The Bible says in (1Peter 5:8) “Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” 

I can truly say that i have never experienced this scripture to be as true, as it is today in my life !!

But the bible also promises us, that the Lord will fight our battles !!  Keep praying for us - I know that the battle is not over !!!

Sincerely

Pastor Max

The Lord has been good to us - I am reminded of God’s faithfulness. in (Matthew 6:33) it says that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteuosness, all these things will be added unto us.

The meaning here is this; that God will take care of our spiritual, physical and material needs.
God has surley done all three for us here at Victory Outreach Portland.

The key: “Stay Faithful”

sincerely
Pastor Max

 Have you ever wondered why it is that we sometimes struggle so much?

Paul the apostle said this:

(Galatians 5:16-17) ¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition (or at war) with one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

There is a war that rages inside each and every one of us and it’s a war for “Control” our flesh fighting against the Spirit of God inside of us and the spirit fighting against the flesh.and these two are in opposition or at war against each other.

·          The Nature of the flesh or also known as (The Sin Nature) fighting and pulling us toward sin.

·        While the Nature of Christ or also known as (The Nature of the Spirit) pushing us toward righteous living in Christ.

Within us are 2-Natures:

First. The moment we accept Jesus Christ into our heart – we receive the Spirit and the Nature of Christ in us. According to (Romans 8: 1-17) we receive the spirit of adoption.

Note: as we continue reading our word, praying and seeking God, living a life of obedience to the Lord, this strengthens our spiritual nature (The Nature of Christ within us) not to live or practice sin in our life.

Secondly. The other nature is called; the Nature of the Flesh. Or better known as the Nature of Sin.

Paul said it this way in (Galatians 2:20) “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Paul is actually explaining – even though we have become saved, born again and the Nature of Jesus Christ lives inside of us – we still have inside of us this powerful-flesh to contend with.

The key here is learning how not to give into sin !!

How do we obtain Victory over the Nature of Sin?

1. By Resisting the Temptation or the Tempter:

(James 4:7) “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”

(Meaning) Coming under the power and authority of God in our life, according to (St John 1:12) we have been given “Power” in our life to “Resist” the temptation and the tempter that confronts us!!

2. By Relying on the Spirit’s control over our life.

Note: If you notice I didn’t say by having “self-control”

Because I believe we must never put our trust in the flesh, because the flesh has no control and we need something greater and bigger than self.

3. By coming under the authority of God’s word.

In (Hebrews 4:12) it says; “For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”

4. By learning to walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh.

Paul said in (Gal 5:16-25) Read

The key here is, we can obtain victory through Jesus Christ because of the Cross – we now become heirs and joint heirs with Jesus Christ’s victory.

So the key for this message - is continue walking according to the Spirit and not the flesh !!!

Sincerely

Pastor Max

(Proverbs 13:4) “The soul of a lazy man desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (blessed)

The above scriptures imply that in order to succeed in life or any venture we step out to fulfill, it’s going to take some diligence or some hard work- there are no quick fixes or short cuts anywhere really worth going too!!!

4-Thoughts in reference to this weeks title:

1. Work is not a curse- it is a blessing, because you will have the resources to enjoy the fruit of your labor.

2. Work is the opportunity needed for success - I usually say that God is waiting for us to step out and walk through the doors of opportunity that God makes available to us, but work is the avenue needed to make it happen.

3. Laziness - will only get us to one place called “poverty”

4. Earning what you want - will bring satisfaction and blessing.

So the next time your thinking how can I get to the top of my “game”or position or desired area in life - Remember it’s going to take some good old fashion hard-work.  The bible declares that God loves those who are diligent.

 Sincerely

Pastor Max

As we reflect on this verse we are reminded that first and foremost of all we are to serve and seek God.

Our purpose as Christians is to serve God with all of our heart, soul and Mind as (Matthew 22:37) says. as we do this the bible assures us that God will take care of all our “other things” as it is stated here in the scripture above.

Have you ever thought what is meant by this?  I truly believe that God is saying, as you take care of your spiritual responsibilities such as worshipping God, praying, reading your word and most definitely serving God daily, God will take care of your daily needs such as physical. material and any other need that is needed for your daily Christian walk.

So as you’re going to school or work today, think on God’s provision and how He is the one that takes care of all of our needs, concerns and even our wants !!!

Thank you Jesus !!!

Sincerely

Pastor Max

Now Joshua and the Israelites could of done a few things:

1. They could of Just continued around the same old mountain and stayed stuck there.
2. Or they could of Refused to go forward and just talk about the past
3. They could of fell into depression over the death of Moses
4. Or they could of just let go of their Dreams and Promises

But they didn’t, as amatter of fact they chose to go forward - inspite of it all  !! 

God has called us to reach to Newer heights, or as I call it to “ELEVATE”

Remember this always: God will always do His part – but we must also do our part: God wants us to become and fulfill all that He has created us to be:

Here’s the thought for the week - Now what do we do after Easter ?  You see before Easter Sunday everybody is excited, inviting loved ones and friends going shopping and buying that new dress or suit to look and feel our best on that day !!! we even go the extra mile to make sure that special someone is coming to church that Sunday morning (right)?

You see the Easter message was never intended to be a one Sunday a year event !!! rather we are to live out the message of the good news that Jesus was indeed crucified, buried and He rose again on the third day with all power and glory. we read this in the gospels.

You and I are called:

1. To Live out the messages we here on Sunday mornings or whats being preached throughout the week

2. We are to Share the message with others that we come in contact with.

3. We are to Practice what we are hearing.

4. We are to Invite all of our friends and loved ones back - as if we were having Easter every Sunday !!!!!

The bible says: (Romans 10:14-17) To continue sharing the good news, because they need someone to tell them in order to build their faith in Christ.

So this week and the next and the next continue living out every week as if it were Easter !!!!!

Sincerely

Pastor Max

The biggest struggle while a person is on hold is “PATIENCE”, it’s like when we are in the freeway we have no problem with the person behins us - it’s the car in front of us that’s making us go through changes (right)

Well likewise, Patience has a way to bring out the best or worst in us !!!! here’s a few thoughts to consider while we are on hold from God.

1. Wait - with the right attitude

2. Wait - with praise, learning how to sing even when you’re out of tune (spiritually speaking)

3. Wait - with confidence and assurance that God will answer in His perfect timing

So as you are waiting for God while you are on hold - just stay on the line as you would on a telephone, because the person on the other side will answer you !!!!

Sincerely

Pastor Max

So no matter how hard we try to pray our selves out of a situation or trial - or how hard we try to work it out. I truly believe there are certain situations we are not meant to “Change”- rather the bible teaches us to do certain things:

1. Wait upon the Lord - In His timing, He will pull us out of it.

2. Learn to Endure whatever it is we are going through.

3. Learn something from that situation - all things have a purpose whether we like it or not,  God will use that problem or situation we are going through to teach us something beneficial !!!!! (trust me i have been there and maybe so have you)

Paul the Apostle calls these times; “Light afflictions, which is just for a moment” in (2 Corin 4:17) You see, when we can’t change our circumstances or problems - the best thing to do is to ask God in prayer to give us the “STRENGTH” to go through them.

Remember each season in life has its purpose -So don’t try to get out of it prematurely, let it do its work in You !!!

Sincerely

Pastor Max

We are believing God to be ready to have a gran opening by April 12th on Easter Morning - i am reminded of 3 simple truths:

1. when God puts something in your heart -you have to step out and follow your heart  - even if it feels impossible - remember He always goes before us as the bible says.

2. It will take faith and courage to step out - because the unknown always brings a little fear, but God’s word reminds us that He gives us the strength and courage in situations just like these. (it’s possible that God wants to see how we are going to react, if we will trust Him or not).

3. I am reminded to “Stand firm” in the promises of God - The bible tells us the God is forever faithful, He will not with hold His blessing to those who will walk and live right before Him.

In closing - if there is something God has laid in your heart - hold unto it, stand firm and have the courage to step out when God says “GO  FOR IT”

Sincerely

Pastor Max