All posts by AOCM

My name is Pastor Tony Catron I graduate from K.S.U. with a degree in electronic/electrical engineering. While doing that I became a Junior Deacon and also a musician in my dad's ministry in Cleveland, Ohio. Years later, my career took me to Michigan where I worked as a Electrical/Electronic Engineer. While in Michigan I became a Minister, then later went to Seminary training at Birmingham Bible Institute and became an Elder at a large Pentecostal church in Michigan called LLCC. I was called to the ministry by God. So I headed up an outreach ministry based on the End Times, dealing with restoration in people lives. Then my dad called me back to Ohio to help him Pastor his church. During that time, God changed my outreach ministry, turning it into a full-time restoration ministry. He gave me the name Ark of Covenant Ministries and the rest is history.
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Mark 7

Jesus Breaks Religious Traditions

The Pharisees and Scribes had a tradition to wash their hands before eating bread and this tradition was so ingrained into their nature, that they passed it off as something of a commandment that had come from God! We know from Jesus admonition of them, that this tradition was not from God and that this tradition caused the Pharisees to look unfavorably in judgment on the disciples. We must be careful that out traditions don’t cause us to treat others without love.

Are traditions good or bad?

If you are holding people to a tradition without allowing others to grow then they are bad. In themselves they aren’t bad. But if they cause you to have control over people or insight judgment of others who don’t participate, if negativity is bred in the situation or puts a rift between you and God then the tradition needs to be reevaluated.

Jesus Explains What Truly Defiles

One of the 10 commandments God gave on mount Sinai was to honor the mother and father that your days be long on the Earth. Part of that obligation is to provide for them whatever was necessary to help them, be that monetarily or with whatever support they needed. The Pharassies and Scribes used a loop whole to get around this obligation by saying that the support that was rightfully due the parents was to be offered to God instead, disqualifying the Son or Daughter from helping their parents. However, the intent behind this would be one of selfishness, greed and injustice. God wants the posture of our hearts to match the goodness of our deeds.

What defiles a person is not what he eats but what comes out of him. We’re dealing with spiritual things and matters of the heart. Whatever we take in in the natural effects our spirit-man. This is why Jesus tells us to guard our hearts. We should guard our eye and ear gates because whatever we listen to and look at will be adsorbed by our hearts and will be birthed within us resulting in us exhibit the characteristics. Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future. You are what you have a constant contact with. You are what you eat.

What areas in your life are you defiling yourself? Are you even aware of them? Are you thinking evil? Do you dwell on that which is sexually immoral? Do you think about gaining wealth to be greedy, do you slander people in your inner most thoughts? Do you think arrogantly and recklessly?

Jesus and a Foreign Woman

Jesus was only going to Jewish people to proclaim the Gospel. However, a woman who was not Jewish came to Jesus for healing for her daughter and Jesus refused to help her. However, when she had faith in Jesus that her daughter could be healed, this moved Jesus. The Jews didn’t associate with non Jewish people, but regardless of this ethnic barrier, this woman’s faith moved Jesus to act on her behalf. Without faith it’s impossible to please God.

Jesus Heals a Deaf Man

Jesus was happy to heal this man, but He did so in a private place, away from the crowds. The way in which He healed was astounding as he put his fingers in the man’s ear and put His saliva on the man’s tongue and then spoke to them both saying “be opened.” Immediately the man was healed and Jesus told him and those around not to tell anyone. However, they publicized it all the more!

Summary

  1. Healing comes with revelation, 25-30
  2. Don’t let the traditions of men draw you in, 9
  3. Honor God with your heart and words, 6
  4. Honor your mother and father, 10
  5. With Jesus all things are possible, 37
  6. Don’t loose your head when Jesus gives you that bread, 36
  7. Clean your heart more than your hands, 3
  8. Don’t let your worship become a charade, 7
  9. Hear God clearly, 16
  10. Evil thoughts clutter the heart, 20-23

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You Must First Wait and Anticipate Before a Change Can Start to Gestate in You

Most of us have heard the saying “anticipation is making me wait,” from the Heinz ketchup commercial. All of us live in a shake & bake society, where if things are not done within 1 to 5 minutes if possible, in our lives or jobs, we get stressed and very emotional to the point sometimes where it would effect our health. There is another saying for example which says, “Good things come to them who wait.” Now this is an example of someone who has little to no patience. As we have seen from this Corona-virus pandemic, this world has very short if any patience for anything, even when their own life hangs on the balance. People panicking, hoarding, fighting over something that they don’t have control of. People were told to stay at home and when they’re out from their homes, they have to wear a mask plus stay 6 feet apart. From this we have learned that lack of faith and patience breeds discontent, restlessness, anger, jealousy, disobedience and even death. We must remember that the only time we don’t comply to man’s law is when it is in direct contradiction to the Word of God and Jesus Christ, for the highest power of all is the power that was given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The book of Colossians 2:9-10 says, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

Know this, that where there is lack of faith or no faith at all, there can be no beliefs in anything that you hold true. The Word of God says in Hebrews 11:6, that without faith it’s impossible to please Him. In simple terms, if you can’t accept the truth then you won’t believe or understand in what is reality. That means you would be stuck in a lie. That leads us back to this: how can you wait or anticipate change and wait for it to gestate in you when you don’t have real faith in God that it will take place?

Hebrews 6:10-12 reads:
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the
promises.


So, one must understand that to know the truth of what’s happening around you, you must first open your heart and let it receive the truth words of Jesus Christ with love and humility of heart.,


In my conclusion, Hebrews 13:17 goes on to say:
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Also Isaiah 40:31 says:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint


For your own reading time, read Jude 1:1-21.


Thank you for listening to God’s word.

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Mark 6

Jesus Rejected in Nazareth

Jesus was rejected in His own hometown in Nazareth. Their unbelief stopped the flow of healing virtue because they considered Jesus as just a common inhabitant of the town who was common just like them. They could not accept His wisdom and power because they were so familiar with Him, having watched Him grow up in the community.

Jesus Sends out the Twelve Apostles

Jesus gave His 12 disciples power over unclean spirits. Its very interesting how this is placed in the text so abruptly given its importance. Also, Jesus instructed them not to take anything with them as they went. This is so very profound. He sent them two by two in order that they may have a witness, for by the witness of two or three shall a matter be established according to Deuteronomy 19:15. They not only cast out demons, they preached repentance and performed miracles. The fact that the disciples had the same authority Jesus had gives the idea that we today as Christ followers are no exception when it comes to walking in the power that comes with the authority of Jesus. This brings to mind that we should evaluate our current state as we’re walking in Christ today. What are we doing to carry the authority of Jesus so that it manifests to the world around us? Are we content to simply attend Church meetings and not go out into our own communities to witness to others?

Death of John the Baptist

Like John who preached righteousness, he was persecuted to the point of death. It is through much persecution that we enter into the Kingdom according to Acts 14:22, but the one who endures even death for Jesus will obtain riches in heaven and a victors crown of Life just as Jesus encouraged the persecuted Church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:8.

John publicly rebuked Herod who took his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias as his own wife. Simply because John did not relent to promote righteousness, he was thrown into prison as an act of protection by Herod because he thought John was a righteous and holy man. But Herodias was extremely vengeful and wanted him killed and she found the opportunity when Herod asked her daughter, who had danced before him, such an act moving him to vow to give her anything she wanted.

The daughter or Herodias asked for counsel from her mother as to what to ask for. It was in the daughter’s power to choose on her own, yet it seemed she had such a tie to her mother that it led her to sin and further become an accomplice to murder. Her actions should teach us to be leary of the influence that people have on us. Herod liked John the Baptizer, yet because of his vow and the people who were witness of the vow, he had to agree to murder John, just to save face and appease his followers.

Jesus Multiplies Food to Feed Five Thousand

Jesus wanted to be alone with His disciples so that He could simply share a meal with them. Sometimes we have to go away to a different place or break up our normal routine to find something different. However, so, many people were following Jesus and His disciples and Jesus was moved with compassion and taught them. As it was getting late, the disciples urged Jesus to send the people home to buy food, yet Jesus challenged them to get the people food. He simply asked how much food they had. Five loaves and 2 fish fed a crowd of thousands as Jesus broke the bread and the fish, giving thanks to God for it, as it multiplied over and over again to feed them all.

Jesus Walks on Water

While the disciples were rowing against a raging storm, Jesus, having seen them struggling, came walking on the waters of the storm and He would have passed them by in the ship, had they not noticed Him. This is key. Jesus saw them struggling and could very well have stopped the storm by His own power. Why did Jesus will to keep walking past them and why didn’t he stopped the storm to alleviate their toil? He wanted them to realize the power they had to overcome their fear and even calm the storm themselves. The disciples were afraid because as they saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought He was a ghost. Jesus came into the boat and the storm was instantly calmed. The disciples had missed all the lessons of the previous miracles of multiplication of food and the very power He had only just given them to cast out demons and heal the sick. They had even had a very similar experience to this one in a storm in Mark 4:35-41. They were in a tumultuous storm on the lake, but Jesus was sound asleep in the stern of the boat. He simply said to the storm, “peace, be still.” Then He turned to them and said they were gripped so much by fear that they had not yet learned to trust. Neither had they learned then nor had they learned in this instance when they saw Him walking on the water. Their hearts were hard. The scripture says they were “toiling in rowing.” We can often be doing this in our own lives by striving and trying to make things happen of our own power and accord when all we have to do is call on Jesus.

Summary

  1. Don’t allow the storms in life to blind you to seeing Jesus Christ
  2. There is a lesson in the miracle, 48-52
  3. You are qualified by Christ, not the world’s credentials, 2-3, 7
  4. Be faithful, even unto death, 27
  5. Be careful of whom you allow yourself to be influenced by, 24-26
  6. Unbelief kills the anointing, 4-6
  7. Count the cost of your promises
  8. Christ will answer your needs both natural and spiritual, 34-42
  9. Let your compassion move you to action, 34
  10. Walk in your purpose no matter the cost, 18-19
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A Sinful Act Leaves a Trail and a Residue in a Personal Life

As a hunter goes out into the bushier woods, he’s constantly on the lookout for broken branches, prey trails and signs of the prey’s tracks to determine what type of prey it is. In like manner, when a detective is looking for a criminal, he looks for signs of a crime that have been committed by the accused. The detective looks for clues and signs of the accuse’s involvement in said crime, by seeking out evidence that makes up a trail of the accuse’s whereabouts during the time of the alleged incident. This in turn could prove the accused innocent or guilty. So then the detective begins to bring out his tools of the trade by checking with eye witness. Then he will start dusting for finger prints to see if the accused was even Present at the time. If they find items on the site, then they will bring out the dogs who will use their keen sense of smell to track down the suspect.

People need to understand that your life’s walk in this world leaves a trail and a residue weather good or bad. Every trail has a sign of tracks that tell what types of activities and situations that have transpired in that person life. If you didn’t know, demonic spirits keeps records of all your ungodly activities at all times, weather you’re Christian or not. If this is what demons are doing, what do think the angels in heaven are doing?

Luke 8:16-18 says, “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.”


You must under stand that the Lord’s eyes are upon you all you say, all you think and all you do.

Proverbs 5:21 says, “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he pondereth all his goings.”


Matthew 7:13-14 states, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”


In my conclusion, I’ll direct you to Matthew 10:22-28:


22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

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Mark 5

A Demonized Man Set Free

The way in which demons cause those that they posses to act in the most unseemly and untoward way is astounding. People may look at people who are demon possessed and think to themselves that person is crazy. However, we miss the spiritual connotations associated with that “crazy” behaviour. This demons possess mad man was fettered with chains, but had strength enough to break them off! Although the powers of darkness may be strong, Jesus is stronger. The demons recognize His authority, a force and power which will always overcome darkness. To cast a demon out doesn’t require striving and aggravation in manor of speech and sound. Jesus simply said, “come out of him.” The demons know there is a God and tremble. All of darkness must bow to Jesus. Demons can’t do anything to you unless you allow it or unless they see a weakness in you that they can exploit.

When the demons were cast out of this man, they wanted to go into some other living creature in order to continue to torment and terrorize. There were 2000 hogs on a nearby hill which the demons asked to be cast into. Its quite remarkable that Jesus gave them permission to do this, as before they were so a frightened that He would cast them out of the region. The Gospel of Luke says of this account that they feared being cast into the deep. They went into the pigs and caused the pigs to drown themselves in the ocean.

After the demons were cast out and the demonized man regained his composure and sanity, the people of the town wanted Jesus to leave. One would have thought that they would have welcomed Him for doing such a noble and compassionate deed for a tormented and deranged man. However, with their livestock being lost, no doubt a resource of their livelihood, one could imagine they were angry and fearful instead of gleeful and reverent that God had come to them. Also, a momentous change to their environment and circumstances showed that they were a stubborn people, unwilling to change their mindset about the miraculous power of God. Even still, they were aware of this miracle, but cared more about their herds than the well-being of the tormented man.

Two Miracles: Healing and Resurrection

While Jesus was surrounded by a crowd of people who were touching Him, one woman with great faith and desperation driving her get close enough to Jesus to simply touch the fringe of His garment, was healed instantly. She had and issue of constant bleeding and she said to herself, “If only I could touch His garment, I would be healed.” Jesus honors, in regard to our healing, what our faith expects of Him. She determined if she could just touch His garment she would be healed. The Centenarian of Matthew 8, whose son was at home sick, had faith that determined that if Jesus just spoke the word of healing, healing would flow to his son being miles away. Your faith determines how you shall be healed and through what avenue you shall be. This woman and the Centenarians stories are amazing because their faith in Jesus was what made them well. Faith is extremely powerful to do things in the spiritual realm. Without faith its impossible to please Him.

During the pressing of the crowd and the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, the disciples were being discipled in that instance. When Jesus said virtue went out of Him and the disciples went to a carnal mindset, they were seeing in action how power, virtue and faith come together to perform heal miracles. Jesus didn’t belittle the disciples but taught them with compassion and patience, though they were more concerned about the outward and carnal things.

When a bad report comes, like that of the death of the Synagogue rulers daughter, it creates a great doubt and causes the soul to be seized with fear and sadness. Also, the voice of reason stirs doubt. However, Jesus was trying to stir up the man’s faith by telling him not to give into fear because as we’ve seen, faith is what facilitates miracles. Who had the faith here? Jesus and the dead girls Father, though the Father’s faith was little.

Jesus took 3 disciples with Him, Peter, James & John. These three seem to be closest to Him because in other instances, Jesus chose only them to go with Him on certain occasions, such as the mount of transfiguration, and in the garden of Gethsemane. We also see in this instance, as in the one with the woman being healed of the issue of blood, that the disciples were being discipled on how to raise the dead. Peter, in the book of Acts 9, does takes very similar steps to heal a woman who died, as Jesus does here for the little girl. Jesus caused all the whalers to go out of the room, because their weeping caused doubt and sadness to be active against Him speaking life into the girl.

Summary

  1. Demons must flee in the presence of Jesus, 11
  2. Let your deliverance be a testimony, 19
  3. God moves in our lives with genuine, sincere faith, 34
  4. Faith in Christ is your best advice
  5. Allow your faith to overcome your fear, 33
  6. Your faith activates healing virtue, 28-29
  7. What’s your posture in the presence of Jesus, 22
  8. Miracles don’t always have to be publicized, 43
  9. Demons will obey you when your walk is true, 12
  10. Use discernment to know them that you minister with, 37