Doctrine of Election is God's irrevocable call for everyone (Genesis 25:23)
What does it mean to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)?
Enjoyed our biggest gathering at Portland house last night, 25 people! We over flowed the 3 tables. So grateful for Russ, Tony and Jim helping to make this happen. We gave out "Power of Prayer" by E.M. Bounds. Missy (KC), Debbie (Justin) and Maddy (Vang) join again but we missed Bridget (Matthew). We are on our second session from the Unanswered Prayer Course: Maundy Thursday:“How am I going to get through this?”
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death… Abba Father …everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” – Mark 14:34, 36
As we were getting ready for the session I was talking with my friend Javon and asked him what his favorite verse was, he said that he had a lot but was meditating on Isaiah 61:1-3 and he quoted it to me:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
I have been studying this same section of scripture (as part of the prayer course and my previous two posts: Spirit of heaviness and other "spiritual ailments" and Pulling down strongholds with gentleness and respect (2 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Peter 3:15)
Javon and I enjoyed a conversation about how people unknowingly accept a "spirit of despair" into their lives and how the Bible gives us the remedy for this spiritual sickness, to wear a garment of praise that is provided in the good news of Jesus as Jesus proclaimed in Luke 4:18-19. Jesus taught us to be filled with the Spirit of God, resist the devil, proclaim good news (even to hostile people), drive out impure spirits and heal many (Luke 4).
This morning I'm reading Isaiah 61-63 and felt joy in our Father God when I came to Isaiah 63:16-17.
“It is I, the Lord, announcing your salvation! It is I, the Lord, who has the power to save!”...the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest. You led your people, Lord, and gained a magnificent reputation.”
...Lord, look down from heaven; look from your holy, glorious home, and see us. Where is the passion and the might you used to show on our behalf? Where are your mercy and compassion now? Surely you are still our Father! Even if Abraham and Jacob would disown us, Lord, you would still be our Father. You are our Redeemer from ages past.
Lord, why have you allowed us to turn from your path? Why have you given us stubborn hearts so we no longer fear you? Return and help us, for we are your servants,...
Reminds me of the prodigal son coming to his senses. Luke 15:11-32
Thank you Lord for this wonderful week of walking with you, celebrating John's 83 B-day and listening to 40 Days with the Holy Spirit A Journey to Experience His Presence in a Fresh New Way
I'm looking forward to our prayer time tomorrow to celebrate all the Lord is doing!
Encouraging my Friend: https://pay.telmate.com/ui#/account/destination_accounts
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