Authority—You Got it!

Some scriptures and highlights from last night’s small group. Thanks to Eric for bringin’ the word and Sloan for sharing.

• Matthew 8
• Exodus 14:15-22 (Numbers 20:8)
• Matthew 10:1
• Colossians 3:1-4
• Luke 10:19-20
• 2nd Peter 1:4
• Matthew 10:8
• Acts 3:1-10,12

source of faith is understanding of authority (centurion) 

our role in authority is to give what we have away (freely receive, freely give)

what peter had, YOU HAVE

balance between faith in God and walking fullness of authority that He has already given you

it’s all for God’s glory

no method, only maker.

2 years ago  /  0 notes

It’s all about Fruit

Some of my favorite times with Him- my most powerful encounters- come in just sitting with Him and my journal in my lap at the Wesley Prayer Chapel. No music, no people, just me, Him, and silence. He will flood out revelation into me, and it is truly a remarkable experience. My revelation is my love, obedience and worship to Him! (that Misty Edwards song…)

We are all scumbags without Jesus, and with Him we are ONE in Christ! So who are we to judge?! 

Judge by FRUIT not METHODS of walk.

I’ve been tired of seeing myself as a lower (spiritual status with God) than many of my close friends are. Romans 8 says I’m not. Romans 8 says that HIS love for me NEVER changes- that NOTHING can separate me from His love. Judgment cannot separate me. Judgment from others can’t. A root of thinking of myself “lesser” spiritually is that I felt lower in the past when I would depend on people for the needs I should have been taking to the Lord. 

When we think we’re better than others, we wreck the symbol of what Christ has done for us; because, it’s a accessible free gift that God gives us—his grace to all of His children. We just ASK, and He GIVES because He is GOOD and He DIED for us.

It’s up to HIM to judge the wicked and convict the sinners. Not us. Being judged hurts, and makes you feel unworthy- like someone doesn’t honor you. Makes you feel like scum. It doesn’t matter what other people are experiencing around you, all that matters is YOU experiencing the Holy Spirit and shining as a witness. Some of this revelation came to me as I was comparing myself to a friend over spring break on our trip to Redding, Calif. I realized I am just as worthy of the wisdom and gifting as my friend is- they are just as equally accessible to me as they are to my friend. 

Gifts are just as equally accessible to Obama.

Equally accessible to the girl at the strip club.

Equally accessible to the dying child in a third world nation.

That is why we do ministry. Why we intercede! Why we have HUMILITY! Why we take pride captive. We are all ONE in Christ. ALL of us, are scumbags without Jesus. 

Who am I to put people on a pedestal? It’s all equally accessible to all of us. It brings either pride or unworthiness. 

John 3:17- For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

John 3:17: Can be easily translated to “God did not send the Holy Spirit into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved, interceded for, ministered to, loved on, and discipled by the Holy Spirit through US, the sons and daughters of the living King!” 

Feeling judged by others- whether as a lie from the enemy, or as an actual action that my friends have taken against me and repented of, has lead to breakthrough in my own life by not judging people. While I have often quickly assumed that people were judging me, God has still used this time in my life to set me free from judging people. He has also used this opportunity to reveal all of this to you through me. It is a topic we overlook so much. 

Don’t judge- it hurts your own spiritual growth, and takes your focus off of who the Lord has designed you to be and onto whatifs. It also harms your relationship with people, bringing bitterness, jealousy, disorder, and evil of every kind. Allow yourself to understand the King’s gazing on you.  Listen to His discernment of who you are, and do not judge others so that you can pray, encourage, and minister to them! Yeahhh. 

Fruits not gifts reveal spiritual maturity.

Love, Sloan

2 years ago  /  0 notes

Jesus & Stars

Hey guys!  I started reading this book titled “The Real Meaning of the Zodiac.”  It talks about how the constellations tell the story of the Gospel, and I love it.  I’ve always loved the stars and pretty much anything about the sky really.  So I wanted to share this link with you guys… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLmRB-OpGE&feature=related.  It’s a documentary called “The Star of Bethlehem” that talks about how the heavens moved in the sky during the time of Christ’s birth and death.  It’s really powerful to think about how the Lord set up the stars to move exactly in time with His plans from the beginning of creation.  Anyway, I love you guys, have a great week!

Love, Justin.

2 years ago  /  0 notes