"IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD"

PURSUEXCELLENCE IN MINISTRY WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP: When God is the “center” (central focus) of what we do it makes ALL the difference. PursuExcellence in Ministry Women’s Fellowship was this morning (5-18-03) and it is an experience that will linger for a long time in our hearts and spirits. It will also be manifested in our lives as we move forward on our Christian journey. My heart is overflowing with joy! The Spirit of God was very strongly felt in our midst and the women shared with liberty and received with open hearts and minds. Minister Victoria Burse, thanks for coming this morning. The Bible speaks of “iron sharpening iron” and your coming this morning did just that. I bless and honor God for you and that we are partners together in Christ. Victoria, eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has in store for us to do. I am excited because it is amazing just thinking about how God is getting ready to use us to bless His people. Meditation, Galatians 5:22-26.

Eyes of Faith: Genesis 22

Genesis 22:1-2 & 10-13 “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” V10-13 “… And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God,  seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.”

Thoughts: Why did Abraham look? In my spirit I believe that by faith he had an expectancy or hope. “Behind him was a ram.” Why was the ram behind him? The ram was not in front for him to instantly see, but it was there within reach. God's provision for us is always within reach. God promises that if we ask we shall receive. Our faith is the substance or evidence of what we hope for. Notice that after Abraham's act of faith, God revealed His provision for him, the ram.

Right behind you God’s provision is in place. God is waiting on your act of faith to reveal His provision(s) for you. Do you ever stop to think that sometimes we hinder our own blessing(s)? Our blessing is right there 'behind us’ but God is waiting to see if we are willing to do what He is asking of us. Whatever God asks us to do is according to the measure of our faith. So, do what He asks.

Are you willing to give up what God has asked you to? Think of the abundant blessing He has in store for you, and see it by faith. If you can do that, you will let go and let God have His way. Abraham did just that, he did not complain. Instead, he prayed and asked God for a blessing. Listen, God is “taking you through” to show you his favor. Remember, God is always there, even in our darkest moments.

If you search the Scriptures you will see that favor requires a sacrifice. What are you willing to give up (sacrifice) for God’s favor? What has God asked you to give up? What we are asked to give up cannot be compared to what God has in store for us.

As in the case with Abraham, angels are waiting to minister unto you. Remember when Jesus was tempted by the devil after His baptism, angels came and ministered unto Him because He did as God His Father required. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him… (1 Corinthians 2:9 & 10)

As Abraham did, you now go and do likewise! With God’s grace and mercy you can do it!

EYES OF FAITH: GENESIS 22

Eyes of Faith: Genesis  22

 

Genesis 22:1-2 & 10-13 “… God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son I’saac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering …” V10-13 “… And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God,  seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram…”

Thoughts: Why did Abraham look? In my spirit I believe that by faith he had an expectancy or hope. “Behind him was a ram.” Why was the ram behind him? The ram was not in front for him to instantly see, but it was there within reach. Notice that after his act of faith, God revealed His provision for him, the ram.

Right behind you God’s provision is in place. God is waiting on your act of faith to reveal His provision(s) for you. Do you ever stop to think that sometimes we hinder our own blessing(s)? Our blessing is right there “behind us’ but God is waiting to see if we are willing to do what He is asking of us.

Are you willing to give up what God has asked you to? Think of the abundant blessing He has in store for you, and see it by faith. If you can do that, you will let go and let God have His way. Abraham did just that, he did not complain. Instead, he prayed and asked God for a blessing. Listen, God is “taking you through” to show you his favor. Remember, God is always there, even and especially in our darkest moments.

If you search the Scriptures you will see that favor requires a sacrifice. What are you willing to give up (sacrifice) for God’s favor? What has God asked you to give up? What we are asked to give up cannot be compared to what God has in store for us.

As in the case with Abraham, angels are waiting to minister unto you. Remember when Jesus was tempted by the devil after His baptism, angels came and ministered unto Him because He did as God His Father required. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him… (1 Corinthians 2:9 & 10)

Go and do likewise! With God’s grace and mercy you can!