Destiny Church http://destinychurch.com We are a church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma that is all about loving people. We do this by reaching out to the lost, helping people find their next step, and teaching others to do the same. Wed, 09 May 2012 19:48:26 +0000 http://snappages.com en Healing: So simple it seems complicated http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/05/09/healing-so-simple-it-seems-complicated http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/05/09/healing-so-simple-it-seems-complicated Wed, 09 May 2012 19:48:26 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/05/09/healing-so-simple-it-seems-complicated
]]> Do you know what your gifts are? http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/05/04/do-you-know-what-your-gifts-are http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/05/04/do-you-know-what-your-gifts-are Fri, 04 May 2012 09:45:56 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/05/04/do-you-know-what-your-gifts-are
]]> Why give? A tithing challenge that can change everything! http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/31/why-give-a-tithing-challenge-that-can-change-everything http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/31/why-give-a-tithing-challenge-that-can-change-everything Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:18:43 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/31/why-give-a-tithing-challenge-that-can-change-everything
]]> Let 'Er Rip! http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/28/let-er-rip http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/28/let-er-rip Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:54:52 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/28/let-er-rip






]]> Who Owns Your Time? http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/16/who-owns-your-time http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/16/who-owns-your-time Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:13:41 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/03/16/who-owns-your-time
]]> Game Changers http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/02/17/game-changers http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/02/17/game-changers Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:14:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/02/17/game-changers natural "tools" that would help them do what they do better. Here's their answers - maybe God is [...]]]> natural "tools" that would help them do what they do better. Here's their answers - maybe God is leading you to help with one of the following.

Click this link to download a pdf of the staff's "game changers."

]]> Inviting God Into The Process http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/02/15/inviting-god-into-the-process http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/02/15/inviting-god-into-the-process Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:45:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/02/15/inviting-god-into-the-process Step #1 “Invite God into the process.”

When our health, hope or future comes under fire, what should our first response be? For many it means giving up or just throwing in the towel, but that’s NOT God’s plan. God wants us to give Him permission to change things [...]]]> Step #1 “Invite God into the process.”

When our health, hope or future comes under fire, what should our first response be? For many it means giving up or just throwing in the towel, but that’s NOT God’s plan. God wants us to give Him permission to change things by inviting Him into the process.

So what is God’s plan for our lives when our health, hope or future comes under fire, and how does that change things when we make room for Him?
I’ll give you a hint, “SALVATION!” I’ll explain….

When we receive Jesus as our Lord, the Bible says we are born again, but that new birth includes a lot more than just securing our eternity. The word salvation is from the Greek word sozo and it means that we “have been rescued from danger, restored to health, re-established in our thinking and born again.” Sweet!

Amazing that the same word used to describe salvation is found all over the New Testament - something that may be worth spending some time looking into:

  • Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
  • Matthew 8:25 The disciples went and woke him, saying “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!"
  • Matthew 9:21 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."
  • Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
  • Matthew 10:22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
  • Matthew 14:30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
  • Matthew 16:25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
  • Matthew 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
  • Matthew 24:13 But he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
  • Matthew 27:40 And saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
  • Matthew 27:42 "He saved others," they said, "but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”
  • Matthew 27:49 The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him."
  • Mark 3:4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.
  • Mark 5:23 And pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live."
  • Mark 5:28 Because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed."
  • Mark 5:34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
  • Mark 6:56 And wherever he went– into villages, towns or countryside– they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
  • Mark 10:52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
  • Mark 15:30 come down from the cross and save yourself!"
  • Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
  • Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
  • Luke 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
  • Luke 8:36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.
  • Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
  • Luke 8:50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
  • Luke 13:23 Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"
  • Luke 17:19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
  • Luke 18:42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."
  • Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
  • Luke 23:39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
  • John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
  • John 5:34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.
  • John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
  • John 11:12 His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better."
  • John 12:27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? `Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.”
  • John 12:47 "As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.”
  • Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
  • Acts 2:40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
  • Acts 2:47 Praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
  • Acts 4:9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed.
  • Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
  • Acts 11:14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.
  • Acts 14:9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed.
  • Acts 15:1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."
  • Acts 15:11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.
  • Acts 16:30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
  • Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved– you and your household."
  • Acts 27:20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
  • Acts 27:31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved."
  • Romans 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
  • Romans 5:10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
  • Romans 8:24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?
  • Romans 9:27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.
  • Romans 10:9,10 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
  • Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
  • Romans 11:14 In the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.
  • Romans 11:26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.”
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:5 Hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
  • 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:33 Even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
  • Ephesians 2:5 Made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions– it is by grace you have been saved.
  • Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
  • 1Thessalonians 2:16 In their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
  • II Thessalonians 2:10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
  • 1 Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners– of whom I am the worst.
  • 1 Timothy 2:4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
  • 1 Timothy 2:15 But women will be saved through childbearing– if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
  • 1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
  • 2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life– not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
  • 2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
  • Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
  • Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
  • Hebrews 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
  • James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
  • James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
  • James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you– who are you to judge your neighbor?
  • James 5:15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
  • James 5:20 Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
  • 1 Peter 3:21 And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also– not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
  • 1 Peter 4:18 And "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
  • Jude 1:5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.
  • Jude 1:23 Snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear– hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.


]]> Counseling Resources http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/27/counseling-resources http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/27/counseling-resources Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:56:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/27/counseling-resources At Destiny Church our vision is "Loving People" and a big part of that is helping people find their next step. If you are seeking Christian counseling/guidance, here is a list of potential resources. Remember God's BEST is yet to come in your life - be expecting it!
Pastor Mike


Marriage & [...]]]> At Destiny Church our vision is "Loving People" and a big part of that is helping people find their next step. If you are seeking Christian counseling/guidance, here is a list of potential resources. Remember God's BEST is yet to come in your life - be expecting it!
Pastor Mike


Marriage & Family:
Steve Roll – Restoration Ministries 918.459.9088
www.srrestore.org

Brent & Janice Sharpe – Life Connections 918.496.9588
www.lifeconnectioncounseling.com

Jayne Bowman – Real Solutions 918.289.7827
www.real-solutions@cox.net

Destiny Church - 918.259.9080
feedback@destinychurch.com
*Provided for members

Financial:
John Ransdell 918.362.5228
www.johnransdellministries.com

Dell Hughes – Financial Planner 918.697.8082
dell@wilsec.com

Jeffrey D. Hill – Business Manager 918.259.9080
j.hill@destinychurch.com

Legal:
Bob Bartz - Barber & Bartz 918.599.7755
www.barberbartz.com

Winters, King & Associates 918.494-6868
www.wintersking.com

]]> God's Love Language For You http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/18/gods-love-language-for-you http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/18/gods-love-language-for-you Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:12:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/18/gods-love-language-for-you your love language is? In fact He knows your love language even better than you – and often it is demonstrated by His favor (His special affections unique to each of His kids).
Understanding, and knowing, God’s [...]]]> your love language is? In fact He knows your love language even better than you – and often it is demonstrated by His favor (His special affections unique to each of His kids).
Understanding, and knowing, God’s favor in your life is a game changer. In the Old Testament, David believed that experiencing and knowing God’s favor was literally the difference between life and death.

Psalm 30:-5-7 “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. When I felt secure, I said, ‘I will never be shaken.’ O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.”

God’s favor is just one of the ways He supernaturally demonstrates His love and grace for you. Often favor comes in unique, creative, unsuspecting and even humorous ways. Knowing God’s favor changes everything… think about it like this:

- Understanding God’s favor changes the way you see yourself and others.
- God’s favor is one of the most powerful, yet often unrealized, ways God makes a path for his
people in this lifetime.
- God’s favor creates divine doorways in every area and every day of our life.
- God’s favor has the power to undo the damage fear has imposed on our future.


]]> It is Official. God Makes You Better Looking http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/10/it-is-official-god-makes-you-better-looking http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/10/it-is-official-god-makes-you-better-looking Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:18:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2012/01/10/it-is-official-god-makes-you-better-looking
I’ll explain.

One of the coolest Hebrew words in the Old Testament is "טוֹב". In English it translates to “towb” and is pronounced "tobe". It's this supernatural mark “of [...]]]>
I’ll explain.

One of the coolest Hebrew words in the Old Testament is "טוֹב". In English it translates to “towb” and is pronounced "tobe". It's this supernatural mark “of favor” that God's puts on all of His kids. It means "stunningly good-looking and/or beautiful." In other words, putting on God makes you a “spiritual hottie” – Ok, maybe that’s not the best way to put it. However, for those who are in Christ, our new identity comes with a beauty that can only come from God. When we invite Jesus into our world, it makes the rest of our world, including ourselves, much better looking.

So the next time you’re wondering what to wear, I’d suggest starting by putting on God’s favor. Don’t believe me? Just try it on for size.

[Example of “towb” in scripture: 1Samuel 2:26 “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.”]

]]> 7 Things God Hates About Religion http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/14/7-things-god-hates-about-religion http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/14/7-things-god-hates-about-religion Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:55:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/14/7-things-god-hates-about-religion
Our English word was derived from the Latin word religon, meaning “bind up.” So the question is does God want His people bound up in rules, regulations and ritualistic patterns? The answer is absolutely not. Modern religion is oppressive control attempting to bind something good to anything that is not. Mark 10:18 makes it clear that no one is good except for God. When we take God “the only Good” and tie it to anything else like effort, works, human rules, etc. we “crush people with unbearable religious demands." Matthew 23:4 NLT

Christianity was never meant to be a religion but rather this incredible relationship: a spiritual life that is the result of the risen Christ in the heart of His people. That’s why people will often hear believers saying things like, “Christianity is a relationship, not a religion.”

Religion, the kind that leads to bondage, has a horrific byproduct as well. This side-effect can be absolutely devastating to the children of God. It’s called legalism. Legalism is the dangerous belief that a person can, by his or her own efforts, do something to obtain or retain his or her salvation.

In Matthew 23, Jesus erupts and opens a huge can of whoop on the religious leaders peddling legalism. In this passage Jesus outlines a handful of things He hated that the religious leaders were doing, and the effects it was having on His people. Have you ever been caught in any of these traps?

1. Legalism
Placing burdens on people and refusing to do nothing to help them.
Matthew 23:4

2. Piety
Personal acts of religion with the only motive to be seen by others.
Matthew 23:5

3. The desire to be recognized and rewarded publically for acts of religion.
Matthew 23:6-11

4. Customized faith
Living with loopholes and hypocrisies so as to rationalize cherished sins (specifically money). Matthew 23:16-22

5. Wrong focus
Attention on the minor things and therefore forgetting what is most important. Matthew 23:23

6. Living to look righteous
While never doing anything that is really righteous.
Matthew 23:27–28

7. Make a show
How much you know, or have of the Bible so as to belittle and control others. Matthew 23:29–31

]]> Destiny Church Fast 2012 http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/09/destiny-church-fast-2012 http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/09/destiny-church-fast-2012 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:58:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/09/destiny-church-fast-2012
Each Destiny member is challenged to set something aside out of his or her daily routine and "fast" it as we agree in prayer.

We’ll talk more [...]]]>
Each Destiny member is challenged to set something aside out of his or her daily routine and "fast" it as we agree in prayer.

We’ll talk more about this in the final weeks of 2011, but here’s the heart behind our church-wide fast:

1. Every year we begin by praying for the lost (those who don't know Christ) and the exiled (those the Bible refers to as being seperated from God).
We are praying for our families, friends, coworkers, and leaders who have been separated from God to come home to Him.

2. Our specific prayer for 2012 is for God to mend broken hearts and broken relationships.

Starting in January at Destiny, we will begin a new series called just that: “Mend”.
The word mend is from the ancient Hebrew word “tawfar”, which meant "to stitch or repair two pieces that have been ripped apart."

Can you think of anyone whose life or relationship has been torn apart?

So why do we have a church fast every year?
Throughout the Bible, fasting is presented as a spiritual discipline and as an act of voluntary humility. It was often accompanied with confession and repentance. As a church, we are in pursuit of bringing people to Christ, helping them find their next step, and teaching them to do the same. Using Daniel as a template, I challenge each church member to set something aside for the first 21 days of the year and commit themselves to prayer and the pursuit of what God loves most: Bringing people to back to Him!

Here is a list of some of the most commonly fasted things:
Pop, carbonated drinks, other drinks besides water, television, computer, video games, internet, sweets, candy, chocolates, fast food, shopping, using credit cards, lotteries/gambling, red meats, gossiping, Facebook, bad-mouthing, judging, being critical, cursing, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, naps, sleeping in, pushing snooze... and the list goes on.

I am so excited about what God is doing in the days to come!

]]> Six things to make a bad day BETTER or a good day GREAT! http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/02/six-things-to-make-a-bad-day-better-or-a-good-day-great http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/02/six-things-to-make-a-bad-day-better-or-a-good-day-great Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:29:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/12/02/six-things-to-make-a-bad-day-better-or-a-good-day-great
Here are six creative ideas to make a bad day better or a good day great!

Live it.
Live your life, not [...]]]>
Here are six creative ideas to make a bad day better or a good day great!

Live it.
Live your life, not someone else’s. God has a plan just for you today and it’s not mimicking, mocking, or meddling in the lives of others.

Love it.
Slow the heck down and enjoy life a little more and work on trying to stress a little less – the greatest treasures are found in the little things... and they're right in front of you.

Own it.
If you screw up, take responsibility. God always gives grace to the humble. Everyone blows it, but only the confident people will own it.

Shut it.
Intentionally show interest in the lives of others. In other words listen a little more, and speak a little (or a lot) less.

Laugh at it.
No, not at the antagonistic co-worker who just doused themselves in coffee and has toilet paper stuck on the bottom of their shoe, but rather learn not take yourself, or life, so seriously.Today is practice for the rest of your life – you might as well enjoy the ride. It’s a medical fact: people who laugh at themselves live longer, and those who laugh at others sometimes live much shorter (just think about it).

Give thanks for it.
Thankfulness is the key to more. Start with God and say, "Thanks!" Discipline yourself to find the good in your world, and as God leads you, communicate your thankfulness to others for the big and little things they do.

]]> PO'd (purposely offended) with God http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/11/15/pod-purposely-offended-with-god http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/11/15/pod-purposely-offended-with-god Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:13:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/11/15/pod-purposely-offended-with-god Something, or someone, has set you off.
Your blood pressure is rising, and your mind is racing... and somewhere in it all you might even feel God is somehow to blame. 
What do you do?

Here are a couple of suggestions of ways to invite God into your frustration and fury. [...]]]> Something, or someone, has set you off.
Your blood pressure is rising, and your mind is racing... and somewhere in it all you might even feel God is somehow to blame. 
What do you do?

Here are a couple of suggestions of ways to invite God into your frustration and fury. Prayerfully turn that feeling of being “PO’d” (aka Purposely Offended) into an opportunity for God to show up and show off... and remind you that He loves you.

1. Pray for the idiot.
This sounds a little spiritually sophomoric, but I can personally testify this is a power tool of change... not to mention a mandate from God that we pray for those who persecute or hurt us.
 
2. Encourage a stranger.
Find a person, and make a purposeful investment in their world. Whether by words or action – this can be a game changer for many of us when we realize how many have it far worse than we do.

3. When waiting on the miracle, be the miracle.
Every follower of Christ is believing for something. Ask a friend what they are believing for and make an investment in the dreams of someone else. Believe for what they want and need. Getting our mind off our own circumstances can be liberating. Many times that's when God shows up in our lives. 

4. Be honest with God.
During a memorial for a teen many years back, I confessed to God (under my breath) that I was angry…. and I was angry with Him. God spoke to my heart. He wasn’t “afraid” of my honesty or feelings. In fact, He’d rather spend time with me while I was wounded then spend no time with me at all. It's OK to get real with God.

5. Take a wiff of your own "stank".
No matter how “great” we think we are, separate from Christ, we stink. Sometimes a quick reminder of who we are without Christ (a putrid filth) and then who we are in Christ (a beautiful and amazing reborn creation) can bring a change and a peace to the situation.

Today, if you are PO’d (Purposefully Offended) - I pray that you take a minute and give it all to God, both the good and the bad. If you do, you'll be able to walk away from these few moments with Him refreshed and ready to go another day in His amazing plans for your life.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."
Psalm 139:23

One last thought, in case nobody told you today: "You are loved!"
 

]]> How do I know when God's talking? http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/10/26/how-do-i-know-when-gods-talking http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/10/26/how-do-i-know-when-gods-talking Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:12:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/10/26/how-do-i-know-when-gods-talking Are you "restless"?
Is there something inside you crying out, longing to know and fulfill what God has for you next?

When we know God's voice we learn God's heart. And when we know God's heart, then we can follow His will.

Take the first step and determine to know the voice of God like never before! [...]]]> Are you "restless"?
Is there something inside you crying out, longing to know and fulfill what God has for you next?

When we know God's voice we learn God's heart. And when we know God's heart, then we can follow His will.

Take the first step and determine to know the voice of God like never before!

Here are the most frequent ways God has spoken throughout history. Jesus said we are His "sheep" and we know His voice... the question is are we listening?

John 10:27
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

God speaks through Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God speaks directly to your heart (still small voice)

Isaiah 31:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

1 Kings 19:11-13
The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

God speaks through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Convictions, leadings, dreams, visions and prophecy)

John 16:8-11
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Romans 8:14
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

2 Peter 1:19
We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Joel 2:28
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

God speaks through peace

Col 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

God speaks through common sense and wisdom

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

God speaks audibly (the actual voice of God)

Exodus 3:4
When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”

God speaks with messages sent through angels

Acts 5:19
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”


God's talking - are we listening?

]]> Lies That Attack Our Character http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/10/24/lies-that-attack-our-character http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/10/24/lies-that-attack-our-character Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:17:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/10/24/lies-that-attack-our-character The question is this: "Do we have the truth to address the lies thrown at us?"

The first 7 below are from last weekend's service at Destiny. There are 8 more added to them for personal study. There are countless other things that attack our character, but I see a few on the list [...]]]> The question is this: "Do we have the truth to address the lies thrown at us?"

The first 7 below are from last weekend's service at Destiny. There are 8 more added to them for personal study. There are countless other things that attack our character, but I see a few on the list below that I know will keep me busy for a while.

Taking specific truths from God’s Word and addressing those specific lies is key to victory. Here are some of the prevalent lies that attack our hearts… and a starting point from Scripture. Truth should be vocalized (spoken), personalized, prayed, and meditated on.

John 8:32
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”


Lies that Attack Our Character

» Pervasive Thoughts (sins in our thinking)

The Lie – I can’t help what I think about
The Truth – Our hearts follow what we feed them

Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.


» Besetting Sins

The Lie – I can manage the outcome of sin
The Truth – wherever there is sin, there is death

James 1:15
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.


» Lying/Exaggeration/Deception

The Lie - We believe a lie can get us something or somewhere the truth can’t
The Truth – a lie works against what God wants to do in me

Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices


» Unforgiveness

The Lie – We can’t forgive, or they don’t deserve it - so I refuse to.
The Truth – we forgive, because Christ forgave us

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.


» Pride

The Lie – It’s ok to play God
The Truth – We are to be the hands and heart of God

Jeremiah 9:23 – 24
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”


» Greed

The Lie – there’s not enough, I have to take all I can
The Truth – Hoarding brings poverty, sharing brings prosperity.

Proverbs 11:24
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.


» Relationships

The Lie – I’ll influence them, they won’t rub off on me
The Truth - The company you keep, determines the direction you go.

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.


» Possibility of Personal Change

The Lie – Meaningful, lasting change, can’t happen to me
The Truth – Anything is possible for God

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.


» Authority

The Lie - If I don’t agree with the rule, I don’t have to keep it
The Truth – God is the one who establishes authority

Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.


» Selfishness

The Lie – my things are most important
The Truth – we should look out for the needs of others before our own

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.


» Materialism

The Lie – As soon as I get "x,y,or z" I’ll be content
The Truth - Prosperity without character is devastation.

Proverbs 30:8-9
Keep falsehood and lies far from me give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.


» Speech

The Lie – I can’t help what I say
The Truth – Words give life or death

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.


» Anger / Revenge

The Lie – I deserve to see them get what they’ve got coming
The Truth - Our anger never accomplishes God’s will

James 1:19-29
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.


» Majority Rule

The Lie – The majority must be right and we should follow a crowd
The Truth – God has set you apart

Galatians 1:15-16
But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man,


» Work Ethic

The Lie – Minimum effort is permissible as long as minimum responsibilities are met.
The Truth – We work for God, not money or man

Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

]]> Male and Female in Heaven? http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/09/10/male-and-female-in-heaven http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/09/10/male-and-female-in-heaven Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:03:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/09/10/male-and-female-in-heaven
What Jesus does next is not only answer the question, but gives a glimpse of "what" believers will be like in heaven. Crazy stuff.

Matt 22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven." It seems clear that our gender will not matter in heaven as it does on earth. Now don't freak out on me yet.

Another passage that gives us a glimpse at the Kingdom of Heaven: Gal 3:28 "There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for you all are one in Christ Jesus." This does not mean that we are all nebulous-asexuals, or some kind of hermaphrodites. What it does mean is that there will be no classification of people based on our worldly or natural understanding of such things.

One thing that we do see in scripture is that the family design still exists in heaven. God is our Father, Christ is our Elder-Brother, and we are as brothers and sisters. The will be positions,

Another type of questions I get a lot about heaven are things like will people know us or remember us, will we be conscience, have feelings, what about minds to think or reason, the ability to feel, and things to do besides sing songs for all eternity. I think I wait and answer those this Wednesday night at Destiny Church. You should join us in person or online at www.destinychurchlive.com. I'll give you a hint though, the answer is yes - and it's going to be better than anything you could have ever imagined in this life.

]]> What a summer! http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/09/08/what-a-summer http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/09/08/what-a-summer Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:22:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/09/08/what-a-summer
Yep, hard to believe, my little girl got married. And WOW what a wedding it was! Never have I laughed, or cried, so much in such a short amount of time. She married the young man I believe we have been praying for her entire life. [...]]]>
Yep, hard to believe, my little girl got married. And WOW what a wedding it was! Never have I laughed, or cried, so much in such a short amount of time. She married the young man I believe we have been praying for her entire life.

Other news: My son Mikey got his drivers license... my prayer life is officially at an all-time high. At sixteen, and on his fourth month of driving, he remains ticket-free... two years longer than I had made it before I got my first - I know, do the math, right?

If that weren’t enough, Renae found a house outside of town so we up and moved (all the way from Tulsa to East Broken Arrow). Country living rocks and we love it!

And don't forget church - man I love our church... still the most amazing bunch of people I have ever come into contact with! Such an honor to pastor this body of believers!

All said, this summer was wonderful, and it was nuts. As I look over the last few months, it’s all a blur…. a beautiful blur, but definitely a blur.

God pushed us, but looking back, it was all worth it. Even as I write this Renae I are rediscovering stars (formerly hidden by city lights), smiling at Jayme’s wedding pics (aka Mrs. Van Risseghem), and I'm even contemplating sending Mikey to the store for a late-night snack - so he can put that license to work.

Life is good!

]]> There's a better way to do relationships! http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/04/20/theres-a-better-way-to-do-relationships http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/04/20/theres-a-better-way-to-do-relationships Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:47:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/04/20/theres-a-better-way-to-do-relationships
What does real love look like anyway? [...]]]>
What does real love look like anyway?



]]> A prayer of victory over the destroyer! http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/03/31/a-prayer-of-victory-over-the-destroyer http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/03/31/a-prayer-of-victory-over-the-destroyer Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:11:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/03/31/a-prayer-of-victory-over-the-destroyer
"Today, God I thank you that my life and health are blessed by You - I thank You that you have given me supernatural health, a clear mind at peace, and ALL the blessings pertaining to Your life and godliness. There is no [...]]]>
"Today, God I thank you that my life and health are blessed by You - I thank You that you have given me supernatural health, a clear mind at peace, and ALL the blessings pertaining to Your life and godliness. There is no sickness, affliction, or suffering that can come near my dwelling – I walk in Your power God - and have exercise Your authority over the Destroyer - I have the power to discern, the power to protect, and all power that comes from being your child - and I am free - covered in the blood of Jesus. Satan I rebuke you, any influence you have over me - on my life - and over my loved ones - your power is now broken – I walk in the authority given to me through Christ, I demand the honor given to me by God, and I take hold of and command the right to my health and a blessings in Jesus for me, In Jesus name amen!"

Uncovered – The Destroyer

Offering
2 Cor. 8:7
But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

------------

There are four strategies that Satan has in his war with believers.

Rev. 9:11
They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.

Apollyon – gr. Abaddwn – the minister of death, the author of havoc, the great destroyers

These notes are about the second strategy of "The Destroyer"

Target – All things material

1 Pet. 4:12-14
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Weapon – Affliction, Sickness, and Suffering
Purpose – To cause believers give up (specifically on God’s will for their lives)
The Believer’s Defense – God’s Supernatural Power

Power to discern

2 Tim. 1:13-14
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Power to be free

Luke 13:10-13
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

Power to know our identity in Christ

Luke 10:17-18
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Luke 10:19-20
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Power to censure (rebuke) the enemy

Luke 4:33-35
In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

Luke 4:38-39
Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39 So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.

Rebuke – gr epitimao - merited penalty, censure, demand honor from, and ridicule /

How can I tell if a “condition is demonic?

When there’s havoc and destruction that distracts or impairs the spiritual life of the one who is suffering.

Every believer must know their authority in Christ in order to live a victorious Christian Life.

Phil. 2:9
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God wants us to use the authority He has given us and put it to work in every area of our lives.







]]> The authority of the believer (a prayer) http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/03/02/the-authority-of-the-believer-a-prayer http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/03/02/the-authority-of-the-believer-a-prayer Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:10:00 +0000 Mike Goolsbay http://destinychurch.com/blog/2011/03/02/the-authority-of-the-believer-a-prayer Here's a link to the rest of the videos from this series. [...]]]>
Here's a link to the rest of the videos from this series.

"The Deceiver" - Service notes from 3/2/2011

Tonight at Destiny we began our new midweek series, "Uncovered." Specifically, here is the prayer we cited as a church body at the begining and the end of the teaching... a few asked if I could post it - also attached are the abbreviated sermon notes.

God wants to renew every part of our lives - it begins with our minds.

God, I give you my mind and heart. Satan, I take back what is rightfully mine through God,
in Jesus name.

God, I want to learn your promises in your Word, use the name of Jesus that you’ve given to me, and exercise the authority that You’ve delegated to me.

Satan I come against you in the name of Jesus. You have no place in my life. I refuse to believe, think, entertain, listen or have anything else to do with your lies. You are bound in Jesus name!

I speak the name of Jesus over every part of my life, my family, my circumstances, and my resources… that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. I confess Jesus Christ as Lord… to the glory of God the Father.

I am God’s workmanship, created for good works. Therefore - I am who God says I am, I have all that God says I have, and now I can do all that God wants of me. Amen!

Tonight at Destiny God put it on our hearts to lead the congregation in a prayer reminding the enemy
Uncovered – The Deceiver (Week 1)

1Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

There are four strategies that Satan has in his war with believers (This is week 1).

#1 The Deceiver

Target – Our Minds and Hearts

Prov. 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Weapon – Lies

Genesis 3:1-4
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

Genesis 3:4-5
“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

John 8:44
…He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Purpose – Destroy believers by keeping them ignorant of God’s will for their lives.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

"Comes" – Greek. “erchomai” - to come and go by an established and organized system.

Satan’s kingdom is strategic and well organized

The Believer’s Defense – The Name of Jesus and the Word of God

2Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Every believer must know their authority in Christ in order to live a victorious Christian Life.

Phil. 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


]]>