Victory Church Providence

When the Lord Is Your Light

I. Welcome and Mission of Victory Church

• Podcast welcome and explanation: messages from pastoral staff and guest speakers from Sunday worship services.

• Statement of Victory’s mission: reaching the lost, restoring the broken, and reviving believers.

• Brief personal remark from the speaker about still feeling new when coming up to preach.

II. Introduction to Psalm 27 and Context

• Request for Psalm 27 to be put on the screen; announcement that this will be the main text.

• Expression of gratitude to volunteers who cleared snow in the parking lot and reminder about tight parking conditions.

• Mood set: “We’re here to worship the Lord” despite inconveniences with snow and parking.

• Personal memory of an elderly woman at the former Admiral Street location who would quote Psalm 27:1 with conviction.

• Pivot from original planned message to God’s redirection toward Psalm 27 and the theme of light.

III. Theme Stated: The Light of the World

• Working sermon title given: “The Light of the World,” referring to Jesus.

• Explanation that light in the Bible symbolizes God, His holiness, and the only true light for the world.

• Connection of light and salvation as inseparable in Psalm 27:1.

• Reference to Jesus’ “I Am” statements in John, especially “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), and other Johannine references to Jesus as light.

• Reference to Matthew 4:16: those who sat in darkness have seen a great light.

IV. Exposition of Psalm 27:1–3 – My Light and My Salvation

• Reading Psalm 27:1–3 and identifying it as a psalm of David.

• Explanation: David expresses jubilant confidence and courageous trust in the Lord despite many enemies and constant threats.

• Clarification that courage is not human toughness but trust in God’s strength in our weakness.

• Application: believers also face struggles, conflicts, curveballs, and unexpected changes in life.

• Definitions:

  • Light dispels darkness, brings understanding, joy, and life.

  • Salvation moves us from a bad place to a good place, is a stronghold—a fortified place where harm cannot ultimately penetrate.

• Rhetorical question: If God provides light and salvation as a stronghold, whom shall we fear?

• Encouragement not to be moved by what we see, hear, or feel, but to rest in the Lord as our light and salvation.

V. We Are Also Called Light

• Jesus is the light of the world, but believers are also called the light of the world.

• Exhortation not to hide our light “under a bushel,” alluding to the children’s song “This Little Light of Mine.”

• Emphasis that this is not only about outward evangelism but about the inner personal light Christ places within each believer.

• Warning against living in a semi-dead or dim spiritual state; God wants His light to permeate and shine through our lives.

VI. Example of persevering faith: The Elderly Woman

• Return to the story of the elderly woman who quoted Psalm 27:1 every week with conviction.

• She did not allow age, aches, or pains to diminish her confidence that the Lord was her light and salvation.

• Personal connection: the preacher knew her family’s challenges, including a wayward grandson he once chased as a police officer.

• Point: her declaration flowed from real experience of God’s faithfulness, and she repeated it to impress the same mindset on others.

• Application: adopt that same resolute mindset when life throws curveballs and when darkness tries to extinguish our light.

VII. Light Versus Darkness in Everyday Life

• Illustration: physical darkness in a room and how even a small light (like an alarm clock display) helps navigate.

• Spiritual point: darkness cannot snuff out light; light forces darkness to flee when switched on.

• Observation that sinful and harmful acts often take place under cover of darkness, but God’s light exposes and displaces them.

• Encouragement that if a believer’s light feels dim, turning to Scripture (God’s Word as lamp and light) brightens the path.

VIII. God’s Presence in Our Circumstances – He Never Leaves Us (Psalm 27:8–10)

• Reading Psalm 27:8–10: call to seek God’s face and plea that God not hide His face or forsake His servant.

• Explanation: David felt circumstances getting the best of him—delays, disappointment, and possible abandonment even by parents.

• Emphasis that God never leaves or forsakes His people even when others do or when we are imperfect.

• Illustration: the “hound of heaven” image for the Holy Spirit persistently pursuing believers.

• Personal story: driving past the soccer coach’s broken-down car and joking that he did not make the team—contrast with God never passing us by on the roadside.

• Teaching that God is already present in our troubles before we arrive there; He walks on the storms and invites us, like Peter, to trust Him.

IX. Seeking God’s Perspective and Fullness

• David’s turning point: he inquired of the Lord and let God’s presence enter his doubts and struggles.

• Call to put God’s will first rather than our own, as Jesus prayed “not my will but yours.”

• Encouragement to seek God’s fullness—fullness of faith, joy, and strength—rather than settling for half measures.

• Analogy: we often try to clean ourselves up before coming to God, but that is why we got into a mess; God wants us to come as we are.

X. God’s Faithfulness Across Scripture and Time

• Affirmation that God’s promise to never leave or forsake His people runs from Deuteronomy through the New Testament.

• Reference to Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28: He will be with His disciples to the very end.

• Explanation of “forever and ever”: God doubles the language to emphasize that His faithfulness truly does not end.

• Reminder that creation itself groans and anticipates His coming, and that we are made in God’s image and likeness.

XI. Do Not Lose Heart – Waiting with Faith (Psalm 27:13–14)

• Reading Psalm 27:13–14: “I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

• Description of the human heart as fickle and deceitful, prone to discouragement and self-pity (“I’m the only one”).

• Encouragement to “let God arise” so that fears and doubts are scattered, echoing older worship songs.

• Clarification that God’s goodness is not just future but is seen “in the land of the living,” in our present lives and situations.

• Exhortation to wait on the Lord—not passively, but in faith, expectation, and confidence that God will strengthen our hearts and align our desires and will with His.

XII. From Psalm 27 to Psalm 28 – From Pleading to Praise

• Brief look ahead to Psalm 28 as a psalm of rejoicing for answered prayer.

• Reading Psalm 28:6–7 to show David’s transition from trouble to praise: the Lord heard his supplications, became his strength and shield, and filled his heart with rejoicing and song.

• Application: as we trust God as light and salvation, He turns prayers into testimonies and darkness into worship.

XIII. Corporate Communion and Response

• Instruction for the congregation to come out of their seats, fill the aisles, and gather together for communion as an act of koinonia (fellowship).

• Emphasis that believers are building relationships with those they will be with in eternity; encouragement to love one another now.

• Communion teaching:

  • The bread represents Christ’s body broken so ours need not be ultimately broken by sin’s effects; He provides wholeness of mind, body, and spirit.

  • The cup represents Christ’s blood shed for forgiveness of sins so we can spend eternity with Him rather than separated.

  • Note that no one is “worthy” in themselves; Jesus did this for us while we were ungodly.

• Congregational declaration:

  • “The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom shall I be afraid?

  • The Lord is the strength of my life; whom shall I fear?”

XIV. Final Blessing and Dismissal

• Pastoral prayer: asking God to bless and keep the people, cause His face to shine on them, give peace, strength, and joy of salvation.

• Reminder that the Lord is their light, strength, and provider today, tomorrow, and for eternity.

• Practical closing: caution to be careful in the parking lot and invitation to midweek service.

• Closing thanks to listeners of the sermon and mention of Victory’s location at 321 Veazie Street.

The Faithfulness of God and the Power of His Word

I. Introduction: The Message and Mission of Victory Church

• Overview of the Victory Church podcast: teaching and worship messages.

• Church mission: reaching the lost, restoring the broken, reviving believers.

• Central theme: the faithfulness of God — His dependability, reliability, and trustworthiness.

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II. Understanding God’s Faithfulness

• Our faith rests not on our faithfulness, but on God's proven record.

• Encouragement to know, memorize, meditate on, and live by the Word of God.

• God’s faithfulness remains constant despite life’s ups and downs.

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III. Lesson from 2 Chronicles 16:7–10 — King Asa and the Prophet Hanani

• The prophet (“seer”) rebuked Asa for relying on human power instead of God.

• The “eyes of the Lord” search the earth for loyal hearts to strengthen.

• Asa’s foolish anger at correction serves as a warning against pride and spiritual resistance.

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IV. The Role of Prophets, Pastors, and Counselors

• God speaks through His servants to bring clarity and correction.

• The danger of isolation: believers need pastors, accountability, and spiritual community.

• The “one another” principles of the New Testament — loving, praying for, and encouraging one another.

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V. The Importance of Church and Unity

• Jesus Himself regularly attended worship.

• Countering cultural messages that say believers don’t need church or pastors.

• The power of unity — believers praying, worshiping, and standing together.

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VI. Relying on God, Not Natural Thinking

• Asa’s mistake: trusting human wisdom instead of divine guidance.

• Distractions and deception are the enemy’s primary tools.

• The Word of God renews the mind and guards against subtle lies.

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VII. The Power and Necessity of the Word

• The Word is a hammer that breaks strongholds and transforms hearts.

• Sermons and Scripture are tools for shaping believers — not short motivational talks.

• The preaching of the Word remains essential even when unpopular.

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VIII. Staying Teachable and Humbly Receiving Correction

• King Asa’s downfall was pride and resistance to counsel.

• Believers should remain humble, lifelong learners open to godly wisdom.

• Experience becomes true learning only when processed through the Word and wisdom.

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IX. God’s Faithfulness and Our Loyal Hearts

• God seeks loyal, not perfect, hearts.

• Loyalty involves repentance, humility, and trust.

• God desires to show Himself strong for His people just as He has in the past.

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X. Bearing Fruit at Every Stage of Life

• Believers can bear fruit even in old age.

• Mentorship: older generations have wisdom to pass on to younger ones.

• Fruitfulness includes spiritual influence and discipleship, not just activity.

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XI. Conclusion: A Call to Worship and Renewal

• God’s character is unchanging—He remains faithful even when we are faithless.

• Invitation to pray, worship, and recommit to trusting God.

• Affirmation that God continues to work, bless, and restore His people through His faithfulness.

Reactive Or Proactive Prayer

I. Introduction

• Welcome to the Victory Church podcast and Sunday worship gathering.

• Victory’s mission: reaching the lost, restoring the broken, reviving believers.​

• Joy and gratitude for being in God’s house where worship, prayer, the Word, and fellowship occur.​

• Emphasis that God’s grace enabled people to be present, overcoming hindrances.​

II. The Nature and Purpose of Prayer

• Prayer and the Word as central priorities at Victory Church.​

• Biblical commands to pray: “men ought always to pray,” “pray without ceasing,” “watch and pray,” “continue earnestly in prayer.”​

• Clarification: prayer is not a religious ritual but a relational conversation with a loving Father.​

• Prayer as sharing cares, dreams, concerns with God; Scripture as God sharing His thoughts and heart with us.​

III. Reactive vs. Proactive Prayer
A. Reactive Prayer

• Definition: responding to events, crises, and immediate needs after they happen.​

• Typical reactive requests: jobs, finances, housing, healing, family and school pressures.​

• Affirmation: these needs matter to God; believers should cast all cares on Him.​

• Problem: if this is the only kind of praying, discipleship and prayer life are out of alignment with God’s best.​

B. Proactive Prayer

• Definition: creating or shaping situations by praying God’s will in advance, not only reacting.​

• Example from the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” as a proactive request.​

• Goal: move believers beyond crisis-only praying into kingdom-focused, forward-looking prayer.​

IV. Acts 4 as a Model of Prayer
A. Context of Acts 4

• Acts as early church history, showing the Spirit-empowered beginnings of the church.​

• Peter and John preaching, healing a crippled man, and provoking opposition from religious leaders.​

• Authorities command them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.​

• Connection to today: pressure in culture to silence biblical truth and the name of Jesus.​

B. The Disciples’ Response

• They return “to their own” (the church, fellow believers) when threatened.​

• Principle: where you turn in crisis reveals much about your heart.​

• They share the report as a prayer request and turn immediately to corporate prayer.​

• They pray in alignment with Scripture (Psalm 2) and God’s will, not just emotions.​

C. Content of Their Prayer (Acts 4:24–31)

• Acknowledge God as Creator and Sovereign Lord over heaven and earth.​

• Rehearse Scripture about nations raging and rulers opposing the Lord and His Christ.​

• Interpret persecution as part of God’s sovereign purpose in Christ’s suffering.​

• Reactive element: “Lord, look on their threats.”​

• Proactive element: ask for boldness to speak the Word, and for God’s hand to heal with signs and wonders in Jesus’ name.​

• Result: the place is shaken, all are filled with the Holy Spirit, and they speak God’s Word with boldness.​

V. Praying with the Word and God’s Will

• Call to pray not only from need or emotion but aligned with Scripture.​

• Examples of praying Scripture over needs (provision, healing, emotional and spiritual needs, relationships).​

• Recognition that God’s will includes timing; believers must be sensitive and obedient.​

• Emphasis: there is power when prayer and the Word are joined.​

VI. From Problem to Launching Pad

• Observation: in Acts 4, the crisis launches the church into deeper proactive prayer, not retreat.​

• Instead of praying primarily for safety and comfort, they pray for greater boldness and impact.​

• Application: believers today should ask God to use trials to produce testimony, messages, and greater influence for His glory.​

VII. Call to a Proactive Kingdom Focus
A. For Truth and Witness in a Confused Culture

• Culture tolerates generic “god talk” but reacts strongly to the exclusive claims of Jesus.​

• Expect opposition when living and speaking biblical truth, without being obnoxious or hypocritical.​

• The church must stand firm on Scripture, not be shaped by social media or worldly opinions.​

B. For Local and Global Mission

• Victory Church’s call: reach Providence and the nations through evangelism and missions.​

• Example: missions trips (Kenya, Sierra Leone, Liberia) and conferences to strengthen pastors and churches.​

• Appeal for proactive prayer for missions: bold preaching, anointing, signs and wonders, and lasting fruit.​

C. For Revival and Awakening

• Distinction: revival for the church (bringing believers back to life), awakening for the lost.​

• Invitation to pray for souls, discipleship, anointing, revival in churches, and awakening in the nation.​

• Desire to create cultures of discipleship, evangelism, missions, and deep engagement with Scripture.​

VIII. Illustrations of Proactive Prayer in History and Life

• Personal testimony: long season in temporary housing, choosing contentment and kingdom focus while trusting God’s timing.​

• Application of Matthew 6:33: prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness, trusting Him to add needed things.​

• Biblical example: Job praying for his friends and receiving double restoration.​

• Historical examples:

  • John Knox’s burden “give me Scotland or I die” and its influence.​

  • David Brainerd’s fervent prayer for Native Americans and resulting impact.​

  • William Tyndale’s martyrdom for translating Scripture and the later spread of English Bibles.​

  • The Moravians’ 100-year prayer meeting and remarkable missionary sending.​

IX. Practical Application and Invitation

• Challenge: move beyond “needs-only” praying to kingdom-centered, proactive prayer.​

• Specific areas to pray proactively: personal walk, church, ministries, missions, national awakening, and social issues.​

• Encouragement to stay for times of corporate prayer, lifting up pastors, leaders, and global work.​

• Final appeal: cultivate a passion that cries, “Lord, give us souls, give us revival, use my life and this church for Your glory.”

Who is this Man

Main Topic

Sermon by evangelist David Fisher from Fan Into Flames Ministry, on going through storms in life, using Mark 4:35–41 (Jesus calming the storm) and Isaiah 43:1–3 to call believers to a deeper revelation of Jesus rather than just rescue from problems.​

1. Introduction: Word of God and Worship

1. Word of God as powerful and authoritative, likened to a hammer that breaks rock (Jeremiah, Jesus’ words never passing away).​

2. Welcome to Pastor Dave Fisher; context of recent ministry, prayer week, and sensing an increased move of the Spirit in the church and region.​

3. Worship as an act of defiance against the devil: choosing to shout unto God with a voice of triumph regardless of circumstances.​

4. Isaiah 43 read as a promise to God’s people: when you go through waters, rivers, and fire, God is with you and you will not be destroyed.​

2. “Going Through It”: Life’s Unrelenting Storms

1. Honest acknowledgement that many feel they are “going through it” (days, months, even decades of trial).​

2. Personal testimony of Dave and Shelley facing the most difficult mental, emotional, and spiritual season of their marriage.​

3. Introduction of Mark 4: disciples in a literal storm used as metaphor for any life trial.​

3. The Main Question: “Who Is This Man?”

1. Common application: Jesus stills our storms; affirmation that He can, does, and will.​

2. Central thesis: believers are not the main characters; the primary point is revelation of Jesus’ identity, not mere deliverance.​

3. If God rescues us but we do not gain a deeper revelation of Jesus, our faith will be shaken at the next storm.​

4. Key question from the text: “Who is this man?”—this is the heart of the narrative and the sermon.​

4. Crossing to the Other Side: Assignment and Opposition

1. Jesus’ simple statement “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake” implies divine direction and assignment, not a casual trip.​

2. On the other side (Mark 5) is the demonized man with a legion; the crossing is about confronting hell and freeing a captive.​

3. Any call to follow Jesus and advance His kingdom will be opposed by powers of darkness; storms often accompany assignment.​

4. Demons recognize Jesus’ identity and authority even before the disciples do; they know His power over them.​

5. Storms, the Enemy, and Our Focus

1. Enemy’s purpose: incite fear, paralyze faith, and block God’s purpose by overwhelming us with storms and problems.​

2. Some storms may be directly demonic; others are used by the enemy to assault mind, emotions, and focus.​

3. When overwhelmed by what we are going through, we forget what we are going to (our assignment).​

4. Disciples’ early lesson: following Jesus includes storms; in this world we will have tribulation, but Jesus has overcome.​

6. Presence in the Storm vs. Our Perception

1. Fierce storm (earthquake-like on the water); seasoned fishermen are terrified as the boat fills with water.​

2. Core promise: Jesus is in the boat—in the midst of the storm—fulfilling God’s word, “I will be with you.”​

3. Call to defiantly declare God’s word over symptoms and senses: choose His word over sight, feelings, and thoughts.​

4. Warning: if we fail to discern the source of the storm, we fight the storm instead of the enemy behind it.​

7. Jesus’ Peace and Identity vs. Disciples’ Panic

1. Contrast: disciples terrified; Jesus asleep on a cushion—same boat, same storm, radically different response.​

2. It can feel like Jesus is present but passive, silent, or indifferent; these feelings are real but not true.​

3. Jesus’ inner rest flows from knowing His Father, His identity, His origin, His assignment, and His destiny.​

4. Believers likewise know their beginning (saved), their assignment, and their end (with Him), so anything in between is in the Father’s hands.​

8. Fear, Faith, and Revelation

1. Disciples’ cry “Teacher, don’t you care we are going to drown?” contrasts Jesus’ word “We’re going to the other side.”​

2. Only one declaration can be true; revelation of who He is corrects our conclusions about our situation.​

3. Critique of purely informational faith: information about Jesus must become Spirit-given revelation in our hearts.​

4. Areas dominated by fear reveal where we lack revelation of who Jesus is (e.g., healing, provision, family).​

9. Jesus Rebukes the Storm and the Source

1. Jesus responds to their cry by rebuking wind and waves with authority (“Silence, be still” / “shut up and knock it off”).​

2. Same language used to address demons, suggesting confrontation with spiritual forces behind the storm.​

3. Believers are invited to speak with that same delegated authority to the spirit behind the storm.​

4. Emphasis: the real battle is not with circumstances but with Satan, who seeks to destroy faith and block assignment.​

10. Christ’s Deity and the Disciples’ Holy Terror

1. Immediate calm reveals Jesus is doing what only God does in the Old Testament—ruling the chaotic waters.​

2. This event unveils not just His power but His deity: Jesus is God, the eternal Word made flesh.​

3. After the calm, Jesus asks, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”—implying they need not have feared.​

4. The disciples become “absolutely terrified” in a holy way; divine presence is more awe-inspiring than any storm or demon.​

11. From Survival to Thriving: The Goal of Storms

1. God’s purpose is not mere survival but thriving in the midst of storms through deeper revelation of Christ.​

2. What we magnify (storm or Jesus) will master us; magnifying Christ brings freedom from storm-mastery.​

3. Storms can serve as opportunities for maturity and revelation (James 1:2–4 referenced).​

4. Encouragement: do not wait for storms to seek revelation; build it now in the Word.​

12. Practical Response: Defiant Declarations and Spiritual Warfare

1. Call to become a defiant people against the enemy, not against God: spiritual warfare, shouting, and praise.​

2. Personal example: walking around the house proclaiming God’s word, pleading the blood, attacking the devil by the Spirit and the Word.​

3. Use Scripture to declare truth over fear, sickness, and oppression; don’t believe everything you think.​

4. Weapons of warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to pull down strongholds and cast down imaginations.​

13. Extended Declarations: “Who Is This Man?”

1. Corporate ministry time: congregation invited to the altar to declare who Jesus is, not just receive prayer.​

2. Long series of biblical declarations describing Jesus’ identity and work (never leaving or forsaking; bread of life; light; shepherd; vine; way, truth, life; resurrection and life).​

3. Christ as reconciler, sin-bearer, seated in highest honor, head of the church, victor over sin, death, and Satan.​

4. Christ as Alpha and Omega, visible image of the invisible God, creator and sustainer, Lamb slain yet standing, coming King.​

14. Shout of Triumph and Closing Exhortation

1. Congregational Jericho-style shout as an act of spiritual warfare, linked to breaking chains and walls falling.​

2. Second, louder shout encouraged, likened to (but surpassing) cheering at a football game (Super Bowl Sunday reference).​

3. Affirmation that walls are coming down, demons are fleeing, and victories are being won because of Jesus’ kingship.​

4. Dismissal: leave with praise, a shout, and an awareness of spiritual battle; take God’s word and do warfare in Jesus’ name

Going Without Knowing

Service Introduction

Pastor introduces guest speakers Pastor Palo and wife from "Equipping for Life, Married for Life" ministries, formerly of Restoration Church (previously North Providence Assembly).​
Wife shares briefly on family spirit in the church and reads from Hosea about God's righteous ways versus rebellion, urging attendees to give God a chance for blessings.​

Main Sermon: Faith and Obedience

Speaker (Pastor Palo) shares personal transition from pastoring (last service Dec 29, 2024), emphasizing avoiding "professional faith" at age 56.​
Key scripture: Hebrews 11:8—Abraham obeyed by faith, going without knowing destination (cross-references Genesis 12:1).​
Highlights: No backstory/mentors for Abraham (age 75, pagan background); prioritize "yes" to God over clarity/prayers/fleeces; faith is promise, trust is process; discouragement disconnects from courage.​

Key Teachings

• Obedience Now: "Leave, go, [God will] show"; promises are "yes" in Christ (2 Cor 1:20); avoid delaying like Israel's 40 years.​

• Trust Over Clarity: Stories of son stepping into water, Appalachian Trail supplies, Amish time ("three sunsets"); God as "very present help" (Ps 46).​

• Combating Discouragement: Praise/thanksgiving list; dream shifting from complaining to gratitude; enemy uses it like quicksand.​

Worship and Altar Call

Song: "I Give Myself Away" with lyrics emphasizing surrender ("My life is not my own... Let your will be done on earth").​
Prophetic prayers for individuals (e.g., Shiana for rest/leading; Denzel for mind healing; businesses/relationships to end; Oliver for rejection).​
Call to break discouragement, start businesses, obey God fully.

Don't Worry About It

Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready! Part 2

I. Opening and Introduction

• Acknowledgment of ministry volunteers serving behind the scenes.

• Call to thank God for those who serve.

• Emphasis: the church is about everyone being mobilized to serve.

II. High View of Scripture

• Affirmation: the Bible is held in supreme authority above all other sources.

• It is infallible, inerrant, and authoritative.

• The pastor’s aim: communicate God’s Word truthfully and sincerely.

• The Word of God is inexhaustible, pure, powerful—like a seed that bears fruit.

III. The Heart as Soil

• Analogy: the issue isn’t the seed (the Word of God), but the soil (the human heart).

• Types of soil issues: hardness, weeds, stones, debris.

• Call to prayer: for receptive hearts that produce lasting fruit.

• Encouragement: change is possible through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

IV. Transition to Scripture Text

• Introduction to Bible passage: Joshua 3.

• Sermon title: “Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready, Part 2.”

• Theme: God wants His people prepared to receive what He has planned.

V. Testimonies of Transformation

• Two congregational testimonies shared:

  • Restored faith and renewed hope through prayer and fasting.

  • Family transformation—faith renewal, prayer habits, and Bible reading.

• Reinforcement: God is working in people’s lives today.

VI. Focus Text: Joshua 3:5

“Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

• The message centers on two main parts:

  1. Our part – sanctify, prepare, consecrate ourselves.

  2. God’s part – He will do wonders among us.

VII. Balancing Our Role and God’s Role

• Warning against two extremes:

  • Some believe “it all depends on God”—do nothing.

  • Others act as though “it all depends on them”—trust in self.

• Biblical balance: we plant and water, but God gives the increase.

• Example: two farmers—one prepares by faith; the other does not. True faith acts.

VIII. God Does the Heavy Lifting

• Reminder: God initiates and sustains His work of grace.

• Analogy: a small child “helping” carry groceries—the parent carries the real weight.

• Same with God—He carries us while we participate in faith.

IX. Understanding God’s Wonders

• We need miracles because life presents impossible situations.

• God performs “exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think.”

• Miracles remind us: focus on the miracle worker, not the miracle.

X. The Crossing of the Jordan

• Context: Israel at the threshold of the Promised Land.

• The Jordan River in flood stage—an impossibility without divine help.

• Symbolism:

  • Crossing = moving from old life to new life.

  • Once crossed, there’s no going back.

  • Application: we must cross our own “Jordan” in faith.

XI. Call to Commitment and Discipleship

• Reference to John 6: Disciples offended by Jesus’ hard teachings.

• Peter’s declaration: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of life.”

• Application: commitment to Jesus despite challenges—there’s no other way.

XII. God’s Glory, Not Ours

• Warning: when miracles occur, glory must go to God alone.

• Miracles exist to reveal who God is, not to glorify people or churches.

• The Lord says, “I will share my glory with no one.”

XIII. Contemporary Application

• The same God who parted the Jordan still does wonders today.

• Encouragement to believe for miracles in 2026 as He did in 2025.

• Observation: Growing hunger for God, especially among younger generations.

• The church’s mission: glorify God through faith and obedience.

XIV. Personal Testimony of Ministry

• Example from missions work in Africa: obedience and prayer led to new opportunities.

• Lesson: God elevates His plans when we yield and seek His will sincerely.

XV. Faith in Everyday Life

• God’s anointing applies to every sphere—parenting, work, ministry.

• Don’t diminish “ordinary” callings; they matter to God.

• Pray that God’s glory shines through everything you do.

XVI. Stirring Faith

• Reference to David and Goliath: faith rooted in past victories fosters future courage.

• A believer’s testimony is unarguable proof of God’s reality.

XVII. Stepping Out in Faith

• The Jordan did not part until the priests stepped into the water.

• Faith requires action; the miraculous follows obedience.

• Encouragement: take new steps in faith this year—don’t stay stagnant.

XVIII. Closing Prayer and Declaration

• Belief statements for 2026:

  • God will heal, restore, and break generational curses.

  • God will revive faith and anoint His people for fruitfulness.

  • Young generations will rise up for His glory.

• Call to prayer: declare God’s promises back to Him (“God, you said”).

• Encouragement: contending in faith honors God and aligns with His Word.

XIX. Worship and Benediction

• Congregation invited to pray and worship.

• Song: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is Upon Me.”

• Declaration: this is the year of God’s favor and wonders.

Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!

“Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready” – Crossing the Jordan

I. Introduction

• Opening greeting and call to readiness for the Word of God.

• Reference to the recent week of prayer and fasting as preparation.

• Sermon title: “Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready.”

• Text reference: Joshua 3:1–5.

• Key verse: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

• Connection to the new year (2026) as a “new season” — a place we’ve not passed before.

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II. Two Extremes in the Life of Faith

1. Extreme #1: People who think everything depends on God alone.

   • Passive faith; no personal effort (e.g., expecting blessings without action).

2. Extreme #2: People who think everything depends on themselves.

   • Self-striving faith; no prayer or reliance on God.

3. Balanced truth (Joshua 3:5):

   • Human responsibility → “Sanctify yourselves.”

   • Divine power → “The Lord will do wonders.”

   • A biblical tension: God acts, but we prepare.

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III. Historical and Scriptural Context

1. Israel at the Jordan River.

   • On the threshold of the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering.

   • Consequence of earlier unbelief and disobedience.

2. The Ark of the Covenant.

   • Symbol of God's presence and holiness.

   • Instructions: follow it at a distance — reverence before a holy God.

3. The Crossing.

   • Jordan River in flood (½ mile wide); an impossible situation needing a miracle.

4. Spiritual parallel for 2026.

   • Represents transition into a new season filled with both blessings and unknowns.

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IV. Our Part: “Sanctify Yourselves”

1. Meaning of consecration.

   • To set apart, make holy, dedicate to God's purposes.

   • Synonyms: sanctify, purify, make acceptable to God.

2. Illustration: The church drums.

   • Ordinary objects made sacred through dedicated purpose.

   • Believers are called to the same — living for God’s glory.

3. Practical applications of consecration.

   • Self-examination and repentance of sin.

   • Renew commitment to God and His house.

   • Live holy lives — avoid spiritual compromise.

   • Commitment to consistent church involvement and ministry.

   • Stop gossip, negativity, and complaining; unity and obedience bring blessings.

   • Financial consecration: honor God with firstfruits.

   • Lifestyle consecration: avoid ungodly influences; guard media and relationships.

   • Relational accountability and transparency (illustrated through phone example).

   • Personal humility and ongoing sanctification — asking God to search the heart.

4. Examples of sacrifice and faith.

   • Pastor’s story about his wife leaving a high-paying law job to serve in ministry.

   • Lesson: Consecration often means sacrifice, but God multiplies what’s surrendered.

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V. God’s Part: “The Lord Will Do Wonders”

1. Nature of God's wonders.

   • Miracles, provisions, and supernatural acts demonstrating His glory.

   • Miracles reveal who God is, not just what He does.

2. Hope from Scripture (Romans 15:4).

   • Old Testament lessons written for our learning and to build hope.

   • The same God who parted the Jordan acts today.

3. Faith declaration for 2026.

   • God calls what is not as though it were — the promises are already in motion.

   • Prophetic declarations for the year:

     • Growth in intimacy with God.

     • Healing and restoration (“this sickness is not unto death”).

     • A rising young generation with holy passion.

     • God will rebuke the devourer.

     • Restoration of faith to believe again.

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VI. Conclusion and Call to Response

• Call for the congregation to stand, receive, and respond in faith.

• Affirmation that their fasting and prayer were part of consecration.

• Encouragement that God will release blessings long awaited.

• Exhortation to pray, worship, and believe for God’s wonders in 2026.

What is fasting?

Opening prayer and transition

• Prayer for healing of minds, emotions, and bodies in Jesus’ name.

• Blessing over the people and light-hearted comment about “sinners/singers” saved by grace.

• Transition to the morning teaching and reference to the notes on fasting and prayer.

Purpose of the teaching

• Many new people in the church do not fully understand prayer and fasting.

• Long-time members also need renewed direction, inspiration, and encouragement from Scripture for an effective and profitable fast.

• Pastor’s personal struggle with coughing and mic; testimony of praying over the upcoming fast and the church.

• Realization: the Lord, as the Good Shepherd, cares more about the people and their fasting than the pastor does.

• Emphasis that believers must hear the Shepherd’s voice; call to open hearts and spirits to the Word and notes.

What fasting is (definition and biblical basis)

• Fasting described as a spiritual discipline taught in the Bible, not an afterthought or optional for Christians.

• Reference to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) and the three practices: praying, giving, fasting (“when you pray… when you give… when you fast,” not “if”).

• Reading/summary of Matthew 6:16–18:

  • Do not fast to impress others; keep normal appearance; the Father sees in secret and rewards openly.

• Clarification: corporate fast cannot be fully secret, but the heart motive still must be God-centered, not people-centered.

• Cultural critique: problem of overeating and food addictions; fasting is needed, not optional.

Why fast? Main reasons

1. Health and personal reset

• Fasting brings health benefits; warning about “digging graves with forks and spoons.”

• Pastor’s personal testimony: fasting at the beginning of the year as a “reset” that affects months afterward and increases awareness of what is eaten.

2. Fasting gives more time for prayer

• Time normally used for preparing, eating, and cleaning up can be redirected to prayer.

• Acknowledgment of family responsibilities; encouragement to use available time for prayer.

• Biblical link between fasting and prayer: example from Acts 13 (worshiping, fasting, Holy Spirit speaks, Paul/Barnabas set apart).

• Explanation of the church’s prayer schedule for the fasting week (Monday–Friday, 6:30–8:30 with personal prayer, worship, exhortation, and corporate prayer each night, plus guest ministers and special focuses).

3. Fasting shows the depth of desire in prayer

• Fasting demonstrates how serious and desperate a person is about a prayer need.

• Challenge to those struggling with addictions, family issues, or sin to get desperate enough to say no to food.

• Story of a former pastor who listed God’s blessings and then asked, “What are you willing to do?”

• Scriptural support from Joel:

  • Call a holy fast, sacred assembly; return to God with all the heart, with fasting and weeping.

• Teaching that fasting “turbocharges” prayer and reaches the core of one’s being.

4. Fasting releases God’s supernatural power

• Observation of revival signs: increased Bible sales, campus awakenings, baptisms, and renewed spirituality.

• Note that whenever God moves, the devil attacks (division, discouragement, defeat, depression, doubt).

• Emphasis that united prayer and fasting delivers decisive blows to the enemy.

• Scriptural examples:

  • Ezra 8:23 (“we fasted and prayed… and he answered”).

  • Isaiah 58:6 (fasting that loosens chains of injustice, breaks yokes, sets oppressed free).

• Testimony of church growth attributed to prayer and fasting (services, groups, leaders, missions).

• Warning: forward movement invites spiritual resistance, requiring vigilance and continued fasting.

Importance of fasting in Scripture (examples)

• Often precedes major victories, miracles, and answered prayers.

• Examples listed:

  • Moses fasting before receiving the Ten Commandments.

  • Israelites fasting before miraculous victory.

  • Daniel fasting for guidance and understanding God’s plan (reading Jeremiah, receiving revelation).

  • Personal example: pastor fasting over whom to marry and other major decisions (work, place to live, business partnerships, missions trips).

  • Nehemiah fasting and praying before rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, completing a century-old problem in 52 days.

  • Jesus fasting 40 days before public ministry and during temptation in the wilderness.

  • First Christians fasting during key decision-making (Acts 13, etc.).

• Application: fast over important life decisions; don’t rely on human wisdom alone.

Precautions and heart posture in fasting

• Fasting is not:

  • Earning answers or manipulating God.

  • A hunger strike against God.

• Fasting is:

  • Aligning with God’s will and opening space for what God already desires to do.

• Health cautions:

  • Fast only as health allows; consider partial fasts if on medication, etc.

• Warning against “sneaky” or superficial consecrations (e.g., trivial fasting windows that cost nothing).

• Encouragement to make fasting truly sacrificial and appropriate to one’s work and physical capacity.

Practical guidance: types and structure of fasting

• Types of fasts mentioned:

  • Water fast (all food and juices abstained from; not recommended for everyone for five days).

  • Partial fast (eliminating certain foods or meals).

  • Juice fast (fruit or vegetable juices only).

• Counsel on nutrition and physical activity:

  • Ensure nutrients; limit strenuous exercise; do not let exercise become an excuse to skip prayer/fasting.

• Guidance on breaking the fast:

  • Avoid heavy foods immediately (e.g., burritos, large meals); ease back into eating with lighter foods like fruit.

Corporate fasting and commitment

• Corporate fast provides structure, accountability, and mutual encouragement.

• Testimony of previous years:

  • New believers and first-time fasters completing five days.

  • Past 21-day fast (juice/soup only) and challenges met by the congregation.

• Value of structure: same as work or school schedules; helps people follow through.

• Mention of attendance statistics from previous years and desire to see increased participation (with the reminder that numbers represent people, not pride).

Fasting as assumed biblical practice

• Jesus says “when you fast,” implying fasting is assumed for Christians.

• Note of a resurgence of fasting teaching in recent decades, including influence from African and global churches.

• Observation: when God prepares to move, he stirs people to prayer and fasting.

Biblical reasons people fasted (summary list)

• Facing a crisis.

• Seeking God’s protection and deliverance.

• Called to repentance and renewal.

• Asking God for guidance.

• Humbling themselves in worship.

Dangers in the discipline

• Risk of empty ritual or fasting without meaning.

• Encouragement to start fasting and seek right motives as you go.

• Repeated call to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice and recognize that God wants to speak, guide, and bless more than people often realize.

Fasting as feasting on Jesus

• John Wesley quote: fasting must be done unto the Lord, with the eye singly fixed on Him, to glorify the Father.​

• Story of an Indian orphanage that fasts every Friday and calls it “feasting on Jesus,” praying specifically for the American church.

Call to fast and leadership responsibility

• Fasting starts with spiritual leaders and elders; leaders must model what they preach.

• Fasting often arises from spiritual desperation and urgency: “turn to me now while there is time.”

• Warning about increasing end-time deception; need for discernment and closeness to God.

Fasting and inner focus

• Fasting is more about focus than food; more about saying yes to the Spirit than no to the body.

• It is an outward response to an inward cry, an expression of brokenness and need.

• Calls to return to God with the heart, not just external religious acts (rending hearts, not garments).

• Fasting as response of a broken heart; God is drawn to the weak, broken, needy.

Immense responsibility and mission

• Believers carry the immense responsibility to be salt and light, preaching the gospel to a lost world.

• Fasting is a humble response to this responsibility, seeking God’s help and power to fulfill the mission.

Closing exhortation and prayer

• Pastor expresses desire to communicate God’s heart and encourage participation in the fast.

• Emphasis that God wants to speak and move, and fasting clears space in the heart.

• Call to fresh consecration and commitment for individuals and families.

• Prayer that God will bless and strengthen everyone who takes part, and closing invitation to join nightly prayer during the fasting week.

In the Hands of God

Summary of Dr. David Wins’ Message: In the Hands of God

Central Theme:
The safest and most fruitful place for a believer is in the hands of God. Throughout Scripture, God’s hand symbolizes blessing, guidance, protection, and divine purpose. We are “cupped and covered” in His hands.

Key Scriptures

• Psalm 139:5 – “You have hedged me behind and before and laid your hand upon me.”

• Psalm 31:15 – “My times are in your hands.”

• John 10:27–29 – Jesus declares that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand or the Father’s hand.

• Acts 11:21 – “The hand of the Lord was with them.”

Four “House Visits” (Illustrations)

1. Jacob’s House (Genesis 48)
   God crosses His hands, placing the greater blessing on the younger son Ephraim instead of Manasseh — a picture of grace and divine reversal. God often chooses the least likely.

2. Jesse’s House (1 Samuel 16)
   David, minimized and forgotten, is unexpectedly chosen and anointed as king. God crosses His hands again, preferring the humble over the mighty.

3. Jesus’ Household (The Disciples)
   Jesus chose ordinary, flawed people — fishermen, doubters, and even a tax collector — to show that divine purpose comes through grace, not human merit.

4. Jabez’s House (1 Chronicles 4:9–10)
   Jabez, born in pain, prayed that God’s hand would be with him — and God granted his request. No one is a mistake; we are miracles in God’s plan.

The Call to Action

• Commit everything into God’s hands: Your spirit, family, and future.

• Adopt the word “Nevertheless” for 2026: Despite trials and uncertainty, the foundation of the Lord stands sure.

• Raise holy hands: A sign of surrender and participation in God’s ongoing work.