South Umpqua Christian Center

2010 [5770 Jewish calendar]

I. The year of our Lord [A.D.] 10^th year of 2^ndmillennium

In math, 10 completes the first cycle of decimals and begins anew [11=10+1]

10 in Scripture signifies completion of a cycle, or order

It signifies:

A whole cycle is complete,

Order is in perfection,

Nothing is wanting.

EXAMPLES OF COMPLETION OF CYCLES

- Noah completed the age before the flood [antediluvian] in 10^th generation.

- Ten Commandments contain completeness,summing up all the Law of God.

- Lord's Prayer, were 10 clauses,expressing a complete prayer.

- Our tithe [a tenth] is our recognition that the God is Lord over all we have.

- 10 plagues upon Egypt representing all of God?s displeasure Exodus 9:14

- Spirit of antichrist controls 10 nations, representing the whole of fallen mankind.

- Abraham's faith was tested in a cycle of 10 trials.

- Israel rebelled 10 times in their wilderness wanderings.

- Tabernacle of Moses - 10 silver sockets on each side 10x10, signifying redemption.

- Fire came down from heaven 10 times,six in judgment, 4 on sacrifices.

- People shouting for joy recorded 10 times.

- 10 Virgins waiting upon and the Lord;Five wise, five foolish

- Jesus declares His Divinity [I AM], 10 times in Gospel of John.

II. LEARNING FROM THE PAST, MEANS ADDED VICTORY FOR US TODAY!

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

(Rom15:4 ESV)

Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us,keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. (Rom 15:4 MSG)

All these things happened to them, but they have a figurative meaning for us; it was put on record by way of admonition to us upon whom the ends of the Ages have come. (1Cor 10:11 WNT)

The example of Scripture IS the "more sure word of prophecy."

III. A Prophetic Word for 2010: "Unexpected delight in Unusual places!"

We are completing a cycle, with many new things about to begin.

The work that God is about to complete is us:

Completely purge our thinking and actions from a religious spirit.

Greatest hindrance to finishing strong in faith:

Religious spirit [attitude]

Religion: root - to restrain, tie back - supernatural constraint, sanction

1. Personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, practices

What's missing here?

Nothing mentioned of RELATIONSHIP

Religion is humanity trying to connect with God.

Christianity is God initiating a connection with us.

God is going to use the delight of finding Him and His secret things in unexpected places, in order to break us out of our regimented approach to finding His ways . . .

Think outside the box!

Color outside the lines!

Follow the Spirit of Jesus and not your program!

IV. Learn to Discern

But solid food is for those who are full grown, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.

(Heb5:14 AMP)

Solid food is for the mature,who have some practice in telling right from wrong. (Heb 5:14 MSG)

But solid food is for adults. . . that is, for those who through constant practice have their spiritual faculties carefully trained to distinguish good from evil. (Heb 5:14 WNT)

[A parable about the Wheat and Tares, weeds]

Wheat and Tares

Both look alike / Grow side by side.

One is food / One is a weed.

Wheat of Grace / Tares of Legalism

Grace is faith working through love

Legalism is control working by fear

Learn to discern the difference

One will nourish your soul and others

One will embitter you and poison others

Learn to Discern

Religion will bring strife and bitterness

Relationship will bring life and peace and joy.

God has purposed to finish off the religious spirit in us /not kill YOU personally!

Therefore, His delight will not be found in the usual places.

Only as you ask, seek, and knock will you find His secret treasures.

1. Ask for the pure and perfect wisdom that comes down from above

Learn to Discern

I have access to the mind of Christ.

No problem or situation is beyond my understanding

All of us are smarter than one of us.

2. Seek Him with all your heart, in places that you would not normally look

Learn to Discern

I will go to the Source of the River

I will remove anything that restricts the flow of Life.

3. Knock, and keep on knocking until your mountain moves

Learn to Discern

Obstacles are my path to becoming an over comer.

Victory is my portion.

The Giants are my food.

4. Expect more than your normal limitations would allow.

Learn to Discern

God is able to do more than I can think or ask.

I can do whatever Christ asks me to do.

5. Rejoice in everything.

Learn to Discern

Circumstances will not control your destiny.

There is a shout from us that will meet a shout from God that will break up the fountains of the deep and release fresh revelation. But let all who put their trust in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever, because You cover them. And let those who love Your name be joyful in You. (Psa 5:11 LITV)

Selah . . . . Pause and think on that!

Steve Clarke

Senior Pastor

South Umpqua Christian Center