The Limitations of Entitlement

Acts 6:1-8 says, “1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”

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Investing in Young People

1 Corinthians 4:15 says, “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”

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Cultivating an Atmosphere of Encouragement

1 Samuel 30:6 says, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 

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Who the Holy Spirit is Not!

John 14:16, 26 says, “16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever…26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
 
Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” 

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Becoming an Honorable Vessel of Purpose!

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (TPT) says, “20 In a palace you find many kinds of containers and tableware for many different uses. Some are beautifully inlaid with gold or silver, but some are made of wood or earthenware; some of them are used for banquets and special occasions, and some for everyday use. 21 But you, Timothy, must not see your life and ministry this way. Your life and ministry must not be disgraced, for you are to be a pure container of Christ and dedicated to the honorable purposes of your Master, prepared for every good work that he gives you to do.”


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Prideful Prayers Go Unanswered

Luke 18:9-14 says, “9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

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Making Your Enemies a Footstool

Psalm 110:1-4 (KJV) says, “1 The LORD (Jehovah – The God who exists) said unto my Lord (Adonai – Jesus who is Sovereign), Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
2      The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
3      Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
4      The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order (suit, cause, style, estate reason) of Melchizedek.” (parenthesis is my emphasis)

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Turning Shame Into Praise!

Zephaniah 3:19-20 (NASB) says, “19      “Behold, I am going to deal at that time
      With all your oppressors,
      I will save the lame
      And gather the outcast,
      And I will turn their shame into praise and renown
      In all the earth.
20      “At that time I will bring you in,
      Even at the time when I gather you together;
      Indeed, I will give you renown and praise
      Among all the peoples of the earth,
      When I restore your fortunes before your eyes,”
      Says the LORD.”

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Out of the Storm

Job 40:6 (NASB) says, “Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm and said,”
 

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The Production of the Anointing, Pt. 2

Luke 4:18-19 says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

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