This weeks service was dedicated to Psalm 34, sharing our praises to God with each other.  Speaking our praises to God out load to others not only has a positive affect on our attitude it also has a uniting affect on our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Take some time each day to speak aloud your praises to God with each other and watch all the positive affects happen around and in you!

Psa 34:1 A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psa 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
Psa 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Psa 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psa 34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
Psa 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psa 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Psa 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Psa 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psa 34:12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
Psa 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Psa 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psa 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
Psa 34:16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Psa 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psa 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Psa 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
Psa 34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

This week Bro. Leo continues our study of the “be attitudes” with a look at the purity of our heart at the point of our salvation.

In Matt.5:8 the word “heart” is translated from the Greek word “kardia” which means the physical heart, inner self, inner thoughts, intentions, affections and desires. The “kardia” is the real you.  Here are a few conditions of the heart described in the Bible: negative conditions-darkened, blinded, deceitful, hardened, worldly, unconcerned spiritually heart and many more. Positive conditions-searching, enlightened, convicted, contrite or broken, compassionate, pure, selfless heart and many more.

In order for our hearts to be cleansed there has to be three entities working on us at the point of our salvation.  1) Word of God  2) Holy Spirit  3) Blood of Jesus Christ.  And we have to be willing to cooperate with these three entities (Rom.1-21-22).

It is very difficult many times for us to recognize our true spiritual condition (Jer.17:9-10).  That is why it is so important for us to pray for God to reveal to us our true “kardia” (Psa.139).

In 2Cor. 4:3-6 we are told that it is the Word of God that changes our blinded heart.  The word of God has the supernatural power to penetrate and change our hearts (Heb.4:12-13, 2Pet.1:19, Acts 2:37).

At the point of our salvation there were three entities working on our hearts, 1) Word of God penetrated our hearts (we willingly cooperated), 2) the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from our sins, 3) the Holy Spirit indwells us (Acts 15:5-10).

“Divine operation can never work without human cooperation”
-Spiros Zodhiates

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Mat 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2Co 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Act 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Act 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Act 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Act 15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Act 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Act 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Act 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

This week Bro. Leo continues our study of the “be attitudes” with a study on the condition of our heart.

Any inner action with a person is an inner action with their condition of their heart.  Likewise they are dealing with the condition of our heart.  In Matt.5:8 the word “heart” is translated from the Greek word “kardia” which means the physical heart, inner self, inner thoughts, intentions, affections and desires.  The “kardia” is the real you.

Here are a few conditions of the heart described in the Bible: negative conditions-darkened, blinded, deceitful, hardened, worldly, unconcerned spiritually heart and many more.  Positive conditions-searching, enlightened, convicted, contrite or broken, compassionate, pure, selfless heart and many more.

In Heb.4:12-13 the word “word” is translated from the Greek word “logos” which in this context means the written revealed thoughts of God.  God sees and knows our “kardia”, He knows our every thought, affection and desire even when we do not.

God sees our “kardia” and knows when we have saving faith and He gives us His Holy Spirit when He sees saving faith in us, the Holy Spirit purifies our “kardia” (if we allow Him to) Acts 15:7-9.

When our outward conduct matches our “kardia” condition it is known as integrity (Rom.2:13-15).   It is important to know our true “kardia” condition and only God knows our true “kardia” condition, so it’s very important that we pray for God to reveal our true “kardia” condition to us (1Cor.4:5).

Scriptures used in today’s staudy:

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Act 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Act 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Act 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Act 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
Act 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Act 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psa 26:1 A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
Psa 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

In this message Bro. Leo explains the significance of the American Independence day, flag, patriotism, Veterans (both active and retired) and our law enforcement officers.  He also explains the attacks on the above.

This week Bro. Leo continues our study on seeing God with part two of “I will see God”.

Last week we seen three examples from the Bible of people who saw God and all three examples were of people who could only see a portion of God (Exo. 33:11, 13-15, Exo. 34:5-6, 8, Gen. 32:24-30, Acts 22:6-9).

This week Bro. Leo leads us on a study of two principles of seeing God, 1) the only condition that will allow us to fully see God and 2) How seeing God in our lives today changes our perspective of our lives today.

1) Our physical bodies have to be changed into glorified bodies (1John 3:2, Phil. 3:20-21, 1Cor. 15:51-52, 54-58, Rev. 21:1-4).

2)  Knowing God’s promise of salvation to those who believe allows us to also know that God will deliver us from our trials and tribulations in this life (Psa. 56:13).  Job is the perfect example of relying on God’s promise of salvation to also get Him through the many trials and tribulations of his life (Job 19:23-27,  Job 16:19-20).  We see God in our lives when we are activating His Spirit within us (2Cor. 3:13, 17).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Joh 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Psa 56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Job 19:23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
Job 19:24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Job 19:27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Job 16:19 Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.
Job 16:20 My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.

Heb 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Heb 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

2Co 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished
2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

This week Bro. Leo starts a new study series on “seeing God”.  Today’s study is an introduction of seeing God.  Lord willing in the next few weeks Bro. Leo will be diving deeper into seeing God.

Matt. 5:8 tells us that the pure in heart will see God.  In Exo. 33:11, 13-15,  Exo. 34:5-6, 8,  Gen. 32:24-30,  Acts 22:6-9 gives three examples of men who actually saw God in person.   We see the Hand of God in things that affect our lives (Rom. 8:28).  In this life we can only partially know, partially teach and therefore partially see God 1Cor. 13:12, 9).

Earth is the realm of desire, but Heaven is the realm of perfection and there we will see God in all His glory (1Cor. 13:10).  1John 3:1-3 and Phil. 3:20-21 explains how we become pure in heart and able to see God.

God wants us to be with Him and see Him in Heaven and He provided us the way (John 17:23-24).  Until that day we experience Jesus by His Holy Spirit indwelling us.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Exo 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
Exo 33:13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
Exo 33:14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exo 33:15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

Exo 34:5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
Exo 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth
Exo 34:8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

Gen 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
Gen 32:25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
Gen 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Gen 32:27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
Gen 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Gen 32:29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
Gen 32:30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Act 22:6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
Act 22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Act 22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
Act 22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Joh 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

This week Bro. Leo leads us on a study of God’s ways. Bro. Leo dedicates the first few minutes to reminding all of us of the significance of Memorial Day and that we should take a few minutes on this day to thank God for all the brave souls that fought and died for our great Nation from the Revolutionary War through the present time.

The Bible is very specific in the comparison of our ways and God’s ways, therefore our perspective of God’s ways is very significant to our Christian walk.

God’s ways:

God’s ways are higher than our ways; higher in purpose, higher in knowledge, higher in meaning and higher in motive (Isa.55:8-9).  God’s plan gives us peace and an expected end (Jer.29:11, Rom.8:28).  God has a plan for everybody in every generation (Psa.33:11).  God knows more about us than we know about ourselves (Psa.139:6).  God has so many precious thoughts and plans for us that they can not all be counted (Psa.139:17-18).  God wants us to use His knowledge about ourselves (Psa.139:23).

Our Ways:

The word “devices” in Prov.19:21 is translated from the Hebrew root word “machin” which means cunning thoughts or plans.  Our plans tend to be self centered and short sided.  In Psa.56:8 the word “wondering” is translated from the Hebrew word “nûd” which means to travel about with no direction.  When we are not seeking God’s plan we are traveling about with no directions.

God’s Way:
God is for us and He has a perfect plan for us (Psa.56:9).

Illustration:
A few days before his birthday a boy and his father go into the local hardware store and the boy sees a pair of new bicycle handle bar grips.  The boy knew his family didn’t have much money, but the grips were fairly cheap so he asked his father if he could have those grips for his birthday.  The father told him no.  The boy was disappointed and pouted all the way home and was still pouting on his birthday.  On his birthday he walked into his house and found a brand new bicycle in the living room.  His father told him while they were in the hardware store he was talking to the owner about buying that bicycle and that’s why he wouldn’t buy the grips the boy wanted.

There are many things that we want and just have to have and think it is the best for us, but God knows better for us and we should be seeking His plan for us (2Cor.12:7-10).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Psa 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Psa 139:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Psa 139:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Psa 139:3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
Psa 139:4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Psa 139:5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Psa 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Psa 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psa 139:15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Psa 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
Psa 139:18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Pro 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Psa 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psa 56:9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
Psa 56:10 In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
Psa 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

This week Bro. Leo leads us on a study of God’s timing.  Over the last few weeks we have studied the significance of the Biblical  perspective of God, the importance of seeking God and His will as our first priority, but even with that Biblical knowledge we can still make two mistakes, 1) spiritual procrastination – putting off what His Holy Spirit is convicting us to do,  2) getting ahead of God – we tend to force the issue when we think God is moving too slow.

1. Spiritual procrastination
   a) we should not put off what we are being convicted to do (Heb. 3:7-8, 12-13, 15)

   b) God has everything timed for His purpose (Ecc. 3:1, 6, 4, 10-11)

2. Getting ahead of God
   a) God is consistent in all His promises in His timing not ours (2Pet. 3:9)

   b) When we feel like God isn’t acting fast enough or acting at all for us we should remember that He is always listening to our prayers and acting in our best interest in His time (1Pet. 3:12, Psa. 31:13)

   c) We need to trust God to take care of us and not get ahead of Him by attempting to do all the work ourselves (Exo. 14:13-14).

Scriptures used in today’s message:

Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Gen 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Heb 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Heb 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecc 3:6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Ecc 3:10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
Ecc 3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Psa 31:13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
Psa 31:14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
Psa 31:15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

Exo 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
Exo 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

This week Bro. Leo’s study takes us from the significance of the Biblical perspective of God to seeking God.

In Matt. 6:33 the word “seek” is translated from the Greek word “zēteō” which means to seek out diligently in order to obtain something, to place a priority on that which is sought.
Jesus is telling us in vs.33 to make God and His will our first priority.

Paul tells us in Rom. 3:9-12, 20 our ways and works are not righteous.  We should seek God by seeking Him (God Himself),  to seek His ways, to seek His righteousness, to seek His will, seek His plans for our life as our number one priority.  When we do this we are seeking a relationship with Jesus that we value greater than any other relationship we have.  That is what it means to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”.  If we do this “and all these things shall be added unto you”.

There are only two choices we have, we either “seek” God’s will and plan for us or we “seek” our own will and plan.  We have to turn away from our ways and plans in order to “seek” God’s ways and plans.

How many decisions have you made without first “seeking” God’s will?

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Rom 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Php 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
Php 2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

1Ch 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Psa 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
Psa 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Psa 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Psa 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
Psa 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
Psa 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
Psa 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
Psa 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

This week Bro. Leo continues our study of the significance of our perspective of God with part 2 of “SEE GOD AS GOD”.

Last week we seen through the Scriptures that God is the source of all wisdom, knowledge, instruction and counsel and He wants to appropriate that to us.  This week we study God’s strength and power and how He offers that strength and power to us also.

Isaiah 40:12, 18, 21-22, 25-28 describes the strength and power of God and compares that us by describing us as grasshoppers in comparison.

In John 1:1, 14, 2-3 we read that Jesus is the creation power of God.  And in Heb. 1:2-3, Col.1:16-17 we read that Jesus is still holding creation together.  The word “consist” in Col. 1:17 is translated from the Greek words “sunistaō sunistanō sunistēmi” which means to set up or place together orderly and to sustain.

In Zec. 4:6 we read that God’s strength and power is in His Spirit.  In 2Cor. 4:13-14, 16 we read that it is God’s Spirit that strengthens us to the point of enduring life’s trials.   Rom. 8:10-11 tells us that God’s Holy Spirit is in every believer.  We should pray for God to strengthen us daily (Eph. 3:14-16).

With the proper perspective of God’s power and strength and the knowledge that God wants to give that strength and power to us, we will walk through our daily struggles with the security of knowing we are not doing it under our own power but through the power of Jesus who not only created the world but is still holding the world together  (Eph. 1:16, 18-20,  Eph. 6:10,  Phil. 4:13).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Isa 40:12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
Isa 40:18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Isa 40:21 Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Isa 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Isa 40:25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
Isa 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
Isa 40:27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Isa 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Deu 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Zec 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
2Co 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Eph 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.