Worship Clip from Lake Okeechobee, Fl revival..
Posted using ShareThis
Feb 13, 2010
Complaining is easy - Trusting God is a learned behaviour.
Phil. 2:14 & 15 "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation"
It is quite human to complain about our lack or about our present circumstances. For some it's a greater problem, possibly because of the environment they grew up in. If the parents were complainers, you can be almost certain the kids will grow up with this learned behavior.
Often complaining is a bad habit. We can train ourselves to complain about everything, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear to the job we work at, to the people we mix socially with. Or we can train ourselves not to give into every temptation to complain. I have found I can consciously and purposely make a decision not to complain. It's my decision and I can do it or not.
It comes down to this, I have to trust God for everything and not allow myself to become negative. Negativity will lead to complaining and eventually a critical heart or attitude.
Even though we say with our mouths that we are trusting God. The thought processes that can rage in our minds, are really powerful, and if we allow our minds free reign, our thoughts will take us in the opposite direction that God intends for us.
It takes an ongoing effort to learn how to "cast all our care on Him" It's easier to give into the care than to cast it on Him. Even though we are exhorted to "forget the things that are behind us" it is hard if we allow a negative thought to loop endlessly in our heads. Eventually it will manifest from our mouth in the form of complaining.
After God liberated the Hebrews from slavery to the Egyptians, it did not take them long to begin to complain. They complained about everything and even began to say it would be better to return to Egypt and slavery rather than continue in the wilderness.
The human brain was designed by God to think and one thought can lead to another. So it is my responsibility not to let one negative thought lead to another. I have to look at the thought in the light of God's word. What does He say about me and what does He want for my life. I have to diligently and fervently guard my mind from wrong thinking.
God says "forget the things that are behind" Phil 3:13 Why? Because He knows that no matter how badly we mess things up, He always has a way of escape for us and complaining is not the way out but the way further into the mess. His ability to "make a way in the wilderness" and "rivers in the desert" (Isa 43:18) is hindered by the way we think and ultimately act. All the complaining in the world does not move the heart of God. God responds to the simple faith of the heart.
The Apostle Paul made this statement. ".... for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am." Phil. 4:11 Amp. This was a key which made Paul victorious throughout his entire ministry.
2 Cor. 11:22-28 "Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. v 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. v 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; v 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; v 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. v 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."
This says it all. Paul certainly had opportunity to test the grace and mercy of God. You see, nothing is too hard for the Lord and "All things are possible". So I have to take His advice and "forget" But that is easier to say than do, because the forgetting has to take place in my memory. So I have to build positive, God inspired memories so that the nature of my thinking changes. I begin to think like He does. I begin to have the "mind of Christ"
Just like the muscles of the body can become weak from lack of exercise, so my mind can become weak from lack of positive input. I make my mind think on other things. Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." That's what God wants us to do. It's a commandment and I have to make my mind obey.
He has laid a table before us in the presence of our enemies. (PS 23) He anoints our heads (mind and thoughts) with oil so that our cup runs over and goodness and mercy follow us ALL the days of our life. All the days means that His blessings never run out. He is always ready to bring change in our lives and perform miracles for us.
I have to learn to "cast all my care on Him because He cares for me." 1 Peter 5:6-7 This is a learned behavior. Immediately when I get the urge to complain, I must change the focus of my desire towards the ONE who can make a difference in my life. The words that come out of my mouth are what God says about me, not what my flesh tries to give into. We are more than conquerors. Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world."
God bless greatly
Gil Howard-Browne ( http://www.revivaltimes.com/ )
It is quite human to complain about our lack or about our present circumstances. For some it's a greater problem, possibly because of the environment they grew up in. If the parents were complainers, you can be almost certain the kids will grow up with this learned behavior.Often complaining is a bad habit. We can train ourselves to complain about everything, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear to the job we work at, to the people we mix socially with. Or we can train ourselves not to give into every temptation to complain. I have found I can consciously and purposely make a decision not to complain. It's my decision and I can do it or not.
It comes down to this, I have to trust God for everything and not allow myself to become negative. Negativity will lead to complaining and eventually a critical heart or attitude.
Even though we say with our mouths that we are trusting God. The thought processes that can rage in our minds, are really powerful, and if we allow our minds free reign, our thoughts will take us in the opposite direction that God intends for us.
It takes an ongoing effort to learn how to "cast all our care on Him" It's easier to give into the care than to cast it on Him. Even though we are exhorted to "forget the things that are behind us" it is hard if we allow a negative thought to loop endlessly in our heads. Eventually it will manifest from our mouth in the form of complaining.
After God liberated the Hebrews from slavery to the Egyptians, it did not take them long to begin to complain. They complained about everything and even began to say it would be better to return to Egypt and slavery rather than continue in the wilderness.
The human brain was designed by God to think and one thought can lead to another. So it is my responsibility not to let one negative thought lead to another. I have to look at the thought in the light of God's word. What does He say about me and what does He want for my life. I have to diligently and fervently guard my mind from wrong thinking.
God says "forget the things that are behind" Phil 3:13 Why? Because He knows that no matter how badly we mess things up, He always has a way of escape for us and complaining is not the way out but the way further into the mess. His ability to "make a way in the wilderness" and "rivers in the desert" (Isa 43:18) is hindered by the way we think and ultimately act. All the complaining in the world does not move the heart of God. God responds to the simple faith of the heart.
The Apostle Paul made this statement. ".... for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am." Phil. 4:11 Amp. This was a key which made Paul victorious throughout his entire ministry.
2 Cor. 11:22-28 "Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. v 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. v 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; v 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; v 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. v 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."
This says it all. Paul certainly had opportunity to test the grace and mercy of God. You see, nothing is too hard for the Lord and "All things are possible". So I have to take His advice and "forget" But that is easier to say than do, because the forgetting has to take place in my memory. So I have to build positive, God inspired memories so that the nature of my thinking changes. I begin to think like He does. I begin to have the "mind of Christ"
Just like the muscles of the body can become weak from lack of exercise, so my mind can become weak from lack of positive input. I make my mind think on other things. Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." That's what God wants us to do. It's a commandment and I have to make my mind obey.
He has laid a table before us in the presence of our enemies. (PS 23) He anoints our heads (mind and thoughts) with oil so that our cup runs over and goodness and mercy follow us ALL the days of our life. All the days means that His blessings never run out. He is always ready to bring change in our lives and perform miracles for us.
I have to learn to "cast all my care on Him because He cares for me." 1 Peter 5:6-7 This is a learned behavior. Immediately when I get the urge to complain, I must change the focus of my desire towards the ONE who can make a difference in my life. The words that come out of my mouth are what God says about me, not what my flesh tries to give into. We are more than conquerors. Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world."
God bless greatly
Gil Howard-Browne ( http://www.revivaltimes.com/ )
God has answers to life's surprises
Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)Vs 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD". Vs 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
God is so good and His mercies are new every morning. When life dishes up things that take us by surprise, God has prepared (made and keeps ready) 2 Cor.2:9 (AMP) the things that we need to walk in victory and blessing.
God is never caught by surprise. All we have to do is trust Him. That means, we don't need to know how but that He "always causes us to triumph" 2 Corinthians 2:14
One of my favorite scriptures "What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [ who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. 1 Cor. 2:9 (Amplified)
We have not even begun to understand the fullness of what God has accomplished for us through Christ. He has prepared many good things for our lives. So rather than looking at the negatives in my life, I must choose to walk in the expectation of the blessing that God has prepared for me. If His mercies are new every morning, that means He is ready for us each day. He cannot be caught by surprise.
The answer is often hidden by our constant focus on our needs. We are so wrapped up with getting what we think we need that we miss God in all the turmoil that we created. We are wanting a detailed explanation from God, but He cannot give us a detailed answer because it would become another question. His ways are higher than our ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts. I am glad that my thoughts are not His thoughts. If it were the case, heaven would be in turmoil.
Trusting Him means not having to know all the details. It is walking with a quiet confidence, knowing that He is able to bring me through whatever life tries to surprise me with. James 1:2 (AMP) Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. God is telling us to look at life like He sees it. My biggest calamity is God's opportunity to show His awesome ability to deliver me and bless me.
He is not phased by my shortcomings because He knows that the "precious treasure" is on the inside and will continue to make changes in me. 2 Cor. 4:7 (AMP) However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
It's the power of God residing inside. It's the life of God flowing in us that is making a difference. Quit looking at all your shortcomings and failures. Start recognizing that God and you are a majority. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. The greater ONE lives in you and He has all the answers to life's surprises.
God bless you richly
Gil Howard-Browne
The Lord is Strong and Mighty to Deliver
But!!! When you know the Savior and Master, Jesus, life takes on a whole new meaning.
1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
"Why then", do you say, "are there so many Christians who are suffering pain, sickness and have so many problems?" Why does God not do something about their predicament. The bible is very clear Isaiah 59:1 "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: " That is an inescapable truth. God sees all, hears all and knows all.
He certainly does have the power to perform miracles in every believers life. But many believers are not in the place to receive those miracles. You see, it's like standing in the rain with a folded umbrella. No matter how good the umbrella is, if we don't use it, we are going to get wet.
God's provision is much the same. We need to stand in the place of God's provision so that we can be positioned to receive. That place is in the Presence of the Lord. That place comes by spending time with Him. That place comes by listening to His voice. That place comes when we obey His voice.
After all, Ps 23:6 declares "Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"
Don't be misled and fooled into thinking that goodness and mercy means you have a full bank balance and every luxury that your heart desires. Your earthly success is not necessarily an indication of goodness and mercy. I have seen very rich people who are in abject poverty when it comes to matters of the heart. (spirit) You can have all those things and still be grossly unhappy.
No, the true measure of goodness and mercy can be summed up in a few words. "Godliness with contentment is great gain" Timothy 6:6 (King James Version) The Amplified version translates with much more clarity. "And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain." (the emphasis is mine)
So, as we stand in a sense of inward sufficiency, contentment, we stand in the place of provision from a loving and caring heavenly Father, who is pleased to show forth His hand at His appointed time and season. We are resting in Him and the knowledge that He is able. Heb 4:9 "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his."
Take heart, beloved, the Lord is strong and mighty to deliver.
Blessings
Gil Howard-Browne
Praise & Worship - the key to the Presence of God
Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." What a profound statement. It speaks of a lifestyle of praise. Continually means always, ongoing, day to day, lifestyle of praise.
There is a difference between worship and praise. <strong>Praise</strong> is the thing we do when victory comes. Praise is extolling the wonderful blessing of God that He has poured upon us. Praise is something we usually do together with others in the Body of Christ. Praise takes us into the courts of the most High God.
Psalm 99:5 "Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy."
Worship, on the other hand is an intimate thing. It is something that comes from deep within. Worship is an attitude of the heart. Worship is telling God how much we love him. It is adoration coming from our hearts and expressed through our lips, thought and actions. Worship is something I do alone before the presence of God. It is stepping over from the outer courts into the holy of holies. Worship takes me into the very sanctuary of God. His awesome presence.
Enjoy this Worship Clip from our Worship Podcast. Monday Night Revival Meeting Worship -Lake Okeechobee, Fl.
Gil Howard-Browne
Jesus - the Great Physician
Isaiah 53:5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. "
Sickness and suffering is not sent from God to make us grow. If that were the case, we should all be praying for more sickness. If sickness and suffering were God's method of teaching us, then why are there Christians who never get sick? Is it that they have learned enough? No sickness is part of this im-perfect world we live in.
Why then is there sickness? Sickness comes for various reasons. We do not take care of our bodies. Lack of sleep. Eating in-correctly. Lack of exercise. Stress. Genetic heritage. An attack of the devil.
I purposely placed the devil at the end of the list. Simply because as Christians we blame the devil for so many things that he simply is not responsible for. He may have something to do with my overeating for instance, but because of the victory to be found in Jesus, I do not have to be subject to the devils control.
Sickness and suffering is part of living in this world. But we do not have to be subject to this world. We can "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1
God bless you richly.
Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com
Sickness and suffering is not sent from God to make us grow. If that were the case, we should all be praying for more sickness. If sickness and suffering were God's method of teaching us, then why are there Christians who never get sick? Is it that they have learned enough? No sickness is part of this im-perfect world we live in.
Why then is there sickness? Sickness comes for various reasons. We do not take care of our bodies. Lack of sleep. Eating in-correctly. Lack of exercise. Stress. Genetic heritage. An attack of the devil.
I purposely placed the devil at the end of the list. Simply because as Christians we blame the devil for so many things that he simply is not responsible for. He may have something to do with my overeating for instance, but because of the victory to be found in Jesus, I do not have to be subject to the devils control.
Sickness and suffering is part of living in this world. But we do not have to be subject to this world. We can "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1
God bless you richly.
Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com
The Holy Spirit, your Teacher, Comforter & Guide
1 John 2:27 "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him"God has given us the anointing to help us. Oh how we need help. As human's, we are constantly messing with the blessing. God's way is much better. If we can find that way and stick to it, we will become what God wants us to become much faster. But because we are imperfect earthen vessels, we make mistakes.
Fortunately, God loves us and has provided a mechanism to help us move in the right direction. It is called the anointing and comes from the comforter, teacher and guide ... the Holy Spirit. Our part is to become sensitive to what the anointing or Holy Spirit is wanting us to do.
There are several things we should take note of in this scripture...
The anointing "abideth" ... that means it stays. He makes a permanent dwelling inside and is there to stay. Although people play an important part in our lives and God will actually use relationships to teach us things, but the anointing is our real teacher. He teaches from inside and is monitoring our hearts and lives 24/7He will teach us ALL things That is such a powerful thing. He will teach us "ALL THINGS"
If we listen and tune our hearts into Him, He will teach us "ALL THINGS" That means, there is nothing on this earth that we cannot do. He made the earth and He knows how to fix it up.
It goes much deeper. The anointing will even teach us how to abide in Christ. In other words, He will help us to stay in the presence of God. A greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, that's what is needed in our lives.
God bless
Gil Howard-Browne
Revivaltimes.com
Fortunately, God loves us and has provided a mechanism to help us move in the right direction. It is called the anointing and comes from the comforter, teacher and guide ... the Holy Spirit. Our part is to become sensitive to what the anointing or Holy Spirit is wanting us to do.
There are several things we should take note of in this scripture...
The anointing "abideth" ... that means it stays. He makes a permanent dwelling inside and is there to stay. Although people play an important part in our lives and God will actually use relationships to teach us things, but the anointing is our real teacher. He teaches from inside and is monitoring our hearts and lives 24/7He will teach us ALL things That is such a powerful thing. He will teach us "ALL THINGS"
If we listen and tune our hearts into Him, He will teach us "ALL THINGS" That means, there is nothing on this earth that we cannot do. He made the earth and He knows how to fix it up.
It goes much deeper. The anointing will even teach us how to abide in Christ. In other words, He will help us to stay in the presence of God. A greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, that's what is needed in our lives.
God bless
Gil Howard-Browne
Revivaltimes.com
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