exclusive message. This message is for all who will hear and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We began today with a passage from Deuteronomy, chapter 10:16. I cannot say how that verse affects your life, but it hits me hard every time. “Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn.” 

When Jesus was speaking to the women at the well she didn’t recognize Him until He identified Himself. How often do we fail to recognize what God desires to do simply because we don’t ask?

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬, ‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” … 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.””

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬, ‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God has a gift for you. That gift is the Holy Spirit. We will experience everything God has promised when we yield our individual and collective wills to the Lordship of Christ. We are the temple and the Holy Spirit flows from the throne of God.

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If Christ is seated on the throne of our heart, His Spirit will flow through us. We will experience the miraculous when we surrender the Hidden Interest Negatively Diverting Expected Results Evading Detection. 

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I cannot apologize for the length of this message. All I can do is close it for today with this scripture as a final prayer.

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

BEYOND

 “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Breaking

Every

Yoke

Opening

New

Doors

    How do I even begin to communicate the profound lostness I feel? Over the course of the past several months, I have experienced devastating changes in my perception of self, my value and contribution to society and most importantly to the Kingdom of God. I’ll spare you the details here, not because I’m afraid of the details, but because we all have our own stuff to deal with and overcome.

    So, let me just begin with what has inspired me to once again pick up my pen. Friends and family have the ability to ask the hard questions and the persistence to wait for a real answer. It’s because of two such questions I’m writing this response.

“Why haven’t I seen any new posts from Russ?”

“As a Pastor, what would you tell someone facing the situation you’re currently facing?”

    Okay, the truth is, I’m like an old outboard motor that takes more than a light tug on the ripcord to start. Or, an old motorcycle that requires more than one kick on the starter to turn the engine over. No matter what it took, I thank my friends for asking the hard questions and waiting for the answers.

    To the first question the answer is, I didn’t think anyone was listening and I thought no one cared. It’s not like anyone was ringing my phone off the hook offering me a place to minister. The one invitation I did receive was canceled when I called to confirm the time. I simply quit preparing.

    The fact that you asked the question tells me my assumption was incorrect. At least one person was listening. Sorry I dropped the ball, Coach. I’ll try harder and I won’t just walk off the field.

“All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” 

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    God’s grace will reach more and more people. Believing that becomes the command, never give up. That command is the starting point in addressing the advice I would give, if I were leading someone else through a similar situation.

“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭32‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬ (Emphasis Added) 

    Faith is not the denial of physical limitations, it is the acceptance of spiritual reality that is beyond the realm of this world. Breaking every yoke that is holding us back requires complete trust in God’s promises. When we confidently take a stand on those promises, new doors of opportunity are opened in our lives. God’s grace will reach more and more people. Our current condition has no bearing on that fact.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    God cannot be thwarted, dissuaded, or ignored. What He has planned will be established. What He has started will be completed, and what He has accomplished will be noticed. Waiting on new doors to open is difficult but worth the struggle. We just need to remember to follow these simple steps: Ask, Seek, and Knock.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The biggest obstacle I’ve faced is knowing exactly what to ask for, being diligent in my search, and finding the right door upon which to knock. Anyone facing unimaginable difficulties can identify with the feelings of lostness and depression, but only those who have put their trust is God can understand the promise: 

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The good Shepherd left the 99 to find the one. Remember you are the one and He will do anything for you! Are you ready to move beyond your current circumstance? God is able to make that happen!

ORDER

“If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:37-40‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Ordained 

Revelation 

Delivering 

Exhortation (and) 

Restoration

     Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the use of spiritual gifts within the church has been a frequent conversation in my life over the past few weeks. Michele and I attended a Vacation Bible Extreme at the church where my niece and her family are members. Our goal was to support her ten year-old son, Zak, as he grows in his faith. Once there, we found out the adult version of VBX was their Pastor teaching selected doctrines from scripture. I have found it’s always a good spiritual exercise to reaffirm my doctrinal point of view by examining what others believe.

    With Pentecost Sunday being just a weeks ago, the topic was fresh on my mind. Add to those interactions, an early morning chat with a Pastor friend of mine, I recently was blessed to be a guest minister to his congregation and we were catching up. Let’s just say, there is a need for the teaching ministry in the modern church.

“Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. … So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. … Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. … Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. … For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:20, 22, 26, 29, 33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    There can be no mistake in the understanding that God is the author of both creativity and order in everything He has designed. Everything that happens in a meeting of God’s people should be done decently and in order. The Holy Spirit is the authority within every gathering and He makes room in every church service to allow the use of spiritual gifts. The key factors are submission to His leadership, and the flow of ministry. A move of the Holy Spirit will not disrupt, distract, or cause confusion. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to watch over God’s word and perform it.

“so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    God’s design is flawless. In First Corinthians, the chapter that introduces the spiritual gifts available for the common good of the corporate body of Christ and the chapter that outlines their administration within the church are bridged by the “Love” chapter. Everything the Holy Spirit inspires will be motivated by love. Even in correction there is love! Nothing the Holy Spirit reveals will contradict the Bible.

“Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    There is a clear pattern and president for biblical authority within the church. There will be situations that test the boundaries of our doctrines and theology, but everything becomes clear when we live by the mandates of scripture. The five-fold ministry is a gift to the church. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are each a necessary aspect of every church. They prepare and protect people for ministry. Training in righteousness and guarding against abuse seems to be increasingly necessary.

“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” ‭‭James‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    A word must be spoken before it can be evaluated, but if it is spoken at a time that brings confusion, or if the speaker has their own agenda, the Bible would identify it as an evil work. In every human endeavor, there are at least three spirits involved. There is the spirit of the devil, the spirit of the individuals involved, and the Holy Spirit of God. Discernment is a necessary gift.

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Messages to the church that are ordained by God will bring revelation. It won’t be a “new” truth, but it will be a confirmation or clarification. Delivering those exhortations in respect, decency and following the flow of the service will result in regeneration, restoration and healing for the body of Christ. “The spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets.” You don’t walk around in some kind of spiritual trance. You can exercise self control. God is always on time and we should always be in order.

SLOW

 “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Stop

Lashing

Out

Wildly

    I want to make sure I give credit where credit is due; so let me begin by saying this acrostic was at least partially inspired by yesterday’s sermon and the June theme from Pastor Paula’s back to the basics series. Yuma First Assembly started the year 2022 with, Prayer, Love, from Fasting to Feasting, Giving, Going and now, we are focusing on Slowing down all the way to waiting. Pentecost Sunday, we were challenged to wait on the Holy Spirit.

    As I walked into the service, saw the blocks spelling out SLOW, and listened to the message, I thought what a great word. My mind tossed around ideas all day and into the night, but nothing clicked. Then, the next step in my inspiration process fell into place. Years ago, a Pastor gave an extortion to a group of young ministers I was a part of; that exhortation was, “Always listen to your wife!” 

    It may be shocking for some to hear, but I get behind in my devotional reading from time to time. Michele once told me, “Just read the Bible. Your inspiration will come. God will give you the message He wants you to preach.” I woke up at 4:00AM and started reading. Don’t ask how many days worth of Scripture I read, or how many more I need to read to be on track to finish the Bible following this year’s plan, but this message began to fall into place. See honey, I do listen to you.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Waiting and listening to instructions is never fun, nor is it ever easy. How many of us have experienced being pushed to the limit of our patience? I grew up as a “problem child.” Full disclosure, I have experienced both sides of this issue. When I was a child, there was no such thing as a “Timeout,” so correction was a huge part of my life. Now, spanking is out and timeouts are in. Zak, my ten year old nephew, was staying with Michele and me a few years ago, and as you might expect at bedtime a dispute came up.

    How many parents know, down time is the worst time? The exchange went like this: I said, “Zak, brush your teeth and go to bed.” The child continues his activity. Not slowing down, not listening, he had no intention of waiting, listening, or following directions. Granted, he was five at the time. I exercised a little grace, and offered the directions three or four times. Then I said again, “Zak, brush your teeth and go to bed, adding that is the end of the story!” Five-year-old Zak turned to me and said, “This is just the beginning!”

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:30-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Learning to slow down and wait is a lifelong lesson. It takes practice and demands trust. Recently Zak was working with Michele on a craft project. Michele told him to spread some paper under the page he was coloring with markers. He followed her instruction with the first project, but when it was complete, he lifted the colored page and said, “See, it doesn't bleed through.” He removed the protective sheets of paper and continued his projects.

    Later Michele asked, “Zak, why is there RED marker all over the table?” Michele took advantage of the teachable moment and explained that as children we don’t always get complete lists of the reasons “Why” things are necessary, but we need to wait, listen, and follow directions.

    I often worry that these personal stories may cause us to miss the spiritual connection. Right now you might be asking, “What do those two illustrations have to do with, Stop Lashing Out Wildly?”

    We all hate waiting. We all want to be in control. We have all experienced attacks in both the physical and spiritual realms. It is God’s desire for all of us to learn the value of waiting. The only way to be victorious is seeking God’s battle plan and strategy. We will only hear God’s answer when we quiet the distractions and wait on His revelation.

“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5:17-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    We always run the risk, having faced the enemy before, of thinking we know how to deal with the situation, but God’s word will teach us that God changes His strategy - even when dealing with the same enemy.

“Once more the Philistines raided the valley; so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.” ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭14:13-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Remember Moses? Dealing with a thirsty crowd of Israelites in the desert, two separate occasions two different instructions on how to meet the need. In one place God said, “Strike the rock…” In the other place God said, “Speak to the rock…” What happened when Moses got angry and took matters into his own hands? Doing it wrong always comes with a cost. Moses missed out on entering the promised land. Are we going to pay a price, or are we going to wait on God and enjoy His intended outcome?

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Learning to wait, being able to Stop Lashing Out Wildly comes with some amazing benefits.

“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Just to be clear, the emphasis in those scriptures was added. Still the truth is there. God calls each of us to be ready for the battles we are facing. We prepare ourselves in the times we wait in His presence. God gives us every spiritual weapon we need for victory. Put on the armor, wait, listen and follow His directions.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    If we learn the lessons of Pastor Paula’s Back to the Basics series, we will bring honor to the house of the Lord. Mastering those basics will allow us to gather others into the Kingdom of God. Waiting on the Holy Spirit comes with the promise of power from on high. Fresh anointing, and powerful outpouring of spiritual gifts begin with waiting.

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem in this way and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.” ‭‭Ezra‬ ‭7:27-28‬ ‭NIV‬‬