Pastor Lucy Paynter Daily Insights

*Day 1 - 90 Days of Glory 2024* *Scripture* Psalms 27:8 NLT "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" *Devotional Thought* Today, as I begin this 90-day journey, I feel the pull of God's gentle voice calling me closer. He isn't asking for perfection or grand gestures; He simply wants me to be with Him. When I hear Him say, "Come and talk with me," it resonates deeply within my heart. In this moment, my response is simple and sincere: "Lord, I am coming." Life is often filled with so much noise—busy schedules, distractions, and the demands of everyday living. But today, I am reminded that God is waiting for me, just as I am. He longs to spend time with me, to hear my thoughts, my worries, my joys. In His presence, I don’t have to have it all together. I just have to show up. As I enter into these 90 Days of Glory, I am choosing to respond to God’s invitation. Each day will be a step closer to Him, and I am confident that as I draw near, He will meet me where I am. This is the beginning of a sacred journey where my relationship with God will deepen, and my heart will be transformed. *Prayer* Father, today I hear You calling me to come and be with You. I lay aside every distraction and come with an open heart. Thank You for always inviting me closer. Lord, I am coming. Walk with me through these 90 days and help me grow in intimacy with You. In Jesus' name, Amen. *Reflection* How can I make room in my day today to respond to God's personal invitation? What distractions can I set aside to focus on Him? Blessings 🙌 Pastor Lucy Paynter. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Evangelism involves sharing the message of Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Here are key principles according to the Bible: 1. Pray for Guidance and Boldness    - Prayer is essential for effective evangelism (Ephesians 6:18-20).    - Ask God for boldness and the right opportunities to share the Gospel (Acts 4:29). 2. Live a Godly Life:    - Your life should reflect the message you share (Matthew 5:16).    - A righteous life can attract others to Christ (1 Peter 2:12). 3. Understand the Gospel    - Be clear about the core message: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).    - Explain that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). 4. Build Relationships    - Engage with people where they are, as Paul did (1 Corinthians 9:22).    - Build trust and genuine friendships (John 13:34-35). 5. Share Your Testimony    - Share your personal story of how you came to faith (1 Peter 3:15).    - Your experience can be powerful in connecting with others. 6. Use Scripture    - The Bible is the foundation for your message (Hebrews 4:12).    - Use relevant verses to explain the Gospel (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16). 7. Be Prepared for Questions:    - Be ready to answer questions and objections with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).    - Study and understand the Bible to provide clear answers (2 Timothy 2:15). 8. Rely on the Holy Spirit:    - Trust the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those you speak to (John 16:8-11).    - Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and power (Acts 1:8). 9. Follow Up and Disciple    - Evangelism doesn’t end with a single conversation; it’s important to help new believers grow in their faith (Matthew 28:19-20).    - Encourage them to join a church community and study the Bible. By incorporating these biblical principles, you can share the message of Jesus effectively and compassionately. The Bible provides numerous examples of evangelism. Here are a few significant ones: 1. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42)    - Context: Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at a well, breaking cultural norms.    -Approach: He begins with a simple request for water, leading to a deep conversation about her life and spiritual matters.    - Outcome: The woman believes in Jesus and brings many from her town to hear Him, resulting in many conversions. 2. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)    - Context: Philip, led by the Holy Spirit, meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah.    - Approach: Philip asks if the eunuch understands what he's reading and explains the passage, relating it to Jesus.    - Outcome: The eunuch believes and is baptized, rejoicing as he continues his journey. 3. Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41):    - Context: After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter addresses a crowd in Jerusalem during Pentecost.    - Approach: He explains the fulfillment of prophecy and proclaims Jesus' death and resurrection.    - Outcome: About 3,000 people repent, believe, and are baptized, forming the early Christian community. 4. Paul in Athens (Acts 17:16-34)    - Context: Paul is distressed by the idolatry in Athens and speaks at the Areopagus.    - Approach: He starts by acknowledging their religiosity and uses an altar to an unknown god to introduce the true God.    - Outcome: Some mock him, but others are intrigued, and a few become believers. 5. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:5-15)    - Context: Jesus sends His twelve disciples to the towns of Israel.    - Approach: He instructs them to preach the Kingdom of Heaven, heal the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons, relying on God’s provision.    - Outcome: They spread the message widely, with varying reception, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. 6. Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16:11-34)    - Context: In Philippi, Paul and Silas meet Lydia and later are imprisoned for casting out a spirit.    - Approach: They pray and sing hymns in --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Certainly! Here are in-depth sermon notes on "You Are God's Battle-Ax" based on Jeremiah 51:20. --- **Title: You Are God’s Battle-Ax** **Introduction:** - Begin with a warm greeting and an opening prayer. - **Introduction to the Topic:** - Introduce Jeremiah 51:20 (NKJV): "You are My battle-ax and weapons of war: For with you I will break the nation in pieces; With you I will destroy kingdoms." - Explain the imagery of a battle-ax as a powerful and decisive tool used by a warrior. It symbolizes strength, precision, and purpose. - Emphasize the honor and responsibility of being chosen by God to be His instrument in spiritual warfare. **Scriptural Foundation:** - **Jeremiah 51:20:** - Context: God's message to Babylon through the prophet Jeremiah, indicating His power to use people to accomplish His will. - Interpretation: Believers are seen as tools in God's hand, used for His divine purposes. - **Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God):** - Context: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, instructing them on how to stand firm against spiritual forces of evil. - Interpretation: Equipping ourselves with spiritual armor prepares us for the battles God calls us to fight. - **2 Timothy 2:21 (Being a vessel for honorable use):** - Context: Paul’s letter to Timothy, encouraging him to remain pure and prepared for God's work. - Interpretation: Believers must be ready and sanctified to be used effectively by God. **Main Points:** 1. **Understanding the Role of a Battle-Ax:** - **Characteristics of a Battle-Ax:** - Strength: Made to endure and inflict damage. - Precision: Designed for specific tasks in battle. - Purpose: Used by the warrior to achieve victory. - **Believers as Battle-Axes:** - We are created with strength through Christ (Philippians 4:13). - We are given a precise purpose and calling by God (Jeremiah 29:11). - We are instruments to achieve God’s victories on earth (2 Corinthians 10:4). 2. **God's Purpose for His Battle-Ax:** - **Accomplishing His Will:** - God uses His people to bring about His plans, just as He used Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt and Esther to save her people. - **Jeremiah 1:5:** “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” - **Diverse Roles and Tasks:** - Each believer has unique gifts and a role to play (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). - **Ephesians 2:10:** “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” 3. **Preparation and Equipping by God:** - **Process of Preparation:** - God shapes and molds us through experiences, trials, and spiritual disciplines (James 1:2-4). - **Jeremiah 18:1-6:** The potter and the clay; God’s sovereignty in shaping our lives. - **Being Sharpened and Strengthened:** - Daily prayer, reading the Word, and seeking God’s presence equip us for battle (Ephesians 6:18). - **2 Timothy 3:16-17:** All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. 4. **Engaging in Spiritual Warfare:** - **Understanding Spiritual Warfare:** - The battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). - Believers are called to stand firm and fight using spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). - **The Armor of God:** - Belt of Truth: Grounded in God’s Word. - Breastplate of Righteousness: Living a holy life. - Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Ready to spread the good news. - Shield of Faith: Protects against doubt and fear. - Helmet of Salvation: Assurance of salvation. - Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God, our offensive weapon. - **Practical Steps:** - Engage in regular prayer and fasting. - Stay connected with a community of believers for support and accountability. - Continually renew you --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Crowns are rewards and blessings promised to believers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Apostle Andrew Nganga teaching in the Bible Study expound the Basics of the Spiritual Warfare. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Dealing with curses --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Understanding Deliverance - Deliverance is a divine act of rescue from life's challenges and afflictions. - It involves total dependence on God for rescue, beyond physical limitations. - The example of the children of Israel illustrates the concept of deliverance. The Importance of Deliverance - The Israelites were delivered from bondage in Egypt by Moses. - Deliverance is still necessary in the present day due to spiritual bondage and warfare. - Ephesians 6:12 highlights the struggle against spiritual forces beyond human comprehension. Deliverance from Spiritual and Emotional Distress - Deliverance is needed from spiritual bondage and emotional challenges. - David prayed for deliverance from distress in Psalm 34:17. - The Lord hears the cry of the righteous and saves those with a broken heart. Deliverance from Emotional Distress - In times of emotional distress, crying out to God for deliverance is crucial. - The Bible assures deliverance when we call upon Him. - Deliverance brings comfort and healing during challenges. Deliverance from Physical Afflictions - Physical afflictions include sickness and infirmities. - The story of the blind man, Bartimaeus, illustrates the need for deliverance from physical limitations. - Matthew 8:16 emphasizes the divine act of rescuing individuals from life challenges and bondage. Jesus' Healing Power - Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. - Physical afflictions and challenges were addressed through God's power of deliverance. - Demons were cast out and the sick were healed through Jesus' word. God is the Deliverer - The Bible says that Jesus bore our infirmities and took our sicknesses. - God is the deliverer, even if he uses people to pray. - The Lord is our strength, rock, fortress, and deliverer. Seeking Deliverance through Trust in God - Importance of relying on God as the deliverer during times of spiritual, emotional, or physical challenges. - God's deliverance exemplified in the Exodus story, where Israelites were freed from 400 years of bondage. - Seeking deliverance involves trusting in God's strength and salvation. Seeking Deliverance from God - God is the ultimate deliverer and source of deliverance. - Trusting in human beings or one's own strength is discouraged. - God's reassurance, presence, and guidance should be relied upon in times of need. Overcoming Fear and Seeking Deliverance - Fear of defeat and challenges can hinder personal deliverance. - The Lord assures us not to be afraid, as He is our deliverer and nothing is impossible with Him. - Certain conditions and regulations need to be fulfilled for personal deliverance. The Importance of Repentance and Turning to God - Repentance and turning to God are crucial to avoid opening legal grounds for the devil's affliction. - Balaam's inability to curse the Israelites despite Balak's sacrifices highlights the power of God's blessings. - The book of Numbers 24 emphasizes the futility of witchcraft and sorcery against God's chosen people. The Absence of Wickedness and Iniquity - The children of Israel were protected from harm because they were free from wickedness and iniquity. - The enemy, like ISIS, seeks loopholes to exploit and oppress. - It is crucial to remain vigilant and prevent the enemy from finding any weaknesses. Repentance and Refreshment - Repentance and conversion are necessary for sins to be blotted out and for times of refreshing to come from God. - Genuine repentance leads to the blotting out of sins, making it irrelevant for the powers of darkness to find fault. - Repentance brings the promise of refreshment. Repentance and Deliverance - Genuine repentance can lead to deliverance from afflictions and bondage. - Repentance blots out sins and prevents the enemy from having a hold. - Leading individuals to repentance is crucial in prayer for deliverance. The Significance of Repentance, Faith, and Trust --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Battle Grounds For Faith --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Test of Faith --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Measure of Faith --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

The Just shall live by Faith. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

“But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 NLT --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Revival Revival --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

The great men of David. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

They will be done --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

“But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 NLT --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

“But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 NLT --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 NKJV --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

We are surrounded by both the visible and invisible tokens of the glory of God. His presence is undeniable even to the ignorant mind and apparent to us believers whose faces have been unveiled by the salvation and grace of our Lord Jesus. We have been invited to behold and to share in the communicable, comprehensible splendor of the absolute divine perfection of the Lord God. The glory of He that is clothed in grace and truth. The glory of He that is faultless. We are invited to know the infinite God by His truth. To know His love in our hearts. To be in contact with and experience His gracious aura. To know the Lord with certitude. By the blood of Jesus we are invited across the bridge of the flesh so that there stands nothing between us and our God. So that our spirits are enjoined with His. So that our hearts may know His heart. God has revealed Himself to us so that we may know Him, and know Him intimately. It is in His nature to elevate His people. To lift them to levels where they can know and experience Him beyond man’s surface understanding of God. This is why the Bible is filled with people who had extraordinary experiences with God. People who got to see a side of God not many people in their generation got to see. And over the past four days, we have been reading of such an experience from Apostle John in revelation chapter 4. In verses 5-6, John says: From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. This is the extent of the power of God. And he invited a mortal. A mere man to bear witness to His glory in its fullness. And this is the God we serve. A god who does not alienate Himself from us by virtue of being God. He initiates relationships with mankind. He says come and I will show you who I am. Walk into my presence and I will show you the secrets of my dwelling place. We are not strangers to Him and this is why He took Apostle John to the throne room and displayed the very symbols of His righteous power to him. The very tokens of the power of God that adorn His throne and symbolize His righteousness and judgment. How majesty is He that sits on the throne! Imagine the sublime scene before Apostle John. The intense, glorious appearance of God. The Holy Spirit of God in His seven-fold dispensations. Imagine witnessing the omnipotence of the everlasting God firsthand! Both the manifestations of power and life. The awe and the fearful presence of the Lord and His calm, unremitting influences at the same time. I can imagine the overwhelming feeling in John’s heart when he stood by the shores of that calm crystal-like sea. The very symbols of God’s absolute counsel, His just, holy ways, and His pure love and righteousness. The manifest foundation of God’s throne on grace. You know, these phenomenon communicates the virtual unapproachability of God. The lightning and rumblings are like warning signs. Symbols of the terrifying holiness of God. This is enough to keep anyone away. And yet the Lord says, come to me. Come and I will show you things never seen before by the eyes of man. And this is why we said at the beginning that God does not alienate us. He does not wish that we should remain as strangers with Him. In Genesis 33:18-19 when Moses beseeched the Lord to show him His glory, the Lord replied: “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. Moses wished that he may see the glorious majesty of the Lord; the brightness of His countenance; a manifestation of the Lord’s excellence. This was after Moses had been in the mountain with God. He had sought intimate communion with God. He thirsted for an even deeper acquaintance. He was earnest with God. And how does the Lord reply? The me --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Glorifying God, requires us to connect with Him and to understand His holiness and character, and the significance of these things in a believer’s life. Exalting God’s glory is indeed one of the core goals of our salvation. We are made to glorify and enjoy God forever. His infinite perfections, His greatness and worth are the manifest beauty of His holiness that set Him apart and He has them in superabundance. His glory is more than a mere reputation; it is a solid, substantial quality. An embodiment of His essential nature that exists independent of anything else. His splendor is the essence of who He is. The infallible beauty of His spirit. These are the qualities of our God that the Bible talks about when reference to His splendor is mentioned. And we are called to do more than envision or form a mental picture of it; we are meant to experience this beauty. You know, if you read the descriptions of the people in the Bible who beheld this beauty, it is always a description of something surreal. A beauty out of this world that even the writers seem to struggle to find befitting words for it. John the revelator says in Revelation 4:2-3: At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. John, here, describes the majestic form and appearance of the Lord and the emblem of His glory and universal dominion. Symbols of the divine and excellent nature of our God. Emblems of His wondrous justice and eternal covenant. If you have read the parts of the scriptures written by John, you notice that he is always very particular with his descriptions of what he saw and experienced. There is barely anything that is lost to him. He is totally engrossed in his experiences. He takes in every sight, every expression, like a man looking straight into heaven. You cannot be this involved in an experience and ever forget its details. If you behold God in His throne like John did, that is an experience that is permanently impressed on you. Whatever experience you may have after that moment, however difficult your trials might be, you will always remember that the heavenly throne is not empty. It is rightfully occupied and the one who sits on it reigns supreme over everything. This is the fundamental truth and the essence of the divine experiences that God exposes us to. To give us assurance that He is our God: That we are not orphaned. This is the reason He invites us to His throne room. For us to behold the self-evident truths of His glorious existence, and to remind us that He is at the center of everything. To elevate us to a new level of confidence and conviction in our faith. You know, this text carries on further evidence to what we have talked about in the past two days: That everything about and around the Lord testifies to His nature. John says that the one that sat on the heavenly throne was like jasper and ruby. Jasper especially the green one is one of the gems regarded as being both beautiful and agreeable to the eye and is therefore considered a symbol of divine consolation. The fiery color of ruby communicates both judgment and the dazzling appearance of the Lord and so the divine nature of God in His glory, justice, holiness and righteousness is represented in John’s vision. John witnessed the radiance of the glory of God and the setting of His throne as the center of sovereignty, power, and glory. He beheld the covenant of mercy. A testament that God limits Himself by His promises. That He is not man that He should go back on His word. John tells us so much about the character, the nature and the splendor of the glory of our God in just two verses. And, yes, we may not see jasper and rubies and rainbows when we approach the throne of God in our worship but we sure are invited to the most beautiful of experiences. This is exactly what we sign up for when w --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support