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Look What the Lord Has Done

Foundation Scriptures:
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.  Psalm 127:1 KJV

Now when Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? 14 And they answered, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. 15 He said to them, But who do you [yourselves] say that I am? 16 Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros—a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra—a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].  Matthew 16:13-18 AMPC

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.  Acts 2:47b NKJV

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.  Acts 16:5

The Beginning.
Thirty years ago, this month, December 1987, we arrived in America with $300.
For nine years, we travelled around America and the nations, preaching, winning souls, and having revival
In October 1996, the Lord spoke to me to start the church – The River at Tampa Bay.
We started the church on December 1, 1996, with 575 people in attendance.
The Lord told me, “I want Sunday mornings back.”
The Lord wants us to preach, teach, and demonstrate His power every time we gather together.
His commission to us was for us to have a place where we could prepare people for eternity.
Powerful praise and worship.
Powerful preaching and teaching.
Demonstrations of the Holy Spirit.
Winning souls.
Testimonies of lives changed.

Twenty-One Years.
December 1, 1996 – First service of The River at Tampa Bay Church.
1997 – The River Bible Institute.
1998 – The Dream – New York City.
1999 – New York GNNY – Good News New York.
2000 – Good News Shreveport, Louisiana.
2001 – 60 Cities. World Headquarters.
2002 – Preached via satellite into 100 million homes. Command the Harvest. Kelly’s home-going.
2003 – The Manor. The least of what I will do.
2004 – Good News Soweto.
2005 – Good News Umlazi.
2005 – River School of Worship. Good News Mamelodi.
2006 – Good News Mdantsane.
2007 – Great Awakening Tour – USA.
2008 – Great Awakening Tour – USA.
2009 – Run to the Nations. 50 Days of Glory East London. New Beginnings. River Broadcasting Network.
2010 – The Decade of the Glory of the Lord Covering the Earth. Reaching the World from Tampa.
2011 – The Great Awakening Live.
2012 – River School of Government. GAT
2013 – GAT.
2014 – Washington D.C. Celebrate America. GAT.
2015 – River Bible Institute Español. GAT.
2016 – GAT.
2017 – GAT.

Into the future:
2018 The More Excellent Way.

Building the Kingdom – Shaking the City.
Goal – to see this whole region shaken by the power of the Gospel.
Reaching out to our city; county.
In-reach. Outreach.
Children.
Youth.
Adults.
Seniors.
Families.
HOJ’s – currently 95.
Evangelism.
Discipleship.
Launching.

THE REVERENTIAL FEAR OF THE LORD

Thus says the Lord: Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house would you build for Me? And what kind can be My resting-place? 2 For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands. Isaiah 66:1-2 AMP

Rodney Howard Browne teaches us that almighty God created everything that exists—the universe and everything in it—including man. As He has declared: heaven is My throne and earth is My footstool! Yet men have not reverentially feared the Lord, as they should have and as He is worthy of, and have exalted themselves, thinking that they are more than what they really are. This was the devil’s mistake. He dared to exalt his throne above the throne of God!

The God Who produced and formed the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade shrines. 25 Neither is He served by human hands, as though He lacked anything, for it is He Himself Who gives life and breath and all things to all [people].
Acts 17:24-25 AMP

Rodney Howard Browne shows us that men have exalted themselves by casting God aside—the very God to whom they owe their very existence; the God who gave them their life and breath—treating Him as if He is irrelevant, ignoring and disregarding Him as if He is only an invention of man. On the other hand, men have exalted themselves, believing that they could actually build Him buildings that could contain Him. There is no building that could be built—no matter how magnificent by man’s standards—that is a worthy dwelling for our God! So great is He!

Just because you think you are really something—doesn’t mean that you are. You can choose your own way and your own path, but it is the road to nowhere. God is not interested in what you can do for Him or impressed by what you can build for Him. He is only interested in what is in your heart.  The man or woman whom God will regard, whom He is looking for and whom He cares about, are the ones who are altogether humble before God. There are many who claim humility, and yet are not, because they are proud of their humility. It is only a surface humility and makes God sick. He especially hates hypocrisy. God has respect and regard for the one who trembles at his word and reveres His commands!

Rodney Howard Browne tells us that if you are indeed a humble person, you will highly respect God’s word. God, and the rest of us, will all see and know this when we see how personally you take His word to you. We will see it by whether or not you act on God’s word, instead of just talking about it, and we will see it by how promptly you obey His commands. This is the only true measure of humility. John 4:24 AMP says that, “God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).” Worship that is acceptable to God is worship that is absolutely sincere, coming straight from the heart.

But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him]. Acts 10:35 AMP

God is NO respecter of persons. Anyone—no matter who you are; no matter what you have done; no matter what your nationality—can be acceptable to God on the basis of worshipful obedience!

And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers). Acts 2:43 AMP

So the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was edified [growing in wisdom, virtue, and piety] and walking in the respect and reverential fear of the Lord and in the consolation and exhortation of the Holy Spirit, continued to increase and was multiplied. Acts 9:31 AMP

The respect and reverential fear of God was a hallmark of the early church. When Jesus is your First Love, you will give Him the place of honor in your heart and life!

Therefore, since these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit, and bring [our] consecration to completeness in the [reverential] fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 AMP

Let’s not miss out on any of the wonderful things God has in store for us. Let’s consecrate ourselves afresh to reverence Him—to humble ourselves before Him, to get rid of all sin and pride, and to remind ourselves how precious, how wonderful, how powerful and how magnificent our God is and how worthy He is to receive all our praise, honor, adoration and obedience!

Prayer and Giving Thanks

  1. Giving Thanks and Prayer.
  2.  The giving of thanks and thanksgiving is an important aspect of prayer.
    b.  1 Timothy 2:1 KJV – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men…”
    c.  Give thanks to God in spite of your situation.
    d.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
    e.  Don’t pray the problem – pray the answer.
    f.  Confess God’s Word as you give thanks.
    g.  Colossians 1:3 KJV – “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.”
    h.  Do not worry about anything – pray in faith – with thanksgiving.
    i.  Philippians 4:6 KJV – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
    j.  Ask God for what you need AND thank Him for it, at the same time.
    k.  Many people are asking God for what they need, but they forget to give thanks to the Lord.
    l.  We give thanks BEFORE we receive the answer.
    m. We give thanks in faith and expectation.

 

  1. Come into His Presence with Thanksgiving in Your Heart and in Your Mouth.
    a.   Everything we need is in God’s presence.
    b.   We need to come into God’s presence to ask for what we need.
    c.  Hebrews 4:16 KJV – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
    d.  The way we enter into God’s presence is through our worship and thanksgiving.
    e.  Psalm 100:4 KJV – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
    f.  Often, God’s people are not walking in His blessings, because they have been ungrateful.
    g.  Deuteronomy 28:47 says that God’s people were cursed with a curse, “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness of [mind and] heart [in gratitude] for the abundance of all [with which He had blessed you].” (AMP)
    h.  It is a good thing to regularly “count your blessings” and give thanks to the Lord for them.
    i.  Hebrews 13:15 KJV – “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
  2. Worship and Give Thanks.
    a.  Worship the Lord for His mighty works.
    b.  Psalm 107:22 KJV – “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.”
    c.  Thank Him for Who He is and for what He has done for you.
    d.  Psalm 116:17 KJV – “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.”
    e.  Speak out your thanks and also sing your praises to Him.
    f.  Psalm 147:7 KJV – “Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.”
    g.  Worship and give thanks for His goodness and faithfulness.
    h.  Psalm 92:1-2 KJV – “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High. 2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.”
    i.  It is a good time to worship and give thanks to Him any time of the day or night.
    j.  Psalm 119:62 KJV – “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.” 
    k.  Give THANKS to the LORD for He is GOOD and His MERCY endures FOREVER.
    l.  Psalm 136:1-3 KJV – “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. 3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
    m.  The righteous give thanks.
    n.  Psalm 140:13 KJV – “Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.”
    o.  Psalm 33:1 AMPC – “Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].”
    p.  Don’t let a stone do your job!
    q.  Luke 19:37-40 KJV – “And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”
    r.  Give Him thanks because you already have the victory.
    s.  1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Live As Free People

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.  Isaiah 61:1 KJV

Why were they in prison? People are in prison because of sin. People are all bound up because of sin.

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.  Colossians 1:13-14 NKJ

The Father, through Jesus Christ, gave us liberty in every area of life. He has delivered us from the power of darkness; the burden of sin is lifted; we are washed clean and forgiven of every sin. It is a fresh start – a new beginning. We are new creatures in Christ. Sin once held us in bondage, but now we are free in Christ.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  Galatians 5:1 NKJV

Sin will put you into, and keep you in, bondage. The liberty we have in Christ is so precious – why would we want to go back into the bondage of sin? Yet there are people, all the time, whether ignorantly or willfully, walk away from freedom and back into bondage. Being free to sin – to do whatever you want to do – is not freedom. Sin is a trap – it brings bondage and devastation – the wages of sin is still death, no matter what age you live in!

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.  Galatians 5:13 AMP

The word of God commands us not to take advantage of the liberty we have in Christ by going back into sin. We have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are forgiven and on our way to heaven. There is nothing we could do to earn His forgiveness, and nothing we can do to keep it. However, that does not mean that we are released from our obligation to walk in righteousness – that does not mean that we can do whatever we want to do. Jesus lives inside you. Would you still do the things you do, if Jesus was in the room – because He is, if He lives in you!

[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God.

1 Peter 2:16 AMP

Live as free people – free from the inside out – free from the religious works program. However, do NOT do wicked deeds under the pretext of your freedom in Christ. We are set free FROM sin – not set free TO sin. Christians, who do wicked deeds and claim to be exempt from righteousness, God will hold accountable. As a believer, you have a great responsibility to do right – even much more than a sinner who does not have the life and nature of God inside them.

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”  8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  1 Corinthians 10:1-11 NKJV

Paul is talking to Christians who – like the Israelites – drank from the spiritual Rock, which is Christ. He is admonishing us to lay aside the things of our old life and to live in the light of what we have received in Christ. Jesus made us free, but not so free that we can sin with impunity. Paul tells us to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites: do not lust after evil things; do not become idolaters; do not commit sexual immorality; do not tempt Christ; do not be a complainer. Sin destroys everything it touches. God must always judge sin. If you insist on sinning, you also invite judgment.

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.  1 Corinthians 10:14 NKJV

Never be overconfident in your own ability to walk sinless before God. Walk humbly – have a humble estimation of yourself – walk closely with Him and put all your hope and confidence in Him to keep you pure and on track. Then when you do mess up – because you probably will – be quick to repent and ask His forgiveness. Remember, if you sow to the flesh, you will reap corruption, but if you sow to the spirit, you will reap life everlasting.

Twenty One Reasons We Know That We Know The Lord

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

We know we know the Lord because:

6. We have overcome the world and Satan

“I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one.I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.”  1 John 2:12-14 NKJV

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world  – our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NKJV

“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18 NKJV

Because we know the Father; because we are born of God; because His word abides in us; because our faith is in Him; because we keep ourselves and choose to not sin – therefore we have overcome the wicked one and he cannot touch us.

7. We hate the world and the things of the world

“Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things] — these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 AMP

The child of God, who knows God, does not love the world or things of the world. The more we come to know the Father; the more time we spend with Him; the less we desire worldly carnal things.

8. We are one with the Body of Christ

“They went out from our number, but they did not [really] belong to us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [they withdrew] that it might be plain that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:19 AMP

Those who know the Father have fellowship with Him and with each other. They are not exclusive, neither do they separate themselves. They do not fight against each other, but they do everything to walk in peace with each other.

9. We are anointed by the Spirit

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 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, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” 1 John 2:20-27 NKJV

You cannot fake the anointing – you are either anointed or you are not. Those who know the Father also know and recognize the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

10. We know the truth that sets us free

“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21 NKJV

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’ ” John 8:32-36 NKJV

We know the Truth because we know the Father. The Truth sets us free from sin and from the bondage of sin. We are free indeed.

11. Because we acknowledge God and His Son Jesus Christ

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life.” 1 John 2:22-25 NKJV

We know the Father, and we know Jesus, because we acknowledge that He is Lord, God and Savior. Because we believe, we have eternal life now.

Players always ask themselves this question.  How can I maximize my talent?.  In the Christian life you are always a player, you never stop being a player.

Jesus controls the Elements

Your first thought might be to say, “Rodney, you can’t be

serious. Surely Jesus won’t meet every need —not every single

need. Some He’ll meet, yes, but surely not every need.”

Yes! He’ll meet every need, every one! Some people think

His power is only for life-and-death situations. But that’s not

true.

 

In fact, Jesus used His power not only to touch people in

every area of their lives, but to meet the needs of His own ministry

as well. When the disciples needed tax money, for instance,

Jesus said to Peter, “Go down and catch the first fish. The money

you need is in his mouth.” (See Matthew 17:24-27.)

 

When you have a need, no matter how simple or how complicated

it is, when Jesus shows up, He’s going to meet that need.

That is the Gospel! It’s Good News!

 

Jesus is also our Miracle Worker. Think about this for a

moment: Jesus walked on water. Nobody benefited from that

miracle except Him. So why, then, did He walk on water? He

walked on water because He needed to get to the other side! He

sent the disciples on across the lake, because when you’re in minister

you need to get away from people and pray sometimes. Then

he walked on the water to catch up with them. When Jesus walked

on water, it did not seem like a necessity, but a luxury. He could

have waited for another boat!

 

If the Pharisees had gotten hold of Jesus, they would have

said, “You’re abusing God’s power! How dare you walk on water

for your own benefit? Who do You think You are? From now on,

please refrain from walking on water and always take a boat like

everyone else. Look at You, taking God’s power and using it for

Yourself”

 

I believe that Jesus walked on water to show us that He

had control over the elements as a sign and a wonder. But I also

believe that He did it to show us that if we are obeying and serving

God, we can trust Him to make a way for us where there is no

way. Most of the time we have no faith for the supernatural, but

God wants us to know that His supernatural power is there for us

when we need it.

 

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible,

but not with God: for with God all things are

possible.

MARK 10:27

 

We could go on and on telling what happens when Jesus

shows up. He showed up at the Pool of Bethesda, around which

lay a great multitude of blind, crippled, maimed, and withered

people. What happened when Jesus showed up? He found a man

who had been there for a long time because he didn’t have anybody

to help him get into the pool.

 

Jesus tells you the same thing He told that man, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk (John 5:8). Do you realize that all we need in our churches, all we need in America, is for Jesus to show up? When He walks in the

door, He is going to make a difference.

Anointing Scriptures

anointing

And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and

his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and

consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may

minister unto me in the priest’s office.

Exodus 28:41

 

Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon

his head, and anoint him.

Exodus 29:7

 

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin

offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the

altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and

thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Exodus 29:36

 

And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the

congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,

Exodus 30:26

 

And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and

consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the

priest’s office.

Exodus 30:30

 

And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the

tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it,

and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.

Exodus 40:9

 

And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering,

and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall

be an altar most holy.

Exodus 40:10

 

And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and

sanctify it.

Exodus 40:11

 

And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and

anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister

unto me in the priest’s office.

Exodus 40:13

 

And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their

father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s

office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting

priesthood throughout their generations.

Exodus 40:15

 

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he

shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his

father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put

on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:

Leviticus 16:32

 

Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts,

but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine

olive shall cast this fruit.

Deuteronomy 28:40

 

The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over

them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou

over us.

Judges 9:8

 

And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye

anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust

in my shadow; and if not, let fire come out of the

bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Judges 9:15

 

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy

raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but

make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall

have done eating and drinking.

Ruth 3:3

 

Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out

of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to

be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my

people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have

looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto

me.

1 Samuel 9:16

 

Samuel also said unto Saul, The Lord sent me to

anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now

therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of

the Lord.

1 Samuel 15:1

 

And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee

what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him

whom I name unto thee.

1 Samuel 16:3

 

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy,

and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to

look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this

is he.

1 Samuel 16:12

 

And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise

woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to

be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and

anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had

a long time mourned for the dead:

2 Samuel 14:2

 

And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint

him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the

trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

1 Kings 1:34

 

And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to

the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest,

anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

1 Kings 19:15

 

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be

king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of

Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy

room.

1 Kings 19:16

 

Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink:

arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.

Isaiah 21:5

 

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and

upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to

make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for

iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and

to seal up the vision and prophecy and to anoint the

most Holy.

Daniel 9:24

 

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in

my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three

whole weeks were fulfilled.

Daniel 10:3

 

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with

the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the

affliction of Joseph.

Amos 6:6

 

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt

tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil;

and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

Micah 6:15

 

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and

wash thy face;

Matthew 6:17

 

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand

to anoint my body to the burying.

Mark 14:8

 

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and

Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought

sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Mark 16:1

 

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman

hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Luke 7:46

 

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that

thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou

mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy

nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with

eye salve, that thou mayest see.

Revelations 3:18

How To Increase the Anointing

A Relationship and Not a Formula

 

There are several things that we can use to

enhance the anointing in our lives. Let me say, at the

outset of this chapter, the anointing is not a formula; it is

a relationship.

 

Many are trying to imitate other great men of

God. They want to walk their walk and talk their talk, but

not out of a relationship with Jesus. They try to use it as a

means to have God’s anointing manifest in their lives. For

example, some ministers hold a healing meeting so they

can have a crowd, not so that they can get people healed.

That’s the wrong motive for wanting to see miracles take

place.

 

I remember talking to individuals who wanted

what Smith Wigglesworth had. They studied his life and

found out that Smith Wigglesworth used to wake up at

four o’clock in the morning and have communion. Then

he would pray for three hours. So they began to do the

same. But after a little while, they would wake up late in

the morning, realizing that they had fallen asleep, instead

of praying.

 

This action was based on a formula and not a

relationship. It is important to realize that Smith

Wigglesworth did not do all of those things in order to

have miracles in his life. He had a relationship with the

Lord, and then out of his relationship, he ministered and

the miracles were the result.

 

The Bible says, “When they saw the boldness of

Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned

and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took

knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts

4:13). Can people tell that you have been with Jesus

lately? What Peter and John had was not based on a

formula, but rather a relationship with the Lord Jesus

Christ.

 

A Person, Not a Language

 

I think one of the biggest problems in many

Pentecostal and charismatic circles is that people seek a

language and not the Holy Spirit. First of all, the Holy

Spirit is not a language; He’s a person. Jesus said to the

disciples, “Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be

endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:59).

Some people think He said, “You will receive

tongues.” What good is tongues without the power? We

have many babbling believers today with very little

power.

 

When He told them to tarry for the Holy Spirit,

they didn’t know what they were waiting for. If there had

come a knock on the door and someone walked in and

said, “I am the Holy Spirit,” I am sure they would have

welcomed that person and said, “Yes, Jesus said You

were coming.”

 

But on the day of Pentecost, there came a sound

from heaven as of a rushing, mighty wind. There

appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire and it sat

upon each of them. They were all filled with the Spirit

and began to speak with other tongues. (See Acts 2:1-4.)

I want you to notice they were filled, then they

spoke. They were filled first. Power was evident in their

lives. You see, the early church had the substance and

unfortunately, the latter church has the formula. Let’s get

back to the substance, the tangibility, the heavenly

materiality of what the early church had.

 

Having an Encounter with God

 

I believe if we would be used of God, we need to

have an encounter with Him. Paul talked about how he

had seen the Lord in the way. Moses had a burning bush

experience. To be honest with you, so did everyone who

has ever been used of God.

 

Job had an encounter with God at the end of his

ordeal. God revealed Himself to Job, asking Job where he

was when God laid the foundation of the earth. “Do you

have a voice that can thunder like me?” God asked Job

(Job 40:9).

 

Job finally spoke to God. His words speak for

many people, I think. He said, “I have heard of thee by

the hearing of the ear: but now my eye seeth thee” (Job

42:5). It’s one thing to read the book; it’s another thing to

meet the author of the book.

 

The Life of Prayer

 

First of all, what is prayer? Prayer is communication

and it’s two ways. In many believers’ lives, prayer is

a one-sided conversation. They pray, “Give me, give me.”

They are always asking.

 

Prayer for the believer should not be a religious

ritual performed on a daily basis by a Christian who

wants to attain a certain level of spirituality. It should be

a daily fellowship with our heavenly Father out of love.

 

We have to realize that we are not under the Old

Covenant, but under the New. Whatever is done under the

New Covenant must be done out of faith and love. Otherwise,

it is nothing more than dead works, something that

needs to be repented of.

 

The Body of Christ

Having come from work straight to church in the middle of the service at half past nine during the evening meeting obviously my body feels tired from the day work and having stood since the whole afternoon to the time I get in the car, I get in the service then there are mixed feelings of what to expect. But I see my family and the people we are hosting they were anxiously waiting on me as if the action has been going on not much left so they need a ride home, suggestions are made that I would stay while they take the car home and that I should find a ride home. I realized am at ease and peace because there would be no destruction .I look around see people expecting but I was not sure what to expect, but just sit and be still. By this time Pastor Rodney is speaking of the gifts of tongues from the holy spirit I started going back and forth realizing I could be able to identify from what he was talking about when I was little at the age 11 going for over night prayer meetings. I mean praying all night no chatting breaks or coffee breaks people speaking in heavenly language you could easily sense the heaviness of his presence. As the pastor called for people to come forward to receive the gift of the Holy spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues I started to get excited because this area is one of the areas neglected and mocked in the body of Christ .Pastor prays finishes invited Adonica to pray, she take the mic immediately I sensed new tongues coming out of my belly not like the prayer language but something sweet giving praise to the lord. Glory What an experience.-Geoffrey M.

Some of you could be in our drama ministry, some could play an instrument, help with parking visitors, coach our children’s basketball, assist in the nursery, work with the singles.

HIS COVENANT

Thoughts on Stewardship
Lesson No. 19 from Deuteronomy

His Covenant and His Mercy
Foundation Scriptures: Deuteronomy 7 verses 11 – 15

You shall therefore keep and do the instruction, laws, and precepts which I command you this day. 12 And if you hearken to these precepts and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love which He swore to your fathers. 13 And He will love you, bless you, and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your land, your grain, your new wine, and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the young of your flock in the land which He swore to your fathers to give you. 14 You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle. 15 And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt which you knew will He put upon you, but will lay them upon all who hate you.  Deuteronomy 7:11-15 AMP

1.  God promised the Israelites that if they kept His commandments and did them, He would keep His Covenant with them and He would continue to show them mercy and steadfast love, just as He had promised to their forefathers. He said:

a.  I will love you
b.  I will bless you
c.  I will multiply you
d.  I will bless the fruit of your womb
e.  I will the fruit of your land
f.   I will bless your corn
g.  I will bless your wine
h.  I will bless your oil
i.   I will bless the increase of your cattle
j.   I will bless the flocks of your sheep
k.  I will bless you in your own land that I promised to give you.
l.   You will be blessed above all people
m. No male and female among you will be barren
n.  Your cattle will not be barren
o.  I will take away all sickness and disease from you

2.  God promised all this to the children of Israel under the Old Covenant, which is a type and shadow of the covenant we have today–the New Covenant–a more powerful covenant, based upon better promises. It makes you wonder why people today have a hard time grasping the fact that God loves them so much and that He wants to bless them. How much more, under the New Covenant, based on much better promises, would the Lord not want to bless you exceedingly? He loves people and knows what they need. He cares about, and wants to be involved, in the affairs of mankind, but He needs an invitation. One of the pre-requisites for walking in the blessings of this Covenant, and His mercy, is to obey Him, serve Him, and do what He wants you to do–then you will be blessed! Always remember that faith begins where the will of God is known. If you know what His will is, then you will be able to receive His will and walk in His will and you will not settle for anything that the devil has to offer.

Pastor Adonica’s Thoughts:
God has given us a free will. We have the right to serve Him or not. However, there is a blessing that comes with obedience and a curse that comes with disobedience. The way it works is: obedience takes you into God’s jurisdiction and disobedience takes you into the devil’s jurisdiction. If we have any sense at all, we would believe God and take Him at His word. We would make sure to keep His commandments and be a doer of the word. One thing that always stands out in the Word of God is just how amazingly generous the Lord is with us. He is always looking for an opportunity to bless us and He always multiplies what He has already given to us.

Pastor Rodney’s Thoughts:
One of the things I realized, early in my life, was the fact that God had a plan for my life and that if I was to fulfill God’s plan for my life, then it was up to me to change and do whatever it takes to line myself up with God’s will and His plan. This was hard at first, because people don’t usually want to change–you would rather change your circumstances, your surroundings, or the other people in your life. Change is not easy. Often we would rather blame others and make them the reason why we are not blessed and why we don’t succeed. However, when I lined myself up with the will of God and obeyed Him–then the blessing began to come. I encourage you–make the change today and see the hand of God revealed in your life. Enter into His covenant and experience His mercy!

Prayer and Confession:
Father, help me to obey You and do Your will, and Your will alone. Then I know that I will see Your mercy and Your steadfast love; and Your grace and favor will rest upon me all the days of my life.