As we read Phil 1:3-6; the question is asked:  Are there any confident people?  See, we must welcome that transition...from commencement to confidence. Know that this is the start of something good. See, you must realize that you are going to the next level, starting NOW!  In order to transition, you must be fully persuaded.  This persuasion is fueled by confidence.  This takes the ability to know, that you know, what you know!

It is an honor, that God allows us to have a spiritual graduation to elevate into this confidence. God is calling us to stay under the focus of education; for our people perish for a lack of knowledge.  This knowledge, allows us to gain our stability.  For we know, a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.  This knowledge, allows you to see the influence of Satan; while gaining an understanding of the war that is taken on our behalf. You are appreciated by God. If there is contrariness in the Spirit, then you may need to check your Spiritual GPS. 

You are royalty; heirs to the throne.  The more you find out who you are; dwelling with like minds, you are increased.  Those around you are increased.  Increasing leads into overflow! We are bound in riches! Your soul should be crying hallelujah! So hold fast, to your commencement to confidence; count it all joy

...even when your flesh is leading you in opposition to God, take another look; look and see who's with you.  There is an endowment of POWER! This confidence is the same confidence which aided Paul in the establishment of the Church at Philippi. This is encouragement in knowing troubles don't last always.

So be in confidence; know the relationship you have with God. Be in confidence; know the covenant that you are a part of.  Be in confidence; don't grow weary in good doing! This is your commencement.

As we prepare for the day of Pentecost, there are so many things that we must look for during our preparation.   If we were to take a look at Acts 1:14 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren”; several things we must consider.”  Primarily, there is a need to be on one accord, prayer, and supplication.   

This is vital, because when “gathered together sharing the same heart, the same love for God, the same trust in His promise, and the same geography. Predisposes us to be filled, we must recognize our emptiness; by gathering together for prayer, in obedience, these disciples were doing just that.  They recognized they did not have the resources in themselves to do what they could or should; they had to rely on the work of God”.

This one accord is known as Homothumadon (hom- oth-oo-mad-on), compound word in Greek that means a Quickening by Unity; which means being in agreement (covenant).   Therefore, it is fundamental not to delay your increase, your production, your growth by refusal and/or disobedience. See, the Day of Pentecost was a Jewish feast held fifty days after Passover.  It was a time to celebrate the firstfruits of the harvest. 

Your first fruit belongs to God.  It is the first bud(s) and/or the first signs of life…initial movement.  See, the Church is a female and is impregnated with a seed that is going to cause movement.  Therefore, it is vital to invest your first fruit, your tithe….pregnant with MOVEMENT!!!!  Movement, is Life; life that is produced by believers staying on one accord.  Individually, we must do our portion for a corporate break through.

Don’t Delay You Increase; Don’t delay your elevation by refusing to do what is needed such as acts of worship, prayers, supplication and tithing.  The tithe is your covenant connecter with God.  The key to unlocking the blessing that is connected to the revelation of elevation; how incredible, when the body is on one accord…meaning an agreement, unity, and covenant.

Don’t Delay Your Increase….it’s connected to your promise!

Act 1:1-6;21-26           6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"  7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But 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."… 21Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."  23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

In Acts 1:6-8, God conveys to us that it’s none of your business, but it’s my Father’s business. However, you will receive power. In verses 21-26, it is highlighted that… “then they cost lots… And so he was added to the twelfth”.  So the question is asked: Are you THE TWELFTH Man?

In Remembering the twelfth man, we think of the Texas AM, because sometimes you do more by standing on the sideline.  This is reflective of the bench warmer, the spectator, and the team. However you must realize that you are an integrate part of this war...even though, you have already won! See, just like the Aggie sitting in the press box, he was high and lifted.  In this season of actualization, we must educate ourselves. Educate ourselves higher than the academia realm, but to fulfill the calling! We must seek an apostolic experience. 

Though we understand we may never live and see him face to face but it doesn't negate the acquisition of a relationship. We are seeking ascension of Christ. Get a vertical relationship and get rid of those horizontal distractions and relationships.  Arise, to the standard in which you were created! Elevate yourself to Jesus! He has been ascended; therefore, we must look high and draw near to that higher ground. 

This is why Jesus said don't leave Jerusalem, but wait! Don't leave this new place, but wait on your power, this promise! See, the biggest debate in faith is the presence of Holy Spirit is signified with the gift of speaking in tongues, but the true gift is the power!  Not to knock speaking in tongues but the Holy Spirit is more than that...it is power, it is a force! There is no path before you greater than the force behind you!

See, the times and dates are irrelevant...this is not your concern.  Worry not, it is under Gods control! Educate yourself of the power! Even when there is a void; if there is something going away from the will of God, speak to the Judas area. Know, God has it under control.  If you look at Judas, he used his reward to buy land, and lost everything he had.  Don’t invest in a system that is against God; you will lose! Educate yourself on HIM and BE IN HIM!

In this year of Fulfillment, we have visited the season of Confessions.  Now, we are planted in the season of Actualization.  During this season, we have had focuses on Evaluation: Reality vs. Actuality and Elimination: Repentance.  Just when we thought that we would focus on our third seasonal focus, God gave the greatest example.  

Today, the Holy Spirit interrupted service.  There was restoration that took place in the atmosphere at Grace Christian Church.  See, as we read John 21:15-17…

 15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

…we realize several things took place.  Here, Jesus asked a question repeatedly to Peter.  This was done because Peter denied Jesus repeatedly, three times to be exact. This was the reinstatement of Peter.  See, sometimes we have to reexamine our relationship with Christ, and eliminate those things that are hindering us from getting to him; and just elevate in HIM.  The seasonal focus for this week is elevation.  Elevation is what God wants for is in our life.  HE desires to be intimate with us, taking us to higher heights and deeper depth.  Are you ready to reinstate your relationship with God?  Are you willing to restore your relationship with Him?  Would you like to Elevate In HIM?