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Equip Spiritually Healthy People to Disciple the Needy (Insights in Prophets)

4/28/2013

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In order to equip spiritually healthy people to disciple the needy, grow nations with inter-generational mentoring by encouraging families to mourn over sin that motivates prayer, transform young people into spiritual jewels who attract others through family and friend accountability for character development, and develop  model cities so other nations seek God as king over every area of life.

Develop Model Cities So Other Nations Seek God
God told Zechariah He was jealous and dwelt in Jerusalem, called the City of Truth and Holy Mountain. Both old and young people sat in the streets enjoying themselves. God would bring people from various nations to live, build the temple in Jerusalem and be a blessing as they experienced fruitfulness. Instead of fear, they loved truth and experienced peace with one another and in the courts. The inhabitants of many cities came to Jerusalem to seek God. Ten men from all languages and nations would say to one Jew, "Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you" (Zech. 8:1-23). Develop model cities so other nations seek God and His truth. 

Transform Young People Into Spiritual Jewels Who Attract Others
The word of the Lord was against Hadrach and His eye was on all mankind. He would remove Tyre's possessions and destroy her power on the seas causing surrounding nations to fear. Foreigners occupied Ashdod and God destroyed the Philistines' pride. Those left became Judah's leaders and He defended His house against enemy oppression. Zechariah prophesied that Jesus would come on a donkey bringing righteousness and salvation. God destroyed Ephraim's chariots and Jerusalem's war-horses. He proclaimed peace, extended His rule and freed prisoners across the world. 
God saved them as His flock to sparkle like jewels in a crown, being attractive and beautiful. Grain and new wine made young men and women thrive, respectively (Zech. 9:1-17). Transform young people into thriving spiritual jewels attracting others as you proclaim Christ.  

Grow Nations with Inter-Generational Mentoring
Zechariah said to ask God for rain in springtime to grow plants. Idols spoke deceit and diviners told false dreams that gave vain comfort. People wandered like sheep and were oppressed without a shepherd. God's anger burned against the shepherds. He cared for Judah to make them like a proud horse in battle. Judah brought the cornerstone, tent peg, battle bow and every ruler to be like mighty men trampling the muddy streets in battle. God strengthened, saved and restored Judah with compassion. The Ephraimites became like mighty men with glad hearts influencing their children to rejoice in God. He strengthened them in the Lord to walk in His name (Zech. 10:1-12). Grow nations in Christ with inter-generational mentoring.  

Equip Spiritually Healthy People to Disciple the Needy
Zechariah said to hear the shepherds wailing because the lack of spiritually mature people led to the destruction of rich pastures. He handed them over to his neighbor and king who pastured the flock marked for slaughter hoping to become rich. He shepherded the oppressed of the flock with two staffs called Favor and Union. In one month he got rid of three shepherds. He broke the staff called Favor revoking the covenant made with the nations. The afflicted of the flock paid him 30 pieces of silver and he threw it into the house of the Lord to the potter. He then broke his second staff called Union breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. The took again the foolish shepherd's equipment who did not care for the lost, seek the young, heal the injured or feed the healthy but ate the choice sheep. He pronounced woe to render the worthless shepherd powerless because he deserted the flock (Zech. 11:1-17). Equip spiritually healthy people to disciple the needy with compassion and unity. 

Encourage Families Mourning Over Sin to Motivate Prayer
God was going to make Jerusalem an immovable rock before all nations. He would make Judah's leaders like a firepot in a woodpile and flaming torch among sheaves to destroy all nations that attacked them. God poured out on the house of David and Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They would look, mourn and grieve bitterly over the one they pierced. Great weeping in Jerusalem occurred clan by clan with their wives (Zech. 12:1-14). Encourage families to mourn their sin so God can pour out grace and intercession.  

Design Family and Friend Accountability for Character Development
On that day, a fountain was opened to the house of David and Jerusalem that cleansed them from sin and banished idols from the land. God removed the prophets and spirit of impurity from the land with accountability to parents. Every false prophet admitted he deceived others and received wounds from his friends. God purified the one-third left as a remnant through fire. He refined them like silver and tested them like gold. They called on His name and He answered them as His people (Zech. 13:1-9). Design family and friend accountability for character development.   

Worship God as King Over Every Area of Life for Fruitfulness
Plunder was divided in the day of the Lord. Nations fought and captured Jerusalem with half going into exile and the rest remaining. The Lord fought against those nations and His feet stood on the Mount of Olives splitting it in two from east to west, forming a great valley. They would flee without daytime or nighttime. Living water would flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea in summer and winter. The Lord would be king over the whole earth. Jerusalem would be inhabited, never again destroyed. The nations who fought against Jerusalem would have their flesh, eyes and tongue rot. They had great panic and attacked each other. The nations collected their wealth, worshiped the King yearly in Jerusalem and celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles to prevent the plague of no rain. Every person and article would be holy to the Lord (Zech. 14:1-21). Worship God as king over every area of life for fruitfulness.

In order to equip spiritually healthy people to disciple the needy, do the following:
1. Grow nations in Christ with inter-generational mentoring 
2. Encourage families to mourn over sin that motivates prayer
3. Transform young people into spiritual jewels who attract others 
4. Design family and friend accountability for character development
5. Develop  model cities so other nations seek God and His truth
6. Worship God as king over every area of life

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How to Develop a Biblical Worldview (Insights in Prophets)

3/25/2013

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In order to develop a biblical worldview, speak against false teaching, transform mindsets by repenting of idols in your heart, use your fame to help the poor and needy, refuse trusting in human strategies, repent and get a new heart and spirit, serve and obey God so the world can see Him, and be broken over a community's sin since God exalts the lowly.

Speak Against False Teaching
God told Ezekiel to prophesy against Israel's prophets who spoke out of their imaginations with false visions. They did not repair the breaks in Israel's wall so it would stand firm in battle. God was against their false words and lying visions that led people astray. They said peace when there was no peace. It was like covering a flimsy, whitewashed wall that God tore down. Ezekiel set his face against the daughters of Israel who ensnared peoples' lives but preserved their own. Their lies killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not live. God saved Israel from the lies that disheartened the righteous and encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways to save their lives. Then they would know He was God (Ezek. 13:1-23). Speak against false teaching that ensnare the righteous and encourage the wicked.

Transform Mindsets By Repenting of Idols in Your Heart
God told Ezekiel that Israel's elders set up idols in their hearts with wicked stumbling blocks. The Lord answered those with idols in their hearts who inquired of God. He recaptured the hearts of Israel who deserted God. They repented, turned from idols and renounced evil practices. God destroyed the prophets who bore their guilt. Israel no longer strayed from Him. A righteous person only could save himself and not his country or other family members. Each person was responsible for their sin. God had cause for judging by sword, famine, wild beasts and plague to kill men and animals. He made Jerusalem an useless vine like wood burned in a fire (Ezek. 14:1-15:8). Transform mindsets by repenting of idolatry in your heart.

Use Your Fame to Help the Poor and Needy
God told Ezekiel to confront Jerusalem's evil practices. He made a covenant and dressed them in fine linen. Their fame spread among the nations because of their beauty. They trusted in beauty and used their fame to become a prostitute. They  lavished favors on those who passed by, made male idols for prostitution to Egypt, Assyria and Babylonia, and sacrificed children to idols. They copied Sodom's evil practices and became more depraved than they. Sodom was arrogant, overfed, unconcerned  and did not help the poor and needy. God made atonement and they were ashamed for what they did. They never opened their mouth because of their humiliation (Ezek. 16:1-63). Use your fame and beauty for humility, concern and helping the poor and needy.

Refuse Trusting in Human Strategies
God told Ezekiel that a great eagle broke off a branch. He planted it and seed in fertile soil within a city of traders. It produced branches, fruit and a large vine by abundant water to represent Israel taken captive in Babylon. The king rebelled against Babylon by sending envoys to Egypt to get horses and a large army. It was no help in war to know that God was Lord (Ezek. 17:1-24). Refuse trusting in human strategies that fail in spiritual warfare.

Repent and Get a New Heart and Spirit
God told Ezekiel that people no longer quoted the proverb saying fathers ate sour grapes and the children's teeth were set on edge. Both father and son belonged to God. The soul who sinned died, but the righteous lived. Sons died for their own sin and fathers for theirs. They did not share the guilt of the other. The righteousness of the righteous man was credited to him and wickedness of the wicked charged against him. God took no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but pleased when they turn from their ways and lived. Israel's ways were unjust when they said God's ways were unjust. They must repent and turn from their offenses so sin would not be their downfall. They must rid themselves from all offenses and get a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek. 18:1-32). Repent, turn from sin, and get a new heart and spirit.  

Serve and Obey God So World Can See Him
Nations came against Israel and they were brought to Babylon. The branch was stripped of its fruit and planted in the desert. Fire consumed the fruit of the branch. Some elders of Israel inquired of the Lord. He told them to eliminate vile images so they would not be defiled by Egypt's idols. God led them out of Egypt into the desert where He gave laws to obey. Israel disobeyed Him for their eyes lusted after their fathers' idols. They wanted to be like the nations who served wood and stone. On the holy mountain, Israel served God who gathered them from the nations where they were scattered. He showed Himself through Israel before the nations (Ezek. 19:1-20:49). Serve and obey God so the world can see Him. 

Be Broken Over Community's Sin Since God Exalts the Lowly
Ezekiel set his face against Israel to cut off the righteous and  the wicked. God told him to groan with broken heart and bitter grief. Israel despised His discipline and all advice. The sword struck three times for great slaughter and captivity to melt hearts. God exalted the lowly and brought low the exalted (Ezek. 21:1-32). Be broken over a community's sin since God exalts the lowly and humbles the exalted. 

In order to develop a biblical worldview, do the following:
1.  Speak against false teaching

2.  Transform mindsets by repenting of idols in your heart
3.  Use your fame to help the poor and needy 

4.  Refuse trusting in human strategies 
5.  Repent and get a new heart and spirit 
6.  Serve and obey God so the world can see Him  
7.  Be broken over a community's sin since God exalts the lowly








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Discipling Culture of a Model Church (Insights in NT)

2/8/2013

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The church at Thessalonica was a model church for us to follow. They shared the gospel everywhere; discipled others; helped people stand firm in the faith; pursued holiness, love and economic independence; encouraged one another because of Christ's coming again; lived with faith, love and hope in Christ; and fostered holistic transformation. The benefits: served God in faith, love and hope; received glory and reward from God; discovered real life;  won respect of unbelievers; lived with God forever; knew Christ was coming back; and sanctified spirit, soul and body.
Let's examine the discipling culture of a model church that enabled it to share the gospel everywhere. 

Share the Gospel Everywhere
Paul thanked God in his prayers for their work produced by faith, labor prompted by love and endurance inspired by hope in Christ. God loved and chose them because their gospel came with the Holy Spirit's power and deep conviction, not only with words. After imitating Paul and the Lord, they joyfully welcomed the message given by the Holy Spirit. They became a model to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message became known everywhere as they turned to Him from idols and served the living and true God. He raised Jesus from the dead who rescued them from the coming wrath (1 Thess. 1:1-10). Share the gospel everywhere so people turn from idols and serve the living God in faith, love and hope.


Disciple Others Like Mother and Father
In spite of strong opposition, Paul and his team shared the gospel without error or impure motives. Being entrusted with the gospel, they spoke as men approved by God. They never tried to please men, used flattery, covered up greed or looked for men's praise.  As apostles of Christ, they were like a gentle mother loving and caring for her children. They shared not only the gospel, but their own lives as they worked hard not to be a financial burden. As a father dealt with his children, they encouraged, comforted and urged them to live lives worthy of God. Their reception of God's word enabled them to endure suffering from their peers. Satan stopped Paul from seeing them. They were his hope, glory, joy and crown when Christ came back (1 Thess. 2:1-20). Disciple others like a nursing mother and exhorting father to receive your glory and reward from God.

Help People Stand Firm in Their Faith
While in Athens, Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them in their faith during trials and temptations. Even though they were destined for persecution, Paul showed concern about them walking away from their faith. He was encouraged when Timothy brought good news about their steadfast faith and love. Paul really lived when they stood firm in the Lord. He thanked God for his joy in God's presence because of them. Paul prayed earnestly to supply what was lacking in their faith. He asked the Lord to increase their love for others and strengthen their hearts to be blameless in God's presence (1 Thess. 3:1-13). Help people stand firm in their faith so you discover real life.  

Pursue Holiness, Love and Economic Independence
It was God's will for them to be holy by avoiding sexual immorality, passionate lust or taking advantage of their brother. He punished men for such sins since He called them to holiness, not impurity. They rejected God and the Holy Spirit by ignoring this instruction. Paul urged them to love their brothers even more as God taught them. A quiet life should be their ambition as they minded their own business and worked with their hands to win the respect of outsiders without dependence on anybody (1 Thess. 4:1-12).
Pursue holiness. love and economic independence to win the respect of unbelievers.  

Encourage One Another Because of Christ's Coming Again
They were not to grieve like those without hope since Christ died, rose again and brought with Him those who died. The Lord would come down from heaven with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ would rise first. Those still alive would be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. They were to encourage each other knowing they would be with the Lord forever (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Encourage one another because of Christ coming again to live with Him forever.

Live with Faith, Love and Hope in Christ
The day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night while people were saying, "Peace and safety." Destruction would come suddenly like labors pains on a pregnant woman. This day should not surprise them since they were sons of the light being alert, self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. Since God did not appoint them to wrath, but receive salvation through Christ by living together with Him, they should encourage and build each other up (1 Thess. 4:13-5:11). Live with faith, love and hope in Christ knowing He is coming back anytime. 

Foster Holistic Transformation
They should respect and regard highly those over them in the Lord who work hard and admonish them. They should warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak and be patient with everyone. They were to be kind to everyone, joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances because this was God's will for them in Christ. They should not put out the Spirit's fire, not treat prophecies with contempt, test everything, hold on to the good and avoid every kind of evil. Paul prayed the God of peace would sanctify them entirely so their spirit, soul and body would be blameless at the coming of Christ. God would do it because He was faithful. Paul asked for prayer, greet everyone and read the letter to all the brothers (1 Thess. 5:12-28). Foster holistic transformation by respecting church leaders, ministering practically to the needy, expressing gratitude, leading by the Holy Spirit and praying for sanctification of peoples' spirit, soul and body. 


Which of the following benefits motivate you to share the gospel and be discipled to multiply your impact in the world?
1. Serve God in faith, love and hope
2. Receive glory and reward from God
3. Discover real life  
4. Win respect of unbelievers
5. Live with God forever
6. Know Christ is coming back
7. Sanctify spirit, soul and body

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Transformation Through Preaching and Prayer (Insights in Prophets)

12/1/2012

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"If the church would only awaken to her responsibility of intercession, we could well evangelize the world in a short time. It is not God's plan that the world be merely evangelized ultimately. It should be evangelized in every generation. There should be a constant gospel witness in every corner of the world so that no sinner need close his eyes in death without hearing the gospel, the good news of salvation through Christ" (T. S. Hegre).

Preaching to the poor and intense prayer transform lives and cities. 

Preach Good News
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord anointed Isaiah to preach good news to the poor, sent him to bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release for the prisoners. He proclaimed the Lord's favor and vengeance to comfort and provide for those who mourned and grieved in order to bestow a crown of beauty, oil of gladness and garment of praise instead of ashes, mourning and despair. They were called oaks of righteousness to display His splendor. They rebuild the ancient ruins and restored devastated places to renew ruined cities devastated for generations. They called them priests of the Lord and ministers of God to feed on the wealth of nations. God rewarded His people with a double portion. They rejoiced eternally in their land without shame and disgrace (Is. 61:1-7). Preach good news to heal the  captives and restore ruined cities.

Delight in God
God loved justice, hated robbery, rewarded them and made an eternal covenant. Their descendants were known among the nations as a people blessed by the Lord. Isaiah delighted greatly in the Lord because he was clothed with garments of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness like a bride adorning herself with jewels. God made righteousness and praise spring up before all nations (Is. 61:8-11). Delight in God because He plants righteousness in His people everywhere.

Pray Intensely
Isaiah would not remain quiet until righteousness, salvation and glory became like a blazing torch in Jerusalem seen by nations and kings. They were a crown of splendor and royal diadem in God's hand. No longer would they be called Deserted and Desolate, but the Lord delighted in them with the  land married. Watchmen called upon God without rest day or night until He made her the praise of the earth (Is. 62:1-7). Pray intensely day and night until your city displays salvation and glory.

Praise God's Name
God's people ate the fruit of their labor and praised Him. They build up the highway, removed the stones and raised a banner for the nations to prepare for the Savior's arrival and reward. They were called The Holy People, Redeemed of the Lord, Sought After and City No Longer Deserted (Is. 62:8-12). Praise God's name so the Savior redeems His holy people.

Ask God's Help
God saved them with splendor, strength and righteousness. He trampled the nations with wrath. Vengeance was in God's heart, but redemption came instead. Because He found no one to help or give support, His own arm worked salvation. Isaiah spoke of the Lord's kindnesses and good things He did for Israel by saving them in their distress. After rebelling and grieving the Holy Spirit, His people remembered when Moses led them through the sea and God divided the waters. Why did their Father and Redeemer make them wander from His ways and harden their hearts so they did not revere Him? For a little while His people possessed His holy place but now their enemies trampled His sanctuary (Is. 63:1-19). Ask God's help and support during distress remembering His power in former days. 

Lay Hold of God
They asked God to make His name known to His enemies and caused nations to tremble. No one heard or saw any God except Him who acted on behalf of those who waited for Him. He helped those who did right and remembered His ways. Everyone became unclean and their righteous acts were like filthy rags. No one called on His name or strived to lay hold of Him. He hid His face and their sins made them waste away. They were the clay as the work of their Father the potter. His sacred cities including Zion became a desert and Jerusalem a desolation. Their holy and glorious temple was burned with fire and all their treasure lied in ruins. Would God remain silent and punish them beyond measure? (Is. 64:1-12). Lay hold of God in prayer so He transforms your life and city. 

Ask God to put intensity and heart into your prayers so He can heal your life and transform you city. Find others to pray with. 

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Power of New Covenant Ministry Through the Holy Spirit (Insights in NT)

11/22/2012

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"But have we Holy Spirit power - power that restricts the devil's power, pulls down strongholds and obtains promises? Daring delinquents will be damned if they are not delivered from the devil's dominion. What has hell to fear other than a God-anointed, prayer-powered church?" (Leonard Ravenhill)

The power of New Covenant ministry through Holy Spirit as found in 2 Cor. 1-3 will comfort, produce answered prayer, fulfill God's promises, forgive sinning believers, triumph always, build confidence, and transform people into freedom and Christlikeness. 

God Comforts
Praise to the Father of compassion and God of all comfort who comforted them in all their troubles so they can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort they received from God. Both the sufferings and comfort of Christ overflowed into their lives. If they were distressed or comforted, it was for the Corinthians comfort and salvation that produced in them patient endurance of similar sufferings Paul and his team suffered. Everyone shared in both sufferings and comfort (2 Cor. 1:1-7). God provides comfort in troubles so you can comfort others in their sufferings. 


God Answers Prayer
In the province of Asia, they suffered under great pressure far beyond their ability to endure so they despaired even of life. Feeling the sentence of death, they did not rely on themselves but on God who raised the dead. They set their hope in Him for deliverance. The Corinthians helped by their prayers causing many to give thanks for God's answers (2 Cor. 1:8-11). God answers prayer when you rely on Him during times of great pressure. 

God Keeps Promises
Paul wrote that he made his ministry plans in holiness and sincerity trusting in God's grace, not according to worldly wisdom. He hoped that they could boast in his team just as he desired to do concerning them at the judgment day. Paul planned to visit them before and after his trip to Macedonia so they could send him on his way to Judea, but not in a worldly manner. The promises of God were always yes in Christ through the preaching of Jesus Christ by he, Silas and Timothy. God made everyone stand firm in Christ, set His seal of ownership and put His Spirit in Paul's team as a deposit guaranteeing the future. The reason Paul did not return to Corinth was to spare them. He did not lord it over their faith but worked with them for their joy so they could stand firm (2 Cor. 1:12-24). God keeps promises in Christ so you can trust Him to provide for your ministry. 

God Forgives
Paul communicated the depth of his love in great distress and grief even though he decided not to make another painful visit to them. They should reaffirm their love for a sinner by forgiving and comforting him after church discipline so he would not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Paul desired that they be obedient in everything regarding forgiveness in the sight of Christ being aware of Satan's schemes (2 Cor. 2:1-11). God forgives and loves sinners through you after church discipline. 

God Triumphs
When Paul found an open door while preaching the gospel in Troas, he went to Macedonia without peace of mind because he did not find his brother Titus.  God always leads in triumphal procession in Christ and spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. To God, Paul and his team were the aroma of Christ among those being saved to life and the smell of death to those perishing. Who was equal to such a task? His team did not peddle the word of God to earn a profit like many, but in Christ, they spoke before Him with sincerity like men sent from God (2 Cor. 2:12-17). God leads in continuous triumph as you spread the aroma of Christ and speak of Him with sincerity without a profit motive.  

God Builds Confidence
Did Paul's team like some people require letters of recommendation to or from them? The letter was written on Paul's heart by the Holy Spirit as a result of their ministry, which was known and read by everybody. Their confidence and competence as a minister of the New Covenant came from God. The letter of the law killed, but the Spirit gave life (2 Cor. 3:1-6). God builds confidence and competence through the Holy Spirit. 

God Transforms
The Law came with fading glory even though the Israelites could not look at Moses' face. If the ministry engraved in letters on stone that condemned men was glorious, how much more was the ministry that brought righteousness and lasting glory. The Spirit produced hope and boldness unlike Moses who put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from seeing fading glory. This same veil remained and covered their hearts when the Mosaic Covenant was read. When anyone turned to Christ, the veil was removed because the Holy Spirit produced freedom. Those with unveiled faces all reflected the Lord's glory being transformed into Christlikeness with ever-increasing glory from the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:7-18). God transforms people into freedom and Christlikeness through the Holy Spirit. 


Practice New Covenant ministry by intensifying  your prayer life realizing that the Holy Spirit is your comforter, answers prayer, keeps God's promises, forgives sinning believers, triumphs always, builds confidence & competence, and transforms you into freedom and Christlikeness. 

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Seeing Lives Transformed and Injustice Defeated (Insights in Psalms)

2/14/2012

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Author Howard Snyder wrote, “Kingdom people seek first the Kingdom of God and its justice; church people often put church work above concerns of justice, mercy and truth. Church people think about how to get people into the church; Kingdom people think about how to get the church into the world. Church people worry that the world might change the church; Kingdom people work to see the church change the world.” In Psalms 140-145, you saw how God trains believers for the spiritual battle to help others submit to Christ. The Psalms conclude with specifics on how to wage war in the heavenlies to see lives transformed and injustice defeated.   

I praise God and don't trust in leaders where there is no salvation. How blessed is the one whose help and hope is in the Lord his God who made heaven and earth. He executes justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets the prisoners free, opens the eyes of the blind, raises up the depressed, protects the strangers, supports the fatherless and widow and thwarts the way of the wicked. The Lord loves the righteous. He reigns forever (Ps. 146:1-10). Join God in seeing physical and spiritual transformation in the lives of the poor and disenfranchised. 

Singing praise to a God with abundant strength and infinite understanding is pleasant and becoming. He builds up Jerusalem, gathers the outcasts of Israel, heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds, supports the afflicted and brings down the wicked (Ps. 147:1-6). Join God in healing the heart and emotional needs of everyone.

Sing thanksgiving and praise to God who provides clouds and rain for the earth, makes grass grow on mountains and gives food to animals. He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or legs of a man, but favors those who fear Him and wait for His lovingkindness (Ps. 147:7-11). Wait upon God's strength through prayer for effectiveness.

Praise God because He has strengthened the bars of your gates, blessed your sons, makes peace in your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. He sends His command to the earth and His word runs very swiftly to melt ice. He declares His words, statutes and ordinances to Israel, but other nations don't know them (Ps. 147:12-20). Embrace God's peace as you use and teach God's word to others.

All of creation praise the name of the Lord because He commanded and they were created, including kings, leaders and all peoples. His name alone is exalted and His glory is above earth and heaven. He has lifted up a horn for His people and praise for all His godly ones (Ps. 148:1-14). Exalt God and make Him your strength in ministry. 

Sing to the Lord a new song in the congregation of the godly ones. Let Israel be glad in his Maker and rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing and sing with timbrel and lyre for the Lord takes pleasure in His people and beautifies the afflicted with salvation (Ps. 149:1-4). Praise God for beautifying the afflicted with salvation. 

Let the godly exult in glory and sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth and two-edged sword in their hand to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples in binding their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron. Executing justice is an honor for all His godly ones (Ps. 149:5-9). Use praise and God's word as your primary weapons in defeating injustice. 

Praise the Lord in His sanctuary, in His mighty expanse, for His mighty deeds and according to His excellent greatness (Ps. 150:1-2). Praise God everywhere for His mighty works and greatness. 

Praise Him with trumpet sound, harp and lyre, timbrel and dancing, stringed instruments, pipe, loud and resounding cymbals. Everything that has breadth praise the Lord (Ps. 150:3-6). Use musical instruments to praise God. 

Have you been relying on human programs instead of spiritual weapons to transform people? Begin a lifestyle of praise to God for His mighty works and greatness. Rely on God's strength through prayer, praise and sharing God's word with others for your effectiveness. Realize that curriculum and programs are tools that God can and will use if they are saturated with prayer, praise and God's word.

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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

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    Accomplishment
    Accountability
    Accuracy
    Accusations
    Acts
    Addiction
    Adultery
    Adventure
    Affiction
    Affirmation
    Affliction
    Alcoholism
    Alive
    Ambassador
    Amos
    Antichrist
    Anxiety
    Apathy
    Apostasy
    Apostolic Gifts
    Appearance
    Application
    Armor Of God
    Artistic
    Asleep Spiritually
    Assignment
    Assurance
    Attacks
    Authentic
    Authorities
    Authority
    Awesome
    Balance
    Bargain
    Beauty
    Believe
    Benefits
    Betrayal
    Bible
    Biblical Illiteracy
    Biblical Worldview
    Blameless
    Bless
    Blessing
    Blessings
    Blind
    Blood
    Blood Of The Lamb
    Boast
    Bold
    Bondage
    Broken And Contrite Spirit
    Broken Heart
    Burdens
    Business
    Business Plan
    Busyness
    Calling
    Careers
    Cares
    Change
    Change Agent
    Character
    Children
    Choice
    Choices
    Chosen Instrument
    Christ
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    Church Growth Strategies
    City Ministry
    City Transformation
    Clarity
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    Coach
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    Command
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    Compassion
    Compensation
    Competence
    Complacency
    Complexity
    Complications
    Compromise
    Condemnation
    Confess
    Confession
    Confess Sin
    Confidence
    Confident
    Conflicts
    Conformity
    Confront Sins
    Confusion
    Connect
    Consequences
    Conspiracy
    Consumerism
    Contend Earnestly For Faith
    Contentment
    Control
    Convergence
    Convict
    Convictions
    Corrupted
    Cost
    Counsel
    Courageous
    Covenant
    Covet
    Craftsmanship
    Creative Media
    Creator
    Credentials
    Crime
    Crisis
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    Cross
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    Crown Of Glory
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    Cultural Christianity
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    Culture
    Curses
    Cursing
    Daniel
    Deacons
    Deadness
    Death
    Debt
    Deceit
    Deception
    Decision
    Decisions
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    Delegation
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    Dependence
    Depression
    Descendants
    Desire
    Desolation
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    Deuteronomy
    Development
    Dialogue
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    Disciplemaking
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    Discipline
    Discussion
    Disease
    Disenfranchised
    Disgrace
    Disobedience
    Dissension
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    Ephesians
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    Esther
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    Evangelism
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    Exalt
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    Excessive Study
    Exodus
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    Ezekiel
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    False Gods
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    Famine
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    Flesh
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    Glory
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    God Rules
    God's Agenda
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    Grace
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    Gratefulness
    Gratitude
    Greater Works
    Greatness
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    Grief
    Grieve
    Growth
    Grumble
    Guidance
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    Guilt
    Habakkuk
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    Happiness
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    Harmony
    Hate
    Hate Sin
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    Health-giving Service
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    Idol
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    Image
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    Implosion
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    Legacy
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    Nahum
    Name
    Need
    Neediness
    Nehemiah
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    New Heaven And New Earth
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    Object Lesson
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    Older Men And Women
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    Organize
    Othercenteredness
    Outcomes
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    Pain
    Parenting
    Parents
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    Passion
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    Patience
    Peace
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    Perceptiveness
    Performance
    Persecution
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    Persistent
    Personal Identity
    Perspective
    Persuasiveness
    Petition
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    Physical Needs
    Plagues
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    Pornography
    Possessions
    Possess Territory
    Post
    Power
    Powerlessness
    Practice
    Pragmatism
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    Prayer
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    Preparation
    Presence
    Presence Of God
    Pressure
    Pride
    Priest
    Priorities
    Proclaim
    Prodigal
    Productivity
    Professionalism
    Profit
    Profiteering
    Promise
    Promise Land
    Promotion
    Prophecy
    Prophesy
    Prophets
    Prosperity
    Protection
    Proverbs
    Provision
    Psalm
    Psalms
    Purity
    Purpose
    Quarrel
    Questions
    Rationalism
    Rationalization
    Reality
    Real Living
    Rebellion
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    Reconcile
    Reconciliation
    Redemption
    Refresh Others
    Refuge
    Reign
    Rejection
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    Relationship
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    Relief
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    Responsibility
    Responsible
    Rest
    Restitution
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    Restore
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    Resurrection
    Revelation
    Revenge
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    Revive
    Reward
    Riches
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    Righteous
    Righteousness
    Right Living
    Ritual
    Romans
    Rule
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    Sabbath
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    Satan
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    Scroll Of Remembrance
    Second Coming
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    Self Confidence
    Selfishness
    Self-made Religion
    Self-righteousness
    Self Sufficient
    Self-sufficient
    Sent
    Servant Attitude
    Serve
    Service
    Sex
    Sexual Sin
    Shame
    Share Gospel
    Shepherd
    Significance
    Signs
    Simplicity
    Sin
    Sinfulness
    Single Minded
    Single-minded
    Skillful
    Skillful Workman
    Social Justice
    Song Of Solomon
    Sound Doctrine
    Sovereignty
    Sow
    Sowing
    Sowing The Word
    Speak Tenderly
    Speak Truth
    Speech
    Sphere Of Influence
    Spiritual
    Spiritual Battle
    Spiritual Defenses
    Spiritual Discipline
    Spiritual Dryness
    Spiritual Enemies
    Spiritual Fruit
    Spiritual Gifts
    Spiritual Growth
    Spiritual Harvest
    Spiritual Influence
    Spiritual Intimacy
    Spiritual Leadership
    Spiritual Leadership
    Spiritual Nourishment
    Spiritual Warfare
    Spiritual Warriors
    Spiritual Weapons
    Stability
    Stand In The Gap
    Status Quo
    Steal
    Stewardship
    Straightjacket
    Strategic Partnerships
    Strength
    Stress
    Strong
    Strongholds
    Structural Connections
    Struggles
    Study
    Submission
    Submit
    Success
    Suffering
    Supernatural
    Supernatural Transformation
    Supervision
    Surrender
    Sweet Spot
    Take Up Cross
    Talents
    Teach
    Teachable
    Teaching
    Team
    Teamwork
    Technology
    Temptation
    Temptations
    Testimony
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    Thanksgiving
    Theology
    Thinking
    Thirst
    Thirsty
    Throne
    Timing
    Titus
    Tongue
    Training
    Transform
    Transition
    Transparency
    Tree Of Life
    Trial
    Trials
    Tribulation
    True Justice
    True Self
    Trust
    Truth
    Unashamed
    Unbelief
    Unconditional Relationship
    Underdog
    Unforgiveness
    United Prayer
    Unity
    Vanity
    Victory
    Vindicator
    Vocation
    Volunteer Recruitment
    Volunteers
    Vows
    Wait
    Wait Patiently
    Walk
    Warfare
    Warning
    Wasted Life
    Water Of Life
    Weakness
    Wealth
    Well Being
    Well-being
    Wife
    Wisdom
    Witness
    Wonderful Counselor
    Word Of God
    Word Of Testimony
    Work
    Workaholic
    Work Environment
    Work Life Balance
    Workmen Of The Word
    Works
    World-changing Ministry
    Worldliness
    Worldly Advice
    Worldly Thinking
    World's Scorn
    Worship
    Worthless
    Wounds
    Wrath
    Young People
    Zeal
    Zechariah
    Zephaniah

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