CTWG Naples Campus Testimony – my son is changed!
Our kids couldn’t wait to do CTWG (Consistent Time With God) so… on the way home from church we let them complete day one. Something had been bothering our youngest son. It was something that was inconsequential to us but a really big deal to him that left him very confused that we never would have known was bothering him. CTWG, from our first entries has improved our communication. We are only on day three, and I’m buying it for other families that need this! Thanks so much Life!
Heroes Series “David” notes & video – Pastor Dan 11/20/11
DAVID – A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART
The theme of messages this fall is on HEROES. Ordinary men and women became extraordinary when they became men and women of faith in God. We concluded that because Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God are in you, there is a HERO inside of you. Our prayer is that your faith is increased to believe it each day.
Who is your Hero?
David – Hero of the Faith (approx 1,000 years Before Christ)
- Prominent Ancestor of Jesus Christ
- Matt 1:1 – The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
- Greatest King of Israel – united Judah and northern kingdom as one
- Mighty Warrior and Military Commander – Slew Goliath, in the streets the people cheered “Saul slain thousands, David his ten thousands”
- Prophet – coming of Messiah, coming of new system of worship
- Priest – catalyst to shift priesthood from Levi to Judah (praise)
- Master Poet and Songwriter – most of Psalms written by David and protégés – known as Sweet Psalmist of Israel
Hebrews 11:32-34 NIV …And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about (THE HEROES) Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Hebrews 11 – note that the HEROES accomplishments were through faith
Hebrews 11:39 – These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised (JESUS COMING). 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Do you believe God has something better planned for us?
Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please God (heart faith) – know that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Are you ready to become a HERO for God to someone else?
David’s life is an example of how we become HEROES for God. Here are my observations:
- A fervent desire to pursue God, but more specifically, the very heart of God.
- We have full and complete access to the presence of God – a door is open that no man can shut; this is one lock the Key of David opens.
- We are called as ministers of God to live in His presence. Worship, Prayer, and the Word are vital components of this call.
- In His presence, the Holy Spirit anoints us. In the OT the Spirit came on a person, now in Christ, the Holy Spirit is alive within you.
- Live out the anointing to fulfill God’s will by ministering to others.
1982 DAVID – A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART – MUSICAL DRAMA
1. A fervent desire to pursue God, but more specifically, the very heart of God.
David – Man after God’s own heart
Acts 13:22 – “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’
What does this mean?
*We go after what we understand about God’s heart, but that can be misdirected if we don’t understand God’s heart.
What is God’s heart? – goodness, redeem, restore, heal, extend his benefits…
PSALMS
- Psalm 27:13 – I am confident I will see the GOODness of the Lord in the land of the living
- Psalm 23:6 – surely GOODness and mercy (love) will follow me all the days of my life
- Psalm 31:19 – How great is Your GOODness
- Psalm 103 – Forget not all His benefits: He loves, heals, forgives, redeems
- Psalm 107:1 – Give thanks to the Lord for He is GOOD and his mercy (love) is everlasting
2. We have full and complete access to the presence of God – a door is open that no man can shut; this is one lock the Key of David opens.
My Testimony -Worship Leader – spent much of my life leading others to God’s presence
But, how do we get to the place of God’s presence?
What is there for us once we get there?
Psalm 24:3-5 KJV – 3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
3.We are called as ministers of God to live in His presence. Worship, Prayer, and the Word are vital components of this call.
Here is how the Psalmist emphasizes it:
Psalm 92:1-2 – It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.
Worship, prayer, Word God had given was picture of David’s life in God
“And the Spirit of the Lord was upon him after this…”
What made David a hero – the consistency and evidence of God’s Presence.
The proof when it was there, the proof when it was not there.
David with Presence – supernatural
David without Presence – Superman in the presence of Kriptonite
4.In His presence, the Holy Spirit anoints us. In the OT the Spirit came on a person, now in Christ, the Holy Spirit is alive within you.
David’s Anointing – HERO preparation included heart development and anointing…as you pursue God and His presence, He anoints you for His plan and purpose.
1 Sam. 16:12-13 – “So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
David was anointed to worship and free Saul from torment, to face Goliath, to take on the Philistine army, to lead Israel, to inspire them to follow God. That anointing didn’t end with DAVID…but it also came upon the SON OF DAVID
Jesus – Son of David, Son of God, The Word and Heart of God made flesh
Isaiah 61 – AMPLIFIED
1 THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
3 To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
- Live out the anointing to fulfill God’s will by ministering to others.
WE ARE ANOINTED – David, Jesus – Son of David/Son of God, and now us as Sons and Daughters of God…
DAVID was a HERO because he tapped into the anointing that flows out of worship, prayer, Word…God’s Spirit and presence caused him to walk in the strength of the Lord.
God’s Spirit and presence will cause you to walk in the strength of the Lord!
The Power of God’s Presence…the Spirit of the Lord is in you.
11/20/11 David – Pastor Dan Gardner from Life Christian Naples Campus on Vimeo.
the plan taking place
God’s ways are awesome!
You know, I couldn’t figure out why God led me to get a job at a payday advance place that charges people 391% interest on a loan. I wondered if I should have been working there as I recognize this as usury, (don’t know if I’ll be working there much longer either)! I got promoted to full time which is almost unheard of in this business except for managers. Also was told I was getting a .50 raise, also unheard of in this business, most csrs only get like .19 cents after being there a year! Anyway, being there full time I got to know a lot of the customers, their stories are very sad. I started telling them I would pray for them. I’ve talked to some about faith and God. I’ve also been led to pray for the company. One day, I overheard my manager telling a customer she would pray for her! God is working, I got so excited! Our corporate headquarters are in Ohio. Ohio just voted to put into effect a law that limits the interest these places can charge to 28%, it now goes to the senate to be voted on. This will shut down these places in Ohio, they can’t afford to stay in business, GOD? My corporate office is planning on moving out of Ohio. How do I know my prayers make a difference? I see changes for one , I see hope in my customers faces, (one lady with cancer stood at my desk and cried), I see my manager following suit-in praying for the customers, and most of all I have become a target for the enemy! Persecution comes! My hours were suddenly cut to 20 a week-lost half my paycheck and all my benefits! My pay raise is being fought by corporate, I have to work every Saturday-mandatory (that’s what they think ,I just got one off) all kinds of persecution is flying at me, I’m finding out that you know how they say if you have an un-honest person working for you your company will suffer? Well it works the same when its the opposite way! When you have a child of God working in a dark place the enemy is coming down! By being obedient to God and praying and standing He can Move! I am really excited about being persecuted! It confirms for me that God is using me to make a difference! I am excited because I get to see Him move not only in those around me but also in other States! And also, that lady with cancer? She wants info on Life Bible Institute (LBI)! Hope this all makes sense to you guys, I just get so excited. I don’t know if I’ll have a job much longer but I know God has a plan so it doesn’t matter, though the enemy comes at me one way he’ll flee from me seven!
make your list
During our prayer and fasting in January, Pastor Marie asked us to make a list what was lacking and what was debt. On my list was: To get my drivers license, pay back my loan, find a place to live, and buy a car.
7 days later, I got my driver’s license, and one week later, I had the money to pay back my loan for my plane ticket. (My loan was $1000.00) Two months later, a friend and I found a place to live, and the best part is that we didn’t need the co- signer to lease our apartment. Then, I bought my car, I paid six months of my car insurance, and I also paid $650.00 for my school.
In less than five months I got everything that was on my list. Sometimes things look like impossible for us, but with God everything is possible. So, declare the word of God, have a relationship with Jesus, be strong in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
the Word works!
Pastor Anton had a word of knowledge on Sunday, for someone who has been battling stomach pain. At first I didn’t think it was for me, because I hadn’t gone to the doctor yet, so she wasn’t sure what the issue was.
I had been having stomach pains for over two years, and it would come on me in the middle of the night.
After Sunday, I haven’t had pain in my stomach at all.
Jesus’ hands on the wheel
On Saturday, as I was getting ready to leave, I started having a lot of thoughts of getting into a serious car accident. I didn’t speak the fear, I spoke faith.
Later that day, my husband drove the van to check it out, and he said the front end needed fixing and that we needed to plan to purchase another car instead of putting more money into this one.
The next day, on my way back home from the store, my van made a noise and then it really started to wobble. I called on Jesus, applied my breaks and the van started to veer off to the right. That’s when my entire wheel came off and my van and rolled onto the curb. I slid about 10 feet before I came to a stop.
This happened in front of an auto repair shop! The auto shop purchased our un-drivable van, for the price of a drivable van. Isn’t God Good?
As I was sharing this with my son, Wednesday night, and he told me that on Tuesday morning, he was talking on the phone and had a thought of me in a car accident. He stopped talking and prayed, “Father protect my mom from harm, I cast that down in Jesus name. He said, “Mom, I know God had His hand on that wheel until you were in a safe place, He protected you.” My God is great and greatly to be praised!!!
God’s got my problems
I have been going to church since I was a little girl, and thought I had a good life and that I knew God. My brother passed away from cancer, and two years later, my sister passed away from cancer and then three years ago my father passed away from Lou Gherrit’s disease. I stopped going to church, I was mad at God and I didn’t want anything to do with God.
Then one Saturday God said, you are doing all you can to not disappoint your daddy and your daddy is not the one that can get you in heaven. I went to my daughter and said I think it’s time to go back to church.
She started to come to Life with a friend and wanted me to try the church out. I felt at home immediately. Since coming to this church I have learned so much, I know to give my problems to God and not take them back. He has them, I know it’s being taken care of.
the wildfire stopped!
On Monday, I received a call from my sister in Palm Bay Florida. She and her family had been evacuated from their home because it was in a line of wildfire which was quickly approaching their property. She sounded panicked so I offered to pray with her on the phone.
I prayed that the blood of Jesus covered their home and property and declared that no weapon formed against their property would prosper. I thanked the Lord that none of their belongings would be touched by fire. I prayed that the peace of God would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
After we said “Amen” my sister, who is Mormon, said “wow, thank you”.
I then called a friend from LCC to share the prayer I prayed with her. She prayed and loosed angels to guard the perimeter of my sister’s property and that through this experience my sister and her family would be ministered to; that they will see the awesome power of God which would result in their conversion.
Later that night I called my sister to check in. 51 homes in their community had burned. Her husband went to see what had happened. The fire burned a tree in the adjacent vacant lot; the tree stood in the center of that lot, exactly where a house would have been. The fire jumped their street and burned a house across the street.
The fire stopped 8 feet from their property. None of their belongings or property burned.
I know our God is an awesome God. He is Jehova-Nissi, the Lord our banner. Praise God. Thank you Jesus for protecting my sister’s property and showing her Your goodness.
Through this my testimony about Psalm 91 is strengthened. I am grateful for the teaching I am under at LCC and that my leaders and pastors share with us how to read and apply God’s word to our life situations.
Pain-free child birth!
In my confession for a supernatural childbirth, I declared no morning sickness, and it went away. In fact, I had to look down every day at my belly and realize I was pregnant. I worked hard and felt great. I also had a sciatic nerve pain, which went away once I had hands laid on me and we told the baby to move away from the nerve.
I declared no swelling in my feet which came to pass. After the birth, any little bit of swelling went away within a day. The doctor said I had a positive test for Group B Strep, which could harm the baby, so Pastor Marie laid hands on me and felt the Holy Spirit move. I also asked God to tell me the sex of the baby in a dream, and He told my mother-in-law in a dream that night, that it was a girl. My husband had a dream that she had blonde hair, she does.
I had a cervical exam in which the doctor said I was only one centimeter dilated and to come back in a week. I went outside and said “Baby, you are coming out today or sooner than a week!” She came that night. For delivery, I declared the labor to be 3 ½ hours long. My water broke at 5:50 p.m. and the baby was born at 9:48 p.m. It was a pain-free, easy, short, and natural delivery. The contractions felt like tightening of the abdomen and the intensity rose as the baby pushed toward the canal. The nurse looked at me often, and said, “I know you are having a contraction right now, but you’re just lying there, smiling.” Once the doctor arrived, he said he would come back in thirty minutes because I was at 8 cm I said no, she’s coming now. He checked, and I was 10 cm.
I pushed and felt no pain. I could feel the baby coming out, just pressure in that area. The baby was posterior, facing up. The doctor said she was looking up at God, she’s a preacher. I had declared one push, which they said it would have been if she wasn’t face up. They told me 80-90% of posterior births require a Caesarean section. But God’s mercy allowed me to push her through pain-free. The only discomfort was the power outage in the hospital causing the air conditioning to turn off. I was so hot. Then when the adrenaline rush came after the delivery, I was very cold and shaky. The nurse said it would last a couple of hours, but I stopped shaking after 30 minutes.
The baby was not given to me to breastfeed immediately, because she swallowed meconium and needed NICU and observation. They said they would keep her in there for 4 hours, but I was able to pick her up after an hour and a half. She was doing great. She is calm and quiet. She smiled on her second day.
Now it’s on to Proactive Parenting!
short and sweet!
Missy (my daughter) bought a house that had been stripped down to the walls-everything had to be redone. The house had no water. It had a well but the water pump wouldn’t work and she couldn’t get anyone to get it to work. So she took some anointing oil and poured it into her well, the pump started working and she has had water ever since! Praise God!
