ONE FINE MOMENT

 

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

     We certainty have seen the reality of this scripture this week.  The Covid 19, Pandemic has caused panic, fear and a new reality.  No longer all the things we do to show love and kindness are now considered taboo.  Hugs, kisses, handshakes and formal greetings.  You now have to self isolate, social distance and avoid large gatherings.  Sports events, social events, funerals, weddings, church all things are now considered a health risk.  It has caused people to buy sanitizer, toilet paper runs and panic buying.  It has caused governments to imposed draconian measures and stock crashes, no travel out of the country and people are stranded in foreign countries.  So who do you trust?  Where can you go for stability?

 

Jesus warned us about this fine moment in Matt 24, so today who do you trust? 

The word trust means faith or putting your confidence in something or someone.

The Bible teaches us not to put our trust in. 

 

Weapons:  Ps 44:6 -  I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory.

Wealth:  Ps 49:6-7 - those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?  7 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them.

Leaders:   Ps 146:3 - Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.

Man:   Jer 17:5 - This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man,

who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

Words:   Jer 48:7 – There is a lesson we can learn from Moab Jeremiah said to them,  “Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive, and Chemosh will go into exile, together with his priests and officials.”

Own righteousness:  Ezek 33:13 -  If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done.

 

Mankind will learn and should learn too placed their confidence and trust in the Lord and in Jesus Christ.  That is great thing about the Lord we can trust Him during these incredible times of turmoil.  You can trust.

 

God’s name:  Ps 33:21 - In him our hearts rejoice, or we trust in his holy name.

Mercy and love:  Ps 52:8 - But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

Word:  Ps 119:42 - then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word

Christ:  Matt 12:18-21 - 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:  18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.  19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.

20 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,

till he has brought justice through to victory.  21 In his name the nations will put their hope.”

 

Now here are the benefits of trusting in the Lord not only during this time but in all times. 

 

Joy:  Psalm 5:11 - But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Deliverance:  Ps 22:4-5 - In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.  5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

Triumph:  Ps 25:2-3 - I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.  3 No one who hopes in you I will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

God’s goodness:  Ps 21:19 - How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.

Mercy and love:  Ps 32:10 - Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Provision:  Ps 37:3-5 - Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:

Blessedness:  Ps 44:4:  You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob.

Safety:  Ps 56:4&11 -   In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?  in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can man do to me?

Usefulness:  Ps 73:28 - But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Guidance:  Prov 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Inheritance:  Is 57:13 - When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you!  The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away.

But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.

 

In these turbulent and uncertain times we can trust the Lord.  There is an anchor in this storm of Covid 19.  His name is the Lord and let us trust Him.  I am not saying we should not be wise cautious and discerning but trust him.  We have seen what happens when we trust in man.  Now put your trust in God and His benefits.  Close with prayer.

 

 

 

 

QUOTES FOR SEPT 4, 2026

 

OLD AND NEW

 

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

 

     The year 2020, has been quite the year.  It started off with promise as any other year did but something changed it all.  From the country of China came a virus that changed everything.   This satanic disease as ravaged our country, provinces, cities, towns, villages, hamlets and settlements.  It has killed in our province almost 900 people, infected almost a 100,000 people.  In Canada,540,000, 15000 deaths, in the world 80 million with 1.8 million.  Countries have borrowed trillions of dollars.  Canada this year will face a 400 billion dollar debt making our total debt 1 trillion dollars.  In Alberta we have lost 1000 people to overdose, 500 to suicide.  There is no family, church, community through this province or country that has not been effected by this pandemic.  Currently we are in the midst of a lockdown.  But it is not all bad.  Our social media grew to over 70,000 contacts, basically this broadcast today can reach to over 70,000 people worldwide and to this point no one in this church has caught Covid 19.  This is something which we should be thankful for. 

 

     Paul said, brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  What is it?  He has not fully realize that he has.  So what does he have and ourselves?

 

1.       Eternal and Abundant life.

2.      Salvation, healing, restoration, forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, joy, faith, freedom, victory, anointing, empowerment, authority, acceptance forgiveness.

3.      You are a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation and unique called out person.

4.      You past, present and future is forgiven and assured. 

5.      You have power in prayer and in all realms.  You can defeat the devil, release yourself, spouses, family and friends, pastor, church, community, province and country in prayer.

6.      Your past has been forgiven, your present is secured and your future is assured.

7.      You have the mighty God in your corner.  He will never leave or forsake you.  He loves, accepts and forgives you.  You have all of heaven working with you and for you.   One day you shall know him and be like him.  Paul had not full taken a hold of it but he was attempting too.

 

Paul then says, there is one thing I do, I forget the past.  I will not let the past affect my present or the future.  If you do not learn from the past you are destine to repeat it.  So here are six reasons to forget the past.

 

1.      If you never truly drop the past, you can never truly move on. ...

2.      Living in the past allows old doors to stay open, and new doors to remain shut. ...

3.      This life is too short to waste time on what's already done. ...

4.      You can't rewind time and change what already happened.

5.      If you do not learn from the past you are destine to repeat it. 

6.      The devil will use it against you.  So whenever the devil reminds you of your past remind him of his future.

 

Paul says I strain, I press onward to the goal.  I want to win the prize.  What are the prizes?

 

Crown of Life.

Incorruptible Crown.

Crown of Righteousness.

Crown of Glory.

Crown of Rejoicing.

 

To the overcomer!  The tree of life is symbolic of eternal life.  Not hurt by the second death.  Hidden manna.  A white stone and new name.  Power over the nations, a rod of iron, and the morning star.

White garments and the Book of Life.  A pillar in the temple of My God.  Sit with Me on My Throne. 

 

Paul says I have a heavenly calling.  He is working towards eternity.   We are only two things we should be doing.  The great commission or telling others in our world about Jesus Christ.  The great commandment which is love God with our whole being and love our neighbor as ourselves.  Simple, concise and succinct. 

 

So here are some goals for 2021

 

Do not worry or fret.

Do good.

Delight in the Lord.

Commit your way to the Lord.

Be still before the Lord.

Avoid being angry .

Be meek.

Enjoy peace and prosperity.

Spend more time with God in prayer.

Spend more time with God in the Bible.

Go to church more often.

Tell others about Jesus.

Spend more time with family and friends. 

 

Jeremiah  29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Dear God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you've allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day. We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year.

 

 

 

POWER OF HUMILITY

 

     Good morning.  .  John was called the Baptist because two reasons.  First, the form he used to show people had truly repented of their sins was water baptism.  Then like today it has two particular significances.  This was an outward sign of an inward act.  Baptism in the Jordan showed that you had a true change of heart.  Next, it was a public declaration of faith.  You were telling the world that you were now a follower of God.  You were leaving the old life of sin, sorrow and regret and choosing to live in faith, truth, victory and abundant life.  Secondly, he would have the privilege to baptize Jesus.  John’s baptism was significant because it was Jesus’ coming out party and the revelation of the God head.  You have the voice of the Father who says this is my beloved son and Jesus in the water and the Holy Spirit coming down in the form of a dove landing on Jesus.  John was witness to this. 

 

1.      The first one is John was a powerful preacher.  It shows in Mark 1:5, that he had a powerful impact on Jewish society.  It says that when he started preaching people came from all over Israel to hear him.  So what makes a powerful preacher?

 

a.      Veracity -. Christian preaching must be true to the whole counsel of God, true in whatever else you say or cite.   Whatever is said, what is true and biblical, God can use that preaching.   

b.      Clarity - It must be clear, precise and concise.  John had a simple message.  He was called to call people to repent and he prepared the way for the Kingdom of God

c.       Authority –When Jesus’ taught it was that he spoke with authority (Matt. 7:28-29).   Declaring the truth with boldness, taking courageous stands where others cower in fear.  John did and under the anointing of the Lord and was changing society.

d.      Authenticity –  This is what I mean by authenticity.  John was literally pleading with the people to repent because Jesus’ ministry was just around the corner.  We do not have time

 

2.      Humility.  Mark 1:7, John 1:19-23, He was asked are you the Messiah.  He stated he was a voice of one crying in the wilderness.  When asked about how Jesus was becoming more famous than him.  His response was, “I must decrease and He must increase.”  Humility is the opposite of pride.  A great definition is a modest or low view of one's own importance.  This is a great one, freedom from pride or arrogance.  You know what your role and why.  Colossians 3:12-14, Philippians 2:3-11  John did this and we should as well.

 

3.      Burning Zeal.  John 5:35.  John was zealous for God.  He wanted people to repent.  Zeal means great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.  In John’s case it was for righteousness, truth, his mission and for the preparation of the Kingdom of God.  He was called to prepare the way for Jesus.  He knew his role, responsibility, objective, goal and mission.  For the child of God we have two objectives.  We are to love and tell others about Jesus.  Our zeal comes directly from the time we spend in prayer, the word, going to his house and telling others.  These are measurements of zeal and commitment.  Any of these out of balance and you are in trouble.  The church is in trouble in the west.  We have lost so much ground.  We have become irrelevant.  We are ignored, mocked, scorned and blamed.  We did this to ourselves.  The Bible does not need to be rewritten.  Our prayer should be Lord, “I am available anytime, anywhere and anyway.” 

 

 

POWER OF FORGIVENESS

 

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

 

1.       Now Jacob had died and when the brothers saw that their father was dead.  They are concerned that Joseph had held a grudge against them.  Of course in the minds of many people this would be legitimate.  So they sent word to Joseph and told him that his father left instruction with them that if Joseph felt taking revenge that he was to forgive them for the sake of Jacob. 

 

Joseph wept and here are some reasons. 

 

a.      First, Joseph was not like them.  Even though they had spent 17 years together they had never grasp the fact that Joseph had changed.  Joseph wept because his brothers did not really know him or understand him.  It also hurt him that His father felt the same way as the boys. 

b.      Here is reality even though you walk consistency, integrity and forgiveness.  People who have wronged you sometimes never get it. 

c.      Another truth.  Wrong, hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness cloud everything you do and the way you view yourself and others.  You expect people to treat you the way you treated them.   When you wrong others you expect them to act in kind and are surprised when they don’t.  This is a huge reason why we must get free of unforgiveness in any form.  It robs us of healing, the benefits of heaven, abundant life, freedom, getting our prayers answered and victory in life.  This thinking is destructive and damaging.  Once you become aware of it get rid of it as soon as possible.

d.      The devil will also use this these things to rob, kill and destroy your belief in the kindness of  others. 

e.      Joseph wept because he did not live in that world.  He had seen the kindness of God.  He had learned through his life that you needed to let go of the past to go forward in life.  Paul states forgetting those things that in the past I press forward to the High mark of the calling of God.

f.       The brothers were still living in the past.  They were always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  They thought everyone was like them.  Also they were living under the generational curse of deception.  This can be called a poverty spirit or victim mentality.  Many nations, groups, tribes live under this.  Talk about the Palestinian people.  Jacob has been transformed from Jacob or deceiver into Israel but his sons had not.  Joseph had become like his dad a prince among the people.  The boys were still living under the deception spirit.  That is why we need to break generational curses and tendencies.  Otherwise they continue to be our identity.  Satan will exploit them and our children and their future is at risk.  That is why I claim Act 16:31 for my children.  We will break generational curses at the end of this message.  Redemption is the only way to truly reverse family traits and problems.

g.      This also why our children have to become believers in the Lord.  The sad fact is this reveal d that the other brothers had not embraced the faith of their father.  The only one besides Joseph was Judah.  A powerful truth is just because a family heritage may be Christian that does make us a Christian.  I am so sadden when I hear preachers say at funerals that because of an infant baptism God is going to let that person in heaven.  We also heard it many times in conversations that because a family members knows the Lord they must.  Each one of us must make that decision.

 

18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

 

     The brothers then came in person and threw themselves in front of Joseph and told him they were his slaves.  They knew the world in which they lived.  They knew that Joseph had absolute power.  They knew that Joseph could do what he wanted with absolute impunity.  So they did what they thought was best.  They were in self -preservation and survival mode.  It was a good plan as far as they were concern.  They sent a message and then came in person.  This is always a good approach.  The boys here can teach a lesson in human relationships.  It is always best to rectify something in person.  Also when you are wrong admit it, make it right and say you’re sorry and mean it.  Good strategy and approach.  When you have wronged someone make it right.  You are called to reconciliation and restoration.  This is actually a biblical approach.   Jesus teaches us Matt 18, that when you have wronged or have been wronged we are to go to the offending party to make it right.  Next, if they do not want to hear you bring someone along you both trust to act as mediator to make it right.  If that fails.  Thirdly, bring it before the leadership of the church and lastly if it cannot be resolved break fellowship.  Sometimes it happens.  Don’t get mad or have regret that it does happen because sometimes it is for the best.   Remember you don’t want to have toxic people and situations in your life any longer than need be.    The sad part is that all this groveling was not necessary. 

 

 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

 

1.       Now Joseph here reveals a true understanding of God, redemption and forgiveness.  First, he says, “Don’t be afraid.”  True forgiveness always eliminates the threat of reciprocation.  You have already decided to not do to them what they had done to you.  Forgiveness does that.  The devil had been playing with their minds for decades now Joseph releases them.  Redemption always releases the oppressed.  Remember God has not given us a spirit of fear but love, power and a sound mind.  Perfect love cats out all fear.  Joseph was showing perfect love.  It was now his nature and lifestyle.

2.      Then Joseph states something very powerful.  Am I in the place of God?  Joseph understood that God keeps the book.  He knew that God was the ultimate judge.  He knew that people will reap what they sow.  Joseph refused to be their judge.  They were his brothers and even though he had the right to revenge he chose not.  He showed mercy to them that they did not show to him.  Powerful.  We do not have the right to judge.  We do not have the right to revenge.  Romans 12:19. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”  Such a powerful truth.  Joseph got it I trust we will as well.  Never place yourself in the place of God and you do that when you insist on revenge.  A person of godly character sees this.  Joseph had a heavenly view and godly approach. 

3.      Joseph understood that even though they meant to harm him God turned it for good.  God placed Joseph in Egypt to save not only his family but all men.  Joseph saw the plan of God.  Rom 8:28, all things work together for good.  This story illustrates this.  How else would have Joseph got to where he was without this.  Joseph saw the hand of God each step of the way.  Amazing perspective.  Only truly redeemed and transformed people can see this.  Joseph had a heavenly view.  Slavery, prison were all stepping stones to greatness.  How we handle bad situation will define us and others.  Be like Joseph and look for God’s hand in everything.  If you believe the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord that you believe that even bad things have a purpose.  What you need to look is for the lessons and remember this trial does not define who you are in Christ and it will only last as long as God wishes.  There is gold in every situation you just sometimes had to dig for it to find it.  Joseph saw his destiny as one saving lives do you?  James tells us that if we go rescue someone falling away we can save them from a multitude of sins and regrets.

4.      Joseph then reassures them that he will care for them and their families.  Part of our job as the redeemed is reassure people.  Many times because of their own faults and failures.  This is the work of exhortation, reconciliation, assurance and restoration.  That is part of our mandate so if you see one who needs encouragement do it.  People today need it.  They need kindness, love, grace, peace and assurance.   Close with the story James Robison

5.      Today as I close I want you to be released.  Be released of guilt, shame, regret, hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness.  Today I want to break generational curses and traits.  I want to break the poverty spirit off of you.  Don’t stay a victim.  If you have hurt someone and have not made it right please do. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUOTES FOR SEPT 3, 2026

 

CONCEPT OF PRAYER

 

     Today we are going to look at a very powerful concept of prayer.  The background behind this verse in Genesis 17, God made a promise that Abram and told him that he was going to be the father of many nations, the sign would be circumcision and his name was changed to Abraham.  Next, in Chapter 18-19, God visited Abraham by the great trees of Mamre, told him that him and Sarah would have a boy next year.  Sarah laughed then lied when confronted.  Abraham was told of the impending doom of Sodom and Gomorrah where he pleaded for their souls.  Sodom and Gomorrah could not be saved but Lot was rescued and later committed incest with his daughters and set up future confrontation for Israel.  Next, Abraham and Sarah move down to Gerar or Philistia where he deceived Abimelech by saying that Sarah was his sister and she was taken into his household.  Sarah is 90 years old when this happens.  She was an outstanding beauty.   God warns Abimelech in a dream about the situation and he gives Sarah back and gives a king’s ransom to get Abraham to avoid God’s judgment.  Then they move back to Hebron where Sarah becomes pregnant and they bear Isaac when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90.  What an amazing story and background. 

 

Romans 4:17

New International Version

17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

 

1.      Today we are going to learn about the power of prayer.  Abraham was a great example for us to learn from.  First, he stood on God’s promises.  Each one is back up by God’s word.  Psalm 132:8 1 Cor 1:20 says the promises of God are yes and amen.  So when you pray you can believe and trust God’s promises. 

 

a.      Abraham also believed.  The definition of belief is, “accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of.”  Hebrew 11:1, that faith is substance of things hope for and the evidence of things not seen.  It goes further in Heb 11:6, that you believe that God exists and is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.  That is what Abraham did. 

b.      He believed that God could bring life to that which is dead.  In this case himself and Sarah.  God told Abraham it was going to happen.  Sarah laughed and you would too.  What Abraham did was believe and called into being things that were not.  He released the divine resources of heaven. 

c.       Phil 4:1, Paul says that God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory. .”  Your physical needs such as food, shelter, clothing and transportation.  Your spiritual, mental, emotional, financial and family.

 

2.      This week I heard a powerful teaching about the two track system of prayer from Charles Stanley.  He said that you cannot receive God’s promises without also obeying the principles of God.  One side of the track is promise the other side is principle.  God will not give you his promises if you violate His principles.  God is a God of balance.  There are six things t will share with you that will stop the promises of God in their tracks.

 

a.      Ps 66:18, says if I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me.  Iniquity means habitual unconfessed sin.  You ignore, justify, excuse and blame it on others.  The Lord will not hear your prayers.

b.      Mark 11:26, tells us that if we cannot forgive others, the Lord will not forgive us and will not hear our prayers.  This often stops the promises of God.

c.      In 1 Pet 3:7, it states that if we mistreat our spouse our prayers will be hindered and not answered. 

d.      James 4:2, says that we have not because we are asking or selfish reason or wrong motives and God is too good to allow this to happen. 

e.      Not abiding in Christ.  John 15:7, Jesus said, “If we abide in Him and us in Him we can ask what we will and it will be given unto us.”

f.       Unbelief.  Simple if you do not believe you will not receive.  Abraham believe God and it was credited him as righteousness.

 

3.      Jesus Christ has secured us all the benefits and resources of heaven.  I want to give your some thoughts on how in prayer to secure what Paul was talking in here in this verse and also in Phil 4:19, to call those things into being which are not.

 

a.      Prayer is the avenue in which we create a natural reality from the supernatural.  In prayer God lays something on our heart and it becomes a burden of prayer.  A great phrase to remember “pray on it, pray over it, pray through it.”  God uses the authority we have in prayer.  Jesus said in Matt 18:18, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

b.      In prayer we are claiming the promises of God.  We have not violated the principles of prayer, we are abiding in Christ and we are walking in faith and we are speaking God’s promises to Him. 

c.      In prayer you are taking what God has promised and releasing it into your world by prayer.  Your faith and trust in His character of truth, His unfathomable love and His immutable essence secures the benefits and resources into your world.  Abraham had been told a child was coming.  He believed God.  He pray on it, over it and through it until it happened.  We must do the same. 

d.      By faith you see the promise of God in the bible, and you release it by faith from the supernatural realm into the physical realm because God told you it was yours.  You secure it through prayer and faith. 

e.      It is time as the people of God call those things which are not into prayer.  We have the power, authority enablement and ability in the name of Jesus Christ.  We can agree with others in prayer because Jesus said where two or three gather in my name I am in the midst and where two or three agree on anything in shall be done for them.  Matt 18:19

f.       What is it you need today go get it today in prayer and we will agree with you.  A great example was Elijah on the Mount Carmel when he prayed seven times before rain fell on Israel.