Blog: From Death To Life

Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. ESV

PICTURE: Pray Love Invite 

Ephesians 2:4-10 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ESV

VIDEO: Church Is A Verb

You are divinely purposed and uniquely gifted by God!

Ephesians 2:11-12 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ESV

Ephesians 2:13-22 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

We are citizens of heaven with a purposed assignment in the conquered territory of this fallen world. 

GP2RL: Read the book of Ephesians this week and continue to Invite people into your life, your love and your faith journey as the Holy Spirit directs.

Blog: Predetermined Goodness of God

Predestination is the predetermined goodness of God.

Eternal realities strain the brain. It’s the guy who was talking to God. He said, “Lord with you a million years is like a minute. So, a million dollars is like a penny. So can I just have a penny?” To which the Lord replied, “In a minute.”

Ephesians 1:11-14 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guaranteed of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. ESV

Predestination is not something we decide if we believe in or not. We all were predestined. 

What does that mean? Were we pre-planned and the decision is up to us or is the plan just hardwired in our hearts to happen? Are some people hardwired to go to heaven while others are hardwired to go to hell? This is exactly what some people believe.

It is not God’s will that any should perish but that all of mankind would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  If it is not God’s will for any to perish then God didn’t will for some to perish.

There are various examples of how man’s decision to repent changed God’s course of action.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “IF my people pray” God will move in the earth. Our prayers have influence on the outcomes in this world.

In Numbers 14 God says He’s going to wipe the Israelites out. Moses intercedes and God spares them. 

Isaiah gave a word from God telling Hezekiah to get his affairs in order because he was about to die. Hezekiah’s decision to repent changed the plan God had released over his situation.

2 Kings 20:1-6 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’” 2 Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, 3 “Remember now, O LORD, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 5 “Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD. 6 “I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.”’

St. Augustine said, “Without God, man cannot; without man, God will not.”

The choice is yours but God’s predetermined plan for you is to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Ephesians 1:15-23 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. ESV

Some things God desires to reveal cannot even be contained by your imagination. They must be carried in your spirit. This is why conditioning your spirit man in prayer, word, gathering and discipling others is so important!

There is a price to pay if you want to experience God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus paid it all for you to have salvation. Then it’s up to you to work out your salvation dying daily, sacrificially exploring these ancient wells and eternal realities. 

If you want a nice house but don't want to pay the price you can settle for a smaller house. If you want a nice car but you don’t want to pay the price you can settle for a smaller car. If you want to find your way into deeper places with God but you don’t want to pay the price you can settle for less.

GP2RL: Read the book of Ephesians this week and continue to Invite people into your life, your love and your faith journey as the Holy Spirit directs.

MORE ON GIFTS AND ONLINE GIFT ASSESSMENTS:

The Bible is very clear that we are to “follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy” (1 Corinthians 14:1). Gifts are God’s avenues to supernaturally empower God’s people to become a true expression of God’s Kingdom in the earth.

Exploring the gifts God has given to the church helps you identify with the things God has purposed as your strengths. There are a few options we suggest online such as www.freeshapetest.com and http://mintools.com/spiritual-gifts-test.htm

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

5 MINISTRY GIFTS:

Eph 4:11-16 speaks of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. The purpose of these gifts to inspire and awaken God’s people to understand their call to the work of the ministry in their everyday lives.

7 MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS:

Romans 12: 3-8 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. ESV

The motivational gifts are deeply seeded within us as a driving force to help us advance God’s Kingdom and to better understand who God has made us to be. 

THE MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS DEFINED

1. MOTIVATIONAL GIFT: PROPHECY

• To speak with forthrightness and insight, especially when enabled by the Spirit of God (Joel 2:28).

• To demonstrate moral boldness and uncompromising commitment to worthy values.

• To influence others in one's arena of influence with a positive spirit of social or spiritual righteousness. 

2. MOTIVATIONAL GIFT: SERVING

• To minister and render loving, general service to meet the needs of others.

• Illustrated in the work and office of the deacon (Matt. 20:26). 

3. MOTIVATIONAL GIFT: TEACHING

• The supernatural ability to explain and apply the truths received from God for the church.

• Presupposes study and the Spirit's illumination providing the ability to make divine truth clear to the people of God.

• Considered distinct from the work of the prophet who speaks as the direct mouthpiece of God. 

4. MOTIVATIONAL GIFT: EXHORTATION

• Literally means to call aside for the purpose of making an appeal.

• In a broader sense it means to entreat, comfort, or instruct (Acts 4:36; Heb. 10:25).

5. MOTIVATIONAL GIFT: GIVING

• The essential meaning is to give out of a spirit of generosity.

• In a more technical sense it refers to those with resources aiding those without such resources (2 Cor. 8:2; 9:11-13).

• This gift is to be exercised without outward show or pride and with liberality. (2. Cor. 1:12; 8:2; 9:11, 13)

6. MOTIVATIONAL GIFT: LEADERSHIP

• Refers to the one "standing in front."

• Involves the exercise of the Holy Spirit in modeling, superintending, and developing the body of Christ.

• Leadership is to be exercised with diligence. 

7. MOTIVATIONAL GIFT: MERCY

• To feel sympathy with the misery of another.

• To relate to others in empathy, respect, and honesty.

• To be effective, this gift is to be exercised with kindness and cheerfulness-not as a matter of duty. 

9 MANIFESTATION GIFTS:

1 Corinthians 12:1-13 speaks of these manifestations or demonstrations of the Holy Spirit’s power through God’s people: 1. Wisdom, 2. Word of Knowledge, 3. Faith, 

4. Healing, 5. Miraculous Powers, 6. Prophecy, 7. Discerning of Spirits, 8. Tongues, 9. Interpretation.

There is rowboat Christianity and there is sailboat Christianity. You can strain at the oars for every inch of advancement, or you can put up those sails that are down right now and be empowered to take off in dimensions you never even knew existed. Click this link for a series of messages to help with a deeper understanding about this important topic: https://destinyokc.com/ghoststories

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son and then for God so loved those who said yes to his son that he sent his Holy Spirit. No matter what you’ve been taught or allowed yourself to believe up to this point I want to ask you to prayerfully consider looking into God’s Word on these important matters.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. NIV

1 Corinthians 14:18-19 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church, I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. NIV

Depending on your church background you might focus on one these two portions of scripture or the other to make what seems to be a contradicting point. Paul says we are to speak in tongues, but Paul also says pray in your intelligible language. Paul is saying there is an appropriate context for both in the believer’s life and we should be eager to explore these gifts God has made available to us.

1 Corinthians 14:39-40 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. NIV

There is a difference between tongues and interpretation and a personal prayer language of tongues that is for the purpose of self-edification – Jude 1:20.

University of Penn researchers conducted brain scans on people who would speak in tongues. The frontal lobes, responsible for conscious thinking, and language centers were inactive compared to normal activity! The research has shown that the description given for speaking in tongues is quite accurate to what is taking place in the brain at that time. Mental illness is rare in people who speak in tongues, contrary to popular thought. Another study shows that people who practice spkg in tongues = more emotionally healthy than those who do not  http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/07/health/07brain.html

Jude 1:20 build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. NAS

May God grant us wisdom and revelation as we continue to grow and become all He ever desired and designed us to become. His plan is for us to be his supernaturally empowered sons and daughters of God in the earth!

Blog: Right Side Up- Financial Slavery

Proverbs 21:20 There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it. AMP

The Bible teaches us to plan diligently and to work hard rather and avoid get-rich-quick schemes. This involves creating a budget, saving regularly, and living below our means. 

Live in a modest home inviting God’s help to find the right place and a great deal for your family! Drive a modest car. Wear modest clothing. 

Studies show that the majority of Americans spend $11-20 on Starbucks per week. Imagine how much money you could save if you just make coffee before you leave and eat at home or take your lunch rather than eating out. Eating out costs on average somewhere between $8-$15. Bringing your lunch costs on average between $2-$4. You’ll save between $6-$13 per meal. Do this three times in a week and you’re saving about $30/week = $120/month. 

Warren Buffett has said that he advised his wife to invest all her money in the S&P 500 after his death. I’m not suggesting you invest in SPY, but we have, and I want to use it as an illustration. SPY is the ticker symbol of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) which is actually not a stock. It trades like a stock but actually is a portfolio of stocks that track the S&P 500 index.

The average annual return over any 20-year period ranges from 7% to 14% so let’s just use the 10.5% average.

• Over 10 years that results in approximately $25k

• Over 20 years that results in approximately $100k

• Over 30 years that results in approximately $300k

See our the resource tab on our website for budgeting tools and free workshop sessions explaining financial strategies. Make it a point to apply the wisdom of Proverbs as you:

1. Plan and Budget: Set financial goals, create budgets, and stick to them.

2. Invest Wisely: Be patient and consistent with your investments.

3. Avoid Debt: Minimize debt and manage it wisely if necessary.

4. Focus on Financial Independence: Prioritize saving money instead of trying to flaunt spending.

The golden rule of the upside-down world is he who has the gold makes the rules. So the person that is in control is the person who controls the assets, and the borrower is what slave of the lender. Now we are a nation that prides itself on freedom, but we suffer great financial slavery.  

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. AMP

Debt is your master when you want to spend time with your family, but your job requires you to travel extensively. You can't afford to take a day off because you need every paycheck to make all your payments. When your financial obligations dictate your schedule, it causes you to miss important family moments and adds stress to your life.

The more self-absorbed you are the more problematic your life will be: money, marriage, friendship, career.

We all come from some sort of family history when it comes to how money was generated and distributed. Address your history and embrace your destiny. History is where you discover your past. Destiny is where you discover your future. 

Proverbs 22:9 He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor. AMP

The United Nations reported $10 billion would solve the world’s water problem, realizing this is the #1 killer in the world. $30 billion solves world hunger for the entire planet. If North America tithed for just one year, 10% of their income would be $150 billion!!! A TRANSFORMED WORLD IS ON OTHER SIDE OF CHURCH’S OBEDIENCE.

Blessings come with generosity, and this is why God has always included giving tithes and offerings as a part of worship.

Proverbs 26:13 The lazy person [who is self-indulgent and relies on lame excuses] says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square [and if I go outside to work, I will be killed]!” AMP

ANY AREA OF YOUR LIFE THAT LACKS HOPE IS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A LIE! 

Proverbs 24:3 Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built, And by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation]. AMP

Direction not intention determines our destination. If you want to go to Tulsa you’ll never get there by driving West on I-40 or South on I-35. You’re hoping for Tulsa but you’re going to Texas. It is direction not intention that determines our destination!

GP2RL: Consider a budget, evaluate your debt and make a commitment to take one step to fight against it. Read Proverbs 29-3 noting principles of personal finance.

Verses in Proverbs 21-28 

that could have a “$” written in the margin:

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty.

Proverbs 21:6 Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the seeking and pursuit of death.

Proverbs 21:17 He who loves [only selfish] pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves and is devoted to wine and [olive] oil will not become rich.

Proverbs 21:20 There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it. AMP

Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the lazy kills him, For his hands refuse to labor; 26 He craves all the day long [and does no work], But the righteous [willingly] gives and does not withhold [what he has].

Proverbs 22:1 A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches; And favor is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor have a common bond; The Lord is the Maker of them all.

Proverbs 22:9 He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor. AMP

• blessings that come with generosity and the importance of helping those in need.

• Application: Encourage regular giving

Proverbs 22:13 The lazy one [manufactures excuses and] says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets [if I go out to work]!”

Proverbs 22:22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor [and defenseless], Nor crush the afflicted [by legal proceedings] at the gate [where the city court is held],

Proverbs 22:26-27 Do not be among those who give pledges [involving themselves in others’ finances], Or among those who become guarantors for others’ debts. 27 If you have nothing with which to pay [another’s debt when he defaults], Why should his creditor take your bed from under you? AMP 

Proverbs 22:28 Do not move the ancient landmark [at the boundary of the property] Which your fathers have set.

Proverbs 22:29  Do you see a man skillful and experienced in his work? He will stand [in honor] before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.

Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not weary yourself [with the overwhelming desire] to gain wealth; Cease from your own understanding of it. 5 When you set your eyes on wealth, it is [suddenly] gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies to the heavens. AMP

Proverbs 23:10 Do not move the ancient landmark [at the boundary of the property] And do not go into the fields of the fatherless [to take what is theirs],

Proverbs 23:21 For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And the drowsiness [of overindulgence] will clothe one with rags.

Proverbs 24:3 Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built, And by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation]. AMP

Proverbs 24:27 Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; Afterward build your house and establish a home. AMP

Proverbs 24:31 And, behold, it was all overgrown with thorns, And nettles were covering its surface, And its stone wall was broken down.

Proverbs 24:33-34 “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest [and daydream],” 34 Then your poverty will come as a robber, And your want like an armed man.

Proverbs 26:

Proverbs 26:10 Like a [careless] archer who [shoots arrows wildly and] wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or those who [by chance just] pass by.

Proverbs 26:13 The lazy person [who is self-indulgent and relies on lame excuses] says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square [and if I go outside to work I will be killed]!”

Proverbs 26:15 The lazy person buries his hand in the dish [losing opportunity after opportunity]; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

Proverbs 27:18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who faithfully protects and cares for his master will be honored.

Proverbs 28:3 A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked and two-faced though he is rich.

Proverbs 28:8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest) Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

Proverbs 28:15-16 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days], But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days.

Proverbs 28:19 He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows worthless people and frivolous pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful (right-minded) man will abound with blessings, But he who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 28:22 He who has an evil and envious eye hurries to be rich And does not know that poverty will come upon him.

Proverbs 28:25 An arrogant and greedy man stirs up strife,

But he who trusts in the Lord will be blessed and prosper.

Proverbs 28:27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses.