Invisible Luchadores: Evil Spirits

Luchadores are the many wrestling personalities that make up Mexico’s wrestling pop culture known as Lucha Libre. The luchador wears an iconic mask and matching outfit to reinforce is characters personality and storyline. He generally has a trademarked grappling move that he uses on his opponent to subdue them, pin them to the ground and disqualify them from the competition.

Luchadores are fictitious characters that exist for our entertainment, but life has a way of revealing very real luchadores that rise up to oppose the purposes and plans God has for all of our lives. They show up the moment we are conceived and are especially active when are young and vulnerable. They look to find success and establish a foothold in our lives, jumping into the ring whenever their grappling skills are needed. The luchador will nudge, shove, contain, carry off, submit and even destroy. He will function at any level we allow.

Luchadores have names, familiar to us all, like insecurity, discouragement, unbelief, fear, bitterness, deception, sickness, spirit, Satan. And the luchador is a master of disguise, the best of which is his ability to function without even being noticed. We see the negative circumstances he creates, but we fail to detect his presence. As a result, we think to ourselves, this is just the way life is sometimes, it’s how things often go, it’s something that we have to put up with, or at best, something we have to work around. We end up living lives that are less than what Jesus died for, simply because we fail to bring about the luchador’s eviction.

This series is designed to expose the invisible luchadores that we need to identify, call out, rebuke and banish forever so that we can thrive in life enjoying the good things that God has for each and every one of us!

Matthew 8:16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.

Hollywood and pop-cultures depiction of spirits/demons has led many to disregard and even disbelieve their reality/function in the real world.  But scripture paints a far more normative picture:

Jesus had regular interactions with the Devil, demons and spirits.

• Satan in the desert – Matthew 4

• Syrophoenician woman with an unclean spirit - Mark 7:25–26 

• Mary Magdalene, who had seven demons - Luke 8:1–2; John 11:2 

• Man in synagogue - Mark 1:23–26

• Man called Legion – Mark 5:2-5

• Crowds - Matthew 8:16 

Jesus gave His disciples the mission/authority to cast out spirits.

Matthew 10:1 (ESV) And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.

The Early Church regularly dealt with spirits.

• Peter - Acts 5:16

• Phillip – Acts 8:6-7

• Paul – Acts 16:16-17

Casting out spirits is part of a believer’s mission.

Mark 16:17–18 (ESV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;  they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Notables About Spirits: spirits are not to blame for everything or even the majority of things but they exist and are very real. They are not to be feared.

•  they impact us all on some level

  • Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

  • 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

• they attach to people through key gateways of sin (by, and against)

  • rebellion (Saul’s) - 1 Samuel 16:14–15 (ESV) Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him.  And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you.

  • prostitution (Mary)  - John 11:2 (ESV) It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.

  • occult (Slave girl & Paul) - Acts 16:16–18 (ESV) As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.  She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”  And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

  • unsaved (Syrophoenician) - Mark 7:25–26 (ESV) But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.  Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.

  • Judas betrayal - Luke 22:3–4 (ESV) Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.  He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.

  • In my experience spirits nudge, budge, shove and onboard in  moments of fear, deception, loss, trauma, unforgiveness, bitterness, sin

• they drive those they attack into acts of self-sabotage\

  • Young boy - Mark 9:22 (ESV) And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

  • Demoniac - Mark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.

  • Saul trying to kill David - 1 Samuel 18:10–11 (ESV) The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand.  And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice.

• respond to medication (as opposed to eviction) - 1 Samuel 16:23 (ESV) And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.

• a common fingerprint of spirits is the presence of bizarre medical conditions

  • tongue but mute - Mark 9:17 (ESV) And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.

  • ears but deaf - Mark 9:25 (ESV) And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

  • spirit of infirmity - Luke 13:11 (ESV) And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.

• a common fingerprint of spirits is heightened emotional outbursts - Mark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.

• not intimidated by spiritual atmospheres (church) - Mark 1:23 (ESV) And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,

• when cast out, they will try to come back - Matthew 12:43–45 (ESV) “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none.  Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order.  Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

• while spirits will escalate from harassment to attachment to possession, there are no examples of believers being possessed

Walking In Freedom From Nudge, Budge, Shove….

Follow Jesus And Fear Not - Acts 19:13–16 (ESV) Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.”  Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.  But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”  And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Recognize A Spirits Influence

• testing - Romans 12:2 (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

• test - 1 John 4:1 (ESV) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

• recognition - 2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV) so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

• discerning of spirits - 1 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV 1900) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

• ask for wisdom - James 1:5 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Identify And Call The Spirit By Name

• what is your name?  Luke 8:30 (ESV) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him.

• name reveals attachment point 

Command The Spirit To Leave With Your God-Given Authority

• cast out with the word - Matthew 8:16 (ESV) That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.

• cast out with authority - Mark 6:7 (ESV) And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Walk In The Spirit, Strong & Without “Velcro”

• be filled with the spirit - Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

• the Spirit is the strongest man - Matthew 12:43–45 (ESV) “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none.  Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order.  Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

• Renounce all sin (no velcro) - Titus 2:11–12 (ESV) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,  training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Invisible Luchadores - a series to expose enemies that show up to push back against YOUR BEST LIFE, often in disguise, especially as we stretch for MORE.

Ephesians 6:10–12 (ESV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

LIFE Is Filled With Luchadores

• “wrestle, armor, schemes and forces” indicate an opponent

• these luchadores show up at conception

• they continue every day after 

• function at whatever level they are permitted (nudge, shove, tackle, harass, intimidate, corral, lay siege, kill and destroy)

Everyone Has An Arch-Luchador

• every wrestler has a nemesis, and so do you

• luchadores look to find success and lock in and travel for as long as they are allowed

• they introduce themselves via deception, trauma, someone sin against you, your personal sin

• they appear in forms of sicknesses, brokenness, strongholds and spirits

• who is yours?

Luchadores Are Masters Of Disguise

• “for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against” indicates a confusion to what is actually happening.

• “you thought one thing, but it’s actually something else”

• luchadores are good at hiding, disguising themselves and blaming others

• some experience the impact of the luchador, never see the luchador – they settle with the circumstance

• luchadores are happiest when you are ignorant of their existence and live within the confines of their harassment

• some experience the impact of the luchador and blame the wrong source

• luchadores love to have you burn calories fighting the wrong opponent

Luchadores Lose When God’s People Fight Back

• when you finally recognize your luchador…

• when you finally recognize who you are in Him…

• when you finally function in the strength of the Lord (inward) and the strength of His might (outward)

• when you finally begin to use your armor/weapons

• you can stand against His schemes (stay your course)

• you may have to fight… again… and again… but you win every time!

Joshua 10:7–8 (ESV) So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor.  And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”

Jeremiah 1:4-10 (NLT)

4 The Lord gave me this message: 5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations. 6 “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” 7 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” 9 Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! 10 Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

Those in the Bible who stretched for more: Abraham, Gideon, David, Moses, Ruth, Jeremiah, Joshua,  Esther

“The STRETCH is the catalyst that unlocks the MORE that He has. As I do my part, God will miraculously do His part!”

catalyst: something that causes activity, an event, or change. And usually, these events and changes are big.

 God will release abilities that have remained dormant as you begin to stretch.

“Your best unfolds when God is permitted to build a better you,” Ps. Steve

 Excuses that get in the way of stretching for more:

1. Offenses from others in church family.

2. Believe to be unqualified for the job.

3. Refusing to give up control of how much to give out.

Stretching through those excuses:

1. Go to God’s word

2. Pray scripture audibly

3. Spiritual counsel

 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Philippians 1:6 (CEV) God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

Oswald Chambers: “Patience is more than endurance. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says, ‘I cannot stand anymore.' God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God's hands. Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith. 'Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.”

Isaiah 54:2 (NIV) “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”

Genesis 2:18, 21-22 (ESV) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.  And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.

In 6 days God created the heaven and the earth and it was GOOD!

• good: tob (gk) – pleasurable, agreeable, enjoyable… for everyone involved

 Genesis 2:18 (ESV) Then the Lord God said, “It is NOT GOOD that the man should be alone;

• not good, not pleasurable, not agreeable, not enjoyable… for everyone involved

NOT GOOD: ALONE, the condition of Adam

NOT GOOD was not the result of bad circumstances

NOT GOOD was because Adam had yet to become who God designed Him to be

God Made A Promise: Genesis 2:18 (ESV) I will make him a helper fit for him

a better translation - I will COMPLETE him and he will FACE & SEE his helper.)

 Adam’s Transformational Moment: Genesis 2:21-22 (ESV) So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.  And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.

God didn’t change Adam’s circumstances; He removed his rib! And then his circumstances changed.

Your best life unfolds when God can build the better you.

Key Transformational Moments

1.    When You’re Forced To Choose Between Him And Something Else…

2.   When God Repeats Himself, Again - when God is trying to get our attention, he repeats himself audibly while using circumstances to reinforce His message 

• Numbers 22:

  • Balak, King of Moab was afraid of Israel and their recent wins

  • v5 call for Balaam son of Beor at Pethor in the land of the people of Amaw (prophet, diviner)

  •  v6 “curse a swarm of people coming out of Egypt”

  • v8 “I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me”

  • v9-11 “these men want me to go with them to curse a swarm of people so they can win

  • v12 “you will not go, you will not curse, these people are blessed”

  •  v15 repeat (God doesn’t change his mind!)

  • v22-35 Balaam was going in a wrong direction, donkey saw the Angel of the Lord about to punish her master and she turned off the road into the field (struck); on a narrow walled path, he put his foot into a wall (struck); lay down in road (struck with staff)

•  sometimes we push against what God has speaks to us, He repeats himself

• we ignore God and do what we want, and when less than ideal circumstances develop we scream,  “why is this happening?”

• less than best circumstances often develop to reinforce His message 

lay down on the table, repent and ask God to transform you

• After David’s huge failure - Psalm 51:10 (ESV) Create (bara – to shape) in me a clean heart, O God, and renew (chadash – repair) a right spirit within me.

pray - declarative prayer

press in – study, conversations, research

3.   When Your Leader Says, “Can We Talk?”

• this happens as God sees my “rib” keeping me from experiencing/maintaining His best and I am not hearing HIM.

• we have to develop the mindset – “they aren’t doing this for them, they are doing this for me!”

• have a teachable spirit/submissive spirit - Isaiah 66:1–2 (ESV) …Thus says the Lord: All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

• remember that God uses imperfect leaders to perfect us!

• good loving leaders don’t wield submissive clubs!

• Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

• we typically choose our leaders in the good moments; don’t eject from the tough ones

Conclusion

Matthew 12:13 (ESV) Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other.

Genesis 2:18, 21-22 (ESV) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.  And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.

 In 6 days God created the heaven and the earth and it was GOOD!

•  good: tob (gk) – pleasurable, agreeable, enjoyable… for everyone involved

Genesis 2:18 (ESV) Then the Lord God said, “It is NOT GOOD that the man should be alone; 

NOT GOOD: ALONE, the condition of Adam

• (gk) hi – he, she, it

• (gk) bad – separated (implies a design feature yet to be realized)

NOT GOOD was not the result of bad circumstances. NOT GOOD was because Adam had yet to become who God designed Him to be. NOT GOOD applies to You. You are not who God designed you to be either… YET 

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

God Made A Promise: Genesis 2:18 (ESV)

I will make him a helper fit for him

• make (asah – make, accomplish, the idea of completing)

• fit (neged – in front of, facing)

I will complete Him and he will FACE and SEE his helper.

Adam’s Transformational Moment: Genesis 2:21-22 (ESV) So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.  And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.

God didn’t change Adam’s circumstances; He removed his rib! Too many people think a change of circumstances leads to a better life. 

October 2018 Benzinga article by Hannah Genig  – according to a study by Wolf Street, nearly one-third of U.S. lottery winners declare bankruptcy within a few years of their big win. 

•  In the late 1980’s, William Post III, won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania Lottery. By the early 1990’s, Post was $500,000 in debt and filed for bankruptcy.

• Alex and Rhoda Toth won $13 million. They took their winning in payments of $666,666 over a 20-year span in 1990, but filed for bankruptcy in 2006. The couple was later charged with tax evasion. Rhoda was sentenced to two years in prison and was fined $1.1 million.

• Denise Rossi won $1.3 million. Her first endeavor after her big win was to divorce her husband, who had no knowledge of the win. Later, her ex-husband sued and the judge declared that Rossi had violated state asset-disclosure laws. As a result, the ex-husband received all of the winnings.

Adam’s external circumstances improved as his internal transformation was underway.

Your best life unfolds when God can build the better you.

Key Transformational Moments

When You’re Forced To Choose Between Him And Something Else…

• you face a decision that requires you to say no, even walk away from something you value because you know that God has something better. The challenge is that you can see the thing you are walking away from but can’t see the thing you are walking toward… YET! 

• Genesis 12:1–4 (ESV) Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

• sometimes it’s a choice between good and bad.

• sometimes it’s a choice between good and God’s better

• recognize and embrace – this is a defining moment, a hardening of the cement of who you are and will be. It points the trajectory of your life and the destination you encounter are at stake. 

• take the first step!

When God Repeats Himself, Again…

• the value of reading, listening, and praying is that it tunes you into heaven’s frequency

• when God is trying to get our attention, he repeats himself audibly, and other times through circumstances

• Numbers 22 - Balaam was going in a wrong direction, donkey saw the Angel of the Lord about to punish her master and she turned off the road into the field (struck); on a narrow walled path, he put his foot into a wall (struck); lay down in road (struck with staff)

• sometimes we find ourselves listening to the same themes over a few years, even a few decades.\

• recognize & embrace the moment 

• press in – study, conversations, research

• pray - declarative prayer

• failure to respond creates a rut that is hard to escape, forming the you that is less than what God intended.

We are continuing in our series “MORE.” It is so important that we continue to dive into this idea that God is the GOD of more. It is so easy to find ourselves in positions that we lack something and instead of taking it to God we try to figure out how to become comfortable with our lack. We let it move in a become a bothersome roommate that makes messes and doesn’t pay the rent on time.

Lack is a concept that was created by and perpetuated by Satan himself. God created the Earth and gave Adam and Eve dominion over everything. And Satan comes along and say to Adam and Eve that God is withholding from you. If you eat from the tree he told you not to eat from, He knows that you will be like Him, knowing right and wrong. God is withholding. And mankind has struggled ever since believing that for whatever reason that God is holding back His goodness from us.

But, throughout the scriptures through God, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit there is a constant drumbeat of He has more for us and that lack is not a part of His original design or heaven.

But what about being content?

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:10-13

This does not mean that following Jesus means that we will not experience pain, trouble, heartache, or sadness. But it does mean that God strengthens us to fight to see the fulfillment of his promises.

UNDERSTANDING THE FIGHT

In the battle to experience the fullness of God, we must understand the enemy(s) that we are facing.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Our own thoughts keep us from experiencing MORE!

We talk ourselves into thinking that God doesn’t care about our situation or that He has better things to do. Or worse yet that He is unable. We argue with our own doubts and we seek other’s opinions on what we should do. These are the real enemies that we face.

 Take a moment and stretch. 

Doesn’t that feel good. Stretching is likely on of the first things that you do in the morning, or after a long car ride. 

Stretching is often a preparation for some activity. It helps prevent injuries and decreases stiffness. It can helps to relieve stress and promotes circulation. 

Physical stretching is a good but, the stretching that we do in the spirit is the catalyst to unlock the more.

2 examples of a stretch to experience God’s best.

1.     Man with the withered hand.  - He went on from there and entered their synagogue. 10 And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 11 He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. Matthew 12:9-13

Jesus could have healed the hand without the stretch but, the stretch was the indication of the man’s faith in Jesus.

FAITH REQUIRES ACTION!

2.   Woman with the issue of blood 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”  Luke 8:43-48

It was her faith the made her well. Her stretch was the catalyst for God to    show up big!

There were hundreds in the crowd that could have “touched” Jesus. What was different about her?

GOD WILL USE OUR LACK TO COMPEL US TOWARDS HIS MORE!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  Matthew 5:6

Hunger and thirst are things that we “lack” that compels us to be filled.

What else do we lack? It is time that we stretch toward what God has already promised we can have or experience.  

Keys to Stretching for MORE!

STRETCHING WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE AT FIRST – Any new area that we venture into will require some adjustment. The stretch will always be a move toward the unknown. It requires faith. 

STRETCH OFTEN – This allows for the faith muscles to move more effectively. Consistent stretching in faith increases the level of faith that you operate in. 

STRETCH BIG – You can’t outstretch God’s goodness! Understanding that we are stretching for what God already has prepared for us. 

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO STRETCH – A issue of blood for years, a withered hand, a diagnosis, a persistent fear, brokenness. Maybe you have never stretch out for God’s goodness before. He responds when we stretch!       

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. – Luke 4:18-19 (NASB)

RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE

• Where are you looking for your favor?

• James 1:17 – Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (NASB)

• Mt. 13:22 – And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (NASB)

• Deceitfulness of money is the lie that it will solve your problems

RECOGNIZE HIS AUTHORITY IN ITS DISTRIBUTION

• It is his yoke…

• Mt. 11:29 – Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. (NASB)

• We don’t get to choose our favor

• Mine vs. Yours

• 1 Cor. 12:4-11 – Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (NASB)

RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS FAVOR

• There are always going to be problems

• Mt. 13:24-29 – Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away. When the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ An enemy did this,’ he replied. So the servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he said, ‘if you pull the weeds now, you might uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’” (NASB)

• Problems don’t mean “no favor”

• Are you trying to grow wheat or kill tares?

RECOGNIZE YOUR INFLUENCE ON FAVOR

• Put yourself in the right environments

• Our experiences are an even mix of our personality and context (situation/setting)

• Heb. 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• Guard your mind

• Coffee example – Conventional wisdom is not wise

• The Spirit reveals ALL truth – Ask Him to reveal His favor in your life

• John 14:26 – But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you. (NASB)

• Declare your favor

• Our words have the power to impact our favor

• Mt. 12:33-37 – Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (NASB)

• The words of my mouth – Pr. 12:14

• Pr. 12:14 – A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words… (NASB)

My Declaration: In 2020, God has MORE. MORE for me. MORE for you. MORE for us. MORE through us for them! I will not wait for MORE to simply show up. I am STRETCHING for the MORE God has for me. The STRETCH is the catalyst that unlocks the MORE that He has. As I do my part, God will miraculously do His part! I am stretching for MORE, because that is who God is.  God is the God of MORE. 

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

context: this scripture was dealing with a vision builders offering in Corinth communicated for over a year, focused to meet the need of sister church in a different city. 

• excel – considerably more than what anyone expects

• grace – something given freely and generously by God

• giving – specifically in church

The following several chapters Paul talks about this offering. The following verses are directed at those who would participate in the Vision Offering:

• 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV) The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

• 2 Corinthians 9:10–12 (ESV) He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

Vision requires MORE than the day to day.

Vision will always require faith. Faith to see it. Faith to resource it. Faith to build it. Vision will always require Vision Builders.

When vision is embraced with faith, miraculous things happen to build the vision, AND miraculous things happen for the Vision Builder. When we help build God’s house, he helps build ours!

Excel In The Grace of Giving…

1.   share something – our first efforts to take something of ours and give to the church.

2.  return the tithe

• first 10th income, return to house of the Lord, live on 90%

• allows for bread in house, God’s blessing

• the tithe recognizes God as source

• it keeps money in its rightful place, controlling greed

• unlocks a supernatural flow

3.  give additional offerings

• above and beyond tithe, for missionary, special project, etc.

• see a need, give what you can

• at first it will feel like, “but I already give so much”

4.  become a Vision Builder, activating FAITH for His House and yours

• at this stage, you’ve seen God do some amazing things

• this stage vision driven, faith activated, requires a sacrifice

• this stage, faith stories are created - vision is accomplished and givers unlock a back flow into their own life that is remarkable.

Become A Vision Builder

Psalm 37:4 (ESV) Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Luke 12:29–31 (ESV) And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

In 2020, God has MORE. MORE for me. MORE for you. MORE for us. MORE through us for them! I will not wait for MORE to simply show up. I am STRETCHING for the MORE God has for me. The STRETCH is the catalyst that unlocks the MORE that He has. As I do my part, God will miraculously do His part! I am stretching for MORE, because that is who God is. God is the God of MORE. 

The first MORE we will always stretch for is MORE of Him.

DESIRE: something wanted that leads to a quest

There are two types of DESIRE: EMOTIONAL and INFORMED. Bother will take you to its destination.

Emotionally Fueled Desires Have Drawbacks:

• have to be continually refueled by emotions and emotions often change, to sometimes contradictory desire, requiring a change of direction

• easily influenced (turn off soundtrack in a scary movie)

• can be easily manipulated (child support commercials – flies, watery eyes, dump, sad music)

• can be misinformed, even deceived (think you’re being pulled over by police)

• the epicenter where temptation occurs

• difficult to arrive at specific solid destination

• most destinations are filled with unmet expectations

Informed Desires Have Great Strengths:

•  ignores emotion, distraction, misinformation, manipulations, temptation, by continually re-informing itself of the “why” 

• regularly arrives at specific, highly valued destinations and regularly enjoys the benefits.

“The heart wants what the heart wants” is only half true. You can tell the heart what to want and it will!

When you set your heart on a desire and experience it, it is amazing. But in God’s economy, there is one superfluous desire that radically unlocks all other desires…Deisring More of God, FIRST!

When More of God is Your First Desire:

1.    your first desire will be satisfied - Jeremiah 29:12–14 (ESV) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the Lord.

2.   He will influence your other desires for the better  - He will give you the desires of your heart.

3.   your other desires will also be satisfied - Proverbs 10:22 (ESV) The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

4.   He will meet all of your needs – Luke 12:29-31 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

MORE of God, FIRST is more than an idea, it is a way of living!

it is a series of simple, informed decisions that turn into a lifestyle filled with MORE!

Set Time With God, First

• doesn’t have to be first thing in the morning

• doesn’t have to be the longest time slot

• focused, distraction free, intimate

•  time in the Word, time in prayer.

Listen To God, First

• decide in advance to say YES to anything and everything that God says

• when your discover God requires an adjustment in thinking or action, do it immediately.

• when you disobey scripture, you put yourself first, or someone else first.

• ·allow the input of others to come after you have consulted Him

• His words to you are at the level of scripture

• don’t ignore, reject and ultimately grieve the Holy Spirit

Become Like Him, First

• we look to others and emulate them, becoming more like them 

• we are made in His image, but the image is skewed

  • Romans 8:29 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

• we should always have one or two areas in nonconformity that are being conformed

• the big external obvious tend to be first: murder, theft, lying, sexual sin, drunkenness

• the deeper works of the soul come next: fear, identity, 

Give To Him, First

• give is against our nature, the first struggle every child experiences – we are first

• tithe – when God gives to you, your return a tenth to Him before you do anything else

• offering, sacrifice offering – dreaming about a trip, large ticket item… dream about a big amount to give to him

• service

• you can give to him by giving to others - Matthew 25:40 (ESV) And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

“And then GOD answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.” ‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2:2-3‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Action Steps:

1. Get A Vision

2. Write It Down- list out the vision the God has for me so that when the vision becomes faint, unlikely, or I become discouraged, I can look back to it and allow it to propel me to keep going

3. Do It - all the vision planning doesn’t mean anything unless I actually put my hand to the plow and begin the work. It’s not going to be easy but the end result with be well worth it.

In our day and age, everyone seeks instant gratification and rewards. We constantly strive to reap the harvest before the seed has even been planted. The only way to truly reap: work and patience. Very rarely is pursuing God’s vision for our lives about the destination. It’s never about a milestone or title. The true harvest, is not reaching the finish line, it’s how we finished; who we have become to get there. It’s always about the journey God leads us on and how He helps us become who He has destined us to be, because if we are not prepared to receive the harvest when it comes, much of will be lost and ultimately we will be left unfulfilled. So I will run the race and fight the good fight not solely because of where I will end up, but who I will become.

Stepping past the overwhelm in our lives is a process that God says he will help us conquer. 

God Calls Us To Joy!

• Luke 6:23 ‘..Leap for Joy.’

• Romans 12:12 ‘Let this Hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy.’

• 1 Thessalonians 5;16 ‘Let joy be your continual feast...’ 

God Offers Help- Lets Take It!

Isaiah 42:16 "But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are the things I'l be doing for them-sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute."

Action Steps:

1. Brain Dump - write out what is overwhelming you. Brings a to-do list for the things you can take care of to relieve the overwhelm. 

2. Spiritual Health

   1. Take care of your temple. Eat well and get exercise and good rest 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

   2. Read your bible and pray every day. Realigns our focus with the promises of God. Reminds us of the promises and fills our spirit in a way we sometimes don’t notice until we absolutely need it. 

3. Proclaim the promise, rather then the problem. Stop perpetuating the problems and challenges...it doesn't fix or alleviate the issues. Proclaim the promises God has already given us over these areas. Gal 6:7-8 “What a person plants, he will harvest.” What I say and do out loud will start my results on their way to me. 

4. Turn down opportunities in life that add to overwhelm and provide no quenching to your spirt. Giving myself more to do doesn't help overwhelm. Jump at chances to deepen faith and quench spirit. The spiritual renewing that takes place when we realign our focus on Jesus makes the future challenges easier to walk through with grace and correct perspective. That same effort you jump towards God filling your spirit is the same energy in your spirit you will experience as you go out and experience life!

Romans 5 3-4 We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengths our confident expectation of salvation.

God Believed In You On Your First Day

• ““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you.”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NASB

God Believed In You On Your Worst Day

• “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NASB‬‬

YOU are SACRED and HOLY to God And nothing you have done has changed that

Action Steps:

• Reading the word on a regular basis... -realigns my heart with Gods truth -Declares Gods love over me

• Build godly relationships -Godly people treat me the way God sees me -reinforces the notion of how God uses the body to show His love

• Do that next thing -what ever it is, that tug, step into it -it gives God opportunity to bless you and show you in tangible ways, who you are to Him

Matthew 2:11 ESV And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

Ever had difficulty finding the perfect gift? But when you find it, you know it…

The Magi brought specific gifts for their recipient…

Gold, The Gift For A King 

Magi recognized Jesus as a king - Matthew 2:2 (ESV) saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Magi brought Jesus gold, the customary a gift from one Kingdom’s King to another.

• Queen of Sheba visited king Solomon and brought him gifts, including 120 talents of gold, or 7936lbs or $186,273,792

How much gold would the wise men have brought Jesus? Gold is currently $1467 oz. An iPhone 5 size would be $47,000.

John 18:33, 36–37 (ESV) So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”  Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

Revelation 19:11–16 (ESV) Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.  He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.  From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.  On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. 

The gift of gold was the perfect gift for our King, Jesus!

Frankincense, The Gift For A Priest

Frankincense is an aromatic gum resin. Produced by scraping the bark of certain. When burned as incense, it creates a strong and beautiful aroma.  The cost of frankincense precluded it from being common. It was burned to worship God.

Exodus 30:34–37 (ESV) The Lord said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part),  and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.  You shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you. It shall be most holy for you.  And the incense that you shall make according to its composition, you shall not make for yourselves. It shall be for you holy to the Lord.

Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV) Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The gift of frankincense was the perfect gift for our Priest, Jesus!

Myrrh, The Gift For A Sacrifice

Myrrh is a fragrant spice derived from the sap of a tree native to the Near East.

Like frankincense, it can be used as incense,

It also had wider usage as a perfume, anointing oil, balm

John 19:38–39 (ESV) After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.  Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.

Myrrh, the perfect gift for our sacrifice, Jesus,

Jesus, the Perfect Gift For Us

No other gift is so uniquely fashioned for each and every one of us!

John 3:16–17 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Matthew 26:26–28 (ESV) Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”  And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,  for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  

We have a tendency to romanticize Bible stories. As each unfolds in our mind, they do so on a big screen with an epic soundtrack and dynamic visual effects. We often miss that each one took place on an average day, in a regular neighborhood, and in the lives of common people, just like you and me.  

But they were common people with remarkable qualities. And it was those remarkable qualities that positioned those common people to experience God giving birth to the miraculous in their lives! This series is to draw your attention to those common people, to see the us in them, and do lean into their remarkable qualities so that His eternal purposes can come to life in our lives.

Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,  saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;  and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:  “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”  Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”  After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

A Few “Myths” In Our Manger Scenes:

• The word for wise men is MAGI. The word describes people with an unusual capacity of understanding based on astronomy, science, alchemy and spirituality functioning in the service of the King. These men were from the region of Babylon, part of ancient Mesopotamia, modern-day city of Baghdad in Iraq. This was historically a breeding ground for such individuals as seen in the Biblical narratives of individuals including the prophet Balaam and the likes of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were in service to the king and served as liaisons to the surrounding nations. 

• There were likely not three men. There were at least two because “MAGI” is plural. The idea of three MAGI is likely based on the three gifts given, but there was most likely a small caravan of MAGI and their team.

• The wise men did not arrive at the stable. They did not greet Jesus while He was lying in the manger. Realistically, Jesus was two years old and was visited by the MAGI while living in a house (Matthew 2:11). That means that the depiction of MAGI standing in the stable, with angels, with shepherds or with barn animals is inaccurate.

• The depiction of their journey being across grassy hills and sloping meadows under a bright star is incorrect. The MAGI crossed some of the most extreme desert areas and conditions on the planet, mountains, cliffs and extreme freezing temperatures.

• While they saw the star initially, it disappeared. As a result, they headed to Jerusalem where Herod, the current king resided. While they knew what the star represented, they did not know the prophecies stating that the Messiahs’ birthplace would be in Bethlehem. After dialoguing with Herod in Jerusalem, the made their way toward Bethlehem, and in the process, the star reappeared

  • Matthew 2:9 (ESV) After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

• The star that appeared in Matthew 2:9 was clearly not an astronomical star. Stars don’t rise in the west, nor do they hover in the earth’s atmosphere and come to rest over residences. It was likely a supernatural sign they experienced, much like the Israelites experienced with the pillar and cloud while travelling through the wilderness.

Common People With Remarkable Qualities:

The Wise Men Continually Positioned Themselves To Hear From Heaven.

• They were not necessarily godly men, but they WERE listening to Heaven.

• They knew about a significant star that was to appear when the Messiah was born.

• They were knew scripture because they knew the significance of the star: Matthew 2:2 (ESV) saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

• How did they know about the star?

  • Balaam contracted by Balak, king of Moab from the region of Babylon to curse the Israelites as they travelled through to the Promised Land.

  • Balaam was a wise man based in Pethor near the Euphrates and close to Babylon. 

  • Balaam was warned by God not to curse Israel, and instead blessed them three times: Numbers 24:17 (ESV) I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: A STAR SHALL COME OUT OF JACOB, AND A SCEPTER SHALL RISE OUT OF ISRAEL; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.

  • Balaam was likely of the ranks of wise men from that region.

• Their understanding of the coming Messiah would have been further informed by Daniel’s oversight and teaching. Daniel, after being deported to the same region, and after being thrown into the lions den, rose to become chief of the wise men, shaping their teaching and instruction.

  • Daniel 9:25–26 (ESV) Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem TO THE COMING OF AN ANOINTED ONE, A PRINCE, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time.  And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed.

•  The star stirred something, but they leaned in further, and further, and further. They researched, the gathered a team, they journeyed to Jerusalem. They talked to Herod. One step led to the next and the next.

Hearing God’s voice becomes easier and easier as you intentionally lean in to Him. 

• Matthew 2:10 (ESV) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

• Jeremiah 29:12–14 (ESV) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the Lord…

•  Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) … and that he rewards those who seek him.

• 2020 will be a year of pressing in, and finding the better than you can imagine, the unexpected, the miraculous!

The Wise Men Were Guided By Strong Conviction, The Result Of A God-Breathed Vision.

• The Wise Men heard something from heaven and believed it.

• They were not satisfied to have the head knowledge, they wanted to experience it first-hand.

• There were committed to experiencing it, regardless of cost.

  • it cost considerable energy: approximately 732 miles; 239 walking hours; 30 travel days of 8 hours a day.

  • it cost considerable time: preparations beforehand, the time gone.

  • it cost considerable resources: the cost of a caravan over that period

• too often we believe things about God that don’t actually affect how we act.

KNOWLEDGE only needs information but VISION is impartation! Impartation happens as you get close enough for something to become a part of who you are.

• The Wise Men didn’t just hear about heaven, they leaned in far enough that heaven began to rub off on them

• The wise men got a dose of VISION.

• VISION develops conviction that cannot be deterred by things like distraction, cost or even opposition!

The Wise Men Were “Worshippers”

• worship is so much more than what we during the music on a Sunday, but it is a part of it. Are you guilty of being a worshipper???

• Matthew 2:11 (ESV) And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

  • fall down – prostrate

  • worshipped – to express by attitude and action ones allegiance to and regard for deity.

• gave fits of gold, frankincense and myrrh – great expense!

• In their case, Jesus did them no miracle, had answered no prayer, had healed no disease, had saved them from no dire situation, had not forgiven a single sin.

• In their case there was no Holy Spirit for them to have a sense of His presence like we do

• And yet, they worshipped Him for who he was ALONE! and it was extravagant!

• Unlike them, we not only know who He is, but we’ve experienced what He’s done!

“RESERVED” worship runs the risk of INNOCULATION instead of the INFECTION of heaven.

Passive worship goes just far enough to satisfy the internal itch and external expectations. It never goes far enough to be the appropriate response that unlocks all that heaven has!

I want to worship in a way that is an appropriate response: physical, audible, visible, emotional, energetic, faith filled, cost me something, expenseive

• they gave gold, frankincense, myrrh. 

  • gold: customary for royal visits.

  • Sheba visited king Solomon = 120 talents, 7936 lbs or $186,273,792

• How much gold would the wise men have brought Jesus?

Jeremiah 33:2–3 (The Message) “This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God:  ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’

We have a tendency to romanticize Bible stories. As each unfolds in our mind, they do so on a big screen with an epic soundtrack and dynamic visual effects. We often miss that each one took place on an average day, in a regular neighborhood, and in the lives of common people, just like you and me.

But they were common people with remarkable qualities. And it was those remarkable qualities that positioned those common people to experience God giving birth to the miraculous in their lives! This series is to draw your attention to those common people, to see the us in them, and do lean into their remarkable qualities so that His eternal purposes can come to life in our lives.

Luke 1:5–7 (ESV) In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

Zechariah and Elizabeth are key players in the Christmas narrative. She was an older relative to Mary, and they would become the parents of John the Baptist, who would be the forerunner to announce the ministry of Jesus.

Positioned To Hear From God

Heaven Is Always Speaking. Positioning Yourself To Hear Is One Of Your Greatest Pursuits.

• Zechariah - Luke 1:11-13 (ESV) And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

• Martha - Luke 1:39–44 (ESV) In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Angels spoke to this couple out of the blue.

It is more common and frequent for hearers to hear from God as they tune in.

How I Tune In.

• I pray before reading the word, or hearing the word

• I partner with the Holy Spirit – He’s my teacher!!!

• As I read, something resonates – I note it.

• Often, it continues to resonate.

• I take note and lean in, researching additional scriptures, etc.

• It takes on a life of its own.

• Find books, read, further research, prayer, etc

• Develop the thought and apply

Learn how it works for you!

Their Righteous Living Was Noteworthy

Right Living Best Positions Us For All That God Wants To Do For Us, In Us And Through Us.

Luke 1:6 (ESV) And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.

Right living leans into the same grace that others lean into after doing the wrong thing. But it right living positions us with:

• confidence, faith

• no season of correction

• better circumstances, less debris

• better reflection of Christ

• the devil doesn’t have a foothold, nor his demons.

They Were Anchored In His House

Everything God Does Starts In His House And Flows Outward. Get In That River And Be A Part What He Is Doing!

• Luke 1:8–9 (ESV) Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

• Luke 1:59 (ESV) And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father,

Zechariah and Martha’s lives were centered around the gathering of God’s people. That’s where God spoke to them. That’s where God unlocked the most amazing things in their lives that impacted the world!

Jesus life was centered in God’s House as well.

• Luke 2:22 (ESV) And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

• Luke 2:49 (ESV) And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

• Luke 19:47 (ESV) And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him,

While God dwells in heaven, His Spirit dwells on earth and is experienced most often as a byproduct of the gathering of His people in His House.

The vast majority of the salvations, healings etc I have seen have been in His house!

As a parent: you live with us, you go to church – increase the odds of heaven coming to your earth

Thriving With Some Of Life’s Biggest Prayers Unanswered

Living With Your Eyes On Who God Is Best Positions You To Experience What He Has Yet To Do.

Luke 1:6-7 (ESV) And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

They had no child, but they were not bitter! Their eyes were on God, not their circumstances.

3 Hebrews: Daniel 3:16–18 (NIV) Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO.

1 Thessalonians 5:18–19 (ESV) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.

The Spirit of God is trying to lead us, but Thanksgiving and Faith is the environment in which He thrives in us.

There is a freshness in all of their dealings that shows no bitterness

Ephesians 4:31 (ESV) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

• bitter – pikria – figurative to something that taste bitter; a state of sharp, intense resentment causing spite or hatred

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV) See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

Bitterness is something you’ve placed in your mouth

bitter not sweet – disappointment, unmet expectations

causes physical reaction, you feel and others see

it impacts everyone - the yuck flavor on you gets passed to them

not unforgiveness – demand repayment

more subtle – it’s a flavor that is uncomfortable that impacts you and everyone.

We have a tendency to romanticize Bible stories. As each unfolds in our mind, they do so on a big screen with an epic soundtrack and dynamic visual effects. We often miss that each one took place on an average day, in a regular neighborhood, and in the lives of common people, just like you and me.

But they were common people with remarkable qualities. And it was those remarkable qualities that positioned those common people to experience God giving birth to the miraculous in their lives! This series is to draw your attention to those common people, to see the us in them, and do lean into their remarkable qualities so that His eternal purposes can come to life in our lives.

Matthew 1:18–21 (ESV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”Mary &

Joseph were positioned to hear as Heaven spoke.

Heaven Is Always Speaking. The Miraculous Is Unlocked As We Are Positioned To Hear.

Every miracle in your life will begin with God speaking followed by you hearing. The key is to continue to position yourself to hear. Right NOW.

Mary:

• Luke 1:28, 30-31 (ESV) And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Joseph:

• Matthew 1:19 (ESV) And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

  • resolved – to think with the purpose of planning a course of action

• Matthew 1:20–22 (ESV) But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

  • considered: to process information by giving consideration to various aspects

Matthew 11:15 (ESV) He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Revelation: Revelation 2:7 (ESV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

• ears - not only the ability, but the responsibility

• hear – pay attention and respond

Today there are more distractions than any ever, because this time matters on earth more than any other

God wants to do more today than any other collective time in history! It starts with being tuned into him.

God can speak out of the blue, but hearing is enhanced:

• create moments of listening

  • read and listen to the word

  • podcasts & books

• create environments to encounter the one speaking

  • dynamic environment with the Spirit engaged

  • John 14:26 (ESV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

  • prayer, corporate worship

This is something we do; something others do on our behalf.

• put your children in a place to have an encounter with heaven

• we can’t guarantee the response, but we can guarantee the opportunity

• our highest call is not our children’s graduation, getting a good job, marriage, good relationship with us

• create moments to hear from and respond to God

Mary & Joseph were recognized as righteous.

Right Living Best Positions Us For All That God Wants To Do For Us, In Us And Through Us.

God can do anything, anywhere for anyone at any time. But he consistently does his best things frequently in the lives of those who live according to His Word.

• Mary - Luke 1:27–29 (ESV) to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

  • her righteous life had earned her favor with God

• Joseph - Matthew 1:19 (ESV) And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

  • he had every right to rub her face in her “assumed sin”

  • his response – protect her

• right-living matters to God

• right-living aligns us with God

• right-living best positions us for His purposes

• wanting one thing when heaven wants another, and yielding…

  • Mary - Luke 1:38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

  • Joseph - Matthew 1:20–25 (ESV) But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

• submission isn’t real until there is a burn, and redirection of the will

• obedience is a reality when you want to do something else.

Some people willfully sin because they know God will forgive.

• Romans 6:1–2 (ESV) What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!

• Hebrews 10:26–27 (ESV) For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

• 1 John 3:6–10 (ESV) No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

The Unintended Consequences Of Sin :

• brings injury to your relationship with God

• limits the function of the Holy Spirit

• give the devil a foothold and his resources

• pledges obedience to sin

• invites deception

• negatively impacts the faith of others

• makes it difficult for God’s best to unfold

Right-living:

• cannot be allowed to turn into self-righteousness

• that turns into self-righteousness is offensive to God

• cannot lifts lf up and looks down on others

• self-righteousness omits the cross

• possible because of His grace

• Luke 18:9–14 (ESV) He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Mary & Joseph: aligned with Biblical sexuality

Honoring Biblical Sexuality Unites Us With Heaven And Protects Us From Being United With _______________________.

Our relationship with God is incredibly intimate - His Spirit lives within us

Sex unites us, body soul and spirit with someone else in a way that can only be compared to the closeness God wants to have with us.

Have you ever invited someone too close and then couldn’t get rid of them?

• Matthew 1:18 (ESV) …Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together …

• Luke 1:, 34 (ESV) And Mary said to the angel, “…I am a virgin?”

Culture has always had something to say about what is sexually in bounds.

Man has always had desires and experiences outside of those bounds

Sex is a gift from God.

Sex unites us, body soul and spirit with someone else in a way that is only comparable to the closeness God wants to have with us.

To bring something that close that is out of bounds will affect you, and will affect your relationship with God, not to mention your relationship with others

• 1 Corinthians 6:18–19 (ESV) Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

• 1 Corinthians 6:15–17 (ESV) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.

Some of the greatest acts of worship and offerings you can give to God is burn you experience when obedient in moments of sexual temptation.

Amen, a customary statement at the end of a prayer or during preaching to express our agreement with what is said and the hope that it will take place. But, AMEN is so much more than just a statement.

• AMEN is an attitude, a posture, a way of life.

• AMEN is a response that unlocks the abundance of Heaven.

• AMEN is our resounding YES to all that God says. It is also a resounding YES from God to his children.

AMEN is our emphatic agreement with all that God has said that He will do.

AMEN is never a negotiation and we have to be on constant guard against letting it become so because the Enemy is not only a liar, but he is also a manipulative negotiator. He The exodus of the Israelites from Egypt gives us a great example of how this process will and should play out. When you enter into spiritual warfare for your life, your health, your job, your family, your church, fill in the blank, you can expect resistance. To begin, you need to understand who your are in Christ and hold your ground.

AMEN requires us to be bold.

God spoke to Moses. Moses knew that God had chosen him to liberate the Israelites from Egypt and lead them out into freedom. Pharaoh is the embodiment of the Enemy in our lives. He held all dominion over the Israelites and they were his slaves. He was the most powerful man in the world at this point in time. So, what would you expect him to do when an old shepherd shows up one day and tells him to let God’s people go. Not too surprisingly, he says no. Not just no, but an emphatic no!

• Exodus 5:2 But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and besides, I will not let Israel go.”

The enemy’s first response is always no. If his mission to steal, kill, and destroy your life, then you can bet that he’s not just going to roll-over and walk away the first time you engage him. So, Moses tells him again to let God’s people go and this time, he doesn’t just say no. He also doubles their work! We have all experienced how, when we begin to push forward for the things that God has for us, the enemy pushes back and things get harder.

• Your sickness develops a new symptom.

• You get into another fight with your spouse.

• You have a new mechanical failure.

Recognize that this is the first stage of the fight you have entered into. The enemy will attempt a “shock and awe” approach to quickly overwhelm your enthusiasm and faith. The enemy isn’t taking you seriously.

AMEN requires us to encourage ourselves.

When you are believing for God’s deliverance in your life and aligning yourself with all Heaven has promised, you can’t tuck tail and run when you hear “no” from your circumstances. We push forward in the battle, continually declaring what the Word of God says over our lives. Be prepared because, in this phase, the enemy will change tactics and it is critical that you continue to encourage yourself with God’s Word in His Spirit.

We can see in the scripture that as God began to rain down plagues upon Egypt for not releasing his people that Pharoah continues to harden his heart against God. But he also starts to do something interesting. He starts to waffle on releasing the Israelites. Three different times Pharoah agrees to let them go only to reverse course and deny their release as soon as the current plague is past.

• Exodus 8:8 & 15 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, “Entreat the Lord that He remove the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the Lord.”... But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the Lord had said.

• Exodus 8:28 & 32 Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Make supplication for me.”... But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.

• Exodus 9:27-28 & 34-35 Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time; the Lord is the righteous one, and I and my people are the wicked ones. Make supplication to the Lord, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail; and I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.”... But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not let the sons of Israel go, just as the Lord had spoken through Moses.

You will notice that in each of these circumstances, Pharaoh agreed to let them go because he was suffering. He wanted relief. As soon as he got it, he rescinded the release. I know that we have all experienced this. You find yourself in the middle of a spiritual battle for God’s goodness in you life or someone elses and you get signs that you have won the battle, only to find out that it wasn’t the case. I don’t know about you, but when I experience this, it has the tendency to ramp up my anxiety and sense of hopelessness but instead I need to get excited because the enemy is suffering from the blows that I am raining down upon him! He has begun to shift tactics because he has to do something! He knows he can’t refuse the Word of the Living God! So, don’t get discouraged in this stage of the fight!

Sometimes, this will happen multiple times and it can drive us to despair if we look at it incorrectly. This is not the enemy toying with a powerless fighter. This is the enemy shifting to try and find a toehold because his defeat is imminent.

AMEN requires us to be non-negotiable.

This may be the hardest phase of the battle. The negotiation stage. When the enemy begins to lose ground, he will begin to offer you an imitation blessing, less than the full Amen.

Once again, we look to Egypt. When the plague of locusts and the plague of darkness descend on Egypt, Pharoah attempts to negotiate a compromise. After the locusts, he agrees to let the men only leave to worship God. Thankfully, Moses refuses. After darkness, he allows all the people but not the livestock and animals. Again, Moses refuses.

We see this in our own lives when, for example, we are battling a sickness and praying for healing, but the battle has been long and we are tired. Suddenly, we have a breakthrough and see some actual progress. Unfortunately, many times, we accept this partial relief as what Heaven has for us and we simply stop fighting. I want to encourage you today to keep fighting. These negotiations come right before the final curse when Pharaoh breaks and the Israelites are freed! Don’t settle for the partial win because you are about to win it all! Cherish the ground that you have taken and praise God for it but don’t stop fighting for the full and complete deliverance of the Lord. Because we don’t serve a God of partial blessings.

Ours is a God that leaves the 99 to rescue the one. He isn’t satisfied with some. He wants all and so should we. We should settle for nothing less than the whole, complete deliverance of the Lord!

Moses said to let the people go. - Pharaoh said “no”

Moses asked again. - “No”

Changed a staff to a serpent. - “No”

Turned the Nile to blood. - “No”

Plague of frogs. - “Maybe. Mmmm, No!”

Plague of gnats. - “No”

Plague of flies. - “Maybe. Mmmm, No!”

Pestilience. - “No.”

Boils - “No”

Hail - “No”

Locusts - Okay, maybe some of you!

Darkness - Okay, but not the animals!

Death - GET OUT!

Go through the scripture. We get fixated on the 10 plagues but you will notice the Moses actual demands the release of Israel 12 times! 12 demands and 12 tribes! This is no coincidence! God demanded the release one time for each tribe! He wasn’t going to be satisfied with some of his people, He wanted all!

• Mark 8:22-25 And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.” Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly.

• Genesis 15:13-14 God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions.

When you get to the end and your almost there, just keep your eyes on Jesus because your deliverance is coming! If you’ve been discouraged or settled then stand to your feet and lets press into him.

AMEN, a customary statement at the end of a prayer or during preaching to express agreement with what is said. But, AMEN is much so much more than that…

AMEN Is:

• My Declaration: I Agree With What God Says.

• My Expectation: I Anticipate His Word Will Come To Pass.

• My Participation: I Will Do My Part So He Can Do His.

Ezekiel 37:1,4-7 (ESV) The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:7 (ESV) So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied…

Mountains are the highest places on earth. In the Bible, they are symbolic of strength, accomplishment and victory. They are iconic places where God met with man, as was the case for Moses on Mt. Sanai or Elijah on Mount Carmel. Mount Zion is symbolic of God’s dwelling place with His chosen people, Israel, and specifically the location of the temple in Jerusalem.

• Psalm 48:1–3 (ESV) Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.

One of the iconic New Testament mountains was the Mount of Transfiguration

• Matthew 17:1–3 (ESV) And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.

Valleys are the low places on earth. In the Bible, they are symbolic of waiting, difficulty, battle and even death. These are times and places where God is often seen as absent.

• Psalm 23:4 (ESV) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me

One of the most iconic Bible Valleys was The Valley of Hinnom:

• During the reign of King Ahaz - (2 Chronicles 28, 33) the valley was used by Baal worshipers to offer their children in their furnaces to their god Molech.

• During the time of Jeremiah - (Jeremiah 7, 19) referred to the valley as "The Valley of Slaughter."

• During reign of King Josiah - (2 Kings 23:10) proclaimed "defiled" and no one was allowed to use it for any purpose.

• During ministry of Jesus - valley evolved into a garbage dump. Trash was burned around the clock, as well as the bodies of dead animals, criminal corpses. It was a well-known hangout for lepers and the sick. There was continual smoke, stench, maggots and flies. At night, dogs could be heard fighting over the trash. Eleven out of twelve times that Jesus talked about HELL, He used the Greek word "GAHENNA." "GAHENNA" comes from the Old Testament word, "HINNOM" which was a valley south of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 37:1–2 (ESV) The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry.

• hand of the Lord was on Him

• brought into the middle of a valley

• by the Spirit of the Lord

• not just a valley, it was full of bones, many bones! Dry bones!

Ezekiel 37:3 (ESV) And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

• you can end up in a Valley filled with many dry bones as a result of:

  • life happens

  • the enemies attack

  • your own actions – ignorance, stupidity, foolish, sin, rebellion

  • the leading of the Holy Spirit

• However you got there, the question now is “Can these bones live?”

• The answer: YES

Ezekiel 37:4 (ESV) Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.

• At this moment we often make several mistakes with our lips

  • murmur, grumble

    • Exodus 15:23–24 (ESV) When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”

    • Exodus 16:8 (ESV) And Moses said… Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord.”

  • become victims: place blame, unforgiving, bitter, excuses, fear-filled verbiage, negative

  • wear it as your identity: everything in life becomes about this

  • become coroners – time and cause of death –faithless

• None of those mistakes brings about God’s desire – LIFE!!!

• You have to understand, words create our lives, our atmospheres

  • we live in them

  • those around us live in

  • the Holy Spirit has to live in - Ephesians 4:29–32 (ESV) Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

• Your atmosphere is the incubator for the future

• What should you do? Prophesy over the bones…

  • The bones are real, don’t act like they are not

  • Prophesy: declare out loud for you/others/heaven/hell to HEAR!

  • Prophesy is not a suggestion; it is a declaration.

  • It is authoritative: Heaven has called you to prophesy! God could come down and do it, but he’s sent you!

  • Prophesy: what God says – general things from the Word, things that you sense, things God has revealed

Ezekiel 37:5–6 (ESV) Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

• There is and order and timing - You don’t get skin before you get flesh. You don’t stand to walk around before tendons are attached.

• The Word gets the ball rolling

• It’s important to understand that you might have work to do

  • “were just believing God for our finances

  • “were just believing God for our marriage

  • “were just believing God for our health

  • great, but what are you doing?

• Prophesy again, and again, and again!

• Valleys created by Hell will fight back!!! Prophetic warfare – bind and loose. Pray in the Spirit!!!!

Of course, the prophesy is fulfilled, and the outcome is an amazing army!

Holy Spirit, Transform Our Words!

• AMEN is a lifestyle of prophesying. It’s not going to come easily or quickly.

• taming the tongue is nearly impossible - James 3:6–8 (ESV) And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

• but it is a reality of the Holy Spirit - Joel 2:28–29 (ESV) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…

AMEN, a customary statement at the end of a prayer or during preaching to express agreement with what is said and the hope that it will take place. But, AMEN is much so much more than that…

AMEN Is The Verbal Alignment To What God Says, The Expectation For A Future Yet To Exist.

CORE TRUTHS:

1. Jesus Positions Us In The Father’s Favor

• In the Old Testament, God was raining down his wrath in judgement on people, cities and nations for their sin.

• In the New Testament, Christ has positionally taken their judgement so the Father can engage with them as if they had never sinned.

• God’s interactions come from a place of favor, even prior to salvation.

  • Romans 5:10 (ESV) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

  • Luke 4:19 (ESV) to proclaim the year (a cycle of time) of the Lord’s favor (accept, receive or welcome).”

2. Embracing His Favor Places His Best Within Our Reach

• saying yes to His favor allows us to begin to experience all that His favor offers.

  • Philippians 3:12 (NIV) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

3. His Best ALWAYS Begins With A Word

• creation - Genesis 1:3 (ESV) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

• redemption - Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

• propitiation - Hebrews 10:5–7 (ESV) Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ”

• healing

  • Psalm 107:20 (ESV) He sent out his word and healed them…

  • John 5:8–9 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.

• deliverance – Mark 1:25–26 (ESV) But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

• forgiveness - Luke 5:20 (ESV) And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

• salvation - Romans 10:8–10 (ESV) …if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THE INCREDIBLE POWER CONTAINED WITHIN THE WORDS THAT YOU USE?

• I’ve decided to attend that school…

• I’m going to accept that job offer

• I say yes to marrying you…

• Let’s move there. Let’s buy that house.

• Let’s have children. Let’s adopt.

• Let’s be a part of this church

WHAT YOU SAY AND HOW YOU SAY IT CREATES AN EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE WHO HEARS!

Proverbs 18:20–21 (ESV) From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

1. 1words are like seed – spoken, taken out of the bag and put into play

2. planted and grow – some immediate impact, but a bigger focus on time

3. it will produce fruit – it’s the seed principle

4. fruit is the byproduct of the seed. life or death – reap what is sown – past words have created your current moment.

DO YOUR WORDS POINT AT YOUR DESIRED FUTURE?

James 3:9–10 (ESV) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

This is a reality because of the culture we live in. This is a possibility because we are oblivious? It is possible to perceive we are one way, when actually we are another.

Do A Litmus Tests: Listen to what you say and how you say it.

HOLY SPIRIT, TRANSFORM MY MOUTH!

• taming the tongue is nearly impossible - James 3:6–8 (ESV) And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

• but it is a reality of the Holy Spirit - Joel 2:28–29 (ESV) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…