Sunday Words of Encouragement January 31, 2016

We welcomed home the Band of Brothers men from their Haiti mission trip. Our Sunday School teacher shared pictures and three of the men shared some of their experiences. The work being done by God is AWESOME!

Pastor’s message was titled: Speak Out!
He noted that Jesus always spoke in parables or took action to show His points. In the Pastor started with the parable of the Fig Tree in Mark 11:12-23. Jesus saw the fig tree that appeared leafy and lush green. But when he went to pick fruit there was none so he rebuked the tree and then it withered. (A separate message notes that the fruitless tree represents Israel – the appearance of religion but no fruit.) (As long as you have breath, you can bear fruit.)

Jesus spoke to the tree. (I am also mindful that Jesus spoke to the waves and they quieted.) Even nature responds to God’s words. His word is like fire or a hammer breaking rocks. Jeremiah 23:29
Jesus speaks with power and when we believe we too can speak from belief and faith.
2 Corinthians 4:13 (NIV) It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,…

There is no power without God's word. Go to God and give thanks for all He provides.
Isaiah 55:10-11. When we speak Gods healing, we speak His power. Psalm 107:20. We need to be clear and direct our words/prayer so it does not go to all but to the specific. (Jesus called to Lazurus not all the dead, John 11:43-44.)

We must believe it – visualize and see it. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24.

God calls things that are not as though they were! Romans 4:17. (This message was confirmation as I had been thinking this phrase through our worship time!)
Who do you think you are? A Child of God? An heir of eternal life? Then show it through your belief and faith. Speak out - it's your miracle!

Although I found another good song (which I will save for another time)

I choose this strong song: Move Mountain!

Verses For Today:
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)
10
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

I am thankful for the power of God’s Word and thankful that I was called (chosen) and given faith to believe! I will continue to trust God's reality over my own.