“The Power of A Discerning Spirit”
Ezekiel 44:22-23; John 14:16-26
12/08/13
Do you Sometimes Find it difficult to discern whether it’s God’s Voice you’re Hearing Or your Own?
Decisions, Decisions are Our everyday companion Not Only do we have to make Them for a day, But also Our future Plans are based on decisions we make today.
Spiritual Principles
Discernment is essential to…Understand God’s Will
The important issue is whether or not the Father’s guidance has been Sought and obeyed in Our decision making process otherwise Our decisions lead to disaster.
Distinguish truth From Error: Since truth is often mixed with error, only a discerning Spirit can Separate the two.
Avoid being deceived by Sin: The pleasures of Sin are momentary, but their consequences affect long after the giving in to the temptation. A discerning Spirit, however, prevents us from committing to a “Good Deal” before necessary, it’s wise to Step back and consider your full range of options, asking God which way is best.
Recognize When God Is Speaking: Do you know how to listen to God? Sometimes, people think he isn’t Speaking when the truth is they have not learned to recognize his Voice. It’s crucial that we do so because he’s willing to Speak into every decision and protect us from dangers we can’t see.
What is the Source of Spiritual discernment: The Holy Spirit, before ascending to heaven JESUS promised his disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit. He referred to him as the “HELPER” and describes what he would provide in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit gives us direction helps Us Understand truth, and reminds Us of Jesus’ teaching. Dwelling inside of us he enables Our Spiritual discernment (John 14:16-26), and thanks to his guidance, you and I never have to make decisions on Our Own.
(John 15:26).
Rev. Jack L. Reed, Pastor
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“The Lesson of Christmas is Giving”
12/22/13
Everyone who was involved in the Christmas Story gave Something:
MARY GAVE HER BODY AND REPUTATION. She willingly surrendered her body to bear the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON of GOD. Furthermore, because she was not married, she gave her reputation. Although her engagement to Joseph was as binding as marriage, to be found pregnant before the actual ceremony would have been proof of adultery and just cause for stoning.
THE ANGEL OF THE LORD GAVE AN ANNOUNCENMENT. The First report of Christ’s birth was delivered by a glorious angel to a group of Shepherds, who were held in distain by their culture. (Luke 2:8-15).
THE SHEPHERDS GAVE A TESTIMONY. After seeing the Messiah they couldn’t keep the great news to themselves, but told everyone what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:15).
THE WISE MEN GAVE GIFTS. They were probably astrologers or Philosophers who came from Persia, when this Star caught there attention, they went on a journey to find the New Born King of the Jews. When they found JESUS they Worshiped him And GAVE gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh (Matthew 2).
GOD GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. The greatest GIFT of all came from GOD the FATHER who gave his SON to the world to die as a sacrifice for Our Sins. What an awesome gift GOD GAVE US IN HIS SON, JESUS (John 3:16).
What can you do this Christmas to extend giving beyond your own home? What Gifts can you give that are cost-free?
Rev. Jack L. Reed, Pastor