tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35619005234985342682024-03-12T19:50:29.753-05:00Pastor Alan BurnettAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-68738796828969124482014-09-22T13:30:00.000-05:002014-09-30T14:19:43.109-05:002014 The Year of Divine InterventionAt the beginning of this year, during our 21 days of fasting and prayer, the Lord spoke to my heart that this would be a year of God intervening. He led me to Ezekiel 20:14 where it states God acted for the sake of His name. And we have experienced just that!!! We have seen God lead and open up doors like never before. God began speaking to my heart about going into our local county jail. My first visit was just to listen for what God might speak to me. I ended up preaching twice that first night and had an overwhelming feeling that I was home. Within two weeks God began bringing back to me a ministry that He laid on my heart 6 years ago. It is a re-entry program for inmates to help disciple, train and equip them to stand on their own two feet after getting out of jail/prison. This is when I began seeing God open doors and lead the way. I just followed excitedly. There were a couple of guys in Cell Block 1 that God put on my heart early on. Within a month I was committed to going forward with the live in program called "<a href="http://www.freedtoserve.com/" target="_blank">Freed to Serve Ministries</a>". A name that God had given me years earlier but not for this ministry. But I began to see that this is what it was for; Men getting freed from sin and freed from jail and using that freedom to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and others in the community.<br />
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The very weekend that I told the two guys in jail about the ministry and that I wanted them to be the first into the program we were under attack. We got news of loss of income for both me and my wife and attack after attack against our family. I have never seen so many things happen so quickly with just a decision being made. The day it all hit was the day I was suppose to be going into the jail. I didn't want to go that night. I had nothing to say...nothing positive or uplifting that is. So, I prayed and prayed and cried out to God. I was so ready for Him to just take me home for good. I was tired, worn out, and finished. Or so I thought. Thankfully God didn't grant my request for my final homecoming but instead began to show me something. You see, nothing had happened yet. It was all things that were threatening to happen down the road. I then began to think of the Children of Israel walking through the Red Sea with a wall of water on either side. What must have been going through their minds? "This isn't natural"; "We shouldn't be here"; "We could die at any moment". The huge walls of water were just a threat of what could happen. But guess what ? It never did collapse on them. They walked through and could have with absolutely no fear.</div>
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So, I began receiving strength and comfort in that fact that nothing had happened yet. It was just a fear of what could. I began to receive strength and encouragement from the Lord and decided one thing. "If I go down then I am going down trusting in my God!!!!!" </div>
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I shared that night in the jail with the guys and they all prayed for me and said "WE" will trust God together!!!!! wow. I never thought that this would be what happened. I was receiving encouragement from the men in jail!!! Thank you Lord.<br />
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We began the program with 3 men from the jail and continue to reach out to those still incarcerated twice a week. We believe the Lord wants to move us to some land out in the country and develop a facility there in the future. We are believing God for something that will have a profound impact on men's lives. There are so many that I talk with that have never been in an environment that was positive in any way. My hope and prayer is to be able to have a facility that is thriving with men that have given their lives to God and are growing in Him every day and can in turn be a positive influence on those just getting out of jail/prison. Not just with words but with lives that are a living testimony of how God can turn a man's life around for His glory.<br />
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The next thing we have seen happen this year was a ministry to abused and battered women and their children, <a href="http://www.psalm1018.com/" target="_blank">"Psalm 10:18 Ministries"</a>. God has birthed this in my wife's, Beth, heart for many years now. The Lord has beautifully orchestrated her being there for some women in the jail and also some on the outside to assist, support and minister the life and hope that Jesus has for them.<br />
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We both had laid these ministries at the Lord's feet a long time ago and had no idea that they would both take off within a couple months of each other. We have no idea how God is going to come through financially but we do know it is what He does best. We are utterly dependent on Him for our family as well as these ministries. I want to thank Him and praise Him for how He has provided for the men and women, and us as well, through all of this. He will sustain us. All we have to do is stand in Him and have faith that He will do it.</div>
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God has truly intervened and is doing awesome things.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-80256907805613485422013-07-02T15:31:00.001-05:002013-07-02T15:37:16.255-05:00Out of the Fire and Onto the Anvil.Have you ever said to yourself, "I can't take anymore?" Regardless of what we may be facing or how difficult it may seem when compared to someone else's problems, we find ourselves at the end of our rope. We truly feel and believe that we can't endure any more pain, suffering, hardship, disappointment or attacks. Then, when it seems the fire has somewhat subsided, we begin to see all sorts of junk in our lives that make us question if we were the cause of the trouble to begin with. Let me assure you of this...You Are Not Alone!!!!
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There is a process that we are undergoing that is likened to the forging process of a metal. This process is of utmost importance to us as Christians; first, because it helps us to understand what we are going through, so as not to become defeated. And secondly, it is necessary in order for us to be formed into the image of Jesus Christ. I find that it is often through circumstances that we can't see how God can possibly be using them that He actually can do the greatest amount of work within us.
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I can't recount the number of times in the past 5 years that I have asked myself the opening question above. You know what amazes me when I look back? I have undergone more than I ever thought that I could. I definitely must tell you at this point that it wasn't because of my ability or strength that I made it. It was all because of God's grace that sustained me even when I was at my weakest. I would like to say that through every fire I acted like the ideal Christian but I know that would be so far from the truth. But even in my failures and shortcomings, I felt the presence of God there to help me and do something that was beyond my own feeble attempts. God is faithful and good and will work when we least expect it.
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Like the metal when it is being melted or refined, I have seen more junk and impurities come into view when going through these things. One of the biggest mistakes that we can make at this point is either to try and hide what is coming out or work feverishly trying to clean things up. Both of those are mistakes but often one of those two are what we naturally do at first. But we must realize that the work is God's and not ours. We are reminded clearly of this in two verses in the letter to the saints at Philippi:
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<b>Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.</b>
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<b>Philippians 2:13 (NASB)
13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
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This is easy to read and understand but something entirely different to walk. If the enemy or just our sinful flesh can trick us into thinking that we are the ones to do the work (or at least to give God a hand) then he knows that he can hinder the work of God's kingdom. But like most things we learn through our weaknesses and failures what doesn't work. And God is still there working and telling us to just have faith in the finished work of the cross.
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So, once we are out of the furnace and we see so many impurities revealed we may think that we have a moment of rest and relief. But this is where the working and forging begins. Up to this point we are just being softened so that the next stage can take place without utterly destroying us. God's word is the hammer that begins the shaping;
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<b>Jeremiah 23:29 (KJV)
29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? </b>
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As we submit to God and get out of the way, so He can work, then this process happens little by little and over and over. I must admit that this is not a pleasant or fun process. Anyone that tells you otherwise hasn't truly experienced it. It is painful and frustrating and a continual dying to ourselves. But, on the other side.....Glorious!!! If we allow God to have His way and surrender to Him continually and put our trust in Him then through the most horrid of circumstances He can mold and shape us into the image Jesus Christ. And then all we can say on the other side is that all the Glory goes to God. Because, like the metal, all we did is go through a process and somebody else did all the work.
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We can experience a greater and greater <a href="http://freedomassembly.net/">freedom in Christ</a> if we allow God to do the forging process in us. Remember you are not alone and there is someone else in that fire with you.
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-53481520899277365822012-03-19T11:29:00.003-05:002012-03-19T11:52:14.572-05:00The Keeper of Our Soul.<strong><em>Psalms 121:5 - 8 (NASB) 5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. 8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever. </em></strong><br /><br />Through the darkest of times we don't fully comprehend how much God is keeping and sustaining us. It is usually only when we begin to come out from under the cloud that we can look back and see how He was there at every trial, every adversity and every turn; Guiding us, leading us, caring for us and working something so wonderful within us. This speak so much of the goodness of God!!! <br /><br />During these times we don't feel the promise of this Psalm. However, that is why we need faith. That regardless of how we are feeling, overwhelmed and defeated, God is still doing a work because He is the one who promised to do it. He is Faithfull!!! Even in our faithless times, He is still found faithfull. He is such a loving and compassionate God. His beauty is seen so much clearer when we emerge from the darkness that hid our steps. We have a joy in our heart; a peace in our soul; and a fire within our spirit. God brings about His will, in His time, and in His way. All we have to do is continue surrendering ourselves to Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work.<br /><br />Lord, I am gratefull for the brilliance of the light and seeing what you are doing, but I am also grateful for the dark times when I didn't see what you were working. But, you did even more within me during that time than any other. Thank you and have your way! Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-22466585013155042392010-10-07T16:55:00.002-05:002010-10-07T17:10:47.578-05:00All We Need Is LoveIf you ask most christians today, "what is the one thing you would like more of in your life?" you would get such a wide variety of answers. Some spiritual and some not. However, I fear that the thing you wouldn't hear overwhelmingly is "love". Yet, when we read the bible we find this being the primary thing that is to be within our lives. Jesus summed up the whole law with this one word; LOVE...first towards God then towards our neighbors. Why is it that we desire so many other things instead of love? Ie. God using us in some aspect of ministry, having the gifts of the Spirit operating through us, or a number of other good things. But none of this means anything without love. Not the love that we can muster up within ourselves but the unconditional love that comes from God. This is the most important thing that can be within any child of God's life. It doesn't matter how much you know or how much you do, but how much you love. Oh, if we could just love more the body of Christ would be transformed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-66021973834014677082010-06-08T14:48:00.003-05:002010-06-08T15:08:30.001-05:00Nothing Left to Trust In.It's amazing to think that when I started serving the Lord, about 25 years ago, I thought I fully trusted in Him. Now to some degree that was true, but 25 years later I feel like I am just learning what trust in Him really is. And I readily admit that I have a long way to go. <br />It is easy to say, "God, I trust in You", and to the most part we believe it. But, it is a totally different thing to walk down a path that seems to leave you with nothing else to lean on except God. One by one, God seems to remove these things until we are in a place that we feel so vulnerable and alone. <br />The children of Israel faced the same thing, after God had miraculously delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians, God led them in a very strange route right to the Red Sea. He basically took away everything that could have been some benefit to their escape when the Egyptians came after them. However, this is the exact thing that sets the stage for God to step in.<br />I believe the biggest step is allowing God to take us to this place. We don't have to go; we can choose another path; one that is easier, but definately won't produce the same results. <br />I think when the children of Israel were crossing the Red Sea that they were terrified. Just think about, a wall of water on the right and a wall of water on the left. And everything within them was telling them that they shouldn't be there; Any minute we could drown; Problems are all around us. However, their feet were on dry ground.<br />You may be surrounded right now by circumstances and problems that are telling you the same things; Any minute you will be overwhelmed; You shouldn't be here; You will be defeated. Howver, by God's grace, you are still standing. You are alive! You have made it one more day! All you have to do is get your eyes off the wall of problems to your right and to your left and set you eyes on Jesus because He is going to see you through. One step at a time, a little by little. God didn't just pick up the children of Israel and put them on the other side. He made them walk through a place that they had no business being. Surrounded by their problems and just a second away from death, God led them step by step until they came out on the other side.<br />Your going to make it! Just trust that God is there and He will walk you through everything that shouts your demise. And on the other side you will have a song that has been born out of anguish and hardship but will be the sweetest praise you have ever known.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-45495596394664582852010-04-22T16:38:00.003-05:002010-04-22T16:55:42.026-05:00Momentary ReliefHave you ever had a time when God seems to pull back the veil that seems to be hanging over you and give you just a glimpse of something that makes everything your going through seem to vanish? I have had so many of these moments in the past year that I honestly can not count them all. I assume that we have these moments more often when we are walking through the valley. It is amazing what we can "get use to" at times. Sometimes trials and sufferings become such a norm that we forget what it is like to rise, even for a moment, out of these. I know God's children all over this world are experiencing these things on a level like I have never seen in my life time. God is preparing His church and His people to be a true representation of His Glory. We are learing to trust in Him, lean on Him, and become completely surrendered to His will. These are all things that I thought I knew all about and have been doing for some time. However, I feel now that I am only beginning to learn. In the midst of this though, God will lift me up in a moment and give me a view, that is so refreshing, that He is in control and all is well. I know that I need these times and they usually come when I am not expecting it.<br />I pray that God will lift your veil, if just for a moment, and give you a glimpse of Him. That's all it takes. Just one glimpse of something we didn't see and our spirit's are lifted and our soul is rejuvenated.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-13616582234541333182010-03-24T18:10:00.002-05:002010-03-24T18:26:15.334-05:00Precious in the Sight of the LordPsalm 116:15 tells us "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." I don't think we can even begin to comprehend the beauty of this verse. We see loss, heartache, hurt, and death, but God sees victory, union, perfection, and life eternal. Maybe it's because we are so surrounded with the material and only occasionaly see with spiritual eyes that facing the loss of someone in the family of God is so tough.<br />But I find comfort in this: Anything good that I have received from someone in the Lord, was not something from them but Christ within them. Though they may be gone, Jesus is still here; within me and others. So, the true life is not gone but still here to bring life on an ever increasing level!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-15363873616746422142009-12-30T17:58:00.002-06:002009-12-30T18:04:35.846-06:00A Dynamic Year Coming to a CloseNot only in this church has this been a "Year of Repositioning" but also in my families. I had no idea when the Lord had given this word how far it would reach, but it has left no area untouched. The Lord has moved so many things around that I know the effects will be eternal. He has worked in our weaknesses and our waiting upon Him at every turn. We look forward to a dynamic year as God moves us into another realm to realize the fullest potential of those things He has repositioned. He is Faithful!!! Have a blessed New Year in Christ!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-76161574051824111432009-10-06T11:45:00.003-05:002009-10-06T11:58:08.287-05:00Suffering in Christ<strong>I Peter 4:12-14 (NIV) 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.</strong> <br /><br />There is a suffering for every child of God that has made the stand to go forward in God no matter what the cost. As soon as we make this stand, all hell breaks loose to try and turn us from this. You see God will do miraculous things within us. All He is looking for is a person, a people, that will say, "God we want You and You alone, have your way within us". I believe nothing awakens the powers of hell like this does. The devil will give us a life of ease and blessing as long as we do not make this stand. He will bless "our ministries", he will lay of our families and do anything he can to keep us from making this stand. But when that burning deep within our spirit cries out for more of God and will not be satisfied with anything less then it begins.<br /><br />We will go through a suffering for His namesake that most christians today will not understand. No one can understand it until they actually experience it. But one thing you can be sure of; Once you make this determination in your spirit then you will be thrust into a realm of suffering unlike you have ever experienced. But, let me tell you this!!!! There is a fellowship with Christ that can only be experieced as we enter into this with Him. There is a sweetness to be had in Him as we break and collapse into His arms over and over.<br /><br />Do not grow faint! Do not give up! You are not alone! God is raising up a remnant in these last days that are going through the same things all over the face of this world. Count it all joy brother. Count it all joy sister. For God is revealing His glory within you and through you in a greater measure than you have ever imagined possible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-3106608416370696002009-10-01T09:31:00.005-05:002009-10-01T09:47:37.459-05:00From Bible Story To Life StoryHow many times have you read a bible story or passage of scripture and understood the message contained therein only to have it revealed maybe years later in your life? I believe this is how everything is worked out in the lives of God's people. It seems like we have gone years and years studying, learning, and doing our best to live the same principles with very little succes or actual growth. I have seen in the past few years such an increase of these things being lived out or better yet brought into fruition in the lives of christians in such a beautiful way. And, the one phrase that I keep hearing over and over is, "Did I understand any of this before?"<br /><br />You see, there is a huge gulf between the "bible story" and that being applied to our lives. God never intended it to be just a story or principle for learning, but to be something that would be wrought our within us by the Holy Spirit as we yield to Him continually. I really believe that we are going to see such and increase of this in the last days as God the Father prepares the Church for the return of His Son. <br /> <br />Now this is not something we are going to just see in new believers. Oh, no! We will see it in believers who have been serving the Lord 40, 50 and 60 years and they will start moving into a deeper realm in Christ than they have ever experienced or imagined. Hallelujah! This excites my spirit tremendously. God is simply looking for a people, a remnant, that will lay aside their own agendas and self and allow Him to raise up what He wants for His glory in these last days.<br />Are you ready? Do you feel a pulling in the depths of your soul to get closer to God? If so, then just surrender to Him your all. The Holy Spirit will do the work and guide you into all truth. Even so come Lord Jesus!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-69270857950045071672009-08-17T16:38:00.003-05:002009-08-17T16:59:11.748-05:00Ruined For ChristWhen You first read the title of this blog you either know what I am talking about because of personal experience or you have no idea what it means. There is a place that we come to through repeated surrender and brokenness before the Lord that we find we are no longer fit for anything else but to be His. This is being "ruined for Christ". It is often a place of being alone, even though we are so close to God's heart. Most people don't get it. Most of what is presented in churches and christianity is the opposite of this. We find ourselvs in a place where we are no longer "fit in" to many places that we once did. Not because we are rejected or are rejecting others, but because there is such a hunger and burning for God within us that nothing short of that will suffice.<br /><br />Therefore, we find that our lives have become ruined for Christ. But, the peace that is there is beyond what we have ever imagined. The joy in His presence is undescribable. The things that He has opened up through His word is unlike anything we have ever studied or read about. It is fresh, from heaven's throne. And the more we get this the more we lose a taste for anything but this. You see this is where the children of Israel in the desert missed out. They grew tired of the manna from Heaven rather than develop an appetite for it where nothing else would be able to fulfill. And here is why: This supernatural manna they were receiving was suppose to result in their absolute trust and dependence in God. Because they didn't do this, then their appetite for it grew stale. This is the same for us today. If we don't desire the pure word from heaven and allow it to have its way within us then we won't have an appetite for it as well. We will grow tired of it and settle for some well put together sermon that originated in man's heart. But, if we do accept it and allow it to have its way in us then we will develop an appetite for it that nothing else can satisfy. We will lose our taste for the fast, the quick, the well put together, and widely accepted word found everywhere. Nothing else will satisfy. We find ourselves ruined! We are fit for only one thing now....And it is Jesus Christ and nothing short of that will do. We immediately know if there is anything of Christ in something and quickly reject it if there is not.<br /><br />Oh God, ruin me for You. To where I am no longer fit for this world, fit for "church", fit for "ministry" or fit for anything else that is not rooted in Your very person. Come Holy Spirit, I surrender it all to You. Have Your way...do what You will....Ruin me for Christ, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-32216529583267028862009-07-08T16:56:00.003-05:002009-07-08T17:29:20.020-05:00Christ's Sole PossessionThis is what the Apostle Paul talked about in third chapter of Philipians and then stated in v. 12 (NASB) "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus". Read the preceding verses and you will see that Paul is talking about being Jesus' sole possesssion. Where everything else has come to mean nothing and Christ is everything!<br />I believe that God is turning things around in this area and He is doing it speedily and powerfully. Paul speaks about this turning of things in Hebrews chapter 4 and refers to it as the "entering His rest". God has spoken something to my heart about this passage that I have never seen before. This rest is not the afterlife nor is it a time of just peace and no troubles here on earth. It is a place where we have come to an end of our work and finally allow God to do and be who He is within His people.<br />Paul states in verse 10 that anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work. He then immediately follows this up with "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." What was Israel's disobedience? Trusting in themeselves and their resources and not in God. Therefore, we see that our rest will come when we get to the end of ourselves and fully trust in the Lord in every area. Then and only then do we enter into a rest where it is God, by His Holy Spirit, that does the work within us and through us.<br />This doesn't mean that circumstances will change and things get easier. On the contrary, things will get harder and tougher but within us there will be a peace that passes all understanding and nothing that we face will be able to overcome it because it is not us anymore but the power of God at work within. Hallelujah! God is preparing it and setting it into motion. We just need to surrender every area that the Holy Spirit puts His finger upon and allow Him to have His way.<br />Then we can echo Paul's cry, "I consider all things as loss just so that I might know you Jesus and be completely and solely Yours"!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-59469780506920383782009-06-12T11:45:00.002-05:002009-06-12T16:33:11.068-05:00Our Work or His WorkThere is a common saying that we all have heard and probably repeated in Philippians2:12 (NIV) where Paul is telling the believers at Philipi to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling". As a whole the church has taken this to mean that it is something that we are to work out and carry forth. Well, it does say that doesn't it? But look at the very next verse (v.13): "for it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose". The first thought that then comes to mind is this; who is doing the work? us or God. Most times we take it into our own hands and think it is something that we are to finish or work out. Without going into the Greek words that are used here it will suffice to say that it is two different words that are used. The one that applies to us is simply allowing a task to be completed or finished. The one that applies to God is an effectual work that takes place within. <br />This is the essential key to this glorious gospel of Jesus Christ; It is all a work of His person within us! From beginning to end and everything in between. All we do is surrender and yield to that work that He started at salvation. He will continue to work it out and bring it into full fruition if we just yield and allow the Holy Spirit to bring it about. This if freedom! Liberty! Oh God, would You reveal this precious truth to the hearts of Your people once more. Forgive us for the mess that we have made and open our eyes once more to the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-74870882039564241112009-05-22T17:57:00.002-05:002009-05-22T18:23:53.072-05:00A Vision From a DistanceI wanted to share something that was conveyed to me through my wifes mother by someone in her church. They live in the north part of Alabama and were in prayer one night for our church. The lady had never been here or seen our church but she began describing to my mother in law what she saw in her spirit. She described the layout of our church exactly and said she saw people lined up waiting to get in. Now, I had never talked to her or shared with my mother in law what the Lord had shown me in the past. But, there have been several occasions where I have seen in my spirit this church and town overrun with people coming because of what God is doing in this church. I have even seen details that were so clear that it seemed as though it were happening now.<br /><br />I have never been more content in Christ than I am right now. All I want is a greater measure of Him in my life and whatever He wants to do with me is fine. I am not looking for numbers because what God does will be more than a number. There is a spiritual awakening coming and it is starting with a hunger for God and His word. God will take us through a process of stripping things away and bringing us to a place of utter dependence upon Him. Beloved, hear this one thing: There is no amount of sacrifice, suffering and surrendering that we go through on earth that we will not be eternally grateful for in heaven! God will see us through by His Holy Spirit and bring us into the fullness of His son Jesus Christ.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-68744157230623748102009-05-05T21:26:00.004-05:002009-05-05T22:09:19.829-05:00A Glimpse into David's HeartAs I have been reading recently in 1 Samuel about how Saul unmercifully pursued David and tried to kill him I was just in awe at David's response. Time and time again when David had the opportunity, and what looked like God's favor, to take Saul's life he spared him. Even after his death David still showed upmost respect for "the Lord's anointed". This even extended down through Saul's family.<br /><br />Just think about it; God had rejected and left Saul but had chosen and anointed David. Saul walked in disobedience to God but David in obedience. On top of this Saul was tracking David like an animal to kill him. In the face of all this, David would not do anything against this man because he saw the authority of God represented in him. How would we...no...how do we behave in similar circumstances? When someone seems like they are out to get us. The good we do, the sacrifices we make, the love for God in our hearts are all misconstrued to be something that they are not.<br /><br />Not only did David show mercy and love to his enemy but those on his side that had a hand in their downfall David had killed. Someone that stands for us and against those who may be out to get us are usually the ones we promote! God have mercy upon us! David's heart is a complete reflection of humility and brokenness. He never saw it as his job to promote what God had given him. ie. the kingship of Israel. He left it solely up to God to bring it about in His time. <br /><br />I believe humility is the greatest attribute of God that we can have imparted to us. And the Holy Spirit will bring it about if we allow it. Most of the times we don't. We aren't willing to go through the process. Oh yes, we will humble ourselves to spiritually mature christians that think a lot like we do, but to humble ourselves to someone that has wronged us or who is spiritually immature, NO. This is where the breaking happens and true humility begins to take shape. Many times the Holy Spirit has led me there only to have me shun the situation and think this is not of God. God works in such mysterious ways. It's not usually about the offense but about what God wants to do with it. This is why we will often be brought back to these situations over and over and over. God is saying to us, "Just humble yourself to this and allow me to impart something in you of my very nature." <br /><br />This is why God declared that David was a man after His own heart. HUMILITY!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-84906825770922871762009-02-13T14:39:00.004-06:002009-02-13T15:09:25.768-06:00I feel a little like Abraham.Let me preface this by first of all saying that I know that my faith does not even bare a faint resemblance to that of Abraham's. A man who lived his entire life without seeing the promise given to him by God fulfilled. He didn't see the land obtained and all of his descendants: 1. Now this is what I call faith!!! Living his whole life committed to the promise given by God. Wow.<br />I know at times that Abraham must have felt a little of what I am feeling; God am I crazy!!! I am truly excited about what is happening and what this year entails. At times my mind races about what all God is going to do, how He is going to do it, and the joy about being involved in any way. However, in the natural, nothing has changed. We are still at our lowest numerically; struggling financially; bombarded spiritually and wondering how in the world we are going to make it to next month. This is why I find myself asking, "Am I crazy". Because what I feel in the spiritual realm is far different than what is before me. <br />I feel that for the first time this church is drawing the attention of the spiritual forces of darkness. Not only drawing their attention but they are going about in a state of frenzy trying to stop what they are seeing in the spiritual realm. You see, it is not the numbers that make the enemy tremble; it is not the programs that send them in a panic. On the contrary, I believe the devil will be more than glad to pack out a church and let you start more ministries than you can count. However, you let the measure of Christ start increasing in your heart, in your family and in your church and this is what makes him tremble. There is nothing else that draws the attention of the principalities of the Devil like Jesus Christ being made more manifest in the life of a believer. That's it!! That's the thing!!!! It is Christ revealed....Christ manifest...... Conformed into His image.....a daily dying to what we want, our plans, our wills, our desires and a making alive to the spirit of Christ within us. <br />I tell you the truth, the measure that as to whether or not we are effective as believers is the measure that Christ is manifest in us and therefore the measure that we are known in the heavelies. If we are not known in the heavenlies then we are of no threat and we have relegated Christ to a one time experience or something. But you let your heart begin turning to Him in desperation and allow Him to so have His way that you become ejected from the life you once lived and mark my words.....THE POWERS OF HELL WILL TAKE NOTICE!!!!! There will be a noticeable change in the heavenlies and every attempt made from Satan's cohorts to stop what is happening. They don't fear a big church or a busy church but a church where Jesus Christ is being manifest and wrought out in the hearts of His children!!!<br /><br />Therefore, I feel a little like Abraham must have felt at some time. Lord, I can feel it; I believe it; I am staking everything on it; Even though at this present time I don't see it before me. But one thing I will do is continue surrendering to Your ways, Your breaking, Your humbling, and allow You to develop what You will in my life. And there is where I want to spend the rest of my life. I look for nothing else, but Christ formed within me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-5337757104032680562008-12-29T17:41:00.002-06:002008-12-29T18:01:12.054-06:002009 The Year of RepositioningI have received a prophetic word from the Lord for 2009. I spirit is literally leaping within me at what God has spoken. 2009 will be the year that God miraculously begins repositioning this church in many areas. This has already been happening in some areas but things are going to get turned up even more this year. The biggest area that God has already started repositioning us is spiritually. An intimacy and utter dependence on Him is and has been being established in the majority of hearts here. This is the biggest area that God wants to continue to reposition us in. Without this then we have nothing to offer but a dry religion and a lot of words. This area will continue as we truly grow into the full measure of Jesus Christ.<br />Another big area of repositioning will be in the area of relationships. Relationships that have just seemed to be draining and unfruitful God will move to severe those ties. However, He will reposition us in relationships that truly birth the life of God in hearts. I believe this is the cry of every believers heart; Lord, use me to impact someone else with Your love!!! This year there will be a big shift in relationships so that God can use the vessels that He has been preparing this past year to translate life and freedom into the lives of others.<br />Another area of repositioning is emotionally. God is ready to reset a lot of people from feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, hopelessness and defeat to feelings of innocence, joy, peace, hope, and victory. <br />I believe we will see breakthroughs in areas that christians have been living in for many many years. My spirit just keeps shouting GET READY GET READY GET READY for the repositioning that is coming to your life!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-63770674311306666842008-11-08T20:53:00.003-06:002008-11-08T21:17:34.918-06:00Wrought in God<em>John 3:21 (NASB) 21“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” </em><br /><br />These three words, "wrought in God" have been ringing in my spirit for months. The focus of the above scripture is not the first part of the scripture but the last. You see, the one who practices the truth and comes to the Light is a natural result of having something "wrought in God" within them. This is the key: Surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to form Christ within us. This definately sounds more glorious in word than it feels in action. It is a place of death and agony. But the beautiful result is the image of Jesus Christ being brought into a clearer view within our lives. Then, and only then, our lives will follow the pattern of Christ's as He is manifested through the very things we do. We will feel a drawing in our spirit to come more and more into the light of His presence so that all things will be revealed as having been "wrought in God".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-18213281888442399292008-07-01T16:04:00.003-05:002008-07-01T16:28:49.485-05:00A Stirring in the spiritThis past week I have felt a definate and urgent stirring in my spirit. Much different than just seeking more of Him or desiring revival; this, I believe, is something much more universal in the body of Christ. I believe there is a drawing by the Holy Spirit or a calling out, if you will, for those that the book of Revelation refers to as "overcomers". What is evident is the fact that these aren't just overcomers of the world but overcomers of the condition of the church. The condition we have in these last days is a church that thinks it has it all together: rich, great wealth, and no need of anything. However, God says we are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. THIS IS TALKING ABOUT THE BODY OF CHRIST! Not some "other" denomination you don't like or church that seems watered down. NO,NO,NO....this is US!!! God have mercy on us for the state we have allowed the body to get into.<br />I have often heard through the years people talk about a "remnant" of God's people and most of the time it comes across as some special "class" of christians or as "spiritual elitism". You can rest assured, if someone comes across like this then they are definately not part of it. This remnant or last days overcomers will emanate the humility and servanthood of Christ. The closer they come to Him the more wretched and pitiful they view themselves. You aren't left with the impression of having been in the presence of some "awesome" christian. You actually won't be impressed with them. What you will be left with however is the impression of Christ upon your heart. You will think more fondly of Jesus and not the person. Oh God would you burn away every trace of us so that all is left is the image of Jesus Christ.<br />Be still and listen to the Holy Spirit....do you feel Him calling?....He will lead the way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-25793087609774662892008-06-18T10:33:00.004-05:002008-06-18T10:50:02.973-05:00Re-Digging The WellsThe Lord has spoken to me this past week about the significance of the redigging of the wells that God has established. In every church or ministry that at some time had the life of God moving in it, it was a spiritual well that took on a particular purpose. Now all of them will have certain things in common but the heart of it is uniquely different in fullfilling the purpse that God had created it to be. <br />The Lord began showing me that what He is doing here is re-digging something that He established a long time ago. And He quickly brought "Missions" to my mind. This church has always had a heart for missions and has had several missionaries come out of this church. As I looked on the back wall of our church, where the pictures of the missionaries we support hang, I saw in my spirit the whole wall filled with missionaries and many of the faces were people going to church here now and many will come later. I immediately saw that God was not only wanting us to support missions but to be a sending agency once more in the final outpouring of His Spirit! My spirit leaped with me and in the words of Isaiah cried, "Here am I, send me"!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-78167969550601849592008-05-13T15:08:00.003-05:002008-05-13T15:13:53.980-05:00Signs and Wonders will Follow.We have had three more instances of people smelling an incense burning during the worship. This makes the fifth person to experience this wonder. God's presence has been so powerful that I know we are on the verge of a major outpouring of His Spirit.<br />My wife had experienced the hand of God on her back as she was instantly healed from a pulled muscle in her lower back. He is here and He is here in Power!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-22098199397792244032008-05-13T14:55:00.003-05:002008-05-13T15:08:21.053-05:00THE FIRE OF GOD IS FALLING!!!Hallelujah! The revival fires of God are beginning to fall here at Freedom Assembly. We have seen two healings and several signs confirming God is moving. It all started this past Wednesday when the Glory of God came down so powerfully in the sanctuary as I was in prayer. It was so strong that I could not get up off the floor. I felt someone walk up to me and stand over me. I felt God's presence so strong and was afraid to look up as I was enveloped with an utter unworthiness to even think about looking at God. I am not saying it was Jesus standing over me I just knew I couldn't look for fear that it might be.<br />Immediately I felt something placed in the very depths of my spirit and the Holy Spirit said this is my fire for this church. After another hour and a half I finally got up. To test and see if this was truly what was happening and not just my own experience I started praying for everyone that came into the sanctuary. When the fire of God hit our children's pastor I asked for him to go and get the youth group. They came up after I had prayed for the adults and the power of God started hitting them one after another. Allen Herrington, our youth pastor, was immediately out under the power of God and didn't get back up until we were done.<br />The next day one of our members called and said that her Grandmother was in the hospital dieing of an anurism. I went to the hospital as the fire of God was burning uncontrollably in my spirit and prayed for her. The presence of God filled that room and I truly expected her to jump out of bed. The next day I got word that she was undergoing rehap for a stroke and there were no signs of an anurism!!!! Praise God.....Our God is an all consuming Fire!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-52918775861143918082008-04-15T09:48:00.005-05:002008-04-15T11:31:14.110-05:00Incense and Fire of God.This past Sunday the Lord had given me a message to preach on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. During the altar call I felt the Holy Spirit direct me to pray for those who hadn't received to have a deeper hunger for God. His presence was very strong as I believe He was tearing down some walls and replacing them with a hunger for more of Him.<br />After the night service, where the Holy Spirit moved in a sweet way, someone shared with me an unusual thing that happened that morning. We had some visitors from out of town that told one of our members that afternoon what he had experienced. He asked them if they smelled that odor during church. He said it got stronger and stronger during the service to the point he thought he would have to step out in the lobby. He said is smelled like a strong incense. Nobody with him noticed it and we don't have anything in the church that would have done this. While the member was retelling the story after the night service another minister said that just earlier while he was at the altar that he smelled something like wood burning. I was amazed to hear this. There is definately something powerful happening in the spiritual realm. Even so come Lord Jesus!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-42546363454070883642008-04-15T09:41:00.005-05:002008-04-15T11:30:37.727-05:00Three new members of God's family.April 6th was an awesome day at church. Right in the middle of worship the Lord put on my heart so powerfully that salvation was being extended to someone. I gave an alter call and two people came down front and gave their lives to the Lord. The presence of God was so strong. We continued with worship and then I had those two come back up front and share what they were feeling. It was beautiful to hear them express the newness of what God had just done in the hearts. Also, on Wednesday night we had a young man give his heart to the Lord. We rejoice and celebrate three new names written down in the Lambs Book of Life!<br />We feel like we are getting closer and closer to the power of God being poured out mightily.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561900523498534268.post-20182208090773181162008-03-15T14:44:00.000-05:002008-03-15T14:54:02.172-05:00RevivalWe are in the beginnings of revival at Freedom Assembly!!! There is a fire of God burning in the hearts here that is spreading. I have seen a hunger for God explode in my life and the lives of many others. I see freedom coming to many people as the Holy Spirit uncovers things that are hindering us from being all His. God spoke to me early on here about the revival He desires to bring to this church and area. Now, I am excited to say, we are experiencing what is to be a mighty outpouring of His Spirit as we continue to humble ourselves and allow Him to have His way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014064941477438562noreply@blogger.com0