Preparation for Conquest

Date: December 28, 2014

Sermon Topic: Preparation for Conquest

Scriptures: Joshua 1:3, Hebrews 11:6, Joshua 1:8, 1 Corinthians 22:13, Isaiah 1:19, Psalm 119:15 & 16, 2 Corinthians 4:7 & 8, Psalm 119:112, Romans 8:38 & 39, Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 2:14

Sermon Notes:

Joshua 1:3 – Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 

We should be preparing to enter the new year at the next level.

We shouldn’t be dragging ourselves into 2015 with an “I just made it” attitude. You shouldn’t be dealing with the same stuff that you dealt with in 2014.

If you are dealing with the same stuff that you dealt with in January, there’s a problem.

Broken focus is the cause – set your sights on the things above where Christ sits. Don’t worry about stuff. You should have high expectations for 2015, not worrying about the goals, plans and things that are behind.

There are some things and people that you will have to let go of. Some people aren’t going anywhere. Their objective is to keep you from going somewhere.

Begin todays being the person that you want to be next year – I have plans. The quality of your preparation determines the quality of your performance.

You should be training your mind in the word of God. This could be the greatest year ever if you learn to trust in God without full understanding.

Walk by faith!

Your attitude determines your approach and your approach determines your success.

How do you handle life’s problems? What’s your attitude toward your situation? What’s your attitude towards others?

Your attitude determines your success.

Is there anything too hard for God? Then you must have the God-kind of faith. Hebrews 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.

Are you diligently seeking Christ? Get a can do attitude in your mind. What you practice is what you will ultimately become. If you practice lying, you will be a liar. If you practice stealing, you will be a thief.

Get the image of an overcomer in your mind. Focus on the word of God.

Faith without works is dead.

Joshua 1:8 – meditate on the word day and night. We can’t just take bits of scripture that we like. The bible is not a buffet table. We must meditate on the entire book.

When I mediate on God’s word I make my way prosperous. When you meditate on the word, day and night you shall be successful.

1 Chronicles 22:13 – Then shalt though prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfill the statutes, and judgments which the Lord charged. Moses with concerning Israel; be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

You’re not successful because you have a lot of stuff, promotion comes from the Lord.

Isaiah 1:19 – If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. Be willing and obedient.

God tests us by our faith and he measures us by our obedience.

Job 36:11 – If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. All you have to do is obey and serve. We need a lifestyle of obedience. “Lord whatever you say”

Psalm 119:15 & 16 – I will meditate in they precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. (16) I will delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word.

We must obey God immediately. You don’t need confirmation. Obey God joyfully. I will be happy about what God asked me to do. No excuses! I’m going to delight myself.

I’m blessed because I delight in his words. I’m blessed because I obey and delight and meditate on your law. Early I will seek you – every morning where I rise, give me Jesus.

One thing that will prevent you from receiving God’s blessing is pressure – a lot of folks can’t handle pressure.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 - But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. (9) Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

We will be in situations but God keeps us. When you are in the storm you bend but you need to bounce back up, like a palm tree. Obey God in persecution.

Speak faith-filled words when persecuted.

You give your cares to Jesus. We won’t be free from persecution. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but God delivers us all. When you face persecution, you know that God will deliver you.

Obey God continually – Psalm 119:112 – I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. – Always. Always, I will obey God continually, without full understanding. I need to do exactly what he says.

Romans 8:38 & 39 – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When I face persecution it won’t separate me from the love of God. Even when you are dealing with crazy people, remember that nothing will separate you from God’s love.

·      Watch your speech – Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. If you want to be successful in 2015 you need to let go of gossiping, rumors, repeating what you hear and speaking negative. Remember that silence can never be misquoted.

·      Be mindful of your associates – Ephesians 5:11 – And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Who are your associates? Evil communication corrupts good manners.

·      Have a disciplined lifestyle – Your greatest goal in 2015 should be knowing God.

1 Corinthians 2:14 – But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Spiritual discernment the natural person doesn’t understand spiritual discernment.

We grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Impossibility is God's Speciality

Sermon Topic: Impossibility is God's Speciality

Scriptures:  Ephesians 2:8, John 3:16, Luke 2:9, Philippians 2:6 - 7, Romans 5:18 - 19, Philippians 10:9-2, John 1:12

Sermon Notes:

Christmas is a time of giving. This pattern of giving began in Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

When we consider the gift of God we must reflect on Luke 2:9 - And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

The child that was born was humanity; the son that was given is divinity. The word became flesh and dwelt among us.

While the world goes about it's business of sales and markdowns; God sends his son wrapped in swaddling clothes and born in a manger. He was given a common name, Jesus. But there was something special about this birth.

God had already pre-ordained the inn being full and the child being born in the manger. Do you have room for Jesus? Or is your life so full of clutter that you are focusing on other people and things.

How well do you treat others?

Be careful how we entertain strangers, we could be entertaining an angel.

The angel announced his birth, his resurrection, and will announce his return.

God has plans that we can't change.

The Relevance of Christmas - Philippians 2:6 - 7 - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. 

He became like us so we may be like him.

Christ came to the lowly, to shepherds in the fields watching their flock. He didn't come to the affluent and the high.

When you are wrapped up in your affairs you can't see the gift. We have lists, goals and plans but don't focus on Jesus.

God became a man that's the meaning of Christmas!

Jesus was born like us, he grew like us and was tempted like us; so he can understand us and our struggles.

Jesus came to die for us all.

He came as a sacrifice - the ultimate sacrifice.

Romans 5:18 - 19 - Therefore as by the offense of one's judgement came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Christ's obedience to God's plan to make us righteous after Adam's sin made us all sinners. 

The issue is not whether you will admit that Jesus was born because according to Philippians 10:9-2 - Every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord. 

Christ loved us, when we didn't know how to love.

On December 25th there will be a multitude opening gifts and the greatest gift will be standing at the door knocking.

If you open the door, he will come in.

John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. We must receive him.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Bible Study - The Laws of Prayer

Date: December 18, 2014

Bible Study Topic: The Laws of Prayer

Scriptures: Ephesians 3:13, Romans 13:1, Luke 10:19 -20, John 13:14, Hebrews 11:6, Hebrews 4:16, Mark 11:24-25, 1 John 5:14, 2 Chronicles 20:17, Romans 8:26, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 34:1, Joshua 23:14, Romans 8:38-39, 1 Peter 4:12, Psalm 33:9, Matthew 20:29

Bible Study Notes:

God’s commitment to his purpose will never violate his spoken word. Prayers are not only effective in our lives it’s also effective in the lives of those we pray for. Paul prayed for wisdom and understanding for the church in Ephesians. Jesus Christ, savior is the same as Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 3:13 – I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Prerequisite for prayer - Don’t be afraid to ask God for what you need, according to his word.

You must be rooted and grounded in the word. There must be a foundation.

James said to call on those who are seasoned in the word to pray. Everyone can’t pray for you. Some people don’t have the right mindset or their relationship isn’t in order. Our primary focus should be to pray for others instead of for ourselves.

If we only pray for ourselves, our prayer lives become selfish.

Romans 13:1 – Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 

The powers that be are ordained by God. Every leader in place has been placed there for a reason.

Whoever resists that power, resist God and face damnation. We must obey those who are over us.

We are heaven’s representative in the earth. God gave the power to man in the earth.

Luke 10:19 -20 – I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. We have the authority to ask for anything. Prayer pleads the name of Jesus.

We are heaven’s representative in the earth. God gave the power to man in the earth.

John 13:14 – You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. There is an order to our prayers. We yield to the will of Christ in prayer.

The following are key components to answered prayers:

-        Faith

-        Praise

-        Adoration

-        Worship

-        Confession

8 Laws of Prayer

1.     Faith – we must have faith when we approach God. Hebrews 11:6 – with faith in God, I am not anxious about anything. 

2.     Boldness – Hebrews 4:16 We don’t pray in a state of worry. You must come boldly to the throne. Know that he is a rewarder. You have the right to make your requests to God.

3.     Right relationship – We need to have the right relationship. Everything we discuss must be in place. Mark 11:24-25 Un-forgiveness is one of the reasons for unanswered prayers. We need to forgive.

4.     The will of God - 1 John 5:14 When you ask according to his will, he hears us. When I rely on God and his promises I have the assurance that what I ask of God I shall receive.

5.     Confidence – We must be confident that God will work in every area of our lives. 2 Chronicles 20:17. Conviction of God – Stand still and see the salvation. We must have confidence in every promise of God in every aspect. Never allow anything, anyone or any circumstance to cause you to doubt the word of God. God won’t change. You can stand on the word of God. Be careful – don’t allow time to change your belief system, because God has already told us that his way is not our way.

6.     Don’t pre-determine how God will answer your prayers - Philippians 4:6 – We have a promise, an agreement from God. I have confidence that when God answers my prayer, it will satisfy my needs. He knew what we needed before we asked.

The law of the Holy Spirit Romans 8:26 – The blood of Jesus. You can plead the blood.

7.     The law of praise – Psalm 34:1 - has nothing to do with how you feel or what you’re dealing with, you will bless the Lord at all times. No matter what is going on in my life – praise is coming out.  He inhabits the praise of his people. Praises brings God into the midst of whatever we are dealing with.

8.     Reverence – You must fear God. You have the power to deliver when you have reverence for God. Everything is predicated on our faith in God.

There is no want for those who have faith in Christ – cast away anxieties, if you believe it, you shall have it. We have confidence in God’s deliverance, word and promises.

We must love the word of God.

Joshua 23:14 - Heaven and earth will pass away but my word will stand forever. My confidence must be centered in Christ.

Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul wrote that nothing will separate us from the love of God. We must be mindful in our prayer life that nothing will separate us from God’s love. Confidence enables us to endure.

1 Peter 4:12 – Blessed are you if you are enduring. When you suffer God is glorified. Don’t be surprised when you face trials. The same thing that happens to us happens to everyone, but since we are the body of Christ we will be delivered.

Judgment begins with us first.

We have the assurance that God will keep us.

• I am a child of God
• I am saved and sanctified
• I have the heart of God on my mind

If I have iniquity in my heart God won’t hear me. When you pray to God remove all distractions, come to God alone.

Give God glory when you pray. Give to others out of the abundance of what God has given to you. Jesus loves a cheerful giver. Remain in the anointing. Honor the Lord by reflecting the anointing. They should be able to see that you’re a Christian.

You are the light of the world. Cultivate the God kind of faith. Negative faith and positive faith can come by the same means – What we listen to and what we believe. Everyone has faith. We need the God-kind of faith if we want to operate in the kingdom.

Psalm 33:9 – For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. He spoke and it was done. God spoke the universe into existence. When you ask for something in prayer, keep speaking about it and it will manifest.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Remember that what you say is a reflection of your heart.

Faith is combined with expectation and action.

Never allow the enemy to make you profess negativity. If you say you won’t get it – you don’t get it.

They preach themselves out of it.

Bible Study - Understanding Prayer

Date: December 11, 2014

Scriptures: Colossians 3:12, 1 Corinthians 13, Philippians 3:7-8, John 1:12, Romans 4:21, Hebrews 11, John 20:31, Psalm 125:1, Psalm 119, Ezekiel 22:30, 1 Peter 2:9, John 16:23, 2 Corinthians 10:4, Ephesians 1:3, Psalm 27, Galatians 5:16, Philippians 4: 6

Sermon Topic: Understanding Prayer

There is an absolute connection between faith and prayer. How do I turn what the scripture says into the way I live?

Colossians 3:12-13 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; (13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Have a forgiving spirit. Even as Christ forgave us; he forgave us while we were in our sins. Romans 8:5- We had the forgiveness. The word of God works for us. When our lives are in line with God.

When we get our mindset and lifestyle conformed to this scripture then we are in the right relationship with Christ.

When we are in the right place – we can make our requests known to God.

1 Corinthians 13:2 – And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. You can have faith but if you don’t have love it doesn't profit you. Our standing in the word of God is determined by our love and faith.

Philippians 3:7-8 – But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Nothing else matters when it comes to our relationship with Christ. We must put nothing before Christ – With that understanding we must trust what God says will work in our lives, because of the promises/covenant with God.

Take what God says and apply it – Never let your thoughts interfere with what God says.

Sarah and Abraham had to trust in God. Abraham believed in God. He trusted in him.

We as believers have circumstances that come up in our lives where we question, “How will I do this?” It’s not you – it’s God. The strength comes from God. Whenever you face something that is hard remember that faith acts like it is, so even if it’s not so, until it’s so.

It exists in the spiritual realm but it takes faith for it to be so. John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. He gave those who received him, power.

The word of God is the final. Authority, when everyone has their say – I’m standing on the word of God.

Be mindful of Satan’s tactic to make you discouraged. We can call things that are not into existence.

There’s a difference between faith, belief and simply acknowledging something.

Faith isn’t a possession – it’s a decision.

I’m going to trust in God – no matter what. We can’t receive negativity as people of God.

No matter the relationship – I can’t be around doubtful people.

Words are seeds that manifest in your life.

If you profess that it won’t get better, it won’t. Faith works both ways. If you move from the place of believing that it will happen to doubting, it won’t happen.

Whatsoever you say, if you say to this mountain be thou removed and cast into the sea, it will obey you.

As Christians we persevere in faith. No one said it would be easy. Galatians 3 - Stand fast in the liberty of Christ. Don’t go back to the old belief system. You can’t fluctuate between the old believe system and faith.

Doubt cancels out everything. Without faith it’s impossible to please God. He’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

God rewards us. There are times when issues arise in our lives. You be the first to reconcile. It blocks your blessings. You must get past it. Get on with your life.

Both of us have an assignment in the kingdom. When you quarrel you are holding up God’s work. God is not the author of confusion.

If two brothers and sisters are at odds, it is our responsibility as Christians to help them reconcile to finish God’s work.

The school of faith teaches us to trust in God to solve our problems and trust in God when he decides not to solve our problems.

Your way is not my way. He will never leave nor forsake us. We have promises in the kingdom of God.

Romans 4:21 – And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. All of the promises of God will be kept. He has no “maybe” promises. God’s promises are as good as the real thing.

Hebrews 11:39 – And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.  they died in faith knowing that a heavenly promise would come to pass, but not during their lifetimes.

Scripture is designed to produce faith.

John 20:31 –But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.  We serve a faithful God, it’s a part of God’s character to be faithful. Trust in God and his words.

Psalm 125:1 – They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. When the storms of life come into your life – you need to have this verse in your spirit.

Trials will come – many are the afflictions of the righteous. Remember to trust in God and in his promises.

When you pray, go to the scripture and pray God’s words back to him. When you do this, no problem can harass you.

In our trouble and trials we are supposed to be the light of the world – because someone is always watching you.

The enemy and his people look for us to fail. When we continue to stand, the enemy loses his mind.

Psalm 119 – God needs our participation.

Ezekiel 22:30 – And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. We control our environment.

You must say it with the confidence to believe what we say. 1 Peter 2:9 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, peculiar people. When God says that about me – It doesn't matter what others say about me.

We as God’s people have to live disciplined lives because of the distractions around us.

The church has been taught for years about our unworthiness that we don’t say what God says.

Affirm your faith by verbalizing what the scripture says about us. John 16:23 – And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Ask and you shall receive. Whatever you ask for in Jesus name – will be.

Walking by faith and not by sight. Put on mercy, long-suffering, forgiveness – then whatever we ask he shall give us.

Power in prayer is not based on emotions but on the word of God.

We don’t win victories by being emotional.

2 Corinthians 10:4 –  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Those who pray in faith will receive what they request. We must step contrary thoughts from entering our minds. Fiery darts of the wicked are contrary thoughts. The thoughts will come but you don’t have to receive it.

Never allow the image to form in your mind, especially over a long period of time.

God doesn't have to answer immediately don’t get discouraged when it doesn't come today.

If he says it, it will happen. His words will not return to him empty.

Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.  We are already blessed. Everything in the natural world, existed first in the spiritual realm.

We are chose – predestined. Prayers aren't based on emotions – We discipline ourselves not to become emotional when we are facing a crisis.

Psalm 27 – The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Wait on the Lord – don’t get emotional or upset. We must praise God.

Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  God won’t start something that he can’t complete. 

Don’t get emotional. Galatians 5:16 – This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. We are children of God. We should get excited about the victory.

We have a relationship with God. Our minds need to be renewed. The enemy attacks your mind. He tries to get us to think negative and feel sorry for ourselves. He wants us to feel alone.

Don’t allow negativity in. Christ is our advocate. He stands for us.

Christ died on the cross for us but won’t help now? He died so that we could live. Living in the kingdom isn't simply existing.

Speak encouraging words.

I’m Blessed

My Needs are Met With Christ

I’m Covered

Speak scripture into your lives.

When you do this what’s on the inside changes our outward appearance.

We must pray with confidence and compassion.

Every experience in our lives god uses it for good.

Joseph had a rough life. Everything happened to him.

God is preparing you for something that’s in your future, because you have purpose.

With purpose you must pursue it. Believers must be faithful and trusting

Philippians 4: 6 – Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. We make our requests and we’re thankful when we make our requests.

Praise should always accompany our requests. Lord, 

Continue to walk by faith not by sight.

When you start feeling down start to praise God.

Praise eliminates the sadness. We can’t praise God and be sad.

Keep praising him!

Keep saying that you are blessed.

Don’t let anything weigh you down.

Are You Bound or Are You Free?

Date: December 7, 2014

Scriptures: Jeremiah 8:18, Titus 2:13, Titus 1:16, 2 Timothy 2:5

Sermon Topic: Are You Bound or Are You Free?

Jeremiah 8:18 – When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me. Titus 2:13 – "while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ"

Christ will come at the least expected time.

As it was in the day of Noah, so is it now. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

When the trumpet sounds, everything will stop!

When Christ returns the first time, he will return for his church. The dead in Christ shall rise, first. When Christ returns the second time, he will return for judgment. Those who did not rise the first time, will rise to be judged by Christ. 

Matthew 25 – He shall separate them one from another to judge.

Are you bound or are you free? There can be no "maybe" or "I think so". You must be sure.

Some profess that they believe in God. Demons also believe that God exists. 

Some claim to know God – but deny him by the way they live. They praise God on Sunday and cut up when they leave the church.

God calls on us to be holy.

2 Timothy 2:5 – Preach the word – for the time will come when you will not endure sound doctrine.


We are in the last days. The last days began at the time of Christ’s ascension. We have always been in the last days.

Psalm 9:17 – "The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God" – We must pray for those who don’t know Christ.


We must let go of un-thankfulness, un-forgiveness and being un-loving. If you let go of those things, your health will improve.

Don’t let craziness put you in the ground.

The word of God explains our position, right now.

Don’t judge unless the real judge will judge you. 

Proverbs 6 – These things the lord hates

Some of us are quick to destroy someone’s reputation. Regularly attend church service- on every committee, but won’t submit to the authority of Christ.

Obedience and love are the traits of a Christian.

Hebrews 13:17 – You must obey your leader. He must give an account for everyone in the congregation.

1 Peter 4:17 – For the time has come for judgment to being in the house of the Lord. God will judge the church first.


Matthew 22 - Love your neighbors as you love yourself. Let’s not be selfish or self-centered.
We can’t be prideful in positions. 

1 Corinthians 13:14 – Don’t be puffed up. Love never gives up – Love cares more for others than self.

If you yield yourself to things that aren’t of God you are under the control of whatever you yield to.
We are blessed and saved – all of our needs are met and we represent Christ.