Australia Kneels : Week 4 – Day 6

Doing the Will of the Father who sent us – Joh 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work. 

The Garden Catalogue For Today

Welcome to the Discipleship and Action Day – Let us go and Draw from the Well of Life, and get filled up so we can pour out the Living Water to others we can bless.

On this day we will have a variety of messages and input from trusted disciplers.

At an Inconvenient Time

By Francis Frangipane

The Lord has multitudes who believe in Him, and when I consider that fact I am blessed. At the same time I am aware that, of those numbers, it is but a minority who actually worship Him.

True worshipers find their fulfillment in adoring God. The fragrance of their worship rises, not only during the scheduled times of church services but also during inconvenient times.

A true worshiper will rise early before work or school; they’re up before the household so they can be alone with God. Instead of being frustrated by delays, they transform difficulties and setbacks into opportunities to magnify God. You might see one of these worshipers sitting in the car next to you during a traffic jam, singing along with Christian music in their car.

A true worshiper has learned the secret of worshiping God at inconvenient times.

I, too, find the Lord leading me to worship Him during inconvenient times. I might be alone writing or working on some important project when something awakens in my spirit: I become aware that the presence of the Lord is near. Yet He isn’t commanding me to worship; He’s inviting me. The time of worship may be as little as ten or fifteen minutes or it might be much longer. Regardless, I turn from what I was doing, pick up my guitar and begin to worship Him.

Frankly, I am not a good musician; I only know a few chords. Yet as I worship, I know the King of Heaven is actually pleased with my offering. He has granted me an audience, and in some mysterious way, He causes me to feel that the sound of my worship is the only thing He hears as I’m singing.

The Invitation

I, for one, desire my worship to become all consuming. Yet I confess that a primary obstacle I must overcome is the inconvenient timing of His invitation. It seems like He actually waits until I am focused on something He actually wants me to complete. Or it might be late at night when I am almost asleep when the opportunity to worship draws near.

The very fact that I have responded, in spite of the “inconvenience,” actually refines and sweetens my worship. Indeed, when I worship in our Sunday service, I admit I can be carried by the sound of the music and the participation of others around me. I am in an atmosphere of worship, so my praise may actually be something imparted to me by others and not purely my own. However, when He comes at an inconvenient time, my response reaffirms that my worship is real and that God truly is first in my life

What is also a great pleasure to me is that, given such short notice, He does not expect from me a large production. As wonderful as Sunday worship services are, He is not looking for a professional song service, just something real from my heart.

Another blessing is that often my wife will hear me worshiping and, without fail, join me. As I worship, I’ll soon notice a voice singing alongside me in the background. She’s as absorbed as I am in the presence of God. It doesn’t matter what she was doing, she loves to bow before God and that, too, sweetens our worship.

Prayer and Worship

There is a difference between prayer and worship. Prayer is an appeal to God based on our needs and the needs of our world. The world is filled with people, each with heartfelt and urgent requests that are welcomed by our Father in Heaven, and they are each heard in the throne room of light. However, worship is not the articulation of our needs; it is the consummation of our love. It is what we offer to God regardless of the status of our needs.

Recall the Gospel account of the ten leprous men who cried to Jesus for healing. After the Lord answered their prayers and healed them, they all went their way. One, however, stopped and “turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him” (Luke 17:15-16). Full of gratitude to Christ, this man returned to bow in worship before God. You see, many people will pray, multitudes will find answers, but few will return to Him in worship.

Beloved, if worship flows genuinely from our hearts, the Lord will repeatedly invite us into His presence. His invitation will approach the doorstep of our souls quietly. It will come disguised as a simple desire to love Him. If we follow this desire, it will lead into the presence of God.

As we worship Him, He will grant us inner strength and peace. As we come with thanksgiving, He will refresh us with His love and joy. Let us delight in the privilege of becoming true worshipers of God, even when the opportunity comes at an inconvenient time.

Adapted from Francis Frangipane’s book, I Will Be Found By You, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

Francis Frangipane

What is Spiritual Maturity

Growing in Spiritual Maturity to stand God’s authority let’s explore the reality of integrity involves so we can walk in His Righteousness.

According to Ray Pritchard from Keep Believing Ministries – There are 4 Marks of Integrity:

1. Integrity means telling the truth even when it hurts.

2. Integrity means keeping a promise when you would rather not.

3. Integrity means that you confront problems when it would be easier to walk away.

4. Integrity means forgiving when you’d rather hold a grudge.

Please read more on these 4 points of INTEGRITY now – by Clicking HERE

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And speaking of Spiritual Maturity, according to Ephesians 4 – this is the whole purpose of the 5-Fold Ministries that JEsus has given to His Church (The Ekklesia):

Eph 4:7-16

7  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 
8  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 
9  (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 
10  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 
11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 
12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 
13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 
14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 
15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 
16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

Below are 2 Videos by Ps Susan Hammer from Cry of an Eagle Revival Ministries – where she explained this passage in Ephesians 4 into more detail as to the Purpose of the 5-Fold Ministry and also looked at Spiritual Maturity specifically.

We will continue to look into more detail of the different Ministry types over the next 3 weeks.

Below is a YouTube link of an 8 part series by Andrew Brunson, on how to prepare to STAND in a coming wave of hostility in times ahead.

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Becoming a Disciple for Jesus

By Tony McLennan

Weekend Talk 1

Your Home in Heaven

Introduction

Worldly wisdom says: “It is not the destination but the journey that
counts.” And, tragically, many buy that idea.
But, of course, the destination is the only thing that really matters in the
long run.
Jesus said:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road
that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate
and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13, 14

We must, at all costs, take the road that leads to life. We must never jeopardise the future home we have in Heaven.

I. Jesus Talks About Heaven

Jesus said that we can ‘store up treasure in Heaven.’ He said that
‘where your treasure is there will your heart be also.’ (Matt 6:20-21)

The affect that Jesus had and has on people brings the Kingdom of
Heaven nearer to us. In this Kingdom, Peace, Love and Joy will be our
constant experience.

• Jesus brought Heaven with Him. (See Luke 6:17 – 19)
• What does Jesus’ transfiguration tell us about Heaven? (Luke 9:28 – 36)
• What impact did this have on the disciples? (2 Peter 1:16 -18) Who will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? (Luke 9:46 – 48)
• Jesus spent time warning us to avoid anything that would prevent us
  from getting to Heaven. (Luke 12:4 – 10)

See also Matt 22:11 – 14.

• What does it mean to have a wedding garment? (v. 11)
• Where was the man sent? (v. 13)

• What did Jesus say is His Place in Heaven? (Matt 26:64)
  • What does the phrase ‘coming on the clouds of heaven’ mean?

Read all of Matthew 25.

• Why did the foolish virgins fail to enter? (v. 11 – 12)
• Why did the faithless steward/worthless servant get thrown outside?
  (v. 28 -30)
• In what ways can we show we are truly the sheep of the Lord’s pasture
  and not goats!? (v. 31 – 46)

II. What Is Heaven Like?

“There are many rooms in My Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so, and after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to Myself, so that you will be where I am.” John 14:2 -3 GNB

• Wherever Jesus is, the atmosphere and environment of Heaven is
  manifest. In Heaven, we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2)
• Heaven is a place of eternal reward. (Revelation 22:12)
• What are some of the rewards? (See Revelation 21:3; 22:3b -5)

• Holy abundance in contrast to death and its domain.
• Celebrations without end at the Marriage Supper.
• Being crowned as an overcomer:
“Hold on to what you have, so no one will take your crown.”
(Revelation 3:11b)

Let no one seize your crown.

“A certain event said to have taken place last century is a shattering illustration about the gain or loss of this crown. This report came from a Siberian prison camp. Ten prisoners were condemned to death. They were made to stand naked in the freezing cold – lined up to be shot before the trench they had been forced to dig. And in those last few moments, they were given one more chance to save themselves by renouncing their faith. ‘You can save your life, go back to your family, be a father to your children again, if….’ At this, one of the ten leaves the line, snatches his clothes and renounces his faith.“

“And what happens? One of the soldiers commissioned to execute these
ten men sees a wonderful crown resting over the place deserted by the man who had fled death. Gripped by the sight, he throws off his clothes and takes the place of the man who had forsaken his crown. With this act he gives his allegiance to the Lord and lays down his life for Him, Who had opened his eyes to see that He awards crowns to those who love Him.”

M. Basilea Schlink
Setting Our Hearts on Heaven

 III. Destination – Heaven

“After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open
in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a
trumpet said,’ Come up here…!” Revelation 4:1

• Let us not permit any obstacles to get in our way.
  (See Hebrews 6:1- 6 & 9)
• Set our hearts on things above. (Colossians 3:1-2)
• Feed upon the Word of God.
• Let nothing come between you and Christ. (1 John 5:21)
• Live in daily repentance from sin. (1 John 3:7)
• Remember the promises of God. (1 John 3:1-2)
• Live in obedience to Jesus. (John 14:21 and John 15)

Conclusion:

Our lives, as disciples of Jesus, are designed by God to consciously seek after Him and to joyfully obey His Word. The prize of living eternally with Jesus is the greatest reward imaginable. To encourage us He has, by the Holy Spirit, given us a foretaste of Heaven. Let us live for Him each day, relying on His Grace to bring us to Himself when that great day of salvation is complete. Then we will be able to say, along with the Apostle Paul:

Memorise this verse:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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Becoming a Disciple for Jesus

By Tony McLennan

Weekend Talk 2

Living in the Spirit

Introduction
The Holy Spirit is a Person. His Presence in the believer is the one certain
sign that the believer is the possessor of Eternal Life and belongs to Christ
(Romans 8:9).

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians: “This I say, then, walk in the
spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16 NKJV

This happens when we go about our lives surrounded, immersed,
contained on every side by the Holy Spirit. The Psalmist gives a beautiful
picture of this when he writes:

“Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.”
Psalm 139:5 (KJV)

How do we walk in the Spirit? Why does God command us to do so?

What will be the result of walking in, living in, the Spirit?

I. The Holy Spirit – Your Helper

Jesus said He would send us another Comforter (counsellor, helper). The
Holy Spirit is referred to as the “Paracletos” – ‘the comforter, the one who
comes alongside us.’ He comes alongside us to:

• Convict us of our sin. John 16:8
• Guide us into all truth. John 16:13
• What else will He do…? Read John 16:12 -15

• speak only what He hears
• tell you what is yet to come
• bring glory to the Son…. How?
• He will testify about Jesus. John 15:26

Holiness is God’s only standard. He must withdraw from any place where
there is sin.

God cleanses us from all sin through the blood of Christ. Wherever the
blood has cleansed, the Holy Spirit will be able to operate. This can be
noted in Leviticus 14.

Read Leviticus 14:14 and compare it with vs. 17 & 18 of the same chapter.

Whenever the blood of Christ has been called upon, the Holy Spirit is able
to come upon and work in our lives to keep us in holiness.

If we are holy, we are ‘acceptable to God’ because we have been sanctified
(made holy) by the Spirit. (Romans 15:16)

Only the Holy Spirit’s Presence in and upon us helps us to live a holy life.
He enables us to remain faithful to God.

II. Your Relationship With The Holy Spirit

There are many misconceptions about the Holy Spirit. Some people link Him too strongly with the ‘gifts of the Spirit’ (see Weekend Talk 3 – next week), others link Him with miracles or ‘the anointing’ and only think of Him in those terms.

While it is true that no manifestations of God’s Power occur without the direct involvement of the Holy Spirit, in our ignorance, we can focus on the miraculous and in a subtle way forget the Person who is The Spirit.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Paul writes (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV) “Now the Lord is the Spirit: and
wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” He is the Lord. The Lord is the Holy Spirit.

Jesus called Him ‘another Counsellor’ implying that He, Jesus, is one Counsellor and the Holy Spirit is one like Himself (See John 14:16). Therefore, if He is our Helper, our Comforter, our Counsellor, like Jesus, we need to relate to Him as a Person.

Like any real friend, we would not want to endanger our relationship with the Person of the Holy Spirit.

We are told:

•  “…Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God...” Ephesians 4:30.

• How could we do this? (v. 31)
• How could we ensure the Holy Spirit will want to be around us? (see
Ephesians 4:32 -5:7).

• “…Do not quench the Spirit…” 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

We can quench the Spirit by:

• treating prophecies or other works of God with contempt;
• allowing unbelief to operate instead of faith. (See Matt 13:58.)

• Instead, we are urged:

• to walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16). This is walking with the Lord continually.
• to live with our minds set on what the Spirit wants. (Romans 8:5,13)
• to be led by the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:14)

Everyday we encourage you to call upon the Holy Spirit to help you walk in
purity, holiness and power in order to bring glory to God, our Father, and
the Lord Jesus Christ.

Note the words of the song:

“Come, Holy Spirit, I need You.
Come sweet Spirit, I pray. Come in Your strength and Your power.
Come in Your own gentle way.”

He is your closest Friend. He reveals Jesus to you. Love Him as you would
love Jesus and the Father.

III. Experiencing The Power of The Holy Spirit

Many Christians have called upon the Name of Jesus, asked forgiveness of their sins and received Him into their hearts. For most of their lives they live a good life and have assurance that they will go to heaven. But this is where they tend to leave their Christian walk. They leave it as a heartfelt, but somewhat mental commitment.

They will attend church, receive communion, contribute tithes and gifts, mentally digest sermons and seek to live a good life.

None of this is bad. It is all good. But Jesus intended that we should become a people ‘clothed with power from on high.’ See Luke 24:49

When giving instructions ‘through the Holy Spirit’ to the Apostles, Jesus said: “wait for the gift my Father promised … in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4,5

Jesus said:  “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
Acts 1:8

This event occurred at Pentecost, on the 50th (Greek: Pentecostis means
50th) day after Passover:

“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:3, 4

How can you experience this power?

1 Come in true surrender to God’s will for your life. (2 Cor 5:15)
2 Repent in true contrition for your sins. (Acts 2:38)
3 Experience the cleansing of your sins through the washing of Jesus
blood. (1 John 1:9)
4 Earnestly ask for God the Father to pour out His Spirit upon you. (Luke 11:13)
5 Be faithful to God. Maintain daily repentance and cleansing before
Him so as to walk in the Spirit. (Gal 5:16)
6 Treat the Holy Spirit as your Friend, Counsellor and Helper. (John 14:16)

What will be the results of this power?

Jesus said: “ I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing.” John 14:12

• You will tell others about Jesus and they will be saved. (Acts 6:10)
• You will experience miraculous answers to prayer. (Acts 12:1 -19)
• You will pray for the sick and they will recover. (Mark 16:18)
• You will overcome the demonic and other powers of the enemy. (Mark 16:17)
• Other signs/miracles will occur as you walk in the power of the Spirit.

Remember, the Holy Spirit sent Jesus into the desert (Luke 4: 1) and when He came out of the desert and returned to Galilee, He did so “in the Power of the Spirit.” (Luke 4:14)

Jesus began His ministry when the Holy Spirit came down upon Him (Matt 3:16 – 17). We begin our ministries when the Holy Spirit comes down upon us just as He descended upon the Apostles and the other people in the book of Acts. (Acts 2, 8, 9, 10, 19)

Conclusion:

Let us, therefore, pray that God will pour out His Spirit upon you; that you will walk in the Spirit and that God’s power and love will radiate from your life to bring Jesus to others and loose people from the bonds of sin and Satan.

Memorise these verses:
“am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” Luke 24:49

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We will continue next week with the next 2 chapters from the book: Becoming a Disciple of Jesus by Tony McLennan

For even more information please visit:  The God Revolution  & Australia for Jesus websites.

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Pastor Jeff’s Special Today:  “Faith without works” 

James states this Truth: “ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abrahman our Father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? …For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.“ (James 2:20-22,26).

Yes–Faith creates works; works perfect faith.

Being candid with yourself and the Holy Spirit, is this old pattern of being private in your faith, afraid to show that your faith creates works and your works perfect your faith, still blocking your serving your Almighty Creator today? Is there any remnant of this old pattern needing to be confessed to Him, your Teacher (Matthew 23:10)? Are there any old vows you made in this area that now need to be removed? Do you think this is only applicable to the disciples 2,000 years ago? Do you have any residue of a residue of this issue for such a time as this? Was it connected to your upbringing as a child? Was it a family pattern in any way?

God bless you as you seek His Holy Spirit Wisdom and Comfort on this issue. May you go forward on His path, “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1).