You Are Not Cursed
Monday
Day – Malachi 3
Night – Galatians 3
Tuesday
Day – Numbers 23
Night – Ephesians 1
Wednesday
Day – Joshua 7
Night – 2 Corinthians 9
Thursday
Day – Exodus 24
Night – Exodus 25
Friday
Day – Exodus 31
Night – Exodus 32
You Are Not Cursed
Malachi 3:6-12
The main reason why I believe the Holy Spirit is having me minister this message is so that if you have decided to tithe, that
you NOT do it out of fear. God is pleased when we live by faith and not function in fear. Without faith it is impossible to please Him and God loves a cheerful giver.
It’s very easy to hear a stern message about tithing like we have or the past couple of weeks to fall into a spirit of fear over the subject. The message from God is clear. But it is not intended to cause you to fear. The message is simple, consider your ways. If you have been working really hard and trying to get ahead and find that you are not, then check up on your tithing. If you have earned wages and it feels like you have been putting your money into pockets with holes, then check up on your tithing. Because God promises that if you give Him ten percent of your income, He will open to you the windows of heaven – the blessing, and He will rebuke the devourer – the protection.
Again, the message from God is clear, but it is not intended to cause you to fear.
Malachi 3:8-10
>In studying the Bible always ask yourself, ‘Who’s doing the speaking?’ What are they speaking about?’ ‘And to whom are they speaking?’
>Here Malachi 3 God is speaking thru the prophet Malachi to His children about the subject of tithing. The church can glean from; learn from what is said here. But it must be in the light of the new covenant.
>On one hand you DON’T throw it out completely. And on the other hand you DON’T apply it directly.
>Now, truth is there is no new testament COMMAND to tithe like they were given in the old testament. But in the same regard, there is no new testament COMMAND to love God like they were given in the old testament. Do you think then that we are not suppose to love God just because He didn’t command us in the new testament? No! Then why would you think that we are not suppose to tithe just because He didn’t give us a command in the new testament?
>Some things should just go without saying.
>So under the law, they were commanded to tithe and warned that if they did not they would be cursed.
Galatians 3:13,29
>So Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us. Therefore if you belong to Christ, you are not under the curse.
Numbers 23:20
>When God blesses you, you are blessed! When He commands the blessing upon you, you are blessed! You can not curse what God has blessed.
Ephesians 1:3
>God hath blessed you means He has already. But notice that those blessings are in spiritual places.
>Here is the connection… You are blessed in heavenly places and because of your tithes, God promises to open to you the windows of heaven and pour out that blessing.
>So truth today is, that you are not cursed. But, you may be on hold…
>ILL: Have you ever called someone and they placed your call on hold?
Joshua 7:10-13
>If you remember this passage from before you know that I remarked about this accursed thing in reference to tithing.
>It appears as though their victory was placed on hold.
>I was if a persons promotion can be placed on hold until they learn how to honor God by giving Him ten percent.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
>God has not given us a spirit of fear. We have received the same spirit of faith and therefore we believe!
>If you have decided to give God a tithe, learn to do it cheerfully and not tearfully. Do it in faith and not in fear.
>And know that when you do it in FAITH, God will make all grace abound toward you so much so that you will have all sufficiency (not insufficiency) in all things. And have abundance (not lack) for every good work!
POCKETS WITH HOLES
Haggai 1:1-15
Haggai 2:15-17 NLT
Two weeks ago I was led by the Lord to minister a message I called “Return to Tithing” which in my opinion is a message that you need to listen to a couple times. Especially if you were not here to get it.
We took our text for that message right here in these verses. My purpose today is to show you from the word of God how important it is for us to get a handle on the revelation of Tithing.
Review
Haggai 2:15-17
>He told them to look at what was happening to them. To take an inventory.
>We’ve all been there in that place of hoping for one thing and getting another. ILL: Tax Return
>We saw that God had allowed things that they had worked so hard for to be destroyed.
Amos 4:4-12
>Here we find out why God allows certain things to happen to us. So that we would return to Him, look to Him.
>This passage is specific about tithing. They had gotten to the place where they were only tithing (maybe) every three years. ILL: Are you really a tither?
Deuteronomy 8:3
>God again allows us to go through humbling times and situations if need be. Why? So that we know that we don’t live by bread alone but by Him.
New
Haggai 1:1-15 NLT
>The title of this message to you today is “Pockets with Holes!”
Haggai 1:4 NLT
>He asks them a very specific question and makes a very significant point.
Malachi 3:6-
>For those that would to think that tithing is under the law or was restricted to the old testament know this, God doesn’t change. If He wanted His people to tithe then, You can be rest assured that He wants His people to tithe today.
>He again is talking to them about returning to Him and specifically about returning to tithing.
>I’ll have to deal with the issue of the curse on another day.
>Meat in My house… Tithing supports the work of God in the earth through the church so that the spiritually hungry can come in and be filled. It is God’s system of operation.
Haggai 1:4
>So His house was in ruins and they were taking care of their homes.
Deuteronomy 8:10-18
>They had focused on themselves and had forgotten the Lord.
>Remember, seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Seek Him first. Put His house before your house.
Haggai 1:5-6,7 NLT
>Look at what is happening to you! Consider your ways. Don’t just keep going from year to year and nothing really significant is changing for the better in your life.
>Not tithing will cause you to put your money into pockets with holes. There is not enough overtime you can work or whatever you try to do to get ahead in your own mind. If you do not honor God eventually something else will get it.
Haggai 1:7-9
>He says it twice and is giving us the opportunity to get this right.
>One way or another you are going to blow it, if you don’t realize just how important tithing is.
>And He tells you why? Because you RUN to take care of your stuff and not to take care of His stuff.
Here are some important things to remember about tithing…
Leviticus 27:30
>It actually belongs to the Lord. It is His money.
Leviticus 27:32
>A tithe is a tenth not a first. It is ten percent.
2 Chronicles 31:5
>First-fruits are totally different than the tithe. First-fruits are firsts. Tithes are tenths.
Hebrews 7:8
>They belong to the Lord but they are received by Jesus.
Malachi 3:10-12
>Tithing results in two things:
1. God opens the windows of heaven over your life – The Blessing.
2. God rebukes the destroyer – Protection.
Are You Flesh Led or Spirit Led?
Guest Speaker:
Brother Travis Eskridge
Galatians 5:17
As we can see in the Word there is a battle between our flesh and our Spirit. Who is suppose to win this battle? What does God’s word say about us and the Spirit. And how do we win this battle. Today we are going to take a look a God’s Word and determine who is in control. The decision we make, are they flesh led or Spirit led. Who should be winning and how to when this battle.
John 4:24
>Jesus said that God is a Spirit. So we all can agree that God is a Spirit, Right?
>So If God is a spirit, then we are too? how do we know that we are Spirit beings?
Genesis 1:26
>God said let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over everything.
>If God is a Spirit Then we are spirit beings also. God said let us make man in our image and likeness. Not only that he gave us dominion over everything. So our Spirit can rule over our flesh. Adam had a choice. His choice was flesh led.
>Why is it so important to be led of the Spirit? Why is it so important for your spirit to be in control?
Galatians 5:16-25 NLT
>This passage we can see our spirit should be winning these battles. Because all our spirit wants to do is good.
Romans 8:8
>In the flesh we can not please God.
Romans 8:14
>Led by the Spirit of God are Sons of God – Thats pretty clear right there.
>How do we get to that point of our Spirit ruling or having control of our flesh. Lets look at how Jesus did it.
Luke 4:1-13
>Jesus was led by the Spirit. Why would the Spirit lead him into the wilderness?
>So while he was in the wilderness he hasn’t eaten and is being tempted. Jesus got hungry?
>It is written. If Jesus said that that means Jesus read his bible. When it saids it is written that means it can be found somewhere in the old.
>Still being tempted, Jesus hits satan with some more Word
>So satan comes with some Word also (vs. 10). Satan twisted the Word. Don’t you know satan is not gonna stop he will throw everything your way to throw you off track.
>But Jesus had the Word, His Spirit man was built up on the Word. Thats why it is so important to read your bible and to come to church so you can feed your spirit.
>So we can conclude that the Spirit lead Jesus to the wilderness in order to build up his Spirit and to deny his flesh. Also to prepare him for ministry. Going 40 day with no food. Denying your flesh food. what He did was He fasted in order to build up His spirit. And we see your spirit needs the word.
Luke 4:13
>For a season lets you know he’s coming back to tempt you some more. You must stay ready at all times.
>Testimony about my mom and diabetes
>We have to build up our Spirit
Romans 8:26
>The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses
>So reading our Word builds our Spirit man up. Fasting denying the flesh. What else?
1 Corinthians 14:4
>Unknown tongue builds up, restores, and repairs us
1 Corinthians 14:2
>Speaking to God.
>Speak in tongues for little while then stop and listen to God. You will get something and be wondering how did I think of that? You didn’t, God gave you that; you’re not that smart! So give that Glory to God.
1 Peter 4:10 NLT
>God has given us a Spirit to serve
>Our Spirit should be calling out to serve God. Jesus served. He washed his disciples feet. If that ain’t serving… Can you image having to wash feet? Then Jesus told his disciples do as I have done to you.
>We all should be Serving. Our spirit man wants to serve. We should have more than enough volunteers to be where we only have to serve once a month.
>My son serves. He’s the one who checks the building to make sure no one is still here. Cuts off lights, cuts off speakers and wants to do it.
>We have to be spirit led if we are going to please God.
>I had 3 chances to witness to 1 person and didnt follow the Holy Spirit. I listened to my flesh and just stood there each time. Never again. I will follow my spirit and Please God.
>”I’m about to go minister and witness to everybody.” No you must be led by the Spirit.
>We have to be Spirit led with everything. Our giving. Trust God whatever he tells you to give, give it.
Exodus 35:21 AMP
>This is about whose heart was stirred up and whose spirit was willing, and brought the Lord’s offering to be used for the next move for all its services.
>Next Move… So again I ask you who is in control? Do you live a flesh led life or a spirit led life. Are you pleasing God?
>We must be led by the Spirit in everything we do
>Driving to work. The Spirit tells you to go another way listen. Cause if you don’t you’ll find yourself in some extra traffic.
>How you talk and deal with people. God wants to use you. The Spirit is here to help.
>How you raise your kids.
>What job you take. Your flesh is going for the most money. It might not be the best situation. Be spirit led.
>Make sure you pray about everything
Guest Speaker:
Pastor Douglas Wray Jr.
(Audio only)
Return to Tithing
Haggai 2:15-17
>Over the past several weeks we have been looking at the prophecy here in the book of Haggai.
>In reading this chapter I was drawn to this part. Have you ever been in this type a situation?
>And note that it says here that the Lord Himself smote them in ALL the work of their hands…
>Have you ever considered why you are having the problems you’ve been having? And who would think that the Lord was the cause of that??
Romans 15:4
1 Corinthians 10:11
>Old testament written for admonition
>Causitive vs. the permissive
Amos 4:4-12
>Here is another passage where God is basically saying that the reason His people were having the problems they were having was because of Him… so it seems.
>But at closer examination, they were the cause of their own problem and God allowed those things to happen for the sole purpose of it causing them to return to Him, but they would not!
>What can we learn from this? When things are not going as expected in your life you should pause for a moment and consider.
>Have you gotten away from tithing? Very specifically.
>They hadn’t tithed but every three years! RETURN TO TITHING
Matthew 16:19
>What you allow God will allow
Deuteronomy 8:1-7
>He suffered them to be hungry which means He allowed them to be in a situation that would cause them to put their trust in Him.
Jeremiah 5:1-4
>They refused to return and set their faces harder than a rock. So wipe that hardness off your face and receive correction!
Joshua 6:17-19
Joshua 7:1-6,10-13,19-21
>They thought that they could take 2-3,000 and get the job done but it did not turn out like they expected. This sounds exactly like what Haggai was talking about. And what you and I have experienced in our lives.
>I will teach you something that may different than what you’ve heard but for now let me just say this. I’m not saying that you are under a curse if you don’t tithe. What I am saying though is that if you don’t tithe you will constantly find yourself in a situation of having an expectation of one thing and a manifestation of another. And that God will allow that to continue with the hopes that you will realize it and RETURN TO TITHING.
KABOWD
Haggai 2:6-7
2 Corinthians 3:17-4:7
The Title of this new series is called “The Glory of God.” I’m excited to study this subject with you and am looking forward to the insights and revelation that is to come as a result. This phrase is found 16 times in the Bible and the phrase “The glory of the Lord” is found in 36 different verses.
So obviously its a subject that we should learn about as believers but there is specific relevance to what God is saying to us in this year and season. Let me challenge you to with open face behold the truths from scripture that we will look upon and expect some changes in your life as a result.
2 Corinthians 3:17-4:7
>To give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. So evidently there is the knowledge of the glory of God. Which means that we can know what it is.
>What is the glory of God?
>From last week we talked about Unity in Glory. We will see a bit of that tonight as well.
John 11:1-4,38-44
>This is the first time this phrase is mentioned in the new testament. The Greek word used for our English word glory is doxa.
>Doxa – opinion, judgment, view; opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone; splendor, brightness; a most glorious condition, most exalted state.
>Notice that Jesus talks about Himself being glorified by the glory of God. And remember we are suppose to be beholding with open face the glory and being changed OR glorified also!
>Also notice that Jesus said that if you would believe you should see the glory of God. So we should be able to use our faith to SEE this.
Psalm 19.1
>The first time this phrase “the glory of God” is mentioned in the old testament is here. The Hebrew word used for our English word glory is kabowd.
>Kabowd – glory, honor, glorious, abundance; abundance, riches; honor – splendor, glory; – dignity; – reputation; – reverence, glory; glory.
Exodus 16:1-15
>If you remember from our first lesson, we said that there are two phrases in Scripture that have the same meaning. This is the first time the phrase the glory of the Lord is used.
>The Hebrew word here is the same, kabowd.
>Notice that they tell the children of Israel that they are going to SEE.
>It APPEARED in a cloud. Now don’t think in terms of seeing something appear in the flesh. But think in terms of seeing something in the realm of the spirit. (Operation of the discerning of spirits)
>There is provision for your life in the Glory of God!
Unity in Glory
John 17:20-26
We are continuing our series on the subject of the Glory of God. I recently returned from a minister’s conference and was absolutely amazed with the confirmation that the things we have been receiving from the Spirit of God are exactly the same things that others have been receiving. One particularly, Rev. Billye Brim, said that she received a word of instruction from the Lord concerning 2014. “The Church must dawn the Glory,” she said. So we are right in the center of what God is doing in the Body of Christ.
Haggai 2:6-9
>Here again we receive insight into what it is that the Lord wants to do in this day and hour. God wants to fill this house, specifically with glory.
John 17:1-5
>Glory involves God’s own self. We will come to know the glory of God as the manifestation of the presence of God.
>So what God intends to do in these last days is fill this house with the manifestation of His own Self. His manifest presence. By manifest we mean you will be able to see it, sense it or feel it.
>God is Omnipresent. But His presence may not always be seen or sensed.
John 17:9-10,20-26
>In this chapter He begins by praying for the 12 disciples but He goes beyond and prays for all that would be disciples.
>He specifically prays for our unity. And then He prays for the glory. Unity in Glory.
>He wants us in unity to be able to behold His glory. That means the only way we are going to be able to behold the glory of the Lord is when there is unity.
2 Peter 1:16-18
>We read this chapter this week and I want you to notice something…
>He received honor and glory. And secondly, there came a voice to Him from glory. But what was it exactly that happened on that mountain?
Luke 9:28-36
>We talked about the connection between light and glory.
>But now notice that they appeared in glory or the appeared in the manifested presence of God. In other words they could see something, sense something or feel something.
>And evidently God was there because He spoke up…
>Peter speaks up but notice – not knowing what he said. He’s speaking ignorantly. He’s speaking and lacks understanding.
>A cloud overshadowed them. I want you to remember that. And they hear this abrupt stern message from the Father.
Numbers 12
>They got in trouble for speaking against Moses.
It’s Your Assignment
Acts 26:12-19
We are concluding our series called FILL THIS HOUSE in which we’ve learned that it is God’s desire to fill this house. In this study we’ve learned that each of us are called to be witnesses and it is by witnessing that the Lord’s house will be filled.
Today I want to show you from the word of God that IT’S YOUR ASSIGNMENT to fill His house. Now the question is, are you going to run from your assignment like Jonah did?
Jonah 1:1
>The word of the Lord comes to you. I give you the word of the Lord every week.
Matthew 4:4
>Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. In other words we live by the word of the Lord.
1 Samuel 3:1
>Let the word of the Lord be precious to you today. Have the attitude that you NEED to hear from heaven. For what? So that you know what you are suppose to be doing. With the word of the Lord comes your assignments.
1 Kings 17:1-5,8-9
1 Kings 18:1-2
>This is the way of God not just for prophets, but for all believers who have made Him Lord over their lives and have an ear to hear.
>It was that way with Abraham (GE 15:1) and it was that way with Jonah.
Jonah 1:1-2
>So what was the assignment that he was given. Seems to be a very simple, and understandable assignment.
>His assignment was go and cry against it. Our assignment too is both simple and understandable.
>We are suppose to go and witness righteousness when we have the opportunity. We are suppose to go and witness repentance especially when someone is bold with their sin. And we are suppose to witness miracles and healings.
Jonah 1:3-10
>I like how this passage brings attention to the presence of the Lord although it was the word of the Lord that came unto him.
>What that should tell us is that the word of the Lord will come when the presence of the Lord is manifested.
>Also, when you are in the presence of the Lord you will be reminded of what He has asked you to do. In other words, you’ll be reminded of your assignment.
Jonah 2:1,9-10
>Notice that once Jonah gets into a place of prayer, he makes the decision that he is going to obey God and do what He told him to do.
Jonah 3:1-2
>And sure enough the word of the Lord was still the same thing he was told from the beginning.
Romans 11:29
>One translation says irrevocable. He’s not going to take it back.
>Your assignment is your assignment. And you should get up, put your hand to the plow and not look back.
Acts 26:14
>It’s going to be hard for you until you stop resisting the Lord’s assignment for your life.
Hosea 4:6
>A lack of knowledge would have to be the number thing that would keep God’s people from obeying His commands. And its an unacceptable excuse.
Jonah 3:3;4:1
>So he went and did what he was instructed to do. But he didn’t like that God was merciful to people and got very angry with God.
>Is it a smart thing to get mad at God? NO!
>And in the same way when you see God being merciful to those that He is sending you and I to witness to, don’t be angry.
I challenge you to keep this close to your heart. It is God’s desire to fill this house. Every week you will have an opportunity to witness to someone. When the opportunity presents itself siege it and don’t look back.
