Take Your Stand against the Devils Schemes

Take Your Stand against the Devils schemes

Luke 14:16 - 24 (KJV) 16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant,

Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.


Ephesians 6:10 - 13 (NIV) 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

As God’s children we are to be doers of the Word and not hearer’s only.
As you would read through the above scriptures an awareness comes that there is opposition to the work of the Lord and also that the Lord has a work to be done in the earth. This work is more important than any other work. The Father has requested it to be done.

What I see as the “day ”approaches is that Satan is getting more bold and blatant about who he is and what he does. There is such opposition against the Lord and His Christ today but the Lord has already declared that the gates of hell won’t prevail against His church.

My question is this today as you read through this blog-spot: Are you going into the highways and hedges and compelling them to come in? The Father is waiting. Pray the Lord of the harvest that He would send laborers into His harvest. NOW!

Let me relate to you what went on right in the middle of the small town that I live in yesterday (8-26-10). The was a woman and a man out on the street in front of the New Age shop, which is known for its dark spirit seeking by the owner and those whom she recruits. The woman was dressed as a witch and the man was professing to be a warlock. Blatant activity trying to get people to attend a séance that they were going to do. Dressed like who they are and who they represent not ashamed of what they were doing. This is the work of the true enemy of man’s soul at work. Right out there in the highways and hedges in front of everyone for all to see.

What is the church doing to fulfill the Word of God and do the will of God? The enemy is taking it to the streets can we do any less?

Get out into the Highways and Hedges
Pastor Kitner

A Bride or a Whore?

A Bride or a Whore?
Tuesday May 11, 2010

Read Revelation 17:1-18

In the children’s story, “the Little Mermaid” a young mermaid is given the chance to become human, falls in love with a prince, and agrees to marry him. However an evil witch, Ursula, poses as the bride and seeks to steal the prince for herself. In the end of course Ursula is destroyed and Ariel is joined with her prince. (I must have watched this movie with my children a zillion times back in the day.) It would be a pretty creepy story if somehow the prince were to wed both. Some kind of part time marriage with a girlfriend on the side arrangement may work in the filth of television and movies but it will not fly in children’s story books or more importantly in eternity. God will not allow us to play the bride and the whore at the same time. We have to choose which we will be, especially in these days when we can almost hear the angel warming up the trumpet of Christ’s return.
One of the most striking things in the book of Revelation is the stark contrast between good and evil. One is either part of the New Jerusalem or the New Babylon for example. In Chapters 12 and 17 we see the contrast between the woman clothed with the sun, representing the people of God, and the whore of Babylon, who represents the enemy of God. In the last days she may be the false one world religion or government. In either case she seduces the nations into opposing God and persecuting his people.
In the last days we see these two women in clear opposition to each other, each having a separate destiny. The bride of Christ may be persecuted and pursued by the devil, but she is ultimately rescued by her husband and Lord. The false bride is judged and destroyed by the same.
The temptation we face today is to tell ourselves that we can follow Christ as his bride without having to separate ourselves from the lifestyle and values of this world. I fear that we have handed the world a gospel full of loopholes and exceptions that give the false impression that we can follow Christ without really having to make any changes in our lifestyle. We’ve told them, “Just pray this prayer and you’re saved.” In so doing we have taught a whole generation how to dress like a bride by day and walk the streets at night. Without a clean break from our old life of sin and a decision to follow Christ faithfully there is no salvation.
Let us remember today what verse 14 tells us: “He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings and those who are with him are called and chosen and faithful.” If we are to be with our prince forever we must live as those who are called- called out of the values of this world, Chosen- chosen to walk with him in holiness, and faithful- staying close to him in all our ways with no compromise. Let us remember today that our Lord is coming for a bride, not a girlfriend. He is coming for one committed to him forever, not a live in for the moment. He will not allow us to dine at his table by day while we walk the streets of Babylon at night. He will not invite you to have a home in the New Jerusalem while you lease an apartment in Babylon. Choose this day who you will serve. Let the world see in you the radiance of his called, chosen, and faithful bride.

Pastor Mark Driskill
Web Minister of Begotten by the word web ministry
See our website at
http://ourchurch.com/member/b/bbtw
and
www.facebook.com (to group "begotten by the word")
Begotten by the word is a ministry of Helping Hands Christian resources-Evangelism Outreach
http://www.hhcr05.org
(Feel free to copy in any way that will bring glory to God and further his kingdom.)

Be blessed Today
Pastor Kitner

The Almost Ready Event

by Craig Groeschel
The Almost Ready Event

When launching a new anything, most people want it to be perfect. Opening before it is perfect is often better than waiting for perfection.


One of my friends opened a yogurt store before he had signs, pictures, or decorations. Instead of a cool clock on the wall, he put up a piece of paper with “clock” written on it.


My friend greeted everyone that came in and explained how they were his special guests. The store has taken off—and they still don’t have the clock up.


In church, people love to be in on the ground floor. The sound system doesn’t have to be perfect. All of the walls don’t have to be painted. The carpet might not even be laid.

When launching a new program, it might not need a logo, a room, or an agenda. Sometimes a vision an the right leader may be all you need to start.


If everything is done, people don’t get to contribute to or enjoy the process.


Even if everything is not perfect, God can still work through a mess.

What needs to be started in your life even though it is not to a place of perfection yet?
Be Blessed today
Pastor Kitner

Understanding What We Have and Who We are in Christ

Hebrews 10:19-20(KJV)19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

As I read the passage above I thought on the title and asked the question: Do we understand who we are and what we have in Christ? What does it mean to have boldness to enter into the holiest. As I meditated on this my mind started to go to other places of scripture and this portion of scripture began to speak louder and louder to me concerning the fulness of what we have and who we are in Christ.

1. Because of the shed blood of Jesus we have access to all that is holy - to all that God has.
2. We have access to the presence of God - directly as individuals
3. We have the joy of the Lord.
4. We are the righteousness of God in Christ.
5. We are accepted in the beloved - highly favored of God
6. We have received both the mercy and the Grace of God actively in our lives.
7. We are blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
8. We have the compassion of Christ in healing and wholeness.
9. We have intimacy with the Lord. God's original intent was intimacy with His man.

Think on these things and be blessed as God becomes more real day by day in your life as you seek Him.
Paul puts it this way for the Ephesian believers: (and it my wish for all who read this today)

Ephesians 1:17-23(KJV)
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Be blessed today
Pastor Kitner

Compassion and Greater Works

Matthew 14:14And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

John 14:12(KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

A dictionary definition of compassion. - A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. (definition from Dictionary.com)

Does this describe the church today? Are we moved by compassion to do the same things Jesus did and more?

Blessings On Ya!
Pastor Kitner

The Most Precious Things

Proverbs 4:1-10(KJV)
1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
3For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

Wisdom and understanding are the most precious things over silver and gold. These carry you in life and cause you to excel.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Open Doors

Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God. Look around and serve God. Look within and find God! God closes doors no man can open and God opens doors no man can close. If you need God to open some doors for you... Expect it to happen!

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

The challenge is to take the “LID” off this year.

What is it that stands in between you and God in getting something done for the kingdom of God?
One Sunday we had a prophetess at the church speaking and she challenged the church to take the lid off at the church.
What hinders us personally to the point that we hinder the church and its overall mission and become the people that say we never did it that way before and go round the same circle that we have always gone in. After all if you always do what you have always done then you will always get what you have always gotten before.
The challenge is to take the “LID” off this year.
Lids are multifunctional. They keep things in and they keep things out of the pot etc. So as individuals and as a church we need to take the lid off. We also need to see what the lids are for us as individuals and as the church. I have a few that I will list here to help us identify the lids of our lives.
1. The lid of Limitation – with God all things are possible.
2. The lid of we can’t & we won’t – choices are up to us.
3. The lid of not changing or status quo – I like it this way.
4. The lid of religious works – legalism or works righteousness & self righteousness.
5. The lid of we never did it that way – unwilling to change – nothing new to be tried.
6. The lid of I like our “little church”.
7. The lid of our own individual comfort zones.
8. The lid of selfishness – I want it my way – I want my kingdom built & my needs met.
9. The lid of doubt and unbelief.
10. The lid of what I can or can’t do – it depends on what I have or don’t have etc.
11. The lid of I believe God can – but never I believe God will.
12. The lid of it’s the pastor’s job that’s what we pay him for. He is not a hireling.
13. The lid of prayerlessness – I don’t have time to pray.
14. The lid of unwillingness to be involved.
These are a few lids that I have identified that will hinder the work of the church and the life of individuals. So what happens when you take the lid off?
When the lid comes off several things are evident.
When the lid comes off there is:
1. Access to something more being put in.
2. Access to what’s inside and something being taken out.
3. There is an openness or even an emptiness.
4. The limitation of the lid is gone.
5. The aroma of what is inside fills the place. – a sweet smelling savor or a stench?
6. When the lid comes off then God can fill us as individuals or the church with Himself.

Be Blessed
Pasator Kitner

That I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:1-16(KJV)

1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

He will be found of us when we seek Him with our whole hearts. You were saved for His own purpose so nothing else in your life will make sense until you aprehend that for which you have been apprehended.

Blessings on Ya as you seek God in the begining of this new year coming up.

Proverbs 3:5-6(KJV)
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Pastor Kitner

Growing the Church

Church Multiplication: Growing the Church Exponentially

The long-term health of any denomination or movement can be evaluated by two simple standards: the number of new churches born each year that survive and prosper; and the vigor and reproductive rate of its established of “adult” churches.

In the American Church today, some denominations are thriving, while many others are on the road to extinction. Declining denominations are marked by striking similarities — their members are getting older, their congregations are declining in size, and they start few new churches. Thriving denominations, on the other had, have a much younger demographic and they start many more new churches each year. Eventually declining denominations will become extinct unless they dramatically change their values and behaviors.

In this issue of Enrichment, we explore the topic of church multiplication from multiple perspectives. Hear compelling essays from: Mark Batterson, Neil Cole, Earl Creps, Dave Ferguson, David Kinnaman, Dave Mills, Dave Olson, Nelson Searcy, Ed Stetzer, and others - click on the Title above.


Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

15-signs-that-a-church-is-in-trouble - click here

What are the signs that a church is in trouble and will decline if something is not done or God intervenes.

Look at these signs
Pastor Kitner

Are You Ready for Bigger Things?

Are You Ready for Bigger Things?

“You... enlarged me when I was in distress.” – Psalms 4:1 AMP

Did you know that the hermit crab looks for a shell that fits him, and then lives in it until he outgrows it? At that point he has to scurry along the ocean floor and find a bigger one; it’s a process that repeats itself throughout his entire life.

Are you clinging to something that no longer fits you, just because it’s easy and familiar? David said, “You... freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress.” To develop and grow spiritually you must be willing to move out of your comfort zone and deal with a little ‘distress.‘ What worked for you yesterday may not work today.

Maybe it’s a job you’ve outgrown, a relationship you need to re-examine or a behavior you need to change. Regardless of what it is, never become so ‘settled‘ that you can’t let go and move on when you need to. Patience and persistence are admirable, but they won’t work in situations you’ve outgrown. Instead of hanging in and trying harder, at certain points you have to stop and ask yourself, “Is this situation good for me?” If you’re not sure, ask God for “an understanding heart [to]... know the difference between right and wrong. (1 Kings 3:9). His Word says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you” (James 1:5).

When God says it’s time to move on, it’s because there’s another shell out there that will fit you even better. But you can’t take occupancy until you vacate the old one. So how about it – are you ready for bigger things?

Thanks Pastor Tim Satryan for the above post.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Life Changing Question - click here

What would you do if --- ?

Think about what it is that you would do if you knew that you couldn't fail. Now - What is stopping you from doing it?

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

A witness for Jesus Christ

If you click on the above title it will take you to Jeff Leake's blog site. There he tells a story of a man driving a van for the motel shuttle service. It is a story that shows how witnessing for the Lord can be done by any saved person in an everyday sharing of what God has done for you.

Be encouraged, you can witness for the Lord without fear of doing it and without all the religious garb. "Here's what happened to me."

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

The Future of the Church

People are always questioning the relativity of the church to this time in our world. How does the church fit in?

Ralph Winter said: “Unless and until the future of the world becomes more important to the Church than it’s own future....the Church has no future in the world.”

What do you think about that statement? How does it fit in with what you believe?

Blessings On Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Comment on this below....

Man in the Image of God

Genesis 1:26 - 27 (NIV) 26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth,£ and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Man was created in the image of God. Here are 9 aspects of this to consider.
Man was created:
1. eternal in his being
2. loving in his nature - character
3. powerful - in word and deed
4. creative - God is creative
5. with knowledge - named all the animals that God brought to him
6. authoritative told to take dominion
7. walikng in light - no sin
8. fruitful - told to multiply
9. Productive - tend the garden

Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

God is incredible!

Jeremiah 1:4 - 10 (KJV) 4Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.


God is incredible. Isn't He?
Before He formed us in our mothers womb He knew or chose us. God has set us apart individually for the very thing He designed us to do. We think we came to God on our own but in John's Gospel Jesus says He chose us.

What is truly amazing to me is that God thinks about me now and He has already provided for my eternity.

So if God be for us who can be against us? We need not be afraid to do what it is that God has equiped us to do. There should be no fear factor there in anything we do for the Lord.

Ask God what it is that He has set you apart to do.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Simple Church - what is it?

What Is Simple Church? from Expectation Media on Vimeo.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

The Vessel

The Master was searching for a vessel to use; On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose? "Take me", cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright, I'm of great value and I do things just right. My beauty and luster will outshine the rest And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!"

The Master passed on with no word at all; He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall; "I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your drink, and I'll be at Your table whenever You dine, My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true, And my silver will always compliment You."

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass, It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass. "Here! Here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do, Place me on Your table for all men to view."

"Look at me", called the goblet of crystal so clear, "My transparency shows my contents so dear, Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride, And I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide."

The Master came next to a vessel of wood, Polished and carved, it solidly stood. "You may use me, dear Master", the wooden bowl said, "But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for Bread!"

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay. Empty and broken it helplessly lay. No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose, To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

"Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find, I will mend and use it and make it all Mine." "I need not the vessel with pride of its self; Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf; Nor the one who is big mouthed and shallow and loud; Nor one who displays his contents so proud; Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right; But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might."

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay. Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day. Spoke to it kindly. "There's work you must do, Just pour out to others as I pour into you."

By: Author Unknown

Are you the vessel the Master is looking for?

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

More Designer Clothes - for your spiritual wardrobe

Part of God's designer clothes for the believer include being clothed with humility. Humility is something that must become part of our way of life if we are to prosper and be in health even as our soul does prosper. Are you dressed in your designer clothes today?

1 Peter 5:5 - 7 (KJV) 5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Proverbs 15:33 (NIV) 33The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom,and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) 2When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

James 3:13 - 14 (NIV) 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

Blessings on ya
Pastor Kitner