Dream Again

Teenagers are full of dreams for the future, and ours are no exception. 2009 saw some of these dreams begin to take on “substance” as their lives were launched out in new directions. It is good to see faith working in each of them, giving them positive expectations. They live life confidently knowing that God has a plan and a destiny for their lives and that He is their loving heavenly Father who will bring about the best for them. They live with an expectation that God will open doors for them and that He will provide for their needs.

Perhaps we wish we were all teenagers full of dreams rather then “seasoned” individuals who have let our dreams “evaporate” as the realities and demands of every day living have sucked our Spirits dry. But this condition is not God’s will for us. According to God, dreaming is not confined to the young. He pours out His Spirit on us so that we can dream again. According to God the Holy Spirit gets older people dreaming. Acts 2:17-18 (MSG) "In the Last Days," God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. When the time comes, I'll pour out my Spirit On those who serve me, both men and women, and they'll prophesy.

Christian author James Goll writes: “God is a dreamer and He is looking for people who will dream His dreams with Him.”

Dreamer - God is looking for you

Just read the quote below. I believe it is for someone out there who accidentally stumbles onto this site. God would say to you "Never give up on the dream that He has placed in your heart." - Bob Lipsys, Australia

God is a dreamer and He is looking for people who will dream His dreams with Him. James Goll.

The Church needs "Drunk" schoolies

In Australia “Schoolies” are gathering in the 1000’s to party after finishing High School. Many of these 17 year olds will be “off their faces tonight,” under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Many will do things they regret. They place such low value on their lives, that getting drunk seems the best option. They need to experience the Kingdom of God in its fullness. Most of them have “experienced church” not Jesus.

The Bible says: “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)

Kevin Dedmon writes the following on this passage: The word “debauchery” means to be so influenced by the effects of alcohol that one loses all inhibition, so that they do things of negative and evil consequence that they would not do if they were sober. In other words, debauchery is doing crazy things that you are really ashamed of the next morning.”
“Being filled with the Spirit, on the other hand, causes one to do crazy things, but the difference is that those things are things that you are proud of the next morning. Interestingly, the phrase, “be filled”, is not a one time event. In the Greek, this is a present tense verb, which has a continual sense associated with the action. So, more accurately, Paul is instructing the Church to “be continually filled with the Spirit”; to drink everyday, the “new wine” of the Spirit. Why? Because drunk people do crazy things!”
On the Day of Pentecost, in Acts chapter 2, the Church was filled with the Holy Spirit. In verse 13, the crowd made fun of them and said “they have had too much wine”. Peter’s response to this accusation is found in verse 15: “These men are not drunk as you suppose…”. Notice, he does not deny the fact that they are drunk, or at the least, acting drunk. He simply lets them know that they are not drunk in the way that they think that they are drunk. The source of their drunkenness is not due to the wine of the world, but rather the new wine of the Holy Spirit. He explains all of this in verse 17, as he outlines the fulfilled prophetic promise of Joel that God would pour out His Spirit on all people.

See Kevin Dedmon’s Web Site at for the rest of this article: http://www.kevindedmon.com

I pray for the day Schoolies will be drunk. Not with alcohol, but with the Holy Spirit. So drunk in God, that they participate in a Holy Spirit led healing revival.
Bob Lipsys Australia

‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17 (NLT)

It is time for the harvest

The precious grain is ripe for harvest, but our focus in the western church is holding meetings in half empty grain barns. We need to meet together - but the reason we do, is to be equipped for the harvest. If we don't go into the harvest, we have no purpose. Bob, Australia

Destiny

"God did not put us on earth to be losers."
Quote from "CSI" TV program.

What a great quote which lines up with the Bible.

Romans 8:37 (NKJV)
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us.

Romans 8:37-38 (NLT)
37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
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What about that situation today which crushed your spirit and left you feeling broken? Take down that white flag. The Bible says that God has placed you in this situation to conquer not to surrender. Victory is yours, through Jesus. Ask God to show you how to walk in that victory. Bob Lipsys, Australia
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Romans 8:37-39 (MSG)
37 None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. 38 I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, 39 high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Need a solution????

Bill Johnson said that if ever you find yourself without a solution to a situation, start reading the Bible from Psalm 1 and keep reading until God reveals the solution to you. I've tried doing this - and it works. I read the psalms out loud with an open heart and spirit towards God.

Here is a small taste:
Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT)
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Bob Lipsys
Australia

Mighty mite

I held a real "widows mite" from the era of Jesus for the first time today. This coin, about as big as my smallest fingernail, was poorly stamped. Half the symbol was off the edge of the coin. The rest was quite clear. Apparently most of these coins are like this. It carried the sense that for its day this was not a very valuable coin. The person hand stamping it, did not take much care.

For one woman, a widow, this was all she had - 2 of these small coins. There was no extra income for her. Instead of grabbing hold of them, the natural human reaction, she offered them up to God. The amazing thing is that God noticed and knew. No one else did, but God did. And God honored her. Jesus said she gave more than anyone else, for she gave all. Two thousand years later we are still talking about what she did. God honors her faith today.

God has seen and knows about your faith too. He knows what you have done in secret. And they are shouting about it in heaven.

Knowing God's nature, I am certain he did not leave that widow to die in poverty. Perhaps you will soon find out how He provided for her. Because He will provide for you too.

Help Free Lithuania

I just saw a 1950's Postcard and I believe that it is Prophetic
for today. It reads
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Help Free Lithuania

Please help in any way you can
to restore the Lithuanian Nation
to the freedom which is rightfully theirs.
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It was made by
Help Free Lithuania Postcards
2735 West 43rd Street, Chicago 32 Illinois

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Father I believe that this is a Word for today.
But the freedom is not political freedom
as desired in the 1950's,
but the freedom Christ Jesus has won for
the people of Lithuania.
Thank You Jesus..

Bob Lipsys, Australia
PS...If any one has information on the company
"Help Free Lithuania Postcards"
Please let me know.

Heal the sick! - A command from Jesus which releases life

Jesus commands His followers to heal the sick. How are we to do this? Kevin Dedmon, a follower of Jesus who has brought healing to many people on the street gives us a great insight:

"With a confident smile, the Dalai Lama follower asked, "How do you heal people?" I explained, "I invite God's presence into me, and then I leak Him out to people around me. When His presence touches people with things like cancer, asthma, broken bones, blindness, deafness, and deformities, they often get healed."
- Quote by Kevin Dedmon From the book- "Unlocking Heaven"

Be Blessed with health and wholeness
Bob Lipsys
Australia

There will be scars

I see a person standing tall. After the spiritual battle, they have stood their ground. There are signs of struggle, signs of a person who has stood against a great storm.

God often chooses the small and irrelevant instead of the great. The key is connectedness to Jesus. If you are connected to Jesus, you can be standing at the end, no matter how great the storm/enemy. Hold your position in God. Do not slink back.

Seek God and His Word. Find out where He wants the stand made and then stand with all the faith and energy God works in you. The enemy will not overcome and trample you. In the end you will be standing.

There will be scars from spiritual battles. Physical, emotional and spiritual.

In the battles to come I'm to stand. When all is thrown at me I'm to be standing. The scars represent previous spiritual battles where I stood my ground and in the end remained standing even though wounded in battle. The scars show where God has healed. The scar itself remains as a medal of honor.

I was reminded of "Shammah" in the Bible who defended a field of lentils when the rest of Israel fled. Because He stood his ground, the Lord brought about a great victory for Israel. There are many unnoticed heroes like Shammah. Sadly we do not even remember their names. But God does.

Bob Lipsys
Australia

Walking with Jesus

At the very beginning, before I even got started, I saw him on the front of a ship high above me. Jesus said "Come on, let's get going." I said where?" He said "On an adventure." He was very happy, in an obvious playful mood. This was in contrast to my "depressed outlook" - I had a week where I had to fight every step of the way, a week of frustration and pain. One of those weeks where the "stuffing was kicked out of me, where I was ready to give up."

He moved fast, I had difficulty keeping up at first. But as I walked with Him joy and hope started growing within me. I felt His presence with me, in me and beside me. He looked excited, ready for adventure.

However the question on my mind was "Where am I going? Where is this adventure taking me in life?" "Jesus replied "If I told you, it would not be an adventure. Don't question, just come. Keep up with me!" After I heard this I saw a red finch on grass stalks in my garden. I was reminded that the Father looks after these birds and He is looking after me.....
Bob Lipsys
Australia

An encouraging word for Lithuania

I see about 7 white staffs in a circle. Behind them are angelic beings. They have travelled a long way to the meeting. In the midst of the death and destruction of the enemy, God has a plan that will display His glory and set the "captives to fear" free. He has sent leading angels to bring about His plans. (I also see a word - Kragos but I cannot understand it.)

I see a map of Europe and it if for 2010. Lithuania has been divided into regions- by God. Arrows point from the regions into the rest of Europe. From these regions God is pouring out "Restoration" into Europe.

20th September 2009
Blessings to you
Bob Lipsys, Australia

Treasure Chests

A few weeks back, while in church, I saw a treasure chest across the room, on the floor, near where the worship team sits. It was ornately decorated with carvings. It was made of leather overlaid with gold. I was wondering what was in it, when similar treasure chests appeared on the floor around the church.

As I meditated about this vision over the next few days, I asked God what was in the treasure chests. The stories of Jesus feeding of the 4000 and 5000 immediately came to mind. I felt God say "These are the leftovers. The words and miracles not taken up. They are precious. They have been gathered so that nothing will be wasted".....

After feeding the 4000 - Jesus got the disciples to pick up 7 baskets of leftovers. After feeding the 5000 there were 12 baskets left over. This leftover food was part of a great miracle which was not taken up. I imagine the disciples took it home to share the miracle with family, friends and neighbours.

God is not withholding from us. He is not touching others and not you and me. There is more then enough for all, and much left over to take home for families, friends and neighbours. There is enough words and miracles from God, left over on the floor of the church to meet any need.

God wants to give to you. Take hold of the Word, it is for you.

Thanks Lord that you give more then enough for any need.
Thanks Lord that you've collected the leftovers, because they are precious.
Lord, I'll have the leftovers.
If it is not taken up, if it is left over,
Do it in my life, Lord.

Bob Lipsys, Australia

The Bible was never meant to be a substitute for God.
It was provided to bring us closer to God, and
to enhance our relationship with Him. Whenever
we grab the Bible without the presence of God
we end up in legalism. That is with a powerless
condemning religion. It is the Holy Spirit that gives
life. Bob Lipsys Australia.

Consider the following introduction from an article
by Larry Christiansen:

A journalist once asked Smith Wiggelsworth, the great
Pentecostal evangelist, ”What is the key to successful
evangelism?” He expected Wiggelsworth to emphasize
healing and miracles, which were prominent in the
evangelist’s own ministry. Wiggelsworth surprised him
with this answer: “The key to successful evangelism is the
leading of the Holy Spirit in each individual encounter.”
This is the secret of a church that prevails: a prevailing
church lives not simply by principles, but by the presence
of the living Lord.

One of the great traps in living the Christian life is the
tendency to substitute principles for the presence
and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We scour Scripture
looking for principles we can apply to life situations.
In almost any story or text we can ferret out a general
principle, a formula for dealing with a life problem.
…………….The danger in this approach is that it can
foster a belief in Scripture that effectively neutralizes
the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

A Quote by Larry Christenson see the full article at
http://www.lutheranrenewal.org/newsletters/0709b.pdf

simply irresistible

The gospel to me is simply irresistible.
A quote by Blaise Pascal

Decision Maker

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
1 John 5:21

You See Bones, I See an Army

Sometimes we look around us and see only dead bones. We do not see life, either for us or others. We just see death, problems, troubles, heartache….. Then God comes walking by and says “You See Bones, I See an Army”. I love that saying. It came from the title of a book by Floyd McClung. Too often I just see the bones. What have you been looking at today? A pile of dead bones or have you been looking through God’s eyes and seeing an Army, ready to explode on the scene and do God’s will. Bob Lipsys

Here are some words by Floyd McClung they give insight into what we need to do next.
There is a valley of dry bones God wants to use, but those bones won't become an army until they are prophesied over. The dry bones are made up of the poor, the rebellious, the marginalized of society, the young, and the uneducated. They carry wounds, have been abused, suffer from AIDS, are widows and single parents. They are often so poor they have lost hope of finding a purpose in life. They are waiting for someone to believe in them. By choosing to follow Jesus, believers have joined a great procession of men and women who are living for something far greater than themselves. The challenge is to act like we really believe what we are called to be and to do: to become a radical community of Jesus followers who seek to alleviate injustice and share the Father's love with those who have never heard that he cares for them; to show that the church of Jesus Christ is the hope of the world.
From: You See Bones, I See an Army: Changing the Way We Do Church. By Floyd McClung

We cannot lose

Some Inspiration from one of today's great Church Planters and healers in Africa, Rolland Baker

Blessings are falling around you, Grab hold of some using your faith - Bob Lipsys

We cannot lose. We will not be ashamed. We will see the salvation of the Lord spread through the most unstable, violent and out-of-control areas of Africa. Jesus knows how to glorify Himself and look out for His own reputation. We are unspeakably graced to participate in His work. And then we awake to new mercies and fresh motivation, never stepping away from Him and the life that flows from the vine into the branches. In newsletter after newsletter we have issued an invitation to join us in missions. We do that not out of desperation, but in faith and love. It is to your advantage to obey the Gospel, freely and with great joy, bearing tremendous fruit. May you hear His voice clearly and respond with His energy. ...... Much love in Jesus,

Rolland Baker
see http://www.irismin.org

Who Am I?

Who Am I?
A poem by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (This poem was written in prison, as he awaited a probable death sentence for hiding some men who made an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. This young Christian Pastor / Theologian was killed soon after this poem was written.)

Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equally, smilingly, proudly,
Like one accustomed to win.

Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectation of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?

Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
March 4,1946
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer sums life up the Christian life beautifully. At the very same time I am both “The person of faith” and the “woebegone weakling,” who is full of fear. The person stepping out for God no matter what the cost, and the person retreating into his shell. The strange thing is, in God’s view, we are the first person, the person of faith. That is the person “clothed with …the courage, determination and faith of …the Lord Jesus Christ.” Don’t worry about how others see you or even about how you see yourself. Ask God how He see you….You will be surprised. "Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!"
Bob Lipsys, Australia

Abandoned dreams

God brings us to the place of total dependence upon Himself to demonstrate that He is totally dependable. ... The more completely I depend on God, the more He surprises me by the results that follow -- results that I could never have achieved as long as I depended on my own efforts.
Quote by Derek Prince--Rules of Engagement (Chosen)

God hasn’t abandoned either you or the dream He put into your heart. The problem is that you began to limit what He planned to do through you. You wanted to make the dream achievable. He wants to make it humanly impossible. Something only He could create. It is His dream you see, no yours. You are the tradesperson He has chosen to work through. He will supply the materials, the helpers and the inspiration. Your task is to hear His heart and to act on His word.
Bob Lipsys, Australia

Never give up on the dream God has placed on your heart

More than anything else, I want you to know you can have a deep,
intimate, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and
the very best life has to offer. God is no respecter of persons (see
Acts 10:34) and His promises apply equally to everyone. Yes, you can
have the very best God offers, but you will have to be determined to
never give up until you have succeeded in every area of life.

I believe God has a great purpose for you, and I urge you to not
settle for anything less. He wants to bless you and give you a life
that will not only thrill you, fulfill you, and bring you deep joy and
sweet satisfaction but also challenge you, stretch you, frustrate you
at times, and even lead you to moments when you are tempted to
give up.

Quote by Joyce Meyer – From the Introduction to the Book – Never Give Up.

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What was that dream that God placed in your heart years ago?
You know the one you gave up on;
after first being convinced that is was
God’s very purpose for you life.
If God planted that dream in your heart,
it is definitely the time to renew it.

Habakuk 2:2-3
Then the LORD replied:
"Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.

If you feel a stirring in your heart/spirit as you read this
then the Holy Spirit is being poured out on you.
Let God stir up faith in you, so that you can fulfil all
He has called you to do. That dream from God will
become reality.
Bob Lipsys, Australia

Walking on stilts

I see a man on stilts. He is walking toward me. He has on dark overalls. His stilts are striped. He is coming to give me a new perspective. Things will look different when we get up higher.
by hispresence4me
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I am doing a course on-line "Prophetic and Seer Exercises" by Mark Driscoll. The above is part of a vision one of the other students had. I read it in the morning and have thought about it all day.

Jesus comes to us walking on stilts. He has a higher perspective then we have. He sees over the problems and limitations we focus in on. He sees the way ahead. And he calls us to climb up too.

The world looks so different up here. It is easier to get things in the right perspective.

Perhaps you need a walk with Jesus on the stilts he has for you.

Help people out of bad situations.

Christians are so afraid of making a mistake that they do nothing. Not realizing that this mistake is the greatest one anyone can make. If you do something wrong, God is big enough to fix it, but if you do nothing, God cannot change your inactivity into activity…...... Expect God to live big in you. Do big things for God. Do things that lift people, that help people. Do things that bless mankind. Do what God would do if He were here. Forget what men might say about you. They said those things about Jesus. There was never a person working for God that was appreciated until they were needed to get someone out of a bad situation. Be that person, help people out of bad situations.
a Quote from Curry Blake http://www.jglm.org/
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Curry Blake releases Christians into the ministry of healing God has for them. Check out his site. It will change your view of healing. Bob Lipsys, Australia

Constant change

One of the things that we have learnt, over the last 29 years of ministry, is that constant change is here to stay! The Holy Spirit never stands still. At all costs, it is vital for each of us to remain sensitive to the Spirit of God; to obey His purpose and His plan. We must adapt and adjust and move with the cloud, following His leading, His guidance and His voice.
Rodney Howard Brown,
See http:www.revival.com
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Just about every mainline Christian denomination began with a move by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit highlighted a truth. People grabbed hold of it, revival and new life sprang from it. The church prospered and brought new life to many.

The problem is, after a time they lost touch with the Holy Spirit who brought them into being. Rather then focus in on God and keep moving with Him, the church decided it had finally made it. Such churches stagnate, lose their sense of destiny and become increasingly irrelevant to their world.

The world is full of stagnant, irrelevant churches.
The world is full of stagnant, irrelevant Christians.
There is only one antidote - Repent. Turn around and go back to the God who gave you new-birth. Hear once again the voice of the Holy Spirit. Do what God says. Move on with God - keep moving with God.

Too many churches and Christians resist change. However, as Rodney Howard-Brown points out: "The Holy Spirit never stands still."
Bob Lipsys, Australia

I just want to be where You are

I just want to be where You are,
dwelling daily in Your presence
I don't want to worship from afar,
draw me near to where You are
©Integrity Music – Don Moen

Lord keep on bringing us closer to your heart.
There we find Life, Joy, Peace, and Love and
A Father who Knows us and Loves us.
The Lord Jesus who died for us to make us right with God
And the Holy Spirit who asks us to come on the most
incredible journey of our lives.
Bob Lipsys, Australia

When you are in a dark valley

“Leadership is proven in the valleys, not at the mountaintop"
Brian Houston - Hillsong

Deuteronomy 8:6-7 (New Living Translation)
“So obey the commands of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and fearing him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills.

Even in the valleys the Holy Spirit is poured out for God’s people. If you are living in a dark valley at the moment, I pray that the “Living Water” of the Lord, the Holy Spirit will flow over you.

Fill them to overflowing Lord – More Lord More

Bob Lipsys, Australia

The Signs of the times.

On a World Wide scale
We’ve been consuming more food then farmers have been producing for most of the last decade.” –National Geographic June 2009

Super storms are ripping apart western cities, -floods, fires and droughts are everywhere.

The health system of western countries is collapsing. Antibiotics are failing……. Pan-epidemics are breaking out. Swine flu, Bird Flu……

Stable Financial Markets have collapsed.

These are the “Signs of the times.”
But these are just the times God has prepared you for. As people of faith, this is your time to demonstrate the practical faith that God has placed in your heart. It is time to rise up and sense your Lord approaching. It’s time to do the stuff – for real – without any safety net.

Over the past fifteen and a half years, God has been teaching us to give in troubled times, to rely on Him for provision, to experience Jesus as healer, both for ourselves and for others, - to rely on Him alone. He has proved himself faithful, in each trial….However lately I’ve been sensing that soon our very lives will depend on putting this trust in God.

I honor those who were there for our first steps of “living by faith.” Those we relied on, those who spoke the word of God to us. And there were many. Among them were Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. I went to a meeting of theirs in Brisbane Qld Australia as a skeptic. A friend took me. I had prejudged them, following those who condemned them as “name it claim it” showmen. But what I heard was people who loved Jesus speak the Bible. I heard people take God at His Word. What was more, as we did what we heard, we found it worked. God’s word works in everyday life.
Have a read of one of Gloria Copeland’s Introductions below. It is a great quote. But more then that, it works. And it will work too when your countries medical system falters. Bob Lipsys, Australia.

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There is a medicine so powerful it can cure every sickness and disease known to man. It has no dangerous side effects. It is safe even in massive doses. And when taken daily according to directions, it can prevent illness altogether and keep you in vibrant health.
Does that sound too good to be true? It's not. I can testify to you by the Word of God and by my own experience that such a supernatural medicine exists. Even more importantly, it is available to you every moment of every day.
You don't have to call your doctor to get it. You don't even have to drive to the pharmacy. All you must do is reach for your Bible, open to Proverbs 4:20-24 and follow the instructions you find there:

A quote by Gloria Copeland
See http://www.kcm.org

Proverbs 4:20-24 (New Living Translation)
20 My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
24 Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.

Healing - Living out God's Word

"We call theory head knowledge, not heart knowledge.

Head knowledge is when you know something, but it does not govern your actions. Heart knowledge is when what you know governs your actions. Head knowledge (theory) becomes heart knowledge (reality) only by practice.

The Bible talks about the type of person who hears but doesn't do. According to James 1:22, these "hearers but not doers" deceive themselves. How do they deceive themselves? They deal only in theory. When you deal in theory, you can change the theories to suit yourself. But, when you practice the theories, you find out real quick what's real and what isn’t. Jesus said that those who did His sayings, not just talked about them, were like those who built their houses on solid foundations. Nothing will defeat them. BUT, those who didn't do them, maybe only talked about them, will be defeated.

We must walk in the light of the knowledge we have."
The above is a quote by Curry Blake
http://www.thevoiceofhealing.atomicshops.com

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Curry Blake is a person who has brought healing to thousands of people in Jesus’ name. He has inspired many others to also bring healing in Jesus’ name. His message is simple. Live out the word of God that you know. He freely admits that he can heal no one – but that Jesus is willing to heal any one. Jesus said “You will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.” So Curry lays hands on the sick and they recover. He just puts God’s word into practice.

So, live out the word of God that you know.
Bob Lipsys

PS Check out Curry’s site.

Seeing beyond the storm

Many times we get so caught up in the storm
that we forget our destination. The devil always
wants the storm to be the paramount story
that you tell, rather then the victory that awaits
us on the shore across the storm.
……...A quote by Tom Messer. Founder and former Senior Pastor of Mt Zion Church, Arizona.

I love being with faith-filled people. I love reading
the Bible and hearing good preaching. All these let
me leave my negativity, my storm focus behind, and
point me to what the Lord is doing and will do in the
future. They point me to the promises of God rather
then to the disappointments of life. When we focus
on the storms of life we lose our perspective in God.
We lose our hope. Depression builds. That’s why
you need to get together with positive, faith talking
people this week. It is not that they do not have
storms and disappointments. They do. But together
with others and the Lord, they have “the eyes” to
see beyond these, The storms don’t last forever.
The shore is coming closer.
Bob Lipsys, Australia.

Hold on to "stuff" loosely

"Lord, everything I have is in your control"
God gets me to pray this prayer regularly.
....We need to hold on to "stuff" loosely,...
We always need to be ready to give the
things we have away...following God's direction.
And we are blessed as we give...
Pastor Kevin Ewings-

These are some words of wisdom
from my Pastor/Teacher at our
"Sure Foundations" Course tonight.
Pastor Kev lives for God and others.
He oozes the love and Spirit of God.

Hold on to stuff loosely!
Hold on to God Tightly!
Bob Lipsys

Where are you running?

Where are you running? Why are you running? Always in a hurry, that’s you. Too rushed to stop and find out what is really needed for your life. Too busy to listen to the words of the One who loves you…….As you run past read some words of one who decided to stop and listen! (Be blessed, Bob Lipsys)


I hear the voice
The voice of the One I love
He’s calling my name
I hear the voice
The voice of the One I love,
He’s calling my name

He’s saying…
Come up higher
You’ll hear the angels sing
Come up higher, my beloved
Come up higher and leave this world behind
You’ll find Me to be beautiful

I am running, running after You
You’ve become my soul’s delight
I am running, running after You
Here with You I find my life.

One thing I have desired
This will I seek after
To dwell in Your house forevermore.
Now I’m running after the thing that really matters
You’ve become my joy and song

Running
©2004 Klaus Kuehn
see http://www.klausmusic.com/

You Know You’re Religious, When…

Religion Kills, only the Holy Spirit brings life.
I read this presentation by Emil Swift today and was both touched and challenged.
So I am including it here. Let God challenge the religion that remains in you and let Him replace it with the Spirit of God. Bob Lipsys

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You Know You’re Religious, When…
By Emil Swift

…you love the “Word of God” more than the God of the Word.
…you have a program instead of a Partner.
…you do for God instead of with God.
…God is your Boss instead of your Friend.
…you have a religion instead of a Relationship.
…you have an agenda instead of a adventure.
…the center of your thoughts and conversations is you and not Him.
…an examination of your checkbook register shows your money goes for taking care of concerns that are self-centered not God-centered.
…you protest your love for God but practice your love for the things of men.
…you spend time and energy in trying to control your life instead of releasing control to God.
…your prayer consists of much talking and little listening.
…you do the best you can instead of letting God do the best that He can.
…you work for God instead of working with God.
…you’re primarily directed by God’s principles instead of God’s Spirit.
…you accomplish natural goals instead of supernatural goals.
…you’re concerned more with what others think of you than what God thinks of you.
…you’re passion is for right doctrine more than right Relationship.
… you’re more focused on your needs than others needs.

See Emil Swifts site at
http://www.kingdomscribes.net/

Made Right

God made Jesus who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (New International Version)

"This is arguably one of the most important verses in the Bible
... It tells us what God did - He sent his Son
... It tells us who Jesus is - He is sinless
....It tells us what Jesus did - He was made sin
... It tells us who we are - the righteousness of God
... It tells us where we are - in Him".
by John Hosier

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The simple Gospel is that God has good intentions for you. He wants to take away from you all that separates you from Himself. He placed that stuff he calls sin on Jesus. Jesus could carry it for you and me because He had no sin of His of own. Jesus took your sin and he gave you His Righteousness. That is everything He is and has done which makes Him right with His Father…… Wow.

It is true. When a person puts their trust in Jesus they receive as their very own, the life of the only one who has ever lived totally for God. His love is poured into their lives. The Holy Spirit empowers them to live their life for God. They become God’s Child, fully part of His family. Jesus is in them, and they are in Him. They are made right with God

God made Jesus who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Blessings are falling around you
Grab hold of them
Bob Lipsys

Hope in financial collapse

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The collapse of financial institutions and businesses has affected many. Here is one true story:
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From our local Paper, the Townsville Bulletin, May 6th, 2009
THEY were self-funded retirees, debt free, with their own home, four mortgage-free investment properties that were generating income, a 2ha block of land, $973,000 in savings, $78,000 in shares and $150,000 in superannuation.
They are now looking for work, $1.5 million in debt, have mortgaged the family home and one investment property which is to be sold, sold the remaining three investment properties and block of land, and the shares and superannuation are worth almost nothing……….

"Our dream was to enjoy our lives, fund ourselves and still be able to provide for our children with a legacy to help their futures," they said. That dream will never become a reality, with almost everything they earned and worked for now gone.

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The collapse of financial institutions and businesses has affected many.What does God say about this situation?
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Jesus said "People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God’s reality, God’s initiative, God provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. "So be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can't go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” … Luke 12:31-34 (The Message)

Generous Giving is the sign of true wealth
Bob Lipsys

No such thing as a bad day

Today I heard a great quote by comedian Billy Connolly. He said: “There is no such thing as bad weather – Just the wrong clothes.”

Billy Connolly is right from a Biblical Perspective too. We could say: “There is no such thing as a bad day – Just the wrong clothes.” Are you wearing the right clothes today?

Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. Galatians 3:27

Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:24

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10

Wake up, wake up, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength .Put on your beautiful clothes, Isaiah 52:1

Instead of having a bad day, put on the right clothes for the day.
Bob Lipsys

Swine Flu

Here is an email I just received from Pastor Bojan Jancic, City Light Church, New York.

In yesterday's service I ministered on the integrity of the Word of God and the ability of God's Word to shield you, protect you, work for you, and prosper you. The Word of God is God Himself, and when you speak it, the Holy Spirit moves over that Word to bring it to pass in your life. "Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it." Jeremiah 1:12 (Amplified Bible)

Today, we are hearing outbreaks of the deadly swine flu, which has more cases of it in New York than any other state. When SARS broke out in Asia back in 2003, many people panicked as the threat of this pandemic took many lives. However, there are several churches in Southeast Asia, some with memberships of over 17,000 people that DID NOT SEE ONE CASE of SARS break out in their church. Why?

Because they believed and confessed God's promises of protection found in His Word. David called God's Word "my shield and my buckler." I am writing you today to encourage you to fear not. I believe that not one person who believes God's promises will experience the swine flu. You can rest easy knowing that you are tucked away in the secret place of the most high, and no evil thing will come near you (Psalms 91).

I am including several scriptures on God's protection for you to memorize, meditate on, and speak over your life. Remember, the Word of God will literally WORK on your behalf, if you believe it and speak it. I am also including a prayer manual I compiled many years ago that is filled with various scriptures on many topics. It will be a great aid to you as you seek to put His Word first place in your life.
Be blessed and enjoy living in DIVINE HEALTH!

P.S. A great passage to commit to memory is Psalm 91. History tells of many believers citing this passage as the one that shielded them from the bubonic plague that devastated medieval Europe.
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See City Light Church’s web site at
http://www.citylightnyc.com/
Bojan is a great preacher – There is some excellent preaching to download on the site. He is a captivating presenter of God’s Word with a great sense of humour.
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Is Pastor Bojan Overstating God’s Protection?
Not if you read God’s Word.
Read Psalm 91 and ask God what His will for you is.
Bob Lipsys, Australia


Psalm 91 (The Message)
You who sit down in the High God's presence,
spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"
That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"

Being Normal

"I have come to see that the normal Christian life means miracles, spiritual intervention and revelation. It means peace, joy, love, a sense of well-being and purpose - all these traits that ellude so many Christians. Written into the spiritual DNA of every believer is an appetite for the impossible that cannot be ignored or wished away. The Holy Spirit, the very Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, making it impossible for us to be content with what we can only see, hear, touch, taste and smell. Our hearts know there is much more to life than what we perceive with our senses; we are spiritually agitated by the lack of connection with the realm of the supernatural".

Bill Johnson - "The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind" - Destiny Image, Shippensburg (2005) - (p31).
See http://www.ibethel.org

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The statement “He / She lived a normal Christian Life” now has a much deeper meaning. Seek God so that this is how people will remember you.
Be Blessed in Jesus
Bob Lipsys

Paralysed by failure

Failures for the believer are always temporary.
God loves you and me so much that he will
allow almost any failure if the end result
is that we become more like Jesus.
Forsake your wimp factor,
take a step and be proactive.
by George Verwer – Operation Mobilisation
http://www.georgeverwer.com

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Failure paralyses. Feelings of unworthiness stifle our faith. Guilt breaks our will. Satan uses failure to degrade, put down, accuse and undermine.

Peter failed Jesus in the worst way. He denied knowing Jesus when Jesus was suffering. Failure paralysed him. He gave up his ministry and returned to his occupation as a fisherman. Totally defeated Peter had given up.

Jesus met Peter where he was at. Jesus had not rejected him. He prompted Peter to return. It began with a miracle. Then Breakfast-a meal with Jesus. And finally restoration. Here is the story:

John 21:3-17 Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing." The rest of them replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him. Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?" They answered, "No." He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens." They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Master!" When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it. Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught." Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip. Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Master. Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep." Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Have you failed?
It is time to get together with Jesus.
Bob Lipsys

And they were all healed

"How many people came to Jesus for healing and left sick? None. How many came to Him for deliverance and left His Presence still under torment? None. How many life-threatening storms did Jesus bless? None. How many times did Jesus withhold a miracle because the person came to Him had too little faith? Never. He often addressed their small faith or unbelief but He always left them with a miracle as a way to greater faith. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, perfectly illustrated the will of God the Father. To think otherwise is to put the Father and the Son at odds".
Bill Johnson - "Face to Face with God - The Ultimate Quest to Experience His Presence" - Charisma House Publishing (2007) - (pp184-185).

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If we live according to the principles of the Reformation; Christ alone. Faith alone. Scripture alone; then Bill Johnson’s words ring true. Jesus desires to heal all. Too often we have based our beliefs about healing on our experience rather then on the Word of God. Our experience is: Very few people we pray for are completely healed.
Two false conclusions are drawn based on experience:
a) God does not heal all. (or some believe “at all today”)
b) The person we are praying for does not have enough faith, or has unforgiveness or sin in their life etc and that this prevents healing.

Rather then align our “Theology” with our experience, we need to realign our experience with God’s Word. If people are not being healed, it is we, the pray-ers that need to change. Jesus healed all who came to Him whether they had faith or not, or sin in their life or not.

Mark 16:17-18 (New International Version)
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

James 5:13-15 (New Living Translation)
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

According to God’s Word healing is a sign that follows believers in Jesus.

Acts 28:7-9 (New International Version)
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.

Acts 5:14-16 (New Living Translation)
Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women. As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.

And they were all healed…. That is God’s will for the sick.
Bob Lipsys

When your dreams die…….

We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing.
2 Corinthians 8-10 (The Message)

Paul, just like you and me, saw his God inspired dreams die. Sent by God into Asia to bring the Good News of Jesus to the people, he probably expected welcoming doors to open. However he and his team experienced the opposite. Closed doors of steel lay before them at every turn. Pain, rejection, punishment, and failure. Paul writes that they thought they were going to die. Things were that tough.

When his dreams lay broken before him, when all seemed lost, the Holy Spirit reminded him that God is the God who raises the dead. Right in the middle of his crushed dreams, he turned to God. He turned in faith to “trust God totally.” And his dream rose from the ashes.

That dream God gave you. That impossible dream He placed on your heart. That dream that was crushed and ripped from you. That dream that died….. Good News….God raises the dead….He raised Jesus…. Put your faith in Him.
Bob Lipsys

Ordinary Extraordinary

I think that someday when we get to Heaven, we’re going to be amazed at how many things in this life were actually activities of great spiritual worth, but we thought they were just everyday, human things that God didn’t really care about.
Jim Driscoll http://www.stirthewater.com

One of the most significant words God has spoken into my life was: “Take your girls for a walk.” Nothing super-Spiritual about that. However during that walk with my wife and 2 very young daughters, God spoke into our lives. The end result was that we left all that was secure in our lives (A career I loved, financial security, our positions in the local community, good house, friends, Church and ministry, and our dreams) to follow God’s call into the ‘unknown’. We ended up 850km away, totally reliant on God, His provision and His security.

Over 7 years we lived where our income did not meet our expenses. Yet we lived these years without debt. In our everyday lives we experienced God’s presence, His faithfulness and His provision. We always had enough for our needs plus enough to give. By the end of the 7 years we had four children who all had experienced God providing for their needs. We now have four children with deep faith.

Faith is grown in everyday experience, as we interact with God. According to the Bible, that is the sort of faith that pleases God. Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Want to experience God? Then begin in your everyday life. Ask yourself the question: “What do you want me to do next Lord?” And keep asking it and obeying Him.

Bob Lipsys

Need healing? Then Easter is good news for you.

I'm willing to help you, I'm willing to heal
I've borne all your sufferings, I know how you feel
Your pain can be ended, my power is real
I'm willing to help you, I'm willing to heal
©Don Francisco “Willing to Heal” from the “He’s alive” album

When Jesus died on the cross He died in my place and in your place. He suffered for our sin, so that we could be put right with God. On the cross Jesus took our sin. When we put our faith in Him, we receive His righteousness as our own. It is certain.

Just as certain is that Jesus died for our sickness, our brokenness and our diseases. His suffering and death also brings healing to us.

Consider these Bible Passages:
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Jesus is willing to forgive you, reconcile you with God the Father, and heal you.
That is what Easter is all about.
Bob Lipsys, Australia

You’re not talented enough, gifted enough, smart enough.......

“You’re not talented enough, gifted enough, smart enough, educated enough, equipped enough, good looking or beautiful enough to carry out God’s cause or purpose for your life!” ….However,.. “God is not looking at your ability” but at your heart
Paul Kafentzis http://www.finishingstrong.co.za/

Too often I’ve shrunk back from God’s call on my life because I’ve looked at my natural gifting. I know that I just have not got what it takes to do what God is calling me to do. His “vision” is beyond my abilities.

Paul Kafentzis however got the point across to me in the great quote above. He is right. In our natural selves, we just don’t have what it takes. But, serving God is not about having the abilities or “the look.” It is all about having a heart that is firmly set on God. That is why we are told to “Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.” We can’t fulfil our vision in our strength and abilities.

God’s vision for our lives is a God sized vision. We need to work closely with Him to fulfil it. Soak up the Bible reading below, then check out Paul Kafentzis’ site.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV)
Bob Lipsys

Doing the stuff part 2 - Healing

Last night at the "Sure Foundations" course at Church
Pastor Kevin spoke about "Laying on Hands" for healing,
impartation of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the
Holy Spirit. Linked to all this was prophetic words,
the guidance of the Holy Spirit and living right with a
repentant, forgiven, and cleansed by Jesus, spirit.

Pastor Kevin encouraged us to be involved in Laying on
hands and healing others. He said that there should be
a lot more healing taking place in the Church and outside,
for it is God's desire to heal. We need to trust God and His
Word and pray for others. We need to ask God for the words to
pray in each situation and see Jesus save and heal.

Anyway, we had barely got 10 steps out the room when we
came across a Church member with a "shoulder problem".
Within seconds three of us had laid our hands on the
shoulder and were praying for healing. We were not even
in the car-park yet.

We need to act on what we have learned from God. Be bold.
Go and do what God says. He says that believers in Jesus
"will lay hands on the sick and they will get well." Mark 16:18
Making the sick well is God's job. Our task as believers
is to believe God will heal and lay our hands on them in
response to God's Word.

The simple trust in a Good loving God and His Word is enough.
But if we do not act on it people will simply not be healed.

Bob Lipsys, Australia

What's next, Dad?

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Dad?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us — an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him! Romans 8:15-17 (The Message )

What's next, Dad?

You are walking in God’s life and revival when this is the question of your life, the longing of your heart. This is when hard times turn you towards God rather then away from Him. It is when your focus is on Him not on your present circumstances.

For many, religion is “a grave tending life.” It is doctrines and rules. It is life without God. How boring! No wonder people avoid Church. But God is not about religion.

I know that I am only truly alive when I am walking with my Father God. I am only truly alive when I am asking God “What's next, Dad?”

Is this what they say of you in heaven? - He/she is our brother/sister and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him/her to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 1Thessalonians 3:2 (New Living Translation)

Your Destiny is in God
Bob Lipsys

A tough month

I've had a tough month. My work load has been intense. Up 6.00am, often after getting to bed at 1am. Exhausted, worn out, broken and weary. At these times feelings of personal failure overwhelm me at times. Even when in bed, my mind starts to race going through all I need to complete. Everything negative is magnified. Positives quickly fade.

I've been surviving on words from God. Sometimes shouts, often whispers. These words come from various sources.

a) My local church (The Burdekin Community Church). I am studying a course at Church with Pastor Kevin called "Sure Foundations." And it is true. If our life foundations are built on the Rock - Jesus - we are secure. The greatest storms can blow and mightiest waves can hit us head on, yet we will be left standing. Not because of our own strength but because of Jesus. I make time to complete the course work and home study.

b) Bethel Church, Redding CA. As a subscriber to "ibethelTV" I listen to all their services during the week. Often when I am going to sleep, and during breakfast/meals. etc. Faith, life and healing are released in me. I have something to give to others, Touched by Jesus I touch others with His power and love and words. http://www.ibethel.org/

c) Worship Music - It fills the House when I am home. I just soak it up. "Praising God changes the atmosphere." I have gentle soaking music playing in the background when working.

d) Other Good worship and teaching from time to time: Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, Bill Prankard, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth & Gloria Copeland etc See my links

e) JunctionJ-Community http://www.junctionjcommunity.com/ an internet Christian Community. Here I pray for people,get prayed for, contribute to discussions - be part of a Christian Group when I am unable to travel to one. I can spend 10 minutes here and come back to my work refreshed.

Back to the grindstone,
Refreshed however by God's Word
Bob Lipsys

Open Up Heaven

From time to time we come across songs that “sum up our life.” Here is one that sums up mine. Kim walker and Justin Byrne’s song “Open up Heaven” hits the mark, it touches my spirit. Bob Lipsys

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Open Up Heaven

When heaven opens, over me,
I'm... saturated in love
Dancing deeper, in creativity
...nothing is impossible for me
Stirring passion, dreams awakened,
Heaven opened, is what I long to see...

It's the promise I was made for, born for
To see heaven open up on earth
It's everything I'd fight for, I'd die for
To see heaven invade this earth

Chorus
Open up... heaven
We will party with the angels
There is nothing better
We're ready for encounters with You

Reformation, Transformation, Revolution,
...It's our destiny
A generation, designed to worship,
we have Jesus and his presence
is all we need...

I live for Your presence
You are life to my heart
I live for Your presence
From Your love I will never part

© Kim Walker and Justin Byrne
See Jesus Culture Music
http://www.jesusculturemusic.org

Facing delay

When God allows us to be hemmed in by impossibilities, He is merely setting the stage for us to experience the miraculous!
quote by Marc A. Dupont

We give up on God too soon. In our takeaway world we are always in a rush. We expect God to be in one too. “Now Lord now – You must act now.” However, unlike us, God is never in a hurry. He knows the end from the beginning and He takes His time.

His time is the right time for us. The delays are for our benefit, not His. God is for us not against us. His delays are for us too.

In the delay we either give up or we come a lot closer to God. Delays purify faith, because delays get rid of all that is not faith – Wishful thinking, hype, emotion and hope in our own ability. These quickly fade in the face of delay.

After delay, long delay, there is an emptiness about us. Our faith which once seemed as big as the mountains we sought to move, lies shattered in a small heap before us. It looks so weak and fragile. However this is faith that has held onto God through the tough wilderness times. This purified raw trust in God has been concentrated through the process. Nothing is left in it to water it down.

Then God whispers “now,” and the creative miracles are released.

Be Free
Bob Lipsys

The most trying year of testing and refining

If you are going through a year of trials, tests, problems, struggles and difficulties the words of this song will “Blow your Socks off.” –I’m still looking for mine.
If you have obeyed God’s voice and yet found yourself in the wilderness, have a Listen to it on Phil Joel’s website, see below.

Desperate
by Phil Joel

Lord, thank You for these days
Lord, thank You for these days
This has been the most trying year
Of testing and refining here
And I wouldn’t have it any other way
Lord, thank You for these days
And I will always choose to praise You

Lord, thank You for this place
Lord, thank You for Your grace
There is mercy in the midst of tests
An oasis in this wilderness
And Your light to lead my way
Lord, thank You for this place
And I will always choose to praise You

And I wanna stay
Desperate
I will remain
Desperate
For You

Lord I thank You for this rain
Healing waters when there’s pain
There are rivers of Your providence
Surrounding our obedience
In Your faithfulness, I put my faith
So Lord I thank You for this rain
And I will always choose to praise You

I wanna stay
Desperate
I will remain
Desperate
For You

Oh Jesus
For You Holy Spirit
For You O’ my Father
For You, for You
All my days I’ll sing Your praises

©Phil Joel, “Deliberate People” Album 2006

Hear the song on Phil Joel’s Site
http://www.deliberatepeople.com
Go to music, “Deliberate People”
fast forward the player to song 4
(listen to the whole album)
Listen to all the Albums.
Great Songs

Drink deep at the Oasis God has provided for you
Bob Lipsys

Children's Worship Songs

I was on itunes looking for Worship songs for Children's Church.

I came across Phil Joel's "Deliberate Kids" album.
This is one great kids worship album.
Phil was formally in the "Newsboys" and this album reflects that style and quality of music.

I looked up Phil's website "Deliberate People"
http://www.deliberatepeople.com/
Great Adult Christian Music Too.

Are there any more recommendations for Children's Worship songs????

Blessings to you as you live for Jesus
Bob Lipsys

Dealing with troubles

Troubles will come into our lives. Big, small, bad and ugly troubles. Some are just annoying. Others have the potential to bend us and break us and bring us down in life.

You can bow or bend to trouble or you can bow before God, and seek His help. Faith in God will bring you through.

Jesus said that we need a good foundation in our lives to withstand trouble. That is, we need good relationship with God. Jesus said that the person who builds their lives on God can withstand any problem or trouble which comes their way in life.

Matthew 7:24-25 (NLB) "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Those who have Jesus as their foundation will still be standing after hit by the biggest storms in life. This is not because of who they are, but because of the great foundation their lives are based on.

The Holy Spirit inspired these words:
1 Peter 1:5-7 (NLB) And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

The storms hit and afterwards you are still standing. The value of your faith is revealed.

If a trouble is overwhelming you at present, don’t focus on the storm. Look to and build up your foundation in Jesus. It does not matter how big or wild the storm is because Jesus the foundation of your lives is bigger and stronger than any storm.

Be freed from fear in Jesus' name
Bob Lipsys

Some of the folks say Jesus Christ did miracles to prove His divinity. I do not say He did not, but I say that Jesus Christ did miracles because He could not help Himself .... It was His very nature to do so. When He was in the presence of the sick ones He healed them all. He did not do it to establish His divinity, but because it was just like Him to do it. It would not have been like Him if He had not. Well, if He healed folks in those days it is logical that He does it now, because His nature has not changed .... He cannot help Himself.
Dr. Herman B. Betten – He worked in the healing ministry with John G Lake.

Need Healing,
Jesus heals today!
It is His very nature to heal.
He reveals the heart of the God the Father
who proclaimed: “I am the Lord who heals you.”

Look to the Lord, for He is Good.
Bob Lipsys

Drenched and dripping with the power of God.

We ought to live every day as though we've come out of another world into this world - but with the power of that world still upon us. We should live and speak and move in that power, and have our whole being in Jesus Christ!
John Wesley

Last week someone was very surprised that I go to Church each week. They said, "You are not Catholic, you don't have to go. Why would you go?"

(I did not tell them I also go to "Church" each day - via the net, worship CDs, teaching CDs etc - I did not want to completely blow their minds. They were surprised enough.)

I don't go to Church for Church. I go to meet God with a group of friends who are committed to me. Via worship we enter another world, another dimension. Being together with God empowers our lives and our spirits. On Sunday I got prayed for out the front. That prayer is still bubbling through me, doing its powerful work. There is power in prayer that is inspired by God. It releases one for the destiny God has for them.

John Wesley was so right. Each day we do come from another world. We come drenched and dripping with the power of God.
Bob Lipsys

Jesus frees us from our addictions

Today we had Doug & Anna Boyle speak at Church.
Here is a couple who love the people of Kazakhstan.
Through Jesus, many people there have been freed from
drug and alcohol addictions. This includes children of
very young ages.

At great personal cost, Doug and Anna have established
Teen Challenge programs which have touched and healed
thousands of people. Anna has set up a school to help
the children, linked to teen challenge, have a second chance
at life. These children would have missed out on an education
without this school.

Doug and Anna have raised up 160 local people
over the years to take a lead in continuing this work
of love. Many others assist.

According to Doug, Jesus is the only answer to addictions.
Jesus gives hope to the hopeless. He is the only one
who can help.

Doug and Anna are demonstrating in practical ways
how much God loves the people of Kazakhstan.
Bob Lipsys

Financial Encouragement

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (By Paul in Philippians 4:19 NLB).

Good News in the Economic Downturn

I have held many things in my hands,
and I have lost them all;
but whatever I have placed in God's hands,
that I still possess.
Martin Luther

The collapse of the share market and the associated implosion of a large prosperous financial company, have sent many in our community into financial difficulty. Like Luther, they once held wealth in their hands and have lost it all. Secure futures are now in doubt and comfortable retirements have been put on hold.

But there is good news. What you have put into God's hands has not dived in value. Years of faithful giving to Him are not devalued by an economic downturn. God is still multiplying your giving 100 times, sixty times and thirty times. Peter wrote
that believers have "an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you:" 1 Peter 1:4. I used to think that we could only access that inheritance at a future time. I now know that the reason it is in heaven is to preserve it and increase its value. It is in heaven so that we can access it whenever we need it. Being in heaven guarantees us access to our finance at any time 365-24-7.

Givers can rejoice in God, even if they have lost on temporary money markets. What they have given to God is still there to bless both themselves and others.
Bob Lipsys

Prayer inspiration.

Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance.
It is laying hold of God's willingness.
George Mueller

I Love this Quote.
It is the essence of a new way of praying and viewing God.

When you pray do you go to change God's mind
or to open your mind to the good things
your Heavenly Father has for you?
Go to God.
He has some great things to give you.
Spend time with Him.
Find out what they are.

Be blessed - real good - by a good God
Bob Lipsys

Submission to God is a beautiful thing

At Church today I saw a 'person' at the front of the Church. They were glowing so white that I could hardly look at them.(I knew I was seeing the spirit of someone, the 'redeemed spirit' of someone. I thought it was a woman, but don't know how I knew as there were no identifying features.) The person was kneeling in submission to God. While still kneeling they leaned forward and looked like they were laying themselves (folded over) into a grave. The thought hit me, "They are laying down their life for God". As they 'melted' into the grave a shell of a seed unfurled from below them and wrapped around them. They turned into a seed. The seed was ornately carved. I thought "I can't wait to see what it grows into."

The whole 'event' was one of the most beautiful things I've seen. Laying down your life in submission to God is a beautiful thing. Seen by God's perspective wow. I am still awed by the vision.

When do we get to do the stuff?

“When do we get to do the stuff? You know, the stuff here in the Bible; the stuff Jesus did, like healing the sick, raising the dead, healing the blind - stuff like that?”
John Wimber

This is the question which drove the late John Wimber into the presence of God. He was not satisfied reading about miracles and healings in the Bible. He wanted to be a co-worker with God. He wanted to “do the stuff” of the Bible. God honoured his faith. Miracles and healings broke out in the church once again.

As you participate in your church this week ask the Lord, “When do we get to do the stuff?” Let it drive you into God’s presence. As you see what the Father is doing in Heaven, be part of God’s Kingdom here on Earth. Be a co-worker with God on the Earth. Be one who does “the stuff.”

Be a blessing
“Do the stuff”
Bob Lipsys

When you are living in deep darkness.

When your life is filled with darkness, when you can no longer see the way ahead, when hope fades and disappears; You need a word from God.

God’s word brings life. It releases hope. It opens your eyes so that you can see right through the dark. God’s word takes hold of a good future and pulls it into your present. Jesus described it as the Kingdom of God being right with you today.

Take hold of God’s word with all your being. Bob Lipsys

PS Here are some words which sustained and brought me life today:

God … brings victory in the darkness.... If you're going through some times where it looks like devastation in your life...and things look very, very disgusting and discouraging, I want to remind you of something: Holy Spirit is right outside your door, in the dark, evaluating the situation.... Holy Spirit knows how to move in your darkness.... He's examining and inspecting and evaluating your situation. And believe me, it might seem like God is not up to much; it might seem like you don't see anything happening, but Holy Spirit is looking it over. He's coming up with a plan, and believe me, He won't just look it over; He'll return and He'll help you.
by Pastor John Kilpatrick--a sermon, Nehemiah, Portrait of the Holy Spirit

Is experiencing God important?

Bill Johnson pastor of Bethel Church, Redding California believes so. In his book "When Heaven invades Earth," he writes: '...God cannot be known apart from experience. Randy Clark puts it this way: "Anyone who doesn't have an experience with God, doesn't know God." God is a person, not a philosophy or a concept.'
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The Bible from beginning to end is about people who experienced God. They talk with Him. Are healed by Him. They experience miracles. People prosper in drought times, defeat great armies, are saved from impossible situations, all because they know God.
God is part of their lives. Actually, most of the people in the Bible first got to know God through experiencing His intervention in their lives.

I grew up in a Church which focused on having an "objective knowledge" of God. That is knowing about God from the Bible and the Church's doctrines. Personal experience was looked down on. It was preached that we no longer needed miracles or personal experience because we now have the whole Bible. Because of that many people in the Church looked outside of God for help when sick or in need. God was seen as only a last resort.

The sad thing is that God wants to be known. It is His will to heal, to save to set free. God wants to intervene in financial situations and in relationships that are breaking down. God has the miracle needed for your situation. He wants to do these things because he wants you to know Him personally. The only way this can happen is by experience. You need to experience God.

God is closer then you think
Bob Lipsys

Healing Words.

The Bible is full of words which bring healing and life. Here are just a few. These words are not “mantras” to be aimlessly repeated. They are not “spells.” These scriptures do not bring “good luck.” These are promises from the living God to you. As you read these words put your faith, trust and hope in the God who inspired them. The Heavenly Father is carefully watching His words to see that they are fulfilled.

Exodus 15:26d
….I am the LORD, who heals you."

Exodus 23:25-26
Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in
your land. I will give you a full life span.

Psalm 91:16
With long life will I satisfy them
and show them my salvation.

Psalm 103:1-3
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

Psalm 107:20
He sent forth his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.

Psalm 118:17
I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

Proverbs 4:20-23
My son/daughter, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to a person’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely he (Jesus) took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

Jeremiah 1:12
The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."

Hold on to God’s Word in your heart. God is watching His words to see that they happen for you too. Let the healing power and love of God fill your life. Healing flows out of a relationship with God.
Blessings are falling around you,
Bob Lipsys

Staring intimidation in the face

One Sunday Morning, as I was worshiping in church, I saw in a vision, a very angry cat looking directly at me. I could see the eyes trying to stare me down. The eyes were angry yellow and the pupils were very narrow black slits.

So I am standing in the Church and these large eyes are right in front of me. I am face to face with this angry cat. (I could only see its eyes.)

I asked God about the cat and He said "The spiritual being is trying to make people afraid. It is a spirit of intimidation."

As I stared at the cat I felt it trying to stare me down to intimidate me. I however was not fearful at all. I was being filled with faith, the Holy Spirit was being poured on me.

The Lord spoke to me and said " How do you get rid of a wild cat?" I was some-what surprised by the question. Then, I saw a huge bucket of water thrown at the cat. The cat disappeared - it was gone. I knew the water was the Holy Spirit

To get rid of the fears (and demons) from your life, family, workplace or community; ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit in vast quantities.

Lord soak our lives in the Holy Spirit “Please turn on the Light and let the darkness flee"-
Blessings
Bob Lipsys
ps Throw another bucket of the Holy Spirit on us Lord, Amen.

Should I trade my Bible for a Science Book?

Here is a quote from the Naked Pastor’s Blog
“Recently I spoke with a good friend who has left the church and Christianity because he was reading science, agreed with some conclusions, and automatically felt alienated from his beliefs. He felt, and often this is true, that he had a choice: science or faith.” from http://www.nakedpastor.com/
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The above quote typifies a “intellectual block” many put forward towards the gospel.
They think science disproves the Bible in some way or other. I believe this claim requires a serious examination. Here is my response.

Before you put your faith in a modern science book, take a look at one from the early 1900's. I did, and as a Science teacher I'd say most of the information in it would be considered laughable if it were taught in universities or schools today. (eg the book stated that humans could not travel faster then the speed of sound etc). In 50 years time, the science we are now basing our lives on will likewise be surpassed. It will be replaced by more advanced theories and technologies.

No-one today puts their faith in a 100 year old science book. Yet many base their lives on the Bible which is 1900 years - 3500 years old, and they live successfully believing and living it. Based on the Bible, my marriage works, I have good relationships with and the respect of my teenage children, I know the Lord God, I receive comfort and strength, I've stood through many great storms in life, and I have always had hope.

In 50 years time today’s science books will be at the local rubbish tip. The Bible will still be the most read and trusted book in the world.
Why? It Works.

Why give up your faith in God for theories in a book that will no longer be around in 50 years time?


Blessings are falling round you,
Bob Lipsys

Then, in a week everything changed.

G’day from Australia,
A short word of encouragement for those of you struggling through life
feeling forgotten even by God....

Last year I was having a ‘good whinge’ to God about the delay to the fulfilment of a “dream He had placed in our hearts.”.........
Having patience and waiting is very hard at times.

When I got to the end of my lament, an ad came on ABC TV, our national broadcaster.

An elderly man was talking of a harsh drought he’d been through. He ended with these words. "Then the rains came, and in a week everything changed."

That describes God perfectly. You can try all sorts of things during a drought. None of them really work. You just have to wait patiently for the rain. But, when it comes, everything quickly changes. In a week everything is different.

Patient and frustrated one, soon you will be testifying: “Then the Lord God came, and in a week everything changed.”
Bob Lipsys

Love finds you

We think that we will find love by being strong,
by getting our act together,
by changing ourselves into “better” people.

Yet, Love finds us when we are weak,
when we are lost and struggling,
when our life is falling apart because
of our own decisions and choices.

The Father's Love is Love that finds you.

Have faith just like a mustard seed has faith

Sometimes the smallest insight can refresh the meaning of a whole passage in the Bible. It can get us to look at the Bible from a new perspective. Simple truths have a way of impacting “our lives” in a big way. They can also challenge some of our long held beliefs and mindsets. They can free us and release us to serve God at a new level.

Below is an example of such an insight. I found this on the “Life Coaching with Pastor Hous” web site. The http is listed below.
Bob Lipsys
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Mustard Seed Faith by Pastor Hous

There are two separate mustard seed stories in the New Testament of the Bible.
In one of them, Jesus tells us that if "we had faith AS a mustard seed, we could ____"

I did an in-depth study of the original language of the Bible, and learned that "as" in this case, is an adverbial particle and not an adjectival particle. What does that mean?
It means to have faith as a mustard seed has faith (adverbial), not to have faith the size of a mustard seed (adjectival).

How does a mustard seed have faith?
Simple.
It simply does what it was made to do. And miracles follow. It doesn't question. It doesn't complain. It never doubts. It doesn't compare itself to others seeds.
It just does its thing.

You are a little seed planted in the grand garden of creation. You started as a single cell in your mother's womb; even smaller than a mustard seed.

Just do your thing!
And miracles will follow.

Daily Life Coaching
with Pastor Hous
http://www.robinwoodchurch.com

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Check out Pastor Hous’ site. A lot of “gems of insight” can be “mined” there.

Blessings are falling all around you,
Bob Lipsys