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Surely-Surely
Psalm 91:2-3 “ I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I confidently trust! Surely (for then) He will deliver You from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.”
In the world of 2012 you hear a lot of people say, “I have a lot of trust issues.” This mean they don’t trust easily. This is not a bad thing. Our main trust should be in the Lord, our God. There are two words in these verses that are very important.
The word, trust, means to rely on the integrity of someone who is being true to you. We can rely on the integrity of God. David said in 2 Samuel 22:31 “As for God, His way is perfect, the Word of the Lord is tried; He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him.”
The second important word is “surely.” It means firmly, unerringly, without missing; undoubtedly, certainly, assuredly, without fail; yes, indeed. When we trust in the integrity of God’s Word, we know He will certainly deliver us from the attacks of the enemy. Hebrews 13:6 “…for He (God) Himself has said, ‘I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not!!’”
Pastor Jerry and I have been in “shadow of the Almighty (whose power no foe can withstand).” His complete healing and deliverance will come because we trust in the integrity of God’s Word. Some days you only need to say, “surely, surely, surely!”
Yes, indeed! Yes, indeed!
If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God’s love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God’s love in me), I gain nothing. Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail…Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth]. 1 Cor. 13-1-8
THE HOLY ALPHABET
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not began to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to you
Move out of “Camp Complaining”
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To “thank” is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there’ll be good times and some bad
Zion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!
This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:21-26
At some point in our lives we all have said, “I wish I could go back and make a different choice, correct a mistake, do something over again. The good news is the past is already out of God’s mind. He makes all things brand new and gives us a chance to make today a better day. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come but we do have today.
Through God’s mercy today is the first day of the rest of our life. We can’t use up His mercies. We can wake up with a sense of God’s marvelous grace. Knowing and accepting the Lord’s mercies keep us from living with guilt or discouragement because of poor choices we may have made in the past.
God never intended for us to be stuck in the past with a “what if mentality.” Having a “what if mentality” will cause us to never step into the future of God’s promises. In a supernatural way God give gives us a new start every day.
God’s mercies are new every morning. Not mornings according to how I may feel. Even those mornings when you just want to put the sheet over your head and not get up. God is there with a hand extended saying to you, “come on today is a new day, my mercy is new, accept it.
“Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:16-18
Jesus heard what Peter was saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” From that statement Jesus made a declaration. “I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. True to his word Jesus has been building his church and continues to do so to this very day.
Continues meaning- to last or make something last beyond the present or throughout a period of time. The church continues to be built as the gospel is been preached and souls are added to the Kingdom of God. We are the Church Jesus is building as the Holy Spirit is moving among us today!
“RIDE OR WALK”
Acts 2:1 “And when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”
There has been the joke going around for several years that ask the question, “Where is a car listed in the Bible?” Most people can’t get it and so you respond with “An Accord” from the verse Acts 2:1. “They were all with (in) one accord.”
“With one accord” means being unanimous, having mutual consent, and being in agreement, having group unity, having one mind and purpose. The disciples had intellectual unanimity, an emotional rapport, and volitional agreement in the newly founded church. In each of its occurrences it shows a harmony leading to action.
In order for our church to go anywhere, we need to be in the same car and going in the same direction. Our purpose and vision must be the same to move on as pioneers and not “settle” down in one place.
Notice this verse also says with one accord “in one place.” Coming together for the services in so important to make sure we are still going in the same direction. Support the two services Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Sunday mornings includes corporate praise and worship and anointed teaching and preaching of the Word. Don’t leave out Wednesday nights. Bible Study and prayer from 6:30 to 7:30 are not very long to stay connected with the body. This is a service that most people neglect. “Well, pastor, you don’t know how hard I work and it is really difficult to get there.” I know some people have to work on Wednesdays and don’t have time to get there. To get the whole picture and direction of the church, try to come together in prayer on Wednesday nights.
Flying If God is your Copilot – you’re in the wrong seat!
Unconditional Love Yes, God loves us all, but He favors “fruits of the spirit” over “religious nuts!”
The Message Our job isn’t to change the message. Our job is to let the message change us.
Romans 15:13 Now by the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Hope mean’s “to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment.
It seems as if some people are optimistic by nature. Whereas some may see a glass half full and the other one sees a glass half empty. One person sees the dark side of every cloud while the other looks for the silver lining.
The hope I am talking about is not based on our individual temperament. If it was it would be an empty, blind hope.
When we are standing in faith and seems as if our faith is quit working it hasn’t, we have just begin to lose hope. When things we are believing for take s long time in coming we must keep hope alive for that is what keep us knowing God is faithful to His promises. Hope is not based on wishful or desperation but on our covenant with God. (Eph. 2:12) Your faith is intact, it is in you because the word is in you.
Church let hope come alive and began to see yourself with what God has promised you more than you can see yourself with without.
Sister Shirley
REASON FOR THE POWER
Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Many Christians experience the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and begin to live like this power was just for them to be used for themselves. That is not the reason God wants us full with His Spirit. ** Jesus had just said, “It is not yours to know the future (1:7), but it is yours to receive the Spirit’s power.” With these words He makes three points:
1. The Holy Spirit is the Person and the Power by which assistance and ability are given for serving, for sharing the life and power of God’s kingdom with others. It has been given to “witness” to others. That power is not to edify myself. Praying in tongues will “build you up” (Jude 20) you but the power “gifts” are for the body.
2. The Holy Spirit’s power must be “received.” It is not an automatic experience. As surely as the Holy Spirit indwells each believer (Rom. 8:9) so surely will He fill and overflow (John 7:37-39) each who receive the Holy Spirit in childlike faith. Ask for it.
3. When the Holy Spirit fills you, you will know it. Jesus said it and the disciples found it true. (Acts 1:5, 2:1-4)
Have you received the Holy Spirit? (Acts 19:1-6) You may, for the promise is as fully yours today as at any time in the past (Acts 2:38-39).
How much will New Life grow if we utilize this Power of the Holy Spirit to witness to the world around us?
**from NKJV KINGDOM DYNAMICS
“Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy will go on forever.” (Isaiah 61:7, The Message Bible)
None of us will get thru life without experiencing some kind of trouble. David in the Bible once confessed, “My soul is full of trouble.” Paul even cried out that Christians are often troubled on every side.
Sickness comes, promises are broken, divorce happens, employment lost, friends forsake us-trouble. But if we stay in faith God promises us, double for our trouble. It is during troubled times that we must hold onto the Word of God which promises us that whatever we lost–whatever the devil may have stole from us–as we remain faithful it shall be restored.
The Biblical definition of restoration: increase, multiplied or improved so that its latter state is significantly better than its original state.
GET READY-GET READY –GET READY FOR YOUR DOUBLE!!!
Numbers 21:16-17 “From there they went to Beer which is the well where the Lord said to Moses, ‘Gather the people together, and I will give them water.’ Then Israel sang this song,’ Spring up, O well! All of you sing it.”
Now is the time more than ever for all of New Life to continue to gather together to praise the Lord and hear His Word. Take note of this important text from New King James Spirit-filled Bible.
PRAISE CURES “DRY TIMES”
Praise is the cure for the “dry times” that come to every believer, for here the praise of God caused water to flow from a well. Note four truths:
1. God’s instruction–“Gather the people together.” There is unity and power in corporate gathering.
2. God’s promise–“I will give them water (life).”
3. The people’s responsibility–They sang “Spring up, O Well, All of you sing it.”
4. Our lesson–In times of pressure, anxiety, or depression, do not stay alone. Gather with God’s people, especially a praising people. Regardless of your personal feelings, join in audible praise, and sing to your well–the living God. Let your song be one of thanksgiving for past blessings and a song of faith in God’s promises for the present and the future!
We are listening to the services and “joining in” with all of you
To all my faithful friends and family and New Life for the Nations:
I have just finished the most trying month of my entire life. I am not going to “faith it”; I am simply going to be honest before God, His Word, and before you.
Every fiber of my being–Spirit, Soul, and Body–has been tested. The awesome thing is that “God is still able!” There have been times when I have felt my will power begin to slip, but through it all, I have never questioned God and His ultimate and decisive purpose in my life.
This has not been a battle about principles but rather a life and death struggle between a shepherd and a thief sent to kill, steal, and destroy. I appreciate the prayers, intercession, and daily battles that you have waged for me. There were those times as the writer said, “that I would have lost hope had it not been for the anchor that I would see the salvation of the Lord in the land of the living.”
These past weeks have not been an inconvenience or a roadside test of what I really believe. These circumstances and situations have literally attempted to strip my life of a sustaining hope. I give credit to everyone of you who have lain yourself on the line to stand in the gap for me. I want you to know “The anchor holds though the ship’s been battered.” I can finally say, “It is well,” and the storm is conquered.
There were times even though I believe the circumstances were defeated that I would not be able to survive the recovery. Saying, “Enough is enough!”seemed easier than declaring and possessing victory.
Regardless of how you feel about me or my ability to stand, please, keep on keeping on, standing and supporting the principles, faith, and people associated with New Life for the Nations. I am planning nothing less than full recovery. I ask you to accept nothing less and remain a support for everything that New Life has and does stand for.
Stand with me and watch a testimony that will blow the enemy’s vessels literally from the waters. Remember, when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him.
My God is neither too small nor His arm too short to bring the enemy down with glowing testimonies. I urge you to not falter now but to keep on keeping on and do not let the enemy discourage you through anything you see in me and and my circumstances.
I have a contract covenant with the Lord God Almighty, and He has promised that we will win. Continue to stand with me until the enemy is completely under our feet. I need you now more than ever.
Pastor Jerry
Rev. 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the Word their testimony…”
As I sit here beside Pastor Jerry in the hospital, sometimes I forget how many days we have been here. I asked the Lord what did I have to say to you, New Life for the Nations, to encourage you as your Pastor.
First let me tell you that we are not discouraged or defeated. We will overcome these circumstances by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Jesus has taken all of our sicknesses and diseases and by His stripes we are healed. We have accepted this for Pastor Jerry’s healing and stand upon it.
Isaiah 53:4-5 “Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses)and carried our sorrows and pains (of punishment), yet we ignorantly considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God (as if with leprosy). But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement (needful to obtain) peace and well-being for us was upon Him and with the stripes (that wounded) Him we are healed and made whole.”
We can feel your prayers and know you are standing on the Word with us.
Secondly, keep doing what you are doing until we return. Keep preaching, worshipping God, reading the Word, praying for one another, and giving your tithes and offerings to support the work of New LIFE.
Keep being faithful to support the vision of New Life.
Remember, you are the church. Be the church.
“Dare to Believe” is the challenge we all face. Do I believe what the Word says about my circumstances? Many people read about healing, prosperity, favor, wisdom, and all the other promises. It is another thing to stand on them in face of the adversary. I want to share three definitions of the word, dare.
1. “have courage for something” It takes courage to believe the Word. Sometimes those around you do not believe and really do not think you can believe. You can’t find courage to stand on the Word in your own strength. God gives us the promise and when we trust Him, He gives us the courage to stand. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
2. “have audacity to do something” This means to have the courage to do something that angers or outrages somebody. Anytime you begin to believe God, the devil gets mad. John 10:10 “The thief (the devil) comes but to steal, kill, and destroy,” but you resist him with the Word and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
3. “challenge someone” When you dare someone to do something, you challenge them. We dare you to believe the Word. It will change your circumstances.
*”No matter that the doubters tell you; no matter what the devil says; no matter what anybody, anybody else does. You just keep trusting Jesus; you’ll see and it won’t be long, that God is right and the doubters are wrong!’
“Oh, I dare to believe that miracles happen. That mountains still move and demons still flee. For the God that we serve,He is much more than able. So don’t be afraid, just stand up and say, “I dare to believe!” *Ray Boltz
“What does the Bible say about Christian mothers?”
Answer: Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women. A Christian mother is told to love her children (Titus 2:4-5), in part so that she does not bring reproach on the Lord and on the Savior whose name she bears.
Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5).
In Titus 2:4; the Greek word philoteknos appears in reference to mothers loving their children. This word represents a special kind of “mother love.” The idea that flows out of this word is that of caring for our children, nurturing them, affectionately embracing them, meeting their needs, and tenderly befriending each one as a unique gift from the hand of God.
Several things are commanded of Christian mothers in God’s Word:
Availability – morning, noon, and night (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Involvement – interacting, discussing, thinking, and processing life together (Ephesians 6:4)
Teaching – the Scriptures and a biblical worldview (Psalm 78:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:10; Ephesians 6:4)
Training – helping a child to develop skills and discover his/her strengths (Proverbs 22:6) and spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12)
Discipline – teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consistently, lovingly, firmly (Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15-17)
Nurture – providing an environment of constant verbal support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection, unconditional love (Titus 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4:29-32; 5:1-2; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:8-9)
Modeling with Integrity – living what you say, being a model from which a child can learn by “catching” the essence of godly living (Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 23; Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; Psalm 37:18, 37).
The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.
What has stolen your song?
I believe that God has given us all a song. It is put in our hearts, that place that only God can touch. We all know that life is tough and the road can be rough at times.
I sense in my spirit that many people are tired of fighting the good fight of faith. They are struggling to fight because they have lost their song, their joy.
One of the most popular passages in the Bible is Nehemiah 8:10: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Why is joy important? Because the “joy of the Lord is your strength!” Did you know that joy produces strength and strength is what is needed to fight this good fight of faith.
David in the Bible found himself in the wilderness of Judah but he did not lose his song. He wrote in Psalms 63:3-4 “Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name”
What has caused you to lose your song, your praise? It is time to take it back!
Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord!
Let’s unite in prayer and intercession for our nation during this critical time. The following is a guideline for prayer.
GOVERNMENT–“I urge, then, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I Timothy 2:1-2
CHURCH–“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:23
MILITARY–“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whereever you go.” Joshua 1:9 “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” Psalm 91:5-6
FAMILY–“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25
EDUCATION–“And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search of it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverb 2:3-5 “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.” Psalm 119:66
MEDIA–“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Phil. 4:8
BUSINESS–“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29 “You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.:” Deut. 25:15
PEACE OF JERUSALEM–“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper who love You. Peace be within your walls; prosperity within your palaces. For the sake of my brethern and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.'” Psalm 122:6-8
” He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called THE WORD OF GOD.” Rev. 19:13
Today we are focusing on the power and importance of the Word Of God. The Word of God is the only thing on this earth that is eternal. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away.” The Bible is the Word of God and it declarres that “His Word endures forever”.
The Scripture verse I quoted makes the direct connection between The Word and Jesus, Himself. “He honors His word above His Name.” This concludes the trust we can have in what God has said. God’s “feeling” has no affect on His Word. As a matter of fact, I believe God only “feels” what His Word says. If the Word says it, that is what He feels about it.
On the other hand, we humans can separate truth from feelings with little effort. We can know the truth(the right thing to do) and use our opposing feelings to chose a different course of action. This is why it is so important that our lives are controlled by the Word of God and not by our emotions(how we feel about something).
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
WORSHIP IS WARFARE (from Andrew Womack)
Mark 5:6, “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him.”
MATTHEW 8:28-34; MARK 5:1-17; LUKE 8:27-39
The word “worshipped” is taken from the Greek word “proskuneo” which means “to prostrate oneself in homage to; do reverence to; adore.” The fact that this tormented man ran to Jesus, and not away from Him, indicates that even “demon-possessed” people have a free will and Satan cannot control an individual without his consent.
Many battles have been fought over whether or not a Christian can be demon possessed. The Greek word for “possessed” literally means “to be demonized.” The Bible makes no clear distinction between degrees of demon activity (such as oppressed, depressed, possessed, etc.), but simply refers to people as being “demonized.” All Christians are fighting against spiritual powers. If we don’t put on the whole armor of God, Satan can certainly affect us or even control us.
The best way to administer deliverance is through God’s Word. As a person receives the Word, it will set him free and also help guard against this situation when the demon tries to come back in with seven other spirits. In severe cases of being demonized, the individual clearly needs the help of a believer, and that’s the reason why Jesus equipped all believers with authority over evil spirits.
Anointed praise and worship will also drive off evil spirits. One thing reserved for God alone is worship, and the devil has always sought that. If he can’t be the one to receive worship, then he seeks to turn others away from giving true worship to the most High God. Praise and worship to the Lord is such a powerful tool against Satan. He can’t stand to see God worshipped. Worship God today in spirit and in truth. The Father seeks those who will worship Him this way. He’s waiting for you.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” 2 Tim. 4:3
There is a difference of opinion and there is sound doctrine. God doesn’t operate by our opinion, He operates by His “sound doctrine”. The type of church service one has in form and structure can vary from church to church. One may be very formal, and one may be very casual and relaxed. I cannot see that God prefers one above the other as long as everything is do decently and in order. The real issue is that everything conforms to the truth of the doctrine presented in the Word of God.
Every issue is not clear cut and unmistakable. Doctrines can be subjective. Otherwise we could “all” agree on every issue. Many doctrines arise based on opinion. Therefore, the more we develop doctrine, the more chance we have of having disagreements. Many differences of opinion could be solved if we consider the background of the doctrines involved. Personality and personal agendas can influence ones interpretation of doctrine. Great conflicts can arise from using isolated Scripture as the foundation for our doctrine. Doctrine cannot be established on the basis of one unclear passage. It must be held up by a current of Scripture in keeping with the basic text of the entire Bible. Only then can we rest our belief on “Biblical truth”. Our doctrinal positions must conform to the very heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This position is witnessed to by the Holy Spirit in our lives. The doctrine of our teaching must conform to the “Spirit of God” as presented in the fullness of Scripture.
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