Harvest Ministry "A New Beginning" with Greg Laurie's Notes for the Week of Monday, 25 August 2014

Harvest Ministry "A New Beginning" with Greg Laurie's Notes for the Week of Monday, 25 August 2014
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
WHY AND HOW PRAYER CHANGES THINGS
Acts 12: Peter Under Heavy Guard
1-4 That’s when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John’s brother. When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter—all this during Passover Week, mind you—and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover.
5 All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously.
6 Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even though shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances!
7-9 Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up: “Hurry!” The handcuffs fell off his wrists. The angel said, “Get dressed. Put on your shoes.” Peter did it. Then, “Grab your coat and let’s get out of here.” Peter followed him, but didn’t believe it was really an angel—he thought he was dreaming.
10-11 Past the first guard and then the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. It swung open before them on its own, and they were out on the street, free as the breeze. At the first intersection the angel left him, going his own way. That’s when Peter realized it was no dream. “I can’t believe it—this really happened! The Master sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s vicious little production and the spectacle the Jewish mob was looking forward to.”
12-14 Still shaking his head, amazed, he went to Mary’s house, the Mary who was John Mark’s mother. The house was packed with praying friends. When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice—Peter’s voice!—she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street.
15-16 But they wouldn’t believe her, dismissing her, dismissing her report. “You’re crazy,” they said. She stuck by her story, insisting. They still wouldn’t believe her and said, “It must be his angel.” All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away.
16-17 Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down. He described how the Master had gotten him out of jail, then said, “Tell James and the brothers what’s happened.” He left them and went off to another place.
18-19 At daybreak the jail was in an uproar. “Where is Peter? What’s happened to Peter?” When Herod sent for him and they could neither produce him nor explain why not, he ordered their execution: “Off with their heads!” Fed up with Judea and Jews, he went for a vacation to Caesarea.
The Death of Herod
20-22 But things went from bad to worse for Herod. Now people from Tyre and Sidon put him on the warpath. But they got Blastus, King Herod’s right-hand man, to put in a good word for them and got a delegation together to iron things out. Because they were dependent on Judea for food supplies, they couldn’t afford to let this go on too long. On the day set for their meeting, Herod, robed in pomposity, took his place on the throne and regaled them with a lot of hot air. The people played their part to the hilt and shouted flatteries: “The voice of God! The voice of God!”
23 That was the last straw. God had had enough of Herod’s arrogance and sent an angel to strike him down. Herod had given God no credit for anything. Down he went. Rotten to the core, a maggoty old man if there ever was one, he died.
24 Meanwhile, the ministry of God’s Word grew by leaps and bounds.
25 Barnabas and Saul, once they had delivered the relief offering to the church in Jerusalem, went back to Antioch. This time they took John with them, the one they called Mark.
We have all been in a personal crisis before, or we soon will be. Maybe it will be a health emergency, or the loss of a job, or a family matter. What do we do? The Bible tells us to pray and put it in God’s hands (see Philippians 4:6–7, Psalm 61:1–2). Even when all other doors are closed, one remains open—the door into the presence of God through prayer.
Here in Acts 12, when the very future of the church seemed to be hanging in the balance, the church prayed, and it prayed powerfully.
PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES
1. The prayer that has power is the one offered to God (verse 5). It’s possible to pray and go through all the motions without it going any higher than the ceiling. Our focus should not be on
 our request, but on our God. Prayer is all about the movement of the heart toward God, moving our will into alignment with God’s will.
2. They prayed with passion and persistence (verse 5). Many times, our prayers have no power because they have no heart. If we don’t put much heart in your prayers, why would you expect God to answer it? We also need to be persistent because God’s answer might not be yes or no, but for us to grow in our faith before He responds.
3. They prayed together (verse 5). When Christians gather and pray in unity, it is a powerful thing. Jesus said, “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for
 them” (Matthew 18:19). Keep in mind, though, that this assumes that your request is within God’s will.
4. They prayed doubtingly. This isn’t really a commendable principle. Even though the church prayed in unity to God with power and persistence, they were still surprised when God answered them. That, however, is encouraging because it shows that even when our faith is weak, God can still intervene and answer our prayers.
RELEVANT REMINDERS
In the midst of the church’s prayers for Peter, it’s interesting that Peter literally slept through it all. Chained between guards and likely facing death, Peter slept like a baby and had to be woken up by the angel. That is the peace that we have in Christ, even in the midst of crisis.
APPLICABLE ACTIONS
It is important to remember that only Christians can have this kind of powerful prayer life. A nonbeliever can pray all they want, but the only prayer God truly hears from them is one seeking His forgiveness and salvation. It is only when you have a relationship with God that you have true communion with Him. Do you?
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Monday 25 August 2014
Why and How Prayer Changes Things — III
Acts 12: Peter Under Heavy Guard
1-4 That’s when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John’s brother. When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter—all this during Passover Week, mind you—and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover.
5 All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously.
Has it ever seemed that your prayers may not have made it to God's throne? Ever wondered why a certain prayer request was denied? Pastor Greg Laurie brings us important insight on prayer and how God hears our petitions.
COME, LORD JESUS
Revelation 22:1-5 Then the Angel showed me Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Never again will anything be cursed. The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, they’ll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age.
Don’t Put It Away on the Shelf
6-7 The Angel said to me, “These are dependable and accurate words, every one. The God and Master of the spirits of the prophets sent his Angel to show his servants what must take place, and soon. And tell them, ‘Yes, I’m on my way!’ Blessed be the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8-9 I, John, saw all these things with my own eyes, heard them with my ears. Immediately when I heard and saw, I fell on my face to worship at the feet of the Angel who laid it all out before me. He objected, “No you don’t! I’m a servant just like you and your companions, the prophets, and all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
10-11 The Angel continued, “Don’t seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don’t put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness.”
12-13 “Yes, I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon! I’m bringing my payroll with me. I’ll pay all people in full for their life’s work. I’m A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.
14-15 “How blessed are those who wash their robes! The Tree of Life is theirs for good, and they’ll walk through the gates to the City. But outside for good are the filthy curs: sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, idolaters—all who love and live lies.
16 “I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.”
17 “Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride.
Whoever hears, echo, “Come!”
Is anyone thirsty? Come!
All who will, come and drink,
Drink freely of the Water of Life!
18-19 I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book.
20 He who testifies to all these things says it again: “I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”
Yes! Come, Master Jesus!
21 The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh, Yes!
The book of Revelation is like the ultimate action thriller. It has all the drama, suspense, mystery, and horror that you would want in a bestselling novel. It has rebellion, unprecedented economic 
collapse, and the ultimate war of history. But, despite these ominous happenings, it bursts with hope and joy as it comes to a conclusion with a happy ending: sin and death are banished forever. In the end, we all live happily ever after. Here in Revelation 22 we reach the finale, and the last recorded words of Jesus in Scripture.
Turning away from the truth is something Scripture said would happen in the end times. With all of these things happening around us, what should we do?
PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES
1. We should keep His Word. Revelation 22:7 says, “Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (NKJV). We have to keep the Word. God says He will bless you when you read, hear, and keep the words of this book.
2. We should live godly lives. When we read what the Bible says about our future, there is always an exhortation to live a godly life, because Jesus Christ is coming back again. 2 Peter 3:11–12 (NLT) says, “Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God.”
3. We must do His work. There are sacrifices that we make and hardships that we endure as Christians. God keeps careful records, and He promises to reward us for our faithfulness. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12 NKJV).
RELEVANT REMINDERS
 • When you are persecuted as a Christian you should jump and skip with happy excitement, and you should wear it as a badge of honor. 
 • We are to be faithful in what we do. Do not be weary in reading the Bible, in praying for others, sharing your faith, or serving the Lord, for we will reap if we do not give up. 
 • God warns that if you practice living unjustly, go that way if you like, but you will not like how it turns out. He encourages godly people to continue being righteous and holy, and it is

 going to turn out beautifully in the end.
APPLICABLE ACTIONS
God is calling out to humanity. He is saying, “Come to Me. Your spiritual hunger will be satisfied. 
Your spiritual thirst will be quenched.” Deep down inside we are all thirsty. We are all hungry. The things of the earth will leave us empty. There are things that this world simply cannot give us. We are hungering and thirsting inside for God Himself. God says, “Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely.” If you want to, come and take it. If you don’t want it, you don’t have to take it. It’s not a forced thing. It’s an invitation. 
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Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Come, Lord Jesus — I
Revelation 22:1-5 Then the Angel showed me Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Never again will anything be cursed. The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, they’ll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age.
Don’t Put It Away on the Shelf
6-7 The Angel said to me, “These are dependable and accurate words, every one. The God and Master of the spirits of the prophets sent his Angel to show his servants what must take place, and soon. And tell them, ‘Yes, I’m on my way!’ Blessed be the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8-9 I, John, saw all these things with my own eyes, heard them with my ears. Immediately when I heard and saw, I fell on my face to worship at the feet of the Angel who laid it all out before me. He objected, “No you don’t! I’m a servant just like you and your companions, the prophets, and all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
10-11 The Angel continued, “Don’t seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don’t put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness.”
12-13 “Yes, I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon! I’m bringing my payroll with me. I’ll pay all people in full for their life’s work. I’m A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.
14-15 “How blessed are those who wash their robes! The Tree of Life is theirs for good, and they’ll walk through the gates to the City. But outside for good are the filthy curs: sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, idolaters—all who love and live lies.
16 “I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.”
17 “Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride.
Whoever hears, echo, “Come!”
Is anyone thirsty? Come!
All who will, come and drink,
Drink freely of the Water of Life!
18-19 I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book.
20 He who testifies to all these things says it again: “I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”
Yes! Come, Master Jesus!
21 The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh, Yes!
We know God's Word is dependable and true. And when we consider what's ahead for this troubled world of ours, we need to trust the Bible for insights on God's Last Days plan. Pastor Greg Laurie helps us understand what's coming.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Come, Lord Jesus — II
Revelation 22:1-5 Then the Angel showed me Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Never again will anything be cursed. The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, they’ll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age.
Don’t Put It Away on the Shelf
6-7 The Angel said to me, “These are dependable and accurate words, every one. The God and Master of the spirits of the prophets sent his Angel to show his servants what must take place, and soon. And tell them, ‘Yes, I’m on my way!’ Blessed be the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8-9 I, John, saw all these things with my own eyes, heard them with my ears. Immediately when I heard and saw, I fell on my face to worship at the feet of the Angel who laid it all out before me. He objected, “No you don’t! I’m a servant just like you and your companions, the prophets, and all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
10-11 The Angel continued, “Don’t seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don’t put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness.”
12-13 “Yes, I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon! I’m bringing my payroll with me. I’ll pay all people in full for their life’s work. I’m A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.
14-15 “How blessed are those who wash their robes! The Tree of Life is theirs for good, and they’ll walk through the gates to the City. But outside for good are the filthy curs: sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, idolaters—all who love and live lies.
16 “I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.”
17 “Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride.
Whoever hears, echo, “Come!”
Is anyone thirsty? Come!
All who will, come and drink,
Drink freely of the Water of Life!
18-19 I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book.
20 He who testifies to all these things says it again: “I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”
Yes! Come, Master Jesus!
21 The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh, Yes!
God is bigger than the problem we're facing. And the joy to come in heaven is greater than the suffering we're experiencing right now. That's the reassurance Pastor Greg Laurie brings us. We'll gain some solid hope from a study in Revelation.
REVELATION REWIND
Revelation
In Revelation, John the Apostle was taken into the future and was allowed to see what was about take place. Banished to the island of Patmos, John received from God what we call the Revelation—a guided tour of the future. 
If Revelation says nothing else, it says this: we win in the end. And in many ways we win before the end. Despite the devil’s best efforts, God is still at work.
PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES
1. Revelation 1 is the revelation of the glorified Christ.
2. Revelation 2–3 gives us the entire scope of church history.
3. In Revelation 4–5, we have the church taken up to heaven.
4. Revelation 6–19 describes what is known as the great tribulation period that lasts for seven years.
5. Revelation 20 shows us the millennial reign of Christ.
6. In Revelation 21–22, we see the new heaven and the new earth.
RELEVANT REMINDERS
 • We overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb. Satan is the accuser of the brothers, but when we confess our sins, Jesus Christ cleanses us.
 • Every believer has a testimony. If you lose your testimony, you lose everything. We are to live godly lives and verbalize our faith. 
 • If you are a believer, your life belongs to God. God is in control. Every breath that we draw is a gift from Him, and if we serve Him, when we die, we will see the Lord. 
APPLICABLE ACTIONS
God’s words are faithful and true. You can rely on His words. God keeps His promises and you can depend on Jesus. You can trust your eternity to His keeping. Revelation closes with an invitation to 
believe. Jesus offers the water of life, the living water that can save you from hell and a wasted life on earth. You were designed to know God. There is nothing this world offers that will fill the hole in your life that only God can fill.
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Thursday, 28 August 2014
Revelation Rewind — I
Revelation
When people speak the truth, it can sometimes come across as brash and abrasive. But Pastor Greg Laurie says Jesus speaks the truth lovingly. We'll consider some of the most important truth in the Bible in Pastor Greg's summary study in Revelation.
Friday, 29 August 2014
Revelation Rewind — II
Revelation
When you're watching a video and you want to get an instant replay, what do you do? You "rewind," right? Pastor Greg Laurie hits the rewind button for a fast-paced overview of what we've studied in Revelation. It's the finale to his comprehensive study of the final book in the Bible.
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Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie
P.O. Box 4000
Riverside, CA 92514-4000 United States

Phone: 1(800)821-3300
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