okc

The Gift Of Tongues 
The Grace Of Tongues 

 1 Corinthians 14:23 If the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 

I Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God;or no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 

I Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 

When we pray in tongues we can cover stuff and deal with stuff in prayer beyond our human wisdom

"Whatever is coming out of their mouth is not what they are purposefully or willfully trying to do. And that's in fairly stark contrast to the people who are — like the Buddhist and Franciscan nuns — in prayer, because they are very intensely focused and in those individuals the frontal lobes actually increase activity."

Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

 “The mind the mind is a great servant but a terrible master”

I Corinthians 14:15 What is the conclusion then?  will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. 

1. You Should Be Awesome From The Outset

2 Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 6:1 We must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity

“Spiritual maturity is a lifelong pursuit. We grow in spiritual maturity moment by moment, day by day, year by year.” — Jim George

2 Timothy 1:6 Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline
Fan into flame is the greek word anazōpyreō  it means to rekindle a flame, to stir up the coals, or to take a bellows and blow into the fire. 

2. I’ll Lose Control 

 1 Corinthians 14:14  For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is the conclusion then? I will and I will also pray with the understanding. 

3. I Could Get A Demon

Luke 11:11-13 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

4. Some Get it, Some Don’t

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

Acts 10:34 God doesn't show favoritism 

5. “Real” Christians Do This 

Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, 9 it is not from works, so no one may boast.

It’s A Benefit

1. It Builds Us Up

1 Corinthians 14:4 The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, 

Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 6:13 Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 

*Semicolon Definition Slide

Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit Don't stop at the pause!

2. It Covers Your Ignorance 

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

Groanings - a yearning—a longing

Romans 8:27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

 I Corinthians 14:5 I wish you all spoke with tongues 

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Active Voice means the subject is doing the action

The Passive Voice means that the subject is undergoing the action rather than doing it. 

The Middle Voice means participation in the action taking place in a cooperative effort 

PRACTICE IN PRIVATE 

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

You've heard us talk about endowment, but what is it and how does it really work? On this episode, we're taking a deep dive into our Charitable Organization Endowment program with OCCF's Jennifer Meckling, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund matches with Liz Charles and how donors can maximize their impact by giving to organizations participating in the match program with Dr. Joe Leonard. 

Visit occf.org to learn more!

John 16:13 When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 

 “Guide”- hodēgeō to lead along a way 

The Holy Spirit wants to show you the way and lead you along the way.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God 

You want to be led by the Holy Spirit! 

1. Get In The Flow

Acts 2:16-17 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”

ekcheō - “Pour out”  - future active indicative 

On the day of Pentecost, God opened the flood gates of Heaven and poured out His spirit and the flow of the spirit is continuing to be poured out to this day!

Ephesians 5:18 Be filled with the Spirit

“Be Being Filled”

We Leak

2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

Hebrews 13:5 “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless]

Pollution

Isaiah 44:3 God is the refresher and provides nourishmentby pouring out His Spirit on us. The Holy Spirit is able to fill up our hungry and dry hearts. When our souls are refreshed it's like water is being poured onto a thirsty land. 

How do you get a fresh flow? You ask for it.

2. Deal With The Death

Genesis8:6-12 “Then it came about at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made; and he sent out a raven, and it flew here and there until the water was dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove from him, to see if the water was abated from the face of the land; but the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, so she returned to him into the ark, for the water was on the surface of all the earth. Then he put out his hand and took her, and brought her into the ark to himself. So he waited yet another seven days; and again he sent out the dove from the ark. The dove came to him toward evening, and behold, in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the water was abated from the earth. Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; but she did not return to him again.”

Ravens = unclean animals - symbolize the ways of the world, cunning and deceptive.

So when Noah let’s the raven out… there were plenty of dead surfaces for that raven to land on and consume… there were dead bloated bodies floating around… there were dead limbs, dead animals… all sorts of dead stuff… So the raven found a place to rest on the dead.

But when Noah first lets out a dove, it came back, because it says:  “the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot” 

Olive Tree - Symbolizes Jesus

Dove - Symbolizes Holy Spirit - mild, true and gentle.

The raven is able to find a home amongst the carnage, while the dove is looking for a renewed earth. The raven surveys the remains of destruction from God's judgment, while the dove returns with a sign of God's grace and restoration.  - A.W. Tozer

The dove (a picture of the Holy Spirit) would not land on the death!

Sin is death! 

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin” do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer,  but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

John 16:13 He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

#1 The Holy Spirit speaks to us through The Word

John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and check this out bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. 

#2 The Holy Spirit speaks to us through Peace

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of God rule In your heart. 

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

#3 The Holy Spirit speaks to us through an Inner Witness 

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bearswitness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Romans 9:1 I tell you the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing mewitness in the Holy Spirit 

#4 The Holy Spirit speaks to us through COINCIDENCES

coincidence “what occurs together by God’s providential arrangement of circumstances.”

I have found that sometimes a coincidence is God's way of performing miracles anonymously. - Sophy Burnham

#5 The Holy Spirit speaks to us through Warnings

Acts 1:4
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father… 

The Promise of The Father

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto you a child is born, unto you a son is given…  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.. 

The prophets not only prophesied about a promised child but also about the promised indwelling and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  

Ezekiel 36:26-27
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.

God will put His Spirit IN YOU was a radical, radical thought. 

John 20:19-22
Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, Jesus died in His body but was raised from the dead- he was made alive by the Holy Spirit. 

The resurrection was the work of the Triune God. And if we are going to experience resurrection life, we need The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! 

Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Joel 2:28-29
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

Ezekiel said God is going to put his Spirit in people. 

Joel said God is going to pour out his Spirit on people. 

Lee Cummings
It was as if God was saying, "I'm going to pour it out in such a way that nobody is going to escape dry. I'm not just going to pour it out on David. I'm not just going to pour it out in My Temple. I'm going to pour it out on the whole earth. It's going to be young men and old men. It's going to be men and women. It's going to be rich and poor. Everyone is included. There will be no gender differences. No economic distinctions. No age limits. All flesh. I'm going to pour out My Spirit on all flesh.”

John 1:26-27, 33-34
John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”

Baptism - To submerge, to overwhelm, to saturate, to take something under the water. 

Acts 1:4-5
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Luke 24:49
And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.

Acts 2:2-4, 12-17
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh…

THIS IS THAT

Lee Cummings
The believers were supernaturally endued with unearthly power, spiritual dynamite, and divine anointing. Similar to Samson's incredible strength, David's power as king, Moses' ability to perform miracles, and the many other people in the Old Testament upon whom the Holy Spirit came, these New Testament believers received a special anointing that super charged them.

Andrew Arndt
Pentecost was not an isolated incident destined to recede into the oblivion of history… but rather was THE INITIAL COMBUSTION that set off a chain reaction that will one day engulf the cosmos in the flame of the Spirit.  Make no mistake: We are living in an ever-intensifying Pentecost. The Lord Jesus said that when God gives the Spirit he gives “without limit” meaning that what began in Acts 2 will grow in potency until the consummation of the ages.

God didn’t just pour his Spirit out on day 10- He is still being poured out. 

No matter your gender, age, race, or economic status, YOU NEED TO BE CLOTHED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH.  

Your destiny is to be transformed into the image of Jesus.

What would it look like for you to open your life more to the Promise of the Father?

God has more for you.   

Charles Spurgeon
Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless.

Warren W. Wiersbe
It is futile for us to try to serve God without the power of the Holy Spirit. Talent, training, and experience cannot take the place of the power of the Spirit.

Acts 1:4
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait   for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 

The early believers looked to, depended on, interacted with and spoke about the Holy Spirit all the time. 

A. W. Tozer
If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference.

God has more for you.   

John 14:16-18
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper,that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 

#1 The Holy Spirit Is A Person 

Dirkie Van Der Spuy
It is impossible to understand the working of the Holy Spirit without first knowing Him as a Person. Like Christ, the Person of the Holy Spirit is living and eternal.

AMEN ERIK PICTURE

#2 The Holy Spirit Is God

Acts 5:3-4
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, 

Allos 
One of the very same kind; same character; same everything; nearly a duplicate. 

A.W. Tozer
The Holy Spirit is epitome of love, kindliness, geniality, warm attractiveness and sweetness. He is the sweetest, most understanding and wonderful Teacher in the world, and He never panics anybody. It is sin that does that.”

#3. The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper 

John 14:26
But the Helper, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

John 15:26
“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. 

John 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 

John 16:12-13
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.  13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 

Paráklētos 
Para -  along side  and Kletos -  to walk 

It is to your advantage that I go away;  

That words parakeets means 
Comforter
Counselor
Advocate
Intercessor
Strengthener
And Standby

The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your Comforter 

Psalms 16:8-9 TPT
Because you are close to me and always available my confidence will never be shaken for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment. My heart and soul explode with joyfull of glory! Even my body will rest confident and secure. 
The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your  Counselor

Counselor 
A person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems   

John 16:13
When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  

John 17:17
Thy word is truth.

LOGOS
Of the moral precepts given by God, the sayings of God”

He will tell you things to come. 

The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your Advocate

Revelation 12:10
“the accuser of the brethren”

The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your Intercessor 

Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your Strengthener 

Ephesians 3:16
“…to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]."

Romans 8:11
"But if the Spirit of Him (God) who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you"

"give life" = to revitalise, to make alive and cause to live.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your Standby  

Isaiah 59:19
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

Acts 1:14
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

 “Prayer is where the action is.”

1. Prayer is where the friendship is.

2. Prayer is where the camaraderie is.

CS Lewis: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You, too? I thought I was the only one.

3. Prayer is where the power is.

2 Timothy 3-5
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Acts 4:31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

4. Prayer is where the LEGACY is.

1. We can't settle

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Ephesians 3:20
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us,  to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 

Matthew 17:2
As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. 4 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

2. We have the difference

2 Kings 6:25
And there was a great famine in Samaria; and indeed they besieged it until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and one-fourth of a kab  of dove droppings for five shekels of silver. 

2 Kings 7:1
Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord: ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’ ”

2 Kings 7:3
Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.” 

2 Kings 7:9
Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.” 

3. Make a difference 

1. Start small. 

Luke 16:10 NLT
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

Colossians 3:23
Servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do, servants “do it with all their heart” 

2. Start close

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

3. Start Now 

2 Corinthians 6:1
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.  For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

PLUS ULTRA = More Beyond

Part of what we wanted to capture in the Voyager message was this great longing we feel.
-Annie Druyan
There is a lack of passion in the Bride.
The Bridegroom left on a journey just before the wedding, and the Bride cannot act as if things
are normal. If she loves Him, she will ache for His return. Saving faith says, "Thy kingdom come!
Come back, O precious Bridegroom. Come, reign as King. Come, vindicate your people. Come,
marry your Bride.” If she loves him she will ache for his return. She will ask for His Kingdom to
come. She won’t be lured to sleep by the world. Or caught in the act of adultery with another
lover. -John Piper
Storge - Familial Love. Like the love a mother has for her child.
Philia- Brotherly Love. Like how you love your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Agape - Unconditional, Selfless Love. Like how Christ loves us.
Eros - Passionate, Burning Love. Like how a groom loves his bride.
In the world, we find EROS without AGAPE.
In the church, we find AGAPE without EROS.
Plan 1: The Squelch Diet
The shutting down of any and all indulgence of desire.
Squelch = forcefully silence or suppress
To squelch our desires is to hinder our seeking.
To ignore our longings is to ignore the one who can fulfill our longings.
John 1:35-39 The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus
walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s
two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following.
“What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where
are you staying?” “Come and see,” he said.

Behind all of our misdirected desires, there is a legitimate desire God put there and wants to
satisfy.
What’s needed to progress on the journey of the Christian life is DEPTH of desire, not DEATH
of desire. -Christopher West
What if instead of training yourself to ignore longings, you let your longings train you?
Plan 2: Fast Food Diet
The promise of immediate gratification through indulgence of desire.
If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards
promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desire not too strong, but too
weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when
infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to make mud pies in a slum because
he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily
pleased. -C.S. Lewis
Those on the fast food plan are trying to suck infinity out of finite things.
Plant 3: The Banquet
The promise of eternal gratification through indulgence of desire.
Song of Songs 2:4 He brought me to his banquet hall and raised the banner of love over me.
Isaiah 25:6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a
feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.
Luke 22:14-15 When it was time to eat the Passover meal, Jesus and the apostles were at the
table. Jesus said to them, “I’ve had a deep desire to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
Jesus knows the dilemma of desire, and he speaks to it in nearly everything he says. He knows
that ecstasy is not an option; we are made for bliss, and we must have it one way or another.
-John Eldredge
Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as
in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will
praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will
be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I

remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have
been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your
right hand upholds me.
For I have seen You I've beheld Your glory. And I am ruined For there is none to compare. And I
long to know You And the depths of Your love That always leave me Time and time again,
undone. -Jeremy Foster
Ruined & Undone
God will never do anything with us till he has first of all undone us. -Spurgeon
And the more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule and
order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild. -G.K. Chesterton
Psalm 81:10
For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth
wide, and I will fill it with good things.
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil. My cup
overflows.
Psalm 34:8
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 78:29 They ate and were filled; the Lord gave them what they wanted; they were not
deprived of their desire.
Song of Songs 5:1 ...Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers.
To Enter Into The Banqueting, Passionate, Burning Life:
1. Get to the bottom of your desires.
Ask: What am I longing for above all else?
2. Trace your desires back to their original longing for God.
Ask: Why am I longing for that above all else?
3. Enter the refining fire and allow anything you’re clinging to that is not God to melt away.

Ask: Am I willing to not want what I am clinging to?
4. Desire to burn with passionate Eros.
Ask: Am I willing to be ruined and undone by the depths of God’s love?
5. Say yes to the invitation.
Matthew 22:2-8 “God’s kingdom,” he said, “is like a king who threw a wedding banquet for his
son. He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn’t come! “He sent out
another round of servants, instructing them to tell the guests, ‘Look, everything is on the table,
the prime rib is ready for carving. Come to the feast!’ “They only shrugged their shoulders and
went off, one to weed his garden, another to work in his shop. The rest, with nothing better to
do, beat up on the messengers and then killed them. The king was outraged and sent his
soldiers to destroy those thugs and level their city. “Then he told his servants, ‘We have a
wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren’t up to it...
The limitless, infinite God who created you to experience bliss and ecstasy has invited YOU to
banquet with him.

Our salvation doesn’t automatically keep us from being mean, jealous, hateful, or angry. It’s only as we ask the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, only as we yield our nature to His nature, only as we seek to be His representatives on this earth in every relationship we have that we’re going to move beyond pride into the behaviors that establish peace. - Charles Stanley

 John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, 

allos - means one of the very same kind; same character; same everything; nearly a duplicate. 

Better Balance; Power and Practices 

Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
 
Because of Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, living for God is not something you have to live up to in your own strength; it’s something you live out from with someone you live out with.

When God initiates the new covenant, It does not happen in a temple in Jerusalem; It happens in the people.

The sobering truth is that the greatest hindrance to the growth of Christianity in today’s world is the absence of the manifest presence of God from the Church. - Richard Owen Roberts

Acts 2:4 the Spirit enabled them.

The truth is that God never fathered His Church apart from the Holy Spirit. We should be anointed with the Spirit. We are led of the Spirit. We are taught by the Spirit. The Spirit, then, is the medium—the divine solution—in which God holds His Church. - AW Tozer

2 Timothy 3:5  They will do things to make it look as if they are Christians. But they will not receive the power that is for a Christian. Keep away from such people.

In most Christian churches the Spirit is quite entirely overlooked. Whether He is present or absent makes no real difference to anyone. Brief reference is made to Him in the doxology and the benediction. Further than that He might as well not exist. Our neglect of the doctrine of the blessed Third Person has had and is having serious consequences. For doctrine is dynamite. It must have emphasis sufficiently sharp to detonate it before its power is released. The doctrine of the Spirit is buried dynamite. Its power awaits discovery and use by the Church. The power of the Spirit will not be given to any mincing assent to pneumatological truth. The Holy Spirit cares not at all whether we write Him into our creeds in the back or our hymnals; He awaits our emphasis. - AW Tozer

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

“Ultimately, each church will be evaluated by only one thing – its disciples. Your church is only as good as her disciples. It does not matter how good your praise, preaching, programs, or property are; if your disciples are passive, needy, consumeristic, and not radically obedient, your church is not good.” - Neil Cole

“The general human failing is to want what is right and important, but at the same time not to commit to the kind of life that will produce the action we know to be right and the condition we want to enjoy. This is the feature of human character that explains why the road to hell is paved with good intentions. We intend what is right, but we avoid the life that would make it reality.”― Dallas Willard

We need teaching 

We need fellowship 

We need to break bread together 

We need prayer to be a lifestyle 

We have to reject the “presto” view of spiritual growth 

 Ephesians 5:18 be filled with the Spirit, 
1 Timothy 4:8 Train yourself in godliness.

POWER
Encounter
Passion
Anointing
Breakthrough
Manifestations
Urgency,
Crowds  
Gifts

PRACTICES
Formation 
Discipline 
Faithfulness 
Process 
Skills 
Sustainability
Commitment 
Health 
Character 

being transformed devotional

discipleship classes 

blocks conference 

School of The Spirit Series 

'Tis the season to count your blessings and help those around you. Year-end also happens to be the busiest time of year at the Community Foundation and nonprofits all around the community. Listen in as we dive into year-end giving and the importance of investing in the community with OCCF's Vice President of Development Joe Carter and Ron Ward of Ward Construction on this month's podcast. 

Visit occf.org to learn more!

Advent = coming or arrival 

John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 

Peace is a signature move of Jesus

Luke 2:13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The announcement of the presence of Jesus on the scene was accompanied by a declaration that Peace is now on the scene and available.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. 

Hebrews 7:17
“a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek” 

Melchizedek = “king of peace” 

Ephesians 2:14
For he himself  is our peace

Peace is a signature move of Jesus

The Peace Jesus gives is not defined by the absence of something but by the presence of someone.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Mark 4:38
But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.

Mark 4:38
“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 

Mark 4:39
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Mark 4:40 
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Mark 4:40
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

John Ortberg
Peace doesn't come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from having Jesus in the boat.

The presence of Jesus allows us to have peace no matter what else is going on around us. 

Alexander MacLaren
Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.

Who are you inviting into your life? 

Real peace is only found in the presence of Jesus! 

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Revelations 22:20
The one who gives this testimony says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 

Peace is a person!

Ephesians 2:14
For he himself  is our peace, who has made us both one  and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

John Lennon
“All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance”

Luke 2:6-11
So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The Good News of Great Joy

Joy is a good feeling in our soul when a longing is fulfilled. 

Charlie Brown
I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

Advent is the expectant waiting, hopeful anticipation, and cheerful preparation of God breaking into our lives in all moments, all places, and all times- past, present, and future. 

Ebenezer Scrooge
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Matthew 1:1
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Christoper Wright
The Old Testament tells a story that Jesus completes.

Abraham to David

David to Exile

Exile to Messiah

The Messiah had come and with this bright and morning star dawned a new day, a new law, a new temple, a new sacrifice, a new creation.  

Galatians 3:8-9
What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.

The Blessing Abraham received = Right Standing with God through Faith. 

We experience The Joy of Christmas Past when we identify with our spiritual ingrafted history. 

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT

We experience The Joy of Christmas Present when we seek to fulfill our Father’s longing.  

James 1:18
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

A First Fruits Creature Is:
Set-apart
On Display
Preview of the Future Harvest
Continuing the Ministry of Jesus

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE

We experience The Joy of Christmas Future when we look ahead to the second coming of Jesus. 

Revelation 21:1-7
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

God is so full of mercy that his most characteristic action is to come down from the throne and, in person, wipe away every tear from every eye. -NT Wright

Advent is the expectant waiting, hopeful anticipation, and cheerful preparation of God breaking into our lives in all moments, all places, and all times- past, present, and future.

Advent is a time to celebrate, a time to anticipate, and a time to participate.

God expressed His love to the world through Jesus. 

John 3:16 (ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Isaiah 9:6 (NJKV)
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

We celebrate the gift of Jesus, we anticipate being with Jesus, and we participate in imaging the love of Jesus to the world.

Philia - brotherly affection 
Eros - romantic love
Storge - love for family
Agape - the God kind of love

1 - God’s love is unconditional. 

Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel.”

God demonstrated His unconditional love in the moment man fell. He had already set in motion His redemptive work.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: 
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2 - It takes God to love like God. 

Conditional love is only given as long as the condition continues to be met. 

Agape is pure and cuts across anything.

God sent His Son to us because He crossed all barriers.

He paved and showed us the way of love. 

1 John 4:16-18 (NIV)
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God is in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

As we celebrate the Advent season, we have the opportunity to express love right where people are, without condition. 

3 - Love lays it all down

Song of Songs 5:2-7 (NIV)
“I slept but my heart was awake. Listen! My beloved is knocking: ‘Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.’ I have taken off my robe— must I put it on again? I have washed my feet— must I soil them again? My beloved thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him. I arose to open for my beloved, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the bolt. I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer. The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls!”

We cannot properly anticipate wrapped in the layers of this world, keeping our comforts.

Psalm 130:6 (NIV)
“I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.”

Advent draws our hearts to the reception, celebration, and reflection of God’s love.

Have you ever wondered how to find a nonprofit to support? On this episode, we're diving into GiveSmartOKC, the Community Foundation's online platform to help donors research and make informed decisions about their charitable giving.

Visit occf.org to learn more!

Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. 2  He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3  He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.

Acts 13:22
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

1 Samuel 13:14
The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.

Acts 15:16-17
‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; 17 So that the rest of mankind  may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles  who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’

1. Expressive Worship on display

2. Blood Sacrifice Was Introductory

1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 

2 Samuel 6:1
David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. 2 He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God,  3 They set the ark of God on a new cart 

2 Samuel 6:6
When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled.  7 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God.

1. God’s Presence Is Hosted Not Handled 

2 Samuel 6:8
Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah 9 David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” 

2. Our God Concept Must Be Correct

If you see God the wrong way, you’re going to have a hard time relating to Him in worship the right way.

Revelation 12:9
“the Devil, Satan, deceives the whole world

God is not the cause of your pain! 

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Overlook Fear

2 Samuel 6:16
But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him. 

2 Samuel 6:20
When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” 21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.

Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Snare - a hook designed to capture you by the nose. 

Eugene Peterson, A Year With Jesus
The Christian who cares only for God’s approval lives free of the tyranny of conformist pressures, relaxed under the steady direction of the God who loves us and gives himself for us. Those who try to please the world by their behavior very quickly find themselves under the unkind surveillance of a thousand critics.

Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Who are you out to please?

Psalm 150:6
Let everything that breathe sing praises to the Lord!

In this episode, we're sitting down with OCCF Vice President of Development Joe Carter, Kendall King with Castle Point Wealth Advisors and Kendra Robben with Robben Law to discuss the significant role professional advisors play at the Community Foundation and what this means for donors. 

Visit occf.org to learn more!

Here's the tale of how I won the KATT Calendar Contest in 1989 and 1991. Rock 100.5 the KATT is the largest rock station in Oklahoma and they held an annual contest to find a design for their promotional poster each year. I came up with clues to the names of 100 rock bands on both designs that I won. Here's the story.

In this episode, we're talking philanthropy and how individuals can create an impact or leave a legacy. Join Dan as he talks to OCCF's Vice President of Development, Joe Carter, Nonprofit Solutions', Jeri Holmes, and Kayla Cawood from Robben Law as they discuss the individual philanthropy and the advantages of advised funds.

Visit occf.org to learn more!