INTRODUCTION TO ACTS DEVOTIONAL MODEL By: Bob Hartley A. Our lives are all about the discovery of Jesus and His forgotten faces! There is nothing more attractive than a life of devotion unto God. A lifetime of devotion takes time and discipline to cultivate, but yields eternal rewards. Some will do it for ‘corruptible crowns’, but our motivation is for an ‘Eternal Crown’. We adore our God because He is worthy of all of our praise! 1. We enter His courts and magnify the Lord (Ps. 34:3), pushing everything besides Him into the background. 2. We do not want to enter in as fools (Ecclesiastes 5). We focus not on ourselves, but “fixing our eyes on Jesus,” we adore Him for who He is. We do not ask anything from Him, but only love Him and adore Him. 3.We boast in the Lord (1 Cor. 1:29). Loveliness has great power in it. when we get a glimpse of Him, we change. 4. We seek him to give Him honor and receive His love (SOS 5:12). We adore Him to see His face and His eyes. When we do, everything changes! 5. Ephesians 1:15-18 - 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. B. Prophetically, we are on a Journey to a ‘Deeper and Broader View of God’ - The God of Life. This is the journey of restoring Jesus to first place in the marketplace. Our main reason for adoring Him is because He’s worthy! Job 22:24-25 – Divine Transfer of His gold for our gold / Ezekiel 34:31 (feed the flock of God on the “Knowledge of God”). The Lord is inviting us into a new door – paradigms recoded about God. There is an open ‘Library of Heaven’ about Him. It is the hour to “Behold the Man, Christ Jesus” and to love His appearing. There is the age-old principle that states we become what we behold. Our goal is to become more like Christ Jesus. Therefore, we gaze upon Him and proclaim who He is to become more like Him. C. Are We Reading The Moment Right? 1. God says, “GET PREPARED!” 2. Challenges & Accusations come D. The Answer are the “4 FACES OF GOD” 1. Face of God as “REDEEMER” 2. Face of God as “SUPPLIER” 3. Face of God as “BUILDER” 4. Face of God as the “WISE GOD” Face of God as the “REDEEMER” DEFINITION OF REDEMPTION: To redeem, to act as a kinsman, to buy back. The word literally means “one who redeems”, to free from captivity by payment of ransom. Redemption has in its core understanding the idea of “family”. This is not redemption of those he does not own, but those who are of his family and kin – we are adopted as sons. | SCRIPTURE & BIBLE EXAMPLES OF REDEMPTION: JESUS is the ultimate Redeemer! (John 3:29…hearts burn come alive) BOAZ was a type of Jesus as a redeemer (Ruth 4:14…“Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.”) The Lord redeems those who belong to Him. Job 19.25 - “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” He is the Redeemer! Psalm 78:35 - “And they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.” Isaiah 47:4 - “Our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel.” Jeremiah 50:34 - ““Their Redeemer is strong, the LORD of hosts is His name; He will plead their case So that He may bring rest to the earth, But turmoil to the inhabitants of Babylon.” Psalm 23:3 – “He refreshes, REDEEMS & restores my life.” Nehemiah 9:17 - But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate. You forgive, REDEEM and restore. Isaiah 42:3 - a bruised reed You will not break. You redeem and restore hearts. Matthew 12:21 - In his name the nations will put their hope (anticipation for good in you because you are able to redeem!) Isaiah 25:8 - The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. You redeem. That’s the way you are! Isaiah 61:2 – bring forth beauty for ashes; comfort and redeem those who mourn. Matthew 18:10 – You are the Redeemer, leaving the 99 and redeeming the 1. Isaiah 61:3 - God who gives joy and hope - and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes Isaiah 65:17 “ For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 62:2-5 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name. 3 You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem In the hand of your God. 4 You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah,[a] and your land Beulah;[b] For the LORD delights in you, And your land shall be married. 5 For as a young man marries a virgin, So shall your sons marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, So shall your God rejoice over you. Revelation 21:5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Hosea 6:2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Psalm 34:22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. Psalm 71:23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed. Psalm 130:8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Isaiah 44:22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 63:16 you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. | LIFE & BUSINESS EXAMPLES OF THE “GOD OF REDEMPTION”: You have been the REDEEMER in all of the seasons of my life Childhood (cubby hole experience) Youth (Dad at Thanksgiving) Wife & children Ministry Business You have redeemed our vision to be a Hope Business You are redeeming our ‘Hope in God’ You are redeeming our ‘Hope in People’ You are redeeming our ‘Hope in the Next Generation’ You are redeeming our ‘Hope in Prayer’ You are redeeming our ‘Hope for Cities & Nations’ You were the Redeemer of tough situations in our commercial real estate business You have shown us Your face as Redeemer over and over in our cleaning business You showed us your face as Redeemer in H&H getting lawns stuck in no where You have been the Redeemer of Swift and its cash flow You redeemed our debt when we owed millions! You redeemed our ability to care for our employees, families and those in need! You redeemed our coffee shop (It’s a Grind) with another opportunity (Steamin’ Bean). | DECLARATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS OF THE “GOD OF REDEMPTION”: We declare that we will see your face as the “Redeeming God” in our families, businesses and cities. We declare that we will watch with wonder as you redeem & rescue our cities from depression and hopelessness We declare that you will redeem us and bring us to hope in you for the future. We declare that our cities are Your inheritance and that you will redeem them from the enemy for your eternal purposes. | PERSONAL APPLICATION: | Face of God as the “SUPPLIER” DEFINITION OF SUPPLY: To make full or complete. To furnish or equip. To fill sufficiently. The concept of a supplier is someone who can completely satisfy the need that is presented. A supplier is also known as a “provider”. | SCRIPTURE & BIBLE EXAMPLES OF SUPPLY: Jesus supplied & gave His very life! Jesus supplied & fed over 5000 people out of 5 loaves of bread and two fish – he multiplied & supplied with a miracle and offered it to all the people. Isaac was a supplier (Genesis 26) Book of Ruth – You supplied through Boaz. Book of Esther –You supplied to get the kingdom back God who generously supplies through communication (Psalms 45:2 / Proverbs 22:1…you speak with grace poured upon your lips) God who generously supplies creativity and productivity (Genesis 1 – God created the heaven and the earth…You supplied us with all! You supplied a planet for men to live on)\ God who generously supplies promises (Psalm 21:4-5…the Lord is my supplier and keeper) God who supplies intercession for us (Romans 8:34) Matthew 12 – Jesus supplies healing. He healed a man on the Sabbath. He supplied even when it caused the Pharisees to go out after Him and plot His death. John 13 – You supply love –Jesus loves to love! He washed the feet of His disciples and loved those who would betray Him. Deuteronomy 8:18 - But remember the LORD your God, for it is he supplied you with the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Psalm 23 – you are the God of Supply and you lack no good thing! James 1:17 – You are the Supplier who gives every good & perfect gift from above! 2 Corinthians 1:20 – You are the God of Supply and you are not slack concerning Your promises. 2 Corinthians 9:10 - “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;” Romans 10:12 – You are the Lord of Supply and the Lord over all who generously supplies and bestows Your riches upon all that call upon you. Philippians 4:19 - “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 2:19 - “and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.” | LIFE & BUSINESS EXAMPLES OF THE “GOD OF SUPPLY”: You have supplied us with values You have supplied us with the Moses value You have supplied us with the Job value You have supplied us with the Issacharian value You have supplied us with the Jacob value You have ALWAYS SUPPLIED us in our times of need! You supply finances when the economy is down You supply individuals when we have had business needs (Eddie/Cheryl/Matt/Jen) You’ve supplied us with marvelous comrades to lift our arms You’ve supplied us with a business that prays and prayer models for the marketplace You have supplied wisdom with new opportunities. You’ve supplied us with an apprenticeship program You’ve supplied as we work to build worship and the Knowledge of God in marketplace You’ve supplied in the forming of Hope Groups, small groups, accountability and growth You’ve supplied new paradigms in our business, training, & sales You’ve supplied for Deeper Waters missions (Zimbabwe (Tatenda), Cuba, India, etc.) You’ve supplied us with your voice in developing the prophetic—hearing You in business You have supplied us with successions plans When Ben and KC needed surgery to have a child, and needed $7000 as a down payment, in two days You, the Supplier, provided $15000. When Amy needed to have a tooth removed, You supplied the finances! | DECLARATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS OF THE “GOD OF SUPPLY”: We declare that we will see you in your beauty as the GOD WHO SUPPLIES all our needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We declare that we will see You displayed as the SUPPLIER in the days to come. We declare that we will see You as the SUPPLIER for our families and businesses We declare that You will empower us to become SUPPLIERS to others. | PERSONAL APPLICATION OF THE “GOD OF SUPPLY”: | Face of God as the “BUILDER” DEFINITION OF BUILDER: The word BUILDER has the concept of an individual who enables a project to go from just design and vision to reality. A builder is a maker, creator; one that builds, especially a person who contracts for and supervises the construction of a building. | SCRIPTURE & BIBLE EXAMPLES OF THE “BUILDER GOD”: Jesus built through friendship (John 3:29…builder of friendships with those who knew His voice) Job saw with a with a patriarchal/builder view. Hebrews 3:3 - For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Hebrews 11:10 - for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Luke 15 - You are the Builder and Launcher of people. Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the the Lord, the Builder, guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Isaiah 9:6 – You are the Builder who gives us wisdom in our lives. You have a perfect plan for building our lives. You are strong and successful as the Builder God of our lives! Exodus 15:13 - In Your strength, you build our lives in perfect love and wisdom…You always love us, guide us and build our lives with Your rod and staff. Isaiah 62:67 - 6 the Builder has posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD YOUR BUILDER, give yourselves no rest, 7 and give him no rest till he establishes & builds Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. | LIFE & BUSINESS EXAMPLES OF THE “BUILDER GOD”: You have been the Builder of Hartley’s in every way! You have so built & advanced us as leader businesses. You built me from a youth pastor to a business person. You built in me a vision not to die, but to discover You in the marketplace You are the Builder in friendship You build us and walk us through each circumstance with love. You helped up by building & replacing business You have built & developed our carpets and floors You have built & provided snow plowing subs You have built our staff & built relationships in our workplace: Ben & Katie Amy Tiffany Eddie Matt Juan Swart/John Shore Michael Erris/Michael McFatter You have built the miracle of burning hearts in our business with your abundantly available love! You have built strength in our inner man in business! You built the nine duplexes when I was afraid and intimidated You have built the business with rehab housing You are building Hope Homes & Hope properties You built and remodeled that basement apartment You were the Builder of our insurance dealings | DECLARATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS OF THE “BUILDER GOD”: We declare that we will be amazed as we get to partner with You, the “BUILDER GOD” in designing, planning and building with great vision for the future. We declare that we will be those who will partner with you to build for the future of our families. We declare that through us, the face of the BUILDER GOD will be seen in our businesses We declare that you are building & redeeming the cities we live in. | PERSONAL APPLICATION OF THE “BUILDER GOD”: | Face of God as the God of “WISDOM” DEFINITION OF WISDOM: Wisdom is skill and understanding. Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting. Wisdom breeds insight, common sense and good judgment. | SCRIPTURE & BIBLE EXAMPLES OF THE “GOD OF WISDOM”: Romans 16:27 - “to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33 – Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom & knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Job 12:1 - ““With Him are wisdom and might; To Him belong counsel and.” Proverbs 3:19 - “The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding He established the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 7:19 - “Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.” Isaiah 11:2 - “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” Jeremiah 10:12 - “It is He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom; And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.” Daniel 2:20-21 - “Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.” Matthew 11:19 - ““The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”” Romans 11:33 - “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” James 3:17 - “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” Colossians 2:3 …in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom Isaiah 55:8-9 my ways are higher than your ways, my thoughts are higher than yours Isaiah 40:13 – ho has understood the mind & wisdom of the Lord or instructed Him as His counselor? Isaiah 40:28 – and His wisdom & understanding no one can fathom | LIFE & BUSINESS EXAMPLES OF THE “GOD OF WISDOM”: You gave us Your spirit of wisdom generously in the beginning of our business. You gave us Your wisdom to start and organization where life came forth! In your wisdom you didn’t leave us at that state! You are faithful to begin a good work and complete it! You give us Your wisdom for all of our business decisions. It’s okay to bring all business matters to Him! Wisdom for finances & investing You give us wisdom for how to work with a family in business You are so wise with people’s lives and specific growth Wisdom for Ben & Katie Wisdom for where to place Eddie & Matt Wisdom for choosing house managers You supply us with a spirit of wisdom to help us be free from ourselves & to become the best part of ourselves You have given us Your wisdom to raise up theologians of Your heart in business. You are good to us and we are sure in Your wisdom and Your abilities! You hear the desires of our hearts and give us wisdom regarding our vocational callings. You revealed Your wisdom in the way that you lead Ben & KC from Kentucky to Kansas City to learn about the God of all Life You revealed Your wisdom by speaking to Amy in a dream to enter back into the marketplace. | DECLARATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS OF THE “GOD OF WISDOM”: We declare that we will see the GOD OF WISDOM at work in all arenas of our lives. We declare that we will have divine wisdom active in our lives, families, businesses, churches and cities. We declare that You, the GOD OF WISDOM, will supply us with wisdom that is pure and peaceable. We declare that You, the GOD OF WISDOM will lead us to make wise decisions. We declare that You, the GOD OF WISDOM will enable us to have wise foresight for our futures and for the sake of others. We declare that You, the GOD OF WISDOM will give us confidence to partner with Your wise heart for the future. | PERSONAL APPLICATION THE “GOD OF WISDOM”: |
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