I started thinking about something last Sunday evening. At one point in the evening the Lord had us find different scriptures dealing with God's "invitation"; verses such as "come unto Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest". We were to then read them out loud. I read a couple of verses but most of them were read by others who had gathered together to seek the Lord. I just sat back and listened to the Word of the Lord. As I did I found myself thinking about the description of Heaven found in Revelation 4. It speaks of a glorious Throne and the Almighty sitting upon it. I envisioned the One sitting on the Throne saying to me, "come". Wow! What an invitation!
Interesting how one thing leads to another, isn't it. Genesis 3:8-10 says-
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?'' So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was ; and I hid myself.''
Here is God's creation, the BEST God ever has done, hiding from the Lord. Think of all they had been through up to this point. It was Adam and God that named all the animals. Adam named them, God said, "so it shall be", or "Amen!". They walked and talked and the Lord explained mysteries to Adam that, probably, no one has known yet today. It was God, the One Adam is now hiding from, that had approached Adam about "giving of himself" so that the Lord could make a helper for Adam. It was Adam who had faith in his Creator to the point he was willing to trust the Lord to put him down and then raise him back up. And because of that, Eve was created. Eve, the one Adam was now hiding with. All this and more had been a part of Adam's short past.
Now, he hears the voice of God and hides. You may be thinking, "of course Adam's hiding; he just sinned". True, that's a good part of the reason. But understand something here; Adam sinned but God came looking for him. It was God Who said, "Adam, where are you?". It was God Who lost His BEST when Adam turned on Him. Yet it was God Who was willing to seek and save that which He had lost. And, we know that the scripture says of Jesus, "the Son of man has come to seek and save that which was lost." God not only was willing the first time to give the invitation, but He is forever calling to you and I, "where are you?". He LOST His BEST with Adam's treason, but He GAVE His BEST to win him back. Jesus, God's second Adam (1 Corinthians 15).
This is how the Lord is applying it to me and, I believe, the BODY of CHRIST. We welcome the invitation for "sinners" to get right with God. AMEN! HALLELUJAH! But there are people all over this nation and around the world that are hiding from the Presence of God. People that once were "on fire" for God. People who had "tasted and seen that the Lord is good". People that told other people that "Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life!" Now, a lot of these same people are hiding - hiding in the "garden" of the congregation; hiding in the shadows, keeping a low profile, not willing to be found. Here's part of their mentality, "As long as I go to church I'm alright. And, I've got to go to a church I'm comfortable with, or I agree with..." On and on that thinking goes. But think about Adam in the garden. Would it have been better for Adam to find another place to worship? Maybe a place where he didn't feel "uncomfortable"? Is that what he really needed?
Could it be that people shun the Presence because they're uncomfortable with Holiness? Could it be that deep down they realize that they have fallen short of God's Truth? (and who hasn't!) Maybe they have forgotten they were once delivered from the kingdom of darkness. Maybe the "good old days" of walking and fellowshipping with God have gotten too old. Maybe...
But the Lord is on the move! Walking among the trees of the garden calling our names, "WHERE ARE YOU?". This is not the time to hide, but the time to submit ourselves to His Presence. It is the time to FACE GOD and let Him forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It is the time to REPENT and RECEIVE the garments of righteousness and the power to be free. It is the time to accept His Invitation!
Please listen carefully to this: the remedy for our unfaithfulness, our sinfulness, our whatever, is NOT HIDING! The remedy is GOD'S PRESENCE!
Revelation 22:17 - "And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!'' And let him who hears say, "Come!'' And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
John 1:12 - "and as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God, even to as many as believe on His Name"
It is time to COME OUT OF HIDING and embrace the call of God for your life! It is time! Will you answer, "here I am" and let the Lord have His say?
Pastor Jan
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Sanctify Yourselves
Greetings in the matchless Name of Jesus!
Sunday Evening, worship, prayer, testimonies...I love it! Things are never the same when you're in the Presence of the One Who never changes. Odd, isn't it? He says, "I am the LORD and I change not". Yet He is continually working, molding, shaping, correcting, loving... us, who need plenty of changing.
Tonight, in His Presence, there were a few different things touching my spirit. Some of the things began earlier in the evening as I was seeking the Lord and praying for the night. I will share with you one of the main things; and that is what I believe the Lord is specifically doing and how it should affect us, the Body of Christ.
Throughout the Word of God we see that whenever the Lord was about to "move", or do something that hadn't been done before ( i.e. deliver the children of Israel from Egypt, God meeting the children of Israel at the Mountain, Joshua leading the people across the Jordan River, etc.) He told them to "sanctify" themselves and then told them the time in which He would come. The God Who sanctified them (set them apart for His purposes and glory) told them to cleanse themselves, sanctify themselves, so they'd be prepared to meet Him.
Several verses should be looked at as we relate this to our walk.
Joshua 3:5 - And Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.''
Exodus 19:10,11 - Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. "
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'' Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.''
"I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'' Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Timothy 2:19-22 - Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His,'' and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.'' But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful s; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Malachi 3:1-3 - 1. "Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. behold, He is coming,'' says the Lord of hosts. "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire And like fuller's soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness."
The Lord is about to do something He has never done before. Yes, He has saved people, He has healed people, and all of those things. But He has never had the Body of Christ, His people, at this particular time before. He has never had His people AT THE END OF THE AGE. This is the most critical time! This is also the time we can't take anything for granted. This is the time to sanctify ourselves from the world's way of doing things and run after what God is doing.
In Joshua 3 we see where the Ark of God was about to go before the Israelites. The Lord told Joshua to "go after the Ark". Go after what God is doing and where He's going. Don't stay back, run right after it. If you don't you'll find yourself on the wrong side of the river. Be ready to step right in when the river parts!
Something else to take note of, though. Right after He said "go after it", the Lord said to make sure you don't follow too close. Why? Because we are so good at getting ahead of God. We are great at "knowing" what the Lord is doing. We get a glimpse and then run on ahead. We need to remember what the Lord told Joshua: "you haven't been this way before".
Folks, there isn't a person alive that has been THIS way before. God is preparing something never shown before. He is in the process of building His people so that the manifold wisdom of God will be demonstrated by the Church to ALL the host of darkness. He is going to make His Church the people to demonstrate to the WORLD who this Jesus REALLY is! It will be an end time showdown!
I love to quote Joel 2:28 about God pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh. But there are some things that come first. The people of God repenting, crying out to God for their impurities and self-centeredness. THEN it will come to pass...! The Lord also says that He will take away the reproach of His people. Before this is all over, THE CHURCH will be known, though maybe not followed, as GOD's VOICE TO THE WORLD!
One more thing; Malachi 3. The verses teach that Jesus (God's Messenger) is coming TO His people as a Refiner BEFORE He comes FOR them. I'll let you chew on that one...
Brethren, this is the time to "sanctify ourselves" for the purpose God has sanctified us: revealing His glory through our lives. This is the time to "go after what God's doing". And, this is the time to keep Him is sight and keep presumption out of our lives for "we've never passed this way before".
May we find ourselves running after the Lord more and more. May we become more and more desperate for ONLY HIM.
Blessed are the pursuers, for they shall catch...
Pastor Jan
Sunday Evening, worship, prayer, testimonies...I love it! Things are never the same when you're in the Presence of the One Who never changes. Odd, isn't it? He says, "I am the LORD and I change not". Yet He is continually working, molding, shaping, correcting, loving... us, who need plenty of changing.
Tonight, in His Presence, there were a few different things touching my spirit. Some of the things began earlier in the evening as I was seeking the Lord and praying for the night. I will share with you one of the main things; and that is what I believe the Lord is specifically doing and how it should affect us, the Body of Christ.
Throughout the Word of God we see that whenever the Lord was about to "move", or do something that hadn't been done before ( i.e. deliver the children of Israel from Egypt, God meeting the children of Israel at the Mountain, Joshua leading the people across the Jordan River, etc.) He told them to "sanctify" themselves and then told them the time in which He would come. The God Who sanctified them (set them apart for His purposes and glory) told them to cleanse themselves, sanctify themselves, so they'd be prepared to meet Him.
Several verses should be looked at as we relate this to our walk.
Joshua 3:5 - And Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.''
Exodus 19:10,11 - Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. "
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'' Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.''
"I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'' Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Timothy 2:19-22 - Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His,'' and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.'' But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful s; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Malachi 3:1-3 - 1. "Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. behold, He is coming,'' says the Lord of hosts. "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire And like fuller's soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness."
The Lord is about to do something He has never done before. Yes, He has saved people, He has healed people, and all of those things. But He has never had the Body of Christ, His people, at this particular time before. He has never had His people AT THE END OF THE AGE. This is the most critical time! This is also the time we can't take anything for granted. This is the time to sanctify ourselves from the world's way of doing things and run after what God is doing.
In Joshua 3 we see where the Ark of God was about to go before the Israelites. The Lord told Joshua to "go after the Ark". Go after what God is doing and where He's going. Don't stay back, run right after it. If you don't you'll find yourself on the wrong side of the river. Be ready to step right in when the river parts!
Something else to take note of, though. Right after He said "go after it", the Lord said to make sure you don't follow too close. Why? Because we are so good at getting ahead of God. We are great at "knowing" what the Lord is doing. We get a glimpse and then run on ahead. We need to remember what the Lord told Joshua: "you haven't been this way before".
Folks, there isn't a person alive that has been THIS way before. God is preparing something never shown before. He is in the process of building His people so that the manifold wisdom of God will be demonstrated by the Church to ALL the host of darkness. He is going to make His Church the people to demonstrate to the WORLD who this Jesus REALLY is! It will be an end time showdown!
I love to quote Joel 2:28 about God pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh. But there are some things that come first. The people of God repenting, crying out to God for their impurities and self-centeredness. THEN it will come to pass...! The Lord also says that He will take away the reproach of His people. Before this is all over, THE CHURCH will be known, though maybe not followed, as GOD's VOICE TO THE WORLD!
One more thing; Malachi 3. The verses teach that Jesus (God's Messenger) is coming TO His people as a Refiner BEFORE He comes FOR them. I'll let you chew on that one...
Brethren, this is the time to "sanctify ourselves" for the purpose God has sanctified us: revealing His glory through our lives. This is the time to "go after what God's doing". And, this is the time to keep Him is sight and keep presumption out of our lives for "we've never passed this way before".
May we find ourselves running after the Lord more and more. May we become more and more desperate for ONLY HIM.
Blessed are the pursuers, for they shall catch...
Pastor Jan
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Greetings,
What a wonderful, peaceful evening we had tonight. There really wasn't a call from the Lord to pray and intercede for anyone else; just mainly a time for each of us to crawl up into "Daddy's" lap and enjoy His Presence and let Him enjoy ours.
Remember what it was like when you were a little kid and NO ONE was greater than your dad. Your dad could do anything, fix anything, and he knew EVERYTHING. There was such a trust relationship there; you didn't worry about anything as long as daddy was near. Then, as we became teenagers, our dad didn't seem to be as smart. After all, we could think of answers and know how to do things as good or even better than "the old man". We still loved our dad but we were preparing to become "independent", on our own. This is fine to a point, except when our "independence" turns into "arrogance". Pride does bring about a fall and one of the main reasons why the Body of Christ is so powerless (by and large) is because there is so much pride- "why should we need any help?"
"Daddy" called us into His Presence this evening to remind us, once again, that His Love is still as it's always been. He is CRAZY about us. He also is encouraging us to become (and remain) like little children so that we will still believe that He can do anything.
This world needs to know of God's love, grace, mercy, power, etc. They will "taste and see that the Lord is good" by hanging around people who know what their Daddy is really like. Father is desiring that His children not be ashamed to invite their friends over to the Father's house to meet their "Daddy". We won't be ashamed or afraid if we know He has the same love and care for them as He does for us. Also, when we're out in the market place, and our Daddy is with us (I will never leave you nor forsake you) we won't try and walk away from Him when our friends come around. Why in the world would we be embarrassed with a Father like we have?
Come on, get into the Presence of Almighty God and see the smile on His face as you snuggle in. Feel the mighty hand and gentle touch as He says to you, "it's so good to see you", and "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters".
Remember this: don't try and live your life without Daddy's Presence. None of us can really live apart from Him. Really now, why would we even want to?
Your Father knows what things you have need of before you even ask... have you thought about how He could do such a thing? One reason comes to my mind: HE IS ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT YOU!
May your life be blessed as you find yourself becoming as a little child before your Heavenly Father,
Pastor Jan
What a wonderful, peaceful evening we had tonight. There really wasn't a call from the Lord to pray and intercede for anyone else; just mainly a time for each of us to crawl up into "Daddy's" lap and enjoy His Presence and let Him enjoy ours.
Remember what it was like when you were a little kid and NO ONE was greater than your dad. Your dad could do anything, fix anything, and he knew EVERYTHING. There was such a trust relationship there; you didn't worry about anything as long as daddy was near. Then, as we became teenagers, our dad didn't seem to be as smart. After all, we could think of answers and know how to do things as good or even better than "the old man". We still loved our dad but we were preparing to become "independent", on our own. This is fine to a point, except when our "independence" turns into "arrogance". Pride does bring about a fall and one of the main reasons why the Body of Christ is so powerless (by and large) is because there is so much pride- "why should we need any help?"
"Daddy" called us into His Presence this evening to remind us, once again, that His Love is still as it's always been. He is CRAZY about us. He also is encouraging us to become (and remain) like little children so that we will still believe that He can do anything.
This world needs to know of God's love, grace, mercy, power, etc. They will "taste and see that the Lord is good" by hanging around people who know what their Daddy is really like. Father is desiring that His children not be ashamed to invite their friends over to the Father's house to meet their "Daddy". We won't be ashamed or afraid if we know He has the same love and care for them as He does for us. Also, when we're out in the market place, and our Daddy is with us (I will never leave you nor forsake you) we won't try and walk away from Him when our friends come around. Why in the world would we be embarrassed with a Father like we have?
Come on, get into the Presence of Almighty God and see the smile on His face as you snuggle in. Feel the mighty hand and gentle touch as He says to you, "it's so good to see you", and "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters".
Remember this: don't try and live your life without Daddy's Presence. None of us can really live apart from Him. Really now, why would we even want to?
Your Father knows what things you have need of before you even ask... have you thought about how He could do such a thing? One reason comes to my mind: HE IS ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT YOU!
May your life be blessed as you find yourself becoming as a little child before your Heavenly Father,
Pastor Jan
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Push and Trust - Back to Basics
Greetings,
Sunday night was very interesting...
The Lord's Presence was very evident; such a sweet, peaceful, loving Presence. It was as though the Lord was sitting in the same seat with each person there. I know the team on the platform, the singers and musicians, felt the same.
Several prophetic words were spoken that night that have kept playing over and over in my mind and spirit:
One of the words was "push". As a woman in travail about to give birth. The Lord is saying that we, the Body of Christ, are very close to the birth of the "movement" we, and others, have been carrying. It began as a Holy Seed deposited in our spirits and has continued to grow by the nourishment it's received as we've received nourishment from Jesus. It's as though we are "pregnant" with a move of God. It isn't more religion, but it's a movement that will change the face of this entire central Iowa area. I see it as an "outbreak of the Spirit of God"; an "awakening". Not just a series of special meetings. Not just a prayer meeting. Not just something that man can point to and say, "look what we've done". We must continually realize that it isn't OUR kingdom, but God's. It isn't our resources or power, but God's. As Mary said, "be it done to me according to Thy word", so we say to the Lord the same thing. Let it be born in us that which is the Holy, Powerful, All-Consuming, world-changing, WILL OF GOD. So the word to us is "PUSH!", don't stop, don't grow tired, don't be weary, but PUSH! Stay with the Lord's plans and purposes.
Anyone remember "Lamaze" classes? I was my wife's "coach". Guess who our "Coach" is?
The second word was "Trust". I am really challenged with this one. How easy is it for me (and, possibly, you) to THINK I'm trusting but actually I'm relying on what I've read in the past, done in the past, heard others have done, etc. I believe the Lord's word to us Sunday night was more along the line of what Abram heard as recorded in Genesis 12. He was told to arise, separate himself from the familiar (family) and go to a place the Lord WOULD show him.
Regardless of our experiences in God, regardless of how much we know or don't know, and regardless of how much we've read in the past of great moves of God (including those recorded in the book of Acts), we are entering a time that will look and operate like no other. The Lord is bringing the Church to a place IT HAS NEVER BEEN BEFORE. These final days will be days of unprecedented Glory, Power, Holiness, and Judgment. A great harvest is to be gathered. But it will be done, not by our might or our power or even our great intelligence. It will be done by the Spirit of God and through those who will TRUST and OBEY. By the way, trust and obey must work together or you don't really have either one.
Allow the Lord to speak to your heart about these 2 words: Push and Trust.
Actually, as I think about it, I see the Lord pulling the Church back to the basics. Away from that which has man's fingerprints all over it. Away from things that display the "strut of man". Jesus said, "I will build MY Church...". Even so, do it, Jesus!
Well, I've rambled on a bit. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after God's way of doing things. They will find themselves right smack dab in the center of His will.
Please join us this Sunday night: 6 p.m. 313 6th Street. WDM (Valley Junction area)
Pastor Jan
Sunday night was very interesting...
The Lord's Presence was very evident; such a sweet, peaceful, loving Presence. It was as though the Lord was sitting in the same seat with each person there. I know the team on the platform, the singers and musicians, felt the same.
Several prophetic words were spoken that night that have kept playing over and over in my mind and spirit:
One of the words was "push". As a woman in travail about to give birth. The Lord is saying that we, the Body of Christ, are very close to the birth of the "movement" we, and others, have been carrying. It began as a Holy Seed deposited in our spirits and has continued to grow by the nourishment it's received as we've received nourishment from Jesus. It's as though we are "pregnant" with a move of God. It isn't more religion, but it's a movement that will change the face of this entire central Iowa area. I see it as an "outbreak of the Spirit of God"; an "awakening". Not just a series of special meetings. Not just a prayer meeting. Not just something that man can point to and say, "look what we've done". We must continually realize that it isn't OUR kingdom, but God's. It isn't our resources or power, but God's. As Mary said, "be it done to me according to Thy word", so we say to the Lord the same thing. Let it be born in us that which is the Holy, Powerful, All-Consuming, world-changing, WILL OF GOD. So the word to us is "PUSH!", don't stop, don't grow tired, don't be weary, but PUSH! Stay with the Lord's plans and purposes.
Anyone remember "Lamaze" classes? I was my wife's "coach". Guess who our "Coach" is?
The second word was "Trust". I am really challenged with this one. How easy is it for me (and, possibly, you) to THINK I'm trusting but actually I'm relying on what I've read in the past, done in the past, heard others have done, etc. I believe the Lord's word to us Sunday night was more along the line of what Abram heard as recorded in Genesis 12. He was told to arise, separate himself from the familiar (family) and go to a place the Lord WOULD show him.
Regardless of our experiences in God, regardless of how much we know or don't know, and regardless of how much we've read in the past of great moves of God (including those recorded in the book of Acts), we are entering a time that will look and operate like no other. The Lord is bringing the Church to a place IT HAS NEVER BEEN BEFORE. These final days will be days of unprecedented Glory, Power, Holiness, and Judgment. A great harvest is to be gathered. But it will be done, not by our might or our power or even our great intelligence. It will be done by the Spirit of God and through those who will TRUST and OBEY. By the way, trust and obey must work together or you don't really have either one.
Allow the Lord to speak to your heart about these 2 words: Push and Trust.
Actually, as I think about it, I see the Lord pulling the Church back to the basics. Away from that which has man's fingerprints all over it. Away from things that display the "strut of man". Jesus said, "I will build MY Church...". Even so, do it, Jesus!
Well, I've rambled on a bit. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after God's way of doing things. They will find themselves right smack dab in the center of His will.
Please join us this Sunday night: 6 p.m. 313 6th Street. WDM (Valley Junction area)
Pastor Jan
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