From an early age, we are taught that a person's rights are crucial and should not be trampled on. There is nothing wrong with this assessment. However, as Christians, we need a more nuanced view. Our legal rights are subject to God's will. We must understand that the rights created by constitutions and other documents are secondary to God's desires and instructions. It is time to learn to rely not on man's words but on the word of God. As we do so, we shall realize that it is fine to give up certain 'rights' because the King of kings will always uphold his word and therefore, our superior rights as His children.
Paul and Silas were arrested in Philippi because Paul delivered a slave girl from an evil spirit of divination (Acts 16). The girl had relied upon that spirit to make money through fortune telling, which is satanic, for her owners. When they learned of her spiritual freedom, they accused the disciples of teaching ideas contrary to Roman law. The magistrates had the disciples flogged and thrown in prison. While there, the men worshiped at midnight with prayers and singing, and God moved mightily. The ground shook, shackles broke, and the prison doors opened. Their fellow prisoners got to see God's power intimately. Their warden and his family also gave their lives to Christ that night.
God didn't stop there. In the morning, the magistrates changed their minds and ordered Paul and Silas released and sent officers to relay the message. Acts 16:37 - But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” The magistrates heard of the disciples' citizenship and became scared. They went to the prison to appease Paul and Silas because, as Roman citizens, they were supposed to have been afforded proper legal procedures and not just beaten and imprisoned as non-citizens could be treated.
Paul could have made this point earlier during his interaction with the magistrates, but instead, he and Silas humbled themselves and allowed their legal rights to be disregarded. They didn't do that because they had low self-esteem. On the contrary, they did this because they trusted that God was taking them where He wanted them to be. That place just so happened to be a prison. While not a desirable place to visit, God used their presence there to work miracles and introduce Himself to people who would otherwise never learn about Jesus Christ. The gospel had to come to them.
There are times when we've got to give up our rights so God can use us to reach the unreached and teach the untaught. Such submission is not a sign of weakness but indicates a believer's faith and reliance on God's grace. God's word is that anyone treated unfairly will receive His justice and righteousness (Psalm 103:6 NLT). There is no question that Paul and Silas were unfairly treated. All they did was free a demonized girl, the way Jesus taught. However, that slave's oppression meant money for her owners, and that was enough for the disciples to be villainized. But God honored His word, and His disciples were treated like men of honor and escorted by the magistrates who begged them not to be angry.
God is just. And if He sends His children into the 'lion's den,' He will ensure they come out glorified. However, His children must lay their rights down to receive the reward that awaits. In no way is this message supposed to discourage anyone from obeying the laws of man when they do not conflict with God's word. After all, in Mark 12:17, Jesus said we are to give Caesar what is Caesar's, and other parts of the Bible teach us to respect our leaders and, by inference, the laws they create (Proverbs 8:15). Therefore, we will always need God's wisdom and instructions on how to manage the troublesome situations that will arise. These could be in the workplace, in our familial relationships, or even while on public transportation.
Can we give up our rights and allow God to do with us as He wills, the way Paul and Silas did? Are we willing to tolerate discrimination and trust the Lord to lead us out of the lion's den in victory as He did with Daniel? Can we let God have His way with our lives? Jesus showed us what it means to submit all rights for the will of God and the blessing of others. We are still reaping the fruits of that sacrifice. Through Him, we receive strength to honor God as stated in Philippians 4:13 - For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. And the Spirit of the Lord remains charged with helping us navigate life with God's wisdom and scriptures. When the time comes to give up our rights, and it will come for every believer, we have to know that the Lord will defend and reward us. Our Heavenly Father will always help, IJN, Amen.
See you at Noon EST for fellowship. God bless you.
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Angels ascending and descending
Singing "Holy, Holy"
We join in "Holy, Holy, is the Lamb"
CLOSING PRAYER
Great and exceptional God. Thank You for Your grace that we met today. Thank You for teaching and convicting us. May no one leave the same way they came.
And over these ones I speak Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God bless you all!
LAST 10 MINUTES
Let's return to the point of today's message - there will come a time when we'll have to swallow our pride and all we know to allow God to finish what He's doing in us and through us. This will require us to submit our rights and knowledge of those rights to His will.
Father, the earth is Yours and everything it. The world and all who dwell in it. Thank You, God, for calling us unto Yourself and for deeming us worthy for Christ to die for. To You be all the praise.
Please help us to listen to You and what You want us to do. Help us to submit our desires for Your will. Help us to set ego and pride aside so that Your will is done in us and through us. Grant us grace to worship You even in the tough times and to know that wherever You send us, You will back us up and walk us out in victory.
Your word states in Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
We trust in You, God. We will not look like the troubles we've been through but will reflect Your splendor instead. IJN, Amen.
Father, IJMN, I pray that Your people will not waste their destinies. That Your purpose and plan for them will never be thwarted, not even by their choices. You are the God who is not limited by human limitations. The God with whom all things are possible. The God who has spoken that His gifts and calling will not be revoked. Mercy, Lord.
Although satan specializes in tricking people into abandoning Your purpose and plan for them, I know You can do all things and Your purpose can not be thwarted.
Therefore, I pray, Lord, for grace upon Your children that they will align firmly with Your plans. That there shall be more Esthers who submit to Your will unafraid of the cost. That there shall be more Davids who understand the meaning of covenant and know that they in turn need to be faithful to You. More Daniels through which Your power will shine through.
That Your will for all Your people will never be derailed, no matter the weapons formed against them, IJMN, Amen.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for You are He who wants His people to experience the fullness of life that You alone can give.
As such, I lift up those who are dealing with thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Lord, I stand upon Your word in Psalm 118:17 - I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
I hereby declare that every spirit whispering death and trying to cause Your people to harm themselves is defeated in the name of Jesus. I proclaim that Your people shall live and not die. That they shall declare Your good works in the land of the living. I speak over them Your word in Psalm 27:13 - Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Instead of death, they shall see the goodness of the Lord.
By Your grace, my God, they shall walk before You, right here in the land of the living (Psalm 116:9) and the enemy of their soul shall be put to shame, IJMN, Amen.
Haggai 2:8 - The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty.
Jehovah Jireh, You are the only Provider. Abraham himself named an entire area The Lord Will Provide all because he knew how faithful a provider You are (Genesis 22:14).
Today, we follow in that godly example and declare that every good thing comes from You (Psalm 16:2). As such, Lord, though satan lies that You won't take care of people's financial needs, we know that You alone control everything.
God, make financial provision available to the needy in these tough economic times. IJMN, Amen.
Lord, You are the God who is all-knowing. The I Am that I Am. The Sovereign Lord. To You do I bring my petition.
God, all around the world has been chaos, death and disaster during this season. The devil has sought to terrify and traumatize people.
Father, still the turmoil of the nations (Psalm 65:7). God deal with men and women who are bloodthirsty and deceitful per Psalm 55:23. God do not ignore the blood of innocents spilled by the evil. God of Vengeance, arise and fight the battle of justice.
Do not ignore satan, Lord. I declare that where it concerns the children of God, its house is divided and cannot stand. I declare that satan opposes itself and is divided, its end has come, just as my Savior said in Mark 3:25.
I pray that because Jesus came to destroy the works of satan, its plans and schemes fall flat and do not hit the mark, IJMN, Amen.
From JIR - Lord I pray for those who have yet to know You. I pray that You reveal Yourself to them in abundance. I pray that You stir their hearts to turn to You. I pray that You bless them with wisdom, knowledge and revelation to understand and experience Your love by turning away from ungodly activities and reading the Word of God and seeking You, wholeheartedly. I pray that You nurture them and raise them up to preach the Good News. I pray for many to testify on Your goodness and grace and mercy and be a threat to the kingdom of darkness. IJMN. Amen.
From JIR - I pray for those going through challenges in life. God, please bless them with the love, comfort, peace, hope , strength, courage and protection they need to get out of the situation they are in. Please bless them to pray to You steadfast and never give up on praying to You. I pray that You bless them to know that You love them, You are there for them and You want what’s best for them. I pray that You pull them out of the situation they are in and bless them to recover. IJMN. Amen.
Lord, I lift up people in this group waiting on healing for themselves and their loved ones. I thank You for being the God who gives healing. You are Jehovah Ropheka, the God who heals. Yahweh Rapha.
Father, satan wants to steal good health from people. It wants to kill and destroy. However, You brought abundant life - life free of sickness and disease.
As such, I speak the word of God in Zechariah 3:2 - The LORD rebuke you, Satan! I also raise Psalm 40:1 - I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. I stand in the gap for those praying for healing. You who will supply all needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Hallelujah! You are not stingy and lack nothing. As such, I pray for Your healing word to be generously provided to those in need and waiting.
Lord, let it go deep into the marrow of these ones. All by Your grace and to You glory, IJMN, Amen.
From JIR - I pray for those who feel alone in this world because they follow You Lord. I pray for those who are misunderstood and labeled as outcasts for being in this world but not of it. Lord I pray that You wrap them in Your love and strengthen them in every aspect. I pray that You build them up to not care what anyone thinks except for You. I pray that You bless them with the courage to not cower. Lord bless them with zeal and fire to do Your will with boldness. IJMN. Amen.
PRAYER TIME
Let's put our prayer needs to the side and instead focus on prayers for others.
Acts 20:35 - ... ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’“
Psalm 103:1-5 - Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (NKJV).
From JIR - I will praise Your name ceaselessly Lord. You are the reason for every breath I take. All glory is Yours. You are worthy of all praise my King. IJMN. Amen.
From JIR - I am undeserving of the grace that You show me Lord. I don’t know what more to say except I am utterly grateful and thankful. As I lay here and think about all You have done for me just in this week alone I feel overwhelmed by Your goodness. I feel so loved and protected. Thank You for watching over me the way You do. Thank You for Your favor. Thank You for the compassion You show me. Lord I can’t thank You enough. I yearn to give You my all. I yield to You Lord. Have Your way with me. IJMN. Amen.
Glory be to God!
Psalm 16:5 - LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
Psalm 119:57 - You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words.
Lamentations 3:24 - I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Praise the Lord for He is my portion and my peace.
From JIR -
From JIR - I am nothing more than a mere mortal who falls short of Your glory. Somehow, You still love me through all of my shortcomings. You are gentle, You are kind. Your patience towards me and all of mankind is something I can’t articulate. Thank You for loving us and delighting in us Lord. IJMN. Amen.
Amazing God, You are wonderful. Thank You for being the God that You are.
Now and forever, Amen.
From JIR - Lord, what can I ever do to thank You for the love the You show me. To thank You for Your gracious and merciful ways. To thank You for rescuing a “nobody” like me. Lord I fall to my knees and I thank You for helping me and showing me compassion and kindness that satisfies and soothes my spirit. I thank You for being there for me and wrapping me in Your love and reassuring me that You will never leave me or forsake me. IJMN. Amen.
Psalm 115:16-17 - The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind. It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to the place of silence;
Father, thank You for the privilege to praise You this day. Thank You for breath and ability to write these words and to feel them in the deepest parts of me.
Thank You great God for creating the heavens and the earth for Your glory. Thank You for giving humanity dominion over this earth. Thank You that through Jesus we mortals have authority over what we see and don't see.
All by Your grace and to Your glory IJMN Amen.
We lift our voices to God!
PRAISE TIME
Let's lift holy hands to the Lord God Almighty!
1 Chronicles 29:20 - ...“Praise the LORD your God.”
From MX - Please take my words with all due respect. I am engaging you theologically and not meaning to personally offend. I normally like your messages…but I am not sure how I feel about this
I see some of the points for sure…but in part it gives only black person at a conservative white evangelical church in Idaho that plays nothing but hill song rendition…especially in these times and especially after me I guess reading that article about government workers who had to “give up their rights” being purposely made to face trauma….its feels very tone deaf…or perhaps a disturbingly tuned in message depending on your circles and intent within our online community….
I think this is a very passive read of Paul & Silas…probably the same interpretation black slaves were given if they were allowed to hear that story…probably the same interpretation that black people who were too respectable to march or push back in any way in the 1950s and 1960s relied on. I mean you’ve ignored that Paul & Silas righteously broke Roman law to free a slave from her “masters” evil tasks to say that Paul & Silas gave up their rights….why focus so much on the other part
From JIR - Thank You Lord for breathing life into each of us this morning. We are grateful and thankful that You have given us another day to get closer with You. Thank You for graciously guiding us in here to receive today’s message and giving us the opportunity to praise You and pray for others. We worship You and magnify Your name Lord. Thank You. IJMN. Amen.
Thank you for today’s message sis @FFJ. This is very insightful and makes me think back on times I could’ve humbled myself and given up my rights for God’s glory. Paul was obedient and His faith in the Lord was strong. He completely trusted the Lord and put his feelings to the side and although He didn’t know or understand what God’s intentions were He knew they were good. God is good. Jesus, Who is God completely humbled Himself and gave up His rights in the greatest, infinite magnitude. I pray that we take heed of today’s word and use Jesus’ and Paul’s acts of humility as a blueprint to give up our rights for God’s purpose and glory. IJMN. Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Heavenly Father for another beautiful fellowship day. We give you all the glory and honor to witness another day. Father we ask that you strengthen the measure of faith that you have given to us. We also pray Father that you continue to prune and transform us as we walk with you everyday IJMN Amen.
Thank you for today's word. Today's word is a strong reminder for us that even in discomfort, God will use us so he can strengthen us. My prayer is that we see our periods of discomfort as a way for God to strengthen us and use us for his purpose and glory. IJMN Amen
ALTAR CALL
Did you know a price was paid to set you free from everything that keeps you bound?
Many people have nice cars and money in the bank, but are miserable. Some have less money in the bank, but intruding thoughts keep them up at night. Could it be healing you need? What about the resolution of some other problem that's beyond you? What is stealing your peace?
Jesus is the answer to every problem.
Learn more about the uneven exchange and how to take advantage of it below -
If you watched the video to the end and said that prayer, welcome to being a child of God! I pray you receive the Holy Spirit and are led in the ways of the Lord. Be sure to let me know you said the prayer, and I'll send you more materials so you can grow as a new creature! Congrats and God bless you!