I recently celebrated my birthday. One of my daughters surprised me with a painting of a ‘vision’ I had some time ago. At that time I saw a dense forest of white leafless trees. Brightly colored spheres, like balloons were rising from the branches and floating up to heaven. As I look at my daughters painting tonight it strikes me that these spheres of praise and thanks to God are creating the atmosphere that exists around and over the trees. It is a ‘party’ atmosphere – with much Joy, happiness, peace and celebration.
Praise and thanksgiving to God change the atmosphere in which we live. The bleak, black background in my daughters painting is pushed back into the distance by the brightly colored praise spheres on the trees. The life of the tree is not in the seasonal conditions it experiences. Rather the life of the tree is in the heavenly fruit it produces. This fruit changes the atmosphere.
Your life is not dictated by the circumstances in which you find yourself today. Rather it is the heavenly fruit rising from your life that sets the atmosphere. Enjoy it.
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A lot of pain but a lot more healing
I’ve been having a praise night tonight using Godfrey Birtill’s songs. Brilliant, I am so full of Joy at present. Here is a song I re-lived tonight . Godfrey Birtill is a worship leader in the UK. A number of his songs, including this one are available on You-tube. Be blessed. Bob Lipsys - Australia
Outrageous Grace (There's A Lot Of Pain)
By Godfrey Birtill© Thankyou Music 2000
There's a lot of pain
But a lot more healing
There's a lot of trouble
But a lot more peace
There's a lot of hate
But a lot more loving
There's a lot of sin
But a lot more grace
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Love unfurled by heavens hand
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Through my Jesus I can stand
There's a lot of fear
But a lot more freedom
There's a lot of darkness
But a lot more light
There's a lot of cloud
But a lot more vision
There's a lot of perishing
But a lot more Life!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Love unfurled by heavens hand
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Through my Jesus I can stand
There's an enemy
That seeks to kill what it can't control
It twists and turns
Making mountains out of molehills
But I will call on the Lord
Who is worthy of praise
I run to Him and I am saved!
Godfrey Birtill © Thankyou Music 2000
Outrageous Grace (There's A Lot Of Pain)
By Godfrey Birtill© Thankyou Music 2000
There's a lot of pain
But a lot more healing
There's a lot of trouble
But a lot more peace
There's a lot of hate
But a lot more loving
There's a lot of sin
But a lot more grace
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Love unfurled by heavens hand
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Through my Jesus I can stand
There's a lot of fear
But a lot more freedom
There's a lot of darkness
But a lot more light
There's a lot of cloud
But a lot more vision
There's a lot of perishing
But a lot more Life!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Love unfurled by heavens hand
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Oh Outrageous Grace!
Through my Jesus I can stand
There's an enemy
That seeks to kill what it can't control
It twists and turns
Making mountains out of molehills
But I will call on the Lord
Who is worthy of praise
I run to Him and I am saved!
Godfrey Birtill © Thankyou Music 2000
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Facing the impossible today? …I hope so….
But Jesus looked at them and said: "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)
“When God asks me to do the impossible, I know He will equip me with His power and ability to fulfill the task.”……. “You can know the true Jesus because He demands the impossible. That is how you can identify Him. That is Jesus every time, telling you to do what is beyond your natural abilities. Kill Goliath! ... Be a giant, not a grasshopper! ... Move mountains! ... Be perfect! ... Walk on the waves! ... Cleanse the lepers! ... Raise the dead! ... Teach all nations! ... Preach the Gospel to every creature!” Quote by Reinhard Bonnke
Facing the impossible today? …I hope so…. Bob Lipsys, Australia.
“When God asks me to do the impossible, I know He will equip me with His power and ability to fulfill the task.”……. “You can know the true Jesus because He demands the impossible. That is how you can identify Him. That is Jesus every time, telling you to do what is beyond your natural abilities. Kill Goliath! ... Be a giant, not a grasshopper! ... Move mountains! ... Be perfect! ... Walk on the waves! ... Cleanse the lepers! ... Raise the dead! ... Teach all nations! ... Preach the Gospel to every creature!” Quote by Reinhard Bonnke
Facing the impossible today? …I hope so…. Bob Lipsys, Australia.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Go away - We don't want any.
We were watching a TV program which was interrupted by commercials. One was a preview of the ‘Simpsons’. In it Homer opened the door only to find the Grim Reaper. ‘Who are you?’ Homer asks. ‘Death’ is the reply. Homer slams the door shut, saying: ‘Go away, we don’t want any.’ He used the tone he would use to get rid of an annoying sales person.
My eldest daughter said: ”Christians should be like that.” I said “What?“ She said, “We should close the door on sickness and death as quick as Homer did.”
She’s right. Jesus said “ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. Jesus closes the door on theft, death and destruction.
Bob Lipsys, Australia
My eldest daughter said: ”Christians should be like that.” I said “What?“ She said, “We should close the door on sickness and death as quick as Homer did.”
She’s right. Jesus said “ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. Jesus closes the door on theft, death and destruction.
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Saturday, September 3, 2011
A Life That Counts
"Lord, make me a crisis man. Let me not be a mile-post on a single road, but make me a fork that men must turn one way or another in facing Christ in me." Jim Elliott (Martyred Missionary to Ecuador 1927 – 1956)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Lamb or Lion?
Today I read a news article which expected Christians
to be passive, to not cause waves, to compromise
and fall in line with the spirit of this age. Any Christian
who spoke contrary to the view expressed,
was condemned as being unloving and anti-social.
After all, the writers proclaimed “Aren’t true Christians
meant to be accepting, loving, meek people.“
This bothered me. Christians should be on the cutting edge,
not in the back room accepting any new fad that comes along.
Later in the day I read a short message by Kamran Yaraei.
Here is a quote from it:
“Christianity is not just about being nice, meek and naïve.
There is a time to be a lamb and there is a time to be a lion.
Most of us know how to be lambs,
now let us ask God the Father to teach us how to be lions.
We are children of the Lion and the Lamb.
It is a very strange combination.
… May your hands never shake as you face the enemy.
May God impart boldness and courage
into your heart, day and night.”
Quote from Food for the Heart, by Kamran Yaraei
Roar Loud Today - Bob Lipsys, Australia
to be passive, to not cause waves, to compromise
and fall in line with the spirit of this age. Any Christian
who spoke contrary to the view expressed,
was condemned as being unloving and anti-social.
After all, the writers proclaimed “Aren’t true Christians
meant to be accepting, loving, meek people.“
This bothered me. Christians should be on the cutting edge,
not in the back room accepting any new fad that comes along.
Later in the day I read a short message by Kamran Yaraei.
Here is a quote from it:
“Christianity is not just about being nice, meek and naïve.
There is a time to be a lamb and there is a time to be a lion.
Most of us know how to be lambs,
now let us ask God the Father to teach us how to be lions.
We are children of the Lion and the Lamb.
It is a very strange combination.
… May your hands never shake as you face the enemy.
May God impart boldness and courage
into your heart, day and night.”
Quote from Food for the Heart, by Kamran Yaraei
Roar Loud Today - Bob Lipsys, Australia
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Wild Goose Chase
John Scotland has written a brilliant blog article on the Holy Spirit called the Wild Goose Chase. I present it here for those who have not come across John before. In his chase of this “Wild Goose” John has become a controversial figure. However his ministry has touched many, including myself. Bob Lipsys – Australia.
Wild Goose Chase by John Scotland
Visit http://www.johnscotland.org/
The Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit, they called him the “Wild Goose”. The name gives us a hint of the mysterious nature of the third member of the Godhead.
A wild goose, (hence the name Wild) cannot be tamed. So it is with the Holy Spirit, he is unpredictable, and you never know where you are going to end up if you start chasing him, but unlike the name suggests, it is not a pointless chase.
The present day church have this mind set that to follow the Spirit is pointless, and regard it is a wild goose chase in the traditional sense of the concept.
They try to fit God into the confines of their thinking, and the grey matter that surrounds their understanding of the Spirit cp. Prov. 3:5.
The Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed, there is always an element of danger in the air and unpredictability, when you seek to take up the chase and follow Him.
We have tried in vain to clip the wings of the wild goose and as a result, have ended up settling for something far less than what God originally intended for us.
Hence the reason why so many people are bored with church service, its endless programs and upbeat music, often a substitute for the Spirits Presence, which cannot and will not replace the thrill of the chase, when it comes to following the leading of the Spirit of God in our personal lives.
Jesus when answering Nicodemus, incidentally, a religious leader of the jews, was surprised that He Nicodemus, did not understand this principle of the wild goose, and told Nicodemus that the Spirit was like the wind, “you don’t know where it comes from and you don’t know where it goes”. John 3:8.
If you chase the Wild Goose, he will take you to places, (I am speaking from experience) you never could have imagined and by paths you never thought existed.
From the blog of John Scotland
Visit http://www.johnscotland.org/
Wild Goose Chase by John Scotland
Visit http://www.johnscotland.org/
The Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit, they called him the “Wild Goose”. The name gives us a hint of the mysterious nature of the third member of the Godhead.
A wild goose, (hence the name Wild) cannot be tamed. So it is with the Holy Spirit, he is unpredictable, and you never know where you are going to end up if you start chasing him, but unlike the name suggests, it is not a pointless chase.
The present day church have this mind set that to follow the Spirit is pointless, and regard it is a wild goose chase in the traditional sense of the concept.
They try to fit God into the confines of their thinking, and the grey matter that surrounds their understanding of the Spirit cp. Prov. 3:5.
The Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed, there is always an element of danger in the air and unpredictability, when you seek to take up the chase and follow Him.
We have tried in vain to clip the wings of the wild goose and as a result, have ended up settling for something far less than what God originally intended for us.
Hence the reason why so many people are bored with church service, its endless programs and upbeat music, often a substitute for the Spirits Presence, which cannot and will not replace the thrill of the chase, when it comes to following the leading of the Spirit of God in our personal lives.
Jesus when answering Nicodemus, incidentally, a religious leader of the jews, was surprised that He Nicodemus, did not understand this principle of the wild goose, and told Nicodemus that the Spirit was like the wind, “you don’t know where it comes from and you don’t know where it goes”. John 3:8.
If you chase the Wild Goose, he will take you to places, (I am speaking from experience) you never could have imagined and by paths you never thought existed.
From the blog of John Scotland
Visit http://www.johnscotland.org/
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Curry Blake
Here are two quotes from Curry Blake. Curry has a ministry of healing and releasing people from tradition into the ministry that Jesus has for them.
“Most people talk to God about their problems, when in reality, what you ought to do is talk to your problem about God”
"Don't be distracted by the facts you see, look to the Truth"
“Most people talk to God about their problems, when in reality, what you ought to do is talk to your problem about God”
"Don't be distracted by the facts you see, look to the Truth"
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Time for Tongues
Doug Addison of Inlight Connections http://www.dougaddison.com/ Wrote the following about "Tongues" in a recent newsletter. Doug gives encouragement to use this gift, as well as a practical example of how he has been helped through it.
"I am not a big promoter of the theology that you have to speak in tongues to be Spirit-filled. I have met people who don’t and they have evidence of the Holy Spirit working in their lives. I have been praying in tongues since 1988. Just recently God reminded me that praying in tongues (or in the Spirit) connects us with the strategies from Heaven that we are not aware of (Romans 8:26–27). Over the past few weeks I have made a practice of praying in tongues for a few minutes then moving right into strategizing, planning, and writing down the ideas and thoughts that come to me. I have been amazed at the results. It does not seem as though I am getting revelation because the things I receive just after praying in tongues are in the form of my own thoughts. It does not mean that all our thoughts are from God and you will need to use wisdom and discernment. Just this past week we had a sprinkler pipe break under our concrete driveway that was potentially going to cost over a thousand dollars to fix. The repairman thought it was one thing but after praying in tongues I knew exactly where to dig to find the leak on a different pipe than expected. It is not tongues alone; you must follow through immediately with writing down and responding to what you get afterwards. Give it a try — God is amazing." Doug Addison
"I am not a big promoter of the theology that you have to speak in tongues to be Spirit-filled. I have met people who don’t and they have evidence of the Holy Spirit working in their lives. I have been praying in tongues since 1988. Just recently God reminded me that praying in tongues (or in the Spirit) connects us with the strategies from Heaven that we are not aware of (Romans 8:26–27). Over the past few weeks I have made a practice of praying in tongues for a few minutes then moving right into strategizing, planning, and writing down the ideas and thoughts that come to me. I have been amazed at the results. It does not seem as though I am getting revelation because the things I receive just after praying in tongues are in the form of my own thoughts. It does not mean that all our thoughts are from God and you will need to use wisdom and discernment. Just this past week we had a sprinkler pipe break under our concrete driveway that was potentially going to cost over a thousand dollars to fix. The repairman thought it was one thing but after praying in tongues I knew exactly where to dig to find the leak on a different pipe than expected. It is not tongues alone; you must follow through immediately with writing down and responding to what you get afterwards. Give it a try — God is amazing." Doug Addison
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Awakening your destiny
God gives us hope by calling forth our destiny. This prophetic thought from William Matthews & Christa Black's "Hope Anthem" is the best explanations of Christian "Hope" that I have come across.
The word hope is often used in the sense of a wish. eg "I hope you get better." Hope therefore is often seen as a desire far from reality. However Dr Ern Baxter writes “In the New Testament when the Holy Spirit uses the word “hope” – He doesn’t use it in the sense of the word “wish for”. Hope in the New Testament is that which God has declared will be and that toward which we move with certainty". This is perfectly summed up in the Hope Anthem below. Re-read the Bible verses below in light of this song. (Bob Lipsys, Australia)
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:18
Hope's Anthem
by William Matthews & Christa Black, Bethel Worship
He's awakening the hope in me
By calling forth my destiny
He's breathing life into my soul
I will thirst for Him and Him alone
He has come like the rain
That showers on the barren plain
So my heart and tongue confess
Jesus Christ, the Hope of man
My hope is in You, God
I am steadfast, I will not be moved
I'm anchored, never shaken
All my hope is in You
He's bringing hope to the hopeless
And giving his heart to the broken
And sharing His home with the orphan
He is the joy, He is my joy
He is the hope of the nations
The father's heart we're embracing
He is the song we're declaring
He is the joy, He is my joy
Why so downcast oh, oh my soul
Put your hope in God alone
The word hope is often used in the sense of a wish. eg "I hope you get better." Hope therefore is often seen as a desire far from reality. However Dr Ern Baxter writes “In the New Testament when the Holy Spirit uses the word “hope” – He doesn’t use it in the sense of the word “wish for”. Hope in the New Testament is that which God has declared will be and that toward which we move with certainty". This is perfectly summed up in the Hope Anthem below. Re-read the Bible verses below in light of this song. (Bob Lipsys, Australia)
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:18
Hope's Anthem
by William Matthews & Christa Black, Bethel Worship
He's awakening the hope in me
By calling forth my destiny
He's breathing life into my soul
I will thirst for Him and Him alone
He has come like the rain
That showers on the barren plain
So my heart and tongue confess
Jesus Christ, the Hope of man
My hope is in You, God
I am steadfast, I will not be moved
I'm anchored, never shaken
All my hope is in You
He's bringing hope to the hopeless
And giving his heart to the broken
And sharing His home with the orphan
He is the joy, He is my joy
He is the hope of the nations
The father's heart we're embracing
He is the song we're declaring
He is the joy, He is my joy
Why so downcast oh, oh my soul
Put your hope in God alone
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
How is this for a great word from God.
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship Me, and they will never leave Me. I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land. The Bible:Jeremiah 32:40-41 (NLT)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Perfect Rest
"Look within, get depressed;
Look around, get distressed;
Look to Jesus, find perfect rest."
— Quote by Joseph Prince
Look around, get distressed;
Look to Jesus, find perfect rest."
— Quote by Joseph Prince
Friday, June 10, 2011
Immersed in Love
God is love. Pure love. And He wants to lavish His love on you. He is not looking for more servants to add to His Kingdom but more children to fill His house. He wants to be in relationship with you, not because you deserve it but just because He made you, and is "head over heels" in love with you.
God Loves You. And He is the Father you have been looking for all your life.
Quotes by Barry Adams
Be immersed in God's Love, Go to Barry's Site http://fathersloveletter.com/
God Loves You. And He is the Father you have been looking for all your life.
Quotes by Barry Adams
Be immersed in God's Love, Go to Barry's Site http://fathersloveletter.com/
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Problem Solving
"Most people talk to God about their problems, when in reality, what you ought to do is talk to your problem about God"
A quote by Curry Blake
A quote by Curry Blake
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Spiritual Warfare
And warfare is not about pulling down the strongholds of the enemy. It’s about discovering the sovereignty, the supremacy, and the majesty of Jesus.........
In fact, it is not our job to fight the devil. Our job is to “step back” into God and experience His majesty and power. Christ has overcome the devil, so we need to focus on being “in Christ”… Real warfare is about discovering the majesty, the supremacy and the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ. Warfare is about seeking the face of God and enjoying Him as your fortress and your refuge.
Quotes by “Graham Cooke”
In fact, it is not our job to fight the devil. Our job is to “step back” into God and experience His majesty and power. Christ has overcome the devil, so we need to focus on being “in Christ”… Real warfare is about discovering the majesty, the supremacy and the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ. Warfare is about seeking the face of God and enjoying Him as your fortress and your refuge.
Quotes by “Graham Cooke”
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Perception
The antidote to my past is not my present being sorted out, it’s me understanding my future. ………..Once God tells you who you are, He will only speak you as that person. He doesn’t go back and speak to you as the person you used to be……Learn to walk in God’s perception of who you are, because yours is not good enough.
by Graham Cooke
by Graham Cooke
Monday, June 6, 2011
A good day
It is abnormal for a Christian not to have an appetite for the impossible. It has been written into our spiritual DNA to hunger for the impossibilities around us to bow at the name of Jesus…….. You didn't have a good day till you confronted the impossibilities of life and saw them yield and bow to the name of Jesus Bill Johnson
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Fear and living cautiously
Fear will not tell me what to do, it will not keep me from my destiny, it will not take away my history, and I will not let it dictate my life’s goals. Kris Vallotton
The devil’s fears are always falsehoods. His suggestions are always lies, and if lies, they cannot harm. If fear comes from Satan, then we can conclude there is nothing to fear. John G Lake
If you live cautiously, you friends will call you wise. You just won't move many mountains. Bill Johnson
The devil’s fears are always falsehoods. His suggestions are always lies, and if lies, they cannot harm. If fear comes from Satan, then we can conclude there is nothing to fear. John G Lake
If you live cautiously, you friends will call you wise. You just won't move many mountains. Bill Johnson
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tempted - to give in
“The greek word for temptation means to test, to try, to prove.”
“We must learn to do more with temptation than just bear it - we must learn to use it. The secret of using temptation, and turning it to our advantage, is one of life's greatest secrets. Once we have learned it we are unbeatable and unbreakable.”
A quote by Selwyn Hughes
“We must learn to do more with temptation than just bear it - we must learn to use it. The secret of using temptation, and turning it to our advantage, is one of life's greatest secrets. Once we have learned it we are unbeatable and unbreakable.”
A quote by Selwyn Hughes
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
The School of the Spirit
In the school of the Spirit people learn wisdom through humility, knowledge by forgetting, how to speak by silence, how to live by dying. Johannes Tauler (Mystic 1300-1361)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Rise up
If you fall seventy times a day, rise seventy times and return to God so that you will not fall too often.
Johannes Tauler (1300–1361)
Johannes Tauler (1300–1361)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Key Maker is the Key Man/Woman.
In the Matrix Movies the heroes are young, strong, fast, quick thinking, talented, fighters. But as they battle to save the world, each other and their own lives, they constantly find their movement limited by locked doors, walls and other barriers. They find that they cannot reach their destinies. At times they find themselves imprisoned, trapped, going in circles, and vulnerable as their enemy controls their movement.
Strength, talent, beauty, and speed are not enough.
But then they meet the Key Maker. He is the complete opposite to them. He is old, frail, vulnerable, slow, and at times confused. His life is lived out in a small room. Life seems to have passed him by, somewhat like a person in a nursing home, who is trapped in their small room.
However the Key Maker has a key to every situation, every door, every blocked path. Even when there is no door he creates one. He also locks doors. When the Key Maker is on the move the Young heroes can barely keep up, as they move towards their destinies. The Key Maker is the key man.
Jesus gave His followers keys: He said “ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (NIV). This verse should be read with Isaiah 22:22(NLT)in mind. “I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them.”
The person using the keys Jesus gives, has the highest position in the kingdom of God. They open doors so others can reach their destinies.
What are the keys Jesus gives? How do we get them? How do we use them? “Take hold of My words; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.” Proverbs 4:13 (NLT)
Deuteronomy 30:20 “You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” The keys are given and used as one enters a close relationship with God.
I see “Key” People, running, opening doors and forming doors where there is none. I see people following them, reaching their destinies.
Strength, talent, beauty, and speed are not enough.
But then they meet the Key Maker. He is the complete opposite to them. He is old, frail, vulnerable, slow, and at times confused. His life is lived out in a small room. Life seems to have passed him by, somewhat like a person in a nursing home, who is trapped in their small room.
However the Key Maker has a key to every situation, every door, every blocked path. Even when there is no door he creates one. He also locks doors. When the Key Maker is on the move the Young heroes can barely keep up, as they move towards their destinies. The Key Maker is the key man.
Jesus gave His followers keys: He said “ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (NIV). This verse should be read with Isaiah 22:22(NLT)in mind. “I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them.”
The person using the keys Jesus gives, has the highest position in the kingdom of God. They open doors so others can reach their destinies.
What are the keys Jesus gives? How do we get them? How do we use them? “Take hold of My words; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.” Proverbs 4:13 (NLT)
Deuteronomy 30:20 “You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” The keys are given and used as one enters a close relationship with God.
I see “Key” People, running, opening doors and forming doors where there is none. I see people following them, reaching their destinies.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Enthusiastic Experience
Today I watched on TV an Australian native animal Conservationist and Park Owner select staff for his Educational Presentations. The applicants came with impressive science qualifications. However when presented with scenarios and real life animals, each one folded under the pressure. They obviously had biological knowledge, but their lack of real experience with animal life showed through as well. The Park Owner was looking for enthusiastic experience, not mere head knowledge.
If we Christians are going to impact others for Jesus Christ we will not do it presenting only head knowledge. Church services must overflow with experiences of God. Wendy Backlund wrote on the “Ignited Hope” blog the following: “To grow into maturity, we must know God the Father more intimately. Our highest call is to not teach about God but to reveal Him. Unless we experience and soak up His presence our relationship becomes cerebral rather than actual. We know about it, but we can't live in it.” (Wendy Backlund http://www.ignitedhope.com/)
If Church for you this Sunday was mere head knowledge, I pray that through intimacy with God this week you will bring the experience of God into the Service next week. People who come to Church have made a step towards meeting God. Even if you are not a worship leader, your experience will change lives.
Bob Lipsys, Australia.
If we Christians are going to impact others for Jesus Christ we will not do it presenting only head knowledge. Church services must overflow with experiences of God. Wendy Backlund wrote on the “Ignited Hope” blog the following: “To grow into maturity, we must know God the Father more intimately. Our highest call is to not teach about God but to reveal Him. Unless we experience and soak up His presence our relationship becomes cerebral rather than actual. We know about it, but we can't live in it.” (Wendy Backlund http://www.ignitedhope.com/)
If Church for you this Sunday was mere head knowledge, I pray that through intimacy with God this week you will bring the experience of God into the Service next week. People who come to Church have made a step towards meeting God. Even if you are not a worship leader, your experience will change lives.
Bob Lipsys, Australia.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Healing
The message of Easter is not that Jesus was put on the cross, but that He was put on the cross for you. He was whipped for you. He died for you. And today He lives so that you can experience God’s love to the fullest.
The Bible states: But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)
The Message Bible puts it this way: But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. Isaiah 53:5 (MSG)
“Through His bruises we get healed.” This is Good News. Through His suffering the Lord Jesus gained our healing. If you are sick. If you have cancer. If you are in hospital. If you have arthritis. If you have been injured or disabled. There is healing, already bought and paid for. And it was bought for you.
Bill Johnson writes: “How can God choose not to heal someone when He already purchased their healing? Was His blood enough for all sin, or just certain sins? Were the stripes He bore only for certain illnesses, or certain seasons of time? When He bore stripes in His body He made a payment for our miracle. He already decided to heal. You can't decide not to buy something after you've already bought it. There are no deficiencies on His end - neither the covenant is deficient, nor His compassion or promises. “
In Jesus name receive the healing that Jesus purchased for you. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Bob Lipsys, Australia
The Bible states: But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)
The Message Bible puts it this way: But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. Isaiah 53:5 (MSG)
“Through His bruises we get healed.” This is Good News. Through His suffering the Lord Jesus gained our healing. If you are sick. If you have cancer. If you are in hospital. If you have arthritis. If you have been injured or disabled. There is healing, already bought and paid for. And it was bought for you.
Bill Johnson writes: “How can God choose not to heal someone when He already purchased their healing? Was His blood enough for all sin, or just certain sins? Were the stripes He bore only for certain illnesses, or certain seasons of time? When He bore stripes in His body He made a payment for our miracle. He already decided to heal. You can't decide not to buy something after you've already bought it. There are no deficiencies on His end - neither the covenant is deficient, nor His compassion or promises. “
In Jesus name receive the healing that Jesus purchased for you. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Sunday, April 3, 2011
When your atmosphere is poisoned by negativity.
What is surrounding you at present? What atmosphere are you living in?
Someone just like you once wrote: “I have heard the many reports and rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror” Psalm 31:13 (NLT).
David is surrounded by negativity, bad news, threats to his person and his life. It terrorizes him.
Rather than remaining in that negativity, and rather than accepting the reports and the so called facts of the situation, he calls on God for a good future. He prays: “ But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God! My future is in your hands.” Psalm 31:14-15 (NLT)
God is God. God is in charge. Not his enemies. Not the facts or reports. God is God. The Lord is David’s God.
This faith in God changes the atmosphere around David. Terror is replaced with “Songs of Victory.” And the implication is that God is singing these songs.
“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude: The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:7-8 (NLT)
What is it like when God sings? God sings your future…..
Lord, open the ears of all who put their trust in you. Let them hear you sing.
In Psalm 32:10 David describes it as being surrounded by unfailing love. “...unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.” Your future is good in God.
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Someone just like you once wrote: “I have heard the many reports and rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror” Psalm 31:13 (NLT).
David is surrounded by negativity, bad news, threats to his person and his life. It terrorizes him.
Rather than remaining in that negativity, and rather than accepting the reports and the so called facts of the situation, he calls on God for a good future. He prays: “ But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God! My future is in your hands.” Psalm 31:14-15 (NLT)
God is God. God is in charge. Not his enemies. Not the facts or reports. God is God. The Lord is David’s God.
This faith in God changes the atmosphere around David. Terror is replaced with “Songs of Victory.” And the implication is that God is singing these songs.
“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude: The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:7-8 (NLT)
What is it like when God sings? God sings your future…..
Lord, open the ears of all who put their trust in you. Let them hear you sing.
In Psalm 32:10 David describes it as being surrounded by unfailing love. “...unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.” Your future is good in God.
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Trapped, cornered, pinned against the wall?
“To whom do you go for help when you feel trapped, cornered, or pinned against the wall because of a situation you've fallen into? In moments like that, do you feel overwhelmed with a sense of desperation, or do you know where to turn for help?”
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Rick Renner – Greek Scholar and friend of Jesus in Russia, answers this question in the devotion below. It comes from his book, Sparkling Gems from the Greek. See http://www.sparkling-gems.com/ and http://www.renner.org/
I read “Sparkling Gems” regularly and I’m always touched by God. I found this writing particularly relevant to my life at present so I thought I’d share it and introduce you to this great Bible teacher, and lover of God. Bob Lipsys Australia.
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The Supernatural Intercessory Ministry Of the Holy Spirit by Rick Renner
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. -Romans 8:26
To whom do you go for help when you feel trapped, cornered, or pinned against the wall because of a situation you've fallen into? In moments like that, do you feel overwhelmed with a sense of desperation, or do you know where to turn for help?
I want to speak to you about the supernatural intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit. But today I'm not talking about prayer when I use the phrase "intercessory ministry." I am talking about a very special, unique work of the Holy Spirit that is available to help you every day - especially in times when you're feeling backed into a corner by situations in life.
Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." I would like to draw your attention to the word "intercession" in the middle of this verse. It is the Greek word huperentugchano, an old word that does not appear to exist outside early Christian literature. It is the picture of one who comes upon someone who has fallen into some kind of quandary. Upon discovering the trapped person's dilemma, he swiftly swings into action to rescue and deliver the one who is in trouble. Therefore, the word huperentugchano conveys the idea of a rescue operation.
Paul uses this word here to tell us about a special work of divine intercession - a special ministry performed by the Holy Spirit Himself when He sees that you are at a loss for words or that you are trapped in a situation and don't know how to get out. Suddenly and supernaturally, the Holy Spirit falls into that place with you. Now you are no longer facing the challenge by yourself, for the Holy Spirit has stepped into your dilemma and is initiating a rescue plan to get you out of that mess!
The Holy Spirit feels everything you feel. He understands the complete inadequacy you are experiencing. He knows about every battle you are facing. He willingly joins you in your circumstances, sharing your emotions and frustrations. Then He begins to put a supernatural plan of rescue into operation to get you out of your mess!
The middle phrase of Romans 8:26 conveys this idea:
"The Spirit Himself falls into our difficulty with us, initiating a supernatural rescue operation to get us out of the mess we've fallen into."
So the next time you get into trouble, there's no need for you to sweat it out by yourself. The Holy Spirit is standing by, just waiting for you to ask for His assistance. Helping you is a part of His ministry, so never hesitate to say, "Holy Spirit, help me!" This is what the intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit is all about!
What challenges are you facing today? What problems seem bigger than your ability to handle by yourself?
Come to grips with your need for supernatural assistance, and open your heart to the Holy Spirit's help today. As you do, you will liberate Him to release His mighty power in you. An answer to every problem is just around the corner as you allow the Holy Spirit to work His supernatural ministry of intercession in your life!
PRAYER
Lord, I thank You that the Holy Spirit joins me in the challenges I am facing in my life today. You sent Him to be my Helper, my Guide, my Teacher, and my Intercessor - the One who meets my problems head-on and helps me to overcome them! Rather than try to work out those problems by myself, I open my heart today for the Holy Spirit to join me as my divine Partner so I can be more than a conqueror in every situation!
I pray this in Jesus' name!
By Rick Renner http://www.renner.org/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick Renner – Greek Scholar and friend of Jesus in Russia, answers this question in the devotion below. It comes from his book, Sparkling Gems from the Greek. See http://www.sparkling-gems.com/ and http://www.renner.org/
I read “Sparkling Gems” regularly and I’m always touched by God. I found this writing particularly relevant to my life at present so I thought I’d share it and introduce you to this great Bible teacher, and lover of God. Bob Lipsys Australia.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Supernatural Intercessory Ministry Of the Holy Spirit by Rick Renner
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. -Romans 8:26
To whom do you go for help when you feel trapped, cornered, or pinned against the wall because of a situation you've fallen into? In moments like that, do you feel overwhelmed with a sense of desperation, or do you know where to turn for help?
I want to speak to you about the supernatural intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit. But today I'm not talking about prayer when I use the phrase "intercessory ministry." I am talking about a very special, unique work of the Holy Spirit that is available to help you every day - especially in times when you're feeling backed into a corner by situations in life.
Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." I would like to draw your attention to the word "intercession" in the middle of this verse. It is the Greek word huperentugchano, an old word that does not appear to exist outside early Christian literature. It is the picture of one who comes upon someone who has fallen into some kind of quandary. Upon discovering the trapped person's dilemma, he swiftly swings into action to rescue and deliver the one who is in trouble. Therefore, the word huperentugchano conveys the idea of a rescue operation.
Paul uses this word here to tell us about a special work of divine intercession - a special ministry performed by the Holy Spirit Himself when He sees that you are at a loss for words or that you are trapped in a situation and don't know how to get out. Suddenly and supernaturally, the Holy Spirit falls into that place with you. Now you are no longer facing the challenge by yourself, for the Holy Spirit has stepped into your dilemma and is initiating a rescue plan to get you out of that mess!
The Holy Spirit feels everything you feel. He understands the complete inadequacy you are experiencing. He knows about every battle you are facing. He willingly joins you in your circumstances, sharing your emotions and frustrations. Then He begins to put a supernatural plan of rescue into operation to get you out of your mess!
The middle phrase of Romans 8:26 conveys this idea:
"The Spirit Himself falls into our difficulty with us, initiating a supernatural rescue operation to get us out of the mess we've fallen into."
So the next time you get into trouble, there's no need for you to sweat it out by yourself. The Holy Spirit is standing by, just waiting for you to ask for His assistance. Helping you is a part of His ministry, so never hesitate to say, "Holy Spirit, help me!" This is what the intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit is all about!
What challenges are you facing today? What problems seem bigger than your ability to handle by yourself?
Come to grips with your need for supernatural assistance, and open your heart to the Holy Spirit's help today. As you do, you will liberate Him to release His mighty power in you. An answer to every problem is just around the corner as you allow the Holy Spirit to work His supernatural ministry of intercession in your life!
PRAYER
Lord, I thank You that the Holy Spirit joins me in the challenges I am facing in my life today. You sent Him to be my Helper, my Guide, my Teacher, and my Intercessor - the One who meets my problems head-on and helps me to overcome them! Rather than try to work out those problems by myself, I open my heart today for the Holy Spirit to join me as my divine Partner so I can be more than a conqueror in every situation!
I pray this in Jesus' name!
By Rick Renner http://www.renner.org/
Monday, March 28, 2011
Living Stones
Our Senior Pastor retired today. During his last service God whispered into my heart and said that Pastor Les Henaway is a “living stone.“
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV)
4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Many are like stones thrown on the streets by an earthquake - Lifeless, broken remnants of what once had a great destiny. Les on the other hand is filled with life, the life of Jesus. Life pours out of him, touching and changing others. Les has found his place in the presence of God. He is a living stone built into a spiritual house – God’s house.
Ask yourself this question: Am I a living stone being set in God’s house, or am I a bit of lifeless rubble left on the street? If it is the later, ”Come to Him, that is to Jesus. He is the Living Stone. The one who can put life into your rock hard heart.”
Bob Lipsys, Australia
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV)
4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Many are like stones thrown on the streets by an earthquake - Lifeless, broken remnants of what once had a great destiny. Les on the other hand is filled with life, the life of Jesus. Life pours out of him, touching and changing others. Les has found his place in the presence of God. He is a living stone built into a spiritual house – God’s house.
Ask yourself this question: Am I a living stone being set in God’s house, or am I a bit of lifeless rubble left on the street? If it is the later, ”Come to Him, that is to Jesus. He is the Living Stone. The one who can put life into your rock hard heart.”
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Joy
"Your sorrow will be turned into joy."
Jesus' promise to all those who follow Him.
John 16:20
"And the disciples were filled with joy
and the Holy Spirit."
Joy was released in the early believers.
Acts 13:52
This Joy continues to be released by Jesus today.
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Jesus' promise to all those who follow Him.
John 16:20
"And the disciples were filled with joy
and the Holy Spirit."
Joy was released in the early believers.
Acts 13:52
This Joy continues to be released by Jesus today.
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Hope does not dissapoint
".... hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:5 (NIV) It is time to rekindle the hopes that God has placed into your spirit. It is time they are set on fire by the Holy Spirit.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
You'll stand untouched
God is speaking to you today and He says:
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 is 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!"
Psalm 91:1-16 (MSG)
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 is 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!"
Psalm 91:1-16 (MSG)
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Blisstronica 3 : A CoCo Drink - A high energy blast of Holy Spirit Joy
I came across the Blisstronica 3: A CoCo Drink CD today. This is one amazing worship experience. The Holy Spirit is still ‘bubbling through me’ long after I listened to it. I have never been a fan of Techno music but this Album is changing my mind. Perhaps this is a new worship style, a new song to the Lord.
One reviewer summed it up as: ‘Set to fun high-energy dance music, this Holy Ghost inspired “truth-techno” will send you into orbits of bliss. This unique music project features Winnie 'CoCo' Banov & her ecstatic sounds as she preaches the finished work of The Cross of Christ.’
I’ve never heard (or participated) in worship like this before. – Bob Lipsys, Australia.
One reviewer summed it up as: ‘Set to fun high-energy dance music, this Holy Ghost inspired “truth-techno” will send you into orbits of bliss. This unique music project features Winnie 'CoCo' Banov & her ecstatic sounds as she preaches the finished work of The Cross of Christ.’
I’ve never heard (or participated) in worship like this before. – Bob Lipsys, Australia.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Stormed by Cyclone (Hurricane) Yasi but not defeated.
Cyclone (Hurricane) Yasi pounded us for 24 hours. We are OK- actually we are great. The house we are renting had no damage. At first we were blasted by gusts of strong wind. As time went on this became more constant. At times it sounded like a jet engine roaring. We heard banging. Trees were ripped apart. Strange noises moved above us. One neighbors iron fence broke apart. Another had some house damage. Power lines and poles fell down. We have stayed at home and have not ventured into the community as yet. Electricity has just been restored to our home (So I can finally tell you what happened.). This is a blessing. Most people in our shire are still without power. We have contacted a number of Church friends. They are OK. Others could not be contacted - phone systems are down.
God kept us in peace throughout. We focused on Him and trusted him. A day before the storm hit we listened to a CD by Bill Johnson titled "The perfect Storm - The subduing power of peace." This gave us as a family united faith and united peace in the midst of this storm. As the storm gathered power we read the Bible and listened to Jesus Culture on a battery operated MP3 powered speaker. After this we fell asleep. Waking up briefly at times, perhaps looking outside then, listening to reports on a small battery radio.
So far there is no reports of fatalities or people being seriously injured by the Storm, which is incredible. Some communities have been devastated. In the town of Tully, one in three houses lost there roof. Other towns are totally isolated. Roads are blocked by flooding, and winds are too strong for helicopters. Communication systems are down. The city of Townsville, population 160 000+, has no power and water at present. (This city is 100km = 65 miles away from us).
Bob Lipsys, Australia.
God kept us in peace throughout. We focused on Him and trusted him. A day before the storm hit we listened to a CD by Bill Johnson titled "The perfect Storm - The subduing power of peace." This gave us as a family united faith and united peace in the midst of this storm. As the storm gathered power we read the Bible and listened to Jesus Culture on a battery operated MP3 powered speaker. After this we fell asleep. Waking up briefly at times, perhaps looking outside then, listening to reports on a small battery radio.
So far there is no reports of fatalities or people being seriously injured by the Storm, which is incredible. Some communities have been devastated. In the town of Tully, one in three houses lost there roof. Other towns are totally isolated. Roads are blocked by flooding, and winds are too strong for helicopters. Communication systems are down. The city of Townsville, population 160 000+, has no power and water at present. (This city is 100km = 65 miles away from us).
Bob Lipsys, Australia.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Super Storm "Yasi" heading towards Queensland Australia
On Wednesday night 2 Feb 2011 (Australian time) a Super-cyclone "YASI" is forecast to hit the coast near our town. It is predicted that it will destroy and damage a huge slab of our State of Queensland which is already reeling because of flooding. Our area and shires 250km North and 250km South have already been declared disaster zones. This will allow the Government to send in the military, force evacuations, and release resources. etc. This storm is huge. It is estimated that destructive winds will be experienced 500 km away from the center. The Government stated today that it probably will be the biggest storm ever to hit the state/country. They have already started evacuating the elderly from nursing homes and people in low lying coastal areas have been told to go..
A large town on the coast 90km South of us, Bowen, has been warned that they all should evacuate as the expected storm tide surge will cover the town.
Please Pray...... "But what should I pray?"
Tonight (31/1/2011) I had a great time in God's presence, worshiping God, listening to Him. As I was enjoying His presence I "felt" God saying" "Look beyond the storms. Look at how the enemy has tried to destroy your State. Why?..... Because there is a stirring of My Spirit over your land, an enormous rising up of marching feet. An army of light. The Storm is stilled with one word. The enemy breathes out threats which have no power in the presence of the rising army of the Lord.... Peace, be still...silence..............except for the marching feet."
Please pray "Lord, release your mighty kingdom army in that land of Queensland Australia."
Bob Lipsys
A large town on the coast 90km South of us, Bowen, has been warned that they all should evacuate as the expected storm tide surge will cover the town.
Please Pray...... "But what should I pray?"
Tonight (31/1/2011) I had a great time in God's presence, worshiping God, listening to Him. As I was enjoying His presence I "felt" God saying" "Look beyond the storms. Look at how the enemy has tried to destroy your State. Why?..... Because there is a stirring of My Spirit over your land, an enormous rising up of marching feet. An army of light. The Storm is stilled with one word. The enemy breathes out threats which have no power in the presence of the rising army of the Lord.... Peace, be still...silence..............except for the marching feet."
Please pray "Lord, release your mighty kingdom army in that land of Queensland Australia."
Bob Lipsys
Friday, January 21, 2011
Spiritual Java
Tomorrow, Friday 21 @ 7pm (Australia time) three of us from church are gathering at McDonalds for a coffee and to live out our faith and touch peoples lives. At home this week, we each read the first Chapter of Bethel Church's "Spiritual Java" book. Here Bill Johnson, wrote 3 pages on what he calls "Aggressive Faith". Our plan of action is to absorb the teaching into our spirits and then live it out in the community. There are 40 chapters in the book written by a variety of Bethel Pastors, so by the end of the year our hope/belief is that God will be able to use us more effectively to touch peoples lives with His presence. Most weeks we will meet on a Saturday. We need to begin somewhere, We need to move out of Church into the community.
Please pray that God gives us "ears to hear and eyes to see." Over the past few weeks God has been melting my hard heart. He's been making it pliable again. He has been challenging my thoughts, attitudes and words. He has been revealing the depths of His mercy and His grace. This kindness has revealed my lack of mercy, and my judgmental attitudes. "It is His kindness that leads us to repentance." not His Judgment. (Romans 2:4).
Bob Lipsys (Australia)
Please pray that God gives us "ears to hear and eyes to see." Over the past few weeks God has been melting my hard heart. He's been making it pliable again. He has been challenging my thoughts, attitudes and words. He has been revealing the depths of His mercy and His grace. This kindness has revealed my lack of mercy, and my judgmental attitudes. "It is His kindness that leads us to repentance." not His Judgment. (Romans 2:4).
Bob Lipsys (Australia)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Right Time, Right Place
When it comes to God’s promises, it is not a matter of hoping that they will come true. They definitely will. The unknown is time. We don’t know exactly when they will be fulfilled. The call on our life is to move forward proclaiming the Kingdom of God, knowing that the yes has already been given in Jesus. Then, at the right time, on the right day, we will then be in the right location to receive all that God wants to give us.
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The floods in Australia continue
With ¾ of the state of Queensland Wrecked by floods, the Capital City Brisbane and its surrounds are now flooding. In the next 2 days 7500+ homes and businesses are expected to go under water in the city. Yesterday an 8m (26 foot)wall of water hit the heart of the city of Toowoomba. 10 people have been confirmed dead, at least 78 are still missing. They only had 10 minutes notice. A super-storm released an enormous amount of rain close to the city. Toowoomba is a city of 90 000 people and serves a rural population of 250 000. Most of the area is under water. One third of Ipswich, a city of 162000 people, 40km (25miles) from Brisbane will soon be submerged. The river is running through this city at a height of 22m (72 feet). Some country towns have been totally submerged on 3 occasions since Christmas. The whole situation is totally unreal. Since Christmas 70 towns have been devastated. Many others have been damaged. The rain is still pouring down.
Please pray for us. What to pray?
In hours of TV coverage not one political leader has called for prayer or has prayed. God has not even been mentioned. This is Australia, “we will work it out for ourselves,” is our motto. Please pray that we will come to know the love of our Father, God. We need to soak in His love. We need to know Him. We are truly a lost and Fatherless nation. How much God wants to gather this nation in His arms and love them.
Lord call us into your arms.
Rick Renner, a missionary to Russia and Greek Scholar, translates John 1:5 as “Darkness does not have the ability to suppress or hold the light under its domain.” He adds “ Even in what seems to be the darkest or bleakest situation the efforts of evil will always be thwarted by the prevailing power of God’s light.” As Australian Christians lets pray for a revelation of the goodness, the light and the love of God over our suffering communities. God is not limited by the darkness of our circumstances. He shines out in the darkness…
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Please pray for us. What to pray?
In hours of TV coverage not one political leader has called for prayer or has prayed. God has not even been mentioned. This is Australia, “we will work it out for ourselves,” is our motto. Please pray that we will come to know the love of our Father, God. We need to soak in His love. We need to know Him. We are truly a lost and Fatherless nation. How much God wants to gather this nation in His arms and love them.
Lord call us into your arms.
Rick Renner, a missionary to Russia and Greek Scholar, translates John 1:5 as “Darkness does not have the ability to suppress or hold the light under its domain.” He adds “ Even in what seems to be the darkest or bleakest situation the efforts of evil will always be thwarted by the prevailing power of God’s light.” As Australian Christians lets pray for a revelation of the goodness, the light and the love of God over our suffering communities. God is not limited by the darkness of our circumstances. He shines out in the darkness…
Bob Lipsys, Australia
Monday, January 3, 2011
Grab hold of your destiny in 2011
On Sunday we attended “Life” Church in Townsville. My daughter, who is on holidays from university, was “missing” her Church……
Wow… the worship was soaked with the Holy Spirit… The pastor preached about his new year resolution – “Enjoy 2011 with God” – a meaningful multimedia presentation. I needed to hear it. I cant say I enjoyed 2010.
The underlying message I received from the whole service was “Grab hold of 2011 – don’t just let it pass by – Receive all God wants to do through it - and enjoy it.”
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We Christians are often too passive. God speaks to us, declares to us great things about our lives, opens doors for healing, ministry, and creativity. But we are too passive. We are like the seeds planted on shallow soil in Jesus’ parable. We grasp the Word, grow vigorously, but then wilt. We need deeper roots.
Paul passed on a Holy Spirit ministry to Timothy through the laying on of hands and prophesy. But he tells Timothy not to be passive about it. He basically says: Timothy, what I have given you is a spark. Don’t let it go out. Give it heaps of spiritual oxygen so that it explodes into a great fire. “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” 2 Timothy 1:6 (NLT)
Smith Wigglesworth stated "Enter into the promises of God. It is your inheritance. You will do more in one year if you are really filled with the Holy Ghost than you could do in fifty years apart from Him." Lillian B. Yeomans wrote “Just believe what God says that Jesus has done for you, body, soul, and spirit - think about it, talk about it, sing about it, shout about it, and the praise cure has begun.”
We need to enter into to the destiny, the dream, the vision God has placed into our hearts. It is the spark of God. Believe it, think about it, talk about it, sing about it, shout about it, and fan it into the “Fire of God”.
Nightlight, (Bob Lipsys), Australia
Wow… the worship was soaked with the Holy Spirit… The pastor preached about his new year resolution – “Enjoy 2011 with God” – a meaningful multimedia presentation. I needed to hear it. I cant say I enjoyed 2010.
The underlying message I received from the whole service was “Grab hold of 2011 – don’t just let it pass by – Receive all God wants to do through it - and enjoy it.”
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We Christians are often too passive. God speaks to us, declares to us great things about our lives, opens doors for healing, ministry, and creativity. But we are too passive. We are like the seeds planted on shallow soil in Jesus’ parable. We grasp the Word, grow vigorously, but then wilt. We need deeper roots.
Paul passed on a Holy Spirit ministry to Timothy through the laying on of hands and prophesy. But he tells Timothy not to be passive about it. He basically says: Timothy, what I have given you is a spark. Don’t let it go out. Give it heaps of spiritual oxygen so that it explodes into a great fire. “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” 2 Timothy 1:6 (NLT)
Smith Wigglesworth stated "Enter into the promises of God. It is your inheritance. You will do more in one year if you are really filled with the Holy Ghost than you could do in fifty years apart from Him." Lillian B. Yeomans wrote “Just believe what God says that Jesus has done for you, body, soul, and spirit - think about it, talk about it, sing about it, shout about it, and the praise cure has begun.”
We need to enter into to the destiny, the dream, the vision God has placed into our hearts. It is the spark of God. Believe it, think about it, talk about it, sing about it, shout about it, and fan it into the “Fire of God”.
Nightlight, (Bob Lipsys), Australia
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