Wednesday, January 31, 2007

The Family Series: Part 3 - The Woman

The Family

Series: Part 3 – The Woman

Gtcotr/ws013107

Psalms 68:6 God sets the solitary in families …

Key Scriptures: Genesis 3

11 ¶ And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?"

12 Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate."

Here began the blame game, the first strike at unity in the family. Man’s inherits pride with his sin and in efforts to protect his image is often quick to blame the woman.

2 Corinthians 2:11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (NKJV)

What does satan want … To divide the family and make it dysfunctional.

I. Isaiah 10

12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, "I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks."

13 For he says: "By the strength of my hand I have done it, And by my wisdom, for I am prudent; Also I have removed the boundaries of the people, And have robbed their treasuries; So I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man.

14 My hand has found like a nest the riches (chayil) of the people, And as one gathers eggs that are left, I have gathered all the earth; And there was no one who moved his wing, Nor opened his mouth with even a peep."

A. A Prophetic Type & Shadow Of Satan

1. He has

* removed the boundaries - guidelines - standards

* robbed the treasuries

* defeated the inhabitants

* stolen the riches of the people

2. And no one made a fuss, attempted to stop him or complained at all.

2. What Riches? Hebrew word: Chayil

B. Let Me Explain To You Just What Has Been Stolen?

1. Judges 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour (chayil). (This, whatever it is, made Gideon valiant)

2. 1 Samuel 16:18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man (chayil), and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. (It was obvious David had chayil)

3. 1 Samuel 10:26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men (chayil), whose hearts God had touched.

C. It was prophesied that satan would remove the guidelines, rob the precious substances of life, and defeat the people when he took away the ‘chayil’ of the people.

1. That which made an ordinary man, a mighty man of valour

2. That which turned mere shepherd boys into valiant men, cunning, prudent, comely, wise and Godly

3. That element which caused common men to become men whose hearts God would touch

Note: In the O.T. it became rare to find ‘chayil’ among the people of God. Now in the N.T. it seems even rarer.

Note: satan hates ‘chayil’ people and he fears them. This ingredient when added to a person’s life makes them more than a match for satan’s devices. Every time the devil encounters a ‘chayil’ person, he and his plans have been defeated. No wonder he wanted to steal it.

I know we are talking about women tonight and so far we have only read scriptures which refer to men. Well, guess what? Just like everything else in God’s kingdom, Chayil is no respecter of gender. Look with me in:

II. Proverbs 31

10 Who can find a virtuous (chayil) woman? for her price is far above rubies.

A. God intends all women to be virtuous, chayil, women.

B. Satan has worked hard to remove the guidelines, rob this treasure, put down the inhabitants of the earth, (especially women), and take away the single ingredient from us which makes us everything God created us to be. Chayil!

C. The Chayil woman is the complete woman.

III. The Complete Woman

A. In Proverbs 31 we find a picture of the completed woman

1. V.11

* She can be trusted with another person’s heart

* She is an asset to any relationship

2. V.12

* She does not throw up roadblocks but builds bridges

* She devises ways to help others and make them succeed

3. V.13

* She is enterprising, thrifty and a willing worker

4. V.14

* She is a diligent shopper

* She treats her loved ones to special delights

5. V.15

* She could never be accused of being lazy

* She plans out her days

* She manages the affairs of the home

6. V.16

* She is a shrewd investor for the future

* She is unafraid to engage in the business world

7. V.17

* She takes care of her health and strength

* She is a hard worker

8. V.18

* She knows and values quality merchandise

* She is careful to not run out of necessities

9. V.19

* She is a master of domestic work

* She is an example to those whom she influences

10. V.20

* She is truly charitable

* With one hand she helps the poor

* With both hands she reaches to the needy

* By this she keeps God interested in her success

11. V.21

* She goes the extra mile and double clothes her loved ones

* She sees to the health and comfort of others

12. V.22

* She understands the importance of her own appearance

* She cares about the furnishings in her home

13. V.23

* She promotes the respectability and honor of her husband

* She knows that God favors a man who has a good wife

14. V.24

* She is enterprising and an astute business woman

* She has a feel for what others like

15. V.25

* She is double clothed with strong but elegant clothing

* She is both confident and secure

* She will never be embarrassed nor have to apologize for what she wears, makes or sells to others.

16. V.26

* She has taken the time and care to become educated

* She thinks before she speaks

* She considers how her words will make others feel

* She is committed to kindness

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

In her tongue is the law of kindness. This is the most distinguishing excellence of this woman. There are very few of those who are called managing women who are not lords over their husbands, tyrants over their servants, and insolent among their neighbours. But this woman, with all her eminence and excellence, was of a meek and quiet spirit. Blessed woman!

17. V.27

* She accepts the responsibility of being the moral manager of her loved ones

* She promotes a strong work ethic by her example

* She neither expects nor accepts handouts or welfare in place of work

* She does not lay around the house being unproductive

18. V.28

* She has well behaved children, courteous, mannerly and respectful to their parents

* She proves so valuable to the family that, providing she is married, her husband recognizes it and praises her

B. Vs.29-31 This is what her loved ones say about her

1. When considering all other women, there have been many who have done well, but you have exceeded them all.

2. You have not used charm to deceive others, nor beauty to excuse yourself, but you have truly pleased the Lord.

3. You shall be amply rewarded and everyone shall know it is because of what you did, not what others did for you.

C. This is A ‘Chayil Woman’

A wife, mother, partner, employer, business woman, hard worker, diligent planner, thrifty shopper, encourager, teacher, thoughtful speaker, kind communicator, compassionate, giving, chaste, modest, diligent, frugal, secure, dutiful, careful for her family, discreet educated, respectful and, above all, committed to pleasing God.

This was God’s intent for all women when He created Eve.

IV. Satan didn’t like it and has stolen the guidelines

A. for girls to become virtuous women.

B. We must have some Godly women

1. Rise up - lift their wings - open their mouths and make a fuss about it.

2. Take back the virtue

3. Re-establish the guidelines

4. Restore the values and virtues of womanhood

C. What Can You Do?

1. If you are a man, stop blaming the woman, stop putting her down, talking and thinking and acting like she is less than your equal.

2. If you are a woman … Get Chayil? Where?

2 Samuel 22:33 God is my strength and power (chayil): and he maketh my way perfect.

Psalms 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly (chayil): for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Habakkuk 3:19 The LORD God is my strength (chayil), and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth (chayil), that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

3. Where? Evidently you get it from God

4. How?

* Well, lets look back at Isaiah 10, where we first began, where it was prophesied that it would be taken and see what God planned to do about it.

Isaiah 10

27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

V. How Does A Person Get Out Of The Devil’s Trap

A. The Anointing Of God

1. Means to rub on

2. And to rub off on

B. You need to get so close to God and rub up against Him so much that He rubs off on you.

1. The anointing of God will take the burden from your shoulder

2. The anointing of God will destroy the yoke of bondage

3. The anointing of God will restore Chayil to your womanhood.

4. The anointing of God will lead you to become all God intended you to be.

And men! Get some Chayil yourselves! Become mighty men of valour!

VI. How Do I Get The Anointing Of God?

1. See God As The Answer

Deuteronomy 4:39 Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.

2. Search for Him

Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

1. Prayer

2. Bible Reading

3. Worship

4. Fellowship

5. Service

3. Surrender to Him - Yield To His Will

1. God Will Relieve The Burden

2. God Will Break The Yoke

3. God Will Restore The Guidelines

Yield

(Production Department: Please scroll this passage slowly at this point)

Proverbs 31 (The Message)

10 ¶ A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.

11 Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.

12 Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.

13 She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.

14 She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.

15 She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.

16 She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.

17 First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

18 She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

19 She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.

20 She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.

21 She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

22 She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

23 Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.

24 She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

25 Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

26 When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

27 She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.

28 Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:

29 "Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!"

30 Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD.

31 Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!

Sunday, January 21, 2007

The Touch

The Touch

Gtcotr/ss012107

Just as the Apostle Paul was called, equipped and sent with a message to the Gentiles, while the Apostle Peter was given to the Jews, our church also has a message and a target people.

Our message is not primarily to those who do not want to believe, but rather to those who do want to believe and are unsure what to believe.

In a moment we will be reading from the book of Mark, Chapter 5. While you turn there let me read our:

Key Scripture: Zechariah 4:6 … “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord.

[A story about Brenda and the movie, ‘The Exorcist’, and what one touch from God can do. (To hear this story log onto Church Online at cotr.com and visit our archived messages for this sermon)]

Have you found Mark 5?

Mark 5 NKJV

25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years,

26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.

27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.

28 For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well."

29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"

31 But His disciples said to Him, "You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’"

32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.

33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.

34 And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

This classic bible story is an actual account of the miracle working power found in one touch of the Master. (The pattern example …)

Mark 6:56 Wherever He entered into villages, cities, or in the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. (Matthew 14:36)

Acts 10:38 "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, Who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. NKJV

It’s the anointing, God with us, the deposit leftover from the touch of God on our lives. One touch of the anointing can change our life, our mind, our situation, change our future.

This is the foundation of the doctrine of the laying on of hands.

Both Mark and James tell us to lay our hands on the hurting hearts of humanity and the deposit of God in us will be released into their life and our prayer of faith will do effective battle against sickness, heartache, disease and infirmity.

Isaiah 10:27 And it shall come to pass … the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. (KJV)

It’s no secret. The amount of God in our lives makes a difference, first to us and then to others.

John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things …

Not only can the anointing of the Holy Spirit break every yoke of life, spirit, soul and body, but it will also guide us and teach us and give us wisdom and truth.

The hymn writer must have understood the hope and help contained in the anointed touch of our Lord when he wrote:

Hymn:

Shackled by a heavy burden,

Beneath the load of guilt and shame,

Then the hand of Jesus touched me,

And now I am no longer the same.

He touched me, Oh He touched me.

And oh the joy that floods my soul.

Something happened and now I know,

He touched me and made me whole.

I remember an old church chorus from days gone by which spoke the hearts of many who felt burdened, alone and without hope in this world’s remedies.

Chorus:

Anointing, fall on me

Anointing, fall on me

Let the power of the Holy Ghost fall on me

Anointing fall on me.

Throughout the Church age people from all walks of life and every imaginable situation have yearned for a touch from God. Our inner spirit tells us that God is our Creator, our Source and our Help. If we can but touch Him, all will be made well.

There will come a new season, a new day, a fresh anointing with every touch from the Master.

Chorus:

It’s a new season,

It’s a new day.

There’s a fresh anointing

Coming my way.

It’s a season of power and prosperity,

It’s a new season and it’s coming to me.

You see, we should be moved by God’s Spirit, by God’s touch, and by the touch of someone who has been touched by God.

The anointing of God is the believer’s power.

The touch of God is our heritage.

The Holy Spirit is our help, comfort and strength

Jesus is our Friend, our Captain and our King.

This gospel we preach is anointed and it should move us.

How long has it been since you have been moved by the anointing of God? By the message of this Gospel we preach?

How long has it been since you have been broken in God’s presence?

Chorus:

Move me with Your message once again

It’s been so long since my heart broke within

Take me back once more to Calvary

Till one more time, Your message moves me.

Close:

If you want a fresh touch from the Master this morning won’t you come to the altar.

One touch is all it takes.

If you want to believe but are unsure exactly what to believe or Who to believe in, try Jesus today. Let His message move you.

Perhaps for the first time or maybe you were close to Him once before and you have strayed away from His pathway for your life.

Come or come back this morning. Jesus is waiting for you. His arms opened wide. His love and grace ready to forgive and touch you once more with His anointing.

Come this morning for a fresh touch. Revival is within your grasps. It’s all up to you! Come.

Why not believe in Jesus today.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

The Family Series: Part 2 - The Difference

The Family

Series: Part 2 – The Difference

Gtcotr/ws011707

Key Scripture: Psalms 68:6 God sets the solitary in families …

God made men and women different for different roles with different rights and different responsibilities.

There are definite reasons why men and women, in general, are different.

Men are not made different to cause separation but rather to fit together perfectly in God’s plan.

The Family is God’s plan.

In Genesis God gives us insight into why He made us male and female.

Genesis 1 NKJV

26 ¶ Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Genesis 2

7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

8 ¶ The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed.

Genesis 2

18 ¶ And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."

19 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.

20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

21 ¶ And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.

22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

23 And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

God created two men, one with and one without a womb. (Woman)

God created two males, one who could and one who could not carry a fetus. (Female)

God made man and woman with certain differing abilities, likes, dislikes, graces and strengths.

For the next few minutes I would like to share some of the general differences between the genders that I have gathered from many sources through the years.

These general differences are not meant to be used as labels or limiting factors to any individual, but rather to shine a light on the Designer’s intent to use these differences as a way to strengthen the family unit.

I realize that most people do not typify the generalizations of gender but some generalities can and must at times be assumed as a point of reference from which to begin our journey into understanding the sexes.

So, here are some observations which are commonly found.

What Is A Man? What Is A Woman?

Father Mother

Conqueror Lover

Center of Interest

The World The Home

Objective Subjective

Impersonal Personal

Soul Modest Body Modest

Passionate Romantic

Neglects Nags

Main Weakness

Sense of Discouragement Sense of Loneliness

Future Minded Present Minded

Essential Minded Detail Minded

Logical Intuitive

Steady Changeable

A Leader By Nature A Supporter By Nature

Egotistic Jealous

Compartmentalized De-Compartmentalized

Greatest Need

Respect Love

And we could go on and on and on. Suffice it to say that God made the genders with differing roles, rules, rights and responsibilities in mind.

Throughout the scriptures we find God speaking about these differences as He deals with the varying issues of life concerning the man and woman he created for family.

The Family is God’s plan.

Past

Present

Future

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Advice & Instsruction

Advice & Instruction

Gtcotr/ss011407

Key Scripture: Proverbs 19:20 ¶ Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life. (NLT)

When we go to a Medical Doctor we hope that they are studied and understand how the body functions.

When we engage an attorney we trust they understand the legal system, our particular case and what counsel to give.

When we sit down to eat at a restaurant we think that the chef has knowledge of which herbs, spices and sauces go with our entrée so that when we put our first bite into our mouths, we won’t have to suppress our gag reflexes.

When we hire a contractor to build our home we expect them to know their job and to not go against codes or otherwise leave us with inferior construction.

We tend to trust professionals to be knowledgeable in their field. We listen to them as though they know what they are talking about and we often follow their suggestions believing it is the best decision.

This is as it should be. There is nothing wrong with trusting someone else who knows more about your automobile or your medication, your insurance or your retirement portfolio. This is common and necessary. Not everyone can be an expert in every field and so we tend to seek out those who have given their lives to focus on knowing and doing one thing very well.

If we seek help and counsel when it comes to the matters of making our car run better, protecting ourselves legally, eating right or taking the proper medication, then it is also reasonable that we look to someone for spiritual guidance in our times of need as well.

Have you ever had something you did not understand explained to you so that you did understand it? That can make an incredible difference.

A personal testimony about advice & instruction. (To hear this testimony, log onto Church Online @ cotr.com and follow the links to Church Online’s archived message for this date.)

It’s great to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about and can help us get direction and victory in life.

Proverbs 20:18 ¶ Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without the advice of others.

Just as plans succeed through good counsel, imagine what happens to the person who follows bad counsel.

There is a story in the bible concerning one of King Solomon’s sons, King Rehoboam. Lets read in:

1 Kings 11 (New Living Translation)

43 When Solomon died, he was buried in the city of his father, David. Then his son Rehoboam became the next king.

1 Kings 12

1 ¶ Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king.

2 When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of Solomon’s death, he returned from Egypt, for he had fled to Egypt to escape from King Solomon.

3 The leaders of Israel sent for Jeroboam, and the whole assembly of Israel went to speak with Rehoboam.

4 "Your father was a hard master," they said. "Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects."

5 Rehoboam replied, "Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer." So the people went away.

6 Then King Rehoboam went to discuss the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. "What is your advice?" he asked. "How should I answer these people?"

7 The older counselors replied, "If you are willing to serve the people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects."

8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and who were now his advisers.

9 "What is your advice?" he asked them. "How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?"

10 The young men replied, "This is what you should tell those complainers: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist—if you think he was hard on you, just wait and see what I’ll be like!

11 Yes, my father was harsh on you, but I’ll be even harsher! My father used whips on you, but I’ll use scorpions!’"

12 Three days later, Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam’s decision, just as the king had requested.

13 But Rehoboam spoke harshly to them, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors

14 and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, "My father was harsh on you, but I’ll be even harsher! My father used whips on you, but I’ll use scorpions!"

15 So the king paid no attention to the people’s demands. This turn of events was the will of the LORD, for it fulfilled the LORD’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh.

16 ¶ When all Israel realized that the king had rejected their request, they shouted, "Down with David and his dynasty! We have no share in Jesse’s son! Let’s go home, Israel! Look out for your own house, O David!" So the people of Israel returned home.

History records this as the dividing of the Children of Israel into two separate kingdoms, Judah and Israel. Jeroboam was the first King of Israel while Rehoboam only reigned over Judah and Benjamin.

So, in conclusion of our message today … it’s not just advice we need, but rather the advice of someone who is Godly and knows what they are talking about.

Three things we want to know about our advisors.

1. Are They Godly?

Psalms 1:1 ¶ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly …

a. A demonstrated respect for God’s Word, Will & Way.

b. A common care and compassion for others.

2. Are They Wise?

Proverbs 20:18 … By wise counsel wage war.

a. Do they know what they are talking about?

b. Do they practice what they preach?

c. What is the fruit of their life producing?

d. Don’t follow people you don’t want to be like.

Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

3. Are They Proven?

a. Have they been tested, tried and proven?

b. Are they seasoned and mature?

c. Are they idealistic or realistic?

d. Do they walk with a limp?

1 Kings 12:13 & 14

He rejected the advice of the older counselors and followed the counsel of his younger advisers.