orality bible project – blazing trees

April 2, 2018

Night Watch Prayer Video

Night Watch Prayer

Heavenly Father, the night is here. We confess that we need you, we depend upon you for safety and protection tonight.

Lord, you are our Blazing Fire, keeping me and my loved ones safe in the darkness according to your Word in Malachi 3:2. “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.”

Our enemies cannot face you, Father. Your fire is warm and your presence makes me safe, shining light in the darkness as we rest in your arms, sheltered in your grace.

Your are our Fortified Fortress according to your Word in Psalms 62:5-6, “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.”

No person or evil spirit can shake our home tonight; for we rest within your perfect righteousness. I plead the victorious blood of Jesus Christ as a covering over us.

You are our Glorious Sword according to your Word in Deuteronomy 33:28-29, “ So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.”

Thank you for shielding us from enemy attacks. Thank you for setting apart this holy sanctuary for us to dwell securely in green pastures and beside quiet, peaceful waters.

You are our Protective Shade according to your Word in Psalms 121:5-6, “The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.”

Thank you for protecting us Father. I believe you, Lord. I believe you watch over me and my family each day and through the dangers of the night watches. We receive your protection, resting in your perfect love, beautiful mercy, and overflowing grace.

You are our Shield & Strength according to your Word in Psalms 91:3-4, “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Thank you for rescuing us from the enemy’s snares. Thank you for covering us with your anointing and sheltering us under your glory canopy. We celebrate your faithfulness, singing your praises as we fall asleep into healing refreshment.

You are our Wall of Fire according to your Word in Zechariah 2:5, “For I,” says the LORD, “will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.”

Thank you for surrounding us with an impenetrable wall of righteous fire that consumes every fiery dart the enemy’s forces send forth to oppress us. Please, Father, teach us how to experience your glory flowing within our midst. Thank you for your presence, thank you for your power, and thank you for your comfort and peace.

We know, God of Heaven, that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against satanic principalities and evil powers of darkness veiled in unseen spiritual realms.

Thank you for giving us spiritual armor imbued with divine power to put on so that we will resist the enemy’s attempts to advance into our hearts and lives, and in the aftermath of every attack to remain standing in victory and praising your name.

I buckle up the belt of truth around my waist, and I fasten on the breastplate of righteousness.

I tie on the gospel of peace sandals, and I take up the shield of faith. The faith you are cultivating within my mind and heart extinguishes every death arrow the enemy fires in my direction to catch me off guard and distract me from worshipping you in Spirit and in Truth all night. I confess my idols to you, and I repent of all my sins.

I put on the helmet of salvation, and I wield the Word sword of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit, please teach me how to pray at all times in you, staying alert with all perseverance and intercession for all believers worldwide in our generation.

Heavenly Father, please send angels to be stationed in our home, to guard us through the night watches as we sleep according to your Word in Psalms 91:11-12, “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.”

Heavenly Father, please protect our dreams and seal off all access to our minds tonight according to your Word in Proverbs 3:24-26, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”

Lord, I release my faith that you are our Perfect Protector and Night Watch Guardian according to your Word in John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

We are safe. We are secure. We are protected. We are sealed. We rest in peace.

Thank you Abba Father, Messiah Son, and Holy Spirit. Maranatha, Lord Jesus!

Scripture Translations referenced: NIV, NLT, & NKJV

March 20, 2018

2018 Easter Stories

2018 Easter Storyteller’s Guide

Jesus Resurrects Lazarus Story (John 11:1-57)

Sketch #1: Empty tomb – This sketch is the story logo. This miracle story is about Jesus resurrecting a dead man out of Sheol.

Sketch #2: Dead Man – This sketch illustrates the first part of the story where Lazarus becomes sick and dies. Jesus waits for him to die, and then He goes to visit his family.

Sketch #3: Resurrection – This sketch illustrates the second part of the story where Jesus talks to Mary and Martha and resurrects Lazarus.

Sketch #4: Cross & Priest – This sketch illustrates the third part of the story where many believed in Jesus. The religious leaders rejected Jesus and planned His crucifixion.

Jesus Christ Crucified Story (Luke 23:26-43)

Sketch #1: Three crosses – This sketch is the story logo. This sketch illustrates Jesus’ crucifixion taking place between two criminals.

Sketch #2: Hammer & nail – This sketch illustrates the first part of the story where Roman soldiers nailed Jesus of Nazareth to a cross.

Sketch #3: Crown – This sketch illustrates the second part of the story where several people witnessing Jesus’ death mocked him for claiming to be Messiah and King.

Sketch #4: Cloud & man – This sketch illustrates the third part of the story where Jesus prophesies that the repentant criminal will be with him in heaven that same day.

Jesus Christ Dies Story (Matthew 27:45-56)

Sketch #1: Jesus crying out – This sketch is the story logo. This sketch illustrates Jesus’ final words on the cross that his work was finished; Jesus saved the whole world!

Sketch #2: Cross – This sketch illustrates the first part of the story where Jesus dies on the cross.

Sketch #3: Torn veil – This sketch illustrates how many signs and wonders accompanied Jesus’ death such as an earthquake, the dead raised, and the torn temple veil.

Sketch #4: Roman soldier – This sketch illustrates how Jesus’ family and friends wept at his death, and the pagan Roman soldier believed in Jesus as God’s son.

Jesus Is Alive Story (John 20:1-18)

Sketch #1: Empty tomb – This sketch is the story logo. This story is about Jesus’ disciples discovering that his burial tomb was empty on the third morning.

Sketch #2: Running man – This sketch illustrates the first part of the story where Mary ran to tell Peter and John about the empty tomb, and they ran to investigate.

Sketch #3: Crying woman – This sketch illustrates Mary staying in the garden confused and crying. Two angels reveal themselves and speak with her.

Sketch #4: Risen Christ – This sketch illustrates Jesus revealing himself to Mary. She is overjoyed and returns to the other disciples testifying about him.

Sketch Storyteller’s Discipleship (Luke 19:1-10)

Overview: How do we maintain healthy disciples in our families and churches? Yahweh has revealed this simple, reproducing discipleship pattern so that we will know how to be and make disciples of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in every nation. This pattern balances the Great Commands (love God & love everyone) and the Great Commission.

Rest (fire) – When we gather together around Jesus Christ, our greatest need is to rest in our Father’s heart, to sing and pray, to share our struggles and receive healing and encouragement. Entering our Father’s rest together opens the door to receiving truth.

Receive (cloud & rainbow) – Next, we receive the Son: Yahweh’s Word. We discuss the Bible together; receiving the Words of Truth, growing into spiritual maturity, and strengthening our faith for spiritual warfare. Receiving truth leads to releasing gifts.

Release (waves) – When we have practiced our love for God first and then received truth for how to love one another and all nations, we are refreshed and restored for ministry. Now, we discuss our family, friends, neighbors, and the unreached people here and around the world discerning by the Holy Spirit how to release spiritual gifts.

Gathering Guide

Rest (flame) – When we gather, our greatest need is to rest in our Father’s heart. Share a meal, sing and pray, discuss your struggles, receive healing and encouragement. Rest refreshes and opens the door to receiving.

Receive (cloud & rainbow) – Next, we receive the Son: Yahweh’s Word. We discuss the Bible together; growing into spiritual maturity, and strengthening our faith for spiritual warfare. Practice drawing the sketches and telling the story in your words.

Release (waves) – Now, we discuss our family, friends, neighbors, and the unreached here and around the world discerning by the Holy Spirit how to release spiritual gifts. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in next steps of obedience. What is the Holy Spirit saying?

January 20, 2018January 20, 2018

Direction Clarity Passages

Direction Clarity Passages

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Guiding Shepherd > The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV)

Listening Ears > O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:19-21 NLT)

Mind Renewal > Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2 HCSB)

Open Door > Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks will receive, and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock. Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? (Matthew 7:7-9 GNT)

Perfect Provision > Now may the God of peace – who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood – may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT)

Right Direction > Show me how you work, God; school me in your ways. Take me by the hand; lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren’t you? Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; rebuild the ancient landmarks! Forget that I sowed wild oats; mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God! God is fair and just; he corrects the misdirected, sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, and leads them step by step. (Psalm 25:4-9 MSG)

Truth Spirit > When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:13-14 HCSB)

Will Alignment > Therefore, do not be like the world. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:8-10 NKJV)

January 4, 2018

Greater Glory Letter

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Greater Glory Letter

Take heart, my friends, because I have overcome this world, and remember that I am with you day and night even to the end of this age. I will never leave you, I will never forsake you, and nothing can ever separate you from my love. My salvation work is finished, and this good news of eternal freedom is spreading all over the world even now. I know how to equip you with everything you need for knowing my sovereign will and fulfilling your destiny.

I am God of all the earth. The stars shine because I give them light. The sun rises because I call it forth. The oceans move because I stir them up. The rains fall because I open up the heavens. The soil brings forth fruit because I bless the earth I created. I am your Good Shepherd. I know what is best for my flock, and I see beyond what my sheep need today to the future journey of their entire lives, and the waves of generations beyond until the end.

Seek my greater glory, my beloved children. As you go, set apart time to listen. My Spirit of Truth is always speaking, revealing what is on my heart, guiding and counseling you in the paths I have prepared and set before you. Let striving cease, replaced with patient endurance, courageous faith, and a fountain of joy bursting forth from deep wells drawn from pure springs of living water. Believe me, walk daily in my Holy Spirit, and live abundantly forever.

+ Winter Blessings For Your Family +

Heaven’s Warrior > He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soars on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his canopy around him – the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence bolts of lightning blazed forth. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. (2 Samuel 22:10-14)

Gentle Whisper > The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:11-13)

Spiritual Wisdom > But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)

Prayer +> Heavenly Father thank you for the gift of this year, for all you have taught us, and for all we have learned. We celebrate your perfect love and faithfulness, and we surrender our lives for your greater glory in the new year in Jesus’ name we pray, amen. So be it.

December 18, 2017

Enter My Rest Story – Hebrews 4

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After Jesus sent out seventy-two of his disciples on mission teams into local villages, they returned with joy, reporting that demons submitted to their authority. Though they were excited to witness signs and wonders of Christ’s advancing kingdom, Jesus gently warned them not to delight in miracles, but instead to ground their joy in salvation and eternal life. (Luke 10:17-20) We are all just like our ancestors: prone to wander and quick to forge our own destiny apart from our Messiah. (Isaiah 53:6)

The master art illustrates the battle between self and surrender. In the west, the people of Israel reject the rest of God. Moses parts the Red Sea with his staff and Joshua leads the nation by a pillar of blazing fire. Both leaders modeled restful faith in the Lord while the nation they led eventually rejected God’s glorious rest. The dead tree along the path leading away from restful pastures illustrates this rejection. The Father’s hand in the north is a barrier preventing the people from entering his rest because of their lack of faith and obedience.

In the south, Jesus stands upon the Father’s hand as our Great Shepherd leading the people out of striving and spiritual exhaustion, over the Father’s blessing bridge, and into the green pastures and quiet, living waters of his abundant grace. Families relax carefree by the river of the Holy Spirit flowing from heaven to earth who helps all God’s children experience him in loving communion and refreshing peace.

The cherubim angel stands guard between our King’s sabbath pastureland and the warrior dragon who seeks day and night to deceive God’s people and force them into chains of bondage to the law of righteous works or signs and wonders obsession. The sword in the center pierces each of our hearts illustrating how Jesus shines his light into our darkness, exposes the intentions and motives of our thoughts, speech, and decisions, and leads us to fully surrender all we have and all we desire unto him.

Enter My Rest Story Sketches

Sketch #1: Open door & river – This sketch is the story logo. This sketch illustrates God’s creation of a special, sanctified place of rest for us to enter in and receive.

Sketch #2: Cloud & dawn – This sketch illustrates God modeling sabbath rest for his people. He created everything in six days, and then set apart the seventh day for rest.

Sketch #3: Crown, barrier, & heart – This sketch illustrates a person rejecting God’s command to rest. We do not only listen to him, we also love, obey, and enjoy his Spirit.

Sketch #4: Sword & heart – This sketch illustrates Jesus Christ as God’s Word. His truth and resurrection life penetrates our hearts, reveals sin, and sets us free!

December 18, 2017

Enter My Rest Training

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Restful Refuge (open door & river) >> Yahweh has designed a spiritual refuge where his children may enter and receive rest. (Hebrews 4:1) >> The Holy Spirit is a river of spiritual blessing flowing from heaven to fill the earth with abundant life. (Ezekiel 47:8-9)

Creator’s Pattern (crown & stars) >> The Creator of Heaven of Earth fashioned the universe and our planet in six days, declared everything good, and then set apart the seventh day for refreshing rest. (Hebrews 4:3-4) >> Jesus modeled this pattern: waking up early in the morning to rest in God and discern his sovereign will. (Mark 1:35-39)

Sanctified Sabbath (cloud & sunrise) >> Even though many before us have rejected God’s sabbath rest, the door is still open for each of us to obey his call. (Hebrews 4:5-6) >> Jesus’ last words cried out from Calvary’s cross were, “It is finished.” His saving work is perfect for everyone who believes. He rescued us, so we may rest. (John 19:28-30)

Hard Hearts (crown, barrier, & heart) >> The devastating reality before us is that we can see and experience God, hear the gospel, receive an invitation to obey, and yet still reject God’s free offer to rest in Christ. (Hebrews 4:7-8) >> Job’s heart became hard towards God because of his suffering. After hearing God’s perspective on the universe and the ages, he repented of his hard heart, and entered into God’s rest. (Job 42:1-6)

Identify Idolatry (crowned serpent) >> The rest of God is rest from our works and striving to please him. Rest is both an earthly discipline and a spiritual place of healing. (Hebrews 4:9-10) >> Many will bring their good works before Jesus on Judgment Day, but because they did not rest in him, he will send them to hell. (Matthew 7:21-23)

Enjoy Rest (bridge over water) >> We begin from a place of sin, like fear, lust, or pride. We cross his grace bridge over troubled waters into sabbath rest. (Hebrews 4:11) >> God is our Shepherd. He makes us lie down to rest, he leads us beside his gentle, living waters so that our souls will be refreshed and restored in his Spirit. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Living Word (sword & heart) >> Jesus is the Word of God. He is a surgical sword that penetrates our souls and exposes our bondage to the idols of this world. He is our Loving Judge; shining his divine light, so that we will embrace truth. (Hebrews 4:12-13) >> The sign of a mature leader is an abiding passion for God’s Word. (Psalm 119:9-16)

Activity > Drink coffee or tea together, discuss this story, and practice drawing the sketches. Remember to encourage each other and pray. What’s the Holy Spirit saying?

December 13, 2017December 13, 2017

Salvation Foundation

+ Salvation Foundation +

Discerning Vision > I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of Glory, to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers. Oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him – endless energy, boundless strength! (Ephesians 1:17-19)

Living Water > Jesus answered the woman, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

Merciful Love > God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-6)

Repentance Confession > Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance?” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, “Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform me.” I had heard rumors about you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)

Salvation Declaration > If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)

Shining Darkness > If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:11-12)

Solid Foundation > Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

Wisdom Journey > Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (Proverbs 3:13-18)

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All Scriptures are used with permission from the Holy Bible New International Version (NIV), Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), New Living Translation (NLT), the Message Paraphrase, and personally adapted translation.

December 8, 2017

Greater Glory Video

Prophecy +>

My beloved sons and daughters, the apple orchards of my eyes: seek with all your hearts my greater glory.

The world will offer you glory and power on your own, and you can live what seems like a successful and fruitful life without me. You can have a good career, a purpose driven life, a household full of children and grandchildren, and a legacy of kindness and charity apart from me.

I did not create you to live without me.

I AM God of All The Earth. The stars shine because I give them light. The sun rises because I call it forth. The oceans move because I stir them up. The rains fall because I open up the heavens. The soil brings forth fruit because I bless the earth I created.

I AM your Good Shepherd. I know what is best for my flock, and I see beyond what my sheep need today to the full journey of their entire lives, and the waves of generations beyond until the end.

I know how to equip you with everything you need for completing my holy will and fulfilling your destiny. I know how to orchestrate greater glory for myself, because I cultivated mankind to praise my name. Yet today, billions of my children have yet to even hear my name before they can worship my name.

To seek my greater glory is to surrender your plans and repent of your idols, to sit at my feet, silence your speech, and listen to my voice. I do not shout. The noise of your generation multiplies, and as you have more and more access to the whole world, you face a greater challenge than ever before, to forsake this age’s delights, and rest in my green pastures and beside my quiet waters.

I AM your Keeper, I hold onto you and will never let go. When life is hard, when every one seems to reject you, when every door appears to close, when you feel alone and forgotten, remember me, and enter into my rest that I have set aside just for you to find hope, the anchor of joy for your suffering souls.

Seek my greater glory, my beloved children. Set apart time, as you go, to listen. My Spirit of Truth is always speaking, revealing what is on my heart, guiding and counseling you in the path I have prepared and set before you. Let striving cease, replaced with patient endurance, courageous faith, and a fountain of joy bursting forth from deep wells drawing from pure springs of living water.

Believe me, and live abundantly forever.

Passages +>

1 Kings 19 reveals God’s voice as a Gentle Whisper.

The world famous Elijah, one of the greatest prophets of all time, wanted to die. He became afraid and fled for his life and asked God to take him away from the chaos and evil of his day.

So, God visited him, but he was not in the windstorm, or the earthquake, or the blazing fire. God spoke to his servant in a gentle whisper. Let us be still and quiet, and listen for our Heavenly Father’s voice speaking to our hearts and revealing his desires for our lives.

2 Samuel 22 reveals God as Heaven’s Warrior and our Salvation Tower.

Did you know God can ride a cherubim angel like a flying horse and fire lightning bolts like hidden arrows? Who is this King of Glory? He is the Lord, our Rock and our Fortress, our Deliverer and our Mountain Refuge, our Shield and Salvation Horn, our Stronghold and our Salvation Tower.

When we are in distress and overwhelmed with despair, let us run straight into his presence, and find rest for our souls within his victorious love.

1 Corinthians 1 and 2 reveal Jesus Christ as Heavenly Kingdom Wisdom.

All you have to do to see glory on earth is watch a sunrise or sunset, hold a newborn baby, or fall in love. Our vision is not for the glory and riches of this fading earth or troubled age.

Our vision is for the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith, our Anointed Advocate, the Gate to Zion City, the Bridge to Eternal Life; Jesus Messiah, the Living Wisdom of God’s Heavenly Kingdom.

Prayer +>

Yes, Father, I praise you and thank you for the freedom I have received because of Christ’s sacrifice for my selfish rebellion. I have sinned, precious Lord, and in this dry place of crushing death, you sent your Anointed Advocate to take my punishment, and he paid the price in full!

Oh praise the One who paid my debts, and raised this life up from the grave. Hallelujah to my Mountain Refuge, the Living Wisdom of Zion’s Glory King.

I am tired, Master. I am worn out and poured out and empty, a valley of dry bones, a dry river bed, a desert without rain, a dark valley without sunshine. You see me lost in my needs and call me by name and raise me up to eternal life. What words can I speak to express my joy at this miraculous deliverance?

Forgive me, Father, when my eyes leave your face, and I begin to trust in myself, desire the world, and embrace the fleeting promises of my tempter. He masquerades as a loving, generous friend and seduces me with worldly delights. Sometimes what he offers looks good at first, and I may even taste the first fruits of his kingdom’s treasures, but they do not satisfy my soul, God.

You are the Pioneer of my faith, you are the Perfecter of my loyalty. How can it be that you have cloaked me in righteousness and baptized me in holiness? I am unworthy, and confess my complete desperation for your daily intervention in every area of life and decision I make.

I run to you, Shield of my Soul. I hide myself behind your protection, my Salvation Tower Stronghold. You are faithful to provide all I need. You are faithful to protect me from the enemy’s attacks. You are faithful to meet me wherever I am in any season. You are faithful to help me stand up underneath even the heaviest burdens and cast them down at your feet.

My Resurrection King, please pour out your living wisdom upon me. I trust you with all my heart, and I renew my covenant to be a living sacrifice for you, holy and pleasing in your sight.

Create in me a clean heart, restore to me the joy of my salvation, and renew a loyal spirit within me. I will sing your praises unto the ends of the earth, and I surrender my life to follow you wherever you want me to go.

May my life reflect the greater glory of your coming kingdom, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen. So be it.

+++++

Thanks for listening, and thank you for all the love, prayers, and support.

Let’s keep making healthy disciples in every nation until there’s No Place Left.

November 26, 2017

Vision To Movement Training

Lesson Download > Click here

Activity > Drink tea or coffee together. Pray and discuss Jesus’ plan for your team.

Vision/Abide (heart, crown, flame) >> Jesus told us to abide/remain in him in order to be fruitful. (John 15:5) >> Without vision, people die. (Proverbs 29:18) >> Jesus invites us to rest and receive. (Psalm 23:1-3). >> Yahweh will fill the whole world with his glory. (Habakkuk 2:14) >> The vision of every generation is No Place Left. (Romans 15:23)

Bridge (straight path) >> The Holy Spirit comes upon disciples to give them boldness to proclaim the kingdom to those not yet in the kingdom (Acts 2:6) >> Disciples learn to build conversation bridges to unreached people from all nations. (Acts 2:9-11) >> Jesus invited his disciples to follow him and go fishing for people of peace. (Mark 1:17)

Gospel (cross & empty tomb) >> Jesus’ disciples testify of his resurrection life. (Acts 2:32) >> Disciples invite the lost to repent of sin, believe in Jesus, and confess him as Lord. (Acts 2:40) >> Disciples walk in the Holy Spirit as they seek opportunities to share the gospel in love and compassion with everyone they encounter. (Romans 10:14)

Disciple (roots & plant) >> The Lord is calling many families and tribes among all peoples to enter his kingdom and become his children. (Acts 2:39) >> Disciples are invited to be baptized and become faithful, fruitful followers of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41-42) >> Disciples are set apart and sent out to baptize new believers and teach them how to love God, walk in the Spirit, and repeat the process. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Church (wheat bundle) >> Jesus’ disciples gather together often to eat meals, sing and pray, grow in the Word, be generous, and encourage one another. (Acts 2:46) >> Local churches practice the unity and peace of Jesus and his Spirit. (Ephesians 4:2-6) >> The Holy Spirit is speaking; we listen to his unceasing revelation. (Revelation 2:29)

Leader (rod & staff) >> Leaders are with the people; eating together, teaching the Word, and praying in faith. (Acts 2:42) >> Leaders love people like Jesus did, having compassion on people and journeying alongside them. (Mark 6:34) >> Leaders die daily to self so the Lord can produce a fruitful harvest through them. (John 12:24)

Movement (wave) >> A growing network of disciples filled with the Holy Spirit and partnering with him to preach the kingdom boldly to the nations. (Acts 2:3-4) >> Every day, people deciding to follow Jesus in a local region. (Acts 2:47) >> When the DNA of the kingdom is healthy, we witness a great harvest 30, 60, and 100 fold. (Mark 4:20)

November 26, 2017

Fire House Training

Lesson Download > Click here

God the Father, Son, & Spirit (heart, crown, flame) > The foundation of our lives and mission is adoption by, fellowship with, and obedience to Father Yahweh. (1 Peter 2:6-7) Jesus’ greatest desire is for his disciples to be in unity with him and each other. (John 17:21) The Spirit of God speaks truth that sets us free. He is our Guide and Helper. He ministers Jesus’ revelation to us every day. (John 16:13) Our lifelong joy is to abide in Jesus Christ by listening to and keeping in step with his Holy Spirit. (Revelation 3:22)

Abiding/Vision (heat/aroma) > Jesus Christ is the vine and we are his branches. We must abide/remain in him to be fruitful. (John 15:5) We need to receive Father’s vision to flourish and Jesus Christ’s wisdom to keep hope alive through suffering. (Proverbs 29:18)

Evangelists (door) > Healthy disciples have a deep burden for lostness and share the good news with grace and boldness. (2 Timothy 4:5) Judgment Day is coming soon, like a thief in the night. We are desperate to see the lost come home. (Revelation 20:11-15)

Shepherds (communion table) > Our Master’s heart is compassionate. He shares his love for all nations; to love our neighbor and to care for the foreigner. (Mark 6:34) Healthy disciples are faithful to communion, compassion, and community. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Prophets (water) > Our bodies, resources, time, passions, and relationships all belong to Yahweh. Our daily worship is to die to self and surrender to our Father’s will. (Romans 12:1-2) We must practice the fruit of the Holy Spirit and flow freely with him. (Galatians 5:22-25)

Teachers (sword) > Healthy disciples meditate day and night on God’s Word. (Joshua 1:8-9) Jesus Christ and his divine revelation are the cornerstone of all we are, all we believe, and all we do. (1 Peter 2:4-5) His Word & Spirit are all we need for abundant life. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Apostles (mountain) > Our Father wants every person to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:3-6) One day, Yahweh’s glory will cover the whole earth. (Habakkuk 2:14) Our apostolic mission is to receive the Holy Spirit’s power to be Jesus’ witnesses locally and globally. (Acts 1:8)

Mission (fire houses) > Jesus Christ will return when his Church makes disciples in every tribe, tongue, nation, and people. (Matthew 24:14) Jesus is the Sower, the harvest field is the world, and his disciples are the good seed scattered worldwide. (Matthew 13:37-38)

Activity > Drink coffee or tea together. Pray and discuss your leaders and mission teams. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach each leader how to spend their time based on their gifts and passions.