THE HARVEST (Reggie Ocampo) 5th Feb 2012
The Spiritual State of Europe
- Why I am a missionary in Germany, in Europe?
- The least responsive to the Gospel
- 750 Million people – 400 M. of which has never opened the Bible
- Considered solidly post-Chirstian
- Less than One percent Evangelicals (Born Again)
> Military, they send the best warriors to the toughest assignments.
"Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe...Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision" Joel 3:13-14
- Perhaps, the present financial difficulties is a valley of decision.
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Two revelations will change our attitude to evangelism:
There is a harvest
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35
There is a sense of urgency at harvest time. Nothing else takes higher priority. God wants to open our eyes to see the harvest.
- Sugar planter in Bacolod told me - "You have no choice but to harvest during harvest time."
There is a Lord of the harvest
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest...to send out workers into His harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38
The harvest field belongs to God, not us. He is called "the Lord of the Harvest." He doesn't want the harvest trampled down by careless workers. So He trains His workers and sends them out. As God's harvest workers, we must obey His directions.
Four Stages of the Harvest
"...This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain - first the stalk, then the head. As sson as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come" Mark 4:26-29
As the Lord of the harvest, God has a way of doing things in His harvest field. The harvest can be at one of the four stages:
PLOWING ( I Corinthians 9:10)
"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, & break up your unplowed ground..." Hos.10:12
The plowing stage is a picture of people who are not yet ready to receive the seed of God's word (Eph.4:18; 2 Cor.4:4). This may be due to grief, hardness or ignorance. In Jesus' parable of the sower (Matt.13:3-9, 18-23) there were four types of ground:
° Hard ground - hearts that are hardened against the Gospel
° Rocky ground - hearts whose response has no depth
° Thorny ground - hearts entangled by worldly cares
° Good ground - hearts that respond to the Gospel
A properly prepared harvest field should always have more good ground than hard, rocky, and thorny ground. The hard ground in the parable was the pathway that ran aroundthe outside of the field. Likewise, the rocky and thorny grounds lay at the edges of the field. If the main part of the field is hard, rocky or thorny, then plowing is needed. It is plowing which makes the ground ready for the seed of the Gospel.
"When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cummin? Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? His God instructs him and teaches him the right way" Isaiah 28:24-26
We plow with our prayers & our lives. But there is one more thing which God can use to plow a person's heart-the circumstances of life.Problems & difficulties can prepare people to receive.
SOWING
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Cor.9:6
The sowing phase is important because this is where the harvest eventually comes from. When you sow a seed into someone's heart, you may not see immediate results. But the sower is still a vital part of the harvest process. In times of the moving of God's Spirit, the reaping can even overtake the sowing and the plowing. (read Amos 9:13 and Galatians 6:9)
WATERING
"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." 1 Cor. 3:6
The watering phase of the harvest falls between sowing and reaping. At this stage, the seed may be dormant in the heart of the unbeliever. But with watering, the seed will begin to sprout. Watering is a reinforcing of the witness already given.
REAPING
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." Psalm 126:5-6
Reaping is a time of great rejoicing. But when we lead a person to receive Christ, we must remember that we are just one of the workers in God's field. We are reaping what somebody else has sown, just as we have sown what others have reaped (Read John 4:37-38).
We must recognize what stage of harvest an unbeliever is at. We then cooperate with God in His work of the harvest. Whether we sow or reap, we must remember that we are only one part of a team of many harvester workers.There can never be competition and selfish ambition amongst harvesters.
"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers, you are God's field..." 1 Cor.3:7-9
God's burning desire is to reach a lost world. He wants to see a great harvest, not only among your own people, but also beyond - to other peoples and nations around you which have not yet heard the Gospel. He wants us to join Him in the harvest.
START SHARING TO OTHERS WHAT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH HIM
read John 4:39-42
BE WISE – WIN SOULS
„The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” - Proverbs 11:30
EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF LEADING A SOUL TO JESUS
“ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.“- Luke 15:10
BE PART OF THE INEVITABLE
Matthew 24:14
FEAR NOT! THE LORD OF THE HARVEST IS WITH US!
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19
God’s Appointed Time and Place “Be Where God wants you to be” - Reggie Ocampo (22 Jan 2012)
Intro:
- Founder Cantor Fitzgerald survived the attack on WTC because he brought his son on his 1st day of kindergarten.
- Niece of Loida and Naomi survived typhoon Sendong because she went with her parents to Church for an overnight prayer meeting. Otherwise, she would have drowned as their house was inundated.
- Capt.Schettino was upbraided by Coast Guard De Falco for not being on board his ship “Costa Concordia” when it was in trouble. Filipino cook – waiter testified that the Captain was with a woman having dinner when the accident was happening based from initial news reports.
- 2012 is a very crucial year , be sure you are found to be in the right place at the right time.
I. God’s Appointed Place
OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT ON AN APPOINTED PLACE
Luke 24:48-49
And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem* until you are endued with power from on high."
II. Be Determined to be where God is
ONE THING
Ps 27:4-5
One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
CHOOSE THE ONE THING
Luke 10:41-42
And Jesus* answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
NO OTHER BETTER PLACE
Ps 84:10
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
III. Tragedy – Wrong Place at the Wrong Time
DAVID WAS IN THE WRONG PLACE WHEN HE SAW BATHSHEBA
2 Sam 11:1-2
It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold.
PETER WAS WARMING ON THE WRONG FIRE WHEN HE DENIED JESUS
Mark 14:66-68
Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You also were with Jesus of Nazareth."
68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are saying." And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.
ELIJAH’S DEPRESSION IN A CAVE
1 Kings 19:9
And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
JONAH – the Runaway Prophet
- Ship to Tarshish was on the opposite direction of Nineveh
- His disobedience endangered the lives of innocent seafarers.
IV. Ripple Effect of Obedience of being in the right place
Ø “There comes a special moment in everyone’s life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission – a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour.”
- Winston Churchill (UK Prime Minister 1940-45 and 1951-55)
- “Life is like a parachute jump; you’ve got to get it right the first time.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady USA 1933-45 )
Esther in the palace to save the Jews
„...yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?“ - Esther 4:14
Philip –> Samaria –> Desert –> Ethiopian Eunuch -> Nations (Acts 8:5-8; 26-27)
Paul heeds the Macedonian Call (Acts 16:6-10)
SHUNAMITE WOMAN OBEYED THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE MAN OF GOD & WAS BLESSED
2 Kings 8:1-6
Then Elisha spoke to the woman whose son he had restored to life, saying, "Arise and go, you and your household, and stay wherever you can; for the Lord has called for a famine, and furthermore, it will come upon the land for seven years." 2 So the woman arose and did according to the saying of the man of God, and she went with her household and dwelt in the land of the Philistines seven years.
3 It came to pass, at the end of seven years, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went to make an appeal to the king for her house and for her land. 4 Then the king talked with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, "Tell me, please, all the great things Elisha has done." 5 Now it happened, as he was telling the king how he had restored the dead to life, that there was the woman whose son he had restored to life, appealing to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, "My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life." 6 And when the king asked the woman, she told him.
So the king appointed a certain officer for her, saying, "Restore all that was hers, and all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the land until now."
V. No time to be in the wrong place
Nehemiah refused to be deviated
„...I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?“ - Neh 6:3
Jesus’ singleness of purpose
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no man can work.” (John 9:4)
Conclusion:
- Let us know our God appointed place and God appointed time and be determined to be at the right place at the right time.
Do not neglect your gift by Reggie Ocampo (15th January 2012)
1 Tim 4:14-16
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Intro: Significance of the number 12 speaks of discipleship. True disciples are committed and are actively involved in the kingdom of God.
I. Do not neglect the gift that is in you
A. Imperative tense (true disciples are used to receiving commands)
- Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
B. “Gift” (χάρισμα, charisma) is used to designate “a gift freely and graciously given.”
C. Already within you / Each believer has received a portion of grace
Eph.4:7 - “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it…”
D. Stir up the gift
2 Timothy 1:5-8-“…fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord…But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”
II. Discover your Ministry Gift
A. Ministry gifts are not unnatural
- Even though there is a supernatural element to the gifts of God- they are called “grace” they will never sit uncomfortably with a believer. If there’s strain & pressure in ministry, this is an indication that you are possibly stepping beyond that grace. It is important to learn how to flow with, not against, the gifts God has given you.
B. Ministry start with the heart
- To minister means “to serve”. It is love in action. This heart attitude is the basis of all ministry - to the Lord, to our family, to the Body of Christ and to the world. As we move out with the desire to serve others, the gifts which are within us will rise and be expressed, for God has given them so that through us He can bless others.
- Servanthood: to bless and minister (serve)
1 Cor 16:14-15 “Do everything in love. You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers,”
1 Pet 4:7-11-“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the
strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen”(NIV)
- It is very difficult to discover ministry gifts if a person is not actually ministering! Gift recognition comes out of observation. It is only as we operate that our special gifts and calling become obvious.
C. Ministry is outward-looking (Ministry is people-focused)
- Matt 9:35-36-“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.(NIV)”
- If we concentrate on ourselves- thinking always of our needs and our own desires- it will be difficult to discover our ministry. In fact, the focus is not our ministry. The focus is other people. As we begin to look out- to see the needs in others, the cries for help, the gaps in ministry- and move to meet those needs, our gifts will be clarified.
III. “Motivational gifts” (The Starting Place)
- Rom 12:6-8-“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (NIV)
- These seven gifts are often called “motivational gifts”, since they identify emphases in a person’s personality make-up. They are “in-built” tendencies upon which our ministry is built.
IV. Meditate on and give yourself entirely
- Let your mind be deeply impressed with these things; make them the subject of profound and serious thought.
V. Progress may be evident to all
- Antidote to stagnancy (Muscles grow when used)
VI. Take heed to yourself and the doctrine
- Walk in humility
- Gifts used within the border of the Scriptures. Guidelines.
- Watch your life (lit., "yourself") and doctrine (lit., "the teaching"; cf. 1:10; 4:1,6,13; 5:17; 6:1) closely summarizes 4:6-16. Throughout this epistle Paul had been advising Timothy concerning his private life and public ministry. He was to keep a sharp eye on both, persevering in the instructions Paul had offered in the two realms. In so doing, said Paul, you will save both yourself and your hearers. Ultimately only God can save, of course; yet in a secondary sense the New Testament speaks of a person "saving" himself (Phil 2:12) and others (James 5:19-20; Jude 23). Paul's words are a pointed reminder of the awesome burden of responsibility that congregational leaders carry. (from Bible Knowledge Commentary)
VII. Continue / Faith and Perseverance (Patience)
- Consistency, Perseverance
Conclusion: Activate the gift God placed in you for His glory. He gave it to be used.
The Path of the Just in 2012 - Reggie Ocampo 8th Jan 2012
Ps 31:14-17
14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord ; I say, "You are my God.“ 15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. 16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies' sake. 17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord , for I have called upon
1. What to do at the start of the year?
1.1. Give thanks to the Lord for what He has done.
- Forget not all His benefits
• Ps 103:2-“Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: “
• Ps 115:1-“Not unto us, O Lord , not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.
1.2. Honor the Lord
- The Firstfruits belong to Him
• Prov 3:9-10 –“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
- Principle of Sowing and Reaping – Tithing (Malachi
• Luke 6:38 –“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
- The Tithe belong to the Lord (Malachi 3:8-12)
1.3. Learn the Lessons of the Past Year
• 1 Cor 13:11-When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
- Lesson from the defeat in Ai (Joshua 7)
> Usually after a great victory (Jericho), there is a tendency to let guards down
> They didn’t inquire of the Lord. They moved presumptuously.
> Not everybody was involved – unity in the spirit is put aside.
> Achan’s sin affected the whole
1.4. Consecrate your life to the Lord
- Jews spend the first 10 days of the New Year in being reconciled to God in repentance and fastings.
- Keep your heart with all diligence
• Prov 4:23-27- Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. 24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.
1.5. Set the Right Priorities
- Seek Him first and His Kingdom (Mt 6:33)
• Haggai 1:4-"Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple* to lie in ruins?”
- Function in the Body of Christ/ Fulfill your Ministry
• Col 4:17-And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."
1.6. Believe the Lord and His Promises
- Do not be dismayed (Mt 6:33)
• Joshua 8:1-Now the Lord said to Joshua: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.
- The work of God -> Believe !
• John 6:29 -Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
2. How to receive 2012? / What‘s the right attitude?
2.1. With great expectation of great things from a great God
• Prov 4:18-“But the path of the uncompromisingly just and righteous is like the dawn, that shines more and more – brighter and clearer – until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect (to- be-prepared) day.“ - Amplified Version
2.2. With Determination to walk humbly with the Lord
• Micah 6:8- He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
2.3. With Confidence
2.3.1. He has not planned any defeats for us
• 1 John 3:8-For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
2.3.2. He will not allow any temptation that you are not able to overcome.
• 1 Cor 10:13 –“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. “
2.4. With gratitude for His daily priestly prayers and intercessions for us
• Heb 7:25 - Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
2.5. With Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Cor.13)
- For He is able to keep us from falling
• Jude 24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you* from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
Conclusion:
- Regardless of the dark clouds and depressing predictions of the world, the word of the Lord for us is “Be not afaid nor be dismayed”
- Let us take what is rightfully ours for this year of 2012!
- Heed the call to rise up as warriors of God in proclaiming God‘s righteousness!
- Joshua 8:1 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:
Reggie Ocampo 18.12.11
Intro: United Nations declared that there are now 7 billion people on earth. How many babies have been born in this planet? What makes the “baby Jesus” special?
I. Prophecies concerning Christ’s origin.
1.1. Christ would come out of Israel /
Num 24:17-"I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel,…”
Ø Christ was born a Jew, a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob & David – Matthew 1:1-17
1.2. Christ would be born of the family of David & of the tribe of Judah.
Genesis 49:10-“The Sceptre shall not depart from Judah…until Shiloh come.”
Isaiah 11:1-“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”
Ø Isaiah ministered c.750-680 B.C.
Ø Fulfilled in Jesus Christ – Luke 1:31-33
1.3. Christ would be born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah,Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."
Ø Micah‘s ministry 740-690 B.C.
Ø Christ was born in Bethlehem – Luke 2:4-7
1.4. Christ would be born of a Virgin
Isa 7:14- Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.*
Ø No such thing was heard of before.
Ø Christ was born of a Virgin– Matthew 1:18,22,23
1.5. . Messiah (Christos) is God
Isa 9:6-7-For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,
Ø Virgin being pregnant, no such thing was heard of before.
Ø Jesus Christ is 100% Man and 100% God –
John 1:14
2. The Characters Involved. Which role do you play in the Bethlehem scene?
2.1. Mary – totally submissive; she was willing to pay the price; it was death sentence to be found pregnant before marriage.
Luke 1:38-“ Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. “
2.2. Joseph – covered and protected the Seed; even though he didn’t understand everything, he stepped by faith into the plans; he identified himself with the purposes of God.
Matt 1:24- Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.* And he called His name Jesus .
2.3 Innkeepers – no more room for Jesus; so preoccupied with many other things
Luke 2:7-And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
2.4 Shepherds – faithful in their „calling“ working out in the field tending the flock; yet at heaven’s bidding, they left their job or daily routine in favor of the being with the Lord.
Luke 2:15-19-So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely* known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2.5 Wise Men from the East – seekers, risk takers, worshipers
Matt 2:1-2-Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
2.6 Herod – no revelation (so near yet so far); insecure; refused to give up his throne; demonic
Matt 2:16- When Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
3. The Message:
Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 "Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!“
Conclusion: Jesus is the promised Messiah and may each of us welcome Him in our hearts and experienced the reality of this season.
G I F T OF F O R G I V E N E S S (Reggie Ocampo) (4th Dec 2011)
Prov 27:19-“As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man.”(NKJ)
Intro: In this Advent season where Christmas is fast approaching, perhaps others have not yet decided what gift to give to loved ones.
Ø October 2,2006 – A school shooting took place in the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where 10 girls (6-13 years old) where shot by Charles Ray IV, five fatally, before committing suicide. Within hours, Amish men visited the killer’s wife, Amy, with gifts and expressed their response – forgiveness. The radical and irrational response changed the media’s headline from Amish “tragedy” to Amish “miracle”.
Ø Gift suggestion : Give the Gift of Forgiveness (a very expensive gift - it costs a lot).
Ø The condition of our heart is the key to our life in Christ (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 6:21). God searches our hearts, revealing areas that will block our relationship with Him (I Sam.16:7 , Rom.8:27)
I. Three Gifts of Forgiveness (Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:1-3, Micah 7:9)
A. The Forgiveness God gives to us (I John 1:9, Luke 7:47)
B. The Forgiveness we give Ourselves (Philippians 3:13-14)
C. The Forgiveness we give to Others (Luke 17:3-4)
Col 3:13-“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (NIV) [Ephesians 4:32]
· We must understand God’s forgiveness to us through the shed blood (Colossians 1:13-14). But we must also learn to forgive ourselves which simply means receiving God’s gift of forgiveness and agreeing with it. We must learn to forgive others or else unforgiveness will block the daily expression of God’s forgiveness in our lives (Matthew 6:14-15 and 18:21-35).
II. Stages of Unforgiveness
A. Initial Hurt – others words and / or actions (Psalm 109:22)
B. Resentment – not dealt immediately and harbored. Hearts that dwell on hurt. We are filled with self-pity, and anger against the person.
C. Retaliation – words and actions ( Romans 12:17-20 )
D. Bitterness – defilement of heart by Unforgiveness (Hebrews 12:15, Ephesians 4:29-32)
III. Living one day at a time (Matthew 6:34)
A. Prisoner of the Future (worry) and / or the past (guilt and unforgiveness)
Eph 4:26-27-“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
B. Discern the Lord’s Body ( I Corinthians 11:27-31)
IV. A Continuing Debt (Romans 13:8)
- God transferred our debt to Him (He paid for our sins) to those around us.
- Indebted to everyone (I John 4:20)
V. Forgiveness Acknowledges:
A. God’s love for us (Mt.18:21-35, Lk.6:36, Jn.13:34-35, Ps.103:7-14)
B. Our love for God (Lk.7:47, I John 4:20)
C. Our trust in God’s justice (2 Thess.1:3-7)
D. Our faith in God’s plan for us (Rom.8:28)
E. Our readiness to suffer abuse (Mt.5:11-12)
F. Our enemy is not flesh and blood (Eph.6:12)
G. Our secure position in Christ (Col.1:1-4)
VI. Not a feeling but a Decision
- Unforgiveness – an open wound; Forgiveness- Healing process begins
VII. Healing the Hurt (Psalm 147:3)
Isaiah 61:1
Conclusion: God wants to use us as Vessels of Healing (Wounded Healer)
2 Cor 1:3-4-“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (NKJ)
17th ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE (Dr. P. C. Mathew) (13th November 2011)
Matthew 5:14-16 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
God has called the families of CFFAN to be a light in Stuttgart and Germany.
1. People of God is our Inspiration - not the worldly personalities
2. Put off everything that hinders - Consciously and forcefully remove the things that hinder us from God
3. Persevere till the end - A good start doesn't guarantee a good finish; "press on" means there's a resistance to overcome; we should be able to read the signs of the times
4. Pin up your eyes on Jesus - People may disappoint but let's focus on Jesus
5. Perspective of Eternity - Don't be just earthly focused but look at the big picture; God did not call you to be a "monument" but to be a "movement"; move the society and community; God is interested with sacred persons, not sacred places
WHO IS IN CHARGE? (Reggie Ocampo) (18th June 2011)
Judges 21:25
Post-Modern false kind of Egalitarianism in which everyone is on the same level
- Borders rebellion wherein God Himself is stripped of His position of authority
3 Basic Kinds of Leadership
• 1. Those who do things TO people
- Tendency to exploit for its own benefit.
- God condemns this (Ezekiel 34:1-10)
2. Those who do things FOR people (Paternalistic)
- Sensitive towards to people; gives importance to their welfare than the work
- Tendency of productivity is low because leadership does what the people should do.
3. Those who get things done THROUGH people (Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-20)
- True function of leadership – getting things done through people.
- Specific roles are defined and are different
*Good Leadership is a combination of all three types.
God’s Servant Leader:
Jesus Christ Mark 10:35-45 Isaiah 42-55
Everybody is serving something or someone
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." 36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 37 They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.“ 38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?“ 39 They said to Him, "We are able.”So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.“ 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.“
Isaiah’s Identification of Servants
„Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant, and Israel whom I have chosen.“ (44:1) „Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held – to subdue nations before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut.“ (45:1) „Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.“ (42:1)
Lord Jesus Christ: God’s Servant Leader His Call – Isaiah 42:1-9
1. A Divine Call 2. A Definite Call 3. A Distinct Call
His Character – Is 52:13-53:12
1. A Suffering Servant 2. A Willing Servant 3. A Humble/Meek Servant Lord Jesus Christ: God’s Servant Leader
His Commission – Is 42-55:4
1. A Great Commission
2. A Clear Commission
3. A Bold Commission
Isaiah 55:4
1. A Witness to the People
2. A Leader
3. A Commander to His People Lord Jesus Christ:
Our Model Servant Leader
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Sacrifice is the Heart of Leadership
1. Misperception that leadership is all about position, perks, & power.
2. Reality is that leadership requires sacrifice.
3. A leader must give up to go up.
1. There is no Success without Sacrifice
1.1. Athletes pay a high price; Professionals; Parents etc.
1.2. Life is a series of trades, one thing for another.
1.3. Leaders sacrifice much that‘s good in order to dedicate themselves to what is best.
2. Leaders are often asked to give up more than Others
2.1. Putting others ahead of self; doing what‘s best for the whole
2.2. Responsibilities increase & rights decrease
2.3. Leaders give up more than the people they lead.
3. You must keep on giving up to stay up
3.1. Sacrifice is an on going process, not a one-time payment
3.2. Requirement of continual change, constant improvement, & ongoing sacrifice
3.3. No hesitation to make sacrifices if it will fulfill the larger vision Sacrifice is the Heart of Leadership
4. The higher the level of leadership, the greater the sacrifice
4.1. Auction – bidders get lesser as the price goes up
4.2. High office (i.e.President) demands a high price
4.3. There is a price not many people are willing to pay
The Heart of Good Leadership is Sacrifice
John 15:12-13 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
PENTECOST EXPERIENCE IS FOR TODAY (Reggie Ocampo) 12 June 2011
I. The Holy Spirit is God , He is the third Person in the Trinity
I Jn 5:7-“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”(NKJ)
Matt 28:19-"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”(NKJ)
Eph 4:30-“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”(NKJ)
II. Holy Spirit sent to us as a Counselor / Comforter
John 14:16-18-“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—17 "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.18 "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”(NKJ)
John 16:5-7-"But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?'6 "But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”(NKJ)
Parakletos-“called to one’s side”
III. Flesh cannot accomplish the things of God
Zech 4:6-“So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.”(NIV)
IV. Another Kind of Baptism
Matt 3:11-"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
V. Ministry of the Holy Spirit
A. IN the Believer
1. Opens access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)
2. Gives us new birth (Titus 3:5; John 3:3,6)
3. Testifies that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16)
4. Teaches and guides us (John 14:26; Romans 8:14)
5. Gives wisdom and revelation (1 Cor. 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:17)
6. Enables us to live a holy life (Gal.5:16-25; Romans 8:1-2)
7. Helps us in prayer (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18)
8. Strengthens and imparts resurrection life (Romans 8:11)
9. Changes us into the image of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Jude 20-“But you dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit”
B. THROUGH the Believer
The Holy Spirit also empowers the believer to serve and glorify God in the world.
1. Gives power to witness (Acts 1:8; 2:14-40)
2. Testifies that Jesus is alive (Acts 5:30-32; 4:31-33)
3. Releases true worship (Ephesians 5:18-19; John 4:24)
4. Glorifies Jesus (John 16:13-15; 15:26)
VI. The New Way of the Spirit
Romans 7:6-But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”
The old way of religion is to try to be accepted by God through self-effort. But God’s standard is so high, no one can reach it in their own strength. So the Gospel has introduced another way – “the new way of the Spirit”. It is the Holy Spirit who causes us to live a life pleasing to God. He is the inner power which changes us from the inside out (2 Cor.3:17-18).
Romans 8:2-“…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death”
VII. Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8- “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be My witnesses…” (read Luke 24:49)
Not only does the Holy Spirit indwell the believer, but He also desires to fill him with power to be an effective witness. The Bible calls this infilling being “baptized in the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5). Just as water baptism means to be immersed in water, so baptism in the Holy Spirit means to be immersed in the power of God’s Spirit. This is God’s promise for every believer. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is :
A Command from God
Eph.5:18-“Do not get drunk on wine …Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (also Acts 4:31)
B. Something we ask for and not to be feared
Luke 11:9-13-"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"(NKJ)
VIII. Manifestations of being filled with the Holy Spirit
A. Supernatural Language (Acts 19:1-6)
B. Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:5)
C. Signs and Wonders (Hebrews 2:4; I Thess.1:5-6)
D. Other Gifts of the Spirit (I Cor.12:8-10)
E. Empowered Prayer (Eph.6:18)
F. Anointed worship (Phil.3:3)
IX. Holy Spirit anoints the believer with the same anointing that Jesus had
- read Acts 10:38, John 14:12
Luke 4:18-19-"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed;19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."(NKJ)
X. Gifts of the Spirit (I Cor.12:4-10)
XI. Purpose of Speaking in Tongues (Prayer Language)
1 Cor 14:1-5-“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.(NKJ)
XII. Apostle Paul spoke in Tongues
1 Cor 14:18-“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;”(NKJ)
XIII. Not to be feared but to be asked in faith (Luke 11:9-13)
- devil puts confusion and fear so we will forfeit what God has prepared for us1 Cor 14:33-“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
James 1:6-8-“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.(NIV)
Heb 11:6-“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”(NIV)
The Real Orientals (Reggie Ocampo) 05.6.11
Isaiah 5:20
“Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
(from Geneva Notes, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2005, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
Intro:
- A Canadian couple refused to name the gender of their third child and 4 month old baby “Storm” according to the Toronto Star. They said they will let Storm decide that when the time comes.
- Do we know why it was a holiday last Thursday? It’s not because of Father’s Day but because of Christi Himmelfahrt.
- “Orientierung” (German), “Orientation” (English) – people looked to the Orient or the East because that is where the sun rises.
1. Post Modern Man seems to be lost. A ship with no compass or navigation system.
- Acts 2:37 “…What shall we do?”
- There is no orientation; no borders; no direction. Everything is relative.
- Hansel and Gretel’s traces of bread have been eaten up and they are lost.
2. An upside world – All messed up.
- Reupah in our couple’s seminar last Friday is of the opinion that the feminists movement has misinterpreted the word “submission” as that of being a doormat where people wipe their dirt off. This is wrong. God-ordained submission of wife to her husband is liberating.
- People use God’s vocabulary but not his dictionary.
Isaiah 5:20
Deception (Isa 5:20). Moral standards were destroyed by new definitions of sin (see Amos 5:7), people using God's vocabulary but not His dictionary. Like today's "double-speak," this kind of language made it easy to deceive people and avoid a guilty conscience. In today's world, increased taxes are "revenue enhancements," and poor people are "fiscal underachievers." Medical malpractice is not the cause of a patient's death; it's a "diagnostic misadventure of high magnitude." (See DoubleSpeak by William Lutz.) The Jerusalem Bible translation of Ps 12:2 says it perfectly: "All they do is lie to one another, flattering lips, talk from a double heart."
(from The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament © 2001-2004 by Warren W. Wiersbe. All rights reserved.)
Isaiah 5:20
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil. Fourth woe against those who confound the distinctions of right and wrong. Compare Rom 1:28, "even as they did not like [ouk edokimasan,] to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind" [adokimon noun]: "reprobate," Greek, indiscriminating; in just retribution the moral perception darkened.
That put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Sin is bitter (Jer 2:19; 4:18; Acts 8:23; Rom 3:14; Heb 12:15), though it seem sweet for a time (Prov 9:17-18). Religion is sweet (Ps 119:103).
(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
- The immature in leadership is a judgment
Isa 3:4
I will give children to be their princes,
And babes shall rule over them.
3. There is an urgent need for orientation or direction.
- One must have a clear sight; look for a fixed point.
- Signposts – Jer.31,21
- Some have removed the landmarks – Job 24:2
- “Orientierungspunkt” – Matt.2,2
4. Our Fixed Point
- The Love of God – Rom 5,8-10
Ø Not circumstances
- The person of Jesus Christ – Heb 13,8
Ø Not the acceptance of people
- Promises of God – 2 Cor 1,20
Ø Not the opinion of the world
- The Word of God – Mt 5,18; 24,35; Mk 13,31; Lk 21,33
Ø Martin Luther didn’t succumb to the pressure of powerful people to recant. Standing on the Word of God (Rom.1:17), He said “Ich kann nicht anders.”
- Prophetic Word – 2 Petr 1,19
5. Practical Tips to help others have their orientation back
5.1. Know where God is leading you & how He has made you. What are your values? What is your passion? What are your difficulties? Most of the times, spiritual gifts are supernaturally natural.
5.2. Learn to love; be passionate; have the zeal – God, self-esteem, Church, Community etc. Love can be learned.
5.3. Pray – a must. Praise, worship, intercession, breakthrough prayers. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
5.4. Faith – not just logos but rhema. Learn to read the scriptures that it becomes a living word to you and not just letters of the law.
5.5. Learn time management yourself and teach others; prevent burn-out syndrome. Learn to say “no”. Activities that are time-consuming but not life-producing may cause disorientation.
5.6. Know the Holy Spirit and teach to others. He has made us “holy” and He is our guide.
5.7. Be led of the Spirit – Rom 8,14, Obedience; Mt 6,33
6. Challenge for us to rise up to the challenge for the sake of the next generation.
- Imitate me – 1 Cor 4,16; 11,1
- The wise men from the east were able to find Jesus because they followed the star of Bethlehem. Let us be a star of Bethlehem today in guiding our children and society to the feet of the Lord Jesus.
- Paul and his team : “God and you are witnesses how we behaved in holiness” – 1 Thes 2,10
- Peter to the lame man – Look at us – Acts 3,4
Conclusion:
- Peter was able to respond straight away to the question “What shall we do?” – Acts 2,37f
- Let us fix our eyes on Him, the fixed point, and we shall not lose our way – Hebr 12,2
- A battle ship will have to change course if it is told by the Lighthouse.
The Holy Bible a Living Word (Reggie Ocampo) 22nd May 2011
The Holy Bible is not just an ordinary book. It is a spiritual book and ministers life. It is a "living word" as Jesus said in John 6:63.
We are spirit beings because we have been made in the image and in the likeness of God (Gen.2:7). The words of Jesus are spirit and therefore we can "connect" to it. The problem is that when man fell into sin, his spirit was cut off from God. The unregenerated man could not understand the Bible because he is living on the "natural" level and no longer in the realm of the spirit.
1 Cor.2:14- "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerened."
The Holy Spirit is essential in understanding the Scriptures as He will lead us to all truth (John 16:13).
God as revealed through the Holy Scriptures - the Bible
Isa 55:11-"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."(NKJ)
The Bible ("biblos"- greek - "a Book") - was written by 36-40 writers over a period of 1600 years by different types of people in different parts of the world in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. With its cardinal theme found in John 3:16 and amazing accuracy, the Holy Spirit is doubtless the author of this library of books that has been preserved all through these years.
2 Pet 1:21-"for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."(NKJ)
Description of the Word
Water - Cleanses and quenches our spiritual thirst (Eph.5:25-27)
Light - It sheds light on our path giving us direction (psalm 119:105)
Seed - It regenerates life in us (I Peter 1:23)
Food - It causes us to live and grow in the spirit (Matthew 4:4)
Sword - It is a pointed word that convicts the hearts of the hearer (Hebrews 4:12)
Hammer - It is powerful and breaks the resistance (Jer.23:29)
Mirror - It shows our condition and reveals the will of God (James 1:23-25)
Fire - It purifies within (Jer.20:9, 23:29)
Hearing and Obeying the Word of God is the Foundation of our Lives
Matt 7:24-"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."(NIV)
Source of our Faith - the Word of God
Rom 10:17-"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(NKJ)
A Love for God's Word
It is important to receive God's word regularly, so that we can grow in the Lord.
° We sit under regular teaching (Acts 2:42; 2 Tim.3:16)
° We read and meditate on God's word daily (Psalm 119:9,11)
° We share God's word with each other (Colossians 3:16)
As we absorb God's word, we become familiar with God's will and God's ways. This gives us special authority in prayer (John 15:7; I John 5:14-15). Through the Word of God, we discover God's nature, and the Holy Spirit works in our lives to change us into the likeness of Jesus (Rom.8:29)
The Word Become Flesh
John 1:14-"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…"
Jesus is called the "Word of God" (Jn.1:1). When He "became flesh" (v.14), God's message took on human form in the life of Jesus. Now God wants the same thing to happen in our lives- the Word changing us and manifesting in and through our lives
Pillars of Motherhood (Reupah Philipps) 8th May 2011
What "Mother" Means?
"Mother" is such a simple word,
But to me there’s meaning seldom heard.
For everything I am today,
My mother’s love showed me the way.
I’ll love my mother all my days,
For enriching my life in so many ways.
She set me straight and then set me free,
And that’s what the word "mother" means to me.
Thanks for being a wonderful mother, Mom!
By Karl Fuchs
1. Mother’s roles
Teacher,
nurse,
dietician,
psychologist,
chauffer,
trainer,
disciplinarian,
seamstress,
coach,
interior decorator,
music tutor
…..
1. You are Precious! ! !
2. Persistent Mother
▪ Head strong child?
▪ When your child challenges you? How do you feel?
What is Persistence?
Persistence is the ability to maintain action regardless of your feelings
“Persistence allows you to keep taking action even when you don’t feel motivated to do so”
Our Model of Persistence
Jonah:1-4
Gal : 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”
James : 1:12 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial …”.
3. Patient mother
When are the times I mostly get impatient?
High expectations
Taking things personally
Uniqueness of each child
Expect them to fail
Patience is being always ready with a mantle of forgive
God of Second Chance : Jonah
Prodigal son – Patient and pardoning.
4. Proactive mother
Prov:31:21, 25. 21 When it snows, she has no
fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet….
Prov 22:3, The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
The noble woman was a woman of foresight
Seasons and stages that my child is going to face
Andrew Carnegie : Mining Gold
5. Praying Mother
“It takes prayer to bloom where you are planted”.
“Courage is fear that has said its prayer” Karl Barth.
“Hurry is the death of prayer”
Acknowledge God’s hand on your child
Admit any areas you resent in the way God put your child together
Accept God’s design for your child
Affirm God’s purpose in creating your child for His glory
Ally yourself with God in his plans for your child’s life.
Conclusion
6. Partnering with God
2 kings 3:16-18
16 and he said, “This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches. 17 For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. 18 This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also deliver Moab into your hands.
My Vision as a mother
To have godly values and a godly character inspiring my children and other mothers.
My Aim as a Mother
To model Christ to my children
My Mission as a Mother
1. To have a place in the kingdom
2. To be a credit to the kingdom
3. To be used to promote the kingdom.
Bibliography
1. A mother’s heart – Flemming
2. Tea time stories for Mother’s – Shepherd
3. Glimpses of an Invisible God for Mothers – Honor Books
4. The Power of a praying Parent – Stormie Omartian
5. Crosswalk.com – Parenting
6. A confident heart – Renee Swope
Overcoming Perilous (Dangerous) Times by Reggie Ocampo (1st May 2011)
Intro: A couple of days ago, the Bundeskriminal Amt (BKA) arrested 3 members of Al-Qaeda who were building bombs to kill as many Christians they can in order to go to paradise. No, it didn’t happen in Afghanistan nor Pakistan. It happened right here in Germany, in NRW. We are living in dangerous times. What is happening in the natural world is a reflection of the spiritual world.
- BKA warns that we should not let our guards down and that we are to remain vigilant.
1. Last Days are Perilous Times
Why? – There are so much negative attitudes and behaviors that can affect us.
Jesus said that in the last days, because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold (Mt 24:12-13)
- Because an abundance of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold.
- How is our love for the Lord, family members, church brethren, to the lost and dying in sin? - Characteristics of people in these perilous times.
2 Tim 3:1-7
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! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2. How to Keep from Falling?
- Need of Endurance (Hebrews 10:35-36)
3. In my Devotion Time, these are four points I saw that may help us from falling.
a. Stay Connected
- Abiding in the Vine (John 15:4)
- In Prayer, Fellowship, Worship
- Do not forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:23-25)
b. Keep the Freshness – First Love (Rev.2:4)
- Smell of brand new things. Fresh things enthuse
- Paul’s passion to know the Lord didn’t lose its freshness. Even after many years of
ministry planting churches and seeing miracles, his heart’s cry was still to know the
Lord (Phil.3:12-14)
c. Guarded Minds – pure thoughts (2 Tim. 3:14-15, 2 Cor.10:3-5, Eph.4:23)
- Fall of Adam started with a conversation with the devil.
- “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” – Proverbs 23:7
- Modern man’s frame of mind have been greatly influenced by 19th century atheists such as Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, and Siegmund Freud.
- “He who controls the mind controls the man.”
d. Have the Burden of the Lord
- Do you love Me? Feed My Sheep. – John 21:15-17
- When you take responsibility, you are “forced” to be fit for the sake of others.
- One is changed one becomes a parent.
- I must not fall for my fall will bring others with me.
Conclusion:
- David Wilkerson (the man behind the film “The Cross and the Switchblade”; founder of Teen Challenge, World Challenge, and Times Square Church NY) died of a car accident. Until the very end, he was still championing the cause of the Lord.
- Last article before his passing away.
WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL - David Wilkerson (27th April 2011).
To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and
is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed
because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe
and have not seen” (John 20:29).
Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an
answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.
Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of
hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and
doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The
miracle prayed for is not happening.
That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear,
anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You
prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on
promises. You trusted.”
Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed.
Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It
doesn’t pay!”
Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind.
These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the
godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic
attacks.
To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this
word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in
that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with
you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make
sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident.
It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in
your hour of pain.”
Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love.
When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith.
Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world
First Things Determine Your Future by Reggie Ocampo
(17th April 2011)
Text: Revelation 2:4-5 “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place — unless you repent.
Introduction:
Personal experience: As we moved into our house, I bought several closets and drawers that I had to assemble myself. In my excitement to do it quickly, I didn’t bother to read the instruction and put things together only to find out later that I didn’t put the first things first. I learned the hard way as I had to dismantle the whole thing again. One needs to pay attention to the first things.
Dominant Thought / Proposition:
It’s essential and urgent to know and do the first works for our own good and future. Question: “What are the first works and why is it essential and urgent?”
Transition Sentence:
1. Jesus warned the church of Ephesus to return and do the first works or the candlestick shall be removed. 2. It is a serious thing to be without a candlestick for it means there’s no light and eventually no clarity and direction. 3. Let’s examine what are the “Firsts” in the Holy Scriptures. Main Body:
1. FIRST COMMANDMENT – Love God
Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV) “Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."”
1.1. First Love – Revelation 2:4 - A very positive commandment for it’s a privilege to be able to love God. - Many religions have no concept of having an intimate relationship with God.
1.2. All commandments hang on this one (verse 40) - Foundation is first in building a house. - First commandment cannot be neglected for all commandments hang on it.
1.3. Paul’s greatest passion is to know Christ Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV) “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - His first priority, before knowledge and ministry, is to know Christ.
2. FIRST CALLING – Fellowship with God / Be with Jesus
1 Corinthians 1:9 (NKJV) “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
2.1. First calling of first disciples was to be with Jesus before other ministry Mark 3:13-15 (NKJV) “And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: “ - God is a person and seeks fellowship. - The first calling and ministry of the disciples was to be with Jesus. Afterwards, ministry to the world follows such as preaching the Gospel, casting our demons, and healing the sick.
2.2. Big shock for those who are too busy for the kingdom but no time for the King Matt 7:21-23 (NKJV) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'”
2.3. Mary sat at the feet of the Lord; one thing that couldn’t taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) “And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."”
3. FIRST COUNSEL – Seek God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
3.1. David’s single focus Psalm 27:4 (NKJV) “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.”
3.2. Promised blessing – all things shall be added - So many are stressed out today due to a cluttered life. Most sicknesses are directly or indirectly connected to stress. - Mathematical problems can’t be solved if you make a mistake on the first task. We need to get the first things right.
Conclusion: Summary: If we fulfill the first commandment of loving God with all of our heart, we have fulfilled the rest of the commandments for all commandments hang on it. If we fulfill the first call of fellowshipping with the Lord, we will fulfill all other ministries powerfully. If we fulfill the first counsel of seeking His kingdom and His righteousness, then all things shall be added unto us. - Example in the business world: Steve Jobs successful strategy in saving the company Apple from bankruptcy was by dropping all other things and just focusing on one business line, the iPod. After rising back, it developed other successful products such as the iTouch, iPhone, and now iPad. Let us “de-clutter” and focus on the first works.
Challenge /Application:
- Evaluate ourselves: Are our lives so cluttered that we have lost the proper focus and neglected the “first works”? - The First Works cannot be neglected. The First Commandment, the First Call, and the First Counsel determine our future
Confidence even in Times of Crisis by Reggie Ocampo
(27th March 2011)
Hebrews 10:35 – „Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. “
Intro: We are living in perilous times as heavenly and earthly shakings are taking place all over. Apocalyptic prophetic events are being fulfilled in our days & there’s perplexity and fear among men.
Luke 21:25 – “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
1. Urgent Need of Confidence in such Trying Times
Proverbs 3:25-26-“Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.”
Proverbs 14:26 – “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.”
- Economists know the importance of confidence or else the markets will crash.
2. What godly Confidence is Not
- It is not pride and arrogance – Psalm 34:2, Galatians 6:14
- It is not trusting in man’s strength – Psalm 118:8-9
- It is not trusting in the flesh – Phil.3:3
- It is not in the absence of trouble – Psalm 27:1-3
3. What godly Confidence Is /Where it Comes from
- Trust in the Lord and His Word (able to fulfill His Promises) – Psalm 118:8-9, Romans 4:21
- The Finished Work of Christ on the Cross (all our sins are paid for)– Gal.6:14
- Abundant Mercy and Unfailing Grace – Romans 8:31-32
- Boundless Love – Romans 8:35-38
- Faithfulness unto the Lord and His calling – 2 Tim.4:7-8
4. Confidence provides Stability
- Insecurity is cousin to fear which leads to instability. King Saul was an insecure person.
- Confidence provides contentment; contentment is knowing you have everything you need – Phil.4:11-13
5. Confidence as seen in Psalm 27
- Not in the absence of trouble.
- Result of trusting God even in the midst of problems and difficulties.
- Enhanced by past victories.
6. Samson and David, different Confidence
- Samson trusted in his own strength – Judges 16:20
- David attributed God’s grace in his victory over the bear and lion and was confident in the Lord – 1 Samuel 17:37
7. Godly Confidence is Contagious
- During the time of Saul, there were no giant killers because the leader himself was afraid. It all changed when David came to the scene. After he killed Goliath, other giant killers arose. – 1 Chronicles 20:4-8
- Confidence produces momentum – it is a powerful force.
Conclusion: Those who know God are confident giant-killers.
Story of a child drawing God: her mother said no one knows how God looks like. Child’s confident response, “they will know after I finish.”
Life Sentence (Reggie Ocampo) 20th March 2011
Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Intro: Clare Boothe Luce (writer, politician, and ambassador) popularized the idea of the „life sentence“ – a statement summarizing the goal and purpose of one’s life.
- My uncle’s fitting tribute to my mother during her funeral: “She was a very good sister and one who dearly loved her children.”
- “Someday people will summarize your life in a single sentence. My advice: pick it now!” –John Maxwell
I. One of the Important Things to Learn in Life – Our days are Limited
- Prayer of Moses the man of God. One who knows regarding “time” since his life had different stages. Ultimately, his time was up and he was not able to enter the Promised Land.
- Demonstrates humility - asking the Lord to teach
- It is a revelation… a “Aha”-moment … realization
- Not automatic or people are lulled into thinking that everything can go on forever and “business as usual” – 1 Thess.5:2-3
- Harrowing tragic events in Japan (9.0 earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear reactor meltdown) have evoked a lot of sobering comments from people:
- “It shows how fragile life is.” – B.Obama
- “…wie zerbrechlich Leben ist…” – Mappus
- “…zeigt uns wie machtlos Menschheit ist…” – Spiegel TV Moderator
II. Sense and Understanding of the Limited Time
A. Only One Life to Live – Hebrews 9:27
- “Life is like a parachute jump; you’ve got to get it right the first time.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
- Reincarnation is unbiblical
B. Earthly Life is Limited – It is Short – Psalm 39:4-6
- Maybe 70 or 80 years old – Psalm 90:10
C. Certain assignments must be done in a given period of time
- Mordecai’s admonition to Esther (4:13-14)
- Nehemiah would not let the enemies distract him (Neh.6:3)
- Jesus: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no man can work.” (John 9:4)
- American civil war could have finished 2 years earlier and saved hundreds of thousands of lives had Gen.Meade obeyed the orders of A.Lincoln on July 7,1863 to pursue and crush the retreating confederates of Gen.Lee to Virginia after their defeat west of Gettysburg. Gen.Meade missed the timing.
- Mission work in Korea was under limited visas stamped on my passport. No time to waste.
III. Gain a Heart of Wisdom
A. Profit – Winning – Better than before
- Example: Godliness with contentment is great gain – 1 Tim.6:6-8
B. Heart – inner; within; not superficial; affects your entire being and characterizes you
- Life Changing : “I believe in Jesus Christ who has given his own life for us, and I am ready to die for a cause. I’m living for my community…and I will die to defend their rights.” Shabhaz Bhatti (Pakistan’s Minister for Minority Affairs who was shot dead by Taliban-al Qaeda on March 2,’11)
C. Wisdom – Proverbs 9:10
1. Knowing one’s purpose in life – fulfilling one’s call
- Jesus said all the law hanged on it – Mathew 22:37-40
- Winston Churchill: “There comes a special moment in everyone’s life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission – a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour.”
- We believe in a God who created us for a purpose and that we didn’t just evolve and a product of a series of coincidences. – Ephesians 2:10
2. Knowing time is limited – Ephesians 5:15-17
3. Counting the Cost
3.1. Preparation – Jesus prepared for 30 years
3.2. Obedience, Submission – John 5:19
3.3. Focus, No Turning Back – Luke 9:62
4. Readiness to lay down one’s life – John 15:13
- Paul was ready to die for his calling – Acts 20:24
- “If there is no cause you are ready to die for, then there is no reason for you to live for.”
- 50 workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant practically offered their lives for the sake of the community.
Conclusion:
Acts 13:36 – “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption.”
- What will be written on your epitaph?
- What /to Whom are you living for?
- What/to Whom are you willing to lay down your life?