[{"id":3698,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3698","title":"Day Five: Spirit-breathed","content":"Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scripture, confession and prayer:<\/strong>\r\n\r\nEzekiel 37:2-6 (NIV)<\/strong>\r\nHe led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.\u00a0He asked me, \u201cSon of man, can these bones live?\u201d<\/em>\r\nI said, \u201cSovereign\u00a0LORD, you alone know.\u201d<\/em>\r\nThen he said to me, \u201cProphesy to these bones and say to them, \u2018Dry bones, hear the word of the\u00a0LORD!\u00a0This is what the Sovereign\u00a0Lord\u00a0says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.\u00a0I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the\u00a0LORD.\u2019\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u201cIn the Old Testament we see the Spirit of God active in creation, in works of liberation and justice, and in filling and empowering people for every kind of service\u2026 Prophets also looked to the coming age that would be marked by the outpouring of God\u2019s Spirit, bringing new life, fresh obedience, and prophetic gifting to all the people of God, young and old, men and women.\u201d [The Cape Town Commitment, We love God the Holy Spirit<\/em>]\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> Spirit of God, we ask that you would breathe your breath of life into our children, our students, our Grads, and our Missional Groups. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to the song \u201cDry Bones\u201d by Worship Central (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Fwc_aG1H-6I[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- AK\r\n\r\n ","excerpt":"Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scripture, confession and prayer: Ezekiel 37:2-6 (NIV) He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.\u00a0He asked me, \u201cSon of man, can these bones live?\u201d I said, \u201cSovereign\u00a0LORD, you alone know.\u201d Then …

Continue reading \"Day Five: Spirit-breathed\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"September 3, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":238,"title":"Everyday Prophetic","slug":"everyday-prophetic"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3695,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3695","title":"Day Four: It Was God Who Had Spoken","content":"1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NLT)<\/strong>\r\nBut if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don\u2019t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say.\u00a0As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, \u201cGod is truly here among you.\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u201cMr. [Charles] Spurgeon looked at me as if he knew me, and in his sermon he pointed to me, and told the congregation that I was a shoemaker, and that I kept my shop open on Sundays; and I did, sir. I should not have minded that; but he also said that I took ninepence that Sunday before, and that there was fourpence profit out of it. I did take ninepence that day, and fourpence was just the profit; but how he should know that, I could not tell. Then it struck me that it was God who had spoken to my soul through him, so I shut up my shop the next Sunday. At first, I was afraid to go again to hear him, lest he should tell the people more about me; but afterwards I went, and the Lord met with me, and saved my soul.\u201d [Sam Storms, The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Spiritual Gifts<\/em>, Kindle 113]\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> God, whether for an unbelievers\u2019 salvation or for believers\u2019 strengthening, encouraging, and comfort, let us know it is you who has spoken. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cHere Again\u201d by Elevation Worship (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HyjdUKMSM4E[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- AK","excerpt":"1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NLT) But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don\u2019t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say.\u00a0As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, …

Continue reading \"Day Four: It Was God Who Had Spoken\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"September 2, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":238,"title":"Everyday Prophetic","slug":"everyday-prophetic"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3692,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3692","title":"Day Three: Hold On to What is Good","content":"1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NIV)<\/strong>\r\nDo not quench the Spirit.\u00a0Do not treat prophecies\u00a0with contempt\u00a0but test them all;\u00a0hold on to what is good.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u201cDo not, he says, quench the Spirit by treating prophetic utterances with contempt. The proper solution to the problem of potential abuse is not to throw out the baby with the bath water; it is instead to \u2018test everything\u2019 (5:21a). Paul strikes a careful balance here: \u2018Because such utterances are from the Holy Spirit, they must not be despised, but also because such utterances come through merely human vessels,\u2019 they are not to be accepted blindly just because someone claims to have the Spirit\u2026 Once a prophecy has been \u2018tested,\u2019 the next step is clear: Hold on firmly to those that are good, and have nothing to do with those that are not.\u201d [Michael W. Holmes, NIVAC: 1 & 2 Thessalonians<\/em>, pp. 184-5]\r\n\r\nIf the word is something about your future, write it down or store it in your memory, and wait on God to reveal the fuller meaning. If the word is immediately applicable, let it sink deep in, let it be directional, let it change you, let it make you feel especially loved and remembered by God.\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> Father, help us to hold on to what is good, to remember, to stay affected, to be formed and filled by what you would say to us. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cGoodness of God\u201d by Bethel Music (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-f4MUUMWMV4[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- AK","excerpt":"1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NIV) Do not quench the Spirit.\u00a0Do not treat prophecies\u00a0with contempt\u00a0but test them all;\u00a0hold on to what is good. \u201cDo not, he says, quench the Spirit by treating prophetic utterances with contempt. The proper solution to the problem of potential abuse is not to throw out the baby with the bath water; it …

Continue reading \"Day Three: Hold On to What is Good\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"September 1, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":238,"title":"Everyday Prophetic","slug":"everyday-prophetic"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3689,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3689","title":"Day Two: To One\u2026To Another\u2026To All is Given","content":"Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scriptures, confession and prayer:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV)<\/strong>\r\nNow to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.\u00a0To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,\u00a0to another a message of knowledge\u00a0by means of the same Spirit, to another faith\u00a0by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing\u00a0by that one Spirit,\u00a0to another miraculous powers,\u00a0to another prophecy,\u00a0to another distinguishing between spirits,\u00a0to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,\u00a0and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.<\/em>\r\n\r\nHeidelberg Catechism (Lord\u2019s Day 21)<\/strong>\r\nQ.<\/strong> What do you understand by\u2028 \u201cthe communion of saints\u201d?\r\nA.<\/strong> First, that believers one and all,\u2028 as members of this community,\u2028 share in Christ \u2028and in all his treasures and gifts.\r\nSecond, that each member\u2028 should consider it a duty\u2028 to use these gifts readily and joyfully\u2028 for the service and enrichment of the other members.\r\n\r\n1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV)<\/strong>\r\nBut the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging\u00a0and comfort.<\/em>\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> Father, thank you for the myriad of the wonderful gifts of the Spirit given to the church, given to us, given to me. May there be more to come in our churches as we faithfully and joyfully share in our gifts. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cMore to Come\u201d by Passion Music (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QJVI0E108-0[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- AK","excerpt":"Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scriptures, confession and prayer: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV) Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.\u00a0To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,\u00a0to another a message of knowledge\u00a0by means of the same Spirit, to another faith\u00a0by the same …

Continue reading \"Day Two: To One\u2026To Another\u2026To All is Given\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"August 31, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":238,"title":"Everyday Prophetic","slug":"everyday-prophetic"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3685,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3685","title":"Day One: The Love Gift of Prophecy","content":"1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV)<\/strong>\r\nFollow the way of love\u00a0and eagerly desire\u00a0gifts of the Spirit,\u00a0especially prophecy.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\"Paul valued this gift so highly that he told the Corinthians, 'Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy<\/em>' (1 Cor. 14:1). Then at the end of his discussion of spiritual gifts he said again, 'So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy<\/em>' (1 Cor. 14:39). If Paul was eager for the gift of prophecy to function at Corinth, troubled as the church was by immaturity, selfishness, divisions, and other problems, then should we not also actively seek this valuable gift in our congregations today?\" [Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology<\/em>, Kindle 1311]\r\n\r\nProphecy is a love gift--its motivation is love, its expression is love, its fruit is love. When we engage in prophetic prayer and encouragement, we are engaging in love. It\u2019s as if the supernatural touches down in that moment of prayer, in that moment of sharing; and in that time and space, we know God exists, we know he loves us, and we know he is speaking in our language to tell us so. Therefore, prophecy is available to all Christians.\r\n\r\nPrayer: Father, may our love for you compel us into love for our brothers and sisters where we will be eager to minister in the gifts of your Spirit, especially prophecy. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cHow Great is Your Love\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HUSOSrv0y3s[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- AK","excerpt":"1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV) Follow the way of love\u00a0and eagerly desire\u00a0gifts of the Spirit,\u00a0especially prophecy. “Paul valued this gift so highly that he told the Corinthians, ‘Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy‘ (1 Cor. 14:1). Then at the end of his discussion of spiritual gifts he said again, …

Continue reading \"Day One: The Love Gift of Prophecy\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"August 30, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":238,"title":"Everyday Prophetic","slug":"everyday-prophetic"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3681,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3681","title":"Day Five: Come Join the Song of All the Redeemed!","content":"2 Samuel 9:1,7,8 NIV<\/strong>\r\n\u201cIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan\u2019s sake?\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid,\u201d David said to him, \u201cfor I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.\u00a0I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nMephibosheth\u00a0bowed down and said, \u201cWhat is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog\u00a0like me?\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\n[Excerpt from Zara Jariol Testimony]\r\nThe session leader shared the words \u201cbroken vessel,\u201d and I remember thinking, \u201cYes, my dad needs to be a broken vessel!\u201d but instead he said that I am to be the broken vessel.\r\n\r\nSong of Songs 2:4 NIV<\/strong>\r\n\u201cLet him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner\u00a0over me be love.\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nGod\u2019s hesed<\/em> kindness shepherded and prepared David throughout his life to not just be king but to be a servant. As David had received God\u2019s kindness, he then cared for Mephibosheth like a good shepherd by leading him to good pasture and fully redeeming his livelihood. He also welcomed him to the king\u2019s banqueting table. Mephibosheth had probably expected death. This was too good to be true. The banner over his life was no longer shame and fear but a song of love.\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> Father, empower us to be the broken vessels of your kindness so that others may come and join the song of the redeemed at your banqueting table. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cDeath Was Arrested\u201d by North Point Worship (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uMsMiluCUUI[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- CH","excerpt":"2 Samuel 9:1,7,8 NIV \u201cIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan\u2019s sake?\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid,\u201d David said to him, \u201cfor I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.\u00a0I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your …

Continue reading \"Day Five: Come Join the Song of All the Redeemed!\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"August 27, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":237,"title":"Forgiveness","slug":"forgiveness"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3678,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3678","title":"Day Four: Forgiven and Free","content":"1 Samuel 26:11a NIV<\/strong>\r\nBut the\u00a0Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the\u00a0Lord\u2019s anointed.<\/em>\r\n\r\nWhen encouraged to kill Saul in defense of his life, David\u2019s heart attitude was essentially, \"only you are God, I am not.\" David lived his life bowed down before the very eyes of God. He refused to harm the Lord\u2019s anointed.\r\n\r\nZara shared that after meeting God and his love, she received his supernatural forgiveness and freedom.\r\n\r\n[Excerpts from Zara Jariol Testimony]\r\n\u201c\u2026how can you truly forgive if you have not experienced true forgiveness yourself? For me, that happened my junior year in college when I experienced a love like no other\u2026 For the first time ever, I saw my dad and I on the same level \u2013 sinners in need of God's forgiveness. I received much healing and forgiveness from God that year.\r\n\r\n\u2026 God rendered me incapable of holding what my dad did to me against him. What my dad did no longer hurt me. And more than wanting my dad to change, I wanted him to know the Lord... I can\u2019t help but be in awe because I\u2019m forgiven and free, and so is my dad!\u201d\r\n\r\nWhen we encounter the greatness and truth of who God is, God\u2019s rightness takes over and the power of his love and forgiveness brings us freedom like no other.\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> Lord Jesus, help us to encounter you in Spirit and truth today that we may experience afresh your forgiveness and freedom. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cGreat Things\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=y4CY3nf1Mvw[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- CH","excerpt":"1 Samuel 26:11a NIV But the\u00a0Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the\u00a0Lord\u2019s anointed. When encouraged to kill Saul in defense of his life, David\u2019s heart attitude was essentially, “only you are God, I am not.” David lived his life bowed down before the very eyes of God. He refused to harm the …

Continue reading \"Day Four: Forgiven and Free\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"August 26, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":237,"title":"Forgiveness","slug":"forgiveness"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3673,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3673","title":"Day Three: The Record Is Made Clean","content":"Psalm 130:1-4 NIV<\/strong>\r\n1\u00a0Out of the depths\u00a0I cry to you,\u00a0Lord;\u2028<\/em>\r\n2 Lord, hear my voice.\u2028<\/em>\r\nLet your ears be attentive\r\nto my cry for mercy.<\/em>\r\n3\u00a0If you,\u00a0Lord, kept a record of sins,<\/em>\r\nLord, who could stand?\u2028<\/em>\r\n4\u00a0But with you there is forgiveness,<\/em>\r\nso that we can, with reverence, serve you.<\/em>\r\n\r\nLuke 23:34a<\/strong>\r\nJesus said,\u00a0\u201cFather,\u00a0forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u201cThe point of Psalm 130 is to remind people that the darkness of the depths is not life as God intended it \u2013 that such darkness is not the end of our story\u2026 One narrative exchanged for another \u2013 darkness for light, death for life\u2026the psalmist leans forward toward the God he knows - the one who chooses to love us, redeem us, forgive us\u2026 the one who invites us all into a new narrative, a narrative marked by grace.\u201d [W.D. Tucker & J.A. Grant. Psalms, Vol. 2. The NIV Application Commentary, 829.]\r\n\r\nWe no longer live life \u201cout of the depths.\u201d We now live in the new narrative of our Father\u2019s grace flowing from Jesus. Our record has been made clean! We experience this reality every day as we confess our sins, for God delights in forgiving us and pouring out his mercies through the Spirit.\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> Father, thank you that you have made us clean. Help us to live in this amazing grace that flows from Jesus into our lives through your mercies new every morning! In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s Worship to the song, \u201cMercies\u201d by Matt Redman (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rpC-dTewHaI[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- CH","excerpt":"Psalm 130:1-4 NIV 1\u00a0Out of the depths\u00a0I cry to you,\u00a0Lord;\u2028 2 Lord, hear my voice.\u2028 Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3\u00a0If you,\u00a0Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?\u2028 4\u00a0But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Luke 23:34a Jesus said,\u00a0\u201cFather,\u00a0forgive them, …

Continue reading \"Day Three: The Record Is Made Clean\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"August 25, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":237,"title":"Forgiveness","slug":"forgiveness"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3669,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3669","title":"Day Two: God Is and Does Hesed","content":"Exodus 34:6 NIV<\/strong>\r\n\u201cThe\u00a0Lord, the\u00a0Lord, the compassionate\u00a0and gracious God, slow to anger,\u00a0abounding in love\u00a0and faithfulness\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\n1 Samuel 20:14-15a NIV<\/strong>\r\n\u201cBut show me unfailing kindness\u00a0like the\u00a0Lord\u2019s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,\u00a015\u00a0and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family...\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\n2 Samuel 9:3 NIV<\/strong>\r\nThe king asked, \u201cIs there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God\u2019s kindness?\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nGod describes himself as hesed<\/em> \u2013 compassionate, gracious, abounding in love and faithfulness. God shows himself by \u201cdoing\u201d hesed<\/em> in his relationship with his people, often translated as showing kindness or grace.\r\n\r\n\u201cWhat makes hesed<\/em> an act of 'kindness' is often the fact that one member in the relationship is in a position to render help or aid to the other, who is for one reason or another in need and unable to help or aid the other.\u201d [Bill T. Arnold. 1&2 Samuel. The NIV Application Commentary, 506.]\r\n\r\nThe story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 is a beautiful picture of God\u2019s loving kindness in action. We were utterly helpless and lost in sin without hope until God \u201cdid\u201d hesed<\/em> \u2013 he poured out immeasurable grace, coming to us and saving us through Jesus. Now we too can show this same kindness to others.\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> Father, may your immeasurable grace abound to us that we may express your hesed<\/em> kindness to others. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cSame Jesus\u201d by Matt Redman (click here<\/a>).\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wbEy4yW69SI[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- CH","excerpt":"Exodus 34:6 NIV \u201cThe\u00a0Lord, the\u00a0Lord, the compassionate\u00a0and gracious God, slow to anger,\u00a0abounding in love\u00a0and faithfulness\u201d 1 Samuel 20:14-15a NIV \u201cBut show me unfailing kindness\u00a0like the\u00a0Lord\u2019s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,\u00a015\u00a0and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family…\u201d 2 Samuel 9:3 NIV The king asked, …

Continue reading \"Day Two: God Is and Does Hesed\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"August 24, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":237,"title":"Forgiveness","slug":"forgiveness"}],"tags":[]},{"id":3665,"permalink":"https:\/\/www.agape-churches.org\/missioncontrol\/?p=3665","title":"Day One: The Gospel Declares Forgiveness","content":"Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scripture, confession and prayer:<\/strong>\r\n\r\nPsalm 103:1-5 NIV<\/strong>\r\n1\u00a0Praise the\u00a0Lord,\u00a0my soul;<\/em>\r\nall my inmost being, praise his holy name.<\/em>\r\n2\u00a0Praise the\u00a0Lord,\u00a0my soul,<\/em>\r\nand forget not\u00a0all his benefits\u2014<\/em>\r\n3\u00a0who forgives all your sins<\/em>\r\nand heals\u00a0all your diseases,<\/em>\r\n4\u00a0who redeems your life\u00a0from the pit<\/em>\r\nand crowns you with love and compassion,<\/em>\r\n5\u00a0who satisfies\u00a0your desires with good things<\/em>\r\nso that your youth is renewed\u00a0like the eagle\u2019s.<\/em>\r\n\r\nJesus is the one through whom alone God established his kingdom and acted for the salvation of the world, enabling all nations on earth to be blessed\u2026 The gospel declares that, on the cross of Christ, God took upon himself, in the person of his Son and in our place, the judgment our sin deserves. In the same great saving act, completed, vindicated and declared through the resurrection, God won the decisive victory over Satan, death and all evil powers, liberated us from their power and fear, and ensured their eventual destruction. God accomplished the reconciliation of believers with himself and with one another across all boundaries and enmities. \u2018God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.\u2019 How we love the gospel story! [The Cape Town Commitment \u2013 We love the gospel of God.<\/em>]\r\n\r\nPrayer:<\/strong> Lord Jesus, thank you for the power of the Gospel. All our sins are forgiven by your death on the cross! We give you the highest praise! In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s worship to \u201cHighest Praise\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here<\/a>)\r\n\r\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RuwnghAHoaE[\/embedyt]\r\n\r\n- CH","excerpt":"Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scripture, confession and prayer: Psalm 103:1-5 NIV 1\u00a0Praise the\u00a0Lord,\u00a0my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2\u00a0Praise the\u00a0Lord,\u00a0my soul, and forget not\u00a0all his benefits\u2014 3\u00a0who forgives all your sins and heals\u00a0all your diseases, 4\u00a0who redeems your life\u00a0from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5\u00a0who …

Continue reading \"Day One: The Gospel Declares Forgiveness\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>","date":"August 23, 2021 04:30","categories":[{"id":225,"title":"Supernatural","slug":"supernatural-2"},{"id":237,"title":"Forgiveness","slug":"forgiveness"}],"tags":[]}]{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?cat=225&feed=json -- and add it your reader.", "next_url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?cat=225&feed=json&paged=2", "home_page_url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?cat=225", "feed_url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?cat=225&feed=json", "language": "en-US", "title": "Supernatural – Mission Control", "icon": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cropped-favicon.png", "items": [ { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3698", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3698", "title": "Day Five: Spirit-breathed", "content_html": "

Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scripture, confession and prayer:

\n

Ezekiel 37:2-6 (NIV)
\nHe led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.\u00a0He asked me, \u201cSon of man, can these bones live?\u201d
\nI said, \u201cSovereign\u00a0LORD, you alone know.\u201d
\nThen he said to me, \u201cProphesy to these bones and say to them, \u2018Dry bones, hear the word of the\u00a0LORD!\u00a0This is what the Sovereign\u00a0Lord\u00a0says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.\u00a0I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the\u00a0LORD.\u2019\u201d

\n

\u201cIn the Old Testament we see the Spirit of God active in creation, in works of liberation and justice, and in filling and empowering people for every kind of service\u2026 Prophets also looked to the coming age that would be marked by the outpouring of God\u2019s Spirit, bringing new life, fresh obedience, and prophetic gifting to all the people of God, young and old, men and women.\u201d [The Cape Town Commitment, We love God the Holy Spirit]

\n

Prayer: Spirit of God, we ask that you would breathe your breath of life into our children, our students, our Grads, and our Missional Groups. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to the song \u201cDry Bones\u201d by Worship Central (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– AK

\n

 

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scripture, confession and prayer:\nEzekiel 37:2-6 (NIV)\nHe led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.\u00a0He asked me, \u201cSon of man, can these bones live?\u201d\nI said, \u201cSovereign\u00a0LORD, you alone know.\u201d\nThen he said to me, \u201cProphesy to these bones and say to them, \u2018Dry bones, hear the word of the\u00a0LORD!\u00a0This is what the Sovereign\u00a0Lord\u00a0says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.\u00a0I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the\u00a0LORD.\u2019\u201d\n\u201cIn the Old Testament we see the Spirit of God active in creation, in works of liberation and justice, and in filling and empowering people for every kind of service\u2026 Prophets also looked to the coming age that would be marked by the outpouring of God\u2019s Spirit, bringing new life, fresh obedience, and prophetic gifting to all the people of God, young and old, men and women.\u201d [The Cape Town Commitment, We love God the Holy Spirit]\nPrayer: Spirit of God, we ask that you would breathe your breath of life into our children, our students, our Grads, and our Missional Groups. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to the song \u201cDry Bones\u201d by Worship Central (click here).\n\n– AK\n ", "date_published": "2021-09-03T04:30:39-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-31T15:34:22-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Everyday Prophetic" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3695", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3695", "title": "Day Four: It Was God Who Had Spoken", "content_html": "

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NLT)
\nBut if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don\u2019t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say.\u00a0As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, \u201cGod is truly here among you.\u201d

\n

\u201cMr. [Charles] Spurgeon looked at me as if he knew me, and in his sermon he pointed to me, and told the congregation that I was a shoemaker, and that I kept my shop open on Sundays; and I did, sir. I should not have minded that; but he also said that I took ninepence that Sunday before, and that there was fourpence profit out of it. I did take ninepence that day, and fourpence was just the profit; but how he should know that, I could not tell. Then it struck me that it was God who had spoken to my soul through him, so I shut up my shop the next Sunday. At first, I was afraid to go again to hear him, lest he should tell the people more about me; but afterwards I went, and the Lord met with me, and saved my soul.\u201d [Sam Storms, The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Spiritual Gifts, Kindle 113]

\n

Prayer: God, whether for an unbelievers\u2019 salvation or for believers\u2019 strengthening, encouraging, and comfort, let us know it is you who has spoken. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cHere Again\u201d by Elevation Worship (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– AK

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NLT)\nBut if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don\u2019t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say.\u00a0As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, \u201cGod is truly here among you.\u201d\n\u201cMr. [Charles] Spurgeon looked at me as if he knew me, and in his sermon he pointed to me, and told the congregation that I was a shoemaker, and that I kept my shop open on Sundays; and I did, sir. I should not have minded that; but he also said that I took ninepence that Sunday before, and that there was fourpence profit out of it. I did take ninepence that day, and fourpence was just the profit; but how he should know that, I could not tell. Then it struck me that it was God who had spoken to my soul through him, so I shut up my shop the next Sunday. At first, I was afraid to go again to hear him, lest he should tell the people more about me; but afterwards I went, and the Lord met with me, and saved my soul.\u201d [Sam Storms, The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Spiritual Gifts, Kindle 113]\nPrayer: God, whether for an unbelievers\u2019 salvation or for believers\u2019 strengthening, encouraging, and comfort, let us know it is you who has spoken. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cHere Again\u201d by Elevation Worship (click here).\n\n– AK", "date_published": "2021-09-02T04:30:11-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-31T15:30:31-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Everyday Prophetic" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3692", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3692", "title": "Day Three: Hold On to What is Good", "content_html": "

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NIV)
\nDo not quench the Spirit.\u00a0Do not treat prophecies\u00a0with contempt\u00a0but test them all;\u00a0hold on to what is good.

\n

\u201cDo not, he says, quench the Spirit by treating prophetic utterances with contempt. The proper solution to the problem of potential abuse is not to throw out the baby with the bath water; it is instead to \u2018test everything\u2019 (5:21a). Paul strikes a careful balance here: \u2018Because such utterances are from the Holy Spirit, they must not be despised, but also because such utterances come through merely human vessels,\u2019 they are not to be accepted blindly just because someone claims to have the Spirit\u2026 Once a prophecy has been \u2018tested,\u2019 the next step is clear: Hold on firmly to those that are good, and have nothing to do with those that are not.\u201d [Michael W. Holmes, NIVAC: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, pp. 184-5]

\n

If the word is something about your future, write it down or store it in your memory, and wait on God to reveal the fuller meaning. If the word is immediately applicable, let it sink deep in, let it be directional, let it change you, let it make you feel especially loved and remembered by God.

\n

Prayer: Father, help us to hold on to what is good, to remember, to stay affected, to be formed and filled by what you would say to us. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cGoodness of God\u201d by Bethel Music (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– AK

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NIV)\nDo not quench the Spirit.\u00a0Do not treat prophecies\u00a0with contempt\u00a0but test them all;\u00a0hold on to what is good.\n\u201cDo not, he says, quench the Spirit by treating prophetic utterances with contempt. The proper solution to the problem of potential abuse is not to throw out the baby with the bath water; it is instead to \u2018test everything\u2019 (5:21a). Paul strikes a careful balance here: \u2018Because such utterances are from the Holy Spirit, they must not be despised, but also because such utterances come through merely human vessels,\u2019 they are not to be accepted blindly just because someone claims to have the Spirit\u2026 Once a prophecy has been \u2018tested,\u2019 the next step is clear: Hold on firmly to those that are good, and have nothing to do with those that are not.\u201d [Michael W. Holmes, NIVAC: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, pp. 184-5]\nIf the word is something about your future, write it down or store it in your memory, and wait on God to reveal the fuller meaning. If the word is immediately applicable, let it sink deep in, let it be directional, let it change you, let it make you feel especially loved and remembered by God.\nPrayer: Father, help us to hold on to what is good, to remember, to stay affected, to be formed and filled by what you would say to us. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cGoodness of God\u201d by Bethel Music (click here).\n\n– AK", "date_published": "2021-09-01T04:30:39-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-31T15:25:50-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Everyday Prophetic" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3689", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3689", "title": "Day Two: To One\u2026To Another\u2026To All is Given", "content_html": "

Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scriptures, confession and prayer:

\n

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV)
\nNow to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.\u00a0To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,\u00a0to another a message of knowledge\u00a0by means of the same Spirit, to another faith\u00a0by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing\u00a0by that one Spirit,\u00a0to another miraculous powers,\u00a0to another prophecy,\u00a0to another distinguishing between spirits,\u00a0to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,\u00a0and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

\n

Heidelberg Catechism (Lord\u2019s Day 21)
\nQ. What do you understand by\u2028 \u201cthe communion of saints\u201d?
\nA. First, that believers one and all,\u2028 as members of this community,\u2028 share in Christ \u2028and in all his treasures and gifts.
\nSecond, that each member\u2028 should consider it a duty\u2028 to use these gifts readily and joyfully\u2028 for the service and enrichment of the other members.

\n

1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV)
\nBut the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging\u00a0and comfort.

\n

Prayer: Father, thank you for the myriad of the wonderful gifts of the Spirit given to the church, given to us, given to me. May there be more to come in our churches as we faithfully and joyfully share in our gifts. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cMore to Come\u201d by Passion Music (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– AK

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scriptures, confession and prayer:\n1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV)\nNow to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.\u00a0To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,\u00a0to another a message of knowledge\u00a0by means of the same Spirit, to another faith\u00a0by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing\u00a0by that one Spirit,\u00a0to another miraculous powers,\u00a0to another prophecy,\u00a0to another distinguishing between spirits,\u00a0to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,\u00a0and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.\nHeidelberg Catechism (Lord\u2019s Day 21)\nQ. What do you understand by\u2028 \u201cthe communion of saints\u201d?\nA. First, that believers one and all,\u2028 as members of this community,\u2028 share in Christ \u2028and in all his treasures and gifts.\nSecond, that each member\u2028 should consider it a duty\u2028 to use these gifts readily and joyfully\u2028 for the service and enrichment of the other members.\n1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV)\nBut the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging\u00a0and comfort.\nPrayer: Father, thank you for the myriad of the wonderful gifts of the Spirit given to the church, given to us, given to me. May there be more to come in our churches as we faithfully and joyfully share in our gifts. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cMore to Come\u201d by Passion Music (click here).\n\n– AK", "date_published": "2021-08-31T04:30:57-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-31T03:32:47-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Everyday Prophetic" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3685", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3685", "title": "Day One: The Love Gift of Prophecy", "content_html": "

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV)
\nFollow the way of love\u00a0and eagerly desire\u00a0gifts of the Spirit,\u00a0especially prophecy.

\n

“Paul valued this gift so highly that he told the Corinthians, ‘Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy‘ (1 Cor. 14:1). Then at the end of his discussion of spiritual gifts he said again, ‘So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy‘ (1 Cor. 14:39). If Paul was eager for the gift of prophecy to function at Corinth, troubled as the church was by immaturity, selfishness, divisions, and other problems, then should we not also actively seek this valuable gift in our congregations today?” [Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, Kindle 1311]

\n

Prophecy is a love gift–its motivation is love, its expression is love, its fruit is love. When we engage in prophetic prayer and encouragement, we are engaging in love. It\u2019s as if the supernatural touches down in that moment of prayer, in that moment of sharing; and in that time and space, we know God exists, we know he loves us, and we know he is speaking in our language to tell us so. Therefore, prophecy is available to all Christians.

\n

Prayer: Father, may our love for you compel us into love for our brothers and sisters where we will be eager to minister in the gifts of your Spirit, especially prophecy. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cHow Great is Your Love\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– AK

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV)\nFollow the way of love\u00a0and eagerly desire\u00a0gifts of the Spirit,\u00a0especially prophecy.\n“Paul valued this gift so highly that he told the Corinthians, ‘Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy‘ (1 Cor. 14:1). Then at the end of his discussion of spiritual gifts he said again, ‘So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy‘ (1 Cor. 14:39). If Paul was eager for the gift of prophecy to function at Corinth, troubled as the church was by immaturity, selfishness, divisions, and other problems, then should we not also actively seek this valuable gift in our congregations today?” [Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, Kindle 1311]\nProphecy is a love gift–its motivation is love, its expression is love, its fruit is love. When we engage in prophetic prayer and encouragement, we are engaging in love. It\u2019s as if the supernatural touches down in that moment of prayer, in that moment of sharing; and in that time and space, we know God exists, we know he loves us, and we know he is speaking in our language to tell us so. Therefore, prophecy is available to all Christians.\nPrayer: Father, may our love for you compel us into love for our brothers and sisters where we will be eager to minister in the gifts of your Spirit, especially prophecy. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cHow Great is Your Love\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here).\n\n– AK", "date_published": "2021-08-30T04:30:34-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-29T20:05:45-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "AK", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=7", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f8557b3f9f9f2696fda4d47818400a9a0c2da3a928fe2e2a52d7aab729f21bf?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Everyday Prophetic" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3681", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3681", "title": "Day Five: Come Join the Song of All the Redeemed!", "content_html": "

2 Samuel 9:1,7,8 NIV
\n\u201cIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan\u2019s sake?\u201d

\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid,\u201d David said to him, \u201cfor I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.\u00a0I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.\u201d

\n

Mephibosheth\u00a0bowed down and said, \u201cWhat is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog\u00a0like me?\u201d

\n

[Excerpt from Zara Jariol Testimony]
\nThe session leader shared the words \u201cbroken vessel,\u201d and I remember thinking, \u201cYes, my dad needs to be a broken vessel!\u201d but instead he said that I am to be the broken vessel.

\n

Song of Songs 2:4 NIV
\n\u201cLet him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner\u00a0over me be love.\u201d

\n

God\u2019s hesed kindness shepherded and prepared David throughout his life to not just be king but to be a servant. As David had received God\u2019s kindness, he then cared for Mephibosheth like a good shepherd by leading him to good pasture and fully redeeming his livelihood. He also welcomed him to the king\u2019s banqueting table. Mephibosheth had probably expected death. This was too good to be true. The banner over his life was no longer shame and fear but a song of love.

\n

Prayer: Father, empower us to be the broken vessels of your kindness so that others may come and join the song of the redeemed at your banqueting table. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cDeath Was Arrested\u201d by North Point Worship (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– CH

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "2 Samuel 9:1,7,8 NIV\n\u201cIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan\u2019s sake?\u201d\n\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid,\u201d David said to him, \u201cfor I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.\u00a0I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.\u201d\nMephibosheth\u00a0bowed down and said, \u201cWhat is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog\u00a0like me?\u201d\n[Excerpt from Zara Jariol Testimony]\nThe session leader shared the words \u201cbroken vessel,\u201d and I remember thinking, \u201cYes, my dad needs to be a broken vessel!\u201d but instead he said that I am to be the broken vessel.\nSong of Songs 2:4 NIV\n\u201cLet him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner\u00a0over me be love.\u201d\nGod\u2019s hesed kindness shepherded and prepared David throughout his life to not just be king but to be a servant. As David had received God\u2019s kindness, he then cared for Mephibosheth like a good shepherd by leading him to good pasture and fully redeeming his livelihood. He also welcomed him to the king\u2019s banqueting table. Mephibosheth had probably expected death. This was too good to be true. The banner over his life was no longer shame and fear but a song of love.\nPrayer: Father, empower us to be the broken vessels of your kindness so that others may come and join the song of the redeemed at your banqueting table. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cDeath Was Arrested\u201d by North Point Worship (click here).\n\n– CH", "date_published": "2021-08-27T04:30:01-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-23T18:16:15-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Forgiveness" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3678", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3678", "title": "Day Four: Forgiven and Free", "content_html": "

1 Samuel 26:11a NIV
\nBut the\u00a0Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the\u00a0Lord\u2019s anointed.

\n

When encouraged to kill Saul in defense of his life, David\u2019s heart attitude was essentially, “only you are God, I am not.” David lived his life bowed down before the very eyes of God. He refused to harm the Lord\u2019s anointed.

\n

Zara shared that after meeting God and his love, she received his supernatural forgiveness and freedom.

\n

[Excerpts from Zara Jariol Testimony]
\n\u201c\u2026how can you truly forgive if you have not experienced true forgiveness yourself? For me, that happened my junior year in college when I experienced a love like no other\u2026 For the first time ever, I saw my dad and I on the same level \u2013 sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. I received much healing and forgiveness from God that year.

\n

\u2026 God rendered me incapable of holding what my dad did to me against him. What my dad did no longer hurt me. And more than wanting my dad to change, I wanted him to know the Lord… I can\u2019t help but be in awe because I\u2019m forgiven and free, and so is my dad!\u201d

\n

When we encounter the greatness and truth of who God is, God\u2019s rightness takes over and the power of his love and forgiveness brings us freedom like no other.

\n

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to encounter you in Spirit and truth today that we may experience afresh your forgiveness and freedom. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cGreat Things\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– CH

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "1 Samuel 26:11a NIV\nBut the\u00a0Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the\u00a0Lord\u2019s anointed.\nWhen encouraged to kill Saul in defense of his life, David\u2019s heart attitude was essentially, “only you are God, I am not.” David lived his life bowed down before the very eyes of God. He refused to harm the Lord\u2019s anointed.\nZara shared that after meeting God and his love, she received his supernatural forgiveness and freedom.\n[Excerpts from Zara Jariol Testimony]\n\u201c\u2026how can you truly forgive if you have not experienced true forgiveness yourself? For me, that happened my junior year in college when I experienced a love like no other\u2026 For the first time ever, I saw my dad and I on the same level \u2013 sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. I received much healing and forgiveness from God that year.\n\u2026 God rendered me incapable of holding what my dad did to me against him. What my dad did no longer hurt me. And more than wanting my dad to change, I wanted him to know the Lord… I can\u2019t help but be in awe because I\u2019m forgiven and free, and so is my dad!\u201d\nWhen we encounter the greatness and truth of who God is, God\u2019s rightness takes over and the power of his love and forgiveness brings us freedom like no other.\nPrayer: Lord Jesus, help us to encounter you in Spirit and truth today that we may experience afresh your forgiveness and freedom. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cGreat Things\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here).\n\n– CH", "date_published": "2021-08-26T04:30:08-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-23T17:18:33-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Forgiveness" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3673", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3673", "title": "Day Three: The Record Is Made Clean", "content_html": "

Psalm 130:1-4 NIV
\n1\u00a0Out of the depths\u00a0I cry to you,\u00a0Lord;\u2028
\n2 Lord, hear my voice.\u2028
\nLet your ears be attentive
\nto my cry for mercy.
\n3\u00a0If you,\u00a0Lord, kept a record of sins,
\nLord, who could stand?\u2028
\n4\u00a0But with you there is forgiveness,
\nso that we can, with reverence, serve you.

\n

Luke 23:34a
\nJesus said,\u00a0\u201cFather,\u00a0forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.\u201d

\n

\u201cThe point of Psalm 130 is to remind people that the darkness of the depths is not life as God intended it \u2013 that such darkness is not the end of our story\u2026 One narrative exchanged for another \u2013 darkness for light, death for life\u2026the psalmist leans forward toward the God he knows – the one who chooses to love us, redeem us, forgive us\u2026 the one who invites us all into a new narrative, a narrative marked by grace.\u201d [W.D. Tucker & J.A. Grant. Psalms, Vol. 2. The NIV Application Commentary, 829.]

\n

We no longer live life \u201cout of the depths.\u201d We now live in the new narrative of our Father\u2019s grace flowing from Jesus. Our record has been made clean! We experience this reality every day as we confess our sins, for God delights in forgiving us and pouring out his mercies through the Spirit.

\n

Prayer: Father, thank you that you have made us clean. Help us to live in this amazing grace that flows from Jesus into our lives through your mercies new every morning! In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s Worship to the song, \u201cMercies\u201d by Matt Redman (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– CH

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "Psalm 130:1-4 NIV\n1\u00a0Out of the depths\u00a0I cry to you,\u00a0Lord;\u2028\n2 Lord, hear my voice.\u2028\nLet your ears be attentive\nto my cry for mercy.\n3\u00a0If you,\u00a0Lord, kept a record of sins,\nLord, who could stand?\u2028\n4\u00a0But with you there is forgiveness,\nso that we can, with reverence, serve you.\nLuke 23:34a\nJesus said,\u00a0\u201cFather,\u00a0forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.\u201d\n\u201cThe point of Psalm 130 is to remind people that the darkness of the depths is not life as God intended it \u2013 that such darkness is not the end of our story\u2026 One narrative exchanged for another \u2013 darkness for light, death for life\u2026the psalmist leans forward toward the God he knows – the one who chooses to love us, redeem us, forgive us\u2026 the one who invites us all into a new narrative, a narrative marked by grace.\u201d [W.D. Tucker & J.A. Grant. Psalms, Vol. 2. The NIV Application Commentary, 829.]\nWe no longer live life \u201cout of the depths.\u201d We now live in the new narrative of our Father\u2019s grace flowing from Jesus. Our record has been made clean! We experience this reality every day as we confess our sins, for God delights in forgiving us and pouring out his mercies through the Spirit.\nPrayer: Father, thank you that you have made us clean. Help us to live in this amazing grace that flows from Jesus into our lives through your mercies new every morning! In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s Worship to the song, \u201cMercies\u201d by Matt Redman (click here).\n\n– CH", "date_published": "2021-08-25T04:30:20-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-23T17:07:53-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Forgiveness" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3669", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3669", "title": "Day Two: God Is and Does Hesed", "content_html": "

Exodus 34:6 NIV
\n\u201cThe\u00a0Lord, the\u00a0Lord, the compassionate\u00a0and gracious God, slow to anger,\u00a0abounding in love\u00a0and faithfulness\u201d

\n

1 Samuel 20:14-15a NIV
\n\u201cBut show me unfailing kindness\u00a0like the\u00a0Lord\u2019s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,\u00a015\u00a0and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family…\u201d

\n

2 Samuel 9:3 NIV
\nThe king asked, \u201cIs there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God\u2019s kindness?\u201d

\n

God describes himself as hesed \u2013 compassionate, gracious, abounding in love and faithfulness. God shows himself by \u201cdoing\u201d hesed in his relationship with his people, often translated as showing kindness or grace.

\n

\u201cWhat makes hesed an act of ‘kindness’ is often the fact that one member in the relationship is in a position to render help or aid to the other, who is for one reason or another in need and unable to help or aid the other.\u201d [Bill T. Arnold. 1&2 Samuel. The NIV Application Commentary, 506.]

\n

The story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 is a beautiful picture of God\u2019s loving kindness in action. We were utterly helpless and lost in sin without hope until God \u201cdid\u201d hesed \u2013 he poured out immeasurable grace, coming to us and saving us through Jesus. Now we too can show this same kindness to others.

\n

Prayer: Father, may your immeasurable grace abound to us that we may express your hesed kindness to others. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cSame Jesus\u201d by Matt Redman (click here).

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– CH

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "Exodus 34:6 NIV\n\u201cThe\u00a0Lord, the\u00a0Lord, the compassionate\u00a0and gracious God, slow to anger,\u00a0abounding in love\u00a0and faithfulness\u201d\n1 Samuel 20:14-15a NIV\n\u201cBut show me unfailing kindness\u00a0like the\u00a0Lord\u2019s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,\u00a015\u00a0and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family…\u201d\n2 Samuel 9:3 NIV\nThe king asked, \u201cIs there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God\u2019s kindness?\u201d\nGod describes himself as hesed \u2013 compassionate, gracious, abounding in love and faithfulness. God shows himself by \u201cdoing\u201d hesed in his relationship with his people, often translated as showing kindness or grace.\n\u201cWhat makes hesed an act of ‘kindness’ is often the fact that one member in the relationship is in a position to render help or aid to the other, who is for one reason or another in need and unable to help or aid the other.\u201d [Bill T. Arnold. 1&2 Samuel. The NIV Application Commentary, 506.]\nThe story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 is a beautiful picture of God\u2019s loving kindness in action. We were utterly helpless and lost in sin without hope until God \u201cdid\u201d hesed \u2013 he poured out immeasurable grace, coming to us and saving us through Jesus. Now we too can show this same kindness to others.\nPrayer: Father, may your immeasurable grace abound to us that we may express your hesed kindness to others. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to the song, \u201cSame Jesus\u201d by Matt Redman (click here).\n\n– CH", "date_published": "2021-08-24T04:30:45-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-23T16:58:07-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Forgiveness" ] }, { "id": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3665", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?p=3665", "title": "Day One: The Gospel Declares Forgiveness", "content_html": "

Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scripture, confession and prayer:

\n

Psalm 103:1-5 NIV
\n1\u00a0Praise the\u00a0Lord,\u00a0my soul;
\nall my inmost being, praise his holy name.
\n2\u00a0Praise the\u00a0Lord,\u00a0my soul,
\nand forget not\u00a0all his benefits\u2014
\n3\u00a0who forgives all your sins
\nand heals\u00a0all your diseases,
\n4\u00a0who redeems your life\u00a0from the pit
\nand crowns you with love and compassion,
\n5\u00a0who satisfies\u00a0your desires with good things
\nso that your youth is renewed\u00a0like the eagle\u2019s.

\n

Jesus is the one through whom alone God established his kingdom and acted for the salvation of the world, enabling all nations on earth to be blessed\u2026 The gospel declares that, on the cross of Christ, God took upon himself, in the person of his Son and in our place, the judgment our sin deserves. In the same great saving act, completed, vindicated and declared through the resurrection, God won the decisive victory over Satan, death and all evil powers, liberated us from their power and fear, and ensured their eventual destruction. God accomplished the reconciliation of believers with himself and with one another across all boundaries and enmities. \u2018God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.\u2019 How we love the gospel story! [The Cape Town Commitment \u2013 We love the gospel of God.]

\n

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the power of the Gospel. All our sins are forgiven by your death on the cross! We give you the highest praise! In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.

\n

Let\u2019s worship to \u201cHighest Praise\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here)

\n
\"YouTube
\n

– CH

\n\"Facebook\"\"twitter\"\"mail\"", "content_text": "Let\u2019s read aloud together the following scripture, confession and prayer:\nPsalm 103:1-5 NIV\n1\u00a0Praise the\u00a0Lord,\u00a0my soul;\nall my inmost being, praise his holy name.\n2\u00a0Praise the\u00a0Lord,\u00a0my soul,\nand forget not\u00a0all his benefits\u2014\n3\u00a0who forgives all your sins\nand heals\u00a0all your diseases,\n4\u00a0who redeems your life\u00a0from the pit\nand crowns you with love and compassion,\n5\u00a0who satisfies\u00a0your desires with good things\nso that your youth is renewed\u00a0like the eagle\u2019s.\nJesus is the one through whom alone God established his kingdom and acted for the salvation of the world, enabling all nations on earth to be blessed\u2026 The gospel declares that, on the cross of Christ, God took upon himself, in the person of his Son and in our place, the judgment our sin deserves. In the same great saving act, completed, vindicated and declared through the resurrection, God won the decisive victory over Satan, death and all evil powers, liberated us from their power and fear, and ensured their eventual destruction. God accomplished the reconciliation of believers with himself and with one another across all boundaries and enmities. \u2018God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.\u2019 How we love the gospel story! [The Cape Town Commitment \u2013 We love the gospel of God.]\nPrayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the power of the Gospel. All our sins are forgiven by your death on the cross! We give you the highest praise! In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.\nLet\u2019s worship to \u201cHighest Praise\u201d by Phil Wickham (click here)\n\n– CH", "date_published": "2021-08-23T04:30:37-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-23T02:26:29-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "CH", "url": "https://www.agape-churches.org/missioncontrol/?author=11", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f6bd9f9c83b25cefc97fd0b5f0b8ff0f8f63c82f397ffcdce925749028ee972c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Supernatural", "Forgiveness" ] } ] }