MR

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MR

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MR

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Christ offers us freedom from the power of sin. This freedom motivates us to live in conformity with God’s will and purpose. But His gift of freedom never allows us to do our own thing. We might think that freedom has to do with being able to do what we want, but this is actually being trapped in our own wanting and willing. Christ’s gift of freedom takes us beyond the limits of our own selfishness and into the realm of God’s greater good. And when doing the greater good arises out of true thankfulness rather than compulsion or guilt, then we are  free indeed.

I love that….that’s what true “freedom in Christ” is all about. (John 8:36)

MR

Tuesday, April 3rd, is my 13th year of marriage to my beautiful wife, LeeAnn. We met when we were kids. Dated when she was 16 and I was 20. Got married when I was 24 and she was 20. We moved to a new state to start a new life, had 4 amazing children and started a church from scratch over 3 years ago. I love that I got to do that with this amazing woman.

In a world full of divorce and break ups, I’m happy to say we’ve been through the good and the bad and continue to love each other more and more each year. I couldn’t have found a better person to walk through this life with. She keeps me in check, supports all of who I am and gives me someone to enjoy life with.

I’m blessed and still in love!

MR

“But those who hope (or trust and wait) in the LORD, He will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Trying to be or do something before His perfect timing will only rush the process. Don’t go to around telling people what you are there to do for them, let God develop it in you and He will promote you without your help. Then there is much less stress and work on your end.

I’ve seen people walk into churches and immediately start telling everyone what they are called to do there. Relationships and trust takes time to develop. When we walk around from a state of entitlement (like everyone needs me or my gift) we become our own worst enemy. It’s like having a really bad agent representing you.

You might be super talented, but your “agent’s” personality and style of doing business turns others off from using you. You become the reason why you aren’t being used. When God is your “agent” He makes perfect fits. His process may take a little longer than you like, but remember, fine wine takes time. If you rush wine, it’s just grape juice. Personally I prefer the wine.

When you know the vision and purpose God has for you, wait for it and let God develop the avenue for you to be used. Habakkuk 2:3 says:

“For the revelation (or the vision/purpose for your life) awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watch people try to speed it along, only to cause more problems for themselves. They leave the places God has placed them in because they are too impatient to wait. In the end, they delay the end result much further.

If only we could trust that God does a much better job promoting us, than we do of ourselves.

MR

DEMONS

1-created by God, and not equal to God. (Prov 16:4)
2-defies God and despises truth. (John 8:44)
3-was given limited power. (Job 1:8-12)
4-commands a hierarchy of demons. (Eph. 6:10-12)
5-masquerades as “an angel of light.” (2 Cor. 11:14-15)
6-came to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10)
7-lost access to faithful, redeemed Christians. (John 10:2-15, Gal. 2:20, 1 John 4:4)
8-rules the masses within the dominions of this world. (Eph. 2:1-3)
9-tries to hide the actual truth about our God. (2 Cor. 4:3-4)
10-twists Scriptures to fit his purposes. (Gen. 3:1-5)
11-offers counterfeit promises he can’t fulfill. (Gen. 3:4-5)
12-always seeks an “opportune time” to tempt us. (Luke 4:13, 1 Peter 5:8)

ANGELS

Different ranks/jobs:

Seraphim (isaiah 6:2,6)
Cherubim (gen 3:24 / 1 Sam 4:4 /  Heb 9:5)
Thrones (Col 1:16)
Dominions (Eph 1:21 / Col 1:16)
Virtues (Eph 1:21, 1 Cor 15:24, 1 Peter 3:22)
Powers (Eph 1:21/ Eph 2:2/ Col 1:13 / 1 Peter 3:22)
Principalities (Eph 1:21 / 1 Cor 15:24 / Eph 6:12)
Archangels (1 Thess 4:16 / Jude 9)
Angels (200 times in the OT / 60 times in the Gospels/Acts / 19 times in the Epistles / 50 times in Revelations)

ANGELS….
1-bring God’s Word (Matt 1:20 /Matt 2:13, 19 / Luke 1:19, 26-27)
2-release revelation/dreams/understanding (Dan 8:15-19 / Rev 1:1)
3-give guidance and direction (Acts 8:26 / Gen 24:7)
4-bring deliverance (Is 37:36 / 2 Kings 19:35)
5-provide protection (Matt 18:10 / Ps 34:7 / Ps 91:11-12)
6-impart strength (Matt 4:11 / Luke 22:42-43 / Dan 10:16-19)
7-release God’s healing (John 5:4 nkjv)
8-minister to God through Praise and Worship (Luke 2:14 / Rev 5:11-12)
9-conduct war (Gen 32:1-2 / Dan 10:13 / Rev 12:7)
10-release God’s judgements (Gen 19:11 / Ex 12:21-23 / Rev 16:17)

This Sunday we continue our series into….what is OUR Authority and OUR Responsibility. It’s time to get equipped for the battle and fight from our state of victory.

MR

MR

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Bethel Music – The Loft Sessions – Love Bethel Redding’s worship. This one has a different acoustic organic feel. Recorded in a new “loft” space they have with a small group of worshipers.

One Sonic Society – Forever Reign – James Ingram has written or co-written a ton of worship tunes today. He now formed a band (with Stu G from the band Delirious?) and has a place to showcase them. “Forever Reign” is an amazing new worship song that is becoming a hit in churches.

Paul Baloche – The Same Love – This album hasn’t come out yet, but I got an advance copy and it’s got some typical Baloche congregational church worship songs people have come to know and love.

Worship Central – Spirit Break Out – Tim Hughes and a few others lead this live worship group. “At Your Name” is my biggest fav, but there are a few others on here as well.

Elevation Church – For the Honor – Another album from the young church of Elevation. It’s got a much cooler rock edge.

Worth Dying For – Live Riot – I’m a fan of how this group developed from a band to a youth movement. This is a live album at one of their youth conferences.

You got any new worship albums YOU suggest?

MR