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Thoughts Archived > Stepping Out....Into....Up


19 Feb 2012

                                   

 

February 19, 2012

Stepping Out....Into....Up

 Luke 4: 31 - 37 

 

 

Luke

Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day.  There, too, the people were amazed at the things he said, because he spoke with authority. 

Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon began shouting at Jesus.  "Go away!  Why are you bothering us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are - the Holy One sent from God."

Jesus cut him short.  "Be silent!" he told the demon.  "Come out of the man!"  The demon threw the man to the floor as the crowd watched; then it left him without hurting him further.

Amazed, the people exclaimed, "What authority and power this man's words possess!  Even evil spirits obey him and flee at his command!  The story of what he had done spread like wildfire throughout the whole region.    

 

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Thoughts.....

 

Stepping out....going forth.  Stepping into....to assess the situation.  Stepping up....to get the job done for him.  When God calls, he expects you to answer.   He expects, once you say you are his, that he can rely on you to go the distance.  He's certainly gone the distance for you....so has Jesus.  Should we do any less?      

Let's break todays reference down by paragraph.  Jesus went.  We, too, must 'went'....'went' being the past tense of 'go'.  We are not to just go, we are to 'have gone'....'went'....implies completion.  Jesus didn't start out and get derailed.  Or stop.  He kept on going....we, too, must keep on going for our Lord.  He continues to go the distance for us every day, every moment.  Any less.....blasphemy?    

Jesus taught in the synagogue every Sabbath day.  I can hear you sputtering now.  "Well, I can't teach!"  Why not?  Have you not read the scriptures?  Have you not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior....Messiah, and been baptized in the Holy Spirit?  Have you not learned anything from the Lord, me, or others about the Lord, how to live life, how to love, how to teach, give, grow, heal others, carry on?  How to listen and spew forth?

Whether you celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday, we are to do as he has done....teach.  We may not be able to  go into a synagogue, or church and start teaching.  But church is where you are.  Can you not teach in homes, in the streets, on the web and with the masses?  In the fields of life?  You can....IF you have accepted God, Jesus and Holy Spirit into your life.  If you have not, why not?  Now would be a good time to make that choice....do the right thing....the only thing that will allow you to be forgiven of your sins and give you the opportunity to receive eternal life.  Then, teach, my brothers and sisters!  I see nowhere that Jesus issued a certificate of ordination to do this.  God ordains....see 2 Cor 1:21-22.  I see nowhere that he laid hands on everyone giving apostolic succession for Holy Spirit to work.  Check out Acts 1 & 2.  The believers received Holy Spirit....he came like tongues of fire upon them. 

I know I will get flack over saying it is not necessary to have apostolic succession.  The Catholic Church, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Mormon and some others, all believe in Apostolic Succession.  The churches were built on it.  Without that, they believe they would fail to exist.  I believe they would still exist.  How wonderful to know someone stepped out, into, and up to start a church and carry it through?  It does not matter that there is lineage other than that of God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.  What matters is that Gospel truths from....THE God of grace and mercy....author and giver of life, Jesus who is Lord of salvation...forgiver and granter of eternal life, and Holy Spirit teacher and comforter of the ways of life are taught.  It is the main defining factor of what matters to them:  spreading the Gospel.  No one issued certificates for teacher, apostle, healer, prophet, etc.  There were no degrees handed out from years of schooling.  There was trust.  There was belief.....faith.  There was action.  Then, as should be now, you merely opened yourself as a vessel cleansed for Holy Spirit to work through.  An old statement issued years ago by faith believers dictates 'God said it, I believe it, that's that.'  IF you doubt you have been called, you will never answer the call, and you will never step out, in or up.  And so where would that leave your salvation, eternal life for you?          

By the way, the last line of the first paragraph reads 'he [Jesus] spoke with authority'.  WHEN you are speaking for the Lord, AND you have Holy Spirit within you, you ARE speaking with authority.  Please realize that just because you SAY you have Holy Spirit, if your actions do not bear this out, means that you really do not have Holy Spirit within, or if you do, you are certainly not listening or acting appropriately.  Some schools of thought would tell you that the devil and the Lord cannot occupy the same space.  Therefore if you are not acting on directives from the Lord, you are acting on your own choices....or Satan's.  This is a huge no-no.  In the world and in the Lord's world.  Be C A R E F U L.  There is a reference that states that you are either of the Lord or you are of Satan.  Who do you work for....with?

Will people recognize you as a Holy One sent from God?  The demons referred to Jesus as 'the' Holy One.  But if Jesus is in us, are we not also Holy?  Are you treating the temple of God in which your spirit exists with Jesus as holy?  We are a vessel, but we are a holy vessel, redeemed by God.  SOOOooooo....as a vessel, in which God, Jesus and Holy Spirit exist, should we not be keeping our vessel cleansed and holy?  Is it really us who then addresses demons or God in us?  God in us is the answer here.  We need not fear, merely keep plugged in to the power source and speak with authority.....theirs.  Any reason you cannot do as Jesus did?  Nope.  Look around you.....see anyone who needs help?  Tell God.  Then WAIT to see if he sends you.  Do not attempt to step ahead of the Lord.  Trust me on this one....either way it won't be pretty, but could be worse, if you step out without his authority, of him saying 'Go NOW to THIS job I've given you'. 

You know, there are times that the movies are accurate in the portrayal of an exorcism.  This is one case in point.  Jesus exclaimed....notice the exclamation point.  In later instances we see he just says 'begone'....without fervor.  Perhaps being new to the ministry set before him he felt he needed to speak with GREAT LOUD authority, or maybe it was necessary in this situation.  Seek the guidance of Holy Spirit in each situation that arises.  Do NOT go around rebuking or exorcising people unless that is what God has called you to do, but make VERY sure it is God and not you puking all over people because you don't like them, or they are not doing what you want them to do, or you perceive them as a threat to you....real or perceived.

Also, don't run around acting hoity toity because you have power and authority.  You...YOU....do NOT have power and authority, you have power and authority IN you.....called God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  Big difference.  Filter everything through them.  Get out of their way.  Let them have their way.  Act only on what they call you to do.  Not sure if it is what they would call you to do?  Align it with scripture.  Someone is praying, should you interrupt them?  NO.  Someone is doing good for the church and the people in it.  Should you throw them out because you feel threatened, you got in trouble for something, don't like them for whatever reason?  Not your choice to like.  You are commanded to love.  Maybe it is you who should leave the church.....you may be the one who may not have been listening. 

'What power and authority this man's words possess.'  The man's words....Jesus' words.  The words coming from you can possess the same power and authority.  Words that build up are from God.  Words that destroy are from Satan.  Know from whence the words come when they exit your heart....your mouth.  Do they build up?  Do they destroy?  Do they say welcome, come join us?  Or do they say you are not welcome, you may not join us?  Be C A R E F U L. 

Do you know how you are perceived by others?  Can they see God in you by what you say and by your actions?   

The last sentence of this reference is telling.  'The story of what he had done spread like wildfire.'  It does not say Jesus told everyone.  Others told the story about the good he did.  Do not be puffed up telling everyone of your good deeds.  There are times it is necessary to speak.  Be sure of your motivation.  Some may perceive your rebuke as you puffing yourself up.  Be C A R E F U L.  I do realize you cannot be the other person's filter, so you cannot control what they choose to hear.  Say what you need to say as best you can and pray about it before and after.  Then, leave it in God's hands.  

I want to remind you of what it is to live by the Holy Spirit's power vs your own.  We learn this in Galatians 5. 

Holy Spirit's power produces:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Here there is no conflict with the law.

Following the desires of your sinful nature produces these evil results in your life:  sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation  in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outburst of anger, selfish ambition, division, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin.  Anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 

Do not be the one among you who is troubling and confusing.  Be the one who loves.  True love and leadership is when someone serves another by laying their life down for another.  Will you step out, step in, step up and lay your life down for the God of the universe, Jesus the/YOUR? Messiah, Holy Spirit the teacher, the stranger on the street, the person in the church, the one sitting across from you at the breakfast table?  Do you want to be forgiven of your sins and be given eternal life?  What does God want for you?  Hmmmmm?  Make the choice...the right choice today. 

Run the race as if it matters.....because it does.  'Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God.'  Philippians 3:14     

Jesus said to the disciples going forth, "Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me.  And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me.  And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God who sent me." 

             

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Let Us Pray

 

Wow, Lord.  Lots to think about, pray about and work on.  First, I need to ask your forgiveness.  I am sure I have said or done some imperfect things this week.  Please forgive me.  Cleanse me with your healing power and love.  Make me a cleansed vessel by which you, God, Jesus and Holy Spirit can work.....through.  Help me hear you, be conscience of you and your ways.  Help me walk in your ways to bring glory to you.  Help me step out, step in, and step up....and lay my life down for you to help others.  Long road ahead yet with many twists and turns.  I am grateful to be on this journey.  Help me to speak, after I've heard your response, instead of just speaking my thoughts.  Help me to go forth only where you tell me to and do only what you tell me to do.  I know I've asked you to help me hear you, but I think I should ask again...for your help....a lot of it.  I have a tendency to see a job that needs to doing and just do it, however, it may not be my job to do.  So, I'll be here, ready, until you call me and direct my steps.  Please heal me for the journey ahead, while you are preparing me further.  Thank you.  May you always be the inspiration from my mouth.  The love from my heart.  Every step of the journey IS the journey.  Please....help me to never be without you.  I know you said you would never leave me nor forsake me.  Help me not move away from you.  Thank you.  I love you.  Amen.      

  

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

 

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

 

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

 

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

 

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

 

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

 

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  Our Current Cause

 

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart. 

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you!   

 

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    One last thing....

 

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

 

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

 

  Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

 

And the people said,

"Amen."

 

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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Bible Authors and Minister