The Inward Journey by Pastor Brent Lokker

The Kingdom of Heaven is within              ~Jesus (Luke 17:21) The love you long for is within The joy you seek is within The hope you need is within The faith you desire is within The peace you crave is within Why? Because Jesus is within you and all that He is belongs to you. The riches of the glory of God's mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) Last Saturday I gave a message about the Inward Journey to connect more deeply with Jesus. I didn’t just talk about it, but we took time to try it.  I must have hit a nerve—a good one. I received more positive feedback than I can remember from one message in a very long time, so I’ve decided to continue the message this Saturday, The Inward Journey—Part 2. . I’ve also asked several of those who were impacted last Saturday to share a testimony about their ongoing inward journey as we gather this Saturday. (You can hear last week’s message here and you can skip to the part of my message about the Inward Journey at 24:24) The good nerve I hit upon is the longing for the Lord within each one of you that He's placed right inside of you. Even the longing is found within! But remember Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled!” So what is the key to connecting more deeply with Jesus? It begins by knowing by faith He is within you and never far away. You are not trying to do somethingto get him to come from somewhere out there, but you are becoming more and more aware of the One who has made his home inside of you. Then, there is a process of learning how to quiet your mind so you can enjoy unhindered intimacy with Him. One thing we practiced was "Praying the Scripture." We practiced slowly meditating and digesting word-by-word a passage of Scripture with the purpose of quieting your mind and focusing on Christ within you. Try it now... Live in the holy awe of God—which brings you trembling into His presence. God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to accomplish the good things you desire to do. Philippians 3:12-13 (TPT) (with each "..."  below, take time to be aware of His indwelling presence and love, pause and linger often, especially when you are feeling his presence) Live in the holy awe of God...Live...I am alive right now in the holy awe of my God...the holy awe of God...I am in awe in your presence God...trembling...trembling into your glorious presence...Your presence within me...your holy presence within me...your holy presence within me at this very moment...God, you will continually revitalize me...God, you will revitalize me...You continually breath fresh life in me...this is what you do...you implant within me passion...I have passion for life...you infuse me with that passion...passion to accomplish good things...good things I desire to do...good things I desire to do because you have placed them within me... Our good and very dear Savior is making himself known to everyone who wants him. Never give up this inward journey. The continual pay-off of his very real presence is what you were born for more than any other pursuit. With Love, Brent

A Heart Filled With Thanks by Pastor Brent Lokker

Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.  (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4, TMB) As I read this, and in light of the glorious time we spent together this past weekend at the Restoring Family conference, my heart is filled with deep gratitude!  Here is my prayer of thanks. I encourage you to make it yours and to add your own voice of thanksgiving to our very dear and kind Father.   Thank you, Father, for all that Jesus has done for us! Thank you, Father, for pouring out your Spirit in rich measure over us! Thank you, Father, for a spirit of unity that is rising up! Thank you, Father, for healing the places in our hearts that have caused us to alienate each other. Thank you, Father, for filling the hunger in the hearts of your children for deep connection with you! Thank you, Father, for giving us great favor! Thank you, Father, for providing for us in abundance! Thank you for being a good, good Father in every way! You’re the best!! And I truly thank God for each of you! With Love,                Brent

God is Better Than We Can Imagine by Pastor Brent Lokker

Oh, My Dear Friends! In the midst of whatever life looks like for you today, you have to remember something: God is better than anyone could ever imagine! Yes, He’ always so loving and kind, and it never stops! (Ps 107:1) And remembering this causes us to lift up our hands to our tender Abba, Papa, Yahweh and give thanks for his marvelous kindness and miracles of mercy because He loves us. (Ps. 107:15) Let that sink in deeper…He loves you! He adores you! He is particularly fond of you! Allow the words of this chorus you know well wash over you: “He loves us, oh, how he loves us Oh how he loves us, oh how he loves!” He is jealous for me. He loves like a hurricane, I am a tree bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me! I declare over each one reading this the suddenly of the Lord’s glory overtaking you and eclipsing any afflictions you may be going through. I declare the truth over your life that, God turns our barren wilderness into an oasis with water! He makes springs flow into the desert places and turns them into fertile valleys! (Ps. 107-35-36) I know you have been crying out for your heart to connect more deeply with God, your Father. How can I know this? Because God’s Spirit is moving within all of us, causing the longing for the deepest desires to be fulfilled. And God is answering! Your deep cries are being answered!  Do not give up hope!  You have a Father who adores you and who’s better than you could ever imagine! He’s so loving and kind to you and it never, ever stops! With Love, Pastor Brent

The Joy Of Sharing The Simple Gospel by guest contributor Vivian Phi

“I refused to be ashamed of sharing the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first, and then people everywhere!” ~ Romans 1:16 ~

Don’t give up, pray! Not long ago, I shared the good news in a facility with a mother of three young children, but she was separated from her family because of drug abuse issues. She was skeptical from the beginning and would just watch and observe from a distance when I prayed for other women or had Bible studies with them. I simply served others as usual with hugs, encouragement, prayers, and love without “pushing” her to hear the gospel. I literally “left her alone” while praying for her privately. After two months, she started to ask me questions about God and the Bible. She even asked if she could have Bible study with me. Later she opened up and shared that she was more and more eager to read the Bible because God’s words have given her much strength and hope. A month ago, I received a card from her in the mail. She shared that she has continued to read the Bible everyday no matter how hard her situation is! Praise God! Simply step out There is no fixed rules and formula as to how to lead others to Jesus “the right way”; simply be available and step out is the key. Telling others “Jesus love you!” or “You are God’s precious one!” with a smile, a hug, or an act of kindness are great ways to witness, too! Sometimes my husband and I’d give prophetic words or word of knowledge when we receive revelation from God, and people usually respond the same: “It’s crazy!” when the words are accurate (Of course! God knows everything, right!). Sometimes we pray for people who are sick on the street, and when they feel better or are healed, they say, “It’s crazy!” Many people need to hear and receive God’s love and encouragement through us; they need to hear the good news of forgiveness of sins and hope (2 Corinthians 5:20). It’s time to step out!                                                                 Love,                                                                         Vivian