Pastor Al

Be a Noticer

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:11:00 +0000

Sermon notes from May 2.

IDENTITY SERIES
Insiders
Mark 4:11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you.”
Certain messages are appropriate for those who are inside the faith, but make no sense to those outside the faith.
Thru relationship, God entrusts His secrets to us. We are insiders in the Kingdom.

Doers
“Contend for the Faith”- Jude 3
“Be doers of the Word” – James 1:22
1 Cor 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Dedication, Order, Entirety, Rededication ( end zone celebration )
Elevators
John 12:32
Elevator concepts:
1. A change in level
2. Decisions are required
3. Things are happening on the floors you pass by
4. Accidently getting off on the wrong floor is frustrating
5. Clear communication is important ( first floor basement or ground )
6. Nursery and morgue on different floors in same building

Noticers
Transformers
Illuminators
Tasters
Yeilders
Mark 5:21 - 6:1 Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. 22 Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, 23 pleading fervently with him. "My little daughter is dying," he said. "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live." 24 Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. 25 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. 26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to herself, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed." 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. 30 Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my robe?" 31 His disciples said to him, "Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, 'Who touched me?'" 32 But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and told him what she had done. 34 And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over." 35 While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, "Your daughter is dead. There's no use troubling the Teacher now." 36 But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith." 37 Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn't let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. 39 He went inside and asked, "Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn't dead; she's only asleep." 40 The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl's father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. 41 Holding her hand, he said to her, "Talitha koum," which means "Little girl, get up!" 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. 43 Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then he told them to give her something to eat.
Notice!
Mark 5:30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"
Things to Notice:
Everywhere Jesus went was a ministry opportunity
Jesus noticed the crowd
There are desperate people around us
Jesus noticed the one in need
There are things you would be willing to pay every penny you have for.
Jesus noticed the touch
Jesus tied peace to the miracle
Messengers sometimes bring bad news
Jesus noticed the weeping
Jesus noticed that they were overwhelmed and gave them instructions about how to handle the crowd.
Jesus noticed the hunger

Elevating others by doing things right

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:46:00 +0000

Notes from last Sunday's Sermon about elevating others

God’s Vantage point
From His point, Accuracy is unquestionable
“Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything.” Greek quote
“Accuracy is the twin brother of honesty; inaccuracy, of dishonesty.”
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
From principles is derived probability, but truth or certainty is obtained only from facts.
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
Proverbs 11:1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
Accuracy can be the difference between life and death
Amos 7:8 And the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Amos?" "A plumb line," I replied. Then the Lord said, "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.
Deuteronomy 25:15 You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

We can get inaccurate when we are inefficient. There is an account in the book of Exodus that teaches this lesson:
Exodus 18:1 - 19:1 8 Lessons about doing things right:

Keep an ear to what God is doing.v 1
Camp near the mountain of God v. 5
Greet people properly v 7
Share your testimonies v 8
Understand that you are always in the presence of God v. 13
Participate with straight, accurate answers to clear questions
Follow Good advice
Allow consulting parties to go on their way. There are others that need their help too.

Confrontation at the elevator

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:57:00 +0000

Confrontation at the Elevator
April 11, 2010
Pastor Al Hazelton
Harlan First Assembly

God wants to confront you today. As you walk you will find Him already there. His heart is already here.
Deut. 31:21
“And when many evils and troubles have come upon them, this song shall confront them as a witness (for it will live unforgotten in the mouths of their offspring). For I know what they are inclined to do even today, before I have brought them into the land that I swore to give.”

Old chorus: Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus
He’s the one who always cares and understands
Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Him
And you’ll know Him by the nail prints in His hands
VALUE
There is nothing you brought in with you today that God refuses to confront.
He has a good day planned for you
Prov 11:28 ( the message )
“A life devoted to things is a dead life; a stump,
A God-shaped life is a flourishing tree”

Jeremiah 17:7-8 ( NLT )
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord…They are like trees planted along the riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.”

Everything finds value and purpose in God Because He is the author and creator of all things.
Figuring out our value only works when we start with God rather than starting with ourselves.
Since we did not create ourselves, we cannot figure our value
We must begin at God and let value determination happen from the vantage point of the Holy Spirit.
God is the source of your life

V- View
Remember that God’s view is higher
Within God’s will everything holds a special calm serenity and beauty
1 Jn 5:14 tells us that God listens when we pray in His will.
God take us higher

A –Attitude
All He wants is you
Charles Spurgeon once said, “We should plow carefully and pray carefully”
Dangerous is ok, careless is not
Following the example of Christ should be our heart attitude.
1 Jn 2:6
L- Look Angle
“ O for a faith that will not shrink
Though pressed by every foe
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe”

Turn your eyes upon Jesus and the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
U- Upward Movement
Space shuttle launch
Don’t forget about the things you dreamed about when you were a kid
Isa 61 “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…
God wants to catapult you upward (Space shuttle launch)
One version reads in Gen 25:8 that Abraham died satisfied with life
E- Excellence
John Maxwell in his book “Life@work” writes about 4 helpful activities in the excellence search:
1. Constructing personal convictions
2. Capturing inspirational moments
3. Conducting Scripture memory
4. Connecting with people of character
Determine the value and confront life by acting on the valuable things

A trail worth taking

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:07:00 +0000

I had the opportunity last night to hop on the bicycle and experience the "Old Stone Arch Trail" at Shelby, Iowa. We have these hidden treasures just a short distance from where we live. The old railroad bed that once carried the locomotives everyday, today offers a view of the countryside that is not seen from the hyway. I am reminded that not all that is real and beautiful is before our eyes. Some treasures must be sought out by searching. The stone arch reminded me that there are bridges worth crossing. This week we celebrate the greatest bridge man has ever crossed. The "Crimson Bridge" of the cross of Christ is the only path that leads from death to life. It is a trail worth taking.

Biking season

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:30:00 +0000

It feels like Spring has finally really arrived now. One of my goals for this year is to do some bicycling. I got the bike off the ceiling hooks in the garage last night and took a short spin.Looking forward to heading down some of the trails that have been developed in the past few years. I have not ridden much in the past several years but have fond memories of many miles on the bike in the past. We'll see how it goes.

Heavenly Realms

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:02:00 +0000

I have really been slow on the blogging front lately. I thought I had better at least post some sermon notes from last Sunday. I am continuing in the IDENTITY series, spending the last several weeks on the "Elevator" as we look at the ups and downs of spiritual life including a reminder that we are not battling against flesh and blood but the spiritual battle is taking place in heavenly realms. We are given a glimpse of that venue in scripture.

The entire Bible now is found in electronic form on tiny silicon chips
The Rocks are crying out : )
No matter what floor you are on, God has a purpose for you
We are to be pressing toward the upward call of God
I want to see Him high and lifted up, Shining in the light of His glory
God is looking for what Bill Johnson calls “royal fighters” who will enter into the contest with his whole soul and take the situation captive for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-17 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

For too long the church has played defense in the battle for souls.
Learning from people who take a stand for God regardless of the cost.
People who are wanting to change the world one heart at a time.

On Offense:

1. We have the ball
Options: Move, Shoot, Pass,

We are not to stand there and hold it
We are not to fear ( read Ex 13:17 )
The safest place is always in obedience ( deep intimacy )

2. We have a table prepared for us Psalm 23:5 .

3. We have Joy ( About a decision, not a feeling )
Satan is an expert at stealing from us and his favorite target is our joy

Psalm 118:24 Nehemiah 8:10 Proverbs 17:22 Jeremiah 17:7-8

Response techniques

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:03:00 +0000

I was listening to a podcast devotional this morning that reminded me to pay attention to how God oprerates and provides. The reason is not so that I will know exactly how He will operate today, because there is much variety in how He meets the needs. The reason to pay special attention to how He did it yesterday is because that will help formulate my response today to situations of life. I can learn good response techniques simply by studying God's responses in history.

The elevator is going up

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:50:00 +0000

If we look at our identity as a building,inside there is an elevator. We go up and down depending on our needs. In yesterday's sermon, I talked about elevator experiences. You can find the audio of the sermon on our podcast of weekly sermons at:

www.harlanfirstaog.org

Below is the basic outline:

John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

Drawing people to Jesus is the primary goal of life and we cannot do it. He must do it and does it when we lift Him up.

Lifting ( Exalting God ) is what we were created to do.

Vantage points at different levels

Elevator concepts:

1. A change in level occurs

2. Decisions are required

3. Things are happening on the floors you pass by
Good Samaritan. Luke 10.others passed by ..
4. Accidently getting off on the wrong floor is frustrating
Unfamiliar surroundings and wrong places
5. Clear communication is important
( Is the first floor basement or ground )
6. Nursery and morgue on different floors in same building
Talents different to different needs
7. Requires standing at the door and waiting
Isa 40:31 Waiting is worth it
8. You are in a small room with strangers
Hebrews 13:2 Entertaining Angels
9. There is an unseen power source at work
2 Cor. 4:18 “fixing our eyes”
10. The ride is important
God will ask us if we had a nice journey.

Fulfilling destiny

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:15:00 +0000

Some of the key points from yesterday's sermon. Guest missionary Jonathan Barthalow shared about fulfilling our destiny based on Scriptures in Philippians 3:7-21.

In order to do that we need to:

1. Know Jesus personally
2. Refuse to be controlled by our past hurts and actions
3. Refuse to be controlled by our past heritage
4. Refuse to be controlled by our distractions

We all need a constant reminder to stay on track no matter what. Nothing is more important than God's will for our lives.

Do Nots

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:18:00 +0000

Yesterday in my sermon series on being do-ers of the Word, I listed some of the "Do Nots"

Identity Series
Doers
Today: “Things to Not Do”

There is a hunger in those in touch with God to express worship in new ways.
John 20:19-21
“…As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”Be Patient and wait for the signal from God

Do Not’s in Genesis:

Gen 19:17 “And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley.
Gen 19:22 “Escape there quickly, for I can do nothing till you arrive there.”
Gen. 26:2 “And the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you.”
Gen. 43:23…“Peace to you, do not be afraid…
Gen. 45:5 “And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”
Gen 45:9 “Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry.”
Gen 45:24 “Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way.”

Things to remember in the “Doing Not” arena:

God’s call is individual. Task # 1 is to listen for ours.
Call to intimate relationship
Call to have the heart of the Father
Call to wait until we have heard

Call to send ( John 20:21- “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”)
We need to know who God is calling us to reach and wait until He sends us.

Do it for the Glory of God

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:01:00 +0000

The sermon series that I am preaching this year is entitled "IDENTITY"

Insiders
Do-ers
Elevators
Noticers
Transformers
Illuminators
Tasters
Yielders

A look at some sermon notes from yesterday:

Do All to the Glory of God

Don’t go after success without God. Don’t be so full of your dreams that you have no room for God’s dream for you.

1 Cor 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Living under the influence of the promises of God
Greatest blessing comes in visiting an old word (Watering holes in the Word )
1. Embrace the Challenge
When you do it builds the core of your identity ( who you are ) Even if you don’t perform perfectly.
More options than ever right now as is the volume of the voice of God
Wade into that challenge disregarding whether or not it will be difficult or unpleasant
Acknowledge to God in prayer a sin or character flaw you have been trying to hide.
I heard this week that sometimes we do the right thing out of discipline and sometimes it is because we can no longer function without doing it.

You will get a little stronger inside
If you wimp out – you die a little and fear and anxiety will be the rule instead of faith.

2.Recognize the enemy of your victory over the challenge

2 Cor. 2:11 “We are not ignorant concerning his devices”

F.E.Marsh (Author of Discipler’s manual once said,”Satan comes as a roaring lion to persecute: or an angel of light to patronize. Satan as an angel of light is far more to be dreaded than satan as a roaring lion. A patronizing enemy is far worse than a persecuting one.

How do you recognize God?
Desire the right things. 1 Cor. 14:1

Lessons from the sea of life

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:12:00 +0000

Much of our understanding in life can be looked at as the pattern that the heavenly wave left on the sand when it retreated. I have often preached on the subject of water. The bible is full of illustrations of life on and around the sea. There are currents that take us where the water is headed. There are storms that toss us to and fro upon the waves. There are wonderful calm times with the sounds of creation all around us and there are times of great noise that cause us to find a place in the cabin of the ship away from the sounds. There are fish and fishermen. There is the sail that must be tended to and there is the island on which to rest. There are great ships that carry thousands and there are small boats that carry one. There are depths to be explored and high wave crests to be ridden.
There are seashells and starfish to be pondered and sand to be sifted through our toes.
Thank God today that there are lighthouses to guide us and ports to welcome us. Whatever ship you are on today, enjoy the ride, but don’t forget to look at the pattern that the heavenly wave left on the sand as the tide moved across it.

The business of the Kingdom

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:45:00 +0000

A few short thoughts this morning:

We are living in a time of sifting. The balanced life requires training in the business of the Kingdom. When Jesus was about 12 , His family was looking for Him and they found Him in the temple teaching the teachers. We get no indication that He apologized for causing their inconvenience. He simply reminded them that they should have known that He would be about the Father's business.

The Father's business is profitable. There is abundance.
The Father's business is pleasing. There is joy.
The Father's business is pure. There is clarity.
The Father's business is palatable. There is sweetness

In this time of stuggling economy around us, it is good to know that the Father's business is doing well.

I'm In

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:44:00 +0000

Sermon notes from "I'm In" sermon yesterday. This is part of our 2010 "IDENTITY" series. God works from the inside out.

Acts 17:28-29. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' "Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone an image made by man's design and skill."

From the ESV Study Bible:

"Acts teaches that the new community is rooted in old promises. It does this by telling how God directed the inclusion of Gentiles and took the message from Jerusalem to Rome. The gospel can go to all the world because (1) Jesus is Lord and (2) God directed that the gospel go into all the world. The book ends on a note of triumph as the gospel comes to Rome, even though believers suffered in terms of injustice and physical persecution in an effort to get the gospel there."

God created us with an innate desire to know and love him. While this desire will last eternally, trauma can shock it into temporary dormancy.

Hebrew verb "YHVH" meaning “to be.”
Jehovah-Jireh means "the Lord who sees and provides."
Jehovah-Nisi means “the Lord is my miracle,” or “the Lord is my banner."
Jehovah-Tsidkenu means "the Lord who is our righteousness."
Jehovah-Shalom refers to "the Lord of peace.”
Jehovah-Rapha means “the Lord who heals you."

1. God heals because he is The Healer
2. God heals in response to his promises.
3. God heals when you demonstrate faith
4. God heals to encourage people to come to Him. (Psalm 103:2-4).

He heals broken hearts; he repairs wounds.
We must strive to comprehend the depths of God’s unconditional love.
We were created with an innate desire to know and love Him.

As God works us through things He works from the inside out.

God responds to faith

Pulling Light

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:30:00 +0000

I want to operate in a system today that pulls the light of heaven into my relationships. Once that light is in the room, all darkness is forced to leave. Then I am able to look through the eyes of a heavenly context. I then can check out connections that might have defective or ineffective energy transfer. In electronic troubleshooting we called those "cold solder joints". It lookled like it was connected but it was not. Consequently the electrons were not allowed through and the circuit would not work. Checking connections is a great way to troubleshoot your life today.

Inside Information

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

My sermon series for 2010 is about "Identity"
Below are some thoughts from last Sunday's notes regarding "Inside Information":

Insiders of the Kingdom

It is an awesome fact that as a citizen of God’s kingdom, you are already uniquely positioned to live out your kingdom citizenship among the people you relate to every day. God has called you to be an "insider" to see your family, neighborhood, and workplace through kingdom eyes. It is time to form new kingdom lifestyle patterns Evangelism is not just for the gifted few—it’s for all of us. We need to daily connect with the eternal purposes of God.

Certain messages are appropriate for those who are inside the faith, but make no sense to those outside the faith.

Through relationship, God entrusts His secrets to us. We are insiders in the Kingdom.

Mark Chapter 4: 1-20
Mark 4:1-20 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water's edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." 9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, "'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'" 13 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-- thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."

There are things that Only God knows and does not share

There are things that you know because of who you are

There are things you are expected to learn because if your position

There are things that are available for you to learn if you wantAbraham in Gen. 12

The Kingdom mentality changes our definition of normal.

The pattern of the heavenly wave

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:19:00 +0000

A couple years ago I wrote a blog about the effect of the waves that happen on the sea of life. Much of our understanding in life can be looked at as the pattern that the heavenly wave left on the sand when it retreated. I have often preached on the subject of water. The bible is full of illustrations of life on and around the sea. There are currents that take us where the water is headed. There are storms that toss us to and fro upon the waves. There are wonderful calm times with the sounds of creation all around us and there are times of great noise that cause us to find a place in the cabin of the ship away from the sounds. There are fish and fishermen. There is the sail that must be tended to and there is the island on which to rest. There are great ships that carry thousands and there are small boats that carry one. There are depths to be explored and high wave crests to be ridden.
There are seashells and starfish to be pondered and sand to be sifted through our toes. Thank God today that there are lighthouses to guide us and ports to welcome us. Whatever ship you are on today, enjoy the ride, but don’t forget to look at the pattern that the heavenly wave left on the sand as the tide moved across it.

Some thoughts aabout breakthrough

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:43:00 +0000

Sermon notes about breakthrough techniques

Last week we looked at finding ways to win and found that conquering the battle of self is key.
In 2 Chronicles 35 we found Josiah first winning the internal battles then taking the stand that gave victory to God’s people.
He remained open and teachable starting at a young age
He found obstacles that had been carried forward from the past and got rid of them
He figured out what he had to give and he gave it
He repented of his own sins and the sins of the people. ( A leader’s responsibility )
He kept a personal commitment to succeed. Faithful leaders will have faithful followers who will learn faithfulness despite their evil desires and history.

Today we look at why it is important for breakthrough to be in the heart of more than just the leader.
2 Chronicles 35:16-19 So at that time the entire service of the LORD was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, as King Josiah had ordered. 17 The Israelites who were present celebrated the Passover at that time and observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. 18 The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem. 19 This Passover was celebrated in the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign.

Without being Spirit led we cannot possibly live victoriously for Christ

Breakthrough timing

In Jim Cymbala’s book: “Breakthrough Prayer” he says that breakthrough timing is all about knowing the exact will of God at any given moment.

If we are willing to be led, God is willing to reveal His will. The God who directed His children through the wilderness for 40 years is able to direct us with His will today.

Acts 16:9-10 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

It is not a matter of finding techniques that work. It is a matter of being led of the Spirit.

There is a place in scripture where God told Moses to stop praying and move out:
Exodus 14:15-16 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16 Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

The best of activities sometimes must come to a halt so that something significant can be accomplished.

God will inject a prophetic word at the right time and we must be open to the prophet.

Three prime times to lead people through to triumph ( Try- Umph )
They are ready when:
1. They hurt enough that they need a breakthrough
2. They learn enough that they want a breakthrough
3. They receive enough that they are able to break through

I need to give learning opportunity, resources, encouragement

I need to pay attention to where people are mentally, spiritually and emotionally

At times I need to give people the “Blessed Nudge” to get them over the hump.

Beautiful life-changing breakthroughs is what God is all about.

Pray it in
John Wesley once observed that God does nothing but in answer to prayer
Ask God to help you to do your part, to reveal other people’s part to them, and to do His part
Qualities of people ready to break through: ( How do we know that timing? ) (From John Maxwell)
1. Vulnerability- They know that they are not able to do it and need God to make up the difference
2. Humility- They don’t care who gets the credit
3. Transparency- They admit that God is working in their lives
That’s a recipe for victory
Important sidelines:
Keep a sweet spirit- many people go thru life with an irritable spirit that is corrosive to themselves and others.
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Someone once stated that glum and despondent believers should be sued for false advertising.Jesus Christ is far greater than they are letting on.
Deuteronomy 12:18 “ ….you are to rejoice before the LORD your God in everything you put your hand to.”
A great prayer and response
1 Kings 3:4-5 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
1 Kings 3:9-14 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for-- both riches and honor-- so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."

Solomon wanted to serve effectively.

Effectiveness is a result of your love for God

Dec. 31 The Seventh Day of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:14:00 +0000

There are only a few hours left to make good decisions in 2009. The biblical encouragement is to finish strong. There is still time to do that no matter what your situation is. God is “Beautiful for situation” (Psalms 48)
Today, December 31, is the seventh day of Christmas. I like the Biblical interpretation of the twelve days of Christmas. In it the "seven swans a-swimming" on the seventh day refers to seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. How great it would be if we would seriously seek after these gifts. We have had a season of gifts from the human standpoint over the last few days, now is a good time to seek out the gifts under God’s tree.

The number seven is special to God.
• Seven days of Creation (Genesis 1)
• Seven years of plenty and seven years of famine in Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41)
• Seven days of the feast of Passover (Exodus 13:3-10)
• Seven day week and the pattern concerning distribution and use of manna (Exodus 16)
• Seven year cycle around the years of Jubilee (Leviticus 25)
• The fall of the walls of Jericho on the seventh day after marching around the city seven times(Joshua 6)
• Seven things the LORD hates (Proverbs 6:16-19)
• Seven loaves multiplied into seven baskets of surplus (Matthew 15:32-37)
• The Seven last words (or seven last sayings) of Jesus on the cross.
• Seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom (Acts 6:3)
• Seven Spirits of God are mentioned in the Book of Revelation
• Seven churches of Asia to which the "Book of Revelation" is addressed.
• Seven churches, seven stars, seven seals, seven last plagues, seven vials or bowls, seven thunders in the Revelation, the last book of the Bible.

By the way, our New Year’s Eve service starts at 7 tonight.
Happy New Year!!!!

Obstacles carried forward

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:59:00 +0000

With only today and tomorrow left in the year, it is a good time to inventory the baggage that may or may not be necessary. My effectiveness is impacted by how open and teachable I am. Once I realize that I don't "know it all", I am in a position to seek wisdom. One of those areas of needed wisdom is the ability to see baggage that is in the form of obstacles. Many of these obstacles have been brought into my life as a result of my own actions. I cannot always blame someone else. Unfinished problems of the past that just get packed up and carried forward to be dealt with later can reduce efficiency and bog me down today. These can come in the form of errors in judgement, ineffective traditions or unrepented sins. I need courage to deal with them and the end of the year is a great time to do it.

"Service" review

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:51:00 +0000

For today's blog entry I have decided to post some review of our 2009 theme.

A review of the foundations of service. We call the gathering time for the church "A Service"

Preparing for service

2 Chronicles 35:10 "So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment."

Once the proper preparations are in place, we need to stand in our correct place.

From the English Standard version of the Bible that I got for Christmas:

Just as Josiah encouraged and instructed the priests and Levites “in the service of the house of the Lord,” the detailed account of his Passover serves as an encouragement and model to the Chronicler's own generation in their use of the temple for worship and spiritual renewal. The Passover was the most significant pilgrimage festival in the postexilic community for reaffirming their identity and vocation as Yahweh's people

Our Service to God (2009 Theme)
A review: The bookends are Sacrifice and Entrance

Sacrifice
Efficiency
Reality
Victory
Integrity
Commitment
Entrance

Hebrews 13:15-16
" God inhabits the praises of His people.
BECAUSE HE IS WORTHY.
BECAUSE HE INHABITS OUR PRAISE.
BECAUSE PRAISE BRINGS VICTORY.
BECAUSE PRAISE BRINGS FREEDOM.

"I don't know how to give back to God what He deserves than to just worship with my life and every part of me"- Kari Jobe-Associate Worship Pastor Gateway Church

Singing through Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:53:00 +0000

In my search for Christmas carols that have stood the test of time, I found an old Victorian carol that we sang as children. I think the reason it was so popular is that is has a repetitive beat and tells the story with clarity. “I saw three ships” or as it is sometimes called, “On Christmas day in the morning”, tells of three something, obviously not real ships as Bethlehem has no seaport, arriving to worship the Christ Child. Most people who study it feel it refers to the arrival of the three wise men with their three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Bible does not tell us there were three kings but the traditional story does. The song is simple and fun. We can enjoy it for what it stands for but may never really know all that the writer, William Sandys , meant the ships to represent. It is hard not to smile while you sing this one. Go ahead! Be a child again. Take someone’s hand and skip around the room while you sing. (Don’t forget to move your head from side to side as you sing.)

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Good Tidings of Great Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:45:00 +0000

December 13, 2009
Today’s Message: “The Entrance of Joy”
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Psalm 32:1 “Happy is the man whose transgression is forgiven and whose sin is covered.”

The Luke 2 Angel proclaimed : “Good Tidings of Great Joy”
Luke 2:6-14 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

The Savior of the world brings good news of great joy for all people
Circumstances contribute to joy, but they do not control joy

Reasons to be joyful:
You are personally significant to God
You have the promise
You have been pardoned
You have an invitation to participate

A wise man once said, “Friends double our joy and divide our grief.”

Great joy is God’s gift to you. Don’t leave it unopened.

You can hear this sermon on our podcast at www.harlanfirstaog.org

Click on "Weekly Sermons"

Staying the course

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:44:00 +0000

As busy as life is, especially this time of year, it is crucial that we remain on our pursuit of “the mark” that must remain before us. My spiritual ( and physical) health will be strong if I maintain positive pursuits. The following concepts are from a book by Albert Winesman, who is part of the George H. Gallup International Institute. The Gallop name brings to mind research and data. The book is entitled, “Growing an Engaged Church, How to stop doing church and start being the church.” Winesman writes about indicators of strong spiritual health.

Life Satisfaction:

People connected with a healthy congregation tend to have a better sense of direction, stability and peace than those outside of a strong faith based church. This puts them in a better position to deal with the “stuff” that happens with daily life.

Inviting:

Research has shown that most people get involved in through the personal invitation of a friend, family member or a coworker. Being connected in a positive way to a solid congregation will cause people to want their friends and acquaintances to have that same value.

Serving:

This is the “outreach” aspect . The serving capacity of a group is increased as they grow together spiritually.

Giving:

People who are strong and engaged spiritually and faithful givers at offering time.

The causes for these kinds of positive outcomes are boiled down to spiritual commitment and congregational engagement. Get committed to the right cause and you will find that you’ll have plenty of engagement opportunities.

The “Cause” of Christ is the best cause I know of to pursue.

Life happenings in the storm

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Al Hazelton) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:29:00 +0000

I think the way for me to start this Blizzardy day is with some wisdom from Soren Kierkegaard. Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher and theologian from the mid 1800’s. He had a way of boiling down thought into bite size chewables. Here’s one: “There are two ways to be fooled: one is to believe what isn’t so, and the other is to refuse to believe what is so.” He had a way of bringing out modern relevance of biblical figures. He had a passion to renew Christian faith within Christendom in the Danish church. One of his main recreation activities was to talk with ordinary people on the street. He had much to do with the shaping of modern thinking. He had passion. I am convinced that passion is the impetus that we need to use in making our decisions. More than emotion, passion goes to the will. We can choose the will part but our emotions kind of just happen. As life happens for you today, appreciate the passions you have and remember that they are there for a reason. One of my favorite authors, Leonard Sweet says that at judgment day one of the questions from God will be, “Did you have a good time?” Make sure you can have a positive answer.