MINISTERS: HUPERETAS = "self chained" to a decision

If you aren’t committed to go all the way in fulfilling your God-assigned task, you probably won’t do it.  You must be absolutely committed to do what God has called you to do. “chaining yourself” to your decision to obey so you cannot flee in hard times.  If God has called you, don’t jump ship!  He needs you in the bottom of the boat in order to keep the Body of Christ moving forward toward maturity.  You are very important.  
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  (1 CORINTHIANS 4:1)

YOU ARE VERY IMPORTANT!

DEEDS: ERGA = works, lifestsyle

It seems right that the “doctrine” of the Nicolaitans was that it was all right to have one foot in both worlds and that one needn’t be so strict about separation from the world in order to be a Christian,  This, in fact, was the “doctrine” of the Nicolaitans that Jesus “hated.”

Just as the men of Israel compromised themselves with the world and false religions, now the “doctrine” of the Nicolaitans was encouraging compromise.  And compromise with the world always results in a weakened and powerless form of Christianity.  But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6)

GLORY IN: EGKAUCHAOMAI = To brag, boast, give praise, speak laudatory words.   Paul was thrilled with the growth the Thessalonians were experiencing.  This is a healthy type of pride—the same kind of pride a father feels for his children when they do well.  

 We have the same Holy Spirit living in us who lived inside the Thessalonian believers.  If they could live triumphantly for the Lord in their difficult position, you and I can  make the decision to live victoriously for Jesus in our situations

HEY....

JUST A QUICK ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU!

AS I was getting ready to have quiet time, I wanted some soaking music.  Found some awesome music by Kevin Zadai.  Turned it on and randomly opened my bible to Psalm 92.

As I started reading it I was so amazed that Holy Spirit was confirming my THOUGHTS.  

amplified bible

92:1 -4    (1) It is a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises [with musical accompaniment] to Your name, O Most High;

(2)  To show forth Your loving-kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night

(3) With an instrument of ten strings and with the lute, with a solemn sound upon the lyre.

(4). For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your work; of the deeds of Your hands I joyfully sing.

GIVE HOLY SPIRIT A CHANCE TO VERIFY YOUR THOUGHTS......   NOT ONLY IS IT SATISFYING, BUT ALSO, IT'S   F U N !

BE BLESSED,

PASTOR PETIE

4/22/20

In the LORD - The Greek describes us being locked up inside Jesus Christ. 

Paul is saying we have actually been placed inside Jesus Christ; He has become our realm of existence and the place of our habitation.  Because the power of God is also located inside the LORD, and we are also located inside the LORD, it means we are constantly rubbing elbows with this divine power on a minute-to minute basis.  

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of his might.  (Ephesians 6:10)

Rest: anesis = to let up, relax, stop being stressed, find relief   

Take Paul’s counsel to heart, and allow yourself a little relaxation and time for recreation---time away from your problems.  When it’s time to come back and face those problems again, you’ll be refreshed and recharged with renewed vision.  You’ll see that challenge with new eyes, and you’ll face it with new strength.  If you don’t take a break from that constant stress, it will keep wearing you down until you become easy prey for the devil.  So say goodbye to your problems today.  Take a break, and allow yourself a little time to rest, relax, and recuperate!

And to you who are troubled rest with us. (2Thessalonians 1:7)

Advantage: pleonekteo=a desire to have more, and more, and more; greediness 

The devil will use any method necessary to take advantage of us and get us under his control.  He will deviously and artfully endeavor to outwit us, trick us, dominate us, and ultimately take us as his hostages.  So don’t shut your eyes and ignore the fact that the devil wants to bring about your downfall.

Instead, open your eyes and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you how to recognize the devil’s operations so you won’t fall prey to him any longer.  Then you’ll be able to say, “Devil, I know this is you attacking me, so I am telling you to leave now in Jesus’ name!”  Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Enriched: plousios = extreme or vast wealth  

Don’t settle for spiritual poverty. You have every right to expect an abundance of manifested promises, power, and spiritual gifts in your life,  These spiritual riches are yours by virtue of your relationship with Jesus.  The day you were placed in Him, they legally became yours!  In God’s eyes, you are a spiritual plutocrat—so loaded with spiritual assets and treasures that you’ll never be able to fully explore or exhaust all of them in your lifetime! 

In everything you are enriched, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you. (1 Corinthians 1:5-6)  

HEY!  LET US BELIEVE THIS TO BE SO!

Cloud (nephos): the highest seats in a sports arena, coliseum, or stadium

When we walk in faith we are removed from the sidelines and put into the battle. When things of what you are supposed to do comes into the light (life, business, family, or ministry) you need to remember that you are in the battle and your faith needs to be activated that all will work out for your good and not harm. Also remember who is watching you from the highest seat, GOD! He sees the moves before they even happen and will guide your steps if you follow His instructions to the letter.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses.”  (Hebrews 12:1) We are not alone in the fight, even when we think we are.

Walk (peripateo): to habitually live and carry on in one general territory

Paul lived in an earthly body that was beaten and abused by his enemies, but in the spiritual realm he was recognized by the spirits and powerful in the name of Jesus to fight against the evil that came his way. You may feel small and limited in your daily life, but in the spiritual realm you can be just as powerful as Paul when you use the name of Jesus against those who are trying to oppress you daily. Everyday put on the loin-belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.”  (2 Corinthians 10:3)

Remember that we may have earthly limitations with our flesh, but through the power of Jesus Christ we can do all things. (Philippians 4:13).