John 21:5-6 Knowing somewhat of the history of the church, the commitment, struggles, ups and downs that you as leaders and the church body has gone through, the Spirit has prompted me and lead me to this scripture with the heading or theme of this word."A bumper crop year." Peter and the disciples had just finished fishing all night. They fished in this sea many times and many times received their portion of fish, and many days of no bits and empty nets. This was one of those times when Jesus manifested Himself as He spoke to them from the shore, " Children you do not have any fish do you?" Not only did Jesus appear to them again but gave them something tangible as a convincing proof. I believe the Spirit is agreeing with the need and desire of this church. You have labored in this field for years and you seem to come up short or at best your nets never seem to be full. The invitation and direction of Jesus to the disciples was the most important words spoken to these disciples at that time, and their obedience to His voice and direction brought a bumper crop of fish that could not be hauled into the boat. His words were simple, " Cast the net on the right hand side of the boat."The disciples had fished for many years and I am sure they had thrown their net on the right hand side before. But it was this time, a Karios time, that because of their obedience and Jesus showing them that it doesn't matter how many times you have done the same thing before,when the Spirit is directing you to do it again you will reap a harvest. They fished all night in their strength, but when they surrendered to the voice of Jesus at the right time, they hauled in or should I say dragged in more than they could handle. I believe The Spirit is going to bring a change to the leadership and church body, that if you recognize His voice and obey, you as a church will experience a bumper crop. Casting your net on the right side may mean returning to your first love and doing those things you've done in the beginning in His strength. I see the Spirit moving the church first as individuals to a place of unreserved total yielding to the voice of the Spirit. I see the church expanding and moving to different areas of the city. I believe the body needs to know that the Spirit has not left the church and is very much ready to lead this church into a bumper crop season. Jesus through the power of the Spirit will manifest Himself as the church yields to His direction. He will bring healing to marriages and bring life to the ruins. Can you hear His voice, He's calling forth to each one in the church, come into My presence, throw yourself into my hands and you will be full.
Blessings to you Bruce
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Appealers or squealers
What can one say about the state of these United States or the rest of the world? One might say things are looking rather bilk, but it will get better. Or you could say the sky is falling we'er all domed run for your life. Many are blaming this person or that person, this government or that leadership. It seams like many are trying to outdo each other in being heard or making it a point to tell on one another about their past, present and future mistakes, issues and reasons why they should not be running for any high ranking office. What it sounds like is a bunch of squealers trying to tell the teacher about Tommy. What is even worst is the atmosphere that is being created to the masses and now you have multitudes squealing on one another. As christians, ( when I say christian I am talking about a believer in Christ, a follower of His life, teachings and character.) shouldn't get so wrapped up in the affairs of this life (2 Tim. 2:4) that has the potential to take us away from what we should be doing. Praying and appealing to God the Father is and should be our #1 priority. Protesting and voicing our opinions can put us into the arena of a fleshly war when according to scripture our warfare is a spiritual one. This is where the power is! This is where we can be heard! This is where we can make a difference! Our position is to appeal to our Father on behave of this nation, or any other nation, person or event. If God chooses to place His people in the political atmosphere it would probably be along the lines of a Daniel, Joseph or Nehemiah, who were appealers to God trusting that He would make the changes according to His will.They didn't seek an office they were placed in it by God. Philippians 4:6-7 says Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request ( your appeals, your entreaties) be made known to God. We don't need to be anxious about who's going to get into a political office, or what store or company is expressing their right to allow certain people to use their facilities etc. There is a spirit of anxiousness spreading and it needs to be cut off and replaced by His peace working in and through His people. Our position as followers of Christ need to fight these battles on our knees and His peace which surpasses all comprehension will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We are in this world, but we are not of this world. We as followers of Christ, if we are to bring salvation to a lost and dying world, we first need our hearts to be changed that we can have the mind of Christ to do that which Christ would do. Let us commit to being appealers and stop squealing over issues that are much to big for us to handle in our own power. And only God will listen to His people who are seeking Him with all their heart and will change in His timing!
Thursday, May 19, 2016
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