Seasons - What Is God Up To - 4

Subject: Understanding The Seasons In Our Lives

By Rick Welborne

Eccl 3:1 & 11-14 NKJV
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,
13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor--it is the gift of God.
14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.
–We have looked at the seasons and timing of God during the last three weeks...
–We have seen how he takes us from chronos time (a general time) to a kairos time (an opportune time when we think something is about to happen).
–Last week we talked about pleroo which is the fulness of time where what we have prayed for has come to fruition.
–As I was preparing this sermon the Holy Spirit reminded me of the promise the Lord gave to Abraham because of his obedience...preached on this a few years ago:
Gen 22:15-18 (NKJV)
15 Then the Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 
16 and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son--
17 "blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.
18 "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
–God promised him Blessings, Multiplication, his children storming the gates of hell, and the nations being touched through them! Remember though, he waited 21 years.
–This is our aim, our goal birthed out of our worship to God and our obedience to Him.
–Dutch Sheets in speaking of these transitions in our lives and of the seasons in our lives gives four scriptural references which speak of these shifts or changes.
Prov 4:18 (NIV)
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Romans 1:17 (NKJV)
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
2 Cor 3:18 (NKJV)
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
–This is going from one God encounter to another! Some need this God encounter now! Salvation was good but you need a fresh touch!
Psalms 84:4-7 (NKJV)
4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion. 
1. Pilgrimage - this journey God has us on.
2. They pass thru the Valley of Baca...valley of weeping...they pass thru...they pass thru!
See the transition...general time (pain), opportune time (expectation), fullness of time..
They pass thru!
3. They make it a spring...what do you make your mess?...when life gives you lemons...make lemonaide...when you experience grapes of wrath...make it new wine.
What do you make it?
4. The rain covers it with pools...this speaks of abundance...not just a spring but overflowing blessings...Remember Abraham.
–God promised Abraham Blessings, Multiplication, children storming the gates of hell, and the nations being touched through them!
5. See the progression...see the transition...they go from strength to strength!
6. See the reward...Each one appears before God in Zion. Jesus said my reward is with me! Oh I want to see Him...look upon His face.
–Pastor Rick, whether we are in the general process of time or the opportune time what is it that we should be doing right now?
1. We must accept responsibility to do our part.
Sheets: God will do what only He can do; we must also do what He expects and requires of us during the time of transition. Don’t make the mistake of overemphasizing the sovereignty of God. In other words, it is dangerous to believe that God will make sure that we get to fullness, no matter what we do. The generation of Israelites who perished in the desert is proof that fullness is not automatically guaranteed.
–God is telling Israel now is your fullness of time...example Joshua 1.
Josh 1:1-2 (NKJV) 
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying:
2 "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them--the children of Israel.
–Joshua, Moses is dead...now you do what I am telling you..be responsible! Like Joshua we have to be responsible to hear and obey God.
2. We will have to move in great faith.
–"Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan..."
–Move in faith...don’t care that others were afraid...you move in faith and trust me!
–If we will have revival...someone will have to lead...move in faith to trust God!
–You may have to step out to cross your Jordan...step out in faith and trust God!
3. We must be very flexible.
Josh 1:11 (NKJV)
11 "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.' "
–Three days...are you crazy...we do not have time to prepare...can’t do it.
–Those who are not pliable will never move with God...obey quickly.
–Israel has waited for 40 years and now they have to be ready in 3 days...what?
–Get ready with your family, your business, your church to move quickly with God...we cannot afford to miss His timing and His season.
4. We must remember the basics.
–God told Joshua to stick with the manual...the basics.
Josh 1:7-8 (NKJV)
7 "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
–Stick to the Book...meditate on it night and day. Do what it says and you will be blessed and have good success.
Psalms 119:105 (NKJV)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. 
5. We need to hold fast to past promises.
Josh 1:6 (NKJV)
6 "Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
–Swore to their fathers...we need to grab hold of past promises and trust God.
–Godly words spoken over Timothy by Paul:
1 Tim 1:18 (NKJV)
18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
–Past saints of Life Church have promised revival is coming...somebody needs to take hold of that with your pastor...1000 plus is coming!
6. We must live in complete obedience.
–Twelve times in Josh.1 is obedience emphasized...word command used 8 times. God would never command us do do anything we could not do!
–Sheets says that it is imperative that we obey and that we obey quickly. Samuel tried to convince Saul...obedience was better than his offerings:
1 Sam 15:22 (NKJV)
22 Then Samuel said: "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
7. We need to realize there will be battles we have to fight.
Josh 1:3 (NKJV)
3 "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
–Hebrew word for tread (darak)...military term...not just a walk but treading on your enemies...treading on your enemies means you are fighting and winning.
–Between the promise and the prize there is a process and that process is usually a fight...seems that it intensifies right before the victory!
8. We must recognize our need for help.
Joshua 1:12-17 (NLT) 
12 Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them,
13 "Remember what Moses, the servant of the LORD, commanded you: ‘The LORD your God is giving you a place of rest. He has given you this land.’
14 Your wives, children, and livestock may remain here in the land Moses assigned to you on the east side of the Jordan River. But your strong warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. Stay with them 
15 until the LORD gives them rest, as he has given you rest, and until they, too, possess the land the LORD your God is giving them. Only then may you return and settle here on the east side of the Jordan River in the land that Moses, the servant of the LORD, assigned to you." 
16 They answered Joshua, "We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us.
17 We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses.
–Joshua was going to need help and we will too. Don’t be so prideful or arrogant to ask for help and prayers. You have not because you do not ask.
–You will probably be surprised how many are willing to help if they only knew your need. Everybody needs somebody sometimes! Dean Martin
9. We must let His peace sustain us.
Josh 1:9 (NKJV)
9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Phil 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
–Our peace is birthed out of the absolute fact that God is with us! Here is a great word for all of us from Paul:
Col 3:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Revelation - The Message To The Church

Subject: The Church at Sardis

by Rick Welborne

Revelation 3:1-6 (NKJV)

1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '
–In 550 BC Sardis was the capital city of a great kingdom called Lydia. King Cyrus, king of the Medes and the Persians wanted to conquer Sardis because of all its wealth.
–Sardis was the first city to make gold and silver coins. Sardis looked impossible to conquer because it was built on the side of a mountain. Very steep cliffs. 1500 ft. walls.
–At the top of cliffs was a fort which served as a gate to the city. King Cyrus offered a great reward to anyone who could conquer this city.
–History tells us that one of Cyrus’s soldiers saw a helmet fall from the fort down the mountain. He saw the guard take a secret path to go get the helmet.
–This soldier led Cyrus’s army to the secret path, over the wall into the city while everyone was sleeping and opened the gate.
–The Persians conquered Sardis that night. Cyrus took $600 million dollars worth of treasure from the city in 548 BC.
–When Jesus told the church at Sardis to be watchful they would have understood what He was saying because of their history and their city being taken.
Review of the Previous Churches
Ephesus: The church that left its first love (Rev. 2:1-7)
Smyrna: The church that was persecuted (Rev. 2:8-11)
Pergamom: The church that lived where Satan lived (Rev.2:12-17)
Thyatira: The church that tolerated Jezebel (Rev. 2:18-29)
–Today we will look at the church at Sardis which had dead people in its pews.
–Each message to the churches starts with a description of Jesus and in Sardis it says: 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars"
–I believe the NKJV has it right when it has Spirits in capitol letters because many scholars believe (and so do I) that this represents the seven different aspects of Holy Spirit.
–Notice again the capitol letters in the verse regarding the aspects of Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 11:2 (NKJV)
2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
–Count them...The Spirit of anointing resting upon Him, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear. If you disagree you have the right to be wrong!
–Holy Spirit is closely linked to the seven churches and pastors...the number seven shows fullness, wholeness, and completeness...these seven churches represent the whole church.
–Likewise the seven Spirits represent the fullness and perfection of God...Holy Spirit. In Him we find everything that the church needs...why we always welcome Him here!
1. To the pastor and to the church at Sardis Jesus says that you have a major problem...you are dead!
Revelation 3:1 (NKJV)
1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 
–The church at Sardis was spiritually dead. The church at Sardis was like the town...it was depending on its past reputation...churches remember way back when...
–Sardis was once a great and powerful city until Cyrus conquered it...the city lost its glory. Likewise the church at Sardis had once been strong but now most were dead.
–Here is the sad thing about those in the church...they did not even know that they were dead. Kind of reminds us of Samson in the Old Testament.
Judges 16:20 (NKJV)
20 And she said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" So he awoke from his sleep, and said, "I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!" But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.
–You may still be singing, lifting your hands, maybe even praying in a tongue you have memorized, but not be aware that the Lord has departed from you because of sin.
　
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
–Another problem Jesus had with them was that their works (deeds) were not perfect or complete.
Revelation 3:2 (NKJV)
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
–Again like the city...started building a temple to the goddess Diana and never finished it. The church there would never follow thru with the things they started doing for the Lord.
–How about you...do you quit everything you start? Do you give up when it doesn’t go the way you expected? Do you blame God for continually changing your "ministry"?
–Another problem was that the church people were walking around with dirty clothes. A few had kept their clothes clean but most had not.
Revelation 3:4 (NKJV)
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
–Whatever could this mean...it meant that most of the church members were living sinful lives...their clothes had been stained by the sins of the flesh and the world.
2. To the pastor and to the church at Sardis Jesus was saying I have a solution for you.
Revelation 3:2-3 (NIV)
2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
–He tells them to wake up and to repent: Repentance is what it has always been...turning from your sin and turning to God. Some think it is just turning from sin. Wrong!
–Some think it is turning to God and still holding on to there sin. Wrong! They were compromising with the world. No persecution because there was no difference between them and the sinners around them.
　
　
Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV)
14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."
–Next they were to strengthen what remains...how do we do that? We return to God, return to His altar, and return to being filled with Holy Spirit power!
–They also needed to remember what they had heard and obey it...many want new revelation when they have never made a commitment to obey God’s original revelation...His Word.
–Pastor, I need a Word from the Lord...I need an encounter with Him...I need Him to show up...Can I tell you that your greatest possibility of finding Him is at His house.
3. To the pastor and to the church at Sardis Jesus says I have three promises for you.
Revelation 3:5 (NKJV)
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
–Notice the qualifier and notice that the promises were not to every church member: The promises were only for the overcomers.
–I know not everyone loves basketball and some of you may not even know what March madness is but I love March because of the college basketball playoffs.
–Even though your team (or mine) makes it into the final four...it is still so exciting. Some made it into the NCAA, while others made it into the NIT...mine made into the NOT!
–The point here is that they had to qualify to get there and they qualified because they continued to play, to compete, to sacrifice, and ultimately to win.
–I believe Jesus is saying the same thing to us...to be a qualifier you must be willing to endure hardship, remain faithful, to give yourself as living sacrifices...
–This idea of Universalism is definitely not biblical...the truth is, not everyone gets in contrary to popular opinion...not every church member gets into heaven.
–God did not approve of Gideon’s army...out of 32,000 only 300 were chosen. Malachi thundered against the evils of his day. Did the people repent and obey God?
–Most of them did not repent. Instead they defended themselves. They said, "How have we sinned?" They denied that they had robbed God of tithes.
–But a few (God always has a remnant) listened to Malachi. Those who feared the Lord talked to one another and encouraged each other to do what was right:
Malachi 3:16-18 (NLT)
16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.
17 "They will be my people," says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. "On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.
18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not."
–We all need to walk worthy (though technically none of us are) of the One Who died for us. His blood is what makes us righteous and makes our garments white.
Colossians 1:10 (NKJV)
10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
–Jesus’ second promise for the overcomer was that their names would not be blotted out of the Book of Life!
–Let me see if I get this: You overcome and your name will not be blotted (erased) from the Book of Life and if you do not overcome your name will be erased.
–I love when people tell me about this verse, "Well, that is what Jesus said but that is not what He meant. He was speaking hypothetically."
–Ok, let’s assume that is true...that here in Revelation Jesus didn’t mean what He said. Explain this for me...All thru the Word (the Words in red) how do we discern when Jesus was serious or just speaking hypothetically?
Caution: If we, because of our denomination or camp, have to change the interpretation of what Jesus said so clearly to fit our beliefs...we may want to rethink the doctrine we propagate.
Exodus 32:32-33 (NKJV)
32 Yet now, if You will forgive their sin--but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written."
33 And the LORD said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.
Jude 1:5 (NKJV)
5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
–I will confess the overcomer before My Father and His angels. I believe overcomers tell others about Jesus.
Matthew 10:32-33 (NKJV)
32 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.

33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Seasons - What Is God Up To? 3

Subject - Understanding The Seasons In Our Lives

By Rick Welborne

　
Eccl 3:1 & 11-14 NKJV
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,
13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor--it is the gift of God.
14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.
–The last two weeks we have been discussing this thing of seasons and the timing of God.
–We discussed based on a teaching from Dutch Sheets that there is a chronos time (a general time) and a kairos time (an opportune time when we think something is about to happen).
–Let me make this clear to everyone here today...just because we have been faithful in the general time and just because there appears to be an opportune time on the horizon...
It does not mean that the fight of faith is finished...we must be faithful in our season.
–It means that because of our prayer, persistence, and faithfulness that we have shifted into an opportune time where something great potentially will happen.
–Even when (especially when) we get to this place in our seasons and in the timing of God...we must be willing to persevere the most. Hang in there and don’t give up!
–The Bible not only speaks of chronos time and kairos time but it also speaks of pleroo time which is the fullness of time.
Galatians 4:4 (NKJV) 
4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
–Sheets: This word "fullness" indicates fully completing or finishing something. Whereas kairos indicates opportunity to perform a task or produce fruit, pleroo means it has been accomplished.
1. Childbirth is a good analogy of what we are trying to say about the fullness of time.
–The woman goes thru the three stages we are speaking about, the general time, the opportune time, and the time for the birth of the child...task completed...Right!
–For nine months (an important season) the woman faithfully endures the challenging but important developmental stage...the general stage of development.
–Much is happening during this time in the hidden place of the womb but she cannot hold or fully enjoy the child she is carrying. Causes anticipation for the next season.
–Prayer of Jabez...Bless me indeed, enlarge my territory, let Your hand be with me, keep me from evil.
–The woman then moves into the opportune time of labor and delivery...due season! The baby is due!
–The birthing of the little miracle is not here yet but it is near...This opportune time is difficult and even dangerous for mom and baby.
Sheets: Opportunity does not guarantee success. There will be much work, pain, and pushing if the fullness of the stage of birth is to be reached. There have been very few times in my relationship with my wife when she was totally unreasonable, where intelligent conversation was impossible. In fact...there has only been two times - the births of our daughters...Sarah and Hannah.
–Men, even though we were in situations where we really wanted to help our wives ... there was little encouragement we could give in this time. Tear off my face!
–Finally the woman goes from the opportune time (a time of labor and pain) into the fullness of time...the baby is delivered.
–It is always worth the pain once you can hold your baby...what a miracle. Key: It is always worth the season of waiting when you hold your miracle in your hand.
2. Spiritual births and the births you are praying for can be difficult and dangerous.
–Unlike a woman in childbirth we do have the opportunity to give up or to quit.
–During the opportune or strategic times there will always be the possibility of bail out or just saying I have had enough...I quit.
–This time (this season) can become hazardous...disillusionment, weariness, confusion, and other problems can easily arise.
F. B. Meyer uses the example of a beehive to compare the struggle of bees to that of the Christian:
–A beekeeper told me the story of a hive—how, when the little bee is in the first stage, it is put into a hexagonal cell, and honey is stored there for its use until it reaches maturity. The honey is sealed with a capsule of wax, and when the tiny bee has fed itself on the honey and exhausted the supply, the time has come for it to emerge into the open. But, oh, the wrestle, the tussle, the straining to get thru that wax! It is the straight gate for the bee, so straight that in the agony of exit the bee rubs off the membrane that hid its wings, and on the other side it is able to fly. Once a moth got into the hive, fed on the wax capsules and the bees got out without any strain or trouble. But they could not fly, and the other bees stung them to death.
–Are you struggling to get to the next stage or to see your miracle take place?
–Don’t give up...Your struggles won’t be wasted...they may even be necessary! Don’t bail your kids out in their struggles! Don’t you want them to fly? The key is not to quit!
Luke 18:1 (NIV)
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

3. Look at the disciples of Jesus and what they went through.
–They went through 3 very intense years with Jesus...saw many miracles and many conflicts.
–Then they came to kairos (the time where they thought their dreams would be fulfilled) just to find themselves at the cross of Jesus.
–They were so close to their pleroo (fullness of time) and came very close to losing the spiritual baby that was about to be birthed.
–They became very confused because they did not know what God was doing behind the scenes...it was not the way they had played it out in their minds.
–Their confusion became frustration and they looked at each other and said, What are we going to do...Peter said I am going fishing!
–Jesus had always been there and now He is dead...the dream is over so let us go back to what we are familiar with...I really thought I heard God but oh well.
–Jesus shows up and again reveals to them that the dream is not dead but to wait for the promise of the Father...then He ascends to heaven...whatever!
–Look at what they almost lost...they had been faithful, they had come to an opportune time, and now they are close to the fullness of time.
–They almost quit before the birthing of what God had promised and planned.
–You see...Pentecost is only a few days away (they didn’t know what it would be like) and they had no idea what they would have missed.
–Pentecost comes and they are filled with God’s power...Peter preaches and 3000 people came to Christ, and as a group listen what was said about them...
Acts 17:6 (NKJV)
"These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."

–We almost miss how close they were to abandoning their fullness of time because they almost quit a few days short of their miracle.
–This was not what they had expected...Ruling Romans. What they received is better...they are now filled with the power of God. How many of you know that is better?
4. My word for you today is don’t quit...don’t quit...don’t quit!!!!!
–Your miracle may not look like or unfold the way you have preconceived in your mind but please know God has it custom made just for you.
–You may be confused and maybe a little disturbed at what you perceive as God’s inactivity and the lack of visual signs something is happening.
–Until it completely unfolds you may not have any idea what it will look like! It always seems to me that Satan will provide an opportunity for you to bail out...
–Back in 5 or 6 years ago...I was contacted by a church in Texas...an opportunity to change...it was an extremely tough season for me.
–During this time I was teaching on Job...God woke me up at 3 in the morning and reminded me about my own teaching...
–He promised if I would hang in here that He would do more than I could think or imagine...I said yes, Lord, and I am so glad I did...
–We are close, Church, to that promise...hang in there...the fullness of time is coming for you and for the church.
When your hut’s on fire 
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, ‘God! How could you do this to me?’ Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! ‘How did you know I was here?’ asked the weary man of his rescuers. ‘We saw your smoke signal,’ they replied. 
–It’s easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn’t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.
–Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.
2 Cor 12:9-10 (NKJV)
9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Revelation: The Message To The Church

Subject: The Church At Thyatira

by Rick Welborne

　
Revelation 2:18-29 (NKJV)
18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.
25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations--
27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'-- as I also have received from My Father;
28 and I will give him the morning star. 
29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '
–Thyatira was a small town about 40 miles southeast of Pergamom...It is interesting to note that Jesus sent His longest message to such a small town pastor and church.
–Jesus does not just care for the big cities but He loves the least as much as the greatest.
–Thyatira was well known for its manufacture of brass and isn’t it interesting that Jesus reveals Himself with feet like fine brass. He knows how to identify with us!
–It was also famous for its purple cloth. Remember Lydia in Acts 16 becoming a believer in Christ. Many believe the church there was started in her home. The power of one!
1. To the pastor and the church at Thyatira Jesus said I commend you for your love but I decry your tolerance of evil.
Revelation 2:19-20 (NKJV)
19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
–The church at Ephesus was commended because they hated evil but were rebuked because of their lack of love...You have lost your first love.
–Thyatira was commended for their love but they were way too tolerant of evil.
–I am sure all of you have known people in this church and others who have loved family and friends almost to a fault...really no "almost" to it.
–They love them, provide for them, bail them out way too much, take care of them (and their children), defend them thru everything but will not confront their sin.
–Moreover, they would get upset with anyone who would confront these precious people about their sin or get upset with anyone questioning their love or tolerance. God is love!
–They say...Jesus loved everyone and I will love my family and friends no matter what. What they must see is their loved ones do not get heaven just because they are connected to them...they must have their own relationship with Jesus.
–On the other side...we have known people who hate sin and evil but also seem to truly hate the sinner...no love or grace.
–Telling someone who is doing evil that they are going to split hell wide open unless they repent may be true but there might be a better way of confronting them.
–Pastor here in Central Florida started his funeral of a man in his late 20s with this statement: "If any man ever went to hell...this man did!" This made national news.
–He obviously had picked up on this man’s evil and sin but not a whole lot of wisdom or love was shown toward the family.
–Thyatira’s love for God and people made them work hard, serve faithfully, have faith in God, and be persistent in their lives everyday.
–They were even commended for doing more work at the present than they were doing at the beginning...now that is love. Jesus was upset about something!
2. To the pastor and the church at Thyatira Jesus said I am upset with you because of your tolerance of Jezebel.
Revelation 2:20-23 (NKJV)
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
–God had something against them...You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She leads by lust, and lies thru her teeth, and no one confronts her.
–I want to discuss with you the spirit of Jezebel from my study and research and direct experience in dealing with it. I have the scares to prove it...The Spirit of Jezebel
A. The spirit of Jezebel is rooted in pride.
Jeremiah Johnson: The name "Jezebel" literally translated means "without cohabitation."
She refuses to dwell or lead with anyone unless she can dominate and control them. 
–In the church it will manifest itself as superior knowledge and superior leadership...can be a woman or a man...it can be in every institution including families...marriages...work places...it is arrogance manifested.
–No one hears from God like them..They are super spiritual and others have not measured up to their standard...never will! Not always but most of the time want to counsel folks.
B. The spirit of Jezebel is rooted in control.
–Nothing can get done unless they do it...or at least that is the only way it will be right.
–New people either comply to their control or they are indirectly forced out...sometimes directly if they are seen as a threat. Exp....Jezebel serving drinks.
–They want to be close to the leadership so they can have the inside scoop on everything.
Jeremiah Johnson: Jezebel loves to act submissive and servant like, but only for the sake of gaining strategic position and advantage. From her heart, she yields to no one. 
–If they feel the leadership is trying to usurp their perceived authority...they will form a coup to get rid of the leadership. Usually a family clan which makes them strong.
C. The spirit of Jezebel is rooted in lust.
–This is a lust for power, a lust for attention, a lust for recognition...Make me an elder!
Sometimes they will work behind the scenes if they have an Ahab to do their biding.
–There is, in my spirit, a red flag when someone wants the limelight too much. I will...I
will...I will...Sounds so much like Satan in Isaiah 14.
–The Old Testament Jezebel lusted for power and possessions...This Jezebel in Revelations is worse...she wants all this but is also willing to use sexual immorality to her advantage.
D. The spirit of Jezebel is rooted in manipulation.
–This spirit is not afraid of lying or character assignation...listen, Life Church, before you believe what someone is telling you...you may want to get the other side of the story.
Proverbs 15:14 (NLT)
14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
–A wise person will want to hear both sides of the story before they make a judgement.
Jezebel has no problem campaigning (slander and gossip) for her cause while church leadership chooses to protect the flock by keeping silent.
–What are you saying, Pastor Rick? Protect yourself from gossip and slander, protect your leadership and brothers and sisters from this Jezebel spirit...how?
–Either don’t listen to it in the first place or once it is said...tell Jezebel you are going to the leadership to share what they just said.
–Many churches would be more healthy and effective if this spirit was confronted and dealt with...we have been brave enough to deal with it and root it out. Exp. Deacon - wife.
–Sweet until voted in...became controlling and manipulative...told maintenance they worked for her now. Husband told me...what ever you want done...tell me.
1 Kings 21:25 (NLT)
25 No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel.
–Started building a pack around them and started attacking other leadership. Confronted.
I don’t have to put up with this...If you work with me you do...they were given an opportunity to repent...chose not to and they left...much collateral damage...sad!
E. The spirit of Jezebel is cultivated in an atmosphere of fear.
–By my observation...the spirit of Jezebel loves to be in control by using fear and intimidation. Strong believers are afraid of this person.
1 Kings 19:1-4 (NKJV)
1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword.
2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time."
3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!"
–I think I am going to write a book, "Pastor-ing is not for Sissies". I have taught our staff how to stand up and confront Jezebel and Ahab...if we don’t they will take over our churches.
–Years ago Ahab and Jezebel came to our church...singing was bad, musicians couldn’t play, deacons and their wives were unfriendly, the preaching was shallow, not being fed.
–Called their pastor up north...happiest day of 45 years of ministry...when these people left their church...If they ever saw Satan manifested in the flesh...these people. (They were leaders there).
–My question - Why let them stay in leadership and stay in the church...well our church is small (Thyatira was small), they have many relatives, and it would have hurt us financially.
–Do you just suppose that if you had dealt with it (not been afraid of losing those who were hurting the church and losing finances) that God would have blessed you with more people and more finances.
–Ahab and Jezebel flourish in an atmosphere of fear...one of the reasons that you feel such an atmosphere of peace here is because we invite Holy Spirit and do not tolerate Jezebel.
F. The spirit of Jezebel will destroy her own children.
Revelation 2:23 (NIV)
23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
–Do we not understand that we are modeling for our children what Christianity is?
–If you have a Jezebel spirit...more than likely you will have kids who take on that same spirit...sometimes they are even worse.
Matthew 23:15 (NIV)
15 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
Jeremiah Johnson: Jezebel hates the prophets; her worst fear is that people will embrace the message of repentance and forgiveness. Jezebel hates humility and prayer. They are the end of her existence. When she wars, it is to stir people against the message of the prophetic church. She loves to instigate and bring division.
–There are three attitudes people can have toward evil...Some love evil...some tolerate evil but the righteous hate evil.
3. To the pastor and church at Thyatira Jesus says hold on!
Revelation 2:24-25 (NKJV)

24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.

25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV)
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Seasons - What Is God Up To? 2

Subject: Understanding The Seasons In Our Lives

By Rick Welborne

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 (NKJV) 
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 
2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 
5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace. 
9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 
10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied.
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,
13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor--it is the gift of God.
14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.
–Last week I had the privilege of sharing God’s Word about the seasons and God’s timing in our lives.
–With God’s help I will continue with those thoughts as Holy Spirit leads me.
–My goal today is to help us understand that God is working in our lives to will and to do of His good pleasure.
–Our responsibility is to discern what God is up to or to trust Him even in those times when we have no idea what His plan is.
–Solomon tells us in our text that to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.
–He also tells us that God has made everything beautiful in its time. We struggle with this because we do not see the whole picture. Listen to Matthew Henry:
1. We must wait with patience for the full discovery of that which to us seems intricate and perplexed, acknowledging that we cannot find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end, and therefore must not judge anything before its time.
2. We are to believe that God has made all beautiful. Everything is done well, as in creation, so in providence, and we shall see it when the end comes, but till then we are incompetent judges of it.
3. While the picture is a drawing, and the house in building, we see not the beauty of either; but when the artist has put his last hand to them, and given them their finishing strokes, then all appears very good.
4. We see the middle of God’s works, not from the beginning of them (then we should see how admirably the plan was laid in the divine counsels), nor to the end of them, which crowns the action (then we should see the product to be glorious), but we must wait till the veil be rent, and not arraign God’s proceedings nor pretend to pass judgment on them.
5. Secret things belong not to us.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) 
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
–So how do we reconcile this need or perceived need that God has to show up this instance and how do we deal with this process we Americans hate called waiting?
–Dutch Sheets says there are two NT words for time...chronos (the general process of time) and kairos (the opportune or strategic time...what he calls the now time).
1. We must see that God does not bypass the general process of time to get us to the strategic time...He simply uses the process to do in us what His will is.
–Remember - what God does in us is more important than what He does for us.
–This does not negate the fact that He will do things for us as we submit to His process He has chosen for us.
–He simply takes us thru or walks us thru the process as we are faithful and persevere believing that He will eventually show up.
–Let me say here...when the time is right God will bring the shift of the process of time into the now time...Pastor, do you have a verse for this? Yes!
Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV) 
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
–This should be an encouragement to us...maybe we are in a time that nothing exciting or substantial is happening. You may even feel that you are going backwards in the process.
–It may be a time of tedious plowing, standing, believing, praying...you must understand as Matthew Henry said...this is all part of the big picture.
–You must get this...however frustrating this waiting is (the general process of time)...it is not without significance. Your attitude here is key!
–If you press on doing what is good in these general times...the season of reaping will eventually come...we reap if we do not lose heart. Gal.6:9
–Everything fits together...God works all things together...Example of my mom’s biscuits ...Flour...Yuk. Lard...Yuk! Eggs...Yuk! Put all of that together...yum! I want more!
–A lot of life seems yucky and tasteless but when God puts it all together...He makes all things beautiful.
–Life is a series of changes...seasons...blessings, tests, revival, process. Remember, between the promise and the prize there is always a process. Resolve to enjoy the ride!
–It is important to know that our actions and attitudes during the waiting times are what determine whether or not God can move us into the now times...the strategic times.
–During the waiting times God is adding the necessary ingredients to our lives that prepare us for the strategic time when He links the old with the new...the promise with the prize.
–The new does not come in spite of the old...it comes because of what we have been doing during the old...it is called sowing and reaping.
–Understanding this will help us to not grow weary or lose heart as we wait.
Luke 18:1 (NKJV) 
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart...
–As we go thru this difficult time a mind set can come that says things will never change...we have prayed so long...plowed so long...believed so long...
–We can get to the place where we say "so long" to God’s promises or our dreams...
Disillusionment sets in and faith is gone...we begin to lose hope.
–God wants to change our mentality of being discouraged during these times to a realization that He is working during this season...Joseph waited 22 years.
Key - We are not losing or wasting time...we are investing it and if we will continue to be faithful...the change will come.
–Realizing that we are co-operating with God and submitting our lives to Him...we can rejoice over, rather than, despise small beginnings.
–We will get to the now time if we do not lose heart...stop thinking your present efforts are fruitless and keep standing on God’s Word! Keep sowing...the harvest is coming!
2. Elzeard Bouffier, a sheep herder in France, lived in the French Alps in 1913. He is an example of sowing and reaping and never giving up!
–Bouffier witnessed the careless deforestation of the beautiful mountains around Provence, France.
–The land was barren, streams had dried up, villages were deserted, and there was much wind damage.
–A mountain climber by the name of Giono finds the hut where Bouffier lived on the side of the mountain...he watches him that night count out 100 acorns.
–Giono finds out that Bouffier has planted 100,000 acorns over a three year period and that approximately 20,000 have sprouted.
–In 1939 (26 years later) Giono returns and finds the old shepherd still planting and witnessed a total transformation of the mountains around Provence.
–Beautiful trees, flowing streams, people resettling...all of Bouffier’s effort paid off.
–We are all spiritual foresters...digging sometimes in rocky soil and planting seeds of life...We will reap in due season if we do not quit. Keep digging and planting for those prodigals.
–Though we endure for so long...we keep planting and one day God’s gives us a "suddenly" and almost overnight it seems, God gives total transformation of our situation.
–Remember, you may be sowing for the next generation...those who come after you!
3. We must be expecting and be prepared to move when God brings forth the "now time" in our lives.
–Abraham received the promise of a son...if he is like us he expected the son in about nine months...After the promise there was still 24 years of persevering and walking by faith.
–When the time is right...get the nursery ready...baby is coming home...Isaac was born.
–In our church Matt and Shannon had 15 minutes to decide if they wanted their new baby...I would say that is a right now moment.
–When the twelve spies went in to spy out the land, two came back with the report that now is time to go in and possess what God has positioned us to take.
–The ten did not recognize their time and were not prepared to move when God said move. Sadly, when we miss God’s time for us it has a direct effect on others.
–Sadly this sounds like so many in the church...they miss God’s time and end up wandering around in the desert (a dry place) for long periods of time.
Luke 19:42-44 (NKJV) 
42 saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side,
44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation." 
–Stay with me...when Joshua came into leadership God spoke to him and said that in three days you will be entering the promised land...it was God’s time...things can change quickly.
–If you have been waiting for what seems like a very long time get prepared to move with God when He brings forth the change.
–When that prodigal comes to Jesus you need to be prepared to minister to him or her so they can grow in their faith...You getting prepared shows God your faith!
–We must continue to be faithful...not become weary in well doing because we will...we will reap in due season...when the season is right.
Last example: June 12, 1987 President Ronald Reagan’s speech:
–After decades of Soviet oppression, after years of the gospel not reaching millions who needed it, after US president after another tried to reason with the Russians...
–God did a miracle and in 1989 the wall came down...Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
–If God can do this on the national stage and do it for the sake of the gospel...how much more can He order our steps and show how loves you and me?
Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV) 
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
　
　
　
　
　

　

Seasons - What Is God Up To?

Subject: Understanding The Seasons In Our Lives

By Rick Welborne

　
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (NKJV) 
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 
2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 
5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace. 
9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 
10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied.
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,
13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor--it is the gift of God.

–Tonight I want us to take this journey and look at the seasons we are in, the seasons we are headed into, or maybe, the season we are coming out of. Four part series.
–For most of us, we do not give much thought about the season we are in unless we find ourselves in a time of winter...a time when things seem to be dying.
–It is easy to become disillusioned during times of winter if we are accustomed to spring and summer. New life and harvest.
–I was just listening to Hillsongs "Desert Song" and it asks the question of what will I do in the desert, the fire, the battle, in winter...I will bring you praise.
–How many of you know that is exactly what God wants us to do no matter what season we are in...Bring Him praise and glory!
–Sometimes our Americanized version of Christianity clouds our perspective on how God works and we find ourselves getting very frustrated with God and life.
–God, where are you? Why is all this stuff happening to me?

1. From our text in Ecclesiastes the Word of God points our some very important facts that we need to understand about seasons and about our lives.

A. Everything (everyone, every family, every business, every church), will have the changing of seasons and the timing in regard to that.
B. Not understanding this principle causes people to abandon prematurely these institutions...they fail to see what God is up to in their lives.
C. Most of us know that there is a time to be born and a time to die...yet we always seem unprepared when it happens to someone close to us. Some even get angry with God.
D. This one is important that we get...a time to plant and a time to pick what was planted..
planting and harvest.
–Many are striving to harvest when God is saying plant...no fruit (no harvest) is coming forth so we panic and complain.
–It is also foolish to be trying to plant when it is harvest time...some plough up their harvest prematurely to plant something new...we must know our season.
–In Jamestown many of the settlers ate their seed that needed to be planted...consumed their harvest before it could be planted. What we do with our tithes and offerings.
–There is a temptation to use up the harvest (all of it) when there is an abundance but a wise steward will save seeds for planting...preparing for the next season.
–To some who are struggling with very little harvest...you are tempted not to plant (to give) because you have so little. You are killing your future harvest.
–God says there will be a time of harvesting and God cannot lie...keep planting your seed and your life into His Kingdom...I don’t have much...plant what you can.
E. God has made everything beautiful in its time.
–Right! How can it be beautiful when it hurts so bad? Pain can be a friend and a great teacher if we embrace the present season we are going thru.
–Solomon says that God has put eternity in their hearts...that is saying that during the tough times God shows us what is really important...Himself and our families.
–I heard one of the business men in our church whose business was really struggling...I have never prayed so much or sought God this much as I have thru this adversity.
–Key...just maybe that is the point...winter, the desert, adversity, and pain pushes us into a deeper relationship with God and that is a beautiful thing.
–Solomon goes on to say that there is nothing better for them to do but to rejoice, to worship, to praise, to lift up the Name of the Lord. Any other response is going backward.

2. What God is saying to Life Church and to the church in general.

–A few years ago this prophecy was given and many claimed it as theirs because of what they were going thru, myself included.
–Caution: We must be careful in prophecies given, we must understand they are not equal to the Word, and we do not normally record them. I don’t even remember who gave the prophecy and that is ok.
Prophecy: My Kingdom has many seasons, but seasons come and go. A season has just ended for many of you who have come full circle. That season has been painful for you. I have been pruning those dead branches off you, and you have felt the pain...the pain that must take place when I am about to consecrate you and put you into the work I have called you to. That consecration is about ready to take place. A new season, yes, a new season is coming.
–I believe I ran across this prophecy because many need to hear what it is saying to now.
–Many have testified to me that they have been thru some really tough times and that God has been pruning off the dead stuff from their lives...that will always be the case.
–What people loved and will love about this prophecy is that it said this present season you are in is ending and that it has come full circle...that may be or not be true in your life...it depends on where God has you now.
–Though we want this prophecy to be manifested in us there might just be more consecration (setting yourself apart) required so God can do what He wants to in you.
–What I hear that is so important to understand is this: A new season, yes, a new season is coming. It can’t be winter forever even though it feels like it...harvest (summer) is coming.

Daniel 2:20-23 (NKJV)
20 Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His.
21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.
23 "I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king's demand."

–Daniel says "Blessed be the Name of the Lord forever" This is key...he worships!
–He says "God changes the times and the seasons.." It is all in His hands.
–"He reveals deep and secret things..." God is giving revelation to His people!
–God is not intimidated by the darkness...He is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
–Daniel thanks God and praises Him because He makes known what He is up to.

3. Many of you are convinced that God has a time and a season but you need God to act quickly or you feel that you are sunk.
Isaiah 48:1-6 (NKJV) 
1 "Hear this, O house of Jacob, Who are called by the name of Israel, And have come forth from the wellsprings of Judah; Who swear by the name of the LORD, And make mention of the God of Israel, But not in truth or in righteousness;
2 For they call themselves after the holy city, And lean on the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is His name:
3 "I have declared the former things from the beginning; They went forth from My mouth, and I caused them to hear it. Suddenly I did them, and they came to pass.
4 Because I knew that you were obstinate, And your neck was an iron sinew, And your brow bronze,
5 Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; Before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, Lest you should say, 'My idol has done them, And my carved image and my molded image Have commanded them.'
6 "You have heard; See all this. And will you not declare it? I have made you hear new things from this time, Even hidden things, and you did not know them.

–What is God saying to His children? Listen carefully...He is saying you are called by My Name...why don’t you act like it?
–He goes on and says...I can back up what comes out of My mouth and I can give you a "Suddenly" and it will come to pass. Do a word study of "suddenly" in the Bible!
–God is saying that I have allowed you to get where you are and you feel backed into a corner...now I will deliver you and you will give glory to no one else but Me!
–A new season...a new thing...hear it, see it, and declare it...a new season and new things are on the way!

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV) 
18 "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 
19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

–It is time we stop living in the past and stop looking over your shoulder:

Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) 
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

–God says I will do a new thing and it will spring forth...that means fast!  God says He will do it even if he has to bull dozer a road in the wilderness or send rivers in the desert!

Isaiah 42:5-9 (NKJV) 
5 Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it:
6 "I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles,
7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
8 I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.
9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them."

–I suggest we add one more Scripture here from Isaiah 42:

Isaiah 42:10 (NKJV) 

10 Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise from the ends of the earth, You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, You coastlands and you inhabitants of them!