A FATHER’S LEGACY
When I was about 8 years old, my father made a bold proclamation over my older brother and I. He said, “The two of you will never accomplish more than I have in your lives.”
You see, my father was a womanizer, adulterer, and addicted to gambling, alchohol, cigarettes, food, and many other things.
Essentially, he was partnering with the enemy’s heart and cursing us to become less than he was. Cursing us to go from shame to shame instead of glory to glory.
Fast forward to age 23, around a year after my salvation, I found John 14:12-14, a statement which contrasted my earthly father’s statement, it read:
“I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father! For I will do whatever you ask me to do when you ask me in my name. And that is how the Son will show what the Father is really like and bring glory to him. Ask me anything in my name, and I will do it for you!” – John 14:12-14 The Passion Translation (TPT)
I recall reading this while sitting in my office at Zin Design Studio, a grassroots design firm I just started a few months earlier, and feeling hope and God’s unconditional love fill my heart. As warm tingly sensations filled my body, electrifying and awakening my heart, I heard God say, “A Father’s desire is for His children to surpass His accomplishments.”
Instantly, I knew that my destiny wasn’t limited my my earthly father’s curse but rather my destiny was to receive and fulfill my Heavenly Father’s plans, purposes, future, and legacy He released to us when He spoke the scriptures above.
I recall thinking, what have I done to receive such an amazing Father, like God? How can I repay Him for the amazing gifts of forgiveness, redemption, restoration, love, and sacrifice He personally gave to me?
The birth, life, persecution, betrayal, punishment, and death of Jesus Christ, was payment for crimes He never committed, however, freely paid for for the sins of whole world, for you and me.
His resurrection, oh the power and glorious resurrection, was the greatest miracle He ever performed, as He rose from His grave, He returned, back to us, our dominion over earth.
I recall, after reading John 14:13, as a one year old believer, I said, “I must pursue and do all that Christ has done, including the purposes found in Matthew 10:8 and throughout His life.”
You see, God has a plan and purpose for each of us. It is written that He personally knew each of us before we were formed in our earthly mother’s womb.
Everything Christ did was part of the plan and purpose, which, He and His Father masterfully designed to restore a personal relationship with you. Yes, you!
You are His beloved, paid for with the life of Jesus Christ, whose body was crushed for you, whose blood was shed for you, and whose life was freely given for you.
IT WAS ALL ABOUT YOU
He thought of you as He was forsaken, and thought of you as He hung on the cross, and He thought of you as He took His final breath, saying, “It is finished.”
As Christmas sneaks up on us, take time to remember that you are priceless because the priceless Son of God was slain, freely given, for you.
No matter what the world has spoken over you, all that truly matters, is what God has spoken, is speaking, and will speak.
You are priceless, precious, loved, received, worthy, and so much more because God says so.
Lynn Hiles – 02-24-2018
Dr. Lynn Hiles opens the word of God in a dynamic style, not only causing the hearer to easily understand, but also enabling an impartation of the spirit of revelation that unveils the kingdom of God with love and grace to people around the world.
Dr. Hiles has an apostolic mission encompassing over 38 years of traveling ministry. He also flows in the gifts of the spirit and gives insight and oversight to churches internationally. Dr. Hiles also hosts a national TV program titled “Dr. Lynn Hiles – That You Might Have Life”.
He and his wife Joyce live in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia where they are part of the Word of Deliverance Association. He holds a doctorate of theology in biblical studies from Vineyard Harvester Bible College of Cedartown, Georgia, as well as the author of four books, “God’s Beauty and the Beast”,” The Revelation of Jesus Christ” ,”Unforced Rhythms of Grace” and From Law to Grace.
Prophecy – Sue Yackell – 02-18-2018
1 Corinthians 14:1, ESV – Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:3, TPT – But when someone prophesies, he speaks to encourage people, to build them up, and to bring them comfort.
2 Peter 1:20-21, TPT – You must understand this at the outset: Interpretation of scriptural prophecy requires the Holy Spirit, for it does not originate from someone’s own imagination. No true prophecy comes from human initiative but is inspired by the moving of the Holy Spirit upon those who spoke the message that came from God.
Gnats – 02-11-2018
Earlier this week I had a very odd dream which I shared with Olivia. I was thirsty and seeking a drink of water. In my dream a person, whom I did not know, started to pour water into the cup I was holding while gnats flew out of the cup. I noticed that all the gnats were gone, except one, who held onto the inside of the glass as the water rose and was about to over take it. I said, “Stop, there’s still a gnat in the cup.” The man said, “It’s just a gnat.” I stuck my hand into the cup and picked the gnat up with my finger and got it out of the cup. End of dream.
What do you all think of the dream? Odd? I thought so, too but still shared it with Olivia.
Upon sharing it with her she said, “Strain a gnat, swallow a camel.” Which caused me to do the Scooby Doo. She explained, that it is in the bible, something Jesus said and I believe it’s in Matthew.
Matthew 23:24 (TPT)
What blind guides! Nitpickers! You will spoon out a gnat from your drink, yet at the same time you’ve gulped down a camel without realizing it!
Entitlement 02-04-2018
Where entitlement exists, thankfulness, peacefulness, and gratefulness cannot.
If we focus in what we perceive we are owed, we will never receive the full price paid for us at the cross.
Lord, I thank you for your sacrifice, for reconciling us with our Heavenly Father, for making us your dwelling place, for filling us with your peace, for giving us new hearts, for healing us through your stripes, for giving us purpose, for setting our feet on your firm foundation, for loving us, for things we have yet seen and cannot even imagine. Abba Father, thank you for all you did, are doing, and will do.
Who Do You Say I Am? – 01-28-2018
In every Christian’s walk with God, it is imperative that we not only know who the bible and other believes say God is, but that we know who He is in our lives. Who do you say Jesus is? When Jesus asked his disciples that question, He wanted to know if the Father revealed to them who He was. Finding your identity is important, however, knowing His identity in your life is just as crucial to living a successful Christian life.
Kingdom of God – 1-21-2018
Prophet and teacher, Scott Windrum of Windsong Ministries shares on the Kingdom of God.
Get Wisdom | 01-14-2018
Proverbs 1:7 states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and fools despise it. The ability to receive Godly wisdom starts with the reception of our Savior, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and submission to the desires which God places in your heart. Wisdom applies understanding to knowledge and teaches us how to apply what we’ve read and heard to live successful Christian lives.
In this sermon titled, “Get Wisdom,” Pastor Jonnathan shares some keys to gaining wisdom, which God has personally taught him.
Angels – 01/07/2018
Throughout the bible, God has used angels to accomplish His plans and purposes. None has changed, angels are still being used and many people have encountered angels throughout their lives.
From the very moment we are conceived, God assigns each of us angels to watch over us, to guide us, to deliver messages for us, and to hearken to God’s commands through us (Psalms 103:20). Did you know that the angels assigned to you, actually share some of your traits and gifts? That’s right! If you speak to someone’s angel(s), you will surely understand the calling on their life. Interested?
Check out this sermon by Pastor Jonnathan Zin Truong on Angels.
Peace of Mind – God in the Chaos
Sometimes it’s hard to hear the voice of God in the midst of emotional turmoil, check out the secrets that Pastor Jonnathan learned through one of the toughest trials of his life.