The Lord Tests His Leaders
- We should be prepared to be tested
- We should be willing to directed
- We should be ready for success
God will start wtih vision, then with testing, supplying direction and if we submit to the process we will ultimately be successful.
Blessed Because We Believe
The amazing thing about this verse in John 20 is this: I believe, and I am more blessed because of it, although I have not physically seen Jesus with my eyes, I have seen Him in the very details of my life. I have experienced His power in my life:
I am blessed because: though I have never seen Him this is still true:
- I have received His salvation
- I have power to overcome
- I have every provision for everyday life.
I am blessed because I don't need to see Him to know Him and to experience His power and Presence in my life.
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” John 20:29
Be careful What You Hear
Jesus said that the fruit of a persons life expose their intentions. He warns us to watch out for false prophets, people seeking to elevate themselves, those that are pride motivated, who's intentions are personal of nature, not God centered.
Truth not every voice we hear is from God
Ways to evaluate a word.
. 1. Is it motivated out of love
2. Is it clear
3. Does it line up with God's word
Remember this "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." James 4:6
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ~Matthew 7:15-18
Love is not an option
Jesus said if you are going to be His disciples then you must love others. How is love defined: (1 Cor 13)
Love is patient
Love is kind
Love is not jealous
Love is not self seeking
Love is not proud
Love keeps no records of wrongs
Love doesn't get irritated
What love does:
It always
Endures
Hopes
Presses On
it never fails, Love never fails
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” ~John 13:34-35
In You is My Trust
Jeremiah has got it right, when I need healing I know the one who can heal, when I need saving I know the one who saves, when I need provision, i know the one who provides:
His names are:
Jehovah-jireh The Lord My Provider
Jehovah-rapha The Lord My Healer
Jehovah-moshiekh The Lord Your Savior
14 O lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed;
if you save me, I will be truly saved.
My praises are for you alone! Jer 17:14