Philippians, Read by Daniel Lovett – Sozo Talk Radio

Enjoy this reading by Daniel Lovett of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians from the WEB translation with electric and acoustic guitar instrumentals in the background.

Follow along here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1&version=WEB

Philippians 1 World English Bible (WEB)
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ;

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers [a] and servants[b]: 2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy, 5 for your partnership[c] in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

9 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ; 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (keep reading here!)

I was reflecting on how Jesus made himself of no reputation. There is a tremendous freedom that comes when we decide to have no reputation. No one can hold something over us when we are completely open and transparent about who we truly are.

Consider the ways Jesus had no “reputation”. He was born in a barn to poor peasants from Nazareth. He had the stigma of being a bastard (Who really believed his mom was a virgin?) The Scriptures tell us he was average looking or even ugly! He wandered about during his ministry homeless and dependent on charity from women and on the welfare of his day. At his death he was publicly whipped and mocked and crucified naked.

God truly chooses the foolish things of this world to shame the wise (1 Cor. 1:27).

Here is an excerpt from Philippians 2:

“If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, 2 make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; 4 each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!

February 3, 2018April 6, 2018

The Forgotten Way of Yeshua, with Bill Vanderbush – SOZO EP0003

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Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure Rediscovering The Forgotten Way of Yeshua

In this podcast we are talking with Bill Vanderbush who cowrote with Ted Dekker on their Magnum Opus, The Forgotten Way. (Bill is responsible for the Meditations in the book and the Study Guide.) This book is very significant to the Awakening that is (and has been) coming to the body of Christ!

I started to notice a change in Ted Dekkers Novels when Outlaw came out. “Wow, this is different. What happened to Ted?”

It seemed a shift had occurred in Ted’s life and I told my wife at the time, “Ted Dekker is going to be a critical player in the next Great Awakening”.

The following novels, the Outlaw series, encouraged me even more. And then A.D. 30 and his follow up book A.D. 33

Finally I had the opportunity to meet Bill Vanderbush at a conference and picked up a copy of The Forgotten Way. We hit it off right away, went out for coffee, and had some great conversations.

He taught on how to listen to Holy Spirit and “prophecy” – to reveal Jesus by strengthening, comforting and encouraging others as we speak the same thoughts God has for someone.

You want to see something fun?

My wife Catherine and I went to the 2017 Kingdom Culture Conference in Green Bay. After teaching about prophecy most of the sessions, and especially on the last day, the speaker Bill Vanderbush decided to put it into practice by calling some people up front to “prophecy”. My wife Catherine was one of the first to share that night. Then our good friends Kyle and Emily prophecy over Bill!

Here is the whole definitely-worth-your-time talk with Catherine sharing at about an hour in (link to where she starts):

“Earnestly pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you might prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 Berean Literal Bible

What Is Prophecy?

REVEALING THE HEART OF JESUS!

Well, Paul explains just a verse or so later:

“But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.” 1 Corinthians 14:3 NIV

Prophecy then is a divinely inspired word of revelation (which literally means unveiling – WOW! – that’s the very word Catherine received in her prophecy!) straight from the heart of Jesus that “strengthens, encourages and comforts”.

Would you be surprised if I told you that Prophecy has little to do with “telling the future” or “the end times” or giving a “thus saith the Lord”? (I would highly recommend not trying the last one. It is bad practice for New Covenant saints).

Revelation 19:10 actually tells us that Prophecy is to “reveal or unveil Jesus”, to speak what he is saying. It is giving a clear witness of Jesus. Listen to this:

“Worship God, because what Jesus is saying is the spirit of prophecy!” Revelation 19:10 ISV

Here are some other ways the verse is translated:

“…the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.” NLT
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” NASB
“For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.” NIV

Bill Vanderbush tells a story about how he once told a meeting, “You all have Jesus THE Prophet living in you. That makes you all prophets.” The empowered people of God he then brought up from the crowd to minister amazed him with the heart of the Father revelations they brought by the Spirit.

So, how can we learn to hone and use this spiritual gift? Well, desiring it seems a great place to start!

“Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives–especially the ability to prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT

Here is where you can pick up The Forgotten Way on Amazon:

February 1, 2018April 6, 2018

NDE Howard Storm, A Second Chance at LIFE – SOZO EP0002

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This podcast contains the Near Death Experience testimony of Howard Storm and answers to some very deep questions!

Youtube video of this interview:

When I heard Howard Storm’s Near Death Experience for the first time, it changed the course of my life forever and God used it to bring healing to my heart. I remember telling my wife Catherine his story and just weeping. Why my reaction? Because his story is fairly similar to my own. We both experienced hell and Jesus came to our rescue. Please take the time to listen to this interview. You won’t be sorry that you did.

Howard’s Story:

At the age of 38 Howard died of a ruptured stomach complications and was escorted by familiar spirits into darkness. By his own admission, he had failed at life and was “flushed down the toilet bowl of the universe” as he puts it. Basically, he went to hell and was tortured by evil spirits – who he says were human souls just like him.

In his despair and desperation, and after a great deal of abuse, Howard called out, “Jesus, Save Me!” I was so moved when Howard describes how a pin prick of light appeared in the sky. The light grew more and more glorious as Jesus Himself rushed down to save him.

Jesus picked him up in his arms and healed him and then they flew out of that place at great speed.

He was then given an audience with Jesus and the angels. He was encouraged to ask whatever he wanted and Jesus and the angels taught him for some time before he was sent back with the message and plan to save the world from Jesus:

“Love the Person that you are with”

My Own Story:

I could relate to Howard’s story on so many levels.

I remember well that glorious moment late in 2006 when the spark of hope lit in my heart. The glorious Light of Jesus has been growing ever since!

Here is a video of me talking about Howard Storms testimony and how it related to my own story:

Jesus saved me from a very dark and utterly hopeless place. The stark terror, the despair, and deep depression I had experienced I would not wish upon anyone! This is why Howard and I want to help those going through hell right now.

There was even times along this journey that I thought exactly what Howard thought, that Jesus made a mistake and that I don’t belong.

Jesus has personally assured me, “You’re going to be with me forever!”

You are too if you trust in him!

Love you all!

Howard Storm website: http://howardstorm.com

Howard Storms book that details his Near Death Experience:

Or the book we talk about in the interview, Befriend God, Life With Jesus:

Here is another video of Howard Storm sharing his story:

January 31, 2018

1 John, Read by Daniel Lovett – SOZO Talk Radio

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Enjoy this reading by Daniel Lovett of the apostle John’s first letter from the WEB translation with electric guitar instrumentals in the background.

Follow along here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1

“That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life 2 (and the life was revealed, and we have seen, and testify, and declare to you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was revealed to us); 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.

5 This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (from Chapter 1)

The words that really stands out in Chapter One is the word “Fellowship”. We have fellowship with God and each other when we walk in the light.

Okay, so how do we do that?

I am reminded of something John wrote in his Gospel:

“This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.” John 3:19-21 WEB

Confessing our sins (1 John 1:9) seems to be coming into play here. Just come clean. Decide that the Light is where you want to Abide. After all, Jesus is the Light and He says, “Abide in Me”.

PRAYER:

“Jesus, we confess our sins and struggles to you! Thank you that you are faithful to forgive us and cleanse us! We ask for a pure heart once again that we may abide in you and in true fellowship with you.”

January 29, 2018January 31, 2018

Ephesians, Read by Daniel Lovett – SOZO Talk Radio

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Enjoy this reading by Daniel Lovett of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians from the WEB translation with acoustic guitar instrumentals in the background.

ephesians who you are in Christ

Follow along here if you wish: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1&version=WEB

From chapter one:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ; 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love; 5 having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely gave us favor in the Beloved, 7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him 10 to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in him; 11 in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who does all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: 13 in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory. 15 For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints, 16 don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might 20 which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. 22 He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

This first chapter of Ephesians contains the longest run-on sentence in all of Scripture! Paul was no doubt bursting with excitement and joy to share how good this “Good News” of being “in Christ” truly is! You can sense Pauls delight as he unpacks for us the endless treasures and our rich inheritance in Christ!

January 12, 2018June 2, 2018

How to Raise the Dead, with Robby Dawkins SOZO EP0001

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How to Raise the Dead

I’m sure most of you have been asking yourself, “How can I raise the dead?” Well, I had the privilege of interviewing Robby Dawkins with my cohost and good friend Michael Basham. We aimed high and talked about how we, as believers in the Lord Jesus, are authorized to raise the dead!

Robby shares stories of how the Lord has used him to bring words of knowledge to introduce Jesus to the former head of Communism in Siberia, how the Lord spared his life as he was held at gunpoint in a Muslim country, and how he raised a man from the dead in England.

Your faith will be activated as you listen to these stories and become acquainted with what the Bible says about the authority we have founded in our intimate union with the Lord Jesus. We have the authority to live like Jesus and do what he did and transform the world.

Get his book Do What Jesus Did:

Robby’s website: http://robbydawkins.com/

Scriptures That Empower

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:7-8 NLT

Jesus says in John 14:12,

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Do we believe him?

Some actually do believe Jesus and are operating in partnership with Holy Spirit under the authority (the authorization) of the Lord Jesus and our loving heavenly Papa to Do What Jesus Did – which just so happens to be the title of Robby Dawkins book. He has another book that just came out called “Do Greater Things“:

I can tell you these books are a solid investment in your spiritual life and a great way to support Robby’s ministry of expanding the Kingdom of God.

Here is a link to our album Reflect Love which is featured in the audio of this interview: https://reflect.bandcamp.com/album/reflect-love-2