We've all heard the phrase, "a mind is a terrible thing to waste." While this phrase is not necessarily referring to spiritual things, the human mind is the bridge that connects the reality of God's will to our human experience. We will NEVER operate in the will of God, the reality of God, with a mind FULL of earthly things. I am convinced this is the area all of us struggle in the most. The world is full of ungodliness bombarding our eyes, ears and thinking everyday and the impact on our thought life can be detrimental to the manner in which we perceive and do the will of God. God's will is eternal and is not perceived by the natural man fixated on temporal things. God's will requires spiritual accuity to perceive, embrace and accomplish. It requires a mind-full of heaven's revelation, God's thoughts, God's ways.
THE CONFLICT
The flesh, or the carnal fallen nature of man NEVER desires to do the will of God. For this reason we must die to the flesh and its desires daily by allowing the Holy Spirit inside of us to rule our hearts and our minds (Gal. 5:17). The battle between our fallen nature and our spiritual man is ever raging but the key to victory is actually quite simple. Perhaps too simple because it does not require our strength nor power. It doesn't even require our intellect. It only requires our surrender. Usually in a battle the one that surrenders loses the battle but in God's kingdom the victor is the one that surrenders to the ONE WHO HAS ALREADY WON THE BATTLE. Jesus has won the battle for our future - for our eternal destiny. However, for many, surrender is actually most difficult for two reasons: surrender is very difficult for those who want to live life their way and not God's way - they simply refuse to submit to the will of God, and secondly, surrender is often hard for those who desire to live life God's way but are so conditioned to accomplishing things in their own strength that surrender seems too easy. Surrender does not mean that we are exempt from all effort, it just means OUR EFFORT APART FROM HIM ACCOMPLISHES NOTHING. Jesus said it this way, "if you abide in me and I in you, you will bear MUCH fruit, but apart from me you CAN DO NOTHING (Jn. 15:5). Therefore, surrender is to acknowlege that
His way is the best way for me. I don't know about you but I have failed multiple times in my life doing "life" my way only to come to the same conclusion each time - God's way is the ONLY way that works. When we learn to surrender our heart to God and guard it with ALL DILIGENCE (Pr. 4:23) and renew our minds to the will of God daily then alignment with the will of God comes naturally or rather "supernaturally" (Rm. 12:1-2). King Solomon was right when he wrote "as a man thinks.....so is he" (Pr. 23:7).
God wants us to think His thoughts, know His ways and do His will accomplishing all He has purposed for us even before we were formed in our mothers womb (Jer. 1:5).
There is probably not a more practical illustation in scripture of the battle between the flesh and the spirit, the will of man vs. the will of God than in the Matthew 16 narrative with Jesus and His disciples:
From that time forth Jesus began to show his disciples how that he must go to Jerusalem, and
suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and raised from the
dead on the third day. Then Peter took him (Jesus) and began to rebuke him saying, Be it far
from thee, Lord; this shall not be unto thee. BUT he (Jesus) turned and said unto Peter, Get
thee behind me Satan, you are an offense to me: for you are not MINDFUL of the things of
God, but those things that are of men (Matt. 16:22-23).
Notice the intensity of Jesus' rebuke of Peter when Peter spoke in opposition to the perfect will of God. Obviously, Peter's flesh was in opposition to the will of God. In His rebuke, Jesus called Peter, Satan, because Peter was allowing his earthly way of thinking to impede his understanding of and alignment with the will of God. Satan, the arch enemy of the Most High God, who was expelled from heaven because of his rebellion against God, is an opportunist, always searching for a vessel to accomplish his will through. Satan loves a human mind full of earthly things and void of the word of God. Satan thrives in darkness, in the shadows of doubt, unbelief and lies and a mind full of earthly things is the perfect environment for Satan to sow his seeds. Once Satan finds such a vessel all he needs is for the same vessel to speak and act accordingly. Remember, "as a man thinks - SO IS HE." Satan knows this all too well so he works diligently to influence our thought life in order to influence our words and actions. When thoughts are set in motion through words and actions then results will follow. For example, what if Jesus had entertained Peter's rebuke of Him when Peter said, "no Lord, this shall not be." In context Jesus was referring to the Cross and Peter, speaking with a MIND-FULL of earthly things rejected the Cross as the will of God for Jesus. Thank God, Jesus DID NOT LISTEN TO PETER, but instead, Jesus rebuked Satan, who was the source of Peter's misguided revelation. Likewise, we must do the same. When Satan comes to plant lies, unbelief and deception in our minds, we must actively guard and rebuke Satans's efforts, and better yet, FILL OUR MINDS with God's word leaving Satan little room for planting. So the three keys to winning the conflict is (1) surrender to the will of God, (2) guard your heart and mind with ALL DILIGENCE, and (3) fill your mind with God's word, God's thoughts.
BUILDING HIS KINGDOM
A person with a HEART SURRENDERED to the will of God and a MIND-FULL of the word of God is the building materials of the kingdom of God in the earth. God uses surrendered, ordinary people to overthrow the gates of hell and invoke His glory in the earth. Just prior to Peter's rebuke for comments proceeding from a MIND FULL of earthly things was perhaps Peter's most affirming moment with Christ:
And Jesus asked His disciples, who do you say that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said
You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed
are you, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood (natural) has not revealed it unto you, but my
Father which is in heaven (spiritual). And I say to you, That you are Peter, and upon this
rock I will build my church; AND the gates of hell SHALL NOT PREVAIL against it (His
church).
Unlike Peter's rebuke from Christ, Peter, in this discourse, receives perhaps the greatest boost of affirmation of his lifetime. When Jesus says your blessed then your blessed! Not bad when God in the flesh affirms who you are and your purpose in the earth. How would you like that personal prophesy? Jesus just commended Peter for his spiritual accuity and willingness to open his heart and mind to revelation from heaven. By the way, Jesus never said that heavenly revelation was for Peter only - no it is for all of us who are spritually minded and led by the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:9-12.) Shortly after this moment of divine affirmation, Peter found himself in a place of contradiction. In one instance he is commended for receiving heavenly revelation and in the next he is rebuked for receiving and speaking NOT SO HEAVENLY REVELATION. If not careful we are just like Peter - a walking contradiction. Fortunately, Peter learned from his mistakes and became exactly what Jesus said he would be -a rock, a building block of the early church. Peter became the man Jesus prophesied because HE LEARNED FROM HIS MISTAKES AND GOT HIS MIND FULL OF HEAVENLY THINGS.
Wisdom from above is ours if we will only seek and ask God for it. In James 1:5, the apostle writes that God not only gives us wisdom when we ask but James assures us that God WILL NOT WITHHOLD IT. The Greek word for 'wisdom' here means to perceive and see AS GOD SEES. In other words, God wants to share his perspective with us in order to help us align with His will. When we see as God sees - we will do as God does. Jesus said in John 5:30, I only DO WHAT I SEE MY FATHER DO. I believe Peter learned from his experience that day with Jesus and I believe he became one of the great leaders of the early church as a result.
GOOD SUCCESS
There are only a bajillion interpretations of what constitutes success. Some interpret success as the accumulation of great wealth, for others it is a place or position of power and influence, while for others it may be fame and peer acknowledgment; however, it is quite possible to have success but not GOOD SUCCESS. The difference is good success is God success and God success, which may include some, all or none of the above, requires a heart surrendered to the will of God and a MIND FULL of the word (ways) of God. The road to GOOD SUCCESS is one way and best illustrated in the life of Joshua, the young leader of Israel who led God's people into the land of promise:
Only be strong and courageous, that you may observe and do according to all the law (God's
word), which Moses my servant commanded you: do not turn from those instructions to the
right or to the left, that wherever you go you WILL PROSPER. This book of the law (God's
instructions) shall not depart out of your mouth (in other words, "dont stop speaking and
talking God's word); BUT MEDITATE (keep your MIND FULL) day and night so that you
will know and do all the will of God; for then you will make your way prosperous and
have GOOD SUCCESS (Joshua 1:1-9)
If you read the remainder of the Book of Joshua you will know that Joshua was very success and did achieve GOOD SUCCESS. Joshua's secret to leadership success was two fold: (1) He surrendered to the will of God and (2) He kept His MIND FULL of heavenly things. In God's instructions to Joshua were "instructions" to MEDITATE on the instructions. Meditate means to actively rehearse, keep before your eyes, FILL YOUR THOUGHTS WITH. Let's put all that together.
So God was telling Joshua, the key to GOOD SUCCESS is to "actively rehearse, keep as the center of your focus and fill your thoughts" with my instructions and the resutls will be perfect execution.
As a results Joshua's leadership accomplishments were nothing short of miraculous, even the sun stood still for a day at his request. There are not too many leadership books, quotes, and tools that reduce GOOD SUCCESS down to just two things.This is God's way, it's very simple, but also very adversive to the way of the world. Unfortunately, many of us miss God's way on our lifelong pursuit of yet another man's wisdom and way to success, but even if we find it, is it GOOD SUCCESS -is it God success?
Want good success? GET YOUR MIND-FULL.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Run Your Race
Nearing the time of his death, the Apostle Paul writes to his young apprentice, Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim. 4:7). Exactly, what race was Paul referring to? Some translations use the word 'course' instead of race. Regardless, Paul was referring to the course of life God had called him to travel. He was referring to his faith adventure and destiny on this side of heaven. Paul used this analogy to refer to the 'will of God' for his life. This racecourse in which Paul was referring obviously had a beginning and an end, and most importantly, the course was designed just for Paul. Paul understood that his racecourse included his calling, his ministry and his life of following Christ. Furthermore, Paul understood that his course was laid out solely for him with no other runners on his course. Therefore, only Paul could either finish or fail to finish his course. Evidently, Paul finished, thus he writes, "I have finished the (my) race." We all have our own course to run and we should run it to win and bring glory to our God and King.
THERE IS NO GREATER ACCOMPLISHMENT ON THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN THAN TO FINISH YOUR RACE.
In regards to our race, we must learn and be o.k. with the fact that we are not in competition with others, nor are we in competition with Satan. That's great news! God did not call others to run our course because He created a course just for them. God has a plan and His plan is custom designed. His designed course will always have the greatest impact on others for His glory although we run the course alone. Our course includes our purpose and destiny in Christ, and along the way our life choices will either determine whether we stay on course and finish the race or whether we veer off course and perhaps never finish.
We all have to choose in life whether we will run HIS race or our own; however, only HIS race counts for eternity.
The hard part is that we live in a world that competes over everything from wealth to power to influence. We are bombarded from all sides with a system of thinking and doing that just is not in agreement with God's ways. It is vitally important we learn to live and thrive in this world while never being OF THIS WORLD. For this very reason, Paul admonished the church at Rome, "DO NOT BE CONFORMED to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2) Simply put, how can you run the race and finish if you aren't even on the right course. The world's course squeezes or conforms us into its mold. That's why until we surrender to God's course there will always be this constant pressure, unrest, dis-ease of the soul trying to make us look like, act like and run like the world; however, God does not squeeze us, but rather, He transforms us from the inside out. He changes our hearts, thus changing our desires. When our desires change then our pursuits change and at this point the old course no longer interest us because there is no capacity in us to desire it anymore. God works in us to change what we desire which results in a change in what we do (Phil 2:13).
Then there is all that stinkin' thinkin' we must learn to rid ourselves of and it is not easy. The way we think impacts the way we act so in order for our actions to change our minds MUST BE RENEWED (renovated) by the Word of God and guess what - one hour at church every Sunday won't get it done. If we are serious about winning the battle of the mind and consequently changing the way we think and act we must feed our soul the Word of God. Man's wisdom, while it makes for good facebook fodder and certainly can be helpful, is not ALIVE and able to divide both the soul and the spirit (Heb. 4:12). The Word of God is not mere black ink on white paper - the Word of God is the life, breath, heart, mind, will, ways, and wisdom of the living God! The Word of God is supernatural just as the race we must all endeavor to run is supernatural.
Finishing the race is so important to God that the Holy Spirit inspired the writer of the book of Hebrews to pen the following instructions and encouragement for running and finishing the race. There are four keys the writer emphasizes in these passages:
"THEREFORE, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God "(Hebrews 12:1-2).
1. The reality is we are surrounded in heaven by a GREAT CLOUD of witnesses. Hebrews 11 explains that these are all the great men and women of faith that endured tremendous adversity, hardship, persecution and even death for not quiting their race of faith. This great cloud of witnesses is our inspiration to focus and finish the race God has set before us REGARDLESS of the obstacles.
2. We must lighten the load. Most serious runners do not wear cumbersome clothing but most wear very light, comfortable clothing and shoes. It is essential that we get rid of the baggage, more specifically, we need to "throw off" EVERY WEIGHT AND SIN that clings to us.
The weight referred to here is the "weight of the world." We must learn to cast our cares on Jesus and enter into His rest. Also, we must deal with the sin(s) that cling to us or better yet, the sins WE CLING TO. Yes, that one, two, three.....You can keep those clingy sins if you like, no one will know BUT BEWARE those clingy sins will weigh you done and will WEAR YOU DOWN.
3. This is a race of endurance; therefore, be prepared to endure hardship, persecution, rejection,
separation (in the world but not of the world), etc... The Christian race is a lifetime of following Jesus and it is much deeper and more difficult than just going to church for one hour per week and posting the verse of the day on facebook. The race of faith requires one to BE ALL IN TO WIN or giving up will come easy. The church is losing a generation of post 18 year-olds b/c the example of Christianity they have grown up with is weak, uncommitted, confusing and does not reconcile with the path of true discipleship or FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST. Only the sold-out ones will endure!!
4. Keep your eyes on Jesus and in order to do so we must TURN OUR EYES FROM ALL OTHERS. Just like when I fell in love with my wife as a young college student I could not take my eyes off of her. She was and still is so beautiful. Likewise, the moment we take our eyes off of beholding His beauty, majesty, holiness, etc..... we grow cold in our faith and lose focus for finishing the race. Jesus does not just direct the way - HE IS THE WAY (John 14:6). When we FIX (means immovable) our eyes on Him there is no shadow of turning nor can we be deterred from the course regardless of the obstacles, resistance and hardships that come our way.
His grace authored our race, His grace sustains our race and His grace will empower us to finish our race !!
THERE IS NO GREATER ACCOMPLISHMENT ON THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN THAN TO FINISH YOUR RACE.
In regards to our race, we must learn and be o.k. with the fact that we are not in competition with others, nor are we in competition with Satan. That's great news! God did not call others to run our course because He created a course just for them. God has a plan and His plan is custom designed. His designed course will always have the greatest impact on others for His glory although we run the course alone. Our course includes our purpose and destiny in Christ, and along the way our life choices will either determine whether we stay on course and finish the race or whether we veer off course and perhaps never finish.
We all have to choose in life whether we will run HIS race or our own; however, only HIS race counts for eternity.
The hard part is that we live in a world that competes over everything from wealth to power to influence. We are bombarded from all sides with a system of thinking and doing that just is not in agreement with God's ways. It is vitally important we learn to live and thrive in this world while never being OF THIS WORLD. For this very reason, Paul admonished the church at Rome, "DO NOT BE CONFORMED to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2) Simply put, how can you run the race and finish if you aren't even on the right course. The world's course squeezes or conforms us into its mold. That's why until we surrender to God's course there will always be this constant pressure, unrest, dis-ease of the soul trying to make us look like, act like and run like the world; however, God does not squeeze us, but rather, He transforms us from the inside out. He changes our hearts, thus changing our desires. When our desires change then our pursuits change and at this point the old course no longer interest us because there is no capacity in us to desire it anymore. God works in us to change what we desire which results in a change in what we do (Phil 2:13).
Then there is all that stinkin' thinkin' we must learn to rid ourselves of and it is not easy. The way we think impacts the way we act so in order for our actions to change our minds MUST BE RENEWED (renovated) by the Word of God and guess what - one hour at church every Sunday won't get it done. If we are serious about winning the battle of the mind and consequently changing the way we think and act we must feed our soul the Word of God. Man's wisdom, while it makes for good facebook fodder and certainly can be helpful, is not ALIVE and able to divide both the soul and the spirit (Heb. 4:12). The Word of God is not mere black ink on white paper - the Word of God is the life, breath, heart, mind, will, ways, and wisdom of the living God! The Word of God is supernatural just as the race we must all endeavor to run is supernatural.
Finishing the race is so important to God that the Holy Spirit inspired the writer of the book of Hebrews to pen the following instructions and encouragement for running and finishing the race. There are four keys the writer emphasizes in these passages:
"THEREFORE, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God "(Hebrews 12:1-2).
1. The reality is we are surrounded in heaven by a GREAT CLOUD of witnesses. Hebrews 11 explains that these are all the great men and women of faith that endured tremendous adversity, hardship, persecution and even death for not quiting their race of faith. This great cloud of witnesses is our inspiration to focus and finish the race God has set before us REGARDLESS of the obstacles.
2. We must lighten the load. Most serious runners do not wear cumbersome clothing but most wear very light, comfortable clothing and shoes. It is essential that we get rid of the baggage, more specifically, we need to "throw off" EVERY WEIGHT AND SIN that clings to us.
The weight referred to here is the "weight of the world." We must learn to cast our cares on Jesus and enter into His rest. Also, we must deal with the sin(s) that cling to us or better yet, the sins WE CLING TO. Yes, that one, two, three.....You can keep those clingy sins if you like, no one will know BUT BEWARE those clingy sins will weigh you done and will WEAR YOU DOWN.
The sins we cling to will be the sins that keep us from finishing the race.
Some translations call these the "sins that so easily beset us". Beset means to 'be set back'. So just when you "think" your running strong, whoops you get BESET again.
GET RID OF IT AND IT WILL BESET YOU NO MORE!!!!
3. This is a race of endurance; therefore, be prepared to endure hardship, persecution, rejection,
separation (in the world but not of the world), etc... The Christian race is a lifetime of following Jesus and it is much deeper and more difficult than just going to church for one hour per week and posting the verse of the day on facebook. The race of faith requires one to BE ALL IN TO WIN or giving up will come easy. The church is losing a generation of post 18 year-olds b/c the example of Christianity they have grown up with is weak, uncommitted, confusing and does not reconcile with the path of true discipleship or FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST. Only the sold-out ones will endure!!
4. Keep your eyes on Jesus and in order to do so we must TURN OUR EYES FROM ALL OTHERS. Just like when I fell in love with my wife as a young college student I could not take my eyes off of her. She was and still is so beautiful. Likewise, the moment we take our eyes off of beholding His beauty, majesty, holiness, etc..... we grow cold in our faith and lose focus for finishing the race. Jesus does not just direct the way - HE IS THE WAY (John 14:6). When we FIX (means immovable) our eyes on Him there is no shadow of turning nor can we be deterred from the course regardless of the obstacles, resistance and hardships that come our way.
His grace authored our race, His grace sustains our race and His grace will empower us to finish our race !!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Relentless
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalms 139. In this chapter, David reveals God's heart for and relentless pursuit of humanity. I always thought that the last person to give up on you was your mother, but there is no one on earth or in heaven above that is as relentless as our Heavenly Father. No matter where we go His Spirit will pursue. HE NEVER GIVES UP.... HE NEVER QUITS PURSUING unitl we are securely His and even when we are His, and stray, He is right there......pursuing us to the utter ends of the earth.
I love what David writes in Psalm 139:7-12, "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you."
David begins his narrative with a thought provoking quesiton, "where can I go that the Spirit of God will not pursue?" David answers his own question with this powerful revelation, "there is NO WHERE I can go, nor hide, that the Holy Spirit will not pursue." This simple but profound truth changed my life and has changed the life of multiplied thousands around the world. The truth that God, by His Spirit, found me.....saved me and set me free, is the greatest experiential revelation I know to date but this revelation is not for me to keep to my self, it is to be shared with the world. This is the Gospel or good news, "God pursued man, even to the depths of hell and raised man up with Him to live with Him in perfect relationship forever." There is NO WHERE you and I can go that our Heavenly Father isn't willing to pursue, confront and breathe new life into our soul!!
Salvation, is God pursuing lost man, finding man, confronting man and resurrecting man into newness of life. Revival is God pursuing HIS CHURCH, confronting HIS CHURCH, and BREATHING NEW LIFE into HIS CHURCH. This is how much our Father loves us.....HIS PURSUIT IS RELENTLESS!
Early Church Father, Clement, in his writings shared a story involving the great Apostle, then Bishop John which demonstrates the relentless pursuit of the heart of God:
When John the apostle returned to Ephesus from his exile on the island of Patmos, he was invited to numerous churches (likely being the only apostle still alive, and certainly the only one still remaining in Asia Minor). He went from church to church, appointing bishops, strengthening the people, and ordaining others who were marked out by the Spirit. John arrived in a city which Clement left unnamed on purpose and there he appointed a bishop. As he was doing so, he noticed a handsome, powerful youth, full of energy. He turned to the bishop and told him, "I commit this boy to you before the church and with Christ as witness. This is a charge to be taken seriously."
The bishop not only accepted the charge, but he took the boy home to live with him. He raised him and loved him, and eventually he baptized him.
Unfortunately, the bishop, somehow feeling that the seal of the Lord that he set on the young man was enough, relaxed his diligent care. The "premature freedom" was too much for the boy. He began to run in the company of other youths who did not have the same care for Christ. They were idle, committed to nothing, and practiced in reckless living. They drew him in by introducing him to luxuries and expensive entertainment. Winning his friendship, they brought him along on less acceptable activities, including highway robbery.Like a powerful horse let loose on the reins, he became more adept at cruelty than any of his friends. He was the fiercest and the most bloodthirsty, and soon he was the captain of a gang of thieves, feared throughout the town.
Some time passed before the church called on John again. By the time he returned, the bishop had given up hope on the young man and forgotten him. John the apostle, however, had not.
"Come now, O bishop, restore to us the deposit which I and the Savior committed to you before the eyes of the church, which you lead." The bishop was flummoxed. He assumed John was referring to some deposit of money, and age had simply dimmed his memory, but he didn't dare call the great John the Apostle a liar. He simply stood in confused and fearful silence. Then John said, "I demand the young man! The soul of my brother!" The bishop broke into tears. "He is dead," he replied. "Dead? How did he die? What kind of death was it?" John asked. "He is dead to God," the bishop replied. "He turned wicked, and he left. Now at last he is a robber, and he has taken possession of the mountain right in front of the church, along with his gang of thieves." He didn't give the bishop an inch. "A fine guard of a brother's soul I left here." "Get me a horse," he cried, "and someone to show me the way up the mountain!"
John the apostle wasted no time. He didn't change or wash, but aged and gray, he climbed on the horse and charged up the mountain.… and straight into the hands of the thieves. "Take me, then! That's why I'm here. Lead the way to your captain." The thieves approached their leader with their trophy. The young man was decked out with weapons, a broad, large, and fearful looking warrior. Weren't his friends astonished when he turned and fled at the sight of the wizened, old gentleman!
That old gentleman immediately forgot his age, and he took to flight after the captain as the gang stood with mouths agape. "Why are you running, my son?" John shouted after the young man. "I'm old and unarmed! Please, pity me! Don't be afraid! You still have hope of life." John shouted as he ran, never giving up. "I will give account to Christ for you, if that's necessary. The Lord died for us; I will willingly surrender my life for you! Stop! Believe! Christ has sent me!" The young man gave up. He stopped, turned, and looked down at the old man, John the apostle, then burst into tears. He threw himself into the apostle's arms and wept bitterly for a long time. Then he began to repent, baptizing himself a second time with tears. John dropped to his knees and pledged to the young man that he would find forgiveness from the Savior. He kissed his hand, and he led him back to the church.
John, also called the Apostle of love, pursued this young man, who had fallen away from his Heavenly Father. John, like our Heavenly Father, did not condemn or give up on the young man, BUT he pursued him, confronted him and breathed new life into him. THIS IS THE HEART OF OUR FATHER. He left heaven in pursuit of humanity. He found us.....confronted us........pursued us to the Cross, even to the grave and finally, He raised us up with Him in newness of life!!
Our God is RELENTLESS in His pursuit of the lost, broken and fallen. No matter where we go or how far we stray His Spirit is there beckoning us to come home. I pray that if you are not where you should be that the Spirit of God finds you, confronts you and breathes new life into you today!!
For those who know their God and are captured by His love. Be the one, like John, that never quits, never gives up on those who are lost, broken and fallen. BE RELENTLESS!!
I love what David writes in Psalm 139:7-12, "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you."
David begins his narrative with a thought provoking quesiton, "where can I go that the Spirit of God will not pursue?" David answers his own question with this powerful revelation, "there is NO WHERE I can go, nor hide, that the Holy Spirit will not pursue." This simple but profound truth changed my life and has changed the life of multiplied thousands around the world. The truth that God, by His Spirit, found me.....saved me and set me free, is the greatest experiential revelation I know to date but this revelation is not for me to keep to my self, it is to be shared with the world. This is the Gospel or good news, "God pursued man, even to the depths of hell and raised man up with Him to live with Him in perfect relationship forever." There is NO WHERE you and I can go that our Heavenly Father isn't willing to pursue, confront and breathe new life into our soul!!
Salvation, is God pursuing lost man, finding man, confronting man and resurrecting man into newness of life. Revival is God pursuing HIS CHURCH, confronting HIS CHURCH, and BREATHING NEW LIFE into HIS CHURCH. This is how much our Father loves us.....HIS PURSUIT IS RELENTLESS!
Early Church Father, Clement, in his writings shared a story involving the great Apostle, then Bishop John which demonstrates the relentless pursuit of the heart of God:
When John the apostle returned to Ephesus from his exile on the island of Patmos, he was invited to numerous churches (likely being the only apostle still alive, and certainly the only one still remaining in Asia Minor). He went from church to church, appointing bishops, strengthening the people, and ordaining others who were marked out by the Spirit. John arrived in a city which Clement left unnamed on purpose and there he appointed a bishop. As he was doing so, he noticed a handsome, powerful youth, full of energy. He turned to the bishop and told him, "I commit this boy to you before the church and with Christ as witness. This is a charge to be taken seriously."
The bishop not only accepted the charge, but he took the boy home to live with him. He raised him and loved him, and eventually he baptized him.
Unfortunately, the bishop, somehow feeling that the seal of the Lord that he set on the young man was enough, relaxed his diligent care. The "premature freedom" was too much for the boy. He began to run in the company of other youths who did not have the same care for Christ. They were idle, committed to nothing, and practiced in reckless living. They drew him in by introducing him to luxuries and expensive entertainment. Winning his friendship, they brought him along on less acceptable activities, including highway robbery.Like a powerful horse let loose on the reins, he became more adept at cruelty than any of his friends. He was the fiercest and the most bloodthirsty, and soon he was the captain of a gang of thieves, feared throughout the town.
Some time passed before the church called on John again. By the time he returned, the bishop had given up hope on the young man and forgotten him. John the apostle, however, had not.
"Come now, O bishop, restore to us the deposit which I and the Savior committed to you before the eyes of the church, which you lead." The bishop was flummoxed. He assumed John was referring to some deposit of money, and age had simply dimmed his memory, but he didn't dare call the great John the Apostle a liar. He simply stood in confused and fearful silence. Then John said, "I demand the young man! The soul of my brother!" The bishop broke into tears. "He is dead," he replied. "Dead? How did he die? What kind of death was it?" John asked. "He is dead to God," the bishop replied. "He turned wicked, and he left. Now at last he is a robber, and he has taken possession of the mountain right in front of the church, along with his gang of thieves." He didn't give the bishop an inch. "A fine guard of a brother's soul I left here." "Get me a horse," he cried, "and someone to show me the way up the mountain!"
John the apostle wasted no time. He didn't change or wash, but aged and gray, he climbed on the horse and charged up the mountain.… and straight into the hands of the thieves. "Take me, then! That's why I'm here. Lead the way to your captain." The thieves approached their leader with their trophy. The young man was decked out with weapons, a broad, large, and fearful looking warrior. Weren't his friends astonished when he turned and fled at the sight of the wizened, old gentleman!
That old gentleman immediately forgot his age, and he took to flight after the captain as the gang stood with mouths agape. "Why are you running, my son?" John shouted after the young man. "I'm old and unarmed! Please, pity me! Don't be afraid! You still have hope of life." John shouted as he ran, never giving up. "I will give account to Christ for you, if that's necessary. The Lord died for us; I will willingly surrender my life for you! Stop! Believe! Christ has sent me!" The young man gave up. He stopped, turned, and looked down at the old man, John the apostle, then burst into tears. He threw himself into the apostle's arms and wept bitterly for a long time. Then he began to repent, baptizing himself a second time with tears. John dropped to his knees and pledged to the young man that he would find forgiveness from the Savior. He kissed his hand, and he led him back to the church.
John, also called the Apostle of love, pursued this young man, who had fallen away from his Heavenly Father. John, like our Heavenly Father, did not condemn or give up on the young man, BUT he pursued him, confronted him and breathed new life into him. THIS IS THE HEART OF OUR FATHER. He left heaven in pursuit of humanity. He found us.....confronted us........pursued us to the Cross, even to the grave and finally, He raised us up with Him in newness of life!!
Our God is RELENTLESS in His pursuit of the lost, broken and fallen. No matter where we go or how far we stray His Spirit is there beckoning us to come home. I pray that if you are not where you should be that the Spirit of God finds you, confronts you and breathes new life into you today!!
For those who know their God and are captured by His love. Be the one, like John, that never quits, never gives up on those who are lost, broken and fallen. BE RELENTLESS!!
Friday, March 9, 2012
BE VALIDATED
The English word 'valid' originated from the Latin word validus which means strong. Uniquely, the opposite of validus is invalidus (same as English word invalid) which means weak. The difference between validus and invalidus is the addition of just two letters at the beginning of validus changing the entire meaning and direction of the word. God is our validator because He is our creator. He made us in His image and likeness and built in our DNA - His strength, destiny and purpose. Conversely, Satan, the thief, as Jesus called him in John 10:10 has only one strategy which is "to kill, steal and destroy." Satan hates God's creation, especially humanity, because we remind Satan of our creator. So Satan's very existence is filled with unbridled animosity and enmity toward God and man; thus, Satan's primary focus is to interject the unexpected, unintended, and undeserved with the intent to destroy LIFE - Satan hates life! Satan's sole mission is to CHANGE YOUR VALIDUS TO INVALIDUS and he has succeeded greatly because the world is full of people living in a place called IN-VALID because of something that happened early on in life or perhaps even later in life. Regardless of when, the enemy has succeeded in redirecting God's intended path and purpose for so many lives but the good news is that God always has and always will have a plan to bring resue, recovery and above all VALIDATION. God has a best, a perfect plan in which He promises to all who will come to Him, trust in Him and allow Him to restore the years the enemy has stolen and repair the damage the enemy has inflicted. God promises, I know the the plans I have for you, DECLARES THE LORD, plans for good, not for evil, to give you a future and hope (Jer.29:11). Just as Satan's mission is to destroy, it is the mission of Jesus Christ destroy the works of Satan (1 Jn.3:8) and bring healing to the multitudes!!
Our heavenly Father sent His word to heal us (Ps. 107:20) in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to validate the in-valid, to undo the curse and to restore us to paths of righteousness. Whether you are one who overtly wears the sign, invalidus, as a scarlet letter, or another who has managed to hide behind a false exterior, made with your own hands, plans and good works, God knows your heart and the actual state in which you live. Just as when Adam and Eve fell in the garden from a state of VALID to INVALID, the first thing they did was to attempt a cover-up by making with their own hands an exterior to camouflage their hearts. When God came to them (Gen. 3) after the fall He asked Adam "where are you?" It wasn't as if an omnipresent God did not know where they were in regards to their physical presence, God wanted to know where they where in regards to their spiritual position. He wanted to know if Adam and Eve where willing to come out from behind the "scarlet letter" or the "exterior camo" and embrace Him, the VALIDATOR. Immediately, after Adam and Eve engaged God and came out into the open, sin and all, God through the act of shedding innocent blood, made a covering out of HIS HANDS for Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:21). In that very act, God revealed His plan to cover, redeem and VALIDATE, or make strong again, the IN-VALID. The greatest news on earth is not that Jesus was but still is the validator of the in-valid!!
In John 5:1-6, there is an amazing and faith building story of a man, the Bible calls an in-valid man, who had been in that condition for 38 years. We do not know if he was born that way or if it happened later in life, but we do know that for 38 years this man lived in a perpetual state of weakness with little hope for change. Everyday this man sat around a pool, called Bethesda, with many other invalids. The Bible says that the angel of the LORD would come periodically and "stir" the waters and those that got in the waters during this time were supernaturally healed. I wonder how many church attenders actually believe that the same God that stirred the waters of healing is STILL STIRRING THE WATERS TODAY? Nevertheless, Jesus approached the in-valid man, and asked him, "Do you want to be healed?"
I don't know about you but the answer to that question would seem obvious; however, the man's response was not so obvious, "Sir, I have no MAN to help me get in when the waters are stirred." Jesus was not asking this question because He wondered if the man really wanted to be VALIDATED, Jesus asked because He wanted the man to redirect his faith from man to Him, the VALIDATOR. Anytime God wants you and I to redirect our faith in order to receive a miracle, God sends His word because "faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word of God" (Rm. 10:17).
At this moment, Jesus was challenging the man's staus quo. Jesus wanted the man to get real for a moment and truly contemplate the opportunity that was standing in front of him. Jesus knew the man had become so accustom to disappointment that He wanted him to focus his faith yet one more time. However, this time no man would be necessary because the the God-Man, the Word made flesh was extending an invitation for the in-valid man to be validated. When God extends an invitation or declares His will, He does so through His word. His word is what framed the universe (Heb. 1:3) and created everything from nothing (Gen 1). Therefore the word that He sends reveals the purpose for which it is sent and is empowered by the very life and breath of God to perform that purpose. When God's word is received and acted upon the supernatural takes place.
After challenging the man's staus quo, Jesus looks him in the eye and declares His word, "Get up, and take up your bed and walk (Jn. 5:8)!!" The Bible says, "AT ONCE the man was VALIDATED and took up his bed and walked. " The man did exactly what the word declared.
The same word sent 2,000 years ago from the mouth of Almighty God are just as alive, powerful and directed today. God still sends His word to heal because Jesus has not changed His mind, His ways nor His word. He is the same yesterday, today and will be forever. I believe that His word still works for those who will receive it and act on it just as the in-valid man did and received validation. Maybe, He is challenging your status quo. Maybe you need to be VALIDATED in some area of your life and I believe you will if you receive His word by faith today in Jesus name.
Our heavenly Father sent His word to heal us (Ps. 107:20) in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to validate the in-valid, to undo the curse and to restore us to paths of righteousness. Whether you are one who overtly wears the sign, invalidus, as a scarlet letter, or another who has managed to hide behind a false exterior, made with your own hands, plans and good works, God knows your heart and the actual state in which you live. Just as when Adam and Eve fell in the garden from a state of VALID to INVALID, the first thing they did was to attempt a cover-up by making with their own hands an exterior to camouflage their hearts. When God came to them (Gen. 3) after the fall He asked Adam "where are you?" It wasn't as if an omnipresent God did not know where they were in regards to their physical presence, God wanted to know where they where in regards to their spiritual position. He wanted to know if Adam and Eve where willing to come out from behind the "scarlet letter" or the "exterior camo" and embrace Him, the VALIDATOR. Immediately, after Adam and Eve engaged God and came out into the open, sin and all, God through the act of shedding innocent blood, made a covering out of HIS HANDS for Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:21). In that very act, God revealed His plan to cover, redeem and VALIDATE, or make strong again, the IN-VALID. The greatest news on earth is not that Jesus was but still is the validator of the in-valid!!
In John 5:1-6, there is an amazing and faith building story of a man, the Bible calls an in-valid man, who had been in that condition for 38 years. We do not know if he was born that way or if it happened later in life, but we do know that for 38 years this man lived in a perpetual state of weakness with little hope for change. Everyday this man sat around a pool, called Bethesda, with many other invalids. The Bible says that the angel of the LORD would come periodically and "stir" the waters and those that got in the waters during this time were supernaturally healed. I wonder how many church attenders actually believe that the same God that stirred the waters of healing is STILL STIRRING THE WATERS TODAY? Nevertheless, Jesus approached the in-valid man, and asked him, "Do you want to be healed?"
I don't know about you but the answer to that question would seem obvious; however, the man's response was not so obvious, "Sir, I have no MAN to help me get in when the waters are stirred." Jesus was not asking this question because He wondered if the man really wanted to be VALIDATED, Jesus asked because He wanted the man to redirect his faith from man to Him, the VALIDATOR. Anytime God wants you and I to redirect our faith in order to receive a miracle, God sends His word because "faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word of God" (Rm. 10:17).
At this moment, Jesus was challenging the man's staus quo. Jesus wanted the man to get real for a moment and truly contemplate the opportunity that was standing in front of him. Jesus knew the man had become so accustom to disappointment that He wanted him to focus his faith yet one more time. However, this time no man would be necessary because the the God-Man, the Word made flesh was extending an invitation for the in-valid man to be validated. When God extends an invitation or declares His will, He does so through His word. His word is what framed the universe (Heb. 1:3) and created everything from nothing (Gen 1). Therefore the word that He sends reveals the purpose for which it is sent and is empowered by the very life and breath of God to perform that purpose. When God's word is received and acted upon the supernatural takes place.
After challenging the man's staus quo, Jesus looks him in the eye and declares His word, "Get up, and take up your bed and walk (Jn. 5:8)!!" The Bible says, "AT ONCE the man was VALIDATED and took up his bed and walked. " The man did exactly what the word declared.
The same word sent 2,000 years ago from the mouth of Almighty God are just as alive, powerful and directed today. God still sends His word to heal because Jesus has not changed His mind, His ways nor His word. He is the same yesterday, today and will be forever. I believe that His word still works for those who will receive it and act on it just as the in-valid man did and received validation. Maybe, He is challenging your status quo. Maybe you need to be VALIDATED in some area of your life and I believe you will if you receive His word by faith today in Jesus name.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Indicted for Righteousness or Unrighteousness?
For the last few months I have been following the story of Iranian pastor, Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been on trial for apostasy or leaving the Islamic faith. After two years in the courts the final verdict came today, February 22, 2012 from the Iranian High Courts that Youcef should be put to death for converting to Chrisitanity. Youcef, 34 years old, is married with two young children. I urge anyone who reads this post to pray of Youcef and his family.
Youcef's reality stirs my heart especially when I wonder if my own commitment provides enough evidence to indict me for being a CHRISTIAN or ARDENT FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST. Matter of fact, trivial things in life are brought into proper perspective as I compare my present challenges to that of Youcef and his family. I will probably never meet Youcef on this side of heaven but I am his brother and my brother needs my help!! So what can I and others in the Body of Chirst do to help our brother in his time of need? The following are a few thoughts.
1. PRAY - First and foremost we must intercede not only for Youcef but for all of those in the Chrisitan family that face similar life-threatening persecution. Our Heavenly Father is mighty and well-able to deliver Youcef in his time of trouble and I pray that God's presence and angelic host surround Youcef and his family and undergird them with strength and courage. I pray that Jesus will continue to be glorified in their time of testing (Ps. 46:1-2). Remember the effectual fervent prayers of the righteuous makes great power available (James 5:16).
2. STAND UP - Youcef needs for his brothers and sisters in Christ to STAND UP and be counted. He needs us to not only stand with him IN SPIRIT but also in ACTION. Youcef's only indictment is that HE STANDS FOR LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS. Youcef is a minority among a majority of zealous believers that follow a false god, false prophet and false book. Youcef is GUILTY OF ONE THING - RIGHTEOUSNESS IN CHRIST JESUS. Youcef's personal reality should challenge every believer, especially those of us who live in free countries in which religious expression is not only allowed, but protected, to stand up for what we believe, preach and live God's word in season and out of season and to take advantage of (not for granted) every opportunity to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While Youcef's indictment is honorable and glorifies God, I wonder if "WE THE PEOPLE" the sovereign governors of the United States were indicted would it be for our unwavering faith in Christ or for ceding spiritual territory to the enemy? Apart from historical revisions, our nation was founded by God fearing men and women, most of whom were ardent followers of Jesus Christ and believers in the Holy Bible. However, if "We the People" were indicted today would it not be for leading all other nations in the consumption of addictive substances (including money and pleasure), having the largest percent of incarceration per capita, being the largest consumer AND exporter of pornography in the world or perhaps for the murder of 50 million innocent lives. These are just a few of the deplorable sins that are prevalent in the U.S. cutlure, none of which are honorable and glorify God. Much territory has been ceded to the "god" of this world but just as Youcef stands against the powers of darkness, there are a multitude of faithful warriors that will not cede any more territory and are doing just what Paul admonished, Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:11-12). Not only is there an army standing we are taking back, REPOSSESSING, what the enemy has stolen!!
3. REFUSE TO COMPROMISE - I love what the three Hebrew young men said as they faced death by fiery furnace in Daniel 3:17-19 when indicted for refusing to bow down and worship - the "god" of King Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king: King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
In the face of death, these young men refused to compromise their faith and bow before a false god. They understood that their physical death translated instantly to eternal life while their physical deliverance translated to REVIVAL. Life either way!!! I love what King Nebuchannezer says as Jesus shows up in the blazing fire and delivers them from death: Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way (Daniel 3:28-29). When we refuse to compromise God will show up and demonstrate His power confirming His word (not ours) with signs, wonders and miracles. Perhaps there is a direct correlation between the absence of signs, wonders and miracles in todays Western church and compromise? I believe the path to revival is simple as revealed in this passage:
Their refusal to compromise resulted in the conversion of an evil, pagan King giving praise to the ONE TRUE GOD. Now that's revival!!
May Youcef's present test quicken the Spirit of God in each of us as we PRAY, STAND- UP and REFUSE TO COMPROMISE in this hour. May God be glorified in the presecution of His church and may the son's and daughter's of God be revealed to a world groaning (Rm. 8:19).
God Bless
Youcef's reality stirs my heart especially when I wonder if my own commitment provides enough evidence to indict me for being a CHRISTIAN or ARDENT FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST. Matter of fact, trivial things in life are brought into proper perspective as I compare my present challenges to that of Youcef and his family. I will probably never meet Youcef on this side of heaven but I am his brother and my brother needs my help!! So what can I and others in the Body of Chirst do to help our brother in his time of need? The following are a few thoughts.
1. PRAY - First and foremost we must intercede not only for Youcef but for all of those in the Chrisitan family that face similar life-threatening persecution. Our Heavenly Father is mighty and well-able to deliver Youcef in his time of trouble and I pray that God's presence and angelic host surround Youcef and his family and undergird them with strength and courage. I pray that Jesus will continue to be glorified in their time of testing (Ps. 46:1-2). Remember the effectual fervent prayers of the righteuous makes great power available (James 5:16).
2. STAND UP - Youcef needs for his brothers and sisters in Christ to STAND UP and be counted. He needs us to not only stand with him IN SPIRIT but also in ACTION. Youcef's only indictment is that HE STANDS FOR LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS. Youcef is a minority among a majority of zealous believers that follow a false god, false prophet and false book. Youcef is GUILTY OF ONE THING - RIGHTEOUSNESS IN CHRIST JESUS. Youcef's personal reality should challenge every believer, especially those of us who live in free countries in which religious expression is not only allowed, but protected, to stand up for what we believe, preach and live God's word in season and out of season and to take advantage of (not for granted) every opportunity to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While Youcef's indictment is honorable and glorifies God, I wonder if "WE THE PEOPLE" the sovereign governors of the United States were indicted would it be for our unwavering faith in Christ or for ceding spiritual territory to the enemy? Apart from historical revisions, our nation was founded by God fearing men and women, most of whom were ardent followers of Jesus Christ and believers in the Holy Bible. However, if "We the People" were indicted today would it not be for leading all other nations in the consumption of addictive substances (including money and pleasure), having the largest percent of incarceration per capita, being the largest consumer AND exporter of pornography in the world or perhaps for the murder of 50 million innocent lives. These are just a few of the deplorable sins that are prevalent in the U.S. cutlure, none of which are honorable and glorify God. Much territory has been ceded to the "god" of this world but just as Youcef stands against the powers of darkness, there are a multitude of faithful warriors that will not cede any more territory and are doing just what Paul admonished, Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:11-12). Not only is there an army standing we are taking back, REPOSSESSING, what the enemy has stolen!!
3. REFUSE TO COMPROMISE - I love what the three Hebrew young men said as they faced death by fiery furnace in Daniel 3:17-19 when indicted for refusing to bow down and worship - the "god" of King Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king: King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
In the face of death, these young men refused to compromise their faith and bow before a false god. They understood that their physical death translated instantly to eternal life while their physical deliverance translated to REVIVAL. Life either way!!! I love what King Nebuchannezer says as Jesus shows up in the blazing fire and delivers them from death: Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way (Daniel 3:28-29). When we refuse to compromise God will show up and demonstrate His power confirming His word (not ours) with signs, wonders and miracles. Perhaps there is a direct correlation between the absence of signs, wonders and miracles in todays Western church and compromise? I believe the path to revival is simple as revealed in this passage:
Their refusal to compromise resulted in the conversion of an evil, pagan King giving praise to the ONE TRUE GOD. Now that's revival!!
May Youcef's present test quicken the Spirit of God in each of us as we PRAY, STAND- UP and REFUSE TO COMPROMISE in this hour. May God be glorified in the presecution of His church and may the son's and daughter's of God be revealed to a world groaning (Rm. 8:19).
God Bless
Monday, February 20, 2012
Reversing the Trend of Spiritual Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases including heart disease and cancer. Obesity is caused by excessive food intake and a corresponding lack of output or activity and genetic susceptibility.
Obesity has become a national health crisis in the U.S. with juvenile diabetes impacting the highest percentage of kids and youth in our nations history. Obesity is perhaps the most serious trend leading to poor health in U.S. citizens but most experts believe it is also the easiest to reverse by simple lifestyle and dietary changes.
Obesity is not just an emerging physical health issue; there is substantial evidence that the Body of Christ is suffering from the same health issue - "Spiritual Obesity." The spiritual version is also caused by excessive intake with little or no output or productive activity. Christians in the U.S. have never lived in an era where so much "spiritual nourishment" has been made available, such as, sermons, teachings, books, CDs, DVDs, television broadcast, internet live streaming, podcast, bible on iphone, "revival" meeting after revival meeting, prophetic conference after prophetic conference, prosperity conference after conference, etc........... shall I continue? Yet, the percentage of Christians in the U.S. has not increased in over a decade while most protestant denominations report negative growth.
In addition, many churches are providing a more "seeker" friendly approach in order to accomodate the lack of interest and time commitment from "believers." Sunday night services are a thing of the past. Consecutive-day prayer and revival meetings are a thing of the past, while tarrying in His presence has been reduced to the time allotment of a drive through car wash. It is no wonder the world does not want to join the passionlessness of our pursuit. These are all indicators that something is wrong with the health of the spiritual body.
Perhaps the only explanation is that we are living in an era of unprecedented self-indulgence which has led to a delusion of self-centeredness. When Christians become more introspective than extrospective the world suffers because the lost are not hearing and seeing the message of the Gospel. The gifts, callings and word of God was not meant for excessive consumption without equally excessive output. Jesus challenged the disciples when he said "LOOK at the fields (not at yourself) which are ripe and ready for harvest" (Jn.4:35). In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25) Jesus rebuked the servant who did not put his talent to USE calling the servant wicked and slothful. As physical obesity leads to increased health problems and reduced life expectancy; likewise, spiritual obesity leads to unhealthy and apathetic spiritual life. The Body of Christ was meant to live, move and have our being in HIS LIFE, HIS POWER and HIS PASSION. It is time to awaken and shake off the slumber!!!
God intends for every believer to use the gifts and the word that has been imparted and consumed; otherwise, contentment sets in, slumber sets in, health issues begin to emerge, and genetic issues (generational curses) that should be settled at the Cross begin to rise up and ravage the believers soul. I am amazed at how many personal "prophetic" words are needed for one to embrace and pursue their destiny in Christ. While the church locks itself inside the four walls indulging in the exercising of spiritual gifts, listening to yet another inspirational word on "how to have your best year ever" there is a world full of people who may never darken the doors of the church but are in desperate need of just ONE WORD from God. For this purpose Jesus prayed (Jn. 17:15-18) "Father my prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. Sanctify them by your truth, you word is truth, and As you sent me into the world, so I send them."
Jesus said (Jn. 7:37) "Anyone who thirst let him come to me and drink (intake) AND out of his belly (spiritual output) will FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER." Jesus never meant for us to drink only but to release or share from the abundance that we have consumed with those that are hungry and thirsty. If we do not share then what we intake becomes excessive and leads to OBESITY which leads to health problems and lifelessness. The world is looking for a vibrant, healthy (not perfect) Church that is overflowing with resurrection life and power - a body of believers that gives as freely as it receives of God.
Let's break the cycle of OBESITY in the body. Lets be a generation that identifies the problem, embraces the solution and invokes action. If all truth is parallel and it is then certainly the trend of obesity in the Body of Christ can be reversed with healthy lifestyle changes and increased output or activity.
Let's use the gifts and ALL OF THE WORD that God has sown in us to shake our nation once again!!
Obesity has become a national health crisis in the U.S. with juvenile diabetes impacting the highest percentage of kids and youth in our nations history. Obesity is perhaps the most serious trend leading to poor health in U.S. citizens but most experts believe it is also the easiest to reverse by simple lifestyle and dietary changes.
Obesity is not just an emerging physical health issue; there is substantial evidence that the Body of Christ is suffering from the same health issue - "Spiritual Obesity." The spiritual version is also caused by excessive intake with little or no output or productive activity. Christians in the U.S. have never lived in an era where so much "spiritual nourishment" has been made available, such as, sermons, teachings, books, CDs, DVDs, television broadcast, internet live streaming, podcast, bible on iphone, "revival" meeting after revival meeting, prophetic conference after prophetic conference, prosperity conference after conference, etc........... shall I continue? Yet, the percentage of Christians in the U.S. has not increased in over a decade while most protestant denominations report negative growth.
In addition, many churches are providing a more "seeker" friendly approach in order to accomodate the lack of interest and time commitment from "believers." Sunday night services are a thing of the past. Consecutive-day prayer and revival meetings are a thing of the past, while tarrying in His presence has been reduced to the time allotment of a drive through car wash. It is no wonder the world does not want to join the passionlessness of our pursuit. These are all indicators that something is wrong with the health of the spiritual body.
Perhaps the only explanation is that we are living in an era of unprecedented self-indulgence which has led to a delusion of self-centeredness. When Christians become more introspective than extrospective the world suffers because the lost are not hearing and seeing the message of the Gospel. The gifts, callings and word of God was not meant for excessive consumption without equally excessive output. Jesus challenged the disciples when he said "LOOK at the fields (not at yourself) which are ripe and ready for harvest" (Jn.4:35). In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25) Jesus rebuked the servant who did not put his talent to USE calling the servant wicked and slothful. As physical obesity leads to increased health problems and reduced life expectancy; likewise, spiritual obesity leads to unhealthy and apathetic spiritual life. The Body of Christ was meant to live, move and have our being in HIS LIFE, HIS POWER and HIS PASSION. It is time to awaken and shake off the slumber!!!
God intends for every believer to use the gifts and the word that has been imparted and consumed; otherwise, contentment sets in, slumber sets in, health issues begin to emerge, and genetic issues (generational curses) that should be settled at the Cross begin to rise up and ravage the believers soul. I am amazed at how many personal "prophetic" words are needed for one to embrace and pursue their destiny in Christ. While the church locks itself inside the four walls indulging in the exercising of spiritual gifts, listening to yet another inspirational word on "how to have your best year ever" there is a world full of people who may never darken the doors of the church but are in desperate need of just ONE WORD from God. For this purpose Jesus prayed (Jn. 17:15-18) "Father my prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. Sanctify them by your truth, you word is truth, and As you sent me into the world, so I send them."
Jesus said (Jn. 7:37) "Anyone who thirst let him come to me and drink (intake) AND out of his belly (spiritual output) will FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER." Jesus never meant for us to drink only but to release or share from the abundance that we have consumed with those that are hungry and thirsty. If we do not share then what we intake becomes excessive and leads to OBESITY which leads to health problems and lifelessness. The world is looking for a vibrant, healthy (not perfect) Church that is overflowing with resurrection life and power - a body of believers that gives as freely as it receives of God.
Let's break the cycle of OBESITY in the body. Lets be a generation that identifies the problem, embraces the solution and invokes action. If all truth is parallel and it is then certainly the trend of obesity in the Body of Christ can be reversed with healthy lifestyle changes and increased output or activity.
Let's use the gifts and ALL OF THE WORD that God has sown in us to shake our nation once again!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Be A Joshua!
Why be a Joshua you might ask? Because Joshua represents a remnant of followers that actually possess the promise of God in the earth. In prayer the Holy Spirt said to me, "Jesus disarmed the enemy but the people of God must dispossess the enemy and possess the land." Remember, God never does for us what He has assigned to us. Therefore, as followers of Jesus Christ and believers in His commission in the earth, it is our duty, privilege and assignment to DISPOSSESS (kick out) the enemy and POSSESS (take ownership of ) the land. For this reason Jesus told His disciples, "it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away the HELPER will not come to you, but I will send Him to you" (Jn. 16:7 ESV). Jesus knew we needed help possessing the land. As "God with us" He began a revolution on the earth. He made such an impact that even history is measured by His first advent - B.C. and A.D. However, Jesus also understood that there would be another dimension to possessing the land that not only required "God with us" but "God in us". For this purpose the Holy Spirit was sent at the inception of the church not just to dwell among us on the earth but to live large through us. The Helper invaded the earth filling God's people with passion, boldness and power. No longer would a pilgrimage be required to the tabernacle of God in the wilderness or in the city of God. No longer would the person and presence of God be limited to the ministry of Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and Galilee. The Helper has come to fill God's temple, the body of Christ in the earth, with only one purpose and that is to DISPOSSESS THE EMEMY AND POSSESS every land!!
Joshua's assignment was to possess the promise land but the church's assignment is to possess every land.
Joshua represents the type of ardent follower that is needed to fulfill this mission in the earth. The Great Commission is GREAT. The task is overwhelming and in the natural realm - impossible to accomplish. However, with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE (Matt.19:26). In his generation, Joshua stood out but not by accident. He stood out becasue there were certain qualities about him that caused him to emerge as one of Israel's greatest leaders. God is always looking for the Joshuas to arise in every generation; For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth that he may strongly support those whose heart is completely His (2 Chron. 16:9). Whose heart is completely His is the key to Joshua's life and ministry. Joshua stood out because his heart was completely, not partially, not half-heartedly the LORD'S. God used Joshua because Joshua was whole heartedly devoted to His will and purposes in the earth. Joshua's heart was for the kingdom of God first then all other things second. May the Joshuas arise in the earth today and possess every land!!
I believe Joshua's life and ministry provides a wonderful example for us to emulate if we want to stand out in our generation. The following are five key qualities that STAND OUT about Joshua's life:
1. Worshipper. Joshua was passionate about the presence of God. So much so that Ex. 33:11 says that when Moses left from speaking face to face with God, Joshua lingered in the presence of God. I believe Joshua lingered because he was passionate about his relationship with his God. It was his relationship and love for God that separated him from the ordinary. Joshua the great leader of Israel was born here - in the presence of God. Religion can't empower a pure and holy life - a life separated unto the LORD but a love affair with the Almighty can transform an ordinary man or woman into an extraordinary vessel of honor!
2. Visionary. Joshua was a man of supernatural vision. Joshua's life demonstrated the transforming power of the glorious presence of God. It is not what but WHO we behold that transforms us from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 2:17-18). Because Joshua's focus was on the LORD there was no spiritual veil covering his eyes and limiting his ability to believe God. Joshua saw as God saw which is what supernatural vision is - seeing as God sees. Therefore, when Joshua was sent to spy out the promise land (Numbers 14) he came back with a CAN DO report while the others could only see in the natural realm of impossibility. Joshua was a VISIONARY because He received a vision from the invisible God who is always willing to share His heart with those who want to know, want to see, and are will to obey Him. Faith comes from seeing as God sees through the revelation that God provides, such as His word. God speaks, we see and understand, FAITH COMES. Joshua was a man of great faith because he was a man with God-vision.
3. Warrior. Joshua was a man of war. He understood that the advancement of God's kingdom had to be taken by force. He also understood that authority without the will to exercise it is ineffective. Therefore, Joshua went to battle to dispossess the enemy from the land and from hindering the advancement of God's kingdom in the earth. History, both biblical and secular, records a great upheaval took place in the land known as 'the promise land' in the Bible. This upheaval took place the same time that biblical history records the accounts of the Book of Joshua and the conquest of the promise land by the Israelites. However, long before Joshua was leading the Israelites into the promise land he was a warrior in the wilderness as recorded in Exodus 17:8-9,13, Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
4. Servant. Joshua had a servant's heart. Joshua did not become the leader of Israel overnight. Joshua learned to serve in the wilderness. While the others were cursing the wilderness, Joshua spent 40 years serving the vision and ministry of his mentor Moses and growing into a next-generation leader . For example, he was one of the fourteen that was sent to spy out the promise land- a land he would later possess by faith; he was with Moses on the mountain when Moses talked face to face with God while the others stood afar off refusing to enter the glory of the LORD; and he was in the valley fighting the Amalekites while Moses stood far above in intercession. Most importantly, it was Joshua along with Caleb that stood with Moses while the rest of the Israelites grumbled, complained and even discussed killing Moses. Joshua was a servant to vision before he became a leader with vision. Joshua served his way to becoming the leader of the next generation of Israelites. At least on two occassions the Bible refers to Joshua as the servant of Moses (Ex. 24:13,Num. 11:28). Jesus said that the greatest among us would be a servant to all (Matt.23:11).
5. Leader. Joshua was a great leader. Title, position, personality type, popularity, looks, talent, self-confidence do not equate to a LEADER in kingdom of God. While all of the above are admirable and useful - God is more interested in the heart. God looks at the heart when choosing His leaders. God qualifies the called instead of calling the qualified. God enables, empowers the faithful - the humble. This does not excuse us from developing our skills and working hard to achieve; however, skills can be learned, work can produce achievement but a heart whole-hearted devoted to God is rare. If it were not so then THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR REVIVAL in our generation!!!! The world's way of choosing leaders has created unprecedented greed and a polical system that is absolutely corrupt in our nation. There is no such thing in our nation as a true representative government at least in practice because we do not value true leadership anymore. We have replaced true leadership with power mongering men and women who are willing to sell their soul for money, power and influence. However, the good news is that God's kingdom not only supercedes man's kingdom but man will eventually yearn for the real, the true, as Israel did for King David.
God is looking for the next generation of Joshuas both male and female to arise!
Be an ardent worshipper
Be a visionary - filled with God-vision
Be a mighty warrior
Be a servant of all
Be a leader not a follower
BE A JOSHUA!!
Joshua's assignment was to possess the promise land but the church's assignment is to possess every land.
Joshua represents the type of ardent follower that is needed to fulfill this mission in the earth. The Great Commission is GREAT. The task is overwhelming and in the natural realm - impossible to accomplish. However, with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE (Matt.19:26). In his generation, Joshua stood out but not by accident. He stood out becasue there were certain qualities about him that caused him to emerge as one of Israel's greatest leaders. God is always looking for the Joshuas to arise in every generation; For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth that he may strongly support those whose heart is completely His (2 Chron. 16:9). Whose heart is completely His is the key to Joshua's life and ministry. Joshua stood out because his heart was completely, not partially, not half-heartedly the LORD'S. God used Joshua because Joshua was whole heartedly devoted to His will and purposes in the earth. Joshua's heart was for the kingdom of God first then all other things second. May the Joshuas arise in the earth today and possess every land!!
I believe Joshua's life and ministry provides a wonderful example for us to emulate if we want to stand out in our generation. The following are five key qualities that STAND OUT about Joshua's life:
1. Worshipper. Joshua was passionate about the presence of God. So much so that Ex. 33:11 says that when Moses left from speaking face to face with God, Joshua lingered in the presence of God. I believe Joshua lingered because he was passionate about his relationship with his God. It was his relationship and love for God that separated him from the ordinary. Joshua the great leader of Israel was born here - in the presence of God. Religion can't empower a pure and holy life - a life separated unto the LORD but a love affair with the Almighty can transform an ordinary man or woman into an extraordinary vessel of honor!
2. Visionary. Joshua was a man of supernatural vision. Joshua's life demonstrated the transforming power of the glorious presence of God. It is not what but WHO we behold that transforms us from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 2:17-18). Because Joshua's focus was on the LORD there was no spiritual veil covering his eyes and limiting his ability to believe God. Joshua saw as God saw which is what supernatural vision is - seeing as God sees. Therefore, when Joshua was sent to spy out the promise land (Numbers 14) he came back with a CAN DO report while the others could only see in the natural realm of impossibility. Joshua was a VISIONARY because He received a vision from the invisible God who is always willing to share His heart with those who want to know, want to see, and are will to obey Him. Faith comes from seeing as God sees through the revelation that God provides, such as His word. God speaks, we see and understand, FAITH COMES. Joshua was a man of great faith because he was a man with God-vision.
3. Warrior. Joshua was a man of war. He understood that the advancement of God's kingdom had to be taken by force. He also understood that authority without the will to exercise it is ineffective. Therefore, Joshua went to battle to dispossess the enemy from the land and from hindering the advancement of God's kingdom in the earth. History, both biblical and secular, records a great upheaval took place in the land known as 'the promise land' in the Bible. This upheaval took place the same time that biblical history records the accounts of the Book of Joshua and the conquest of the promise land by the Israelites. However, long before Joshua was leading the Israelites into the promise land he was a warrior in the wilderness as recorded in Exodus 17:8-9,13, Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
4. Servant. Joshua had a servant's heart. Joshua did not become the leader of Israel overnight. Joshua learned to serve in the wilderness. While the others were cursing the wilderness, Joshua spent 40 years serving the vision and ministry of his mentor Moses and growing into a next-generation leader . For example, he was one of the fourteen that was sent to spy out the promise land- a land he would later possess by faith; he was with Moses on the mountain when Moses talked face to face with God while the others stood afar off refusing to enter the glory of the LORD; and he was in the valley fighting the Amalekites while Moses stood far above in intercession. Most importantly, it was Joshua along with Caleb that stood with Moses while the rest of the Israelites grumbled, complained and even discussed killing Moses. Joshua was a servant to vision before he became a leader with vision. Joshua served his way to becoming the leader of the next generation of Israelites. At least on two occassions the Bible refers to Joshua as the servant of Moses (Ex. 24:13,Num. 11:28). Jesus said that the greatest among us would be a servant to all (Matt.23:11).
5. Leader. Joshua was a great leader. Title, position, personality type, popularity, looks, talent, self-confidence do not equate to a LEADER in kingdom of God. While all of the above are admirable and useful - God is more interested in the heart. God looks at the heart when choosing His leaders. God qualifies the called instead of calling the qualified. God enables, empowers the faithful - the humble. This does not excuse us from developing our skills and working hard to achieve; however, skills can be learned, work can produce achievement but a heart whole-hearted devoted to God is rare. If it were not so then THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR REVIVAL in our generation!!!! The world's way of choosing leaders has created unprecedented greed and a polical system that is absolutely corrupt in our nation. There is no such thing in our nation as a true representative government at least in practice because we do not value true leadership anymore. We have replaced true leadership with power mongering men and women who are willing to sell their soul for money, power and influence. However, the good news is that God's kingdom not only supercedes man's kingdom but man will eventually yearn for the real, the true, as Israel did for King David.
God is looking for the next generation of Joshuas both male and female to arise!
Be an ardent worshipper
Be a visionary - filled with God-vision
Be a mighty warrior
Be a servant of all
Be a leader not a follower
BE A JOSHUA!!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Arise, Stand-up, and Break Forth in 2012
Ever since I set my heart to seek the Lord at the onset of the new year, I keep hearing one resounding word from the Lord - ARISE. In my last post I shared from Isaiah 60:1-2, Arise, shine, for your light is come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold darkness will cover the earth, thick darkness the peoples, the Lord will arise upon you and his glory will be seen on you. I wrote about an army of believers that will ARISE at the word of the Lord and SHINE, SHINE, SHINE.
In this hour, I wonder can things really get much darker on the earth and on the peoples. But what is even more concerning is the darkness I see on the "people of God" which is why I believe God is about to do something mighty big on this earth and for His people. God has always been faithful to His people and make no mistake, whatever good that happens in this earth will come on behalf of God's faithfulness to His people. When God makes a covenant - He is faithful. This is why when gross darkness seems to cover all that we see and the oppression becomes so overwhelming, God's people must understand that this is the very hour that God is up to something mighty big! He is faithful regardless if there is no indication that change is on the horizon. Throughout biblical history and beyond God has spoken a word IN SEASON shifting and shaping the events on this earth especially at the darkest times. I am convinced God is speaking a word of awakening into the earth this very hour commanding His people to ARISE because He has a plan to break every chain and shake every nation with great demonstrations of His glory.
I believe 2012 is the year that God will arise upon YOU and His glory will be evident upon your life. Expect a supernatural breakout in 2012!!! Let me expound.
God recently spoke three words to me - ARISE, STAND UP, and BREAKOUT. By His Spirit God is declaring ARISE to His people. As I explained in my last post this is not a invitation but a command to arise.In order to grasp the prophetic impact of this word, God gave me the example of Gideon from Judges chs. 6-7.
When God's word came to Gideon he was in a pit just barely surviving and certainly not thriving. The Midianites and gross darkness had taken over Israel and the people of God were in deperate need of supernatural intervention. So what does God do? God finds Gideon, perhaps the least of the least according to Gideon, and He (God) commands Gideon to ARISE. God did not choose Gideon because of his abilities or even his faith, God chose Gideon IN SPITE OF his lack of ability and faith. Gideon had one of two choices: he could stay in his pit barely surviving, undergoing and oppressed by the gross darkness of his time OR he could STAND UP and give God someone to work through. Gideon as the story goes made a history changing choice. He chose the stand up and God made him stand out.
Faith that did not exist or that was small in measure, exploded the moment Gideon obeyed the word of the Lord. Gideon's faith did not attract God's invitation to be used, but rather the opposite, God's invitation opened the door for Gideon to emerge from the shadows of doubt and unbelief into the light of God's unlimited possiblity.
Let God's word to you, ARISE, cause you to stand up and emerge from the shadows in this hour!!
Gideon, when given the opportunity to make a difference in his generation, chose to allow God's word to supernaturally energize and transform his life. God sent His word anointed by His power commanding Gideon to ARISE and Gideon did exactly what God's people need to do in this hour -STAND UP AND UNLEASH THE SUPERNATURAL. God is commanding His people who are called by His name, redeemed by His blood, anointed by His Spirit to STAND UP and make a difference in their generation. God wants you and I to make a choice today that will forever impact history!
If Gideon hadn't stood up then his role in God's miracle would have ended. I am not implying that Israel's miracle would not have come but certainly not through Gideon's participation. Don't be a spectator in what God is about to do in this hour, STAND UP and be used because through you God is about to BREAK FORTH upon the enemy in a measure of demonstration and glory that no eye has seen nor ear heard.
What God did through Gideon in BREAKING FORTH upon the Midianites was nothing short of phenomenal. God took one very unqualified man and used him to a lead an unequipped and untrained army of 300 men to defeat one of the most formidable, well equipped, and well trained armies on the earth at the time of about 135,000 Midianites. The Israelites were out numbered 450 to 1. As the story goes, God equipped Gideon and his army of 300 with a clay pot, a candle and a shofar (trumpet). All this to fight against an army equipped with camels for speed and every weapon of warfare known at the time. It was with these weapons and ruthless tactics that the army of 135,000 Midianites used to reduce the Israelites to a nation that was literally starving, dying and on the brink of extermination. These were very dark times in Israel to say the least, so what changed in just a few days - weeks?
What changed is God visited Gideon and spoke a word, a command - ARISE. That's it!! God spoke, Gideon obeyed and God supernaturally moved on behalf of His people. However, God didn't just move on their behalf the Israelites, He used them to do the work of this miracle. God used their faith and obedience to do the impossible. God wants to do the same in this hour!
If only God's people could get ahold on this powerful truth:
STAND UP and BREAK FORTH in 2012. This is the year and season for the greatest demonstration of His glory in the earth and in your everyday life. The blind will see again, the deaf will hear again and God's people will be revived!!!
I pray today that those who hear this word from the Lord will choose to stand up and see what God will do in this season, amen Jesus...
In this hour, I wonder can things really get much darker on the earth and on the peoples. But what is even more concerning is the darkness I see on the "people of God" which is why I believe God is about to do something mighty big on this earth and for His people. God has always been faithful to His people and make no mistake, whatever good that happens in this earth will come on behalf of God's faithfulness to His people. When God makes a covenant - He is faithful. This is why when gross darkness seems to cover all that we see and the oppression becomes so overwhelming, God's people must understand that this is the very hour that God is up to something mighty big! He is faithful regardless if there is no indication that change is on the horizon. Throughout biblical history and beyond God has spoken a word IN SEASON shifting and shaping the events on this earth especially at the darkest times. I am convinced God is speaking a word of awakening into the earth this very hour commanding His people to ARISE because He has a plan to break every chain and shake every nation with great demonstrations of His glory.
I believe 2012 is the year that God will arise upon YOU and His glory will be evident upon your life. Expect a supernatural breakout in 2012!!! Let me expound.
God recently spoke three words to me - ARISE, STAND UP, and BREAKOUT. By His Spirit God is declaring ARISE to His people. As I explained in my last post this is not a invitation but a command to arise.In order to grasp the prophetic impact of this word, God gave me the example of Gideon from Judges chs. 6-7.
When God's word came to Gideon he was in a pit just barely surviving and certainly not thriving. The Midianites and gross darkness had taken over Israel and the people of God were in deperate need of supernatural intervention. So what does God do? God finds Gideon, perhaps the least of the least according to Gideon, and He (God) commands Gideon to ARISE. God did not choose Gideon because of his abilities or even his faith, God chose Gideon IN SPITE OF his lack of ability and faith. Gideon had one of two choices: he could stay in his pit barely surviving, undergoing and oppressed by the gross darkness of his time OR he could STAND UP and give God someone to work through. Gideon as the story goes made a history changing choice. He chose the stand up and God made him stand out.
Faith that did not exist or that was small in measure, exploded the moment Gideon obeyed the word of the Lord. Gideon's faith did not attract God's invitation to be used, but rather the opposite, God's invitation opened the door for Gideon to emerge from the shadows of doubt and unbelief into the light of God's unlimited possiblity.
Let God's word to you, ARISE, cause you to stand up and emerge from the shadows in this hour!!
Gideon, when given the opportunity to make a difference in his generation, chose to allow God's word to supernaturally energize and transform his life. God sent His word anointed by His power commanding Gideon to ARISE and Gideon did exactly what God's people need to do in this hour -STAND UP AND UNLEASH THE SUPERNATURAL. God is commanding His people who are called by His name, redeemed by His blood, anointed by His Spirit to STAND UP and make a difference in their generation. God wants you and I to make a choice today that will forever impact history!
If Gideon hadn't stood up then his role in God's miracle would have ended. I am not implying that Israel's miracle would not have come but certainly not through Gideon's participation. Don't be a spectator in what God is about to do in this hour, STAND UP and be used because through you God is about to BREAK FORTH upon the enemy in a measure of demonstration and glory that no eye has seen nor ear heard.
What God did through Gideon in BREAKING FORTH upon the Midianites was nothing short of phenomenal. God took one very unqualified man and used him to a lead an unequipped and untrained army of 300 men to defeat one of the most formidable, well equipped, and well trained armies on the earth at the time of about 135,000 Midianites. The Israelites were out numbered 450 to 1. As the story goes, God equipped Gideon and his army of 300 with a clay pot, a candle and a shofar (trumpet). All this to fight against an army equipped with camels for speed and every weapon of warfare known at the time. It was with these weapons and ruthless tactics that the army of 135,000 Midianites used to reduce the Israelites to a nation that was literally starving, dying and on the brink of extermination. These were very dark times in Israel to say the least, so what changed in just a few days - weeks?
What changed is God visited Gideon and spoke a word, a command - ARISE. That's it!! God spoke, Gideon obeyed and God supernaturally moved on behalf of His people. However, God didn't just move on their behalf the Israelites, He used them to do the work of this miracle. God used their faith and obedience to do the impossible. God wants to do the same in this hour!
If only God's people could get ahold on this powerful truth:
- God speaks
- We choose to obey
- God works miraculously though us to BREAK FORTH
STAND UP and BREAK FORTH in 2012. This is the year and season for the greatest demonstration of His glory in the earth and in your everyday life. The blind will see again, the deaf will hear again and God's people will be revived!!!
I pray today that those who hear this word from the Lord will choose to stand up and see what God will do in this season, amen Jesus...
Monday, January 2, 2012
There's An Army Rising Up
There's an army rising up all across the globe to break every chain of the enemy. This army is the ARMY OF GOD and it looks just like the Body of the RISEN CHRIST. It will include believers from every nation, denomination and from every walk-of-life. This isn't about a church experiencing revival this is about the head of the church, Jesus Christ, whispering with a resounding and reverberating roar, ARISE to those who have ears to hear and hearts ready to obey.
As the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah, He is also speaking to us today, ARISE, SHINE for your light has come and the Glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Behold darkness will cover the earth, deep darkness will cover the peoples, but the Lord will rise upon you and His Glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising (Isa. 60:1-2).
What an invitation from our Lord. Actually the Hebrew word 'arise' is in the imperative mood which means its a command. The Commander of the Armies of Heaven, Jesus Christ, is not asking you and I to arise, no, He is commanding us, ARISE! Arise means to stand up, stand out, rise up. YES, there is an army of believers rising up with one mission which is to SHINE.
This is God's hour in our generation to demonstrate His glory through His church. Let me with emphasis reiterate - it is HIS CHURCH that I am speaking of, not man's social religious creation but those with ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to THE CHRUCH. The Lord commands His army to ARISE then He commands us to SHINE. What is He saying? The next part of the verse explains, "for your light (Jehovah's light) has come and the Glory (splendor, honor, majesty) of the LORD has risen or SHONE on you." As the moon has no glory, no light, no illumination in and of itself, it (moon) reflects the light or the glory of the sun. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, God's glorious army is commanded in this hour to do the same - reflect the Glory of the LORD.
Jesus, the risen Christ, has risen upon you. In His death you were buried - so remain dead. In His resurrection, you were RAISED by the glory of the Father that you might walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE - so live here. The GLORY OF THE FATHER raised you up from the pit of sin and dysfunction with the intent that you WALK IN HIS GLORY, REFLECT HIS SPLENDOR, and DEMONSTRATE HIS RESURRECTION POWER. As darkness covers the earth, gross darkness the people, the good news is that His Glory will rise upon you and nations and kings will come to your light and the BRIGHTNESS OF YOUR RISING.
As God's army rises up there will be an explosion of His glory all over the earth. As one can put a thousand to flight and two ten thousand, imagine the impact of the mulitudes that ARISE AND SHINE in this hour. The brightest days are ahead of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Today you can choose to say yes to the command of the King and ARISE. You can choose to ARISE from your past, ARISE from your present and embrace the call to arms by your King. Regardless of your present circumstances, ARISE at the word of the Lord. Just as Gideon was in a pit, hiding and barely surviving, the word of the Lord to him was ARISE YOU MIGHTY MAN OF VALOR. In the natural there was nothing mighty about Gideon, but God was not speaking in the natural. God was speaking to the man Gideon was called to be to his generation at his time and place in history. So ARISE and SHINE because there is an army rising up that will break every chain!!
As the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah, He is also speaking to us today, ARISE, SHINE for your light has come and the Glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Behold darkness will cover the earth, deep darkness will cover the peoples, but the Lord will rise upon you and His Glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising (Isa. 60:1-2).
What an invitation from our Lord. Actually the Hebrew word 'arise' is in the imperative mood which means its a command. The Commander of the Armies of Heaven, Jesus Christ, is not asking you and I to arise, no, He is commanding us, ARISE! Arise means to stand up, stand out, rise up. YES, there is an army of believers rising up with one mission which is to SHINE.
This is God's hour in our generation to demonstrate His glory through His church. Let me with emphasis reiterate - it is HIS CHURCH that I am speaking of, not man's social religious creation but those with ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to THE CHRUCH. The Lord commands His army to ARISE then He commands us to SHINE. What is He saying? The next part of the verse explains, "for your light (Jehovah's light) has come and the Glory (splendor, honor, majesty) of the LORD has risen or SHONE on you." As the moon has no glory, no light, no illumination in and of itself, it (moon) reflects the light or the glory of the sun. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, God's glorious army is commanded in this hour to do the same - reflect the Glory of the LORD.
Jesus, the risen Christ, has risen upon you. In His death you were buried - so remain dead. In His resurrection, you were RAISED by the glory of the Father that you might walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE - so live here. The GLORY OF THE FATHER raised you up from the pit of sin and dysfunction with the intent that you WALK IN HIS GLORY, REFLECT HIS SPLENDOR, and DEMONSTRATE HIS RESURRECTION POWER. As darkness covers the earth, gross darkness the people, the good news is that His Glory will rise upon you and nations and kings will come to your light and the BRIGHTNESS OF YOUR RISING.
As God's army rises up there will be an explosion of His glory all over the earth. As one can put a thousand to flight and two ten thousand, imagine the impact of the mulitudes that ARISE AND SHINE in this hour. The brightest days are ahead of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Today you can choose to say yes to the command of the King and ARISE. You can choose to ARISE from your past, ARISE from your present and embrace the call to arms by your King. Regardless of your present circumstances, ARISE at the word of the Lord. Just as Gideon was in a pit, hiding and barely surviving, the word of the Lord to him was ARISE YOU MIGHTY MAN OF VALOR. In the natural there was nothing mighty about Gideon, but God was not speaking in the natural. God was speaking to the man Gideon was called to be to his generation at his time and place in history. So ARISE and SHINE because there is an army rising up that will break every chain!!
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