GOD STILL SPEAKS SERIES BASED ON MARK AND PATTI VIRKLERS BOOK ; FOUR KEYS TO HEARING GOD’S VOICE Hab 2:1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will look forth to see what he will speak with me, and what I shall answer concerning my complaint. 2 And Jehovah answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it. (ASV) Key #1 “I will stand at my guardpost WAIT QUIETLY BEFORE THE LORD SELECT APPROPRIATE TIME SELECT APPROPRIATE PLACE SELECT APPROPRIATE ATMOSPHERE
Key #2 I will keep watch and see VISIONS DREAMS PICTURES Key #3 What He will speak to me…” SPONTANOUS THOUGHTS FLOWING THROUGH YOUR MIND Key #4 Then the Lord said, “Record the vision…” -WRITE IT DOWN -DRAW IT
KEEP A JOURNAL Habakkuk 2:1,2
Key #1 “I will stand at my guardpost QUIET YOURSELF SO YOU CAN HEAR GOD’S VOICE “My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.” (Psalm 62:5, NASU) REMOVING OUTER NOISE 1.__________________________________________________________________________________ 2.__________________________________________________________________________________ 3.__________________________________________________________________________________ REMOVING INNER NOISE (VOICES, THOUGHTS, PRESSURES) PROBLEM SOLUTION
Thoughts of things to do. 1. Write them down so you don’t forget them.
Thoughts of sin-consciousness. 2. Confess your sin and clothe yourself with t
Ge 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. 6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7 for, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves came round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. 8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? Or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. 9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed yet a dream: and, behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me. 10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren; and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? 11 And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind. (ASV) Your Dream is the Most precious thing that you have Focus on it Like Joseph did , inspite of the challenges and the Lord will show himself strong. FACTS ABOUT A FOCUSSED VISION FOCUS DOES NOT COME NATURALLY TO MOST PEOPLE – THEY ARE TO MANY CHOICES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOCUSSED VISION INCREASES YOUR ENERGY – WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR TARGET YOU WILL BE ENERGIESD ; IF YOU LACK FOCUSSED VISION YOU WILL BE ALL OVER THE PLACE ; ATTEMPTING TO DO EVERYTHING, WHICH IS LIKE ATTEMPTING TO DO NOTHING FOCUSSED VISION ENERGY LIFTS YOU – IN A WORLD OF MEDIOCRICITY – JUST KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT TO DO , THEN MAKING AN EFFORT TO DO IT, DISTINGUISHES YOU , SEPARATES YOU FROM THE CROWD. FOCUSSED VISION EXPANDS YOUR LIFE ; IT CHALLENGES YOU TO CHANGE ; MIKE KENDRICK SAYS WHAT YOU FOCUS ON EXPANDS FOCUSSED VISION MUST BE INTENTIONALLY SUSTAINED ; OUR ATTENTION SPANS ARE LIMITED ; WHAT SEPARATES THE CHAMPIONS FROM THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IS CONCENTRATION ; DEFINATION OF SUCCESS :- SUCCESS IS THE PROGESSIVE REALIZATION OF A PREDETERMINED WORTHWHILE GOAL ; SUCCESS IS NOT AN EVENT ; IT IS A PROCESS – PROCESS TAKES TIME , FOCUS IS REQUIRED. HOW TO HAVE A FOCUSSED VISION BE INTENTIONAL – MAKE EVERY ACTION COUNT CHALLENGE YOUR EXCUSES DO NOT LET YESTERDAY HIJACK YOUR ATTENTION FOCUS ON THE PRESENT STAY FOCUSSED ON RESULTS – DO NOT FOCUS ON THE DIFFICULTY OF THE WORK – IF YOU DWELL ON DIFFICULTY TOO LONG YOU WILL DEVELOP SELF- PITY INSTEAD OF SELF- DISCIPLINE ; YOUR ATTENTION WILL BECOME SCATTERED INSTEAD OF FOCUSSED ; WHEN YOU FOCUS ON RESULTS YOU WILL STAY POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGED. ; AVOID DIFFICULT PEOPLE THEY WILL DISCOURAGE YOU. -TYPES OF PEOPLE A) REFRESHERS – THEY INSPIRE YOUR DREAMS AND ENERGIZE YOUR TALENTS B) REFINERS – THEY SHARPEN YOUR IDEAS AND CLARIFY YOUR VISION C) REFLECTORS – THEY MIRROR YOUR ENERGY , NEITHER ADDING NOR SUBTRACTING FROM IT D) REDUCERS – THEY TRY TO REDUCE YOUR VISION AND EFFORTS TO THEIR LEVEL DEVELOP AND FOLLOW YOUR PRIORITIES – ‘ IF YOU CHASE TWO RABBITS , BOTH WILL ESCAPE , THE STORY OF THE GREEDY HYENA FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS , NOT YOUR WEAKNESSES DELAY REWARDS UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE
ARE YOU READY? 1Sa 17:34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant was keeping his father’s sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. (ASV) The bible teaches that God has great plans for those who love him and are called by his name. The question is, are we READY for what God has in store for us? David prepared for greatness before it became a reality for him. He kept his father’s sheep , before he became a shepherd and a king of Israel He faced lions and bears and protected his fathers few sheep before he could protect the entire nation from goliath and enemy armies. ARE YOU PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WHERE YOU WANT TO GO. IMPORTANCE OF GETTING READY THEY WILL BE GREAT CHALLENGES TO YOUR DESTINY YOU ARE GETTING READY TO BE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE OPPORTUNITY THE LORD IS OPENING FOR YOU WHAT YOU DO EARLIER IN LIFE DETERMINES WHAT YOU WILL BE LATER. GETTING READY MAKES YOU MORE INTENTIONAL IN YOUR MISSION AND PROJECT GETTING READY GIVES YOU THE CONFIDENCE TO FINALLY VENTURE OUT IN FAITH WHY DO PEOPLE FAIL TO PREPARE They fail to see the value of preparation before action They fail to appreciate the value of Discipline PREPARATION PRINCIPLES Preparation Allows You to Tap into Your Talent Preparation is a Process , not an Event Preparation Precedes Opportunity Preparation for Tommorrow Begins with the Right Use of Today Preparation Requires Continually Good Perspective Good Preparation Leads to Action HOW TO EVALUATE YOURSELF TO SEE IF YOU ARE PREPARING YOURSELF WELL WHERE DO I NEED TO GO? HOW FAR IS MY GOAL? WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET THERE AM I LINED UP CORRECTLY AM I VISUALIZING CORRECTLY / AM I LOOKING AT THE RIGHT TARGET / AM I SEEING THE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS / WHERE IS GOD IN THE BIGGER PICTURE?
Moving your Marriage from the rocks to The Rock – Series 007 – Avoiding Mistakes couples when beginning a marriage relationship Ge 24:58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. (ASV) Ge 24:58 And they sent for Rebekah and said to her, Are you ready to go with this man? And she said, I am ready. (BBE) Avoid sex before marriage it destroys trust in the marriage later Do not assume that the person you intend to marry will be good, because the parents are good. Ask yourself are they truly commited to God? Do not marry just because your parents say so. Is the person you intend to marry your friend. Do not marry early and then regret later, because you feel you have missed out on somethings. Do not expect your beloved friend to change after the marriage. Do not deceive yourself that you will be able to change the negative aspects you do not like about them. No my friend you cannot change another human being. Consider your financial positions. Love alone won’t pay the bills. Consider the racial , tribal differences and prepare well to face any challenges Consider the educational differences and decide appropriately. Consider where you will stay.
THE LOVE STORY Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) This Verse SUMS up the salvation Story : A love Story. It all starts with God’s love. 1Jo 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (KJV) GOD’S ESSENCE IS LOVE; HE ALWAYS ACTS IN LOVE YOU HAVE BECOME PART OF A FAMILY WHOSE CORE VALUE IS LOVE YOU ARE LOVED MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER UNDERSTAND NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE , WHO YOU ARE , WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. YOU ARE LOVED BEYOND MEASURE Jer 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. {of…: Heb. from afar} {with lovingkindness…: have I extended lovingkindness unto thee} (KJV) YOU WERE CREATED TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD GOD CREATED ADAM AND EVE FOR FELLLOWSHIP AND RELATIONSHIP, BUT THEY LISTENED TO THE ENEMY’S LIES AND CHOSE TO BE LIKE HIM AND INDEPENDENT FROM HIM. BY AGREEING TO THE ENEMY THE LOST ALL THE GOOD THINGS GOD HAD PLANNED FOR THEM. GOD’S HEART WAS BROKEN WHEN MAN BROKE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, BUT ….. HE MADE A WAY THROUGH CHRIST JESUS JESUS TOOK OUR PLACE ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY AND DIED THE DEATH WE DESERVED. BEING THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD , DEATH COULD NOT HOLD HIM CAPTIVE ; HE RESSURECTED AND MANY SO HIM ALIVE TEACHING, EATING AND DRINKING WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM GOD ASKS US TO ONLY BELIEVE NOT ENOUGH THAT JESUS WAS A GOOD TEACHER, GOOD MORAL EXAMPLE, A HOLY MAN , NOT ENOUGH TO SEE HIM AS AMONG THE MANY GODS JESUS IS FULLY GOD AND FULLY MAN ; A MIRACLE AND A MINISTRY ; MILLIONS OF CHANGED AND TRANSFORMED LIVES ARE EVIDENCE OF THIS REALITY. HE IS OUR SAVIOUR , LORD AND KING OVER ALL Re 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (KJV) Da 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. (KJV) Ps 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. (KJV) IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO KNOW THIS TRUTH ALONE ; EVEN THE DEVIL AND DEMONS KNOW THIS TRUTH , BUT WE MUST PERSONALLY BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOUR. WE MUST BE WILLING TO COMMIT OUR LIVES TO HIM TRUSTING HIM TO BE OUR SAVIOUR , LORD AND KING WE CAN DO NOTHING TO SAVE OURSELVES ; NO MATTER HOW MUCH GOOD WORKS YOU DO , YOU CAN NOT EARN YOUR WAY INTO GOD’S FAMILY WE CAN NEVER SATISFY DIVINE JUSTICE , NO MATTER OUR SACRIFICE OR PENANCE , BECAUSE WE ARE MERELY HUMAN. GOD ACCOMPLISHED OUR REDEMTION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST , WE COULD NOT DO IT ON OUR OWN. HE HAS PAID FOR OUR SINS AND ADOPTED US INTO HIS FAMILY. SENT THE HOLYSPIRIT TO LIVE IN OUR HEARTS ; HE HAS PROVIDED ALL WE NEED TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE ; PROVIDED AN ETERNAL HOME FOR US WHERE WE WILL LIVE WITH HIM FOREVER ; HE IS OUR SAVIOUR GOD HAS DONE HIS PART AND CLEANSED US FROM OUR SINS AND MADE US NEW CREATURES ; BUT SOMETIMES WE ARE TEMPTED AND FALL INTO SIN And our OLD NATURE WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE FALL? REMEMBER THAT GOD LOVES YOU AND THAT HE IS YOUR SAVIOUR DO NOT TRY TO WORK YOUR WAY INTO HIS PRESENCE BY BEING EXTRA GOOD DO NOT TRY TO HIDE FROM HIM IN SHAME OR EMBARASMENT , BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO LIVE THE WAY YOU THINK HE EXPECTS YOU TO. DO NOT WITHDRAW FROM HIM IN GUILT ,BECAUSE OF YOUR FAILURE AND WEAKNESS Ps 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; And the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children’s children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his precepts to do them. 19 Jehovah hath established his throne in the heavens; And his kingdom ruleth over all. (ASV)
1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (ASV) AS SOON AS YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE SINNED RUN TO HIM FOR FORGIVENESS AND CLEANSING THE SAME POWER IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST THAT GAVE YOU SALVATION ; IS THE SAME POWER THAT WILL KEEP YOU CLEAN , HOLY ,AND SANCTIFIED. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE A DEFEATED CHRISTIAN LIFE IN SIN,GUILT AND SHAME. NOT JUST SAVIOUR ,BUT LORD IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO RECOGNIZE JESUS SAVIOUR , BUT YOU MUST ALSO RECOGNIZE HIM AS LORD. 2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen. (ASV) MEANING OF THE NAME LORD :- One who has authority ,power , control over others, such as a monarch , master , ruler. ON the contrary todays society values : individualism, independence and democracy. Believing Jesus as your Lord means you make him your Lord, master and King. Mt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. (ASV) His will becomes your will. You live only please and obey Him. You give Jesus Christ the right to control and direct your life You actively ask for His direction and wisdom. You find out what He wants you to do , then you do it faithfully. You submit yourself to His AUTHORITY and you do not insist on doing things your own way. It is safe to surrender your will to Him, remember ,He is the all knowing all powerful God . He know the end from the beginning. Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; (ASV) GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE AN EXTRA ORDINARY LIFE FULL OF JOY, PEACE, LOVE, YOU CAN TRUST HIM WITH YOUR FUTURE IF YOU LISTEN TO HIM AND OBEY HIM , HE WILL LEAD YOU TO A LIFE FULL OF HOPE , ABUNDANCE, MORE BLESSED IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE YOU MAKE HIM LORD IN YOUR LIFE HE BECOMES YOUR SAVIOUR AND BRINGS IN GREAT DELIVERANCE. IN THE SCRIPTURE JESUS IS REFERED TO AS LORD AND SAVIOUR NOT SAVIOUR AND LORD. HIS LORDSHIP COMES FIRST. HE IS SAVIOUR OF YOUR FINANCES AFTER HE IS LORD OVER YOUR FINANCES HE IS SAVIOUR OVER YOUR HEALTH AFTER HE IS LORD OVER YOUR BODY WHEN YOU SUBMIT TO HIM AS KING , YOU ENTER INTO HIS KINGDOM AND OPERATE AT A HIGHER LEVEL THAN THE EARTHLY KINGDOMS.
