In these last days if we desire to see the glory of the Lord then each house/church must be on one accord. Like never before we must pray for the spirit of our leader, whether its your Church Pastor or ministry leader. You are under that particular covering because you believe and trust the God in them so it should be your desire and earnest prayer to walk in the same spirit as your leader. There is a lot of shifting and shaking in the body of Christ, those leaders who don’t obey the Spirit of Christ in them are being removed from position to make way for the obedient ones. God desires to move mightly in these last days but first he must get the wrong people off the bus and the right people on and in their proper positions. As we catch the spirit of our Leader then we will begin to see things that they saw in the church in the book of Acts because we will be in one accord with one vision and voice. Desiring his spirit means we will gain a greater passion to see the vision of the house fulfilled so we will be more willing to spend ourselves on behalf of the ministry. (Christ did this even to the point of death because he had the spirit of his covering, God, even to the point of death.) As we submit and lift the burden off of our Leader then we are able to push him God-ward so he can intercede for us in a greater capacity as well as continue to receive vision and direction from God.
When God was revealing this to me in prayer a few nights ago, the Holy Spirit told me to look up to see the position my Pastor was in and said that is the position we are to take; he was laying prostrate on the altar. We are not just to position ourselves this way to pray but also symbolizing us turning our backs on everything else that would divide us from the vision of the house. We are now placing ourselves in a vulnerable position because we cannot see behind us and must rely on our covering to look out for us. We are placing complete confidence in our Leader to lead and cover us.
The Holy Spirit took me to John 3 this morning. After reading the chapter, He showed me how this is what “one vision one voice” looks like. In this chapter we have Jesus Christ and John the Baptist both baptizing and teaching. Both are questioned about some things and their answers parallel. In verse 11 and 32 Jesus and John both say the same thing, pointing to the true testimony. Verse 16 and 36 both Jesus and John point to belief in Christ as the way to eternal life. John had the spirit of Jesus so he was able to speak the same things. The vision was to point people to Christ and they both succeeded. John understood that he played an important role but he was just that a role player, his motives weren’t to use this as a stepping stone to the spotlight. Verse 27-29 he explains that he was just preparing the way and is excited to see Christ go forth. Verse 30 shows the heart of a true disciple, “He must become greater; I must become less”. Now is not the time to rebel against your leader but to submit.
If you have a problem submitting to your Leader than its either pride or unbelief, both of which are a sin. If you don't believe in your Pastor/Leader or the vision then go somewhere where you do. If you want the spotlight....sorry God doesn't want prideful people. Submit first and let God do the elevating. This isn’t a one man show; the head requires a body to do anything. Christ, the head, requires the body (us) to fulfill his vision. Your Pastor or Leader requires you to fulfill the vision that God placed inside of him. Together we can; one vision one voice
Dec 18, 2008
Dec 17, 2008
Heart Surgery
Heart surgery. As I went into midnight prayer last night I heard, “it’s a heart issue”, from the Holy Spirit. I wasn’t sure what he meant at the time but before the night was over I knew exactly what he meant. As I quieted myself before prayer the Holy Spirit asked me a simple question that brought not only a new level of humility but also a reality check. He asked, “What did you do today that made you any different then someone who does not believe in God?” Running through a list of things in my head; walked with a passion for young people, showed kindness towards my fellow man, vision building for the ministry, etc. As I went through the list, there was not one thing that I relied on God for. I can say that I did but a person who does not believe in Him could have done any and everything I did today. The only thing I did that a non-believer would not do is pray and read my word. How many days of our lives do we live where there is no point in the day where we truly have to rely on God and that shows a distinction between us and a non-believer? “Without faith it is impossible to please God” Faith is doing something that we ourselves cannot do but Christ working through us or on our behalf; there can be no other explanation. The other night E said something that has been resting in my spirit ever since, “because it pleases the Father”, relating to everything that we do in life. But if we can’t please the Father without faith and true faith is doing things we can’t do in our own strength, then are we truly pleasing the Father? I know this is not an easy pill to swallow but it is one that must be forced down none the less. I don’t want to get to heaven and find out that I didn’t please my heavenly Father.
As I struggled to swallow my pill, I realized how off I was in so many ways. Not just in what the Lord dealt with above but even in my prayers. I used to say, “I humble myself before you…” or some version of that but I realized it’s not in me to humble myself. I am humbled when I come in the presence of a holy God. When we say that we humble ourselves, how do we do that? Or is that just another religious saying? If we truly want to be humble before God then we must look at Him in the proper perspective; He’s God, creator of the universe, savior of the world, the one who knows me inside and out and still loves me. That’s humbling.
And the surgery continued….For about the last month I have been quoting 2 Chronicles 16:9, the Lord looks to strengthen those whose hearts are totally committed to him, believing I was totally committing my heart to him. WRONG! How can you have a heart that is totally committed to Him when you walk in pride, unforgiveness, perversion, etc? Once again, the Lord showed me where I was wrong in my prayers. I have been asking God to remove the pride, unforgiveness, perversion but He reminded me of His word in Ezekiel 36:26, “I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” We keep asking God to remove the seeds but he wants to remove the root! So tonight I laid myself on the operating table and let the surgeon, God, remove my heart of stone with its pride, perversion, and everything else and put a new heart into me. Now in order for the transplant to be successful I must stay in intensive care, ceasing any activity that would attempt to rush the recovery. I have to watch what I intake (fasting) and go through physical therapy (the word and prayer) so the body won’t reject the heart. Why do we let the body or flesh decide to accept or reject the heart? We’ll get a new heart but our flesh decides for us that it wants to continue the same lifestyle we had before which will create the same problem. The importance of physical therapy is because in it our thinking is changed renewed. We learn how to care for the new heart. There will be things we cannot do anymore but it’s saving our lives. Then after a full recovery I can begin to work towards living a life where my heart is totally committed to him. His grace is sufficient.
Do you seek to please the Father? How bad is that desire?
To him who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit is saying.
Dec 8, 2008
Closing the book on 2008
I was sitting here tonight and I began to reflect on the prophetic words spoken over me this year and which ones have come to pass already. I have kept these prophecies posted on my vision board to be a constant reminder of God’s word. On January 19, 2008 it was spoken that I would be licensed in to ministry in the next year. I found out about two weeks ago that I will be ordained on January 18, 2009 (exactly a year to the exact day). It was also spoken on that night that 2008 was ministry and 2009 was marriage. In my initial receiving of that word I thought ministry meant licensing but through the course of the year the Lord has shown me that ministry has nothing to do with a title. I truly gave birth to ministry on this year, my purpose in the Kingdom. A year where there were a lot of changes in the natural from jobs, relationships, and etc ministry consumed me. 2008 was a year to give birth to ministry, I can truly see where God began to birth ministry in me and through me. It was half way through the year before I realized that I had already began walking in ministry because my mind was clouded by a title. I went into this year with no New Year’s Resolution, my only desire for 2008 was to know Christ.
God has truly ignited a fire in my spirit, one that cannot be quenched. I know that as I, without shame or apology, burn for Christ that those in my circle of influence have no choice but to be set a blaze. If you choose to remain lukewarm then I suggest you steer clear of me. Since October God has been dealing with me about being lukewarm it will not cease until I am continually burning for Christ and consuming everything that is not Him. His word begs us to choose whether we’re going to be consumed by him or walk away from his. The time has come to choose and if he has to choose for you then he said he’ll spit you out (basically putting you on the cold side).
I used to consider myself someone who likes to have control of his life but this year I lost that control. There were times when, in the past, I would have lost my mind (losing my car, my job, relationships) but I was unaffected by them. God was faithful and the ending was/will be better than the beginning. I truly understood that if I would seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness then everything would be taken care of. Out of work for three months?!! Then take a job where I’m making less money than I’ve ever made period. God’s grace is sufficient. God had to size me down in the natural so he could build me up in the spirit. Like my Pastor said on Tuesday, “what’s your spiritual weight class?”
In 2007, I attempted to do things my way concerning marriage and there was still some residue coming in to 2008. I believe I blogged about it but to make a long story short: My promise and I made plans to move her to Greensboro with me to move forward with the engagement and marriage. The entire time there was no peace about everything but we were still moving forward. Then in March the Lord intervened before we made a huge mistake. The Lord was gracious in moving us out of our own way and during the next five months He….He….did what only He can do. He made all things new because we resolved to love Him more than anything he could ever give us. Now we are no longer anxious about getting engaged and married but we are embracing godly courtship with a new reverence for God and each other. We both have given birth to ministry and without a doubt we are not the same two individuals we were in March or the same couple. We have since established prayer points for our relationship as well as biblical standards for our relationship that breaks down everything from spiritual things to communication to physical touch. There may be some who think us extreme but we make no apologies. We have seen the fruit from those who have been impacted by our desire to walk in Kingdom principles as well as the fruit from walking in disobedience. We knew from the relationship’s conception that this was so much bigger than us and we are transparent about what God is doing. If you would like to see our prayer points or even our standards please feel free to e-mail me, mr.egaines@gmail.com.
To say God is faithful is an understatement. The only thing I can think to respond when someone asks who is God, I give them the same answer he gave to Moses, tell them, “I Am that I Am”. “I am therefore, Christ’s ambassador, as though God were making his appeal through me. I implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” Become consumed by the Lord’s fire.
God has truly ignited a fire in my spirit, one that cannot be quenched. I know that as I, without shame or apology, burn for Christ that those in my circle of influence have no choice but to be set a blaze. If you choose to remain lukewarm then I suggest you steer clear of me. Since October God has been dealing with me about being lukewarm it will not cease until I am continually burning for Christ and consuming everything that is not Him. His word begs us to choose whether we’re going to be consumed by him or walk away from his. The time has come to choose and if he has to choose for you then he said he’ll spit you out (basically putting you on the cold side).
I used to consider myself someone who likes to have control of his life but this year I lost that control. There were times when, in the past, I would have lost my mind (losing my car, my job, relationships) but I was unaffected by them. God was faithful and the ending was/will be better than the beginning. I truly understood that if I would seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness then everything would be taken care of. Out of work for three months?!! Then take a job where I’m making less money than I’ve ever made period. God’s grace is sufficient. God had to size me down in the natural so he could build me up in the spirit. Like my Pastor said on Tuesday, “what’s your spiritual weight class?”
In 2007, I attempted to do things my way concerning marriage and there was still some residue coming in to 2008. I believe I blogged about it but to make a long story short: My promise and I made plans to move her to Greensboro with me to move forward with the engagement and marriage. The entire time there was no peace about everything but we were still moving forward. Then in March the Lord intervened before we made a huge mistake. The Lord was gracious in moving us out of our own way and during the next five months He….He….did what only He can do. He made all things new because we resolved to love Him more than anything he could ever give us. Now we are no longer anxious about getting engaged and married but we are embracing godly courtship with a new reverence for God and each other. We both have given birth to ministry and without a doubt we are not the same two individuals we were in March or the same couple. We have since established prayer points for our relationship as well as biblical standards for our relationship that breaks down everything from spiritual things to communication to physical touch. There may be some who think us extreme but we make no apologies. We have seen the fruit from those who have been impacted by our desire to walk in Kingdom principles as well as the fruit from walking in disobedience. We knew from the relationship’s conception that this was so much bigger than us and we are transparent about what God is doing. If you would like to see our prayer points or even our standards please feel free to e-mail me, mr.egaines@gmail.com.
To say God is faithful is an understatement. The only thing I can think to respond when someone asks who is God, I give them the same answer he gave to Moses, tell them, “I Am that I Am”. “I am therefore, Christ’s ambassador, as though God were making his appeal through me. I implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” Become consumed by the Lord’s fire.
Dec 3, 2008
REBEL!!!!!!
“Jesus was a rebel, a renegade, outlaw, a sanctified troublemaker but he never sinned, nah.
In our day, rebel means sinner but everyone is sinning so it’s no longer rebellious to sin. Jesus was a rebel who was counter-cultural.
You’re just a conformist….if you’re breaking commandments….everyone has done that. If you really want to be a rebel read your Bible because no one is doing that. That is rebellion that is the only rebellion left.” –Rebel album (Lecrae)
“Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all His followers” –Francis Chan
I’ve realized that I never fit in with the lukewarm Christian, even when I tried. When I was in the world I never fit in with those who were rebellious towards God, though I tried my best to blend in. As God has been dealing with me concerning the state of His church and believers, I’ve realized that I too had been lukewarm, trying to do just enough to get by. A lukewarm Christian is no Christian at all. I’ve resolved to die empty and that means being what the world or lukewarm Christians may call “radical”. When I played basketball it wasn’t worth playing when I played halfhearted; it was fulfilling when at the end of the game I was exhausted. At the end of this life, I don’t want to have to look back and wish I would have went harder. If Christ lived a lukewarm ministry, chose to remain comfortable, chances are he would have gotten down off the cross because that would have been too extreme. He might have even refused to get up there in the first place. God loves hard, his feverant love for me has set me ablaze to ferverantly love him back.
Call me radical. Call me extreme. Call me deep. But one thing you will not call me is lukewarm. Lukewarm people are offended by those who are “radical” because it reveals their lack of zeal for the things of God. I’m living this life without apology. Chief sinners are no longer rebellious, it’s the norm. if you really want to rebel against something rebel against the low standards the world and some believers have placed on a relationship with Christ. Burn with the light of Christ without shame.
In our day, rebel means sinner but everyone is sinning so it’s no longer rebellious to sin. Jesus was a rebel who was counter-cultural.
You’re just a conformist….if you’re breaking commandments….everyone has done that. If you really want to be a rebel read your Bible because no one is doing that. That is rebellion that is the only rebellion left.” –Rebel album (Lecrae)
“Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all His followers” –Francis Chan
I’ve realized that I never fit in with the lukewarm Christian, even when I tried. When I was in the world I never fit in with those who were rebellious towards God, though I tried my best to blend in. As God has been dealing with me concerning the state of His church and believers, I’ve realized that I too had been lukewarm, trying to do just enough to get by. A lukewarm Christian is no Christian at all. I’ve resolved to die empty and that means being what the world or lukewarm Christians may call “radical”. When I played basketball it wasn’t worth playing when I played halfhearted; it was fulfilling when at the end of the game I was exhausted. At the end of this life, I don’t want to have to look back and wish I would have went harder. If Christ lived a lukewarm ministry, chose to remain comfortable, chances are he would have gotten down off the cross because that would have been too extreme. He might have even refused to get up there in the first place. God loves hard, his feverant love for me has set me ablaze to ferverantly love him back.
Call me radical. Call me extreme. Call me deep. But one thing you will not call me is lukewarm. Lukewarm people are offended by those who are “radical” because it reveals their lack of zeal for the things of God. I’m living this life without apology. Chief sinners are no longer rebellious, it’s the norm. if you really want to rebel against something rebel against the low standards the world and some believers have placed on a relationship with Christ. Burn with the light of Christ without shame.
Nov 20, 2008
Simple Question
Last night during my small group the Holy Spirit asked what is the first thing that pops in your mind concerning the purpose of prayer? My first response was intercession, because I have been reading a book on intercession but the Holy Spirit said go a little deeper. “Source” was the next thing that came to mind. This week I had not been faithful in denying the comfort of my bed and getting up to seek the Lord and it has shown. He showed me the example of a cell phone, I plug up my cell phone every night before I go to sleep so that it will have enough power to last through the next day. I can remember days where I did not plug it in to charge it up and how I spent the next day screening calls so I didn’t waste my battery. Or I was constantly looking at the battery life to see if it was going to cut off in the middle of the day. Talking is the way I see things about myself and so I was talking about it, I realized that I really have not been connecting to the source but even worse been relying on my own strength to make it through the day. I was telling God, “I don’t need you, I can make it”. That’s a scary place to be. I said that I want God to be my source, I don’t want to be able to make it through a day where I didn’t tap into my source.
I tried to justify it with the cell phone example: well what if I didn’t talk on the phone that much the previous day (I didn’t totally spend myself on Christ’s behalf) so I have some power left from yesterday. The Holy Spirit said what if an emergency happens and I need all of your energy, but because you’re not fully charged you’ll give out when it’s most critical. Even on the other hand, God did not give the Israelites manna to hoard for the future, they had to use it or lose it. We can hold on God’s power for a future date. He gives it to us to spend in that day. That’s a lack of faith on our part that Christ won’t provide for us tomorrow. (This is convicting even in my writing but it must be exposed!)
This morning as I was reading from one of my books, The ministry of intercessory prayer (Andrew Murray), the chapter that I began to read this morning was “Is Prayerlessness Sin?”. CONVICTION!! I couldn’t even get through the entire chapter. Not tapping in to our source of power will always result in failure or defeat. Defeat and failure are always due to the loss of God’s presence. God’s presence comes through prayer. Look at 1 Samuel 12 with Achan, defeat followed the absence of the presence of God.
Lord, help me to truly see you as my source and not just a resource. Show me that it is IN you that I live and have my being, you are the source of my strength. Father I repent for acting as though I can make it in this life without you and neglecting your work on the cross. I pray that I plug in to you every morning when I rise and every night before I lay down, that I may always have your presence, peace, and power.
Have you made God through prayer your source for living?
I tried to justify it with the cell phone example: well what if I didn’t talk on the phone that much the previous day (I didn’t totally spend myself on Christ’s behalf) so I have some power left from yesterday. The Holy Spirit said what if an emergency happens and I need all of your energy, but because you’re not fully charged you’ll give out when it’s most critical. Even on the other hand, God did not give the Israelites manna to hoard for the future, they had to use it or lose it. We can hold on God’s power for a future date. He gives it to us to spend in that day. That’s a lack of faith on our part that Christ won’t provide for us tomorrow. (This is convicting even in my writing but it must be exposed!)
This morning as I was reading from one of my books, The ministry of intercessory prayer (Andrew Murray), the chapter that I began to read this morning was “Is Prayerlessness Sin?”. CONVICTION!! I couldn’t even get through the entire chapter. Not tapping in to our source of power will always result in failure or defeat. Defeat and failure are always due to the loss of God’s presence. God’s presence comes through prayer. Look at 1 Samuel 12 with Achan, defeat followed the absence of the presence of God.
Lord, help me to truly see you as my source and not just a resource. Show me that it is IN you that I live and have my being, you are the source of my strength. Father I repent for acting as though I can make it in this life without you and neglecting your work on the cross. I pray that I plug in to you every morning when I rise and every night before I lay down, that I may always have your presence, peace, and power.
Have you made God through prayer your source for living?
Nov 5, 2008
Good is Not Good Enough!!!
I know it's been a while but this is a preview of a coming attraction...
2 Chronicles 34 King Josiah
Revelations 2:14-21
God is giving the people of God an ultimatum, live for him totally or don't. No longer will he allow His standard to be lowered by believers who aren't willing to pay the price.
The meat is coming soon....
2 Chronicles 34 King Josiah
Revelations 2:14-21
God is giving the people of God an ultimatum, live for him totally or don't. No longer will he allow His standard to be lowered by believers who aren't willing to pay the price.
The meat is coming soon....
Oct 17, 2008
Oct 7, 2008
Don't become a Levite!!
God's revelation from a book I'm reading; "Ministering to the Lord" by Roxanne Brant (I found it online for less than $1 more than worth the investment.)
Ezekiel 44:10-16
When an NBA player is drafted into the League, what’s their primary purpose? To play in the game, right? Practicing, traveling, the money; all of these things come with it but their primary purpose is to play on game night. What happens when their behavior gets them suspended from playing in the games? They can still practice, travel some, and still have the money but they can’t fulfill their primary purpose. They can even help the team get better in practice but at the end of the day it was all for not because their purpose can’t be fulfilled. Is that a good place to be or safe place to be?
We as believers are not much different from them. Our primary purpose, main reason for being saved is to have fellowship with God, or our ministry to God. Ministry or to minister in its simplest terms means to serve. As I serve my Pastor as his armorbearer, I’m learning that in order to serve him most effectively, I must know him. I have to know his likes, dislikes, habits, moods, his heart, the way he thinks, etc. the only way to know these things is to fellowship with him or fellowship with someone who knows these things.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” I used to think the “seek” in this verse was the same as the seek in Hebrews 11 where it says that God will reward those that earnestly seek him. But the seek in Hebrews 11 means to make a concerted effort, while the “seek” in Matthew 6:33 means to give attention or priority to, to desire. We are to give the kingdom of God and his righteousness priority in our lives; this is our primary purpose. There are other aspects to being a believer but they become empty when we don’t fulfill our primary purpose; ministering to the Lord.
To the text
Priest: descendants of the family of Aaron (tribe of Levi). Consisted of males 25-50. They were required to maintain a special standard of purity. They performed the day to day duties in the temple. They were to guard and preserve an intimate relationship between God and the people. They were intercessors or mediators. As a priest, you were permitted into the Holy of Holies to minister to the Lord. Old Testament Priest = New Testament Believers
Levites: deal with the day to day duties of the temple and serving the people. The distinction between the Levite and Priest was the priest could minister to the Lord (enter the holy of holies) AND minister/serve to the people.
Vs. 10 God addresses those [priest] who fell away to idols as Levites and because of their fall away they had to deal with the consequences of their sin. For the sake of making it easy to understand, we’ll say that the Levites and Priests are the mature believer or leaders in the church. The Levite’s fall came during a time when the rest of the people did not follow God and chose to do what the flesh desired (sounds like the times of today). The Bible says that they went after their own idols and an idol is anything that we put before God; so it could be selfish ambition, serving others, pride, whatever.
Verse 11 and 12 says that they can still minister in the temple and to the people. Because they ministered to the people in the presence of their idols, they lost their ability to function as priest. They went from walking in destiny to walking in purpose. As priests they could go into the Holy of Holies to become impregnated by God, to receive power but because of their sin they could no longer enter that place. They were left to do the menial tasks, things that anybody could do and did do. In the verses preceding what we read it talked about how they let the uncircumcised in heart and flesh work in the temple. This scared me because the menial tasks were EVERYTHING ELSE. The menial task is not the parking lot ministry but everything else; teen pastor, usher, praise team, preacher.
All this because they went after their own idols and led the people astray. The fall happened years prior to God giving Ezekiel these regulations concerning the temple, so their consequence wasn’t immediate. God was reestablishing divine order so that he could once again and for all come and dwell in the temple. I truly believe that’s what he’s doing today; reestablishing divine order so that he may return and dwell in and among us. But he must first rid his temple; we are the temple, of everything that is not like him.
1 Corinthians talks about how as a mature believer we must be very mindful that we don’t lead the weak astray and when we do, we actually sin against Christ. If our desire is for the world to see Christ then we have to make sure we don’t become a stumbling block that makes them fall.
This fall kept them from walking in the priestly duties (vs. 13); “They are not to come near to serve me as priests or come near any of my holy things or my most holy offerings; they must bear the shame of their detestable practices.”
What a scary place to be; able to work in the Lord’s house but not able to come near the Lord of the house. What is scarier is that we can go on like that and think we’re alright because we’re working or ministering in the church; the second dimension. But we’ll be in for a rude awakening because based on Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you workers of iniquity!” These are people that worked in the church, served the people but never entered the third dimension of the Kingdom. They were never able to fulfill their intended purpose or destiny which is to minister or serve the Lord.
It’s so easy to become content and blinded in this second dimension. I can speak from personal experience that there have been times when served the people in the church, did the duties in the church but wasn’t spending time serving the God of the church. I know it’s easy to become comfortable in that place. As I’ve been studying this, I began to ask God why this happens and this is what he shared with me Saturday night.
He took me to Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestled with God. After the busyness of his day, Jacob went to bed to prepare to meet his brother Esau; but he could not sleep. He got up sent his family and his possessions across the Ford of Jabbok to where he was left alone with God. He wrestled with God all night and refused to let go even at daybreak, even with a dislocated hip. God said we’re/I’m not hungry and thirsty enough for Him. Even before he wrestled with God he spent the day planning and working so he had to be exhausted but he was desperate for God. At the end of our day, we’re too tired to wrestle with God or even spend time with him; we’re not hungry enough for him and we forget our first ministry.
Luke 17:7-10 and page 69 in “Ministering to the Lord”Remember the basketball player that was suspended and couldn’t play in the games. Well when his suspension was over and he was back to playing in the games, fulfilling his reason for being in the league, he’s able to live a more fulfilled life. When we are able to fulfill our intended reason for being, which is to dwell in that third dimension, in the Kingdom, and then we are able to live a more fulfilled life. Make sure that nothing keeps you from going in to that third dimension. As the rest of the world goes further away from God we must be like the priests in verse 15 and 16.
Ezekiel 44:10-16
When an NBA player is drafted into the League, what’s their primary purpose? To play in the game, right? Practicing, traveling, the money; all of these things come with it but their primary purpose is to play on game night. What happens when their behavior gets them suspended from playing in the games? They can still practice, travel some, and still have the money but they can’t fulfill their primary purpose. They can even help the team get better in practice but at the end of the day it was all for not because their purpose can’t be fulfilled. Is that a good place to be or safe place to be?
We as believers are not much different from them. Our primary purpose, main reason for being saved is to have fellowship with God, or our ministry to God. Ministry or to minister in its simplest terms means to serve. As I serve my Pastor as his armorbearer, I’m learning that in order to serve him most effectively, I must know him. I have to know his likes, dislikes, habits, moods, his heart, the way he thinks, etc. the only way to know these things is to fellowship with him or fellowship with someone who knows these things.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” I used to think the “seek” in this verse was the same as the seek in Hebrews 11 where it says that God will reward those that earnestly seek him. But the seek in Hebrews 11 means to make a concerted effort, while the “seek” in Matthew 6:33 means to give attention or priority to, to desire. We are to give the kingdom of God and his righteousness priority in our lives; this is our primary purpose. There are other aspects to being a believer but they become empty when we don’t fulfill our primary purpose; ministering to the Lord.
To the text
Priest: descendants of the family of Aaron (tribe of Levi). Consisted of males 25-50. They were required to maintain a special standard of purity. They performed the day to day duties in the temple. They were to guard and preserve an intimate relationship between God and the people. They were intercessors or mediators. As a priest, you were permitted into the Holy of Holies to minister to the Lord. Old Testament Priest = New Testament Believers
Levites: deal with the day to day duties of the temple and serving the people. The distinction between the Levite and Priest was the priest could minister to the Lord (enter the holy of holies) AND minister/serve to the people.
Vs. 10 God addresses those [priest] who fell away to idols as Levites and because of their fall away they had to deal with the consequences of their sin. For the sake of making it easy to understand, we’ll say that the Levites and Priests are the mature believer or leaders in the church. The Levite’s fall came during a time when the rest of the people did not follow God and chose to do what the flesh desired (sounds like the times of today). The Bible says that they went after their own idols and an idol is anything that we put before God; so it could be selfish ambition, serving others, pride, whatever.
Verse 11 and 12 says that they can still minister in the temple and to the people. Because they ministered to the people in the presence of their idols, they lost their ability to function as priest. They went from walking in destiny to walking in purpose. As priests they could go into the Holy of Holies to become impregnated by God, to receive power but because of their sin they could no longer enter that place. They were left to do the menial tasks, things that anybody could do and did do. In the verses preceding what we read it talked about how they let the uncircumcised in heart and flesh work in the temple. This scared me because the menial tasks were EVERYTHING ELSE. The menial task is not the parking lot ministry but everything else; teen pastor, usher, praise team, preacher.
All this because they went after their own idols and led the people astray. The fall happened years prior to God giving Ezekiel these regulations concerning the temple, so their consequence wasn’t immediate. God was reestablishing divine order so that he could once again and for all come and dwell in the temple. I truly believe that’s what he’s doing today; reestablishing divine order so that he may return and dwell in and among us. But he must first rid his temple; we are the temple, of everything that is not like him.
1 Corinthians talks about how as a mature believer we must be very mindful that we don’t lead the weak astray and when we do, we actually sin against Christ. If our desire is for the world to see Christ then we have to make sure we don’t become a stumbling block that makes them fall.
This fall kept them from walking in the priestly duties (vs. 13); “They are not to come near to serve me as priests or come near any of my holy things or my most holy offerings; they must bear the shame of their detestable practices.”
What a scary place to be; able to work in the Lord’s house but not able to come near the Lord of the house. What is scarier is that we can go on like that and think we’re alright because we’re working or ministering in the church; the second dimension. But we’ll be in for a rude awakening because based on Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you workers of iniquity!” These are people that worked in the church, served the people but never entered the third dimension of the Kingdom. They were never able to fulfill their intended purpose or destiny which is to minister or serve the Lord.
It’s so easy to become content and blinded in this second dimension. I can speak from personal experience that there have been times when served the people in the church, did the duties in the church but wasn’t spending time serving the God of the church. I know it’s easy to become comfortable in that place. As I’ve been studying this, I began to ask God why this happens and this is what he shared with me Saturday night.
He took me to Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestled with God. After the busyness of his day, Jacob went to bed to prepare to meet his brother Esau; but he could not sleep. He got up sent his family and his possessions across the Ford of Jabbok to where he was left alone with God. He wrestled with God all night and refused to let go even at daybreak, even with a dislocated hip. God said we’re/I’m not hungry and thirsty enough for Him. Even before he wrestled with God he spent the day planning and working so he had to be exhausted but he was desperate for God. At the end of our day, we’re too tired to wrestle with God or even spend time with him; we’re not hungry enough for him and we forget our first ministry.
Luke 17:7-10 and page 69 in “Ministering to the Lord”Remember the basketball player that was suspended and couldn’t play in the games. Well when his suspension was over and he was back to playing in the games, fulfilling his reason for being in the league, he’s able to live a more fulfilled life. When we are able to fulfill our intended reason for being, which is to dwell in that third dimension, in the Kingdom, and then we are able to live a more fulfilled life. Make sure that nothing keeps you from going in to that third dimension. As the rest of the world goes further away from God we must be like the priests in verse 15 and 16.
Sep 11, 2008
The Transformed Mind
About a week and a half ago the Lord began to deal with me concerning my mind. Romans 12:2 says, “to no longer conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind…” My Pastor has often said that the place of your greatest stronghold will be the place of your greatest anointing and up to a week and a half ago my understanding was clouded. My understanding was that I would go from “deliverance” to ministering to people that deal with the same stronghold helping come out or stay out. I failed to understand the transformation that must take place in me, first. The anointing is for you first and then for the lives of others so the place of your greatest stronghold must be transformed to God’s glory. The impure must become pure. My greatest stronghold was sexual perversion and everything that came with it. Some associations with that include: done in secret and no one else knows unless revealed to them, done late at night while most are sleep, in strange places where other people wouldn’t, done to relieve stress, it takes the mind off of everything else, it became a natural response or routine. Now we must understand that intimacy in the flesh leads to sex and the like, while intimacy in the spirit leads to worship.
In order for this transformation to take place the unclean must be done away with. As I was studying, God took me to Daniel 4 with King Nebuchadnezzar and his dream. In his dream he had a vision of a tree that was cut down to a stump and this was symbolic of what would happen to him. The stump represented him before all the stuff and that God would rebuild him from that stump. In understanding the before place based on Jeremiah 1:5 there is a place in us that was pure and holy. When we came in to this world we took on the 1st Adam’s sinful nature and began to become tainted. We must keep that in mind in the transformation of our minds. The deliverance comes when we allow God to chop us down to a stump in those impure areas so that he may rebuild us to bring him glory. The stump is the lowest point of a tree, without it being completely destroyed.
God has been chopping me down to that stump in the area of intimacy because that’s the root of sexual perversion. I know I have come a long way and am almost to that stump. The other night in prayer I asked God why I would have these random impure thoughts that would come out of the blue. It’s not that I dwelt on them but they catch me off guard because I thought I was past most of them. This is what he shared with me: “It’s the residue; you’ve dealt with the big stuff and now its time to do a deep cleansing. A complete renewal of the mind means that it is pure to its core so not even a remnant of impurity is to remain.” At that my flesh began to doubt saying that no one’s mind is completely pure so you’re alright where you are. But immediately the Holy Spirit posed the question as he did to Abraham, “is anything too hard for God? You’re almost at the stump; don’t settle for good when greatness is within reach.” As I was sharing this last part with E last night the Holy Spirit spoke, “pressure washer”. The purpose of a pressure washer is to get the stuff that the regular flow of water could not get, the residue. It’s the same water just with more pressure and intensity. What he was saying was that I must turn up the force in which I intake the word of God in order to get rid of the residue because we understand that our minds are transformed by the word of God.
Remember, earlier when I was sharing the associations that I went with sexual perversion, well in a transformed mind those impure things become pure. Now let’s looks at the evidence of my mind transformed from sexual perversion, understanding its root is intimacy and its pure or holy form is worship. I worship in a secret place out of view of men, done late at night when most are sleep, in strange places where other people wouldn’t, done to relieve stress and take my mind away from everything else, it becomes a natural response or routine (lifestyle).
Don’t settle for good when greatness is within reach. God desires to completely transform your mind, give him those strongholds so he can show you there intended purpose to bring him glory. A transformed mind is that foundation of our relationship with Christ so we can build on a faulty foundation, make it a sure foundation.
God Bless!
In order for this transformation to take place the unclean must be done away with. As I was studying, God took me to Daniel 4 with King Nebuchadnezzar and his dream. In his dream he had a vision of a tree that was cut down to a stump and this was symbolic of what would happen to him. The stump represented him before all the stuff and that God would rebuild him from that stump. In understanding the before place based on Jeremiah 1:5 there is a place in us that was pure and holy. When we came in to this world we took on the 1st Adam’s sinful nature and began to become tainted. We must keep that in mind in the transformation of our minds. The deliverance comes when we allow God to chop us down to a stump in those impure areas so that he may rebuild us to bring him glory. The stump is the lowest point of a tree, without it being completely destroyed.
God has been chopping me down to that stump in the area of intimacy because that’s the root of sexual perversion. I know I have come a long way and am almost to that stump. The other night in prayer I asked God why I would have these random impure thoughts that would come out of the blue. It’s not that I dwelt on them but they catch me off guard because I thought I was past most of them. This is what he shared with me: “It’s the residue; you’ve dealt with the big stuff and now its time to do a deep cleansing. A complete renewal of the mind means that it is pure to its core so not even a remnant of impurity is to remain.” At that my flesh began to doubt saying that no one’s mind is completely pure so you’re alright where you are. But immediately the Holy Spirit posed the question as he did to Abraham, “is anything too hard for God? You’re almost at the stump; don’t settle for good when greatness is within reach.” As I was sharing this last part with E last night the Holy Spirit spoke, “pressure washer”. The purpose of a pressure washer is to get the stuff that the regular flow of water could not get, the residue. It’s the same water just with more pressure and intensity. What he was saying was that I must turn up the force in which I intake the word of God in order to get rid of the residue because we understand that our minds are transformed by the word of God.
Remember, earlier when I was sharing the associations that I went with sexual perversion, well in a transformed mind those impure things become pure. Now let’s looks at the evidence of my mind transformed from sexual perversion, understanding its root is intimacy and its pure or holy form is worship. I worship in a secret place out of view of men, done late at night when most are sleep, in strange places where other people wouldn’t, done to relieve stress and take my mind away from everything else, it becomes a natural response or routine (lifestyle).
Don’t settle for good when greatness is within reach. God desires to completely transform your mind, give him those strongholds so he can show you there intended purpose to bring him glory. A transformed mind is that foundation of our relationship with Christ so we can build on a faulty foundation, make it a sure foundation.
God Bless!
Aug 31, 2008
The Afterbirth
September is the 9th month the month of birthing. As we prepare to enter this 9th month, the month of giving birth, it was timely for me to be at KAEC this morning. The message that came forth in the first service discussed assimilation along with a lot of other pertinent information. Assimilate means to take in and understand information; absorb and digest. I don’t know much about giving birth and pregnancy but God was able to show me in its simplest form what’s going on. As our session went on this morning, we were focusing on the moment of giving birth. As I sat there the Holy Spirit began to speak to me. Looking at the pregnancy, the mother and father are excited about the day they give birth but most of their focus is spent on preparing to handle the child once it manifest into the physical. You cannot separate giving birth from the afterbirth. We look forward to and anticipate the moment of giving birth but we can’t be so focused on a moment that we forget about the responsibility after birth. We learned that everything up to this point has been preparation for delivery, ensuring a healthy delivery; purging of unclean lifestyles, mindsets, dying to self (once you give birth you can’t think about yourself anymore so God had to allow us to die to ourselves before we give birth).
The Afterbirth
You must understand your new role, preparing for going from carrying to the afterbirth; your role changes.
John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Think about what it means to be free in the natural; you were in prison and you are released, freed from the prison walls. When Christ sets you free, you are free physically and through his word, mentally; meaning a change has been made, mental and physical. The internal has manifested into the physical.
Galations 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I stated earlier that in giving birth we lose the right to live for ourselves and we must die to ourselves. We no longer live but Christ lives in us, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices that He may live/shine through us. Next the scripture says that we live by faith and we learned in class that faith is being one with God. Being one with God means we are completely obedient to Him so that we can nurture and raise what we gave birth to. We were impregnated by the spirit, we’ll give birth through the Spirit, and the afterbirth will be no different. Galations 3:3 “After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” What is birth by the Spirit will be maintained by the Spirit. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. We know the word of God is Jesus Christ (John 1:1).
As we enter this 9th month of giving birth do not separate giving birth from the afterbirth. You can only prepare so much for the labor pains but know that it will be intense but short and will pass. Focus on what you’re giving birth to and the responsibility that comes with giving birth.
The Afterbirth
You must understand your new role, preparing for going from carrying to the afterbirth; your role changes.
John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Think about what it means to be free in the natural; you were in prison and you are released, freed from the prison walls. When Christ sets you free, you are free physically and through his word, mentally; meaning a change has been made, mental and physical. The internal has manifested into the physical.
Galations 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I stated earlier that in giving birth we lose the right to live for ourselves and we must die to ourselves. We no longer live but Christ lives in us, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices that He may live/shine through us. Next the scripture says that we live by faith and we learned in class that faith is being one with God. Being one with God means we are completely obedient to Him so that we can nurture and raise what we gave birth to. We were impregnated by the spirit, we’ll give birth through the Spirit, and the afterbirth will be no different. Galations 3:3 “After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” What is birth by the Spirit will be maintained by the Spirit. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. We know the word of God is Jesus Christ (John 1:1).
As we enter this 9th month of giving birth do not separate giving birth from the afterbirth. You can only prepare so much for the labor pains but know that it will be intense but short and will pass. Focus on what you’re giving birth to and the responsibility that comes with giving birth.
Aug 25, 2008
I Believe, help me overcome my unbelief
"I'm going to South Africa later this year." This statement alone will not put me in South Africa; its not until my belief in what I stated is followed by some action. I thought I believed that I was going but because there was no action, there was no true belief. As I realized this truth, I took it before God and this is what he gave me:
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” Mark 9:24b
In Luke 9 there is a passage that deals with a father and his child who is filled with an evil spirit. The man is surrounded by disciples and when Jesus walks up there was a lot of arguing. The man tells Jesus that he brought Him his son but instead of waiting on Jesus he allowed the disciples to try to cast out the spirit, in which they were unsuccessful. Jesus rebukes his disciples and then addresses the man. After a brief conversation the man says to Jesus, “but if you can do anything…”. Jesus seems offended and tells him that everything is possible for him who believes. Immediately the boy’s father jumps back at him and says I do believe but even as he spoke he realized that he didn’t really believe, leading him to the statement in verse 24. After Jesus cast it out, the onlookers thought that the boy was dead.
This is what God had me to read during prayer time Saturday morning and even as I read he began to reveal what he wanted to show me. So let’s break it down…
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” Mark 9:24b
In Luke 9 there is a passage that deals with a father and his child who is filled with an evil spirit. The man is surrounded by disciples and when Jesus walks up there was a lot of arguing. The man tells Jesus that he brought Him his son but instead of waiting on Jesus he allowed the disciples to try to cast out the spirit, in which they were unsuccessful. Jesus rebukes his disciples and then addresses the man. After a brief conversation the man says to Jesus, “but if you can do anything…”. Jesus seems offended and tells him that everything is possible for him who believes. Immediately the boy’s father jumps back at him and says I do believe but even as he spoke he realized that he didn’t really believe, leading him to the statement in verse 24. After Jesus cast it out, the onlookers thought that the boy was dead.
This is what God had me to read during prayer time Saturday morning and even as I read he began to reveal what he wanted to show me. So let’s break it down…
- The man tells Jesus that he brought his son to see Jesus but when Jesus wasn’t there he settled for a representative who failed at casting out the demon. This was the cause of the argument that Jesus interrupted. He knew he had a problem that only Jesus could fix and was on the right track but somehow was convinced that a representative could do the job. When they failed, I believe his faith failed as well.
- This is seen in his response to Jesus when he says but if you can do anything. He may have had the faith to believe and seek out Christ but after that encounter disappointed him, his faith began to waiver.
- Jesus calls him on his unbelief and he immediately jumps to the defense. Being in Christ’s holy presence there is no room for falsehood so he corrects himself asking Jesus to help his unbelief.
- After the demon is cast out the people that were around thought the boy was dead but I believe the man’s faith was restored because he knew it wouldn’t make sense for Jesus to cast out a demon to kill the boy.
- At the end of it all, Jesus tells his disciples that some things only come out by prayer and fasting.
Belief is shown by actions, not just in thoughts and words. He had a problem that no one could fix but Jesus but because of influence or impatience he allowed others to try what they weren’t prepared for. Because they weren’t able to fix his problem his faith was shaken. Are we as believers in a position where when God wants to do miracles through us prepared or will we cause someone’s faith to be dashed because we’re not prepared? On the other side, when we face some things and we know they can only be fixed through Christ, do we settle for seeking to get it fixed by man or do we have the patience to wait for Christ?
Aug 15, 2008
Holy Anger
That’s twice this week, fourth time this month, that my youth have come under attack, one attack they don't realize has even hit them yet. The enemy is trying to take them out before they even realize who they are and the power they possess. But one thing he doesn’t realize is that they’re stronger than that. They’ve been through hell and back and now he’s throwing everything he can think of at them to get them to completely throw in the towel. Abandonment, Abuse, Distrust; throw what you will the God in them is greater than you’ll ever be! I’m filled with holy rage that you would think it would be that easy and it’s on now. You already know I’m a prayer warrior and you’re forcing me use all the power that is within me. Do you realize how stupid you are?!! These same young people that you attack today will be the same ones to overthrow your reign on this earth and establish our Father’s Kingdom.
I began to get mad at people and things but I understand this is not a natural fight, its one that will be won in the spirit realm. God’s children are pushed closer to him not further when they are attacked like this because he’s the only one that can bring them through. Even if they don’t yet realize that, God will be the one to remind them and make sure they don’t forget it. They will make it because a faithful few have chosen to stand in the gap between life and death for them, so as long as we stand they stand. And there are thousands more just like us in which the Spirit of the living God resides and burns for this generation.
The enemy doesn’t mess with those who have no anointing or call on their lives. The very fact that he has attacked these young people with such intensity let’s me know the powerful call God has placed on their lives.
Will you answer the call and stand in the gap with us?
I began to get mad at people and things but I understand this is not a natural fight, its one that will be won in the spirit realm. God’s children are pushed closer to him not further when they are attacked like this because he’s the only one that can bring them through. Even if they don’t yet realize that, God will be the one to remind them and make sure they don’t forget it. They will make it because a faithful few have chosen to stand in the gap between life and death for them, so as long as we stand they stand. And there are thousands more just like us in which the Spirit of the living God resides and burns for this generation.
The enemy doesn’t mess with those who have no anointing or call on their lives. The very fact that he has attacked these young people with such intensity let’s me know the powerful call God has placed on their lives.
Will you answer the call and stand in the gap with us?
Aug 11, 2008
Preparing Joshua and Elisha
Preparing this generation. I left off last time talking about how in order for this generation to walk in that Joshua and Elisha calling we must prepare them for that. We saw that the biggest part of preparing this generation is intercession (Moses and Joshua). The other aspect of it is looking at Elijah and Elisha. The Bible has no details about the relationship between the two; it goes from Elijah anointing him to them speaking before Elijah is called up. There must have been something great that Elisha saw in the life of Elijah that made him want a double portion of his anointing/spirit. In our preparing this generation we must live lives in such a way that this generation desires double of what we have, and what we have is the Spirit of God. We must, now more than ever, be mindful of our walk because we want this generation to desire what we exemplify.
In returning to the intercession portion, we know God won’t show you a problem without working you toward a solution. As I meditated and prayed about this God began to reveal what we must do. We must be determined to stand in the gap no matter what may come and what it looks like. I’m working out the details but my church will become a house of prayer for this generation. I will keep everyone updated about the date and time but sometime in the near future all those who desire to help this generation walk in what God has spoken will come together to truly intercede and flood the gates of heaven with our petitions. You don’t have to be a youth pastor or youth worker but if you have a heart for this young generation I urge you to press your way out and stand in the gap. I continued to seek the Lord concerning this because I knew there was more and he began to give me prayer points to pray through for this generation. I pray that everyone will come to the ministry to intercede on one accord but even if you don’t I want to share these prayer points with you. So, no matter where you are we can still be on one accord. This is not an exhaustive list, only what he has given me so far:
Prayer Points
. Lord, purge their hearts of all unrighteousness and the condemnation that makes them feel unworthy
· Lord, help them to release every failure, pain, disappointment, and distraction from their past that would prevent them from moving forward in the things of you
· Lord, place the same spirit that resided in Joshua into this generation
· I bind every demonic influence that would attempt to delay or deny this generation from going forth, in Jesus’ name
· Lord, open the eyes of this generation that they may see what you see in the spirit and not what the world sees.
· Give them a radical faith to believe nothing is impossible with you
· Remove the power of influence from the media and their peers as the go against your Kingdom, in Jesus’ name!
· I bind the identity crisis in this generation in Jesus’ name
· I declare and I decree that this generation is fearfully and wonderfully made and will not accept the identity of anyone but Christ
· Teach me to develop this generation to walk according to your Word
· Help me to live a life that puts a desire in this generation to desire double of my anointing and spirit
· I declare and I decree that we will stop entertaining this generation and begin to disciple them for your work and glory
· Lord, release this generation to go forth and reestablish the standard in your Kingdom
· Lord, I pray that this generation will not allow anyone to look down on them because of their youth but set the example in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity
· Help us to push and encourage this generation to never stop chasing after you
· Strengthen us to not become weary in well doing but to keep the big picture in mind, the SOULS!
Aug 7, 2008
Stop the Show!!!
I can write this because I have shined the light upon my own life and faults...
Stop the entertainment! We can no longer blame the young people for where they are in Christ; we have to look at what we do. Anytime we gather a large number of young people together it’s to entertain them! Yes we can minister through various forms but what are they walking away with? “I want a deeper commitment with Christ? Or I want to learn how to step because that was hot!” Are we scared to call a prayer meeting for young people, thinking they won’t respond? We’re quick to put together a holy hip hop show, talent show, and lock-in but slow to take them deeper in Christ. Stop thinking for them, open it up and those who are hungry will respond. If this is the generation that will prepare the way for Christ’s return then that means we must prepare and mature them in Christ. We can’t declare this the Joshua generation or Elisha movement with recognizing the role Moses played in developing Joshua and Elijah in developing Elisha. God is calling us leaders to step up!
God knew Joshua would be the one to lead the people into the Promised Land so he told Moses to keep him close and expose him to things that everyone wasn’t privileged to encounter. Joshua first victory in a leadership role was won because Moses was literally interceding by holding his staff (Exodus 17). As long as he held up the staff they were winning but if Moses brought it down they began to lose. It is of utmost importance that we increase our commitment to intercession for this generation. Their victories early in this battle are hinged on our intercession. They are just beginning to walk in their calling so there are a lot of things they do not know about. We must stand in the gap and make up the difference; if they lose it’s not their fault.
Stop the entertainment! We can no longer blame the young people for where they are in Christ; we have to look at what we do. Anytime we gather a large number of young people together it’s to entertain them! Yes we can minister through various forms but what are they walking away with? “I want a deeper commitment with Christ? Or I want to learn how to step because that was hot!” Are we scared to call a prayer meeting for young people, thinking they won’t respond? We’re quick to put together a holy hip hop show, talent show, and lock-in but slow to take them deeper in Christ. Stop thinking for them, open it up and those who are hungry will respond. If this is the generation that will prepare the way for Christ’s return then that means we must prepare and mature them in Christ. We can’t declare this the Joshua generation or Elisha movement with recognizing the role Moses played in developing Joshua and Elijah in developing Elisha. God is calling us leaders to step up!
God knew Joshua would be the one to lead the people into the Promised Land so he told Moses to keep him close and expose him to things that everyone wasn’t privileged to encounter. Joshua first victory in a leadership role was won because Moses was literally interceding by holding his staff (Exodus 17). As long as he held up the staff they were winning but if Moses brought it down they began to lose. It is of utmost importance that we increase our commitment to intercession for this generation. Their victories early in this battle are hinged on our intercession. They are just beginning to walk in their calling so there are a lot of things they do not know about. We must stand in the gap and make up the difference; if they lose it’s not their fault.
Aug 6, 2008
Are you Empty?
We keep asking God to fill us with His Spirit, love, power, mind, etc but we've got too much junk in the way. God won't put His pure things in with our filth. In seeking God it is time to empty out. Getting rid of all things that are not of God. We wonder why we're not seeing God move like we want Him to, well the problems lies within us. He must have a body to work through and if He can't find one than He can't manifest Himself. We know what its like to live in the world, we know what its like to live in the church but now its time to move to the Kingdom. We can't take that old stuff into the Kingdom so we must empty out. I found this sound last week and it has been ringing in my Spirit since then...
Jun 30, 2008
Fresh from midnight prayer
Random Thoughts 6/30/08 1:20 am
Man-O-Man, God is so awesome! Midnight prayer was something else. I went in with somewhat of heaviness on me but after some time in repentance it was lifted off. This evening, it was raining all night and my mind tried to get me to use that as an excuse not to go to prayer. Because of that battle alone, I went with some expectation and that was blown out of the water.
In my previous journal entry, I shared about my experience this morning at the beginning of 8:45 service. And tonight at prayer I realized why I had to go through that, because if I didn’t then I would not have been able to receive what God showed me on tonight. As I was praying, I was asking God to help me take the limits off of him, take him out of the box. All things are possible with him and without him nothing is possible. This means that EVERYTHING is possible with him; there is not a single thing that we face or desire that is too hard for our God. I don’t think we always realize that or our prayers would be bolder, our actions would be bolder. I’m not talking about asking him for a bunch of stuff, I’m talking about souls. Why is it that we aren’t bolder in our prayers for the salvation of the lost? Why are we not more bold in approaching those who are lost and presenting them with the Gospel? Do we not believe God is able? Are we looking at it as something we can do or can’t do? The scripture says, “with God”, all things are possible; meaning we can’t do it ourselves. We confuse our ability with his ability. I’ll speak for myself…I would get nervous and reclusive when God tells me to share the Gospel with someone. I did that because I thought “I” was the one who would be speaking, “I” felt inadequate to bring someone to salvation. I was right in that but wrong in the one who was speaking. I’m just a vessel and in Luke 12:12 Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. Just open your mouth. I pray that God’s people would get a revelation of what it means to take the limits off of God and all things are possible with him. I pray that it would spark a new boldness in us to go and proclaim his Gospel and pray like never before. TAKE THE LIMITS OFF!!! NO LIMITS, NO BOUNDARIES!!
As I began to quiet down in my prayer time, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “let her pray”, referring to my prayer partner Ms. Kim. Since it has only been the two of us at prayer, I have taken the role to lead us in corporate prayer at the end. I didn’t really question it, I just remained quiet, waiting for clarity; and then it came. He said, I’m going to use her to confirm what you prayed tonight, it will be a confirmation of what you said and heard. I heeded to it and allowed her to pray and sure enough the very thing I wrote about above, he confirmed through her, along with some other things pertaining to ministry. Then she turned it back over to me to close us out. When I finished praying, I was just in astonishment. Looking at where God has brought me in my prayer life and relationship with him, oh my goodness. As we ended, I remember saying to myself, I’m not ready to go. I guess God heard me and put me back to work because no sooner than I said that, Ms. Kim asked me to pray over her son. Talk about stepping up and stepping out…without hesitation I was obedient. As they were leaving, Gregory said, “bye Pastor Emmanuel”. I can’t explain how it felt but I’m embracing what God spoke….
God Bless!
Man-O-Man, God is so awesome! Midnight prayer was something else. I went in with somewhat of heaviness on me but after some time in repentance it was lifted off. This evening, it was raining all night and my mind tried to get me to use that as an excuse not to go to prayer. Because of that battle alone, I went with some expectation and that was blown out of the water.
In my previous journal entry, I shared about my experience this morning at the beginning of 8:45 service. And tonight at prayer I realized why I had to go through that, because if I didn’t then I would not have been able to receive what God showed me on tonight. As I was praying, I was asking God to help me take the limits off of him, take him out of the box. All things are possible with him and without him nothing is possible. This means that EVERYTHING is possible with him; there is not a single thing that we face or desire that is too hard for our God. I don’t think we always realize that or our prayers would be bolder, our actions would be bolder. I’m not talking about asking him for a bunch of stuff, I’m talking about souls. Why is it that we aren’t bolder in our prayers for the salvation of the lost? Why are we not more bold in approaching those who are lost and presenting them with the Gospel? Do we not believe God is able? Are we looking at it as something we can do or can’t do? The scripture says, “with God”, all things are possible; meaning we can’t do it ourselves. We confuse our ability with his ability. I’ll speak for myself…I would get nervous and reclusive when God tells me to share the Gospel with someone. I did that because I thought “I” was the one who would be speaking, “I” felt inadequate to bring someone to salvation. I was right in that but wrong in the one who was speaking. I’m just a vessel and in Luke 12:12 Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. Just open your mouth. I pray that God’s people would get a revelation of what it means to take the limits off of God and all things are possible with him. I pray that it would spark a new boldness in us to go and proclaim his Gospel and pray like never before. TAKE THE LIMITS OFF!!! NO LIMITS, NO BOUNDARIES!!
As I began to quiet down in my prayer time, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “let her pray”, referring to my prayer partner Ms. Kim. Since it has only been the two of us at prayer, I have taken the role to lead us in corporate prayer at the end. I didn’t really question it, I just remained quiet, waiting for clarity; and then it came. He said, I’m going to use her to confirm what you prayed tonight, it will be a confirmation of what you said and heard. I heeded to it and allowed her to pray and sure enough the very thing I wrote about above, he confirmed through her, along with some other things pertaining to ministry. Then she turned it back over to me to close us out. When I finished praying, I was just in astonishment. Looking at where God has brought me in my prayer life and relationship with him, oh my goodness. As we ended, I remember saying to myself, I’m not ready to go. I guess God heard me and put me back to work because no sooner than I said that, Ms. Kim asked me to pray over her son. Talk about stepping up and stepping out…without hesitation I was obedient. As they were leaving, Gregory said, “bye Pastor Emmanuel”. I can’t explain how it felt but I’m embracing what God spoke….
God Bless!
Jun 29, 2008
Best of June: Part 3
Random Thoughts 6/26/08 1:01 am
Tonight was a quiet night in prayer. I had a very difficult time getting and keeping my focus and that gave place to negative and doubtful thoughts. Eventually I got up and began to walk around the sanctuary meditating on the words that I got that day and some things I shared with Denicia. One in particular that wound up becoming my focal point was removing distractions from between us and God; more specifically God removing distractions from between us. I saw it happen in my own life and wondered if the same thing was happening at the Embassy Church. Once the distractions were removed, I found a renewed and deeper relationship with God; deeper commitment, deeper roots, deeper desire, etc. Then its at this point where I am growing to go and produce more fruit. I was looking at the possible future of the ministry and how a lot of people have left, numbers are down, money is down, etc. I’m wondering if God is removing things that have been distractions so that we can get back to his heart. As if we are being pruned and prepared to go and bear more fruit. That’s the word I walked away with on tonight, we are being pruned so that we can go and bear more fruit.
God gave me a glimpse of where I will ultimately be and then he scaled me back or pruned me to prepare me for what he showed me. he realized that I was not ready to walk in what he showed me so he put it back up on the shelf, keeping it in view but out of reach. My roots are being deepened so that the storms and persuasions ahead will not uproot what is planted. My priorities are being deepened so no matter how high he takes me, I will never become proud and forget what got me there.
Random Thoughts 6/29/08 5:32 pm
I guess I can start last night with prayer. I remember praying for today’s services, specifically praying that the praise team would worship in spirit and in truth and not out of self. Then on this morning as we began praise and worship, I was fighting the thoughts that those on the praise team were not singing from their spirit but out of flesh. Then God convicted me with the question, did I believe that God could rend their hearts and prepare them for this morning’s service? I prayed for it last night but then on this morning I didn’t act as if He heard my prayer and answered my prayer. He brought to remembrance, Hebrews 10:23, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess because he who promised is faithful”. I was not being faithful to the prayer that I prayed and in essence doubted what God could and would do. After repenting, God showed that he was still faithful and his presence filled the sanctuary. We had a young lady who saw our early morning broadcast on television and came to service and gave her life to Christ. She said she wanted to get delivered from getting drunk and high and we prayed it in. God is faithful! He confirmed his word throughout service when Pastor’s message was specifically dealing with God being faithful.
One more thing from the 8:45 service; before Pastor began to preach he looked at me and called me Pastor. He told everyone to stop calling me Emmanuel and begin to call me Pastor until I am confident in it. I wasn’t caught off guard because I had heard that spoken before and over the last few weeks a few of the sisters in the ministry started calling Pastor E. If that’s where God is taking me, I’ll follow.
Tonight was a quiet night in prayer. I had a very difficult time getting and keeping my focus and that gave place to negative and doubtful thoughts. Eventually I got up and began to walk around the sanctuary meditating on the words that I got that day and some things I shared with Denicia. One in particular that wound up becoming my focal point was removing distractions from between us and God; more specifically God removing distractions from between us. I saw it happen in my own life and wondered if the same thing was happening at the Embassy Church. Once the distractions were removed, I found a renewed and deeper relationship with God; deeper commitment, deeper roots, deeper desire, etc. Then its at this point where I am growing to go and produce more fruit. I was looking at the possible future of the ministry and how a lot of people have left, numbers are down, money is down, etc. I’m wondering if God is removing things that have been distractions so that we can get back to his heart. As if we are being pruned and prepared to go and bear more fruit. That’s the word I walked away with on tonight, we are being pruned so that we can go and bear more fruit.
God gave me a glimpse of where I will ultimately be and then he scaled me back or pruned me to prepare me for what he showed me. he realized that I was not ready to walk in what he showed me so he put it back up on the shelf, keeping it in view but out of reach. My roots are being deepened so that the storms and persuasions ahead will not uproot what is planted. My priorities are being deepened so no matter how high he takes me, I will never become proud and forget what got me there.
Random Thoughts 6/29/08 5:32 pm
I guess I can start last night with prayer. I remember praying for today’s services, specifically praying that the praise team would worship in spirit and in truth and not out of self. Then on this morning as we began praise and worship, I was fighting the thoughts that those on the praise team were not singing from their spirit but out of flesh. Then God convicted me with the question, did I believe that God could rend their hearts and prepare them for this morning’s service? I prayed for it last night but then on this morning I didn’t act as if He heard my prayer and answered my prayer. He brought to remembrance, Hebrews 10:23, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess because he who promised is faithful”. I was not being faithful to the prayer that I prayed and in essence doubted what God could and would do. After repenting, God showed that he was still faithful and his presence filled the sanctuary. We had a young lady who saw our early morning broadcast on television and came to service and gave her life to Christ. She said she wanted to get delivered from getting drunk and high and we prayed it in. God is faithful! He confirmed his word throughout service when Pastor’s message was specifically dealing with God being faithful.
One more thing from the 8:45 service; before Pastor began to preach he looked at me and called me Pastor. He told everyone to stop calling me Emmanuel and begin to call me Pastor until I am confident in it. I wasn’t caught off guard because I had heard that spoken before and over the last few weeks a few of the sisters in the ministry started calling Pastor E. If that’s where God is taking me, I’ll follow.
Best of June: Part 2
Random Thoughts 6/20/08 11:14 pm
This is a continuation of the previous entry dealing with Paul and Timothy. I’ve learned that all good study of God’s word, you have to read before and after to get full understanding. In the last entry I came from Acts 16, so I went to Acts 15 first. In this chapter Paul is meeting with the assembly discussing how people are distorting God’s word. The assembly then wrote letters to others and sent some of their own men to be a witness with the letters that were written. As the chapter comes to an end Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement. Barnabas wanted to take John with them but Paul disagreed because he remembered how John deserted them the last time.
What caused their disagreement to be so great that co-laborers in the faith had to part ways?
Chapter 16 starts off with Paul going out and finding a new leader to replace Barnabas. There was not a period of sulking or stagnation in what he was called to do. He simply took it as part of the ministry and kept moving; it wasn’t personal.
The previous journal entry will fill you in on what I got from the first part of chapter 16. I took a look forward to see where Paul Timothy’s relationship went to and in 1 Corinthians 4:17, Paul refers to Timothy as a son and faithful in the Lord.
So as we go forth to disciple and mentor those people we must not dwell on the past and who is no longer there. Dwelling on the past can prevent you from embracing what God has in the future. When they those who used to walk with you leave don’t feel as though you have to wait before you begin looking for someone else just to keep them from feeling whatever. Keep your eyes on what’s in front of you, keep moving. There were numerous times when Jesus had followers and co-laborers leave him but he did not dwell on who left, he just continued to move forward and develop people to take their place.
Great leaders don’t just develop other great leaders but develop great people. By allowing those you disciple to walk closely with you and see all aspects of your living then you develop them holistically. You never develop just leaders but people so allow them to follow your example in every area of life.
Random Thoughts 6/22/08 7:27 am
I am currently on a train on my way back to Greensboro from Raleigh. I spent Saturday at a business meeting in Sunset Beach on the coast. On the drive up there I can’t remember if I was praying or if I was just having some quiet time but God dropped something in my spirit. I want to become contagious. When I first heard it, I immediately started thinking about verbally telling people about my zeal for God but He checked me. He told me to look at someone who has a contagious virus or anything, they do not tell people they’re contagious, they’re lives or their appearance speaks for them. Others see a distinguishable difference with someone who is contagious. That’s how we must be, it’s time out for talking, and we have to have lives where people notice a distinguishable difference. The only time you tell someone you’re contagious is when you don’t want them to catch what you have and it keeps them from getting too close to you. We have to stop talking because when we tell people we’re on fire for God or serious about our walk then it keeps them away. How is it transferred? A person who is not contagious gets close enough to the one who is and it automatically transfers. We have to allow people to get close enough to us to have what we have transfer to them. If we’re truly contagious than there is nothing the other person can do to not be affected by being close to us. Notice I said affected, not infected. We have infected too many people with church, religion, and a distorted view of a true relationship with Christ. Let’s get contagious and start affecting people and make it impossible for them to stay the same.
This is a continuation of the previous entry dealing with Paul and Timothy. I’ve learned that all good study of God’s word, you have to read before and after to get full understanding. In the last entry I came from Acts 16, so I went to Acts 15 first. In this chapter Paul is meeting with the assembly discussing how people are distorting God’s word. The assembly then wrote letters to others and sent some of their own men to be a witness with the letters that were written. As the chapter comes to an end Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement. Barnabas wanted to take John with them but Paul disagreed because he remembered how John deserted them the last time.
What caused their disagreement to be so great that co-laborers in the faith had to part ways?
Chapter 16 starts off with Paul going out and finding a new leader to replace Barnabas. There was not a period of sulking or stagnation in what he was called to do. He simply took it as part of the ministry and kept moving; it wasn’t personal.
The previous journal entry will fill you in on what I got from the first part of chapter 16. I took a look forward to see where Paul Timothy’s relationship went to and in 1 Corinthians 4:17, Paul refers to Timothy as a son and faithful in the Lord.
So as we go forth to disciple and mentor those people we must not dwell on the past and who is no longer there. Dwelling on the past can prevent you from embracing what God has in the future. When they those who used to walk with you leave don’t feel as though you have to wait before you begin looking for someone else just to keep them from feeling whatever. Keep your eyes on what’s in front of you, keep moving. There were numerous times when Jesus had followers and co-laborers leave him but he did not dwell on who left, he just continued to move forward and develop people to take their place.
Great leaders don’t just develop other great leaders but develop great people. By allowing those you disciple to walk closely with you and see all aspects of your living then you develop them holistically. You never develop just leaders but people so allow them to follow your example in every area of life.
Random Thoughts 6/22/08 7:27 am
I am currently on a train on my way back to Greensboro from Raleigh. I spent Saturday at a business meeting in Sunset Beach on the coast. On the drive up there I can’t remember if I was praying or if I was just having some quiet time but God dropped something in my spirit. I want to become contagious. When I first heard it, I immediately started thinking about verbally telling people about my zeal for God but He checked me. He told me to look at someone who has a contagious virus or anything, they do not tell people they’re contagious, they’re lives or their appearance speaks for them. Others see a distinguishable difference with someone who is contagious. That’s how we must be, it’s time out for talking, and we have to have lives where people notice a distinguishable difference. The only time you tell someone you’re contagious is when you don’t want them to catch what you have and it keeps them from getting too close to you. We have to stop talking because when we tell people we’re on fire for God or serious about our walk then it keeps them away. How is it transferred? A person who is not contagious gets close enough to the one who is and it automatically transfers. We have to allow people to get close enough to us to have what we have transfer to them. If we’re truly contagious than there is nothing the other person can do to not be affected by being close to us. Notice I said affected, not infected. We have infected too many people with church, religion, and a distorted view of a true relationship with Christ. Let’s get contagious and start affecting people and make it impossible for them to stay the same.
Best of June: Part 1
It has been quite sometime since I last posted anything but that is definately not an indication of what God's been showing me. I've been faithful in journaling what God's been showing me, just haven't taken the time to post them. Here's one from June 19th (long but good):
Random Thoughts 6/19/08 1:19 am
I gave my initial sermon tonight at midnight prayer, to myself. I was lying on my face and remember saying, “none of me, all of you” and soon after He said get up and take the pulpit. A moment’s hesitation was too long so I moved and opened my Bible to the place where I placed my pen before I left, Acts 16. I have never read the passage before but I read verses 1-5 a few times. I then spoke, “quick understanding of God’s word” and His word began to open up. I first focused on verse 4
“As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.”
They were not operating in a church but taking the gospel to the people. And they weren’t preaching/sharing anything that was false; they spoke in obedience and gave the word for the people to obey.
Verse 5 “so the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”
Their ministry was effective. They strengthened others and built them up. They weren’t out to make a name for themselves but simply to strengthen the body of Christ. The numbers grew daily! They were consistent and faithful to their message, totally committed.
After I saw the result of it, I had to go back to see who these two were, who they were talking about. Paul came across a disciple named Timothy whose mother was a believer but his father was a Greek. He heard the people speak well of him so he wanted to take Timothy along with him. Despite the fact that he had a somewhat dysfunctional family the people still spoke well of him. Because they spoke well of him and didn’t focus on his negatives this caught Paul’s attention.
Once Paul decided to take him, Timothy still had to be circumcised. Although Timothy was a spoken well of there was still a process he had to go through in order to walk with Paul. This solidified his ministry, separating him from his family and his past.
It’s time to make disciples, come out of your box and open your life as Paul did. He was open to what the people were saying and found one young man that was ready to move on. He did not look at his short comings only at his potential. Timothy was from the people so he could relate to the people but Paul had to take him through a process to separate him from the people. The time is up for you to continue to keep “fighting the good fight” by yourself, it’s time to disciple. Listen and be attentive to what the Spirit is saying and what the people are saying. When you hear, don’t hear the bad or the past but only the potential and if they are willing to be disciple. You know they are going to come from amongst the people who need to be saved so they’ll come with some baggage. Take them through the process to separate them and keep it moving.
This means, they are being let in to your inner circle. You have to take down the camouflage and allow them to see the real you. They will be walking with you so they must see the real you. Spend quality time with them, building a true relationship.
After Paul and Timothy did all that work in verse 4 and 5 it says that they traveled throughout the region and the Holy Spirit kept them from preaching. This allowed them time to bond, to know who they would be laboring with. It should not always be about ministry all the time. There should be some quality time where a bond and trust is being built. You have to allow them to see your flaws, what you do when not doing ministry. Show them you’re a real person.
Paul disciple Timothy and after their season was over, sent him out to disciple others. Your ultimate goal is to send them out, not to keep them as a flunky.
After Paul sent Timothy out, he continued to encourage and check on him; sending him warnings. Jumping over to 1 Timothy 4, Paul tells Timothy about those who will abandon the faith and preach their own gospel, leading others astray. Paul tells him its only his job to expose it and don’t indulge in it. Getting Timothy away from tradition and religion and re-enforcing relationship.
Although Timothy was young, Paul tells him not to allow that to be an excuse. Set the example of how you are suppose to live and hold to the teachings because by you living what you preach others will be saved too.
Paul can say this with complete confidence and influence because he did it before Timothy. Timothy saw firsthand how true Paul was to his relationship with God. Paul is simply telling him to do as I did, continue what I’ve passed to you.
We’re called to a greater level of accountability. Now we have no choice to waiver in the things of the world because we’re setting the pace and the standard for those coming after us. The weight of our words is directly connected to the walk of our lives. We’re following Christ, so if they’re following us and we move out of the way they should still be right behind Christ. If you take down even the least then it will continue to go down each generation after you.
And Paul was committed to Timothy’s development until it was time for him to leave. Commit yourselves to those you disciple, they may be beside you for a season but they’re following you for a lifetime; lead them right.
Elder Washington read from Revelations at the end of prayer that gave me the close. Revelation 21:1-4 talks about the New Jerusalem and how the old things have passed away. God is doing something new, establishing his kingdom the way it was meant to be. We are no longer living off of the God of our forefathers but we are coming to know Him for ourselves. It’s getting personal.
Verse 22-23 is where I want to be, “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is the lamp”
I’m so glad, we’re moving beyond the four walls of a building. There is no need for a building, God is the temple, we are to dwell in him; we are the church. That means tradition is over and done with; the way of old is no more. This generation that is emerging in the body of Christ will not look like what has been but because they are based on relationship they are free in their worship.
We must emphasize our freedom in Christ, not a freedom to go back to sin but love him freely, obey him freely, serve him freely. If you’re operating in religion, it will show. We’re moving beyond the hype to health.
Random Thoughts 6/19/08 1:19 am
I gave my initial sermon tonight at midnight prayer, to myself. I was lying on my face and remember saying, “none of me, all of you” and soon after He said get up and take the pulpit. A moment’s hesitation was too long so I moved and opened my Bible to the place where I placed my pen before I left, Acts 16. I have never read the passage before but I read verses 1-5 a few times. I then spoke, “quick understanding of God’s word” and His word began to open up. I first focused on verse 4
“As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.”
They were not operating in a church but taking the gospel to the people. And they weren’t preaching/sharing anything that was false; they spoke in obedience and gave the word for the people to obey.
Verse 5 “so the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”
Their ministry was effective. They strengthened others and built them up. They weren’t out to make a name for themselves but simply to strengthen the body of Christ. The numbers grew daily! They were consistent and faithful to their message, totally committed.
After I saw the result of it, I had to go back to see who these two were, who they were talking about. Paul came across a disciple named Timothy whose mother was a believer but his father was a Greek. He heard the people speak well of him so he wanted to take Timothy along with him. Despite the fact that he had a somewhat dysfunctional family the people still spoke well of him. Because they spoke well of him and didn’t focus on his negatives this caught Paul’s attention.
Once Paul decided to take him, Timothy still had to be circumcised. Although Timothy was a spoken well of there was still a process he had to go through in order to walk with Paul. This solidified his ministry, separating him from his family and his past.
It’s time to make disciples, come out of your box and open your life as Paul did. He was open to what the people were saying and found one young man that was ready to move on. He did not look at his short comings only at his potential. Timothy was from the people so he could relate to the people but Paul had to take him through a process to separate him from the people. The time is up for you to continue to keep “fighting the good fight” by yourself, it’s time to disciple. Listen and be attentive to what the Spirit is saying and what the people are saying. When you hear, don’t hear the bad or the past but only the potential and if they are willing to be disciple. You know they are going to come from amongst the people who need to be saved so they’ll come with some baggage. Take them through the process to separate them and keep it moving.
This means, they are being let in to your inner circle. You have to take down the camouflage and allow them to see the real you. They will be walking with you so they must see the real you. Spend quality time with them, building a true relationship.
After Paul and Timothy did all that work in verse 4 and 5 it says that they traveled throughout the region and the Holy Spirit kept them from preaching. This allowed them time to bond, to know who they would be laboring with. It should not always be about ministry all the time. There should be some quality time where a bond and trust is being built. You have to allow them to see your flaws, what you do when not doing ministry. Show them you’re a real person.
Paul disciple Timothy and after their season was over, sent him out to disciple others. Your ultimate goal is to send them out, not to keep them as a flunky.
After Paul sent Timothy out, he continued to encourage and check on him; sending him warnings. Jumping over to 1 Timothy 4, Paul tells Timothy about those who will abandon the faith and preach their own gospel, leading others astray. Paul tells him its only his job to expose it and don’t indulge in it. Getting Timothy away from tradition and religion and re-enforcing relationship.
Although Timothy was young, Paul tells him not to allow that to be an excuse. Set the example of how you are suppose to live and hold to the teachings because by you living what you preach others will be saved too.
Paul can say this with complete confidence and influence because he did it before Timothy. Timothy saw firsthand how true Paul was to his relationship with God. Paul is simply telling him to do as I did, continue what I’ve passed to you.
We’re called to a greater level of accountability. Now we have no choice to waiver in the things of the world because we’re setting the pace and the standard for those coming after us. The weight of our words is directly connected to the walk of our lives. We’re following Christ, so if they’re following us and we move out of the way they should still be right behind Christ. If you take down even the least then it will continue to go down each generation after you.
And Paul was committed to Timothy’s development until it was time for him to leave. Commit yourselves to those you disciple, they may be beside you for a season but they’re following you for a lifetime; lead them right.
Elder Washington read from Revelations at the end of prayer that gave me the close. Revelation 21:1-4 talks about the New Jerusalem and how the old things have passed away. God is doing something new, establishing his kingdom the way it was meant to be. We are no longer living off of the God of our forefathers but we are coming to know Him for ourselves. It’s getting personal.
Verse 22-23 is where I want to be, “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is the lamp”
I’m so glad, we’re moving beyond the four walls of a building. There is no need for a building, God is the temple, we are to dwell in him; we are the church. That means tradition is over and done with; the way of old is no more. This generation that is emerging in the body of Christ will not look like what has been but because they are based on relationship they are free in their worship.
We must emphasize our freedom in Christ, not a freedom to go back to sin but love him freely, obey him freely, serve him freely. If you’re operating in religion, it will show. We’re moving beyond the hype to health.
May 19, 2008
Joshua had a weakness....?
Here's the short version of one part of a study I've been doing on my Biblical mentor, Joshua:
At our Minister’s meeting last Tuesday, Pastor wrote some Biblical names on the board and we had a discussion on them. Four of them were great leaders who reached their destiny because they had a mentor and then there were three who reached their fate because they chose to get from under covering. At the end of the conversation Pastor asked each of us how we were going to take that information and apply it to our lives. My answer was that I would not allow my mentor’s weaknesses to be my weaknesses. E has begun to refer to me as Joshua and I’ve always admired Joshua and I have deemed him my Biblical mentor. As I was studying him over the last few days, I was reminded of what I told Pastor, “not allow my mentor’s weaknesses to be my weaknesses”. In order for that to happen, I had to first discover what Joshua’s weakness was, because prior to that I didn’t see him having any. That journey lead to the discovery of his temporary weakness, he had trouble following the “system”. The system that Moses set in place was that nothing was done without God’s approval. Every time Moses did something, he inquired of God or God told him to do such and such.
Up until the battle of Ai, Joshua had never experienced defeat, then came that day. He sent up part of his army and was quickly defeated. Distraught, he went before God discouraged and ready to throw in the towel. God, with very little pity told him to get up and get right. Joshua did not seek God and God did not speak before that battle, Joshua took the advice of the people around him. Moses never did, he always went to the Lord. At the battle of Jericho, God told Joshua exactly what to do and he succeeded. After Joshua got right and followed the system, he easily defeated the Amorites.
The next instance was with the Gibeonites. They heard what happen to the Amorites and thought of a clever way to save themselves by deceiving Joshua and saying they came from a long way when they were actually neighboring cities. It says in 9:14 that Joshua and his men did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore, they made a peace treaty with them and once they found out they were a neighboring city they could do nothing. This lead to Joshua and his people having to fight a battle for the Gibeonites that I don’t think they were ever suppose to fight. I say that because (Joshua 10:11,13) 1) God wound up killing more of them with the hailstorm then the fighting men and 2) Joshua had to stop time in order to complete the battle; he caused the sun to stand still.
But, Joshua learned and got back on the system and went on a rampage defeating and destroying everyone and everything. (Joshua 10:40,42) The only exception was with Gibeon (Joshua 11:19).
So Joshua realized his weakness, it may have taken a couple of defeats, but when he learned the importance of the system he was able to turn it around and go on to greatness. Now I must look at this and not allow it to be my weakness. I must look at my successes and failures and see what the differences were, was it because I did not follow the system that lead to success in other cases? There is a system to everything. Learn from other's mistakes so they don't become your mistakes, too!!
God's grace
At our Minister’s meeting last Tuesday, Pastor wrote some Biblical names on the board and we had a discussion on them. Four of them were great leaders who reached their destiny because they had a mentor and then there were three who reached their fate because they chose to get from under covering. At the end of the conversation Pastor asked each of us how we were going to take that information and apply it to our lives. My answer was that I would not allow my mentor’s weaknesses to be my weaknesses. E has begun to refer to me as Joshua and I’ve always admired Joshua and I have deemed him my Biblical mentor. As I was studying him over the last few days, I was reminded of what I told Pastor, “not allow my mentor’s weaknesses to be my weaknesses”. In order for that to happen, I had to first discover what Joshua’s weakness was, because prior to that I didn’t see him having any. That journey lead to the discovery of his temporary weakness, he had trouble following the “system”. The system that Moses set in place was that nothing was done without God’s approval. Every time Moses did something, he inquired of God or God told him to do such and such.
Up until the battle of Ai, Joshua had never experienced defeat, then came that day. He sent up part of his army and was quickly defeated. Distraught, he went before God discouraged and ready to throw in the towel. God, with very little pity told him to get up and get right. Joshua did not seek God and God did not speak before that battle, Joshua took the advice of the people around him. Moses never did, he always went to the Lord. At the battle of Jericho, God told Joshua exactly what to do and he succeeded. After Joshua got right and followed the system, he easily defeated the Amorites.
The next instance was with the Gibeonites. They heard what happen to the Amorites and thought of a clever way to save themselves by deceiving Joshua and saying they came from a long way when they were actually neighboring cities. It says in 9:14 that Joshua and his men did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore, they made a peace treaty with them and once they found out they were a neighboring city they could do nothing. This lead to Joshua and his people having to fight a battle for the Gibeonites that I don’t think they were ever suppose to fight. I say that because (Joshua 10:11,13) 1) God wound up killing more of them with the hailstorm then the fighting men and 2) Joshua had to stop time in order to complete the battle; he caused the sun to stand still.
But, Joshua learned and got back on the system and went on a rampage defeating and destroying everyone and everything. (Joshua 10:40,42) The only exception was with Gibeon (Joshua 11:19).
So Joshua realized his weakness, it may have taken a couple of defeats, but when he learned the importance of the system he was able to turn it around and go on to greatness. Now I must look at this and not allow it to be my weakness. I must look at my successes and failures and see what the differences were, was it because I did not follow the system that lead to success in other cases? There is a system to everything. Learn from other's mistakes so they don't become your mistakes, too!!
God's grace
May 15, 2008
Tye Tribbett
Random thoughts: Today I came across a few messages from Tye Tribbett on various websites and saw the part of his ministry that is often overlooked, the man has a message! After listening to what he had to say, my mind drifted to his fans. I see those who have picked up his dress, dance, and style but wonder if they've picked up his spirit. His messages are uncompromising, pulling no punches, and most importantly Bible based. I'm nervous his fans are caught up in a "Christian culture" and not a "Christian lifestyle". *(By no means do I place the blame on Tye because like I said he's putting the message out there, it's up to us to take heed) Looking at what I've taken note of, I see people who love his music, his style, etc but then turn around and surround themselves with things that go against the Kingdom i.e. secular music, gossip, cursing, sexual perversion, etc. It's evident that it's had a cultural impact but not so evident that it's had an impact where it matters, change in the lives of those who listen. THIS IS NOT A CULTURE, IT'S A LIFESTYLE.
I can say that I'm a fan of Tye, maybe not his dress but definately his message. No compromise! I pray we would wake up and not only hear and enjoy what these artists and preachers are saying but begin to allow what they're saying to transform our lives. I love Tye's first track on his new cd entitled, "Stand Out" because it talks about this very thing. It's time out for blending in and straddling the fence. We're called to Stand Out!!
Links to 2 of his messages:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8942395
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8600869 (4 part series, watch all 4!!!)
I can say that I'm a fan of Tye, maybe not his dress but definately his message. No compromise! I pray we would wake up and not only hear and enjoy what these artists and preachers are saying but begin to allow what they're saying to transform our lives. I love Tye's first track on his new cd entitled, "Stand Out" because it talks about this very thing. It's time out for blending in and straddling the fence. We're called to Stand Out!!
Links to 2 of his messages:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8942395
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8600869 (4 part series, watch all 4!!!)
May 1, 2008
Do you see yourself?
This book is kicking my butt and forcing me to repent. Notes:
Exerts from Chapter 6 of “Engaging the soul of youth culture” –Walt Mueller
Alienation/ Self-containment/ cultural Christians: a form of Christian alienation where we have established a distinctly separate Christian culture that runs parallel to the mainstream culture, and we assume that living in the parallel culture will shelter and protect us from the world. A sin in the eyes of Christ. Its sign is the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14), heavy with leaves for its own self-beautification, but sterile and without fruit. When Jesus saw it, he cursed it. He compares this lifestyle to that of the Pharisees who were preoccupied with keeping outward appearances and keeping away from those activities that would compromise their “purity”. Jesus said it’s the things that come from the heart that make a person unclean. (Mat 15:16-20). He made it clear that true righteousness consists of inward conformity to God’s will.
Accommodation- simply chooses to do as the world pleases or listening to the world more than to the Word. A Christian culture- claiming to be followers of Christ but the culture it represents is indistinguishable from the world it seeks, “to save”. In an effort to be influential, Christians have been trying to buy their own legitimacy from the surrounding culture by compromising the Christian world and life view.
Our call is infiltration and transformation, it’s the hardest of the three but it most mirrors the ministry of Jesus Christ and his will; it requires diligence, wisdom, and hard work.
“double refusal”: we refuse to become either so absorbed in the Word, that we escape into it and fail to let it confront the world, or so absorbed in the world, that we conform to it and fail to subject it to the judgment of the Word.
John 17. Jesus wants his followers to infiltrate the world, living in it as a transforming and redemptive presence, while maintaining their distinct identity; being spiritually distinct but not socially segregated.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but feel convicted because I was choosing to follow the alienation route. Choosing to minimize my association with sinners and their world but that was the life of Christ, going in to their world. Being in the world but not of the world. Is it because I doubt God’s power to convert their soul or his power to keep my own? How are we to find a point to connect just as Christ did with those he converted if we are not willing to get in their midst and see what has their attention? We cannot alienate ourselves from the very ones we’re sent to convert.
Where do you stand?
Exerts from Chapter 6 of “Engaging the soul of youth culture” –Walt Mueller
Alienation/ Self-containment/ cultural Christians: a form of Christian alienation where we have established a distinctly separate Christian culture that runs parallel to the mainstream culture, and we assume that living in the parallel culture will shelter and protect us from the world. A sin in the eyes of Christ. Its sign is the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14), heavy with leaves for its own self-beautification, but sterile and without fruit. When Jesus saw it, he cursed it. He compares this lifestyle to that of the Pharisees who were preoccupied with keeping outward appearances and keeping away from those activities that would compromise their “purity”. Jesus said it’s the things that come from the heart that make a person unclean. (Mat 15:16-20). He made it clear that true righteousness consists of inward conformity to God’s will.
Accommodation- simply chooses to do as the world pleases or listening to the world more than to the Word. A Christian culture- claiming to be followers of Christ but the culture it represents is indistinguishable from the world it seeks, “to save”. In an effort to be influential, Christians have been trying to buy their own legitimacy from the surrounding culture by compromising the Christian world and life view.
Our call is infiltration and transformation, it’s the hardest of the three but it most mirrors the ministry of Jesus Christ and his will; it requires diligence, wisdom, and hard work.
“double refusal”: we refuse to become either so absorbed in the Word, that we escape into it and fail to let it confront the world, or so absorbed in the world, that we conform to it and fail to subject it to the judgment of the Word.
John 17. Jesus wants his followers to infiltrate the world, living in it as a transforming and redemptive presence, while maintaining their distinct identity; being spiritually distinct but not socially segregated.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but feel convicted because I was choosing to follow the alienation route. Choosing to minimize my association with sinners and their world but that was the life of Christ, going in to their world. Being in the world but not of the world. Is it because I doubt God’s power to convert their soul or his power to keep my own? How are we to find a point to connect just as Christ did with those he converted if we are not willing to get in their midst and see what has their attention? We cannot alienate ourselves from the very ones we’re sent to convert.
Where do you stand?
Let's Talk Music
Hello everyone, I pray you are all doing well. A number of young people, as well as older, have often questioned the impact or acceptance of secular music into their Christian lifestyles. I am in the process of doing some research on this topic and with that I would like your feedback on the subject.The main question that I will be investigating is, "Is it alright for Followers of Christ to listen to secular music?" I don't mean hearing it every once in a while, I'm talking about consistently buying, downloading, listening to secular music. Are there exceptions? Under what circumstances is it acceptable? Any insight you may have on this topic would be greatly appreciated (thoughts, books, scriptures, articles, etc.)Thanks in advance for your help. I'll be sure to post my findings at the conclusion.
Apr 22, 2008
Your Promise kept me
I have continued my journey through Psalms 119 and came across two verses that lead to the following this morning. I pray it's a blessing!
Psalms 119:49-50 “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Acts 27:21-26
Paul and his crew were sailing for Rome when they ran into a terrible storm. Prior to the storm, Paul warned them but they chose to continue on. When the storm started, it was only a “gentle south wind” but soon after became hurricane force winds. At that point they couldn’t fight it anymore and just had to go with storm. Through the storm they were throwing things overboard and barely holding the ship together. They were at the mercy of the storm, it seemed. In verse 20, it says they finally gave up all hope of being saved.
After that Paul stood up and encouraged the men. The night before, an angel appeared to Paul and told him not to be afraid because he had to stand trial before Caesar, in Rome. Essentially telling him not to be afraid of what you see and are going through right now, you’ll make it to Rome.
Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out of my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
We all go through storms in life, some we put ourselves in and others just seem to show up but God has given us hope. Sometimes that hope is all we have to stand on because we have no control in the storm; we just have to ride it out. We may lose things during the storm, it may seem like all hope is lost but we must be like Paul; or like Abraham who, against all hope, in hope believed and became the father of many nations because he put his hope in God’s promise. (Romans 4:18, Genesis 15:5)
Paul and Abraham made it just because they didn’t give up. Paul had no control over the storm, he didn’t know how long it would last but he waited patiently in hope. Abraham didn’t know when God was going to give him the promised child but it was his hope in the promise that kept him. The only way they would have not received their promise is if they would have given up. The only way Paul would not have made it to Rome was if he jumped ship. If he didn’t have this hope, that may have sounded like a good option but because he knew God’s word was true he knew he was safer in a beat up boat than trying to make it on his own.
There is only one person that will keep you from making it through life’s storms, you. There are many days and occasions where life feels like there’s no hope but against all hope, you must hope. Romans 4:24-25 says, “Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” So our hope gives us the ability to wait. Our hope is our faith. Will we believe God and His promise or will we lose all hope and jump ship?
If God has given you a promise or spoken a word over your life, put your hope in it. He’s not a man that He would lie. Life is full of storms, you’re either in a storm, coming out of a storm or going in to a storm. Be like Paul who in the midst of his storm chose to believe God. The other part of the story that I didn’t mention was the fact that there were 276 people on that boat and just because of God’s promise with Paul; their lives were saved as well. All those connected to you in life, may be saved just by you standing on the word. It never says that they believed, it actually tells how some of them tried to jump ship and “save” themselves but Paul was able to convince them otherwise. You don’t know whose life you could save by not giving up.
I pray you were encouraged by something that was said and understand God would never put you in something or allow you to go through something He hasn't equipped you to handle.
Christ's Peace!
Psalms 119:49-50 “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Acts 27:21-26
Paul and his crew were sailing for Rome when they ran into a terrible storm. Prior to the storm, Paul warned them but they chose to continue on. When the storm started, it was only a “gentle south wind” but soon after became hurricane force winds. At that point they couldn’t fight it anymore and just had to go with storm. Through the storm they were throwing things overboard and barely holding the ship together. They were at the mercy of the storm, it seemed. In verse 20, it says they finally gave up all hope of being saved.
After that Paul stood up and encouraged the men. The night before, an angel appeared to Paul and told him not to be afraid because he had to stand trial before Caesar, in Rome. Essentially telling him not to be afraid of what you see and are going through right now, you’ll make it to Rome.
Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out of my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
We all go through storms in life, some we put ourselves in and others just seem to show up but God has given us hope. Sometimes that hope is all we have to stand on because we have no control in the storm; we just have to ride it out. We may lose things during the storm, it may seem like all hope is lost but we must be like Paul; or like Abraham who, against all hope, in hope believed and became the father of many nations because he put his hope in God’s promise. (Romans 4:18, Genesis 15:5)
Paul and Abraham made it just because they didn’t give up. Paul had no control over the storm, he didn’t know how long it would last but he waited patiently in hope. Abraham didn’t know when God was going to give him the promised child but it was his hope in the promise that kept him. The only way they would have not received their promise is if they would have given up. The only way Paul would not have made it to Rome was if he jumped ship. If he didn’t have this hope, that may have sounded like a good option but because he knew God’s word was true he knew he was safer in a beat up boat than trying to make it on his own.
There is only one person that will keep you from making it through life’s storms, you. There are many days and occasions where life feels like there’s no hope but against all hope, you must hope. Romans 4:24-25 says, “Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” So our hope gives us the ability to wait. Our hope is our faith. Will we believe God and His promise or will we lose all hope and jump ship?
If God has given you a promise or spoken a word over your life, put your hope in it. He’s not a man that He would lie. Life is full of storms, you’re either in a storm, coming out of a storm or going in to a storm. Be like Paul who in the midst of his storm chose to believe God. The other part of the story that I didn’t mention was the fact that there were 276 people on that boat and just because of God’s promise with Paul; their lives were saved as well. All those connected to you in life, may be saved just by you standing on the word. It never says that they believed, it actually tells how some of them tried to jump ship and “save” themselves but Paul was able to convince them otherwise. You don’t know whose life you could save by not giving up.
I pray you were encouraged by something that was said and understand God would never put you in something or allow you to go through something He hasn't equipped you to handle.
Christ's Peace!
Apr 19, 2008
After God's Heart
This morning I went to one of my favorite chapters in the book of Psalms, 119. As I began to read, I noticed some things that stuck out that really showed David’s desire for more of God and why he was a man after God's heart. David opens up giving four characteristics of a blessed man:
-their ways are blameless (before God and man; their witness)
-they walk according to the law (which means they are knowledgeable of God’s word)
-they keep His statutes (they obey what they have learned)
-they seek Him with all their heart (they desire to know God more and more)
After setting up an outline of what a blessed man looks like, David desired to become that man and the rest of the chapter is him growing into that man. He does some self-actualization. I’m not going to go through all 176 verses but here is a start:
Vs. 5-8: After realizing what it takes, David gets a desire for learning and obeying. He starts to get a zeal for God.
Vs. 9-16 He’s focusing on learning God’s Word and obeying it. He’s realized that in order to stay pure and blameless he must live according to God’s word which comes from seeking God with your whole heart and getting His word inside of you (hiding it in your heart). David did not see this as something that was burdensome or a habit, he delighted in learning God’s ways and Word.
Vs. 17-24 You begin to see David’s growth in desiring more of God. “My soul is consumed with longing for your law at all times.” Every part of him is submitted to knowing God. He realizes in following God, he can’t act like everyone else so he begins to empty out, “remove from me scorn and contempt.”
Vs. 25-32 David understands the power and importance of God’s word. He is opening up more and more to God and allowing God to be his everything.
Vs. 33-34 David says, teach me and I won’t forget, give me understanding and I’ll fully obey.
Lord, I see why David was considered your friend, not because he did everything right but because he desired you, he was after your heart. He saw a vision of a man that you would be pleased with and set his heart to become that man. He had a zeal to know you and your Word. God, I pray that I would see a clear vision of who you want me to be and set my heart to becoming him. I pray that we, your people, would understand that you don’t force us to seek you but because you first loved us we should desire to know you. because you gave us the choice, we are able to seek you with our whole heart and joyfully as David did. Love is not an obligation but a choice. When I was forced to read in school I did not enjoy it but now that I have the choice to read I thoroughly enjoy it. Thank you for giving me the choice to seek you, that it may be done out of love and choice. Father, as you teach me your word and give me understanding I pray that I would desire more of you, that I would allow you to rule every area of my life, as David did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
-their ways are blameless (before God and man; their witness)
-they walk according to the law (which means they are knowledgeable of God’s word)
-they keep His statutes (they obey what they have learned)
-they seek Him with all their heart (they desire to know God more and more)
After setting up an outline of what a blessed man looks like, David desired to become that man and the rest of the chapter is him growing into that man. He does some self-actualization. I’m not going to go through all 176 verses but here is a start:
Vs. 5-8: After realizing what it takes, David gets a desire for learning and obeying. He starts to get a zeal for God.
Vs. 9-16 He’s focusing on learning God’s Word and obeying it. He’s realized that in order to stay pure and blameless he must live according to God’s word which comes from seeking God with your whole heart and getting His word inside of you (hiding it in your heart). David did not see this as something that was burdensome or a habit, he delighted in learning God’s ways and Word.
Vs. 17-24 You begin to see David’s growth in desiring more of God. “My soul is consumed with longing for your law at all times.” Every part of him is submitted to knowing God. He realizes in following God, he can’t act like everyone else so he begins to empty out, “remove from me scorn and contempt.”
Vs. 25-32 David understands the power and importance of God’s word. He is opening up more and more to God and allowing God to be his everything.
Vs. 33-34 David says, teach me and I won’t forget, give me understanding and I’ll fully obey.
Lord, I see why David was considered your friend, not because he did everything right but because he desired you, he was after your heart. He saw a vision of a man that you would be pleased with and set his heart to become that man. He had a zeal to know you and your Word. God, I pray that I would see a clear vision of who you want me to be and set my heart to becoming him. I pray that we, your people, would understand that you don’t force us to seek you but because you first loved us we should desire to know you. because you gave us the choice, we are able to seek you with our whole heart and joyfully as David did. Love is not an obligation but a choice. When I was forced to read in school I did not enjoy it but now that I have the choice to read I thoroughly enjoy it. Thank you for giving me the choice to seek you, that it may be done out of love and choice. Father, as you teach me your word and give me understanding I pray that I would desire more of you, that I would allow you to rule every area of my life, as David did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apr 10, 2008
Time at the park
On the bench, I feel like my life is a movie
my situations seem almost surreal
but so real they are...
this is the part where no one is around
and I must choose for myself where the story goes
Only thing is....I don't know..
Ears open, eyes attentive I wait for God
while I wait, I write
Sitting in the park, life surrounding me
a new bride being captured by timeless pictures
She and he walking their family friend
One walking off the pounds she put on
In the distance he waits
allowing his music to set the mood
he waits, she arrives to dinner in the park
a ring for dessert?
The sun sets as the food sets
families sit and chat about their day
he unwinds, she rewinds
and in a single breath they both let out their day
The phone rings
Texas?
It's a check up from Battlecry
brief convo, funds are low so I can't go
He works on my behalf
then before we go, he prays
before he prays, he asks for prayer request
after he prays, he speaks
"we're tested in the small things,
will you still seek his face?"
my situations seem almost surreal
but so real they are...
this is the part where no one is around
and I must choose for myself where the story goes
Only thing is....I don't know..
Ears open, eyes attentive I wait for God
while I wait, I write
Sitting in the park, life surrounding me
a new bride being captured by timeless pictures
She and he walking their family friend
One walking off the pounds she put on
In the distance he waits
allowing his music to set the mood
he waits, she arrives to dinner in the park
a ring for dessert?
The sun sets as the food sets
families sit and chat about their day
he unwinds, she rewinds
and in a single breath they both let out their day
The phone rings
Texas?
It's a check up from Battlecry
brief convo, funds are low so I can't go
He works on my behalf
then before we go, he prays
before he prays, he asks for prayer request
after he prays, he speaks
"we're tested in the small things,
will you still seek his face?"
Apr 8, 2008
Who's plan will you follow?
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." -Proverbs 19:21
How much do we desire God's purpose to be fulfilled in our lives? With every plan and decision we make, we answer that question. As I look over the last year of my life, it is safe to say that when it came time to act, in most cases, I desired his will more than mine. My plans were changed many times because they did not align with his purpose but I humbled myself and chose to follow him. Using the most recent as an example:
E and I began making plans for her to move to Greensboro months ago for this summer, very detailed plans. We began to create our budget to buy a house, started making lists of possible house hunts, tentative dates to bring her down, etc. But as time got closer, there was never a peace about it but we figured this was how it should be. Then as we quieted ourselves before God for confirmation, we realized that it was our plan not his for her to move to Greensboro this summer. We were then faced with the decision to either follow the plans we had already made and began to carry out or scrap them and follow God. It would have been easy to justify our plans and continue in them but when you truly desire God's blessing and will, you'll change everything if he says so.
There have been times where I have tried to convince myself that the plans I made were what God had in mind but when it came time to move, he showed me that it was self's plans and not his. It was at that moment that I came to a better understanding of the following scripture:
"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." -Proverbs 10:22
When our plans are in line with God's plans there will be peace with it. If there is still an uneasiness within you, check to see if that is God's plan for you. If not, scrap it and seek him for guidance. There have been times when I chose to follow through with my plans and it got to the point where I could not sleep because I had no peace with the decision that was made. God's blessings and plans bring peace not worry. I encourage you as you make plans and carry them out stay in constant communication with your heavenly Father to ensure you're fulfilling his purpose and not your own. Even if it is the day before the decision is to be carried out, if he says stop, stop. Look at Abraham and Isaac. If Abraham was not in constant communication with God as he was about to sacrifice his promise, his promise would have been destroyed. Trust God every step of the way.
How much do we desire God's purpose to be fulfilled in our lives? With every plan and decision we make, we answer that question. As I look over the last year of my life, it is safe to say that when it came time to act, in most cases, I desired his will more than mine. My plans were changed many times because they did not align with his purpose but I humbled myself and chose to follow him. Using the most recent as an example:
E and I began making plans for her to move to Greensboro months ago for this summer, very detailed plans. We began to create our budget to buy a house, started making lists of possible house hunts, tentative dates to bring her down, etc. But as time got closer, there was never a peace about it but we figured this was how it should be. Then as we quieted ourselves before God for confirmation, we realized that it was our plan not his for her to move to Greensboro this summer. We were then faced with the decision to either follow the plans we had already made and began to carry out or scrap them and follow God. It would have been easy to justify our plans and continue in them but when you truly desire God's blessing and will, you'll change everything if he says so.
There have been times where I have tried to convince myself that the plans I made were what God had in mind but when it came time to move, he showed me that it was self's plans and not his. It was at that moment that I came to a better understanding of the following scripture:
"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." -Proverbs 10:22
When our plans are in line with God's plans there will be peace with it. If there is still an uneasiness within you, check to see if that is God's plan for you. If not, scrap it and seek him for guidance. There have been times when I chose to follow through with my plans and it got to the point where I could not sleep because I had no peace with the decision that was made. God's blessings and plans bring peace not worry. I encourage you as you make plans and carry them out stay in constant communication with your heavenly Father to ensure you're fulfilling his purpose and not your own. Even if it is the day before the decision is to be carried out, if he says stop, stop. Look at Abraham and Isaac. If Abraham was not in constant communication with God as he was about to sacrifice his promise, his promise would have been destroyed. Trust God every step of the way.
Why are you in ministry?
God has given us all gifts in the ministry, some to sing, some to preach, you know the scripture, Ephesians 4:11, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” But honestly, why are you in ministry, what is your motivation? If your gift is singing, why do you work to perfect your craft? If it’s preaching or teaching, why do you study so hard to perfect your message? To make a name for who? As I prepare for ministry ordination, I must not just ask myself these questions but answer them as well.
I was reading John 7:1-24, where we have Jesus' brothers urging him to go to the Feast to show everyone the miracles he had been performing. Two scriptures stuck out as I read that started this thought process: vs. 4, "No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret." and vs 10, "he went also, not publicly, but in secret." Here we have Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world who is knowingly in his last year of ministry and still does not seek the spotlight. As he is teaching he lets the people know that he doesn't speak to bring honor to himself but to the one who sent him. This is our purpose for ministry, not to make a name for ourselves, to bring glory to ourselves, but to bring glory to God, the one who sent us.
In Matthew 6, it says that the Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly. I believe the most powerful conversions that Christ performed, those with the greatest impact, were those that were private. They may have been in a public place but they didn't become public until their testimony. (The woman with the issue of blood, the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, the woman at the well) In today's society it is easy to get caught up in the ways of the world but as believers we have a higher standard. We don't do ministry for the lights and recognition, we do it for Christ; for the benefit of others and their salvation.
Philippians 2:1-11 sums it up, urging us to take on the mind and attitude of Christ. Not to do anything out of selfish ambition but humble yourself and seek the interest of others. Christ who could claim that he is God, humbled himself to nothing, a servant, became obedient to the cross. Because he did not try to make a name for himself, God exalted his name above every name. Christ did which pleased the one who sent him and was glorified by him.
Christ never had to go out and make a name for his ministry, his ministry made a name for him.
As you operate in ministry, "be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children".
I was reading John 7:1-24, where we have Jesus' brothers urging him to go to the Feast to show everyone the miracles he had been performing. Two scriptures stuck out as I read that started this thought process: vs. 4, "No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret." and vs 10, "he went also, not publicly, but in secret." Here we have Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world who is knowingly in his last year of ministry and still does not seek the spotlight. As he is teaching he lets the people know that he doesn't speak to bring honor to himself but to the one who sent him. This is our purpose for ministry, not to make a name for ourselves, to bring glory to ourselves, but to bring glory to God, the one who sent us.
In Matthew 6, it says that the Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly. I believe the most powerful conversions that Christ performed, those with the greatest impact, were those that were private. They may have been in a public place but they didn't become public until their testimony. (The woman with the issue of blood, the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, the woman at the well) In today's society it is easy to get caught up in the ways of the world but as believers we have a higher standard. We don't do ministry for the lights and recognition, we do it for Christ; for the benefit of others and their salvation.
Philippians 2:1-11 sums it up, urging us to take on the mind and attitude of Christ. Not to do anything out of selfish ambition but humble yourself and seek the interest of others. Christ who could claim that he is God, humbled himself to nothing, a servant, became obedient to the cross. Because he did not try to make a name for himself, God exalted his name above every name. Christ did which pleased the one who sent him and was glorified by him.
Christ never had to go out and make a name for his ministry, his ministry made a name for him.
As you operate in ministry, "be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children".
Apr 3, 2008
Product of Grace
This won't be long....As I created my blog account and created the name Product_of_Grace, I was forced to find out why I chose that name. As I was doing another study I came across a scripture in 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, "For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." That's exactly it!
Last night God called me to have an all-nighter with Him, allowing Him to break me down and build me up. That's what He brought me to the realization of, it's only because of His grace. I don't deserve any title, gift, or relationship but by His grace....I didn't want to surrender to Him, I ran from Him, but by His grace....The were a few times that I wanted to leave this place and call it quits, but by His grace. Like Paul, His grace was not without effect. His grace is not taken for granted, so graciously God has allowed me to come into a personal meaningful relationship with Him, with others. Man, when you truly think about it, you wouldn't be where you are today if it wasn't for His grace. If we are believers, if we confess that we have been saved by grace, how can it be without effect? How can the fact that there was nothing we could have done to save ourselves and it was only the love of God that kept us, how can that not provoke us to give in return. To give our very lives, to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, Romans 12:1 says this is our reasonable service, the least we could do.
Israel said it right on his latest album, "where would I be if not for your grace/carrying me/in every season/where would I be if not for your grace/you came to my rescue/and i want to thank you/for your grace" http://profile.imeem.com/1OEJBJN/music/K2xZNCce/irael_houghton_and_new_breed_if_not_for_your_grace/
G.R.AC.E.= God's Riches At Christ's Expense
Last night God called me to have an all-nighter with Him, allowing Him to break me down and build me up. That's what He brought me to the realization of, it's only because of His grace. I don't deserve any title, gift, or relationship but by His grace....I didn't want to surrender to Him, I ran from Him, but by His grace....The were a few times that I wanted to leave this place and call it quits, but by His grace. Like Paul, His grace was not without effect. His grace is not taken for granted, so graciously God has allowed me to come into a personal meaningful relationship with Him, with others. Man, when you truly think about it, you wouldn't be where you are today if it wasn't for His grace. If we are believers, if we confess that we have been saved by grace, how can it be without effect? How can the fact that there was nothing we could have done to save ourselves and it was only the love of God that kept us, how can that not provoke us to give in return. To give our very lives, to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, Romans 12:1 says this is our reasonable service, the least we could do.
Israel said it right on his latest album, "where would I be if not for your grace/carrying me/in every season/where would I be if not for your grace/you came to my rescue/and i want to thank you/for your grace" http://profile.imeem.com/1OEJBJN/music/K2xZNCce/irael_houghton_and_new_breed_if_not_for_your_grace/
G.R.AC.E.= God's Riches At Christ's Expense
Intercession to Action
We have started 5am prayer back up at my church and it has truly been eye opening and humbling. Yesterday, I was lifting up a few people in particular, my best friend growing up that I had not talked to in years as well as "the fellas" I used to play ball with. I remember shortly after I surrendered my life to Christ back in 2004, having a vision of Lamar and I running for Christ together. We had ran hard in the world together and from that moment I was determined to run with him in the Kingdom so I have been praying for him since then. Before I found out I would be ordained into ministry, I began to believe God that Lamar would be there with me as I gave my initial sermon.
So yesterday afternoon, as I was taking my nap, I had dreams about both Lamar and the "fellas"...
In this one Lamar was outside playing ball in the front yard of my old house with some other guys and I was in the house for whatever reason. I can’t remember if I was in the house doing something or if the dream switched over but next thing I know I was in a police station with some detectives who were working on a case trying to prosecute Lamar for something. This trial wound up being the very reason that brought him back to North Carolina. I was watching the video surveillance with them and listening to them try to strategize against him. There was a video of him walking into a convinence store after some other young men who I guess were friends, nothing happen in the store but then it goes to just outside the store where Lamar had just walked out and a group of guys were jumping someone and Lamar jumps in by kicking the guy in the head while on the ground. I remember the detectives saying this was another case but it wasn’t enough to prove anything so they were ultimately going to have to let him go.
Then I switch back to Lamar outside the house and he’s sitting on the porch and I walk out the door and we’re just outside, not really saying anything. I did tell him about the detectives and the fact that they had nothing to hold him on so he was going to be free in a little while. A little later in the day we’re at, it looks like a ceremony for the crypts gang. There is a line of young men in a long pool where the water is about shoulder deep and they all have on a blue shirt. As I realize what’s going on, I realize that Lamar is already a part of it and he’s kind overseeing things. I try to leave and get him to come with me but he stops me and begins to show me what they’re doing and explaining they’re names as they’re called out. As I watch and he’s talking I see what looks like a baptism of the young men as they are brought into the gang. As I wanted him to not be involved in this life, I didn’t speak and yet he was explaining this life to me. He spoke, I didn’t.I woke up briefly before dozing back off into a second dream. This morning in i-prayer, I began to pray for all my old high school buddies that I played ball with. In the dream I was back in Jacksonville on a visit and one of them called me to see if I wanted to go out to Grant’s Creek to play ball. I went out there but did not take any playing clothes, I think because I knew I couldn’t play because of my exigma. I get there and they are finishing up a game so I’m standing on the sideline watching. When the game is over they go down to the usual corner where the fan is and sit and I stay wherever I was. After the games were over I went and spoke to Mr. Taylor, wanting to share some things that had been going on in my life but people kept pulling him away so eventually I gave up and tried to catch up with the boys. But the boys were no where to be found. They had already left and we never spoke.
As I lay in the bed, now awake I began to ask myself some questions. I’m praying that God would bring Lamar back into my life, I believe he will. When he does, will I share the gospel? Will I tell Lamar about the many many times I’ve prayed for him and how much I want him to be saved so that just as we ran together in the world we can run together in the Kingdom. Or would I just be silent and let him convince me that his life is ok? The same thing with my boys, will I speak to their need of salvation or believe that the external pictures of them enjoying life are sufficient? Am I ready to cross paths with those of my past? Do I completely understand what it is that I am asking God if he was to bring them back? So I'm forced to ask myself and challenge you to do the same, are we ready to face our past? Are we ready to go back to the place we came from and share the greatest gift we ever recieved with those who we know need it? Will we just stop at interceding for them or if presented with the opportunity will we minister to their spirit?
So yesterday afternoon, as I was taking my nap, I had dreams about both Lamar and the "fellas"...
In this one Lamar was outside playing ball in the front yard of my old house with some other guys and I was in the house for whatever reason. I can’t remember if I was in the house doing something or if the dream switched over but next thing I know I was in a police station with some detectives who were working on a case trying to prosecute Lamar for something. This trial wound up being the very reason that brought him back to North Carolina. I was watching the video surveillance with them and listening to them try to strategize against him. There was a video of him walking into a convinence store after some other young men who I guess were friends, nothing happen in the store but then it goes to just outside the store where Lamar had just walked out and a group of guys were jumping someone and Lamar jumps in by kicking the guy in the head while on the ground. I remember the detectives saying this was another case but it wasn’t enough to prove anything so they were ultimately going to have to let him go.
Then I switch back to Lamar outside the house and he’s sitting on the porch and I walk out the door and we’re just outside, not really saying anything. I did tell him about the detectives and the fact that they had nothing to hold him on so he was going to be free in a little while. A little later in the day we’re at, it looks like a ceremony for the crypts gang. There is a line of young men in a long pool where the water is about shoulder deep and they all have on a blue shirt. As I realize what’s going on, I realize that Lamar is already a part of it and he’s kind overseeing things. I try to leave and get him to come with me but he stops me and begins to show me what they’re doing and explaining they’re names as they’re called out. As I watch and he’s talking I see what looks like a baptism of the young men as they are brought into the gang. As I wanted him to not be involved in this life, I didn’t speak and yet he was explaining this life to me. He spoke, I didn’t.I woke up briefly before dozing back off into a second dream. This morning in i-prayer, I began to pray for all my old high school buddies that I played ball with. In the dream I was back in Jacksonville on a visit and one of them called me to see if I wanted to go out to Grant’s Creek to play ball. I went out there but did not take any playing clothes, I think because I knew I couldn’t play because of my exigma. I get there and they are finishing up a game so I’m standing on the sideline watching. When the game is over they go down to the usual corner where the fan is and sit and I stay wherever I was. After the games were over I went and spoke to Mr. Taylor, wanting to share some things that had been going on in my life but people kept pulling him away so eventually I gave up and tried to catch up with the boys. But the boys were no where to be found. They had already left and we never spoke.
As I lay in the bed, now awake I began to ask myself some questions. I’m praying that God would bring Lamar back into my life, I believe he will. When he does, will I share the gospel? Will I tell Lamar about the many many times I’ve prayed for him and how much I want him to be saved so that just as we ran together in the world we can run together in the Kingdom. Or would I just be silent and let him convince me that his life is ok? The same thing with my boys, will I speak to their need of salvation or believe that the external pictures of them enjoying life are sufficient? Am I ready to cross paths with those of my past? Do I completely understand what it is that I am asking God if he was to bring them back? So I'm forced to ask myself and challenge you to do the same, are we ready to face our past? Are we ready to go back to the place we came from and share the greatest gift we ever recieved with those who we know need it? Will we just stop at interceding for them or if presented with the opportunity will we minister to their spirit?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)