See n Say

Today you cannot turn on your television set without some cop show being shown. One of the more popular shows is “Law and Order”. I am not sure how many of you have seen this show, however, if you have not, I am sure that you have seen some police show where someone was arrested. When that person on TV was arrested, they always read them their “rights”.

The Miranda Rights is a warning given by police in the United States to criminal suspects in police custody before they are interrogated to preserve the admissibility of their statements against them in criminal proceedings. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”

While the Miranda rights if not given violates ones rights, I likewise believe that a saint, believer, or christian who is quite violates a even bigger spiritual law. Psalm 107:1-2 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! ²  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

If you are nearing the big "50" like me you will remember the toy every child loved while growing up and probably purchased a few for those little ones around you. It’s the famous and fabulous Fisher-Price “See n Say” that was introduced in the 1960’s. The one I remember the most growing up was the farmer’s "See n Say" which taught you the sounds you would hear around the farm or in the country. Very user-friendly just point the arrow and put the string and the "See n Say" would make the sound of the animal in the picture. The cow would moo. The pig would grunt. Chickens, birds, horses, roosters and so on, each making their unique, distinct and diverse God-given sound.   Well I believe that exactly what the Psalmist had in mind in Psalm 107: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! ²  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

1. Which one should say so! “Let the redeemed”

2. What one should say!  “redeemed of the Lord”

3. Why one should say so! “redeemed from trouble”

DON’T LET THE DEVIL STEAL YOUR PRAISE! If God has been good to you others ought see something and hear something.

The Power Of Positioning Yourself

I attended the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education hosted in the city of St. Louis. I walked through the American Convention Center, a massive place, in search of a restroom.  (this  was not a great experience after waiting a bit too long and cutting it a bit too close--BUT I made it.)  I walked into something that looked futuristic, an automatic public restroom..  Every  fixture had sensors  and it was totally hands-free. I am Not really a germ freak but I still appreciate a clean, modern bathroom especially with no-touch sensors on the urinals, soap dispensers, faucets and paper towel dispenser and/or hand dryer. After I paid "my water bill" (lol) i walked away from the urinals and it flushed automatically. I then headed to wash my hands and stood and watched an older gentleman struggling to get the water to flow. I told him that he would have to position his hands just below the faucet to start the flow and again the same with soap dispenser.  He struggled but finally got it. Then for the finale, he just could not close the deal with the paper towel dispenser. So patiently shared with him that he would need to make sure his hands were In the right position in order to get out the machine what had been placed in it to achieve the desired outcome.  With a little coaching he was very appreciative  and thanked me, but as he walked away I realized how powerful that experienced was, THE POWER OF POSITIONING!    Positioning yourself is the key to being blessed & favored. If you want to succeed in your career, marriage, finances, business, family, or future then you must position yourself. If you are interested in positioning yourself to prosper in the plan for your life you will not want to miss reading the next paragraph!! God said to Joshua, Moses successor, who was to lead His people into the Promised Land, "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:7-9 ESV)   

If you want to position yourself to prosper in his plan: 

1. Be fearless verse 7a 

2. Be faithful verse 7b  

3. Be fruitful verse 8a  

4. Be focused verse 8b 

5. Be fixed verse 9   

What that restroom experience taught that older gentleman was everything he needed was provided he simply needed to position himself to enjoy the process and reap the benefits.

#Pause&PonderWithPastorG Your words matter. Your life will follow what come from your lips. Your word are powerful BUT God's Word is more powerful. So began today to declare & decree life NOT death over your family, finances & future... Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21 ESV)

Thank You For Your Service

Honoring our heroes 2day- "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened." -Billy Graham

God Is Working

#Pause&PonderWithPastorG I declare & decree that God is WORKING on your behalf! In Jesus' Name! Just because you don't see things happening, doesn't mean things aren't happening...Things are always happening. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:1-3 ESV)

God Want To Talk To You

#Pause&PonderWithPastorG Today, I declare and decree that God will and wants to talk with you! That may not be a surprise to you but how many times have you desired, long and begged to hear from God? What then is the problem? Has God gotten too busy or have we gotten to busy? Has God failed to show up for the prayer time or have we failed to show up? Has God become so preoccupied with problems or have we been preoccupied with our problem? Has God loss power or have we loss faith in His power? If you want to hear from God find a place and tell Him what you need, thank Him for what He’s done and worship Him for who He is. 1 Samuel 3:9-10 ESV Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

God is in Control

#Pause&PonderWithPastorG Today, I declare & decree that God is in control! God’s sovereignty! And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV) What an amazing promise not only because it demonstrates that an all-powerful God cares about you and me, but because it cannot be fulfilled unless the One Who gives it is all-knowing, all-wise, all-powerful, and all-loving. The promise itself is a testimony to God’s sovereignty. Think about the implications of that promise. Because God is sovereign and He loves you, nothing will ever come into your life that He does not either decree or allow. Consequently, no matter what you face in life, you can take comfort in the fact that God is sovereign. 

Inspiring story

Every morning I get up and I wonder what I might learn that day. You just never know. George Dawson 1898-2001 (A man who was the grandson of a slave, who learned to read at age 98 & then became a best-selling author of Life is so good!) Before his death in 2001, he received two honorary doctoral degrees & there is an middle school named in his honor. It's Never Too Late To Learn! Inspiring story.    In 1996 a literacy volunteer knocked on 98-year-old Texan George Dawson's door and told him adult education courses were being taught a few blocks away. Mr. Dawson responded eagerly, "Wait, I'll get my coat." A poor son of the Jim Crow era, born on a rocky farm, Dawson was sent away at age 12 because his family needed his wages and wanted one less mouth at the table. His younger siblings went to school, but for George it wasn't an option. His life-long yearning to read fueled his determination; he eventually learned to read at a 3rd grade level and continued going to school nearly till his death at 103

It's NOT Just For Thanksgiving Day Anymore

Good Morning! I'm so very thankful... It has been insightful and informative to think through the many reasons I have to be thankful each day. The Lord impressed on my heart to challenge the church to daily journal three (3) things that they are thankful for & weekly express to three (3) people how thankful they are for God placing them in their life. Here's the theme for this months sermon series called March THANKFULNESS "When you "think" more, you will "thank" more!" the following is my accumulated list for the week.
 I am thankful for:
Salvation I'm saved
Grace I'm favored
Mercy I'm secured
Sanctification I'm becoming
Transformation I'm changed
My wife Janice
My Mother 
My Father
My 4 brothers
My 4 sisters 
My 5 children 
My 8 grandchildren
God's greatness
God's knowledge 
God's power
God's patience 
God's kindness
God's love
God's tenderness
God's touch
God's presences 
Try it! It's amazing what starting the day out with thanksgiving will do. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

What God's Word says about Friendship

I posted a blog a few weeks ago about friendship and on this past Wednesday I was asked to share with the Tabitha Church [www.tbcokc.net] and my long time friend Pastor J. L. Mitchell [who was celebrating his 20th anniversary}. I was asked to attend a service dedicated to praying for the different areas of the pastor-teacher’s life. I was particularly as to pray from a friend for a friend and the friendship surrounding the man of God. I found it fascinating and even captivating how much the Bible has the say about friendship. So I wanted to share with you a few things that God’s Word says about friendship.

1. What the Bible says about becoming a true friend.
Proverbs 18:24 24 A man of many companions •may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

2. What the Bible says about becoming a wise friend.
Proverbs 13:20 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

3. What the Bible says about becoming a friend like Jesus.
John 15:13 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

4. What the Bible says about becoming a strong friend.
Proverbs 27:17 17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

5. What the Bible says about becoming a loyal friend.
Proverbs 17:17 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

6. What the Bible says about becoming a friend or choosing a friend.
Proverbs 22:24-25 24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

7. What the Bible says about becoming a powerful friend.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than •one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is •alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

8. What the Bible says about becoming a friend of the greatest friend.
James 4:8 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9. What the Bible says about becoming cautious in friendship.
Proverbs 12:26 26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

10. What the Bible says about becoming confidant in friendship.
Proverbs 15:22 22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Here’s my point friends need to be chosen carefully and cautiously. When you find a friend be a very good one.

A Most Dangerous And Difficult Calling

This is from Equipping Leaders for Innovative Ministry website & thought it would be encouraging & informational to you. It allows you a private look into the pastor's office & life. It will help you appreciate your pastor much more.

Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru, said that the four hardest jobs in America (and not necessarily in order, he added) are:
The President of the United States
A university president
A CEO of a hospital and
A pastor
Do you believe that?

Some of you may think that it's a dream job. You can read the Bible all day, pray, play a little golf and preach.

Here is the secret. Being a pastor is hard work. It’s not for the faint of heart.

The reality is - the job of a pastor can be 24/7 and carry unique challenges.
Some pastors wear themselves out trying to help people. Some wound their family because they are so involved in ministry. Others flourish in their ministry and personal life.  Here are a couple of statistics about pastors.
90% of pastors said the ministry was completely different than what they thought it would be like before they entered the ministry. 
70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they first started.
40% report a conflict with a church member at least once a month. 
85% of pastors said their greatest problem is they are tired of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors. 
The #1 reason pastors leave the ministry is that church people are not willing to go the same direction and goal of the pastor. Pastors believe God wants them to go in one direction but the people are not willing to follow or change. 
40% of pastors say they have considered leaving their pastorates in the last three months.
70% of pastors do not have someone they consider a close friend.
50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years. 
70% felt God called them to pastoral ministry before their ministry began, but after three years of ministry, only 50% still felt called. 
4,000 new churches begin each year and 7,000 churches close. 
Over 1,700 pastors left the ministry every month last year. 
Over 3,500 people a day left the church last year. 
50% of pastors feel so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living. 
45.5 % of pastors say that they've experienced depression or burnout to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence from ministry. 
According to the Barna report - the profession of “Pastor” is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions, just above “car salesman”.

This is a most dangerous and difficult calling - not to be entered into lightly - and it is a calling that is in dire need of the prayers and support of those in the church, family and of close, personal confidants.  That begs the question, are you praying for your pastor?  Pastor, do you have someone in your life who is safe? Someone you would consider a friend?

We can't just set aside one month as Pastor Appreciation Month, all the while relegating the other remaining 11 months as critique, criticize and combat the Pastor Months.  Pastors need our support and prayers.

The Fuller Institute, George Barna, and Pastoral Care Inc. provide the statistics I have used in this blog.

Thank You

This is one of my favorite poems. It has come in handy lately to help explain the departure of some people in my life. You can never take personal the absence of certain people in your life. Because People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
 
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
 
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
 
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
 
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
 
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Let Go & LIVE, LOVE & LAUGH!

Let Go & LIVE! Get over what others have done to you. Look past what others have said about you. Let go of what others have taken from you. Quit allowing your past to alter your present & worship God. Take you're eyes off that happened to you & worship God. Why? Because 2 Chronicles 20:15 tells Us this battle is not yours it's the LORD's!

The following is three reason you ought shout when life hurts...

The first God knows about your hurt.

The second God cares about your hurt.

The third God can help your hurt.

Yes, they meant it for evil against you, BUT God meant it for good, Genesis 50:20

Ten Things My GrandChildren Will Never Know

Hello family,

It's been a while since my last post. School has begun again and the requirements of a new semester are great. I will soon balance my new schedule and return to my weekly blogging. I was surfing the net and ran across a article on 10 things our kids won't know. I thought it was a informative like had thing on he lst like mailing a letter, writting monthly bills out with checks, long distant bills, not have the internet at their finger tips, buying a set of encyclopedias or a typing class. So I thought it would be fun to put my own twist on it and creat my own list.

Ten things my grandchildren will never experience or know...

1. A piece a candy for a penny
2. A drive-in movie & hook that speaker on the window
3. A rotary house phone connected to the wall by a cord
4. A record or a 8 track tape player
5. A book of food stamps
6. A outhouse
7. A black & white television with just 4, 5, 9, & 13 channels only
8. A can of potted meat, peanut butter or powered milk
9. Bunk-beds with a third bed
10. Five hamburgers for a $1

Day 21 of 21 Days

What awesome day we had today in worship...Janice started the day out ministering at the Prospect Baptist Church For their women. Dr. Lee E. Cooper Jr. Is doing some amazing things both with that church as well as his involvement in the Oklahoma City community. Janice did us proud as she stood tall sharing the Father's Love To His Daughters, plus it was very encouraging to fellowship with other believers. The ladies from MyGreaterBethel show up heavy. Then it was back to Bethel for the close of our time of corporate praying and fasting, as we wrapped up both our current sermon series and our 21 day fast. It was like revival today. The Spirit of God was especially visible in the praise and worship...as well as receptive hearts to God's Word today.

Today us day 21 so i just want to just share a few simple points from John chapter 21: Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." (John 21:3-10 ESV)

This passage come on the hills of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection...the disciples have seeming lost their joy. Peter is broken in spirit and decides to go back fishing. Now I cannot take credit for this thought but it was share in one my favorite sermons by my late mentor and friend Dr. A Glenn Woodberry, he said that when you find yourself up against yourself we often times revert back to the people, places and things we use to do. So, in Peter's case Peter went back fishing. When we met Peter he was fishing so after he had suffered from "foot & mouth condition" for 3years with Jesus & denied Jesus, watched Him die. Peter say to "H.E.(double hockey sticks)" I'm going back fishing. Anybody know anything about going backwards? When going forward seems to be filled with challenges it much more comfortable to go backwards than forwards.

But how many of you know that Jesus loves you too much to let us go back. So after Peter goes back to his fishing business. Jesus show up on the shore to let Peter know that there was no way he was going allow Peter to give up so easily. After toiling all night trying to get his fishing groove back morning has come and the had caught nothing. It very tempting to share that the Bible said Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore... After your darkest most unproductive nights Jesus will be right there. When you feel like you have lost it, failed, fumbled & stumbled know that Jesus will be right there.

Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Peter knows it Jesus and he swims to the shore to find what? You guessed it the very thing that had been toiling for all night.

Here's the shout and I will leave you... When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. They had been fishing all night for fish. Jesus directs to fish by telling to cast their nets to the other side, only for them to get to the shore to find Jesus having fish and bread already. What's a problem for us isn't a problem for Jesus.

Thank you so much for listening to my random thought today...I'm working from my iPad this evening, so please forgive me for my typing any any typos. We have another exciting series coming up in february that will simply ignite the revival that has begun as a result of our fasting and praying. Begin praying NOW for the next move of God. See you soon

Day 19 of 21 Days

We’re hours away from reaching the finish line. This corporate time of fasting and prayer will then unleash a spiritual revival among God’s people. This will not be the end but only the beginning of something supernatural for your faith, your finances, your family, and your future. I know that physically you’re looking forward to the end of the fast but I beg of our be just as enthusiastic about what God is going to began to do in your life. I can’t say it enough but thank you fasting family and friends. Yesterday we ended chapter 18:38-40 as Pilate goes back outside to the Jews and told them, I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews? They cried out again, Not this man, but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber.

Jesus at the age of 33, as He hung on a cross, having paid the price for the world’s sins, He declared in verse 20 It is finished! Note, however, that He did not say, "I am finished!" This was not a cry of defeat, but a shout of victory. This is not a cry of pain, but a cry of power. In the original Greek text, this phrase is one word of ten letters – “Tetelestai” - which literally means: “It is finished, it stands finished, and it always will be finished.”

The word, “Tetelestai,” was a word with which the people of Jesus’ day were very familiar. Today, I want us to think of some common ways in which the word was used as we consider the significance of this cry from the cross.

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Artists.

When a painter had completed his work, he would step back and say, “Tetelestai”- it is finished!" Jesus came to give us a full portrayal of what God is like. He was God in the flesh, come to make Himself known to us (John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.)

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Servants.

A master would tell his servant to go and do something, and when the servant had completed the task, he would come back and say, “Tetelestai”- I have finished the work that you gave me to do."

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Priests.

The Jewish people had to bring their sacrifices to the priest to be examined before it was offered on the altar, because it was against the law to offer an imperfect sacrifice. After the priest had examined the sacrifice, he would used the Hebrew or Aramaic equivalent of the word Jesus spoke from the cross, “Tetelestai”- It is perfect." Jesus Christ, dying on the cross, was God’s perfect, faultless sacrifice: the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Merchants.

To merchants, “Tetelestai,” referred to the paying of a debt. If you purchased something, the merchant would take your money and then would give you a receipt of payment. The receipt would say, “Tetelestai”- paid in full."

As sinners we were in debt to God for an amount we could never pay, we were in need of someone to pay the debt for us. In Christ, God took it upon Himself to pay for us what we owed to Him, making it possible for us, through acceptance of the payment He has made on our behalf to receive a full pardon! No wonder the Bible refers to eternal life as a gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9)! Because it is a gift, it is free. But also because it is a gift, it must be received.

This would be a fantastic to pray the prayer of salvation, whether for the first time or the 1,000^th time. Just simple repeat these word in your heart, “Dear God, I admit that you’ve not been first place in my life and I’ve made a mess of my life. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and we buried and rose from the grave Sunday more for my sins. I invite Jesus into my life to be personal Lord and Savior. And I pledge the rest of my life to learning with it means to be your child. In Jesus’ Name Amen!

If you prayed that prayer congratulations your are NOW apart of God family. Now you should find a bible teaching church. We would be glad to help you… just visit our website at www.MyGreaterBethel.tv and email us or simply join us this Sunday.

Here’s an outline that will give you a deeper view of the 19^th Chapter of John’s Gospel.

• The Trial Before Pilate: 18:28-19:15 (Mat. 27:11-25; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-5, 13-25)
• The Crucifixion: 19:16-37 (Mat. 27:26-56; Mk. 15:16-41; Lk. 23:26-49)
• The Burial: 19:38-42 (Mat. 27:57-66; Mk. 15:42-47; Lk. 23:50-56)

Day 18 of 21 Days

In our study of John’s gospel we come to John chapter 18 to the story of Jesus’ arrest. Here we see Jesus. We see him fully in control of his destiny. We see him full of majesty and authority even while being arrested as a common criminal. John does not want us to get the wrong idea about Jesus’ arrest. This arrest was like no other arrest you have ever heard about. In this situation the person being arrested is in charge. That’s right Jesus is in FULL CONTROL, even now! The mob that arrests Jesus think they are in charge but John lets us know in no uncertain terms that Jesus as the Lamb of God is voluntarily laying down his life in our behalf. I want you to see the power in this. Jesus isn’t sinking into to the hands of man to be handled any kind of way but Jesus surrendering His life for ours, his life in no way is being taking. Here are five point I want to hand you today and give you an helpful outline of all the thing I would give you if I had the time and space…(Big Smile)

1. We See Jesus’ Control In His Decision to go into Gethsemane (Verse 1-2).

Immediately after his prayer in John 17 Jesus leads his disciples across the Kidron valley into the Garden of Gethsemane. This is particularly significant because this is where Judas would expect to find him. Jesus knows that his hour has come. He is positioning himself to be arrested. John 18:1-2 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

2. We See Jesus’ Control In His Demeanor toward the hostile crowd (Verses 3-4).

He is not a nervous, scared criminal who has finally gotten caught. He is not a helpless victim of a lynch mob. He is still the Lord of Glory and King of Kings even in this most humbling of circumstances. John 18:3-4 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, when there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him came forward and said to them, Whom do you seek?

3. We See Jesus’ Control In His Demonstration of Power (Verses 5-6)

Look with me at John 18:5-6 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them, I am he. Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground. “When Jesus said, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” There is no question in my mind as to what happened in that verse. When Jesus spoke the words, “I am he,” the crowd was knocked down by the power of the Spirit. I’m not certain whether the whole crowd went down or if it was just the front people who were speaking to Jesus. But clearly this is a demonstration of Jesus’ control over the situation.

If Jesus had that kind of authority and power—the ability to speak the word and knock them to the ground, he clearly did not have to surrender to them. John tells us about this so that we will know beyond any doubt that Jesus was in control. No man took his life. He willingly laid it down as a sacrifice in your behalf and in my behalf.

4. We See Jesus’ Control In His Desire for the disciples to be release (Verses 7-8).

Look at his focus during this exchange in verses 4 thru 8. Think about all the questions Jesus might have asked. Think about all the arguments he might have brought in his own defense. He does not defend himself. But he does defend his disciples.

What is the design of his question to the mob? “Who do you want?” Isn’t it obvious that they want Jesus? It is. But Jesus is getting at something that is paramount in his mind at the time. He is forcing them to focus on him rather than his disciples. He is leading the conversation to this conclusion in verse 8, Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”

John adds this comment in verse 9, This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Usually when we read that kind of terminology we expect to find the quote somewhere in the Old Testament. But that is not the case here. Jesus is referring to Jesus’ words in John 17:12 where Jesus prayed, “None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

5. We See Jesus’ Control In His Dramatic of Healing to Malchus (verses 9-11).

There is Jesus face to face with the mob. Malchus is not just a servant of the high priest but he is “the” servant of the high priest. Behind Judas he is probably leading the crowd. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” Peter slings his blade toward Malchus and misses his head but cuts off his right ear. No one aims at an ear in that kind of situation. You want to make that first blow count. But Peter is no swordsman and does a sloppy job of trying to kill Malchus.

Have you ever tried to help Jesus in the wrong way? Peter is trying to help Jesus. But he is not moving in the spirit but in the flesh. And even though his intentions are right, he is actually doing more harm than good. He is going about a good thing in the wrong way and the result is that some sinner’s ear gets cut off.

Have you ever cut a sinner’s ear off? Have you ever approached him in some way that actually made it harder for him to hear the gospel than before he encountered you? I am embarrassed to say that I may have done that a few times in my ministry. Jesus always has to come behind us correct the mistake.

I could go on but I will at a later time revisit this idea because Malchus’ represents those unsaved people God has put in our lives that need to hear who Jesus is and what He has done for them. But we have to be careful not to be careless like Peter and cut off their ear. We cut of their ear when we suffer from 1. A lack of spiritual preparation. 2. Relying on carnal weapon to win a spiritual battle. 3. Looking at secondary causes rather than seeing the situation as Jesus saw it.

The healing of Malchus’ ear is actually recorded in Luke 22:51 where we are told that Jesus touched his ear and healed him. It’s very interesting to me that this is Jesus’ last miracle before his crucifixion.

Be blessed by the outline and I’ve enjoy sharing the Word with you throughout chapter 18 we’re just a few day about from chapter 21. See you in chapter 19 tomorrow.

• Jesus went forth—devotionally (v.1-3).
• Jesus went forth—willingly—confessing who He was (v.4-6).
• Jesus went forth—vicariously (v.7-9).
• Jesus went forth—to die—to drink the cup (v.10-11).
• Jesus was arrested, taken and bound (v.12-14).
• Peter's unnecessary denial: the denial of association (v.15-18).
• The world's unjust denial of Jesus (v.19-24).
• Peter's cowardly denial: the denial of separation (v.25).
• Peter's shattering denial: the denial of discipleship (v.26).
• Conclusion: Jesus' Word was fulfilled (v.27).
• Jesus led into the judgment hall (v.28-40).

Day 17 of 21 Days

Something truly miraculous is taking place around here…The last few Wednesday and Sunday services were epic. God is getting ready to do something out of this world for this church. I declare it in the powerful name of Jesus. Keep pushing we have 4 days left. Looking forward to seeking you in our midweek experience this evening.

Today, I want to share something that I not sure if I’ve ever shared before. One of the most encouraging experiences as a pastor is to be prayed for by someone else. Each Sunday morning for a number of years a group of faithful committed and capable followers of Jesus Christ arrive 30 or so minutes to pray. The prayers range from welcoming the Holy Spirit in, to singers, musicians, unchurched, unsaved, discouraged & depressed but somewhere in that solemn moments somebody will pray for the pastor. When someone prays for you in your presence, something special happens in your heart; you feel warmed, encouraged, loved and appreciated. There’s a sense of intimacy, when we’re holding hands and God simply slips in and embraces us all. I pray for the people that I’m privileged to pastor everyday. I’ve had the awesome task to pray for them in good time and bad time, times of celebration and sorrow. I stand before them each Sunday praying for them and speaking blessing over their faith, family, finance and future but it’s something special for one God’s sheep to recognize that while my pastor is called to be the Shepherd of this flock he’s still a sheep just like me and if he’ll pray for me I need to pray for him. It is one of the best ways to build relationships between people and pastor. Let me just take a moment to thank that group of saints that stand in the gap for Janice, my family and myself, it makes going the battle each and every Sunday and Wednesday a little easier.

It is one thing for us to pray for and with one another – to bring our brothers and sisters in Christ before the Lord in prayer – but it is quite another to realize that in Jesus we have someone interceding on our behalf. Do you know that Jesus prays for you? Do you know that he goes to the Father on your behalf and on our behalf?

Robert McCheyne once said this: “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” If you have had the experience of someone praying with you – of having someone right next to you, sitting beside you, bringing your concerns and needs before God, I invite you now to imagine Jesus doing exactly that.

In John Chapter 17 we catch a glimpse of the passion Jesus has for people. In this chapter are Jesus’ final moments with his disciples before being arrested, Jesus prays for his disciples. Knowing that he will be leaving them, praying for them is the best way to prepare them. Jesus prays for three things on our behalf: protection, perfection, and unification.

John 17:1 “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said Father…

1. Jesus prays for our protection!

Verse 14-15 “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one…”

2. Jesus prays for our perfection!

Verse 16-19 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; you word is truth. As you sent me into the world, And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also my be sanctified in truth.

3. Jesus prays for our unification!

Verse 20-23 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, In in them and you in me…”

Enjoy today’s reading and I will see you on day 18.

Jesus Prayed for Himself, 17:1-8

Jesus Prayed for His Disciples, 17:9-19

Jesus Prayed for Future Believers, 17:20-26

Day 16 of 21 Days

Can you believe that it’s been 16 days? We’re just a few days away from day 21. Congratulation Fasting family and friends for hanging in there with us. Today, I want to just share a few words about chapter 16 of John’s Gospel. Jesus is teaching his disciples because they are about to endure something unlike they had in there life. There happiness is about to be challenged but He promises joy that will come with the Spirit of God. Now in order to really understand what Jesus is saying we have to deal with the difference between “happiness” and “joy.” So let’s jump right in…

We tend to equate “happiness” with joy but they are two totally different ideas because they each spring from a different source. One comes from the world around me. The other originates directly from the Spirit of the Living God. Happiness is conditioned by and often dependent upon what is “happening” to me. If people treat me good, if things are going well in my life, then I’m happy. If my circumstances aren’t favorable, then I’m unhappy.

Joy, on the other hand, throbs throughout Scripture as a profound, compelling quality of life that transcends the events and disasters, which may dog God’s people. Joy is a divine dimension of living that is not shackled by circumstances. The Hebrew word means, “to leap or spin around with pleasure.” In the New Testament the word refers to “gladness, bliss and celebration.”

Jesus continues teaching and preparing His disciple for crucifixion. Chapter 16:1 & 4 “I have said all these things to you to keep you form falling away.” “But I have sad these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”

This outline should allow you to see a very difficult situation in a very different light. How God wants to give us joy over happiness in spite of persecution.

• Jesus warned that religionists would persecute and kill believers (v.1-2)
• The reason for the persecution religionists do not know God nor His Son (v.3)
• The preparation for persecution (v.4-6)
• The Holy Spirit helps believers (v.7)
• The Holy Spirit convicts and convinces the world (v.8-11)
• The Holy Spirit convicts: Of sin, righteousness, and judgment (v.8)
• The Holy Spirit guides believers (v.12-13)
• The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus (v.14-15)
• The Resurrection perplexes people (v.16-19)
• The Resurrection brings joy—irrepressible joy (v.20-22)
• The Resurrection gives open access into God's presence (v.23-24)
• The Resurrection reveals all about the Father (v.25-27)
• The Resurrection validates the Messiahship of Jesus (v.28)
• The Resurrection exposes weak faith (v.29-32)
• The Resurrection makes available true peace (v.33)