Praise and Worship (which I learnt a few weeks ago used to be spelled as WORTHSHIP..hmm think about that) was an amazing experience.
Pastor Lorraine's message she was delivering from God was entitled PREPARE THE WAY. The supporting scripture was from Matthew 3: 1-3 from the Amplified Bible & Luke 3:11 from the New Living Translation below:
Matthew 3:1-3
1 In those days there appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the Wilderness (Desert) in Judea
2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand
3 This is he who is mentioned by the prophet Isaiah when he said, the voice of one crying in the wilderness (shouting in the desert), Prepare the road for the Lord, make His highways straight (level, direct)
Luke 3:11
John replied, "If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry."
So I hope God allows me to paraphrase her properly and the notes I took to share this message with you all.
God is coming - I'm not talking about the 2nd coming where this world will end, Judgment Day, etc. No. God wants to come in a visitation to us - either you personally, our churches, families, people, etc. In order for us to be able to acknowledge and receive Him is by preparing for Him.
To do this there were 3 steps shared with us as follows
1. REPENT
In order to repent we need to
*Think Differently
*Change Your Mind
*Regret Your Sins
*Change Your Conduct
Feeling sorry doesn't equate to these nor repentance. We need conviction to admit to ourselves and God that yes we have done wrong. Without that feeling of guilt or acceptance of wrongdoing, we keep doing the same things over and over again. We think saying sorry, or praying for forgiveness each time and yet going right back to commit the same sins is enough. We need to be truly remorseful and regretful and change our ways, habits, the things we do that influence us, our mind thoughts and processes. We are not perfect but with God's help we can do away with falling back as prey to these sins.
2. MAKE READY!
Make Ready means to PREPARE : To put in proper condition or readiness.
You know when you have a guest coming over and you get everything in shape - the house is cleaned, sheets changed, sometimes stuff purchased to make sure everything is in order. We need to MAKE READY for His visitation. We have to get our body, mind, soul and spirit in the best shape for Him. Prepare just as though it were a race, because it is a race. Hebrews 12:1 -3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1-3&version=NKJV) This preparation requires endurance so do not grow weary!
a. Don't Wait Till the Last Minute: The Lord says you cannot cram to get ready for Him because it might be too late! We make time for so many other things in life when we have to get certain tasks done. We need to rearrange or schedules and priorities and MAKE TIME FOR GOD! Many of us are guilty , others not but we need to make the effort to prepare for God and not just do it routinely or else it becomes a task and doing things for God should not feel like a 9-5 job. Let it be sincere.
PS This verse goes for body, soul and spirit below : 1st Corinthians 6: 12-20
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206:%2012-20&version=NKJV )
b. Body/Flesh: God resides in your body/temple ( 1st Corinthians 6:19 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206:19&version=NKJV )
Repenting from sins and avoiding the fruit of the flesh are important. However we must also take care of our entire body, for if we are not in good shape to go out and spread the Word, how do we bring more to the Kingdom? This tied in with today's word for Our Daily Bread August 8, 2011 http://odb.org/2011/08/08/fishing-where-they-ain%E2%80%99t/
And even besides that, I don't think we would be glad moving into a dilapidated building with austere conditions. So, take care of your body for Christ - nutrition and fitness wise and spiritually too!
c. Soul - God preserves your soul - Psalm 121:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20121:7&version=NKJV)
In preparation for him, we need to watch over our souls. Our souls consist of our emotions and thoughts. Touchy subjects I know. We must be conscious and aware of what we feed it and allow in our hearts. GIGO - Garbage In Garbage Out. Though God loves us unconditionally (which is the greatest thing in the whole world), if we don't put the right stuff in we cannot prepare for this visitation or the 2nd coming. 'Don't let everybody touch your heart.' Screen, scrutinize, be picky if you like, with what or who you let affect your heart and guard it. Once you make the effort to make it ready God will help you preserve it!
d. Spirit - God communes with your spirit - Romans 8:14 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:14&version=NKJV ) , 1st Corinthians 2:9-12 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%202:9-12&version=NKJV )
It is the Holy Spirit that communes with our spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit opens us up to a whole different level and knowledge of knowing what God has freely given us. Whatever we do to our body and soul as described earlier affect our spirit and thus our relationship with God and the Holy Spirit. We are to worship Him in Spirit and Truth. Do right, get your spirit right and in communication with the Holy Spirit to prepare for God!
3. RELEASE - Let Go, Free From confinement (Luke 3:11 - quoted in the beginning)
You've got something to give. Let it go.
There are somethings or people we are holding on to that are hindering our preparation. Some are blessings we have to release and others are loads weighing us down, causing us to sin and fall short of the glory of God and preventing us from getting ready for Christ or doing the Lord's work.
Don't bear grudges - forgive others and free yourself. Additionally, don't be a stumbling block to someone else.
We are at times guilty of holding onto things we think are the best for us and are worried that if we were to give this up, would we get something good in return? God provides all we need and thus we shouldn't worry about giving nor should we be considering what we should get back in return. Awards and Rewards are blessings from God and they will come in His time. He cares for us and sees us through. Thus bless others with no expectations.
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus, All Our Sins and Griefs to bear,
What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in Prayer
Oh What peace we often forfeit
Oh What needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry ,Everything to God in Prayer."
I pray that God helps us all prepare for Him
