Gary Wayne Bible Teaching

Faith Chapel Guest Speaker Gloire Ndongala

Living Grace #2 By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: 1 John 1:, Ephesians 2:4-10 I think we know about saving grace – “for by grace are you saved…” – but what about living grace? Living life by grace? Romans 7 says the Law of God was given to show us what sin was. But we don’t live according to the law, we live according to grace. What does it look like to live according to the Law? The way I see it, I have a list of things I should do, and a list I shouldn’t do. The problem is that when I focus on not doing something wrong, what do I end up doing? When you tell a child, “Don’t touch this,” what do they now want to do? They hadn’t even been aware that “this” was there to be touched. But the law, “Don’t touch this,” awakened sin in me. It is very similar with trying to control your thoughts by fighting thoughts with thoughts - by saying, don’t think of this. What you then think of is “this,” and the Law, don’t think of this,” actually re-enforces “this” in my mind. Rom.8:5 “…those who live according to the Spirit, sets their mind on the things of the Spirit.” So I don’t fight thought with thought, I replace it with the Word of God. I don’t resist sin by sin management; I focus on being who God says I am. A “churchy” mindset says God is really honored when we give Him our best. And we think in terms of, if I’m good, God likes me better. So I make pleasing God my goal in life. (Doesn’t that sound noble?) If I do all these good things, and stay away from evil, sinful things, then when I need Him, His presence, His power, His favor, I will have attained His attention. So in our own strength, we try to manage our sin. How does that work out? When Adam and Eve first sinned, they used fig leaves to cover their sin. The first act of sin management. The problem is my fig leaves don’t cover as much as I think they do. Sin management is thinking I can do something about my sin by working on it. I do good God things to make me presentable to God, so I can come into His presence. So what is the answer to my dilemma? What would happen in my life if I simply believed what God says is true? Grace brings me into relationship – and that is the only base, that place, that position that I can deal with my sin. Heb.13:5 “…."I will never leave you nor forsake you." EVEN when I am sinning – He is right there. 1Jn.1:7-2:2 I want to point out that this is written to Christians. Christians who sin. What breaks the power of sin? Bringing it into the light. If my sin can be managed apart from the cross, then I don’t need Jesus. Jesus died for EVERY sin, because it is IMPOSSIBLE for us to manage ANY sin. The miracle of grace is that God forgives my sin, and makes me new. In grace I live out who God says I am. What would happen in my life if I simply believed what God says is true? I have His favor. I have His attention. I have excellent standing with Him. There is nothing more I can do to have a better standing with Him. I am already His favorite! Well then??? If I’m already forgiven, and I’m not supposed to work at not sinning, ??? then do I just live any way I want? Ro 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Of course not! There is a tension between grace and personal effort. Grace is a supernatural work, but if you don’t do something, then nothing will happen. Jn.15:5 “… for without Me you can do nothing.” It is also true that if you do nothing, it will be without Him. Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. Effort is action, earning is attitude. God doesn’t heal you because He wants to use you. He heals you because He is a GOOD GOD and loves you, and wants to be a part of your life. 1 John 2:1-2 Advocate = helper, one who comes along side. Propitiation = atoning sacrifice. If I sin – Am I still a son? YES! I look to His grace, not my energy to stop. I behave like a son – “I don’t know why I did that, because that is not who I am, God forgive me, God help me not do that again….”

Living Grace By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: 1 John 1:, Ephesians 2:4-10 I think we know about saving grace – “for by grace are you saved…” – but what about living grace? Living life by grace? Romans 7 says the Law of God was given to show us what sin was. But we don’t live according to the law, we live according to grace. What does look like to live according to the Law? The way I see it, I have a list of things I should do, and a list I shouldn’t do. The problem is that when I focus on not doing something wrong, what do I end up doing? When you tell a child, “Don’t touch this,” what do they now want to do? They hadn’t even been aware that “this” was there to be touched. But the law, “Don’t touch this,” awakened sin in me. It is very similar with trying to control your thoughts by fighting thoughts with thoughts - by saying, don’t think of this. What you then think of is “this,” and the Law, don’t think of this,” actually re-enforces “this” in my mind. Rom.8:5 “…those who live according to the Spirit, sets their mind on the things of the Spirit.” So I don’t fight thought with thought, I replace it with the Word of God. I don’t resist sin by sin management; I focus on being who God says I am. A “churchy” mindset says God is really honored when we give Him our best. And we think in terms of, if I’m good, God likes me better. So I make pleasing God my goal in life. (Doesn’t that sound noble?) If I do all these good things, and stay away from evil, sinful things, then when I need Him, His presence, His power, His favor, I will have attained His attention. So in our own strength, we try to manage our sin. How does that work out? When Adam and Eve first sinned, they used fig leaves to cover their sin. The first act of sin management. The problem is my fig leaves don’t cover as much as I think they do. Sin management is thinking I can do something about my sin by working on it. I do good God things to make me presentable to God, so I can come into His presence. So what is the answer to my dilemma? What would happen in my life if I simply believed what God says is true? Grace brings me into relationship – and that is the only base, that place, that position that I can deal with my sin. Heb.13:5 “…."I will never leave you nor forsake you." EVEN when I am sinning – He is right there. 1Jn.1:7-2:2 I want to point out that this is written to Christians. Christians who sin. What breaks the power of sin? Bringing it into the light. If my sin can be managed apart from the cross, then I don’t need Jesus. Jesus died for EVERY sin, because it is IMPOSSIBLE for us to manage ANY sin. The miracle of grace is that God forgives my sin, and makes me new. In grace I live out who God says I am. What would happen in my life if I simply believed what God says is true? I have His favor. I have His attention. I have excellent standing with Him. There is nothing more I can do to have a better standing with Him. I am already His favorite! Well then??? If I’m already forgiven, and I’m not supposed to work at not sinning, ??? then do I just live any way I want? Ro 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Of course not! There is a tension between grace and personal effort. Grace is a supernatural work, but if you don’t do something, then nothing will happen. Jn.15:5 “… for without Me you can do nothing.” It is also true that if you do nothing, it will be without Him. Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. Effort is action, earning is attitude. God doesn’t heal you because He wants to use you. He heals you because He is a GOOD GOD and loves you, and wants to be a part of your life. 1 John 2:1-2 Advocate = helper, one who comes along side. Propitiation = atoning sacrifice. If I sin – Am I still a son? YES! I look to His grace, not my energy to stop. I behave like a son – “I don’t know why I did that, because that is not who I am, God forgive me, God help me not do that again….”

Busyness versus Intimacy In June I talked about one of God’s highest priority for our lives is to have intimacy with us. We can have an inward drive to have God as my highest priority for my life and yet it looks different on me. Years ago, as a pastor, I realized I had fallen into a wrong thinking that if I was busy doing God’s stuff, that would be what be what measured my success. I equated business with Godliness, which is WAY inaccurate. In fact, Business Destroys Intimacy. There is a crazy cycle that begins. I’m exhausted by all this good God stuff I am doing and wonder why I can’t seem to hear from God and feel His presence. So what is my answer? I try harder, become more busy. After all – isn’t that what God wants from me? To use me for His glory? Text: Isaiah 30:15 Wrongly I can equate rest and quietness with laziness and weakness. But this invitation from our Father into His presence is probably the greatest productivity for my life that I can actually experience. Often we get so much of our identity from what we do – what we believe we are good at, we miss the true understanding of our identity because it doesn’t come from Father. So if our enemy can’t get me to wrong things, he will twist my thinking about this subject and I end up overextending myself in being busy with good things. Then what happens is I get tired. Exhausted. Fatigue can result in not believing God. Because when I’m tired, my heart gets hardened to being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. And I begin to be more vulnerable to the lies of my enemy and the lies of my heart being disappointed when I don’t see God moving in the activities I have given myself to. In ver.18 Blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isa 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Ver.21 “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.” I think I can’t have this happening if I don’t listen to ver.15 – “…in returning and rest, in quietness and confidence…” We love the scripture in Ex.14:13 where Moses told the people - "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD…” 14 "The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Hold your peace = be quiet – stop talking! I think for myself, business causes friction to my heart and soul and that results in a callous that causes me to lose sensitivity to His presence or hear His voice. Ps 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; Mt 11:28-30"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Pierce My Ear By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: Exodus 21:1-6, Philippians 2:5-11 There is so many ways I could preach about ver.5 – “Let this mind be in you…” In the context of this chapter, it’s talking about Jesus humbling Himself – even thought He was God, He took on the form of a human. And not just a human, but the kind of human most of society thinks of as the lowest in importance. Ver.7 Says He took on the form of a bondservant. The mindset of Heaven is totally opposite from ours. We tend to revere Kings and Presidents, the head leader as the most important, but in God’s Kingdom principals, servants are the ones to be admired and honored. For an understanding of a bondservant, let’s go to Exo.21. Right after God gave Moses the 10 commandments, Moses also began laying out the ordinances of practical living in community. For the next few chapters, he gives instruction for different situations. Ex.21:1-6 Sometimes life was unfair, and a person wound up being a slave not by choice - but to become a bondslave like we are talking about, the only way was for you to make a choice to serve. So it was a matter of your will that created the bond-slave. What would happen to a servant that didn’t want to leave? They would take him to the judges, then bring him to the door post of his master’s house and pierce his ear. They would usually then take an ear ring and for the rest of his life he would marked as a bondslave. Ver. 6 “…and he shall serve him forever.” Why the door post? When Moses gave this instruction, these people understood the importance of doing this at the doorpost. In their very recent past, what was placed on the doorpost? Blood. This was a covenant time between this household and God. I could spend an hour talking about the understanding of the doorpost, and that culture – the whole surrounding regions placed major significance on the doorpost of a house – a portal into your life. No wonder the servant was taken here to pierce his ear. The way the blood was placed on the top, the two sides and the bottom formed a cross. This is a complete picture of Christ. In different OT scriptures about the coming Messiah, they frequently point to Jesus. Heb.10 tells us Ps.40 is speaking about Jesus – Ver.6 “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened…” “my ears you have pierced…” NIV Isa.50:5 “The Lord GOD has opened My ear…” (pierced) Jesus was taken to the cross and His body pierced – the only scars in Heaven. Jesus loved His Master, Jesus loves His wife, His children and chooses to serve them FOREVER. Now let’s talk about you and me. For us the choice is not do I want to be a slave or not, but the choice is, Who do I want to serve? Song by Bob Dylan – “Gotta Serve Somebody.” No one is totally free, we are either a slave to our enemy, or the Lord. There is no middle ground. If I try and play the natural card, I have already made a choice to go different than God’s will for me. Often people know Jesus as savior, but not Lord. Saved if they die, but still in charge of their own life, their own time, their own decisions in life. Their ear hasn’t been pierced. They are the one in control of their life. They make out their own calendar for the Year, Month, day, without consulting God for His direction, opinions for what they should do, how they should live. Pr 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Does my level of commitment to the Kingdom of God go farther than my Sunday morning? Some recognize the importance of honoring God on the “Lord’s Day,” so I give Him 2 hours of my week. Then how I live throughout your week is not that different than someone who doesn’t know anything about the Love of God. My question to you is, has your ear been pierced? “Let this mind be in you…” What does it look for God to be 1st in my life?

Lead Us Not into Temptation By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: James 1:12-17, Matthew 6:9-13 Why pray ver.13 when Jas 1:13 says it is impossible for God to tempt me? Jam.1:12-17 Ver.12 when we endure temptation, we are blessed and rewarded. Ver.13-14 When we are tempted it is because we are drawn away by our fleshly desires. Often the original desire can be ok, but the enemy turns it into temptation. When something captures our focus, often the enemy uses that moment to tempt us. God doesn’t tempt us the enemy does, and in scripture Satan is called the tempter. Mat.4:3 “Now when the tempter came to Him…” 1 Thess.3:5 “Least by some means the tempter had tempt you…” Throughout the NT, the word temptation in other translations is often translated using other words – such as testing or trials. Jam.1:2-3 The word for trials, and testing is the same Greek word for temptation. Would God ever lead us into a trial or a test? Yes. Why? Because the trying, testing of my faith produces patience. V.4 “Perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” But God only does this for my good – to build my character to handle the blessings He wants to give into my life. If my character is not strong enough, His blessings would hurt me. But our enemy the devil is an opportunist, and when we are weak, he is there at times of trial to turn it into a moment of temptation to hurt us. I think this prayer could be prayed: “God protect me from the evil one during times of trials.” Mat.4:1 “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Who was leading Jesus? The Spirit of God. Where did He lead Him? Into the wilderness. Why did He lead Him into the wilderness? To be tempted by the devil. How I see this is that God led His own Son into a time of trials and testing, and Satan took advantage of the moment when Jesus was physically tired, and hungry and began to tempt Him to sin. Why did God do this to Jesus? I think - because Jesus was human and He also needed His personal character to be strengthened through testing like we do. God didn’t lead Jesus into a place to fail, but to succeed. God allowed this for our good. Jesus succeeding is a benefit to us. Lk.4:14 “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit.” Jesus came out stronger after this time of testing. Hebrews 4:15-16 Heb 2:18 “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” NIV Jesus can help me when I face temptation and trials. When you are being tempted by the enemy to fail, ask Jesus for help. Ask, “What did You do when you faced this? He was tempted with lust, He was tempted with pride. He was tempted with fear and doubt. He was tempted with unforgiveness, He was tempted in all points. Promise Scriptures for us concerning temptation: 1Co 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 2Ti 4:18 “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom….” 2Pe 2:9 “… the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations…” The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, and I think Jesus knowing how the enemy takes advantage of us in times of weakness and testing, has us ask the Father for His help in times when we face temptation. Mt 6:13 “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

I Agree #3 By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: Matthew 6:9-13, Matthew 18:19-20 We first touch His heart and come into agreement with Him, then each other. Praying with Him links our hearts to His dream. . God clearly emphasizes in scripture the importance of praying together. When together we touch God’s heart, pray His dreams, what is possible? I believe God is waiting for FC to pray together for His dreams for SL. ------------------------------------------------ This morning I want to take a quick look at what is known as the Lord’s Prayer. Matthew 6:9-13 This prayer has MANY layers – one message can’t begin to cover its depth. In Luk.11’s account of this prayer, when Jesus introduced this prayer, He said, “When you pray, say…” So even though I think this is more an outline to be filled in, I think it is also important to “say / quote” this prayer. Out loud, and together. For me, what I think is a major understanding this prayer teaches is: anytime I start praying, I begin with worship to God, and end with worship. Ver.9 “Our Father in heaven Hollowed be Thy Name.” Something I don’t remember being emphasized before this time of study is how much this prayer is for “us.” It might be that I strongly believe God is speaking to FC about the NEED to come together to pray. I feel God emphasizing our need to not just get along with each other, but to join our hearts together with God’s to see change. But NOTE this says “Our” Father, not “my Father.” Something our church society has a problem with is how much we are to join our hearts with each other. When Cain asked God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The answer is? Yes. That hasn’t changed. Ro 12:5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Ro 15:1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Ga 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Heb 12:12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,…” My choices of how I live – in church and at home – affect everyone in this room. There are certain aspects of this Christian life that is TOTALLY dependent on one another. So this “Lord’s Prayer” is not just for me, but for us. Ver.10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Jack Taylor – (A bible scholar) explains how this is a decree we make. The verb tense is more like, “Kingdome of God, come. Will of God, be done.” A command, a decree that after joining my heart with God, we join with Him and His heart to change history. Loaded question: What is the #1 reasons my pray is not answered? I don’t pray. What is the #1 reason I don’t see sick people healed when I pray? I don’t pray. Ver.11 Give us this day our daily bread. AGAIN notice “us” – this is not just a prayer for my needs, but ours. This is a prayer for “our” provision. I think it is more probable that when I pray for provision, it is more about what I am facing rather then what we are facing. A major point is that I come asking God as “my loving Father.” Ver.8 If God knows what I need before I ask, then why ask? We NEED to develop a relationship of dependency on Him. Ver.12. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. The issues of my constant need to forgive others is HUGE! I think it is one of the #1 sins we don’t recognize as sin. #1 reason we don’t have healing in our bodies. This prayer is to be a lifestyle of daily heart response to God. Ver.14-15 Ver.13a “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” James 1:13 says it is impossible for God to tempt me. So why pray this kind of prayer? God is not the one leading me into temptation – I go there willfully or ignorantly. NOTE the “us. A prayer I pray for us, not just me. Ver.13b “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” I see the instruction here for me to end my time with praise and adoration.

I Agree Part 1 By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: Acts 12:1-5, Matthew 18:19-20 Who are we coming into agreement with? It is not uncommon for us to search for those who agree with me – then we start a church with “like minded” people we can get along with, because we agree. That’s what unity is all about, right? Agreeing? That’s not how it should be. We are to gather in His name, not ours. Not in the name of “Faith Chapel. Not in the name of “The Pentecostal Church of God.” What does it mean to come into agreement? The Greek word for agree = “sumphoneo” – where we get the word symphony. To sound together, be in a cord, be in harmony. You take individual people, put them together, and the conductor begins to orchestrate a sound that is harmony. I purpose the first person we come into agreement with is not each other, but in agreement with Jesus. First we adjust our hearts with His, then each other. We all come together with different agenda’s. The reason we attend FC. The reason for Sunday morning service time. For prayer time. But we NEED to be moved by His agenda. Too many times we “pray to God” instead of “with God.” What’s the difference? Sometimes pressure around us moves us to pray, and the prayer that comes from that time has little to do with praying with God. We bring our prayer list to make sure we don’t forget what we need to tell God to do. Our time is spent talking instead of conversing. I think prayer should be a mixture of talking, conversing, listening. When we begin to pray, we need to start out by finding His heart and pray with Him. Remember from last week’s message, what is God’s priority with us? Intimacy! We target getting to know God’s heart, and in the process, we get to know one another’s heart as well. Coming into agreement with God is a prerequisite to coming into agreement with each other. That’s where unity begins. The value of coming together in agreement can’t be over-stated. In the book of Acts, praying together changed the world. Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Something happens when God’s people get together to pray. God invites us into the secret place to converse with Him so certain events / things will change because of our conversation. Acts 12:1-5 James was killed and Peter wasn’t. A major difference mentioned in this happening is that the church went to prayer after Peter was arrested. Gary’s speculation - What might have happened had they went to prayer when James was arrested? The prayer of the church wasn’t just saying the “Lord’s Prayer” together. Together they took time to touch the heart of God. God wants to co-labor with us. In the Lord’s prayer, why did Jesus say to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven?” Is this prayer even possible? YES!!! Because that is His heart for where we live. Can you imagine God saying, “Pray this prayer, but don’t expect anything to happen. This will give you something to do.” Praying with Him links my heart to His dream. As I interact with Him, He places things in my heart that become a heart cry. Heart cry = I think about it often, wake up in the night, meditate on it. Prayer is an invitation to “join my heart to His” to affect an outcome. Prayer is not to persuade God, to get Him to finely see what is going on and do something about it. Prayer is not to give us smoothing to do. Praying together changes the world. Do you agree?

Can I Have Your Heart? By Pastor Gary Wayne Heb 10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…” Jas 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” God is after my heart. He wants intimacy with me. HOW INCREADABLE! “Our intimacy with God – His highest priority for our lives – determines the impact of our lives.” Test: Ezekiel 14:1-5, Song of Solomon 1:4 Brian Simmons is the Bible scholar who translated the Passion Translation. In his commentary about the book of Song of Solomon, he translates this book as a letter from the King to the bride of Christ. Jesus writing to the church. Ver.4 “Draw me into your heart. We will run away together into the king’s cloud-filled chamber.” (PT) The whole book helps us to see the desire, the passion, the longing of God to be personally intimate with each one of us. Last week at CFO, one of my favorite parts of the day starts out with “Morning Mediations.” In good weather we go sit by the lake and someone reads scripture out loud, pausing at different times for personal reflection. It really is worth going just for that time with God. Before going to CFO this passage was on my heart, and I was looking forward to times I would be able to sit with God and have intimate moments. So here I am in the perfect setting, with the perfect Word adjusting my heart for intimacy, and what I found was a constant pull from within me to check my phone, to look at what time it was, to look up a scripture. I find with most men, that intimacy isn’t something we are good at. We are wondering: “How long is this going to take?” “Let me know what the main points are so I can check back in to know what is going on.” “I really want to be intimate, but can we be quick about it?” Often our goal is to get our needs met. As John was writing 1 John, a dominate theme runs through all 3 of his last books about loving God and God loving us. As he was finishing this first letter in 5:21, he closes this letter with a tag: “Little children keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” Why close with this? Because idolatry is so easy for us. What is idolatry of the heart? Anything that draws my attention, my energy, my passion more than God does. Idolatry can take on many forms. It can even be a “good-God-type-of-thing” - like ministry, or church work, etc. Where do I turn when I’m under pressure, when things go hard, where I’m frustrated – where does my heart turn for comfort and relief? What are the things, the places I go to, the things I cling onto, the things I give my heart to? Where do I go to fulfill a longing in my heart? Idolatry can be so subtle that it will keep me from God’s life and will counterfeit God’s love for things my soul longs for. The issue is not the thing that can become idolatry, but the function I give it, over God’s presence, over God’s principals. What do I give my heart to other than God? Is there an area in my life that tries to replace God’s position? What stands in the way of me pressing into God more? Ezekiel 14:1-5 Ver.5 I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.' (NIV) God is after my heart. He wants intimacy with me. Does God need to shout at me in order for intimacy to be a priority? What is wrong with that picture? If He is my priority, do I require Him to demand my attention - to allow life to be so difficult I finally go into His presence? Isa 30:15 “For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." But you would not,..” We can make idols of anything good - our family, our wife, our occupation, etc. The idol is not the focus, the pursuit of my heart is. My heart is what God is battling for. This morning, can you hear God asking: “Can I have your heart?”

Awake, Awake Barak! By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: Judges 5:12, Judges 4:4-9, 13-16 Think about life during Barak’s time. Jg 2:10 “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.” A theme verse for Judges could be: 17:6 “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Every time a leader would die, people would revert to living how ever it was convenient to live. Kind of reminds me of this generation. What causes people – men – to be passive in leading like this? I imagine everyone thinks someone else will step up and set the standards for living. Including Barak. This is normal for humans. That’s why in 1st aid training you don’t say: Someone “call 911.” Everyone thinks some else will do it. The whole time we can actually make a difference, yet many will stand still and watch people die. Who am I that I should step up? I’m outside of my expertise or experience. I don’t know what I’m doing. Someone else will do it, right? Edmund Burke – The only thing necessary for the Triumph of Evil is for good men to do Nothing. But when Barak received the word of God and he was moved to action. Pick your favorite sport – how critical is the 4th quarter? Some feel it’s the most significant time where the game is decided. I feel this morning I want to especially address men in the 4th quarter of life. For many in a blink they go from being immersed in the game to being in the 4th quarter of life. Many feel this is the time to throttle down to super slow speed. Men get so much of their identity from their occupation, or what they can do. Then all of a sudden they find themselves retired from their career, and now doing what? Our world seems to value the new and shiny and now that man finds himself not good at much of anything he took pride in, and if he still is good, no one seems to want what he has to offer - what does that do to his thinking about how important the 4th quarter is? Then the enemy – the accuser of the brethren does what to men? In our society, maturity and understanding doesn’t hold the value it once did. The world has REALLY shaped our perspective. I think all this stacks up and I allowing that thinking to alter my understanding for my value in ministry GOD PLACES on me. - This needs to be talked about! In the kingdom of God, the best of life isn’t in the rear-view-mirror. Ps 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” What is God saying in the season you are in? Not your evaluation based on life-past. NOT our society that require bling to count success. What is on God’s heart for you today? How you do life right now in the 4th quarter has EXTREME value. Could it be that the most significant part of your life is right now and the enemy wants you to think differently? Why would the enemy do that? You have heard people say something like: On my death bed I’m not going to say, “I wish I had spent more time at work.” Put a “Kingdom of God” frame work on the value of your life. For those in the 4th quarter, what is God saying is significant for you now? What is He asking of you? Ps.101:2 “I’m trying my best to walk in the way of integrity, especially in my own home. But I need Your help! I’m wondering, Lord, when will you appear?” I want to pray a fresh anointing on you as a man. I especially feel to pray for anyone who feels frustrated, hopeless, inadequate, unable to be a Godly voice and influence. Have you blown it? Is your track record sketchy? Then start right now by doing the next right thing.

Let the Peace of God Rule By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: Colossians 3:12-17 (15-16) I want to do a small word study of our text in Colossians this morning. In ver.15, the Greek word “rule,” - literally, "sit as umpire" - is used to describe an official at an athletic event – but also the Word directs, controls rules my heart. Let the peace of Christ rule - act as umpire – when the spirit of fear, anger, a spirit of stupid, starts to take over, and let God’s peace restrain them. Years ago Heatheann came up with a phrase that we have used for years to make decisions, and help other people gain perspective. “Go with the peace.” We ask, “Should I take that job? Should I move? Is this God leading me here?” What does your heart tell you? If I’m in a relationship with the Lord, the peace of God will be an umpire in my heart. If there isn’t a deep sense of peace in your heart, back up & go with the peace. I think God is whispering to our soul, “Don’t do it.” Don’t move without the pace of God umpiring and ruling in your heart. But it is much more than just a heart at peace. Let’s say someone says, they have peace about doing something that is in direct opposition to God’s Word. “I’ve prayed, fasted, asked God, and I have peace about it.” Remember Jonah had peace about going to Nineveh, but it was a direct disobedience to what God had already said. Jonah was even able to sleep right through the storm. There was even a boat waiting to take him – providence right? It must be God, because I asked Him to take away my desire, and He hasn’t so therefore I conclude ….. Listening to my heart can’t be the only criteria for determining God’s will. "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Jer 17:9 v.16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly… The Word is the final authority. When someone says they have peace about something that contradicts the Word, you know those feelings are IRREVELANT! Let His Word “DWELL” in your heart. Not visit. His peace can rule in our heart, but it will NEVER contradict the Word of God. Whatever “dwells” in your heart rules you. Php 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This implies we have a choice in whether or not our hearts are anxious. The older I get, the more I discover that the real need in my life is not for God to come on the scene and change things to the way I think it should be, but the real need is for me to allow the peace of God to guard my heart from imagining the worst case scenario. I’m usually concerned that God hasn’t heard me because He hasn’t changed things the way I asked him to. So I wrongly conclude: He hasn’t heard me – He doesn’t care – Ps 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Isa 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Joh 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me Joh 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The word here rendered “be afraid” occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It points especially to the cowardice of fear. This implies I have a choice. I am not making a prophecy, but before the week is over, you and I will have an opportunity to apply this message to the atmosphere of our hearts. If His Word is dwelling in my heart, then the peace of God will act as an umpire to maintain His peace.

Awake, Awake, Deborahs Text: Judges 4:4-9, 13-16, Psalms 68:11 PT – “God Almighty declares the word of the gospel with power, and the warring women of Zion deliver its message.” NASB – “The Lord gives the command: The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host.” The words “those who proclaimed” - is feminine in the original. Adam Clarke's Commentary: Literal translation= "Of the female preachers there was a great host." Traditionally, the women ran from tent to tent and roused the men to battle. This verse is referring to the ancient custom of women celebrating victories with song and dance, because the announcing of good news or joyful events belonged to the women. For instance: after the parting of the rea sea, Ex.15:20, “Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” Judges 4:4-9, 13-16 We don’t know much about Deborah - she was a prophetess, a wife and a mother in Israel, (5:7) who God used as a judge in Israel. Not just a wife, not just a mother, but a prophetess and a judge as well. The people would come to her and she would sit and listen to their issues and give them God’s word. Ver.6 she called for Barak. “Behold the Lord, the God of Israel, has commanded…” NASB She is telling Barak what God has said. Her words from God broke through confusion and brought clarity. I have heard many people read into this story things that are not there, with Debora speaking down to this coward of a man, goading him into action. I don’t see it that way - I see a woman of God, giving Barak a message from God that stirred him into action. Ver.8 “If you go with me, I’ll go.” Debora doesn’t put him down, but continues to point to God’s word for them as a focus. Ver.10 Barak went up with ten thousand men and Debora went with him. What was there about Debora that Barak needed this woman to go to war? I think she represented the word and presence of God for him and he need that encouragement to stand against the odds that they were facing. When I am standing with the odds stacked against me, having someone go with me that continues to remind me of God’s word is so powerful. I think the reason Barak is mentioned in the hall of fame in Heb 11:32, because Debora gave him a word from God, then went with him to encourage him and remind him what God had said. She connected him with the story of God that changed history. They both had a major role to play in God’s story. Debora wasn’t trying to do Barak’s job, and Barak wasn’t trying to dominate and do Debora’s. Debora didn’t use her position as a judge and prophetess to criticize but remind Barak of what God said. When women use their voice to encourage instead of criticize, people around them grow. Our society loves to see women criticize men. Look at sitcoms on TV, where you have a strong woman in position that never misses an opportunity to put men in their place. It doesn’t help matters that we men give women reason to criticize. I don’t’ see this happening in this text, just the opposite, Debora was used by God to bless those around her. This wasn’t a competition between genders to see who was really leading. I see both Debora and Barak saying “as we work together everyone wins.” Not competing, but connecting to the word of God. Judges 5:12 “Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song!” “God Almighty declares the word of the gospel with power, and the warring women of Zion deliver its message.” Ps.68:11 PT

Soften My Heart with the Word By Pastor Gary Wayne In the tabernacle of Moses, the first piece of furniture you came to was the “Brazen Alter.” This was where the blood sacrifice was shed. “Salvation.” Then you came to the “laver” – made from mirrors. This was where after sacrificing the animals for a sin offering, the priests would wash with water. This is interesting – blood deals with sin, but there was still a need for the water to clean them. Eph 5:26 “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word…” Sometimes we don’t need the blood re-applied to our lives, we need the Word applied to our lives. We need the Water of the Word to cleans us from the contamination that happens as we walk through a toxic world. At the end of a hard day, we can feel like we did something wrong, but we don’t necessarily need the blood, we need the Word to cleans us. Text: Mark 6:39-52, Mark 8:6-21 Ver.52 – What causes our hearts to harden? Mar.8:6-21 Jesus was teaching them about spiritual things, but they were stuck on a physical mindset problem. Jesus was using a physical thing to illustrate His point, but they responded in confusion because they didn’t have enough for lunch. V.17, "Why do you reason because you have no bread?” This word reason comes from the root word that is found in 2Cor.10:5. We cast down - imaginations, speculations, reasoning, high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Jesus asked, “Why is your reasoning at war with My world – with God’s Word?” V.17 “Is your heart still hardened?” Hardened = to petrify, form a callous, make hard. Unless my heart is continually softened with the Word, it gets callused. Jesus is challenging their way of thinking. God is not just interested in the individual thoughts, but He is interested in the process of thinking, the way we think, the way we view things around us. This second time the disciples were in a boat, the most pressing thing on their minds was about not bringing bread. Jesus is asking: Why is this your thinking when you just witnessed the miracle of multiplying the bread and fish – for the second time? Why does your imagination differ from the reality I exposed you to? Why does your imagination, your reasoning start from the negative with what you don’t have? How many have been in a financial crises and God did a miracle and provided for you, then after that financial crises, you had another one and even thought God answered the first one, you were just as nervous the second time as you were the first one? That’s the point here. Why did you reason – from a negative stance? Why didn’t you change the way you think because you saw the nature of God? After experiencing God’s provision, and my knee jerk reaction is still anxiety or fear it lets me know there is a stronghold of thought process that has been established in my life from the enemy. A stronghold built on ideas and a foundation of belief that is contrary to God’s truth. My sin has been cleansed at the Brazen alter, but I need the Word to cleans my mind. If after God has made Himself real to me, I continually default to fear, I need His Word to change the way I think. Rom.12:2 “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” When I experience a problem, and I don’t see God moving, am I going to let the absence of immediate answer change my revelation of God’s nature? Imaginations are high things that the demonic realm exalts to be in competition with what God knows to be true. Casting down imaginations is an aggressive action, a violent action. I need faith-based imagination to kick in – to be my default reaction. Col 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” My heart is made soft towards God by exposing myself to His Word.

Faith Based Imagination By Pastor Gary Wayne Last week we closed in prayer time with a song by Elevation Worship called: “With You.” The opening words say: “Beneath the surface of my anxious imagination, beckons a calmness that is found in You alone. In my morning reading time with God, that phrase “anxious imagination” kept playing over in my mind. Then I read Psalm 94 and various verses seemed to highlight themselves to me. Text: Psalms 77:6-13, Psalms 94:19 Ps 94:19 “the multitude of my anxieties” “Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight.” Passion T Anxiety = Intense faith in the worst possible outcome. I think worry is a synonym for anxious imagination. Where does worry come from? And why am I so prone to go there? Worry imagines the worst that can happen. What is the opposite of worry? Faith in God. One of the reasons I love the verse in Eph 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” - Is because it is an invitation to use my imagination to dream and fantasize with God. Experiment with sitting down with God and begin to imagine the best possible things that could happen in any hard situation you go through – if God was in charge – If God’s presence was with you in the middle of the issue. Sit with Him and imagine for a while, then pray His heart over those imaginations. 94:11-13a The word “instruct” = to discipline, correct, chastise, reform, teach. GW adds – coach, train, prepare. When I bend myself to the ways of God, His law, His truth sets me in order so my life is not controlled by other things. His truth, His presence guides me. Psa.77:6-13 Passion Translation Ver. 6 Then I remembered the worship songs I used to sing in the night seasons, and my heart began to fill again with thoughts of You. So my spirit went out once more in search of You. 13 It is here in Your presence, in Your sanctuary, where I learn more of Your ways. For Your holiness is revealed in everything You do. Lord, You’re the one and only, the great and glorious God! Don’t wait for Sunday morning! Become skilled at going into the presence of God right where you are at. Close your eyes (unless you are driving) and let your soul, your spirit reach out in search for His presence. Ps 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide. Isa 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Ps 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Guard Your Words By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: 1 Thessalonians, Ephesians 4:29-32, Romans 12:9-21 Hypocrisy – claiming to have moral standards or beliefs that your own behavior doesn’t follow. Pretense – an attempt to make something that is not the case, appear true. Trying to look like “agape” when the program that is actually running in my heart towards them is anything but love. An actor’s mask. In the past there has been things that hurt, and in human fashion and self-perseveration, I form a classic response to protect myself. Most of the time this kind of wounding happens with those closest to you. Parents, best friends, a relative you trusted, a spiritual leader, etc. You thought someone was going to be your friend, or a leader you thought was beyond human issues, disappointed you, let you down, maybe even cheated you, treated you wrong, so that pre-programmed response in you towards those who hurt you kicks in to where your response about them – to them – is not Christ like, but just the opposite. But we have our Christian-like routine down to a science, so we know how to “look” like we “agape” them – on the surface. An actor’s mask. And in those “unguarded” times where their name comes up, we tend to paint them in a bad light, based on my heart’s opinion of them. When we are talking to our “friends,” we give them the details of how wrong things are - So what comes out of my mouth towards them is not right. I alien my heart and ally my life with the accuser of the brethren. (Rev.12:10) Ver.14-21. Eph.4:30 Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God. How do you grieve the Holy Spirit? There are actually a number of ways, but with this message, let’s look at ver.29. PT – “Never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others…” Ver.31-32. In 1 Timothy, Paul was encouraging and instructing Pastor Timothy in dealing with different doctrinal problems he was facing at his church in Ephesus. All the way through 1 Tim. Paul warns Timothy about engaging in word problems. 1:4-6 – disputes over fables, and endless genealogies, be careful of “idle talk.” 4:1-2 – some will speak lies in hypocrisy. (That’s church-jargon – Christian-ese) 6:3-5 – beware of being obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, and useless wrangling. 6:20 - avoiding the profane and idle babbling. There is something important wrapped up in this warning about “idol talk.” This is tool of the enemy to disengage a person from a solid relationship with God. My babbling can be used by Satan to change the value of my heart, to change my affection towards God – to change the affection of my heart. Ps 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” A more literal translations would be: “Let the words I speak and what my heart murmurs to itself be a delight to You.” Ps.104:34 “May my meditation be sweet to Him.” In my idol talk, my babbling, what my heart murmurs to itself can often be about making judgments, speaking curses over someone. Our enemy in attempt to destroy my life – will continually try and change the focus of my heart from God to me. “Poor me” – see how I have been done wrong. In reality, this can be very true! But I use every opportunity to seed validation, sympathy, justification for my heart focus. Let’s talk about my speech concerning current political areas. WARNING! By the way – “Happy Mother’s Day”! Prophetic word for mothers: Don’t let your perceived failures in parenting define your heart for your personal identity towards you and towards your children. Not only guard against yourself picking up wrong identity, but protect your children from projecting a sense of failure that would label them as well. With no one looking around except those who would like to make eye contact with me, if this rings in your heart, I want you to look up at me. Song: “With You” - Elevation Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz-TV71HT2o

Spiritual Gifts ~ #7 Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 1 Corinthians 14:27-29 Q – Ver.27 Two or three what? A - Ver.27 “speaks in a tongue” is referring to the two step process God can use to give a message to the body. The first step is a “message in tongues,” followed by the interpretation of tongues. Paul put some guidelines here to keep balance. G.W.’s experience - Sometime when a person gives a message in tongues, no one interprets for various reasons. If and when that happens, the person giving the message feels prompted to speak in tongues again. Paul says, let this happen two or at the most three times, then if there is no interpretation, then keep silent – don’t keep going which would be an interruption to the service. Q – If someone speaks in tongues and keeps it between themselves & God, does he know what language? A- No. G.W’s experience – seldom does the speaker know what they are saying when they speak in tongues. Q – With the gift of healing, does someone need to have this gift, or know they have this gift before they pray for someone for healing? A - No. GW’s experience – Throughout the four gospels, we see Jesus instructing His followers to pray for the sick. To me, implying it is not just for “those with this gift” that should pray for people for healing. People who tend to operate with this Spiritual Gift (in my opinion) tend to experience more success of healing when they pray for the sick. Q – 1Cor.12:7-11 When ver.8- says “to one is given ___. To another ___. Doesn’t this mean each person only has access to only one gift? G.W.’s explanation – This letter was written to the church of Corinth to address some issues. Chapter 12, 13, 14 individual deal with different problems. Go to the context. In my opinion, chapter 12 starts to address a problem this church was having feeling that speaking in tongues was the ultimate. That it was a way to measure your spirituality, having prideful attitudes around this “ultimate” gift. Right after telling us some of the different ways the Holy Spirit can manifest Himself, (v.7-11) Paul uses the illustration of how important different body parts are to the body. Each part has a functional difference and purpose. They are all important, but their individual contribution is what the body needs. To me, Paul was not saying the Holy Spirit uses only one manifestation through each person. They don’t all just speak in tongues, but ver.11 the Spirit distributes to each one individually as He wills. 1Cor.12:31 “earnestly desire the best gifts.” 14:1 “desire spiritual gifts.” 14:12 since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, desire gifts that edify the church.” (my paraphrase) 14:13 let him who speaks in a tongue (a message to the body in tongues) pray that he may interpret. To me - all these verses imply that I can have access to more than one gift. Otherwise I think Paul would have instructed “one gift per person.” If I can only have one, then why earnestly desire or pray for more than one? G.W’s musing – the Holy Spirit is given to “empower” us to minister in places where God puts us. NOT JUST AT CHURCH. So I feel if I only had access to one gift, Jesus would be sending me out ill equipped to deal with the changing situations we face. If there were only one per person, we would need at least 9 different people to travel together to minister. Q – How do you know what you are prompted to speak is from God? A - We always measure a word with the Word of God. - Does it align itself to Scripture? - Is this for me to share with the person, or to pray? - Is this for now or later? - Does it edify? Don’t try to interpret or apply the word given unless you know God has given you that as well. Q – How do you receive a word from someone else? A - Again, measure it with the Word of God. - Does it align itself with Scripture? - Does it confirm something in your heart or does it clash? - Is it for now, or to be put on a shelf for later? When God gives a word to give someone, or to be received from someone, it will NEVER contradict the Word of God – the Bible.

God’s Expectation for Resurrection Sunday By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: John 19:40-20:18 As I read through the Resurrection account, one name keeps popping up. Mary Magdalene. All four of the gospels name her as being there. She witnessed the ugly crucifixion. She was there when they took the body down and wrapped Jesus in linen. She was there when they placed the body in the tomb and watched as the Roman soldiers rolled the stone in front of the entrance. She was the first one Jesus appeared to that morning. What do we know about Mary Magdalene? Magdalene was not her last name, rather she was from a city on the coastline of the sea of Galilee named Magdala. Jesus had cast 7 demons. (Mr.16:9, Lk.8:2) The Bible doesn’t say she had been a prostitute. Some get her confused with a woman who was a “sinful woman” who anointed the feet of Jesus in Lk.7:36. There was a Mary who anointed the feet of Jesus. But Jn.12:3 tells us it was Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. (Jn.11:1-2) NOT Mary of Magdalene Most Bible scholars believe she wasn’t a young woman. She traveled with a group of others as a support team for Jesus and disciples, lead by Mary the mother of James and John, made up of women like Mary the mother of Jesus, the mother of Jacob & Joseph. Mt.27:55-56 They were not the same age as Jesus and the 12 disciples, but 15 to 20 years older than the twelve. Their role was to take care of the needs of the group – prepare food, prepare places to stay, etc. So she was with this group of women who had bonded together in their service to Jesus, now they were on the way to the tomb to do a gruesome, grisly task. What was Mary’s expectation when she went to the tomb? They were minimal. I want to ask this question about Mary’s expectations, because I want to ask you about yours this morning. The fact is that MANY people going to church on this resurrection morning have about the same expectations as Mary. Minimal. What were Mary’s expectations? To finish embalming the body. To see things they way they were. Why embalm something / someone? To preserve them. There are some here who have attended MANY church services with the topic of the resurrection. What do we expect today? On this Sunday celebration? We expect things to be the way they were last time. We come expecting maybe to embalm the past, to wrap up our nice memories to preserve them so we can remember them. Easter is such a beautiful occasion that I want to do something nice. The reality is likely our expectation for this morning probably has little to do with what God’s expectations are. If God gave us an invitation to gather this morning to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, what would be His expectation? What would He expect from me that would take this “normal” Easter Sunday and have Him change my life? My focus needs to be on Him. Not just a historic event as important as it was. We need to expect something from God today as we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus. Expect the unusual. Because Jesus is alive, expect to experience things outside your norm. Because Jesus is alive expect miracles in your: life, home, family, jobs, community, etc. Expect your prayers to be answered. Expect to be filled with God – not just another nice Easter service. It wasn’t the crucifixion that changed the life of Jesus’ followers, it was His resurrection. Resurrection Sunday is a hinge point in history. The next hinge point came 50 days later on the day of Pentecost. These two events caused the followers of Jesus to become the leaders of the Christian life. They went from followers to leaders. Because of the resurrection and the presence of the Holy Spirit living in us, we can go from observers to leading the message of God’s love. What is God’s expectation for you this Resurrection Sunday? It’s WAY MORE than just attending a religious gathering.

Spiritual Gifts #6 Speaking in Tongues By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: 1 Corinthians 14, Acts 2:1-21,32-39, John 20:19-22 Where did it all start? Jn.20:19-22 In ver.22, when Jesus breathed on them and said “Receive the Holy Spirit,” that was when the Holy Spirit came into believers as He does today at salvation. Jesus spent 40 days after His resurrection teaching before Acts 1:9 where He ascended to Heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father. Then His followers had 10 days of prayer. Acts 2:1-21 V.1 Pentecost = 50 days after the Resurrection. V.4 As the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. – Not from man but from God. V.6 When this sound occurred – What sound? Ver.2 This was an international celebration with at least 15 different possible languages mentioned in ver.9-11. With this many different languages being spoken, I don’t think they came together (ver.6) because of the sound of tongues. But when they came together they were amazed, knowing these people were Galileans (v.7) who were speaking in tongues they didn’t know. It was such a supernatural event, v.12 “What can this mean?” Notice in ver.16, Joel’s prophecy doesn’t say anything about tongues, yet it was evident to Peter this was part of being “filled.” Ver.32-33 V.38 - 3 steps: 1. Repent 2. Be baptized (in water) 3. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. V.39 This promise is to: You, Your children, all afar off, who the Lord calls. This is to the whole human race, not just Jews, to all lands. For future generations to come. This is for you and me today. When we have “received the promise of the Father” or the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” or have been “filled with the Holy Spirit,” you are filled with Him - the Holy Spirit. As a result, He can operate through you in any of the 9 manifestations of the Holy Spirit Paul talks about in 1Cor.12:7-10. Speaking in tongues is a natural by-product of being “filled with the Spirit.” This is Gary Wayne’s observation from my experience of 50 years. Not everyone who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit does operate in all 9. In other words – I have seen people operate in one gift and not others. No tongues, but give words of wisdom or prophesy, etc. Speaking in tongues is a multifunction tool – they have different uses / functions. It is a prayer language I use to pray to God. 1Cor.14:2 I pray to God. Ver.14 my spirit prays. Ver.28 Abe Madinger – perfect prayer, it doesn’t go through my filters like speaking in my language. It can be used as a message from God to the body in a 2 step process. Tongues & interpretation of tongues. 1Cor.14:27-28, 13 It is used to build yourself up. 1Cor14:4 tongues edifies the person. Jude 1:20 “…building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,” use it to help kind of “sink” my heart / mind to God’s. Heb 5:14 “…those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Spiritual warfare. Eph 6:11-18 After listing the armor of God, Paul includes ver.18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (NIV) A VERRY NEEDED aspect of spiritual warfare. When I don’t know how to pray. Ro 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Pastor, nothing seems to happen – I don’t speak in tongues. You don’t seek the gift, you seek the Holy Spirit. Ask for the gift, but focus on who He is. My opinion is that too many people – on either side of the issue – are overly focused on speaking in tongues. Every time you have a private moment just simply ask again and then spend your time worshiping. DON’T Worry! Some are waiting for the Holy Spirit to take over. A supernatural seizure kind of thing, where you become kind of "possessed" with the Holy Spirit taking control of your body - 1Co14:32 “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” You have "self-control". In order to speak tongues, you have to “speak.” My experience has been that having asked, people hear a syllable or phrase in their head – begin by simply saying it out loud. How can / should tongues operate in a public setting? 1Cor.14:12, 26 To edify the church. Ver.27 A message should only be repeated three times at the most. Ver.39 DO NOT forbid speaking in tongues. Ver.40 Decently and in order.

Spiritual Gifts #5 The Gift of Prophesy Text: 1 Corinthians 14:1, 39-40 Prophecy – Is when a believer using human words or language speaks something the Holy Spirit has revealed, most often in a spontaneous message to others. A revelation of a portion of God’s message to other people spoken by a believer. Prophesy is not anointed teaching, or anointed preaching. A teacher or preacher may prophesy, but the Greek wording through the whole of the NT has given each of these their own definition. 1Co 14:26 Paul clearly makes a distinction between a teaching and a revelation. A teaching is based on a Biblical text, while revelation is the basis for prophecy. 1Co 14:29-30 This is clearly saying that prophesy is based on revelation from the Holy Spirit. In Eph.4:11 “And He (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,…” Paul clearly makes a distinction between these individual gifts of ministry. A major point with the operation of prophesy today is we can’t judge it with the same standards of the O.T. In the OT if they weren’t 100% accurate, they were a false prophet and were to be put to death. When you examine the way the spiritual gift of prophecy operates in the NT, we see that it is of a lesser authority than OT prophecy. With that comes the possibility of human error. 1Cor.13:9 “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” No one sees with 100% accuracy. Prophecy is almost always a mixture of divine revelation, and human interpretation, and human application. This is why Paul says to assess, weigh, or judge a prophetic word to see if it lines up with the Word of God. 1Co 14:29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. When a person gives a prophetic word, it doesn’t make them a prophet. In Eph.4, we have a list of gifts Jesus gave to the church to equip the saints for ministry. They are ministry positions in the church. So the person who operates in the office of a prophet, is different than someone who gives a prophetic word. With every prophecy there are 3 elements in play. 1. The revelation itself. This is TOTALLY from God. 2. The interpretation of what the Holy Spirit said to the person prophesying. The attempt to understand it’s meaning. 3. The application of the interpretation from the person speaking. In Acts 21:10, The Holy Spirit showed Agabus something, so he took Paul’s belt and wrapped it around his hands and feet saying the Spirit showed him that Paul going to Jerusalem was going to be captured and bound. He took this revelation to mean Paul shouldn’t go. But Paul said, no, the Holy Spirit has already let Paul know this, and he was instructed to go. Agabus miss-interpreted the prophetic message. Some prophecy can include some for telling of the future. In Acts 11, Agabus told them there was going to be a great famine throughout the world. But I find most prophecy is a forth telling of a message from God rather than a prediction of future events. A message to encourage, to remind us of His presence, power, and activity. So with the possibility of human error involved with spiritual gifts, shouldn’t we limit or stop this in public gatherings? Paul says just the opposite. What does the NT say to do if the prophecy seems to be off, or wrong? 1Th 5:20 Do not despise prophecies. Don’t stop, and don’t just believe every word but judge, weigh, test them. We are instructed to judge every word in light of God’s written Word. A fresh revealed word from God will NEVER go against His written Word. So we judge a prophetic word by the Word. We also do this with preaching and teaching. If I am preaching or teaching, and my message is sincere, but because of my interpretation, I have taught or preached different then the Word, we let the Word of God correct us. But we don’t stop teaching and preaching. This miss-use of spiritual gifts can cause one to just simply put it on a shelf and ignore God’s divine intention for Him to edify the church through me with His gifts. Out of my own area of lack of understanding, fear, or maybe a desire to maintain my comfort zone I can un-intentionally say to God, “thanks, but no thanks.” 1Cor.14:1 “… desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” 1Co 14:39 “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.” Who said this? Who did He say it to? SO??? What is my responsibility to God?

Spiritual Gifts #4 The Baptism “In” the Holy Spirit By Pastor Gary Wayne Text: Matthew 3:11, 1Corinthians 12:12-13 , Acts 1:4-9, John 20:19-22 What was the one event that was the transition from the Old Covenant to the New? When did the new dispensation start that we have today? Jesus’ Death! (It is finished) Following His resurrection, Jesus spent the next 40 days teaching before ascending to heaven. Then His followers had 10 days of prayer. (Acts 1) After ascending to heaven to sit at the right hand of God, Fifty days after His resurrection, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as promised (John 14:16–17) to baptize His followers “in” the Holy Spirit and empower them for ministry. The Bible doesn’t give us very much of that teaching and time, just a few snapshot encounters. (40 days) John 20:19-22 When God breathed into Adam and Eve what happened? They came alive. I see this event in Jn.20 as the transition from the terms of the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. When we are born again, our spirit man comes alive to God, and His breath, His ruwach (roo'-akh) comes into us. That’s the Holy Spirit. When we are born again, we receive the Holy Spirit to live and dwell in us. This wasn't the giving of "the promise of the Father”, or the baptism “in” the Holy Spirit. That didn't happen until Acts 2. Again, Note that this account where Jesus said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” took place about 50 days before Pentecost. Pentecost wasn't for salvation or to have the Holy Spirit live in us, it was to empower us to live and minister with power to be witnesses. In Acts 2, we have the account of the “Baptism “in” the Holy Spirit.” Often this happening in incorrectly referred to as the Baptism “of” the Holy Spirit, which is different. Today I want to look at three different baptisms talked about in Scripture. Let’s look at the last words Jesus said in Acts 1. Acts 1:4-9 In ver.5, there are two different baptisms. We will look at a third one shortly. 1. The Baptism “of” the Holy Spirit – The Baptism the Holy Spirit does. 1Cor.12:12-13 This is clearly speaking about when we are saved, we become a part of the “body of Christ.” Ver.13 uses the wording “by the Spirit we are all baptized” into on the body.” This is the baptism “of” the Holy Spirit – the action of the Holy Spirit – He baptizes us into Christ at salvation. So the baptism “of” the Holy Spirit is into salvation. 2. The Baptism “of” Jesus – The Baptism Jesus does. Mat.3:11 John the Baptist wasn’t speaking to the 12 disciples. They weren’t called until the next chapter. This was not just for the 120 in the upper room. John was saying Jesus the Messiah will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. When Messiah comes, this is what He does. Mrk.1:8, Luk3:16, Jn.1:33, Acts 1:5 So the baptism Jesus does is “baptizing us “in” or “with” the Holy Spirit. This is partly why Jesus said it was important for Him to go away, so He could send the Holy Spirit. (Joh.16:7) 3. The Baptism “of” the believer. – The Baptism we do. Mat.28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,…” What does water baptism represent? Death, burial, resurrection. This is the baptism the followers of Jesus do to new converts. (Not just clergy.) Many confuse the first two baptisms as being the same, but as I study them, it is clear to me they are TOTALLY different. The baptism “of” the Holy Spirit is into salvation. Jesus baptizes us “in” / with the Holy Spirit. 19 years after Jesus baptized the believers in the upper room “in” the Holy Spirit we have this account with Paul. Acts 19:1-6 Why did the apostle that wrote ¾ of the NT ask this question? Didn’t Paul understand correct theology? This happening is another reference point to the Baptism “in” the Holy Spirit being a separate event from when we are saved. Gary’s reasoning. I can be a Christian and have the Holy Spirit, when I receive the “Baptism “in” the Holy Spirit,” I receive the fullness of, or a release of the Holy Spirit in a greater measure. It has been my experience that the people who receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit the easiest, are young people, or people ignorant of how it all works. They just simply believe and receive. Adults who are trying to “figure God out” seem to be more resistant, afraid of “doing it wrong. Or not doing it right. My desire / need to understand often hinder me from what God has. “Child like” faith is SOOOOOO important. However you see it working – baptized at salvation, or baptized after, JUST SEEK HIM! God I want more of You!

Spiritual Gifts #3 Manifestation Gifts By Pastor Gary Wayne We are in a series looking at Spiritual Gifts. We started with the command by Paul to “desire spiritual gifts.” (1Co.14:1) Last week we looked at “Are Spiritual Gifts for today.” This morning I want to spend our time looking at the 9 manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit that Paul lists in 1Cor.12:7-11 Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 These gifts can be broken down into three different categories. Revelation Gifts Vocal Gifts Power Gifts Word of Wisdom Tongues Faith Word of Knowledge Interpretation of Tongues Healings Discerning of spirits Prophecy Miracles Today we are not going to do an Exhaustive Study of these gifts, but a quick general look at them individually. 1. Revelation Gifts or Discerning Gifts – Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of spirits. Word of Wisdom – A divine answer or solution for a particular event. Example – Acts 6:1-6 The early church was guided by the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to set up the first deacon board. I see this gift functioning in the church, on the job, at home – anywhere I don’t know what to do, I simply ask the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom. (Jam.1:5) Word of Knowledge – The Holy Spirit allowing you to know something specific that you didn’t learn by natural means. Example – In John 4 When Jesus said to the woman at the well, "Go, call your husband,” and she said, said, "I have no husband." Jesus said "You have well said, 'I have no husband, for you have had five husbands…” That was a word of knowledge Discerning of spirits – to be made aware of the presence of a demonic spirit. When someone says something, there is 3 different possible sources for that information. God, Satan, self. This Holy Spirit gift allows you to know the source is not from God. Example - Remember when there was a girl following Paul saying, “these men are from God?” She was saying the right things, but the source was demonic. Paul didn’t need a witch confirming their ministry. (Acts 16:16) I need to emphasize this gift is not the gift of “discernment”, but the “discerning of Spirits.” Criticism can masquerade as discernment – people giving their opinion and trying to stamp God as the source. How this gift tends to operate is the Holy Spirit helps you know if something is from God, Satan, or flesh. I think this gift also operates in ways like: There is just something that seems to be off? God where is this coming from? Is there a demonic spirit at work here? All of a sudden my spouse and I are at odds for no reason. Or at work, there is an atmosphere shift. God what is the source? 2. Vocal Gifts – Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Prophecy. Tongues – a message from God in a language unknown to the person giving the message. There are different functions or facets with tongues and how God uses them individually, and in a church setting. The text in 1 Cor.12, and 14 are mainly talking about a message in tongues the Holy Spirit uses to speak to a group of people, not necessarily personal prayer language. There is a big difference. Interpretation of Tongues - The operation of this gift is tied directly to a message in tongues. A person operating in the “Interpretation of tongues” vocally gives an understanding or an explanation of the intent of a message in tongues. 1Co 14:13 “Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.” It is an interpretation, not a translation of the previous message given in tongues. 1Co 14:5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. When this gift functions in a church setting the purpose is to edify everyone. Prophecy - a message of encouragement from God to a person. The gift of prophecy is to bring edification, exhortation, and comfort. 1Co 14:31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. It doesn’t say corrected. 3. Power Gifts or Dynamic Gifts - Faith, Healings, Miracles Faith – a supernatural confidence to believe God for a specific situation. A supernatural impartation of belief and confidence to see God move. Healings – supernatural anointing to bring healing. This doesn’t mean that everyone you pray for gets healed. But people who operate in this gift frequently see physical healing in those they pray for. Miracles – Divine intervention that changes natural circumstances.

Spiritual Gifts Are the Spiritual Gifts for Today? #2 By Pastor Gary Wayne Last week I talked about where Paul said to desire spiritual gifts. (1Cor.12:31, 14:1) This morning I want to address the question: Are spiritual gifts for today? As a foundation, What am I talking about when I say, “Gifts of the Spirit?” Text: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 Ver.7 Manifestation = exhibition, expression, clear display in light, how He makes Himself known. How He expresses Himself through believers. The next phrase needs to be emphasized over and over. “… for the profit of all.” Then Paul lists 9 different manifestations, expressions, functions of His gifts. If you notice this list can be broken down into three different categories. Vocal Gifts Revelation Gifts Power Gifts Tongues Word of Wisdom Faith Interpretation of Tongues Word of Knowledge Healings Prophecy Discerning of spirits Miracles This list is what I am referring to as the “Gifts of Holy Spirit” - Are they for today? My attempt to answer this question is not going to be an Exhaustive Study, but a general study to answer what I see as the main points. Doesn’t the Bible say somewhere that prophesy and tongues will stop? Yes it does – but let’s define question is “When will they cease? 1Co.13:8-13 When will prophecies fail and tongues cease? V.10 When that which is “perfect” is come. Now we have another question to ask – What is the “Perfect” this verse is talking about? Some say the perfect was the completion of the sacred cannon – the Bible. I do agree that the Scriptures are the perfect revelation of God, but the Scriptures are not the “perfect” of which Paul talked about here. This is talking about when we get to heaven and see Jesus face to face. (v.12) Jesus is the “Perfect” that will come. When we get to heaven, there will be no need for tongues – they will cease. There will be no need for prophecy – it will end. The language and context of this text is too clear to be interpreted any other way. Also looking at ver.8, we know that knowledge has not vanished away. So these Scriptures taken in context rather than teaching the termination of Spiritual gifts, is saying they will continue until the Church is in the presence of Jesus. As we study the NT, we find again and again, the NT points to the use of the gifts to further the gospel. That is still needed, not just when the church was being formed or for the Apostles only. Throughout the whole of the NT, spiritual gifts were used. And the scripture ALWAYSE speak of them in a positive light in their function. Even at the church in Corinth where they were abusing the gifts, Paul still highlights the importance and value and function of these gifts at church, and in our personal lives. Spiritual gifts did not create a problem at Corinth, immature people did. Personally, (according to Gary) I think the #1 reason people deny the gifts for today has to do with fear. Typically what we don’t understand, we’re afraid of. Then if you have seen the gifts abused, it intensifies the fear factor. Most pastors I know – even Pentecostal ones, fear losing control of a church service and the mess that it could create. As IF we ever had control – but control is a HUGE ISSUE in the church body today. I believe NEEDING to be in control shuts down the Holy Spirit’s gifts. Let’s look at some other supporting scriptures. Jas 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” Mat.7:7-11 Ro 11:29 “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable …” What are some of the MAJOR function and purpose of the gifts being used? To edify and build up the local body of believers. – WE NEED THIS TODAY! 1Co.14:4 When I speak in tongues it builds me up. Jude 1:20 - praying in the Holy Spirit builds up my faith. I NEED THIS! Jesus told the disciples don’t go into all the world, “until” you receive this Holy Spirit baptism. Acts 1:4-8 The church today NEEDS THIS power to minister. God knew what the church was going to face, and His answer was to equip His believers with supernatural gifts and power to face the darkness and THRIVE! Are spiritual gifts for today? ABSOLUTELY!!!

Spiritual Gifts Earnestly Desire God’s Gifts ~ Part 1 By Pastor Gary Wayne The topic of Spiritual gifts seems to divide the body of Christ rather than unite them. Why is that? Could it be that the evil one knows if we get these principals from God the church would be empowered to do the work of ministry? Spiritual gifts may not be the most important topic in the NT, but we also can’t just ignore the emphasis Scripture places on them and the role they should have in the life of believer, and the edification of the church. The primary purpose of spiritual gifts are to build up – edify – the body of Christ. And if ever we the body of Christ need built up, it is today. Many are confused about spiritual gifts. Some people are not sure what to do with these peculiar texts, while others downplay spiritual gifts altogether. Spiritual gifts are talked about roughly 155 times in the NT. Spiritual gifts are not a marginal note, not a side-line topic, but is a primary focus in the NT, and I believe that means we need to work at understanding more clearly God’s purpose for giving His body these spiritual gifts. Text: 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 12:31, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 12:1 Don’t be ignorant of the spiritual. “Gifts” in italics was inserted. The “gifts of the Spirit” are received when you are baptized in / with the Holy Spirit. Act.11:16 You don’t get the gifts as such, you get Him. We don’t receive one or may two or three, but we receive Him. He is the source of the gifts we can function in. He is a multifunction tool. Having received Him, you have access to all the gifts He gives to every believer. 1Co 12:31 “Earnestly desire the best gifts.” Best = greater Amplified = “But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts…” Desire = To be zealous for, burn with desire, to desire intensely. It appears the Corinthians were not desiring the best gift, but they were focused on the gift of tongues, consequently it placed them and the church out of balance. Public use of tongues was being abused, so Paul set some boundaries for these gifts to operate. A major point here is this section - capters12-14 - was written specifically to allow the gifts of the Spirit to function in a public setting. Paul’s focus was not for the gifts to be used in private, just the opposite to be used at church. What is the “best gift?” The best gift is the one that is needed at the time for that situation and will edify the body the most. 14:5 “he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless he interprets …” This points to the function of the gift to edify. Each gift has a different functional difference and importance. Remember again the main purpose the gifts are given is to edify the church. How does someone respond to Paul’s command in 12:31 and 14:1? I believe as you study this letter, these chapters, these verses, it is not a suggestion, or “for those who feel good about this idea,” but is a command to be obeyed. There are a number of responses people have, but I think they fall into 1one of 3 different reactions. 1. aggressively pursue spiritual gifts. 2. Disagree and find scriptures to support why it’s ok to ignore Paul’s command. 3. Since I don’t understand this, and it’s so controversial, and some people get weird with the gifts, let’s just work around it without embracing or rejecting it as a command. What I would like to accomplish is to stir up within each one of us the question, “How have I responded to this issue? To me, a MAJOR truth about these 3 chapters is that if ever there was a church group that Paul should have told them to just stop, let’s just do church without the use of the gifts, this would have been that church. But what does Paul do? Just the opposite. Think about this point. To this body of immature, gift abusing people, Paul still says: “earnestly desire the best gifts, desire spiritual gifts, (14:39) desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.” This is not an issue of different personality – for extraverts or introverts. We can’t respond to Paul’s command by saying, “Thanks, but no thanks. I appreciate the offer, but it’s just not my thing.” This is not an issue for me to say, “I’ll pray about it.” “Well I don’t feel led to do this.” When do my feelings justify my obedience? “Well that’s just not where I am right now.” Amazingly, Paul doesn’t tell them to quit. Spiritual gifts were God’s idea – He thought them up – He gave them to the church. This was His answer to strength and build up the body. So the answer to this problem wasn’t to stop, but to use them decently and in order. (14:40)

The Heart of Worship By Pastor Gary Wayne There is a song I have been listening to “We’re Singing Holy,” by a group “Here Be Lions.” Take us into the Holy of Holies, Into the place where kings take off their crowns We're overwhelmed by the weight of Your glory You're lifted higher as every knee bows down We're singing - Holy, holy, holy is the lord Text: Revelation 4:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-4 My prayer is “God I want to find that place in You.” I want to be in Your presence – To live in that presence – Ps 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;.” Ps 31:20 “You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence…” That’s not when we get to Heaven - it’s for NOW! Joh 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. So if God is seeking this kind of worship, & I want this presence, then… But what does it take to get there? Sometimes when people approach God in worship, we are like the faults prophets of Baal 1Ki.18 – thinking you have to get God’s attention by extreme behavior. We don’t have to get God’s attention - just the opposite - we already have it. We need to give God our attention. Fix our eyes on Him in the face of distractions. I’ve been in a lot of churches in my 60 years, and each one is different. Each one is uniquely special. Some are demonstrative and expressive, and some are subdued and reflectively quiet. Years ago, Heatherann and I were attending a church and one of the leading ladies went to Heatherann and told her that she wasn’t worshiping, that she needed to let go and be more expressive. That surprised her, because she was deeply worshiping, but differently than many in the church. What do you call people who respond to God’s presence and are VERY expressive in their worship – they dance, they shout, they wave their arms, jump, etc? Excessive? Operating in the flesh? What do you call people who sit with no visible reaction to God’s presence? Excessive? Operating in the flesh? Both can be viewed as extreme – emotionalism. Emotionalism = undue indulgence in or display of emotion. How do you know if they are actually “full on” worshiping God, or just putting on a show for those around them? How much of their physical display is for those around them, and not for God? Which expression is better than the other? Loud or quiet? The answer is Yes! For some people, being where people are demonstrative in their worship makes them uncomfortable. Consequently, how do they react? How do they tend to classify this demonstration of worship? For some people, being where people are stoic in their worship it makes them uncomfortable. Consequently, how do they react? How do they tend to classify this demonstration of worship? I know of two places in the Bible where people were looked at as extreme in their worship, and different people around them judged them extreme. 2 Sam.6 – David danced before the Lord. Joh.12 – Marry anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. But then - Isa.30:15 “…In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Ps 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God…” Which way is better? Loud or quiet? The answer is Yes! I think – “according to Gary” – some who are loud and boisterous need to add some “quiet before the Lord.” Some who are quiet need to “yadah”, and “halal” = VERY expressive, clamorously foolish.” The bottom line is it is all about the heart. 1Sa 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." I WANT – NEED a “heart” of worship.