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Friday, August 18, 2017

The Simple Gospel is... Well, Simple.

The Simple Gospel of the Kingdom is.... well, simple. 

Jesus' message is refreshingly simple.  Yet it carries absolute power to accomplish everything promised. 


 It is blessed and good news for the poor in spirit, the poor in circumstance, the poor in mind and body, the poor in finance, the poor in.....  

 Jesus' message is refreshingly simple.  Yet it carries absolute power to accomplish everything promised.  Worth saying twice. 

 His word is somewhat like the Sun.  
The Sun, which he created with a word, out of nothing, burns with an internal flame. 
It burns and burns and lights the whole galaxy. 
Created by a word from God.  


So much of our lives in Jesus are crated by simple words.  
Connected with simple actions. 
Connected with Spirit power and life. 
The simplicity of the Kingdom and of walking in the Spirit is laid out by the apostle John.

 "and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."


I John 3:22-24  

Believe in the NAME of Jesus Christ
Love one another 

Simple 
and at the same time amazingly profound.  


Like a seed.  Tiny.  Dry.  Looks like nothing from the outside.  When placed in the ground it explodes with life and every plant and tree in the world.  

 The simple Gospel is like seeds.  Mark 4

 The simple Gospel is one step at a time.  Seed steps of faith, trusting the NAME and loving one another like HIM.  

A testimony of the simple Gospel at work. 

In our men's group, grown out of outreach and simple ministry to the poor, we've seen some remarkable healing, open doors and response to the Holy Spirit.  

On one occasion a member of the team had a dream the night before.  The dream involved forgiveness and freedom.  He shared it at the group and the Holy Spirit expanded it into ministry and discussion on forgiveness.  Both forgiving and being forgiven were a bit new to our group members.  As we talked and looked at Scripture we felt the Spirit leading and so  we set out to take that step in our lives over the next few days.  

 Related Testimony: 
One of the guys was living on his parents property in an RV.  He had rocky relations with his step Dad for years.  With all the challenges of his life and expectations and hopes from his parents, the way he was progressing slowly was not satisfying them.  An argument erupted.  After hearing their perspective, our men's group fellow stopped and asked his parents to forgive him.  Something he had never done before.  His step Dad began to cry and they all connected deeply.  He then told us about their relationship and it's struggles. 

 That evening they were both up on the roof of a barn replacing roofing and sharing life together.  Doing work together and living in the rich rewards of renewed relationship.  
It was Father's day.  
The Gospel is a series of simple steps. 
The apostles focused that action by focusing on "walking in the Spirit".  
Walking is one step at a time.  
In the natural it is something we all know how to do, to walk.  
Basic to living, walking is the normal action of our lives. 

 In the Spirit it is the same.  Simple steps of obedience are the normal way of following Jesus.
The Spirit points and we typically know exactly what steps we should take. 
Now it's up to us to walk.  
Steps founded in the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit are presented before us. 
And then we walk in them.   




Simple Gospel 
Simple Freedom
Simple Love
Simple Power 







These "steps" look like the steps of obedience to ask for forgiveness or step out and love someone who you really don't even like.  
Obedience to pray for your enemies.  
Obedience to give when there is nothing apparently left when you do.  

In truth, walking in the Spirit looks like a million different choices.  Choices the Spirit is leading Saints to make all over the plant every day.  


 Jesus did give us commands.

"And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us."  I John 3:23 

 Jesus did give us commands.  

Believe in the NAME.
Have faith in the Name of Jesus.  
For What? 
Everything. 


"Trust in is only trust when you spend it."  (Dave McRae)
To move in the simple Gospel faith in the NAME of Jesus is comprehensive trust in the purpose and reality of the Kingdom in our lives.  Romans 8:28-29

Each step is a step into "Faith in the Name of Jesus"
Each step requires belief.  Trust.
Walking in the Spirit is predicated with knowledge of his leading and direction.
Walking in the Spirit is believing in the NAME of Jesus Christ.


Loving one another is the other leg in the stepping.
The outward expression of our lives cannot be just belief and a personal faith.
Love is the natural outflow of revelation of Jesus.  John 3:16

The one another's = family of God first.
We've got things flipped on their heads.  We've made much of the church into a "service center" or "pool maintenance company".  We've turned the disciples into consumers.
Loving one another is far down the list of priorities of the church.
It's a corporation.  A machine.  A weekly process of productions and events.

Hello.  Jesus is not an event.
You don't get to heaven from event to event.
We get to heaven by faith in the NAME and loving one another as he commanded.

We've made an unholy alliance.   The simple Gospel of the Kingdom has been gobbled up by the consumer culture of America.  
The focus on the church is hardly on loving one another.  
But it should be.  

Loving one another in the NAME of Jesus Christ is a high and clear calling.
Laying down our lives for one another.
Carrying out his commands in obedience as worship.
Walking as he walked.
Loving as he loved.

"This is my command, that you love one another as I have loved you."
The Church needs to be focused on implementing this command.
Aiding the Saints in walking in the Spirit and truth of this command.
Evaluating itself based on this command.

If you love me, you will keep my commands.  Jesus Christ


The baseline perspective, the Kingdom we carry with us everywhere can shape the very life and experiences of our world.  It's God's Kingdom touching earth again and again.   

We can see the world with the "eyes" of lack, want and need.
Or we can see it from the vantage point of the Kingdom of Jesus.
Boundless.  Never ending resource of LOVE, GRACE, Healing, deliverance, freedom, connection, and family.   

I have good news.  ALL this is yours in Christ Jesus!   And his open invitation..... 
COME.  FOLLOW ME
Comments?  Ideas? Testimonies?  

Send those to me.  

Thanks for +1's and re-shares. 




Other posts that may interest you:



















Thanks for reading.  

The dialogue is awesome.  Thank you.

Testimonies?  Share em with me.  

I am hoping to do Google Hang Outs Soon on Friday's.
Uganda was amazing.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
So appreciated.  Such an offering.  Makes all the difference.



With much love in Jesus


You can do this thing!  He's got you.  

Jeff Reynolds   ---
Brother Jeff
jeff@jeffreynoldsministries.com


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Tuesday, August 15, 2017

7 Keys to Opening the Flood Gates of Grace and LOVE

Jesus says, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." Mark 6:38
Seeds in a pod in Japan - he writes on creation his ways



 


Two Fish - 5 Loaves of Bread.
Five Thousand Eat a Wonderful Lunch

This is the Kingdom of God among us. 
It is buried treasure in a field - Luke 12:24
It is a pearl of great price - Matthew 13:45
It is the seeds planted by God all around and in our lives - II Corinthians 9:6-9
It is Faith, HOPE and LOVE.  I Corinthians 13




So how does this happen?  Grace, LOVE, flooding our lives? 
Or, does this NOT really happen at all?
Are the things of the Kingdom simply high ideals and ideas?
Do we know and experience them in real time and real life?

 In our deconstruction mentalities - the NO - the negative - the darkness - we focus on what is NOT.  And so we reap what we sow?  


1.  This is where the Kingdom meets the world in miracle and wonder.   The NOT - ie "What we don't have".   There is no lack in the Kingdom.
IN our wild and prosperous culture it is easy to look more at what we don't have.  In fact, we are conditioned to look at the world this way.  Day after day our fallen culture reminds us of what we don't have.  The consumption and capitol machine always wants us to buy what we don't have.  Daily we are bombarded with what we don't have, what we need, and what others have that we "should" have.   It is a challenge to silence the scream of the world that tells us we need more and more.  For those who have all they want the mindset is "I have no need". This is a scary place in spiritual terms.  The Laodicean church of Revelation needed nothing.   Jesus pointed out their incredible lack; blind, naked, poor, wretched, and pitiful.  When we think world possessions and wealth are the Kingdom of God we enter into a fatal spiritual flaw.  

 Oh for a moment to see what we look like from heavens vantage and not how we look on earth.  
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Cor 4:17-18 



2. We've been expertly trained to focus on our ability to meet needs rather than connect people to the Kingdom of God.  The Kingdom is endless provision in every way through the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
I've got news for you...the Kingdom of God does not need anything to explode onto the world - well one thing....YOU and I as living sacrifices, witnesses of his love and walkers in the Spirit.   The Kingdom of God is boundless in it's provision and ability to meet needs and bring salvation.  This is key.  If we look at our existing resources and the magnitude of needs in the world we loose sight of the flow of the Kingdom through us.  It touches those in front of us.  It is a now reality in perfect timing and resource. (II Timothy 1:9-10)


3. Little Children, those who see the Kingdom, expect their Abba to provide. 
Yes.  This world is full of imperfection, injustice, greed etc...on and on we can focus on it's failure and shortcomings.  
But we are invited to see a different Kingdom.  An eternal Kingdom that breaks into this life NOW.  One that spins something remarkable from two fish and 5 loaves with 5000 people staring at you.   We are not the resource.  Jesus our Lord is and he has a boundless Kingdom of love, grace, hope, life and peace.   
Welcome it.   Pray you can stand with 5000 staring at you.  These are miracle opportunities that put us out on a limb.  These are opportunities for Jesus to shine not you and me.   Miracles are about compassion, health and wholeness in the Kingdom rule of Jesus Christ.  


Disciples learn the ways of the Kingdom and hand out the miracle!

3.  Crucify the idol of the age - the SELF - and let the Kingdom of God explode from the inside out!  Jesus was clear.  The way of the cross requires a daily sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).   We die to the fruitless mindsets and ideas of this world each day.  Some believers focus on the death.  Jesus rose again. He completely shattered reality as we know it and brought forth a whole new life.  We need to focus on the life!  We get freedom from bondages and chains and then we smash the dominion of darkness by simply being a "living sacrifice".  Rom 12:1-2    Abiding in his presence is our inheritance and our refuge.  

 Regain the place of resting and abiding through prayer, intercession and a realization that the Kingdom is present right now to meet what you and I are facing.  


Then he said to them all:  
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily 
and follow me.  
Luke 9:23

 

4.  Rivers of living water flow in taking the RISKs we are called into in the Kingdom.  The Kingdom is PRESENT now.  
Learn to relish the moments when you don't have what appears to be required.  

 A reality check is what this moment is for all of us.  God's Kingdom has provision for what is in front even if we are holding two fish and 5 loaves in the face of 5000 hungry people.  When his love and compassion make our hearts beat, we hunger for a way to break open in the Lord.  
In the wild and prosperous culture of Jesus' Kingdom it is easy to overlook the simplicity with which it contacts our broken world.  The Kingdom is mind blowingly simple.   WE RECEIVE AND WELCOME IT.   

 We don't invent it or manage it.  Jesus does through the Spirit.  That's it.  Receive HIM.  Welcome HIM.  Jesus will meet you as his son or daughter with the most amazing grace and love and wisdom in the moment.   Open the doors little ones.  


5. The significance of numbers, the 2 and 5.  The Witnesses of the Kingdom and the Grace of his government. 
The bible is fascinating.  A simple study always grows into 100's of avenues, roadways and paths to discover more of the Love and grace of the Lord Jesus.  He is the Word.  The intricacy of Scripture is remarkable.  In every way it speaks.  2 fish and 5 loaves are significant.  

 The disciples were getting a lesson in the order of the Kingdom of God.  2 witnesses carry with them every provision and power to save the world.  And the Fivefold grace of ministry provided personally by Jesus to the Church is a never ending stream of prophetic encouragement and revelation of the NAME.  The NAME above all names.   Elevate your understanding of the Word by studying and showing yourself approved.  
The first thing to let go is that Scripture is just about meeting my need.  God is winning Nations to him today.  

 The confidence of sons and daughters gives way to an army of grace and love that invades the world with miracle power and love.   Elevate your understanding!



5000 for lunch on this.  Go Jesus.
6. Goodness and Mercy follow those who let childlike LOVE and Grace proceed them as they carry the Kingdom in faith. 
Goodness and mercy are to follow us.   What opens the door in front of us so they can follow?  LOVE.  The Kingdom provision for loving the world is endless.  This is how God approached us.  "For God so loved the world...."  Jn 3:16   Put love in front.  Ask the Spirit to enlighten you to how you can love in whatever situation you are in.  He will answer you.  Right now in the moment.  Amazingly he often feeds 5000 with a few fish and some bread. 


7. We receive and welcome the Kingdom into everything we know and experience in life.  
It is essential to know that the Kingdom of God is not something we generate.  It is Jesus' Kingdom.  The Alpha and Omega pours out assignments in wisdom and love.  Galatians 1:1. Paul makes clear his ministry is not "from men" or " through men".  Meaning it is heavens idea.  Heavens initiative.  Heavens plans.  There is too much noise these days.  Noise arising from those who want to "do a great thing FOR God" rather than "Let God do the great thing he intended all along through them".   
The baseline perspective, the Kingdom we carry with us everywhere can shape the very life and experiences of our world.  It's God's Kingdom touching earth again and again.   

We can see the world with the "eyes" of lack, want and need.
Or we can see it from the vantage point of the Kingdom of Jesus.
Boundless.  Never ending resource of LOVE, GRACE, Healing, deliverance, freedom, connection, and family.   

I have good news.  ALL this is yours in Christ Jesus!   And his open invitation..... 
COME.  FOLLOW ME
Comments?  Ideas? Testimonies?  

Send those to me.  

Thanks for +1's and re-shares. 




Other posts that may interest you:



















Thanks for reading.  

The dialogue is awesome.  Thank you.

Testimonies?  Share em with me.  

I am hoping to do Google Hang Outs Soon on Friday's.
Uganda was amazing.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
So appreciated.  Such an offering.  Makes all the difference.



With much love in Jesus


You can do this thing!  He's got you.  

Jeff Reynolds   ---
Brother Jeff
jeff@jeffreynoldsministries.com

   

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Friday, August 4, 2017

Who are YOU Before HIM? Let Love Define YOU

In the fallen state of this world, it is an achievement to let love to define us. 


Desert Flowers Blooming Isaiah 35 - Our Father's creations


 In the production, success, significance quest world we live and dwell in, "love leading us" can be a vapor or smoke.  We see it's fire and run to it only to have it evaporate.  It disappears in the winds of desires for other things, cares and troubles of life, and the challenge of keeping our hearts pure before him.  

The real question of life and glory in Jesus is....

Who are YOU before him?  
I would put out there...    that the real answer can only be found in a first love, a love first standing before the Father focused on Jesus. 


Scripture gives us a foundation of knowing the deep motivations of our King Jesus. 



"For God so loved the world...."    John 3:16   

 The fragrance of Jesus' life was to love and please the Father, staying in perfected love.  He filled up his life with the pleasures of unity with the Father's desires.  He moved in what the Father was doing out of sheer joy and grace.  

 This is the WAY we are called into.  With, in and through, the Trinity God we love and serve with joy. 

 Love is the eternal motivation of our Father God.  Jesus fulfilled the mission dream of the Father's heart because of love.  Love for the Father.  Love for us.  In Jesus we have the fullness of love.  It echoes out in ripples across the face of this fallen and wrecked world.  

Eternities promise is perfect abiding.  Abiding with each other and with our Father, Son and Spirit in the overwhelming richness and glory of his loving kindness.


When love leads us and we stand before the Father.....


We find deeper and deeper wells of perfected love. Driving fear away and pouring into heart, mind, spirit and soul a tangible overwhelming connection and rest.  


 This is where we find ourselves.  

To the devoted follower of Jesus, this is the point of arrival and empowerment.   Abiding in Jesus is the secret place.  The place to discover eternal life and grace filled identity.   This place, this standing, is ours because of Jesus.  He stood before the Father and now stands at his right hand.  Jesus completed the will of the Father in perfected love. So he was exalted to the eternal priesthood of perfect love and worship. We are invited to walk with him and abide with him in his relationship with the Father.

This is where we find ourselves.  Before him.  

When disciples start asking, "Who am I before Him?"  Pointing their face toward Him, standing in his presence, the still and quiet voice of perfect love speaks a word that can fuel a 1000 years of faith  hope, and love.


Deep connections, longed for with the Father, run in pathways of perfect love.  

This is where we discover who we are in HIM.  This is where we hear his voice.  The voice that plucks the deep strings of our hearts with the sounds of wonder and awe.


Who am I?
Ask that question before HIM.





Discover the wonder and awe of perfected love in action.
Of the ever flowing streams of living water, flowing from the temple of perfect love Jesus won for us.



Won in the Cross
Lived in Resurrected LIFE
Sealed with Ascension Power




This is God's world.  Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.
Come quickly Lord Jesus!

Bring us into your glory and grace through faith, hope and love.

Speak to us Lord from your loving kindness and perfect love.

We want to live beyond FEAR.

We want to see into the heart of the Father
We want to see into the perfect work of power and redemptive love in Jesus
We want to know how to live in all the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ
We want your Spirit abiding in and through us in rest, peace and power.

Who is like you, Lord among gods?



Isaiah 49:11 Mountains lead to roads paved by our God.



Hang in there.  

Often we start making predictions based on past failures when trouble lands.    We start predicting a negative future out of some of our bad memories.  
The awesome thing is God is not tied up by our predictions. 
He is creative.  In love with us.  And he is good all the way.  
Everything in his heart is to see us live forever with him.  
He has provided everything needed in the Lord Jesus and his perfect work. 
I have always been a bad predictor of the future....even when I think it turns out bad. 
God always sweeps in and something unseen re-writes the story.  
That is the heart of God over us.   
He re-writes it so we see him, grow deeper in love and learn to walk with him.
In turn he changes us inside forever!  

This is all worth it.  
Even the days when you are hanging on by the tips of your fingers and you see a 1000 feet of air beneth you.   He will catch you.
Or He will sweep in and bring something unexpected.  
Believe.  Believe.  Believer. 
Trust in the NAME of Jesus.  

Comments?  Ideas? Testimonies?  
Send those to me.  
Thanks for +1's and re-shares. 

More Posts on Confidence and Zeal...




Thanks for reading.  
The dialogue is awesome.  Thank you.
Testimonies?  Share em with me.  
With much love in Jesus

You can do this thing!  He's got you.  

Jeff Reynolds   ---
Brother Jeff



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