DAY 240: My soul thirsts for the living God – Psalms 42:1-2
Psalm 42:1 (NKJV) As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. 
Psalm 42:2 (NKJV) My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God
Psalm 41:1 (NKJV) Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. http://ping.fm/RC0b3
The Making of a Minister 2
Character Studies
Andrew Wommack – Charis Bible College IN
Test Review/Class Recap
Lesson 1 – The Life of Moses (Part 1)
Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness by his own choice. It was not God’s plan for Moses to spend those years in the wilderness. The Lord had prophesized to Abram in Genesis 15:13 that his descendants will be strangers in a land and will serve and be afflicted 400 years.
Because of Moses’ prematurity, it cost the Israelites an addition 30 years of bondage and Moses 40 years in the wilderness. See Exodus 12:40.
MINISTERS: It is not enough to simply know God’s plan, but it is as equally as important to know God’s timing.
Moses knew that God was going to use him before the burning bush experience. It was in the 390th year (premature), that Moses killed the Egyptian to try to bring the deliverance to pass. Moses’ disobedience (too much confidence in himself) cause Israel 30 years of extra bondage.
MINISTERS NOTES:
1) We can’t always see the outcome of our decisions.
2) We can do more with less time if we do it God’s way.
3) It takes time to prepare the person for ministry. For example: It took David 13 years of preparation, Paul 14 years of preparation, Joseph 22 years of preparation, Moses 40 years of preparation (Moses could have been prepared in 10 years).
Lesson 2 – The Life of Moses (Part 2)
Exodus 4 - Moses carried a rod that symbolized his life.
God ordered Moses to pick up the snake by its tail. God had a purpose for telling Moses to pick up the serpent by the tail because he wanted to see if Moses would do things God’s way and to see if he would do anything the Lord asked. This was Moses’ wilderness final exam: Moses proved his total submission to God. Moses was no longer in control of himself.
Exodus 4:17 - “The rod of God” represents God’s authority and power.
MINISTERS: We are only usable when we come to the end of ourselves. Ministers must perfectly balance of myself I can do nothing (John 15:5), but having the “rod of God” and using it as He instructs: I have His power and I have His ability.
Numbers 20 – The Lord dealt very harshly with Moses when he hit the rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as head had been instructed because the Lord saw Moses’ “self-will” manifesting again and He had to subdue it.
Moses lost his dependency on God! Previously Moses’ “self-will” caused the Israelites 30 additional years in bondage. God judge Moses to keep him from costing Israel more time in the desert.
MINISTERS NOTES:
1) God WILL get His people where He needs them to be.
2) We will never get over (to a place) where our flesh is NOT a factor!
Lesson 3 – The Life of Abraham (Part 1)
Genesis 12:1-8 - Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran and headed into the land of Canaan. God commands Abram to leave. Abram partially obedient because he takes family member Lot with him.
Genesis 12:9-20 - Abraham lies to Pharoah about wife Sarah. Pharoah is plagued even though Abraham is wrong. God works based upon covenant.
Genesis 13 - Abraham and Lot separate. Abraham allowed Lot to pick the land of his choice because he knew he was blessed. The promise of God is revealed in steps, as you obey, the promise becomes clearer.
Genesis 14 - Abraham defeated the kings with 318 men to help out Lot. Abraham gave all the spoils back to the King of Sodom because Abraham wanted no man to be able to say he made Abraham rich. Abraham completely trusted in God's provision.
MINISTER NOTES:
1) You don't have to be perfect for God to use you (Abram partial obedience, lied about Sarah).
2) God's love for us is independent of our action (God loves the sinner). God loves us because of our faith; God is a respecter of faith.
3) Keeping it balanced: Our blessings is not tied to our good works, but taking the blessing for granted gives Satan inroads.
Lesson 4 – The Life of Abraham (Part 2)
Romans 4:16-22 - Abraham was 100 years old when Romans 4:19 speaks of him being strong in faith. We don't have a faith problem, we have an unbelief problem. Abraham staggered not at the problem through unbelief. Abraham was not a man of great faith, as much as he was a small man of unbelief.
Faith and unbelief both come from hearing. When we are fully persuaded, we can't be talked out of it.
Abraham never wavered in his faith from the time God called him until the time he saw God’s promise of a son come to pass. Your focus on God determines your results. It is hard to believe God when you consider the circumstances. Whatever you ponder, consider, think upon you will become softened to; whatever you don't ponder, consider, think upon, you will become hard to.
Abraham had two sons Ishmael and Isaac. Isaac was the promised son.
Abraham never quit meditating on the promise even after Isaac arrived. Abraham had no doubt when told to offer Isaac.
Hebrews 11:19 speaks about Abraham taking the promised son to Mt. Moriah to offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham was thinking that God would raise Isaac from the dead not that God would provide the lamb in the thicket for the sacrifice. The most important factor in Abraham’s strong faith was that he was focused and he was single minded on God’s promise.
Lesson 5 – The Life of Joseph (Part 1)
Genesis 37 - Joseph spoke his dream at age 17 to his brothers. Joseph's mistake was that of immaturity. Genesis 39 - Joseph sold again to Potiphar. Genesis 39:2 speaks of Joseph being a prosperous, successful man even though Joseph was in the house of his master the Egyptian (a naked slave on the auction block).
MINISTERS: We have to see ourselves prosperous even though we might be currently naked.
Genesis 39:8,9 Joseph did not commit adultery with Potiphar's wife because of his personal relationship with God; Joseph had a fear of God.
MINISTERS: Please note: Joseph never defends himself; he had total dependence on God. Joseph was faithful and put in jail for it.
Lesson 6 – The Life of Joseph (Part 2)
Genesis 37 - Joseph was put in prison and God was with him.
Everyone faces trials; God is still with you no matter what your current circumstances look like.
What you do in hard times will determine the level of success in good times.
Nothing from without can stop you; Only what is from within can hinder you.
Brighten up the corner where you are, Joseph changed the atmosphere of the prison. He thought it was weird to see sad people in the prison. Genesis 40:7
Joseph by age:
At age 17 - Joseph had his dream
At age 30 - Joseph was made ruler (prime minister) over Egypt
At age 39 - Joseph revealed himself to his brothers / his brothers finally bow to him.
MINISTERS: Please note: Joseph had the authority to make his brothers bow but he waited nine years for God's timing.
The greatest test of your relationship with God is prosperity.
Lesson 7 – The Life of David (Part 1)
Saul, according to I Samuel 13:13, was God’s first choice to have an eternal kingdom over Israel. David, God's second choice ended up having an eternal kingdom over Israel.
MINISTERS: Even if we are not the heir apparent, God can use us mightily (stay with God).
David accepted responsibility for his own actions (Psalms 51:4). Saul blamed others. Blaming others is a leadership killer.
Lesson 8 – The Life of David (Part 2)
David was a God pleaser, not a man pleaser. Saul compromised based upon people. Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare.
David evaluated a big opportunity/cause base upon covenant. I Samuel 17:36, David refers to Goliath as "this uncircumcised Philistine" because David evaluated the situation through God's word not according to the flesh. Goliath did NOT have a covenant with God as David did.
David’s foundation of faith had already been established in smaller events (God had help him). David experienced God's help when he killed the lion and a bear on the back side of the desert when the wild animals tried to steal his father's sheep.
The number one reason why people are not able to kill the Goliath's in their life is because they have NOT proven God in the smaller tests of life or they have NOT been faithful in the smaller things when no is watching.
Goliath midgets wait until the big challenges come (and the world's watching), but they have NOT been faithful in small thing first.
an integrity walk is a secure walk
Proverbs 10:9 (NKJV) He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. http://ping.fm/RUCLt
The Believer’s Authority II
Pastor Greg Strom - Charis Bible College IN
Test Review/Class Recap
Lesson 14 – How Does Revival Come?
1) Revival is when people are completely in love with God
2) So much of what is currently being said concerning prayer for revival is all about us begging God to pour out this and pleading with Him to send that .
They are begging God to turn back to the church and pleading with Him to have mercy on the human race, which is NOT a New Testament prayer.
3) 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV) For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Gathering During Summer
Proverbs 10:5 (NIV) He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. http://ping.fm/Nnpr8
A wise son brings joy
Proverbs 10:1 (NIV) The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. http://ping.fm/YHsrd
The Favor of God – God Favors Me!
Lawson Perdue - Charis Bible College IN
Test Review/Class Recap
Lesson 1 – Introduction
Introduction: Understanding the favor of God brings “The Blessing” in our life.
Gods’ favor brings life.
What is life? Zoë def. 1) character and nature of God. 2) quickening principle; 3) vitality
1 John 5:12 - He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Romans 8:11 - But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Since I have the life of God in me, I am capable of fulfilling God's purpose through His power and presence flowing through me.
God’s life brings favor. If God gave us life while we were sinners, then we have received much more life through His Son as saints.
Psalm 44:3 - For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, ...; But it was Your right hand,...Because You favored them.
If He favored them, how much more now thru the blood of Jesus does He favors me.
There is a blessing through His favor.
His Favor is as a cloud of the latter rain. The latter rain brings fruit!
Favor of God surrounds me! Psalm 5:12 (NIV) For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
An example of the Favor of God on Israel (2 million strong) as departing from Egypt: Psalm 105:37 - He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was none feeble among His tribes.
Conclusion: God’s favor brings life. God’s life brings favor. There is blessing in the favor of God.
Lesson 2 – Favor in the Life of Esther
Introduction: There is a kingdom purpose for our life (as there was with Queen Esther. God helps us fulfill our kingdom purpose through His favor. How the favor of God affected the life of Esther, the orphan who became queen.
1) The King loves me (also Esther).
Vashti was queen until she became rebellious and refused to come to the King’s feast. King Ashasuerus sought for another queen.
King of Kings seeks for another: 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
Note: King Ahasuerus reigned over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. He sat on the throne in Shushan, one of the main capitals of the empire north of the Persian Gulf.
Esther, a Jewish orphan, becomes queen.
The Favor of God on our lives leads to promotion and blessing. Doesn’t matter where you start off in life.
Mordecai took Esther for his own. See Esther 2:7. God takes us as His own. Hebrews 2:11b (NIV) So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
Mordecai was Esther’s cousin. He took care of her and advised her well.
Esther obtained favor in the sight of all that looked upon her. Esther 2:15
King Ahasuerus loved Esther and she obtained grace and favor in his sight. Esther 2:17
2) There is a kingdom purpose for my life.
Some people hate those who have the favor of God on their lives.
Haman, governor for the king, hated Mordecai. Haman was Mordecai’s enemy. Haman wrote letters and schemed to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. Haman was filled with hatred and prejudice.
Note: King Ahasuerus reigned over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. He sat on the throne in Shushan, one of the main capitals of the empire north of the Persian Gulf.
Esther 4:11 Esther feared for her life. God’s promises of protection are established through favor.
Esther 4:14-17 Esther knew her appointed time. With favor’s comes responsibility. Since we have favor, we need to be accountable. We can rely on God’s favor!
3) Esther was (and I am) accepted in the presence of the King.
4) The King has granted my request. Esther & saints of the Most High
5) The King has reversed the curse for me.
Esther 8:5 – Esther asked the king to reverse the letters devised by Haman. Her request was granted and Haman was hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. The curse was reversed and Haman reaped what he had sown.
Galatians 3:13a (NIV) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us
Conclusion: I have favor with God. I have favor with man, and I have a good understanding. The favor of God is on my life. The favor of God is on my family. The favor of God is on my business. The favor of God is on my church. The favor of God is on my ministry. I am blessed in Christ for good!
Lesson 3 - Favor in the Life of Joseph, Part I
Introduction:
Dr. Lester Sumrall “God gives favor, don’t ever forget it!”
Joseph was loved by his father. Genesis 37:1-4.
We are loved by the Father. Not good to favor one of your kids above another.
God gave Joseph a dream. Genesis 37:5-11
God has a dream for everyone. Not everyone is connected to their dream. Satan is trying to steal your dream (John 10:10) Satan uses people around you who are not dreaming their own dreams.
People who have great revelation, have great favor!
Joseph didn’t get human affirmation of his dream. We should not necessarily look for human confirmation of our dreams.
Joseph’s enemies conspired against him. Genesis 37:18-19
The favor of God on our lives leads to promotion and blessing. Genesis 39:1-6
Genesis 39:2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. Prosperity is related to who we are on the inside. In the preceding verse, Joseph was a slave of Potiphar. I am a prosperous man because of who is inside of me.
With great favor comes great responsibility. Genesis 39:7-16
Joseph was committed to God and he was committed to his master.
Conclusion: God’s favor promoted Joseph. In His fathers’ house, in Potiphar’s house. God’s favor brought His blessing.
Lesson 4 - Favor in the Life of Joseph, Part II
God’s favor leads to his mercy. Genesis 39:17-20
You’re prosperous because of what is on the inside of you.
Faith will bring you into the favor of God. Genesis 39:21-23.
When things were bad Joseph believed God. Genesis 39:21-23.
Through faith we can make the best of a bad situation. No matter how bad it looks, keep believing God. It will get better.
Our circumstances does not determine destiny, our attitude does.
Genesis 40:14-15, 20-23 – Joseph made the best of a bad situation.
Through faith we can make the best of a bad situation. No matter how bad it looks, keep believing God. It will get better.
Keep doing the right thing, no matter how it looks. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Genesis 41:14-16 Joseph believed in the goodness of God.
Develop a plan. Genesis 41:33-42
God gave Joseph dreams, vision and a plan. A plan is a practical way to accomplish God’s purpose.
Joseph had four coats.
1) one given by his father – a coat of human affection;
2) one given by Potiphar – a coat of human ability;
3) one given by jailer – a coat of positioning (interpretation of dreams);
4) one given by Pharoah – a coat of destiny/positioning?
Jeremiah 29:11 God has a good plan for everyone. God is a respecter of faith. Hebrews 11:6
Conclusion: Grace, Faith, Attitude. Perseverance. Planning. Revelation. These things promoted favor in the life of Joseph.
Lesson 5 - Favor in the Life of Joseph, Part III
Introduction: Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding gives favor: but the way of the transgressor [unfaithful] is hard.
God gave Joseph favor (grace) in the eyes of Pharoah.
Dr. Lester Sumrall “God gives favor, don’t ever forget it!”
Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding gives favor: but the way of the transgressor [unfaithful] is hard.
Joseph knew what to do in the time of plenty. Joseph didn’t forget about the future in times of abundance.
The famine did not catch Joseph by surprise.
Joseph found grace (favor) in the eyes of Pharoah. Even after being in prison, he was promoted to prime minister in Egypt. God’s favor
God wants us to know how to deal with famine so we can stay alive, be satisfied and laugh. Psalm 33:19, Psalm 37:19
Greatest opportunity in famine. With favor of God on Joseph, Pharoah’s kingdom expanded while others were shrinking.
Even after being in prison, Joseph was promoted to prime minister in Egypt. Within one hour, God erased 13 years of suffering for Joseph. God’s favor on Joseph brought increase to Joseph’s famil, Pharoah and to Potipher; increase in money, livestock, grain, land and people.
Love brings favor.
Genesis 42:25-28 Joseph did not revel in his brothers’ sin.
Genesis 45:4-8 Joseph did not blame his brothers. Joseph understood God’s purpose. Joseph was not bitter.
Favor brings increase.
God’s favor on Joseph brought increase to Joseph’s famil, Pharoah and to Potipher; increase in money, livestock, grain, land and people.
Conclusion: Flourish through the favor of God. Flourish in the feast. Flourish in the famine. Bring blessing to you and the next generation. Genesis 50:24.
Lesson 6 – Favor in the Life of Daniel, Part I
Introduction: God brought Daniel into extreme favor. Daniel was promoted under 4 kings and 3 kingdoms.
Characteristics that brought God’s favor in Daniel’s life:
1) Purpose – Daniel 1:9 – Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat.
2) Wisdom – Daniel 1:17, 20 In all matters of wisdom and understanding the king found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
3) Prayer – Daniel 2:10
4) Revelation – Daniel 2:19 Then was the secret revealed to Daniel in a night vision.
5) Loyalty – Daniel 2:49 Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon. Daniel was loyal to his friends.
6) Excellence – Daniel 5:12 – Forasmuch as an excellent spirit…were found in Daniel
7) Faithfulness – Daniel 6:4 They could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [Daniel] was faithful….
8) Diligence – Daniel 6:6 – They God whom you serve continually…He will deliver you.
9) Confidence – Daniel 6:22 – God sent His angel and shut the lions mouths…innocence was found in me… Daniel 6:23
Conclusion: The above characteristics that lead to the favor of God in Daniels life under 4 kings and 3 kingdoms: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Cyrus.
Lesson 7 - Favor in the Life of Daniel, Part II
Introduction: Some characteristics that bring favor: Purpose, Wisdom, Prayer, Revelation, Loyalty, Excellence, Faithfulness, Diligence, Confidence.
Other characteristics that bring God’s favor:
1) Daniel surrounded himself with great people. People of no compromise. He and his friends stood firm even in the face of the fiery furnace. Also, they did not defile themselves with the king’s meat.
2) Daniel did the right thing. Made good choices.
3) Daniel relied on the Holy Spirit – made him 10 time wiser.
4) Daniel kept a great attitude! Daniel 6:3 – an excellent spirit was in him.
Conclusion: Favor principles that worked in the life of Daniel will work in our life.
Lesson 8 - Vision in the Life of Abraham
Introduction: Vision begins with what God says.
God is the initiator of vision. Genesis 13:14
Obedience is a key to vision,
Only after Abraham obediently separate from Lot (his family) did God give him greater vision. Genesis 12:1
Do not expect more direction until you follow the last instruction.
Isaiah 1:19 – If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat of the good of the land.
Vision is a key to our future. Genesis 13:14-15
Vision determines influence. Genesis 13:16
Inspection precedes possession. Genesis 13:17
Association affects your vision. Proverbs 13:20
God establishes vision. Genesis 13:18
Build an altar. Altar represents man’s approach to God; God’s intervention in our life.
Wise or Righteous Man Increase
Proverbs 9:9 (NIV) Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
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