LESSON: How do I join where God is already at work?

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Experiencing GODSCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 1: 11Again the LORD spoke his word to me and asked, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” I answered, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” 12Then the LORD said to me, “Right. I am watching to make sure that my words come true.” 13Again the LORD spoke his word to me and asked, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a boiling pot, and its top is tilted away from the north.” 14Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster will be poured out from the north on all those who live in the land. (God’s Word Translation) How does a person join where God is already at work? 1. Observation. Deals with facts 2. Revelation. Deals with Truth (John 8:31- 32) 3. Invitation. Deals with Decision (John 14:15) 4. Activation. Deals with Faith (James 2:26) 5. Glorification. Deals with Fruit (GoOD Results) John 15:8; Ephesians 1:6 What do you see Jeremiah? Observation: “I see a branch of an almond tree!” Revelation: “God is watching to make sure that His words come true.” What do you see Jeremiah? Observation: “I see a boiling pot, and its top is tilted away from the north.” Revelation: “Disaster will be poured out from the north on all those who live in the land…” Invitation: Jeremiah 1: 17 “Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. 18 For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land— the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. 19 They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” (NLT) Activation: Jeremiah 2: 1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: ‘This is what the LORD says…’ ” (TNIV) Case Study: Moses (Exodus Chapter 3 and 4) Observation? Revelation? Invitation? Activation?...
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Experiencing GOD – chapter 6

This entry is part 2 of 4 in the series Experiencing GODGOD Is At Work Around You Stop, Look and Listen! Recently a friend told me that after they moved to the suburbs, their children complained that they could not sleep because of the noise. Each night they were hearing the sound of crickets and other nocturnal creatures. In their previous home the children were used to hearing the sound of the inner city; cars, buses and music blaring. The crickets were probably there too, but could not be heard over the other noise. Similarly as a teen I used to marvel at how much I could see in the night sky over Martha’s Vineyard. There were thousands of stars and shooting stars in every glance. Those same stars were over my home in New York too, but I could not see them because of the visual noise created by the city lights. Unfortunately, we often can not see GOD at work around us because our own activity makes too much noise. If we would take time to be still and sit quietly before Him, we would see Him at work and would hear His invitation to join him. Next time that you are at school, work, in your community or with your family pause for a moment so you can see where GOD is at work. Then listen for His invitation and join...
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Experiencing GOD – chapter 5

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Experiencing GODSeven Realities of Experiencing GOD GOD Keeps His Partners Informed Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. – Amos 3:7  NKJV The LORD desires to form a partnership with us to accomplish His plan and establish His kingdom. In doing so, GOD does not regard human stature or rankings. He often calls ordinary men and women to partner with Him. The only prerequisite is that you hear His voice and obey. He makes known to these people; what is hidden to others. Amos was a shepherd and a farmer. The LORD called him to speak to Israel and Judah concerning their sin. Rather than offer GOD excuses, Amos responded with obedience. He could have said, “I am not a priest nor a prophet. Therefore, they will not listen to me.” Instead he demonstrated his faith by being compliant to the LORD’s instruction. Consequently, the LORD showed Amos the pending judgement of the nations and His promise of restoration. When GOD has a plan, he chooses a person or a group to bring it to pass. He tells them what He is about to do and their role in the plan. Henry Blackaby makes three observations about the men and women that GOD involves in His work: When GOD spoke, they knew it was GOD. They knew what He was saying. They knew what they were to do in response. Jesus called himself The Good Shepherd (John 10:4,14,27). He said, “the sheep follow him, for they know his voice”. If you are like me, the issue is hardly ever LORD is that you speaking or I am not sure what you are saying. More often than not, my pretense of uncertainty is a stall tactic. The true cause of my hesitance is that I do not understand how God is going to do what He said (a crisis of faith) or I do not like the plan nor my role (disobedience). What has GOD revealed to you? Are you thinking but I am only a ____? What is your response? What is holding you back? Remember GOD does not seek our understanding; only our...
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Experiencing GOD

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Experiencing GOD During the month of August we began reading as a congregation the book, Experiencing GOD. We are reading one chapter per week. Join us on this journey as we seek to deepen our relationship with GOD and live our lives like Jesus Christ. Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. – John 4:34 NASB Experiencing GOD reveals seven ways of relating to GOD: knowing, loving, hearing, joining, believing, obeying and experiencing. This book’s inspiring and straightforward approach will teach you how to: Hear when GOD speaks See what GOD is doing in your life Take GOD at His Word Know where GOD is taking you Know how to respond to GOD’s work in your life Experience GOD more intimately then ever...
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