Sunday, May 30, 2010

Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Sermon Notes from Pastor Tankard's Message

After a Sunday morning service, I love to look back over my notes and study them again. Also, look up scriptures that were referenced, and take them in deeper. When I write them, read them, and type them out again, it really helps me remember them better. :D

The past two Sundays, the sermon has been on the teaching of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many churches of today do not believe that those gifts are for today. We believe they are.

Here are a few of my sermon notes from this morning...sort of randomly written. :)

We are not filled "with" the Holy Spirit, we are filled "in" the Holy Spirit.

Evidence of second baptism in the Holy Spirit is 1) Speaking in tongues, 2) Prophesying.

Mark 16:17 (New International Version)

17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Pride will keep us from all God has for us.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (New International Version)

14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

What people do not understand, they automatically reject. Human reasoning will keep us from all God has for us.

Don't be afraid of the Holy Ghost. Allow Him to baptize you...baptism in the Holy Spirit. Why would we not want more of God in our lives?

Pastor used visual pictures for us.

- Salvation/Water Baptism: the empty glass of our lives is fill with fresh water. We are saved, we have the Holy Spirit too. We become "candidates" to received the gifts of the Holy Spirit...infilling.
- Baptism in the Holy Spirit: is like taking the full glass, and putting it inside of a huge basin full of water. We are then completely immersed, saturated, surrounded...inside, outside, the way we see things...every way we move and breath is "in" the Holy Spirit. There is evidence. Like the wind...we cannot see it, but we can see and feel the evidence that wind has moved. Evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit in our lives (the second baptism experience for believers): speaking in tongues and prophesying.

We need the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, for the transformation of us, and for power in ministry. Our lifestyle should be a supernatural lifestyle, in words and in deeds. Supernatural is not in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. The Holy Spirit will give us words at the right time...spirit led words, when we rely on HIM and not ourselves.

Acts 8:12-19 (New International Version)

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (two separate experiences)

18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

We need the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and we need the power of the Holy Spirit because we as humans in our own strength have a problem...the tongue.

James 3:8 (New International Version)

8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Life and death is in the power of the tongue. James 4:3

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness: Romans 8:26-27 (New International Version) 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Praying in the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:25-27 (New International Version) 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.


Here are a few more scriptures of reference. I love God's word!

Acts 2:38-39 (New International Version)

38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Galatians 3:2-5 (New International Version)

2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

Galatians 3:14 (New International Version)

14He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Hebrews 11:6 (New International Version)

6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

6 Steps to being filled in the Holy Spirit

1. Repent, confess your sin, believe and receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
2. Water Baptism
3. Hunger and Thirst for more of God Matt 5:6, Luke 1:53
4. Ask-It is scriptural to ask for spiritual gifts. Luke 11:13 (New International Version) 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
5. Drink into your life the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit cannot be taken passively, we must be "open" to drinking in more of God.
6. Yielding - Yield our minds, intellect, emotions, and our will. We have to get our mind "right" about it. Romans 6:13 (New International Version) 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.

The Holy Spirit will not hinder, He will only help. God will not give anything that will hurt us.

Enjoy this worship from one of our local worship teams.

<a href="http://622music.bandcamp.com/album/relentless">Blow The Trumpet by 6:22</a>

Monday, May 24, 2010

For the Love Workshop

There is this amazing workshop for christian photographers called, "For the Love"!

I would LOVE to attend this workshop, because, well, Ginny Corbett is AWESOME!!! Haha..j/k j/k...

Seriously...well, she is awesome, but anywhooooooooo....

God has called me to two things that I know of in this life (other than being a wife, mother, and homeschooling mom)...to lead worship in song, and to do photography.

The reason I am interested in the "For the Love" workshop is because it is the best of both worlds! Women from all over have an opportunity to attend this awesome time of soaking in worship with the Lord and with other ladies who love photography. Those blessed attenders will also be learning photography skills from some of the best of the best photographers!!! Who wouldn't want to do this???????? Well, I know I would!!!

I'm praying for God to make a way. There is a chance to win a spot, and I'm hoping to win this spot! Next, I'll be praying for a way financially to cover the airfare, and for childcare. Those are two things that God can make a way for! He is God, and can do anything!!! :D

Part of entering the chance to win, is to write this blog stating why I want to attend. Here are the reasons:

- To worship God with everything in me!
- To learn and grow in my artistic abilities, talents and spiritual giftings
- To have a much needed BREAK/time of rest and relaxation time with other artists and believers in Christ!
- To learn all I can so I can use it for God's glory!
- To be brave enough to travel on my own. ;)

That's a WRAP! :) But wait....Click the following to learn more about it: For The Love Workshop for yourself!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Great Start; Beautiful Essays

This morning I pushed through some physical pain to attend a morning worship and prayer time downtown. It is our area "IHOP" experience so to speak. :)

For weeks I've been trying to get there, but with everything we've had going on...and my physical challenges...I've not made this for weeks!! Or, I've made some excuse without even realizing it.

When I walked through the doors, I was greeted by a beautiful sister in Christ, who met me halfway from her spot! It reminded me of the song "When God Ran". How when we move toward God, He moves twice as fast to get to us. So precious how God works through others to demonstrate His love and compassion!

Do you ever have those moments with brothers and sisters in the Lord...where you really didn't have to say a word, because the Holy Spirit already paved the way? That is what this morning was all about. Not only that, but she took time to sit and share...give and take sharing of the things of God, and how He is working things out in each of our lives. She had a word of scripture that was not only for her, but also for me as well.

God is so amazing! He confirmed many things He was already speaking to my heart weeks prior!!

The still quiet of soaking with the Lord, then followed with amazing worship time was just tremendous! Soaking worship that brings such sweet peace and causes every other care and concern (or agenda) to pale. To be with full attention on the Lord and the things of the Lord...so refreshing! So often in my life I've kept too much of my thoughts on situations and people. God is doing a new work in me. He is changing me, and no matter what it takes I pray that He is my everything!

At home I have quiet time alone, but there is something so special about being a room joined with other believers who are unified with like purpose. Who are seeking God with all that is in them! This is where I want to be found...so completely enveloped in the things of God!

David and the children were not able to join me this morning this time, but I hope they will be coming with me the next!

After this wonderful time with the Lord, David the children and I met up together. We then drove together to attend our daughter's last Elegant Essay Writing class. I'm so glad David was able to make it! It was a class of about 12 homeschooling students. This was their final essay, of which they read out loud for the teacher, class and parents.

Our girl wrote about her GaGa. She told some funny stories concerning him, and how he enjoyed making others laugh. (the adults chuckled, but some of the younger ones didn't quite get some of the stories. haha) She received an A, and we are so proud of her!

Here she reading the essay. Her teacher is the lady on the far right in the orange shirt. She was grading them as they spoke:



Our daughter's was a more humorous essay. However, some of the other speeches were so touching and brought tears! They enjoyed having a pizza party together with some great fellowship. We enjoyed seeing and hearing what they learned and how they progressed throughout the past several weeks. Great job guys and gals!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Further From Myself

A FB friend of mine named Laura shared this with me, and the words are right where I am at!

Amazing how God so speaks to my heart through songs.





It's pressure the pleasures measure
The pressure is overbearing
Is it me myself that's caring
For every double-minded joy
And I admit that when I submit to you
I feel so unreal when I'm still
When I'm waiting for you to reveal
And from myself I seem so far away
And I admit that when I submit to you
I can see all of the selfish things I do

[Chorus]
I'm further, further from myself
When I'm next to you
When I run to you

I was wasted embraced it but faced it
With you inside my heart you replaced it
Can't believe you have erased it
Selfishness and foolish pride
And I admit that when I submit to you
I can see all of the selfish things I do

Further from my future
Further from the past
Further from the starting line
Further from the last
Further from my doubts
Further from my fears
Further from temptation that I faced throughout my years
Further from agitation
Further from distraction
The reaction of the dissatisfaction of others actions
Further from myself
Further from my flesh
Further from my birth and I'm
Further from my death

Monday, May 10, 2010

Christ In Me; The Hope of Glory; Jesus Everything

Here are a few bullets that really spoke to me from Pastor Tad Tankard's message on Sunday.

-Rahab was a harlot, but she was a woman of FAITH! Rahab's faith changed her vocation from harlot to princess, because she had the courage to change. GOD made Rahab great! She is even named in the geneology of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus can change you and me. All it takes is a little bit of faith.

-It takes courage to change. Matt 13:54-58

-People want to label us because of their actions, or because of our actions. Mark 3:21-39

-We don't have to know it all to trust God. It only takes a little bit of faith. Heb 11:31

-Have faith in HIS grace. We are heirs according to HIS promise. Galatians 3:7; 3:29

-Faith comes by hearing. Josh 2:10; 2:9-13

-Faith is always rewarded. Heb 11:6

-Belief is not faith until it is acted upon. James 2:25

-God is calling us to be a Joshua kind of people. A people who walk by faith. Rom 4:16 Faith according to grace 2 Corin 5:7

-Having faith includes being willing to leave it all for God's plans and agenda, not what others think our plans should be. Even Jesus had to leave His hometown for His ministry to flourish...also many others in whom God called.

Genesis 12:1-3 (New International Version)

The Call of Abram

1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."


Matthew 13:54-58 (New International Version)

54Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. 55"Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" 57And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." 58And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Matthew 10:34-39 (New International Version)

34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn "a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - 36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'[a]

37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.


When I feel I am not worthy or good enough according to the standards of the world, family and/or friends, I remember that I'm more than worthy according to God's standards.

He is all I need, and all you need!

Let Him be everything!!!




Everything by Tim Hughes

God in my living
There in my breathing
God in my waking
God in my sleeping

God in my resting
There in my working
God in my thinking
God in my speaking

Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything

God in my hoping
There in my dreaming
God in my watching
God in my waiting

God in my laughing
There in my weeping
God in my hurting
God in my healing

Christ in me
Christ in me
Christ in me the hope of glory
You are everything

Christ in me
Christ in me
Christ in me the hope of glory
Be my everything

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Learned a New Word; My Book Reads

So, I learned a new word yesterday. I love learning new things, especially if it concerns christianity, psychology, and the effects of why we people do some of the things we do.

It was so strange, because I wasn't even looking for anything related to this subject, when I came across this new word I had never heard of before. The word is misogynist.

Misogynist basically means "hatred of women, by men". However, I've learned today in studying about it, that it can be women who struggle with hating women as well...or even women who hate men. The main definition is "men who hate women". The meaning is widespread and a bit more complicated.

This morning I've asked myself, "How does this apply to christians"? Well, I came across a book that pertains to this subject, and it is written from a christian perspective. It is very enlightening as well! I'm sure we have all brushed arms with this kind of mentality, or even struggled with it first hand. I'm planning to check for this book in our local library to learn about it, so then I can have more understanding for those who struggle.

The book is titled, Christian Men Who Hate Women: Healing Hurting Relationships. The main thing, is getting to the root of the pain which causes the behavior to develop. Then asking God to heal those parts, and teach us to live according to the TRUTH of the word of God...and not what WE want to make the word of God to say. ;)

Here is a great link that discusses the parts of the book, and also how this can effect relationships:
Christian Men Who Hate Women: Healing Hurting Relationships

Also, I'm finishing up a book titled, Codependent No More. It is a GREAT book that every person on the planet should read! Seriously, EVERYONE has some form of codependency! It varies from person to person, from extreme to mild forms. Mainly, if you have lived with or ever been exposed to in any way, an addict of any kind (alcoholic, drug addict, food addict, gambling addict, any or more of the above of addictions or compulsive behaviors), if you have been a caregiver long term to any of those who struggle with addictions or if you have been a caregiver to those who are mentally or physically sick...or have a natural tendency to be a caregiver, then you may get caught up in codependency. Even the addict, once they recover, can also flip toward codependency.

Soooooooooo...

Yeah, I'm codependent. And probably so are you..heehee. ;) Like I said...we ALL have a level of codependency. It is what it is. Now it is time to see it for what it is, and ask God daily to delivery us from those tendencies to fall into that trap of controlling/obsessing over the lives of others, or trying to gain the approval of others. :)

Here is the book I am currently reading. It is very straight forward, and there is some language and situations that are not for children. However, the book has raw and real situations where people share their stories, and those stories aren't always too pretty either.

The woman who wrote the book is a christian, yet she references many of the "12 step" suggestions that AA and Al Anon use that describe drawing from "your" higher power. So if you are a christian, you fill in the blank there of higher power.

It is a wonderful read. Especially for ministers and those in ministry, or those who are in caregiver types of occupations such as the medical field. These are fields where it is easy to slide into codependency.

If you think you are completely free from any of those tendencies, then good for you! Read it so you can glean a little understanding for others who struggle with addictions or codependency. :D

The book is: Codependent No More by Melody Beattie

I've found mine at the local library. Unless you want to "own" a copy, check there first. I have a friend who found a copy on paperback swap. So that is a great idea too. I've used them a lot, and it is a great way to recycle books.

The next book I want to read by this author is: Beyond Codependency: And Getting Better All the Time

There is also another book that is great for group studies on the subject, and it approaches codependency from a completely christian perspective. Untangling Relationships: A Christian Perspective on Codependency