“Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep. They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain.” Isaiah 56:10-11 (NIV) We can see how Isaiah 56:10-11 relates in today’s world with crystal clarity. The “Watchmen” were the nation’s leaders. As it was then, it is now. The leaders were, and are now, blind to every danger and, thus, did not warn when danger was coming. They were full of self-adulation and self-richness as they sat at the top of the nations, and they grew vastly apathetic to the needs of the people they governed. They were then, and are now, more concerned with satisfying their own greed. Leadership’s special privileges can cause them to either sacrifice for the good of their people or to sacrifice their people for their own greed. Without God in a leader’s heart, the people’s future is doomed. “Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception.” Psalm 12:1-2 It seems that sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence. We have one hope – the Word of God. God’s Word is pure, and it is the truth. Read His Word in the Bible and listen carefully when He speaks to you through it. (References: Isaiah 56:10-11; Psalm 12:1-2; Isaiah 57) (Listen to entire sermon below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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Just as in any military, if you aren’t prepared for battle—you’re most likely going to DIE! Anyone not ready, needs to get ready, or the enemy will know you are easy pickings. We are in a battle here on earth, too…the battle to fight God’s adversaries…the world, the flesh and the devil. If you haven’t noticed, our marriages and families are under relentless attack, churches are filled with moral failures and bitter divisions and God’s standards are being mocked and challenged throughout our culture. These are constant battles and you need to be ready to fight them…on God’s terms. Holiness is critical in these battles…remove sin from ruling you, trust God and do not fear, be vigilant of God’s ways and be single minded for Jesus and not yourself. If you practice these things, God can do wonders through holy warriors who are surrendered to His will. In Him—we win every battle! [Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:31; Joshua 7:13] (Listen to entire message below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. The King of Aram, an enemy of Israel, had finally caught up with his nemesis, Elisha, at the city of Dothan. The king’s horses and chariots surrounded the city and Elisha’s servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do!” Elisha answered and said, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” These words of Elisha may were not shallow and pretentious because Elisha was faithfully and fearlessly devoted to the Living God and prayed to God to have his servants eyes opened to see what he saw. God answered and opened his servant’s eyes, “…and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.” We must understand that as followers of Jesus Christ, we belong to God. We therefore have access to His throne of Grace which includes all His blessings and gifts. We are children of the King! John wrote, “You are from God, little children and have overcome them. Because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” He spoke the same encouraging words in his letter that Elijah had spoken to his servant over 500 years before. David prevailed over Goliath –“You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.” He was faithfully and fearlessly devoted to God. May we cry out to God, through Jesus, like Elijah did and beseech him to open our eyes to see and understand the power, provision, and resources of the Holy Spirit He has for all His children. The “chariots of fire” are still at God’s command to come to the aid of His chosen ones during this time of our spiritual warfare with Satan. Let us be determined to be faithfully and fearlessly devoted to our God! (See NASB: 2 Kings 6; 1 John 4:4; 1 Samuel 17; 2 Chronicles 20) (Hear the entire message below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. In seeking God for a theme for this new year of 2014, I heard several times, “Stand By Me.” I asked God for the meaning and understanding of these words. I understood that it is a clarion call to diligently draw near to God, to listen and receive revelation and be built-up in Christ Jesus, because the enemy of God’s people, Satan, has greatly increased his evil and malicious assault on His glorious church. I also received further clarification and amplification that these words and message are calling God’s people to stand in Him, on Him, for Him, near Him, and to abide faithfully committed to obey His voice. The devil is a master at deception and we, as believers, are encouraged to not be deceived but to know the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. We have heard it said, “knowing what you stand for limits what you fall for.” There is a sense of caution and admonition in this year’s theme to draw near to God that He may draw near to us. Paul wrote the Philippians and encouraged them to “STAND FIRM IN ONE SPIRIT, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents – which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.” (Philippians 1:27,28) This is a time for renewal and commitment to prayer, devotion and communion to Jesus, the Great Shepherd of our souls. It is imperative that we, God’s children, exhibit spiritual discernment of good and evil, and allow the very power of the Holy Spirit to pierce the dark and deceptive assaults of Satan. May we stand by Jesus in the fullness of the meaning and implications thereof and see the salvation only He can impart in every moment of our lives. This year, let us declare along with David, “But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head.” (Psalm 3:3) (James 4:8; Philippians 1:27,28; Romans 12:1,2; Psalm 3:3) (Listen to entire sermon below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. © http://www.creationswap.com/media/12486 In Psalm 31:1, David makes it very clear that he has taken refuge in God alone in whom he is not ashamed. Through his many times of afflictions and trials, he always managed to turn to God for deliverance and help in time of need. At this time in his life, he may have been pursued by Saul who was out to take his life, and He was experiencing terror on every side of his life (vs. 13). We too, as faithful followers of God through Jesus His Son, have and will experience tribulations of every kind. However, regardless of what each moment of time may bring into our lives, we need to unconditionally surrender ourselves into the mighty providential hands of God. David so profoundly said (vs. 15), “My times are in thy hands; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.” Can you truly say today with a greater confidence, hope and conviction than ever before that your times are in the hands of the Living God? (Originally recorded 03/10/13) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. © www.livinglifephoto.com You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way; but sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The “swimming hole” of life is filled with peril, and we often forget that the enemy is waiting there to attack. God loves you, but Satan wants you suffering and in pain. And when God sees that Satan has hold of you, like an attacking alligator, that's when the tug-of-war begins. God has promised to never let go and fights to pull you back to safety. So if some of you have scars, be very, very grateful. Those scars are because He did not and will not ever let you go. [Scripture References: Proverbs 20:30, James 1:2-3, Psalm 119:71-72, Genesis 50:20, Romans 5:3-4]
Prior to the morning's message, Pastor Mark opens the floor to life testimonies. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives.
I am always blessed (and sometimes amazed) at the wisdom I see coming from Akarion as she raises her little 2 1/2 year old Adelyn (Addy). Addy doesn’t have the “feeding yourself” thing down pat yet! Akarion is patient with her and teaches her how, but Addy often tips the spoon, misses her mouth, or drags her arm across the plate. A lot of things end up on her hands, elbows, nose, neck, the table, her shirt, etc. Akarion doesn’t throw little Addy away because she doesn’t have the art of eating mastered yet! Rather, Akarion gives Addy all the support she needs…the love, the teaching, the training, the encouragement and THE BIB! That is, the protection, the “covering” she needs until she masters the task. God does the same for us. His love, His redemption, His mercy, His directions…they are all there for those who will endure the process of learning, AND He provides the BIB—the help needed so we won’t destroy ourselves and all the others on the planet! Be humble and use your bib. Scripture References: Psalm 28:7, Psalm 40:17, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 50:9, Isaiah 42:16; Hebrews 13:6 Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of message and/or download mp3 file.)
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