Greetings in the Exalted Name of Jesus!
Psalm 57:11, "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth."
The Lord is declaring His voice to us - "Declare My praise! Declare My Worth! Prepare a place for Me to be enthroned so that My Glory can be seen in your midst! Understand the principle of worship and praise as seen in My Word...praise brings the manifest Presence and the manifest Presence brings the praise."
The Lord has led me to, once again, set aside Sunday Evenings to simply prepare a place for the Lord to be exalted in the earth; a place where His Presence is sought after and received. A place where He can work as He sees fit and where He alone is the Center of attention. As the verses below reveal, when the Lord is praised He causes the Heavens to shine forth. And, when Heaven shines, the Earth responds!
Brethren, look at the word of the Lord -
Psalm 22:3 - But You are holy, Who inhabit the praises of Israel.
Exodus 15:2 (KJV) - The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
2 Chronicles 5:13,14 - indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever,'' that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
Isaiah 12 - And in that day you will say: "O Lord, I will praise You; though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; `For YAH, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He also has become my salvation.' '' Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: "Praise the Lord, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!''
2 Chronicles 20:22 - Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
Psalm 67:5,6 -Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 - Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; he will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.
Psalm 66:1-4 - Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.'' Selah
Psalm 68: 4-11 - Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name YAH, And rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land. O God, when You went out before Your people, When You marched through the wilderness, Selah. The earth shook; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, Whereby You confirmed Your inheritance, When it was weary. Your congregation dwelt in it; You, O God, provided from Your goodness for the poor. The Lord gave the word; Great was the company of those who proclaimed it:
Please come and join us as we praise and worship the Lord. It's all about Him!
Pastor Jan
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Trusting?
Greetings...
Luke 18:9-16
9. Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10. "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11. "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank You that I am not like other men extortioners, unjust, erers, or even as this tax collector.
12. `I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'
13. "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God be merciful to me a sinner!'
14. "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.''
15. Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16. But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
There are a few things the Spirit of God is opening my eyes to here. In verse 16 Jesus said, "for such is the Kingdom of God." I believe He didn't just refer to the phrase about little children, but even the preceding verses. For instance verse 9, "...who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, AND DESPISED OTHERS".
Have you ever thought about how the Body of Christ is so good at dividing itself up into little bitty pieces, rather than having "the same care for one another" (1 Cor. 12)? In the above instance, BOTH men went before the Lord to pray. A very spiritual thing to do, when it's done with the proper motive and attitude. The Pharisee isolates himself from others when he begins to thank God how he ISN'T like the others (including the man who is praying in the same room to the same God). The Pharisee failed to realize that God didn't give two hoots about all the Pharisee did; God was looking much deeper than that. The Pharisee said about 5 times the amount spoken by the tax collector, but the Lord declared the tax collector as the one leaving justified.
The Pharisee exalted HIMSELF as he recounted all HE had done. Yet there is no evidence of a trust relationship with God. "And without faith (trust) it is impossible to please Him (God)"
"See what I've done..."
"Look at how much I tithe..."
"I just cannot tolerate people who can't seem to get it right..."
"If everyone in the Kingdom was like me..."
"Don't touch me, I'm too clean to get dirty..."
Keeping track of how much time, treasure, or talent you give to the Lord isn't of any benefit to us at all. For one thing, by declaring that we have given 10% (or even 20) really says that we kept back 80-90%. The Kingdom of God doesn't operate because people tithe; no, the Kingdom of God is evident through those who aren't afraid to lay down their lives for Jesus and His Gospel. NEVER did Jesus teach about being a 10% disciple. Yet, we can be so proud when we compare ALL WE DO with ALL others don't do (in our sight). Jesus said, "Come, follow Me". It was His ALL He placed on the cross, not just 10%. And, unless it was His ALL, He would not have been trusting. Trust isn't trust if it is measured out; at least where trusting God is concerned. If I had to tell God all I've done and continually remind others just how valuable I am to the Kingdom, then there is evidently not much of a trust relationship - with God or His people.
On and on I could go. But did you notice that just as soon as Jesus got through telling the disciples about the Pharisee's lack of humility, the disciples wanted to keep children from coming to Jesus. The disciples were showing somewhat of the same kind of spirit...they were saying "Jesus doesn't have time for children; He is too busy with us. We are the inner circle, the very core group and sole owners of what God is doing in the earth. Children, tax collectors, heathen, they're all the same..."
The Kingdom of God is all about trusting in the Living God - completely. He IS OUR righteousness from the beginning, through out our walk, and at the end of our earthly life. There is NEVER a time to become proud of what we've accomplished or to feel like we're better than anyone else. Doing so only leads to cutting other people off and not having the same care for them. Please understand that sometimes people are so wrapped up in their own misery and failure that they become a Pharisee in reverse. "I've sinned like no one else..." or, "I've failed to show the power of God to my generation..." and still cut themselves off from the care of others.
Wouldn't it be just grand if we actually started acting like we really believe the Word of God in its entirety? "I am because of what He made me and I do what He enables me to do."
I'll close with 2 passages. One from Isaiah and the other from 1 Corinthians.
Isaiah 57:15
"For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor erers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
Think about it and may the Lord cause each of us to humble ourselves continually under His mighty hand...that He may have HIS WAY with us AND through us.
What's He saying to you?
Pastor Jan
Luke 18:9-16
9. Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10. "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11. "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank You that I am not like other men extortioners, unjust, erers, or even as this tax collector.
12. `I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'
13. "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God be merciful to me a sinner!'
14. "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.''
15. Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16. But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
There are a few things the Spirit of God is opening my eyes to here. In verse 16 Jesus said, "for such is the Kingdom of God." I believe He didn't just refer to the phrase about little children, but even the preceding verses. For instance verse 9, "...who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, AND DESPISED OTHERS".
Have you ever thought about how the Body of Christ is so good at dividing itself up into little bitty pieces, rather than having "the same care for one another" (1 Cor. 12)? In the above instance, BOTH men went before the Lord to pray. A very spiritual thing to do, when it's done with the proper motive and attitude. The Pharisee isolates himself from others when he begins to thank God how he ISN'T like the others (including the man who is praying in the same room to the same God). The Pharisee failed to realize that God didn't give two hoots about all the Pharisee did; God was looking much deeper than that. The Pharisee said about 5 times the amount spoken by the tax collector, but the Lord declared the tax collector as the one leaving justified.
The Pharisee exalted HIMSELF as he recounted all HE had done. Yet there is no evidence of a trust relationship with God. "And without faith (trust) it is impossible to please Him (God)"
"See what I've done..."
"Look at how much I tithe..."
"I just cannot tolerate people who can't seem to get it right..."
"If everyone in the Kingdom was like me..."
"Don't touch me, I'm too clean to get dirty..."
Keeping track of how much time, treasure, or talent you give to the Lord isn't of any benefit to us at all. For one thing, by declaring that we have given 10% (or even 20) really says that we kept back 80-90%. The Kingdom of God doesn't operate because people tithe; no, the Kingdom of God is evident through those who aren't afraid to lay down their lives for Jesus and His Gospel. NEVER did Jesus teach about being a 10% disciple. Yet, we can be so proud when we compare ALL WE DO with ALL others don't do (in our sight). Jesus said, "Come, follow Me". It was His ALL He placed on the cross, not just 10%. And, unless it was His ALL, He would not have been trusting. Trust isn't trust if it is measured out; at least where trusting God is concerned. If I had to tell God all I've done and continually remind others just how valuable I am to the Kingdom, then there is evidently not much of a trust relationship - with God or His people.
On and on I could go. But did you notice that just as soon as Jesus got through telling the disciples about the Pharisee's lack of humility, the disciples wanted to keep children from coming to Jesus. The disciples were showing somewhat of the same kind of spirit...they were saying "Jesus doesn't have time for children; He is too busy with us. We are the inner circle, the very core group and sole owners of what God is doing in the earth. Children, tax collectors, heathen, they're all the same..."
The Kingdom of God is all about trusting in the Living God - completely. He IS OUR righteousness from the beginning, through out our walk, and at the end of our earthly life. There is NEVER a time to become proud of what we've accomplished or to feel like we're better than anyone else. Doing so only leads to cutting other people off and not having the same care for them. Please understand that sometimes people are so wrapped up in their own misery and failure that they become a Pharisee in reverse. "I've sinned like no one else..." or, "I've failed to show the power of God to my generation..." and still cut themselves off from the care of others.
Wouldn't it be just grand if we actually started acting like we really believe the Word of God in its entirety? "I am because of what He made me and I do what He enables me to do."
I'll close with 2 passages. One from Isaiah and the other from 1 Corinthians.
Isaiah 57:15
"For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor erers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
Think about it and may the Lord cause each of us to humble ourselves continually under His mighty hand...that He may have HIS WAY with us AND through us.
What's He saying to you?
Pastor Jan
Monday, November 12, 2007
Raising your Dream...
Greetings in Jesus' wonderful Name!
I realize it's been quite some time since I've last written anything; frankly, one of the main reasons is because I have felt "what's the use?" Various thoughts have come at me, some of which I'm sure you have shared from time to time. Thoughts like "since it's obvious that my ministry is not appreciated, I think it's time to quit"; or, "I'm tired of this pressure"; or things like that. Maybe even thoughts such as "I deserve better than what I'm experiencing"; there are so many thoughts I've been dealing with it's hard to keep them straight some time. Ever had times like that? Like, just when you think you're getting a handle on things, another blow comes at you...for instance, you hear you are losing valuable members of your ministry team. It's like you just want to throw your hands up and say "I've had it!" You know it as well as I that when you've had a dream and have worked to see the dream accomplished and have shared the dream with others...then to see the dream seem to lay down and die...
Of course, much of this has been happening since I wrote my last note entitled "Have you done all to stand?".
This isn't a "boo-hoo" word, but a word to let you know that even if the dream seems to be lifeless, as long as there is God then there is still hope. Romans 15:13 - "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
There are a couple of points I want share with you to encourage you (and myself). I'll use Luke 8:40-42, 49-55 as my text.
40. So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.
41. And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus' feet and begged Him to come to his house,
42. for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.
49. While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter has died. Do not trouble the Teacher.''
50. But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.''
51. When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the .
52. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she has not died, but is sleeping.''
53. And they laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she had died.
54. But He put them all out, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Daughter, arise!''
55. Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.
1. This 12 year old daughter was the dream of her parents. Apparently, it was the only dream they had. They had invested at least 12 years of their lives, pouring into their dream with love and sacrifice, thoughts of her future and her family. Their dream was far reaching; just like many of ours. We don't see just how far out our dreams can reach...but we pour ourselves into them.
2. The "dream" is worth fighting for, if it's worth anything at all. You know, maybe you're not all that interested in Jesus. I don't know that Jairus was UNTIL he found he was losing his only daughter. The scriptures mention nothing about Jairus walking everyday with Jesus. No, "there CAME a man...". Maybe you haven't been that stellar of a person. Maybe you're not a "religious" person at all. Jairus was just a guy who's dream was about to die and he was going to do something about it. Jesus might have been his last resort; but notice Jesus made no mention of it. Jesus simply went with him because he asked Him to.
3. Twelve years old - too young for a dream to die. Dreams, the ones that God gets involved in, are to grow, develop, mature, and come to the place where they can "reproduce after their own kind". What about the dream in your life or ministry? Is it really time for it to die or are you just "pulling the plug" for your own convenience? After all, who wants to baby sit a "dream" that has "no chance in hell" of ever being more than a nuisance. Aren't you glad we don't have to base our life, or our God-given dreams, on chance - either on earth or in hell. Oh, one quick thing here - the Bible says that children are a gift from God. That's why I believe I can use this illustration to talk about God-given dreams.
4. I've noticed something about people, and I hope I remember this the next time people "introduce" their dream to me. People who haven't carried the dream in their heart, haven't spent sleepless nights walking the floor over it, or who haven't participated in the dream with their finances, are a lot quicker to say, "just leave the Master alone; it's too late, the dream has died". Can you imagine what you would think if you were in the hospital room, sitting with a dying child, and some stranger walks in the room and says to you, "don't bother, this life isn't worth it. After all, there are more important things that you can do". You may find yourself in jail, after a comment like that!
5. As long as Jesus is with you and I, walking with us to minister to our "dream", we must keep believing. As long as Jesus still has a word for our dream, a word that will cause its spirit to return and raise it off the bed, then we must keep on believing. Even if Jesus gets interrupted on the way to our house, we must keep on believing. Why? Because the dream isn't just about us. It's about God's plan for it and His ability to reveal His Glory through the dream He gave us in the first place!
Remember, He IS the RESURRECTION and the LIFE!
Pastor Jan
I realize it's been quite some time since I've last written anything; frankly, one of the main reasons is because I have felt "what's the use?" Various thoughts have come at me, some of which I'm sure you have shared from time to time. Thoughts like "since it's obvious that my ministry is not appreciated, I think it's time to quit"; or, "I'm tired of this pressure"; or things like that. Maybe even thoughts such as "I deserve better than what I'm experiencing"; there are so many thoughts I've been dealing with it's hard to keep them straight some time. Ever had times like that? Like, just when you think you're getting a handle on things, another blow comes at you...for instance, you hear you are losing valuable members of your ministry team. It's like you just want to throw your hands up and say "I've had it!" You know it as well as I that when you've had a dream and have worked to see the dream accomplished and have shared the dream with others...then to see the dream seem to lay down and die...
Of course, much of this has been happening since I wrote my last note entitled "Have you done all to stand?".
This isn't a "boo-hoo" word, but a word to let you know that even if the dream seems to be lifeless, as long as there is God then there is still hope. Romans 15:13 - "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
There are a couple of points I want share with you to encourage you (and myself). I'll use Luke 8:40-42, 49-55 as my text.
40. So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.
41. And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus' feet and begged Him to come to his house,
42. for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.
49. While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter has died. Do not trouble the Teacher.''
50. But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.''
51. When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the .
52. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she has not died, but is sleeping.''
53. And they laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she had died.
54. But He put them all out, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Daughter, arise!''
55. Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.
1. This 12 year old daughter was the dream of her parents. Apparently, it was the only dream they had. They had invested at least 12 years of their lives, pouring into their dream with love and sacrifice, thoughts of her future and her family. Their dream was far reaching; just like many of ours. We don't see just how far out our dreams can reach...but we pour ourselves into them.
2. The "dream" is worth fighting for, if it's worth anything at all. You know, maybe you're not all that interested in Jesus. I don't know that Jairus was UNTIL he found he was losing his only daughter. The scriptures mention nothing about Jairus walking everyday with Jesus. No, "there CAME a man...". Maybe you haven't been that stellar of a person. Maybe you're not a "religious" person at all. Jairus was just a guy who's dream was about to die and he was going to do something about it. Jesus might have been his last resort; but notice Jesus made no mention of it. Jesus simply went with him because he asked Him to.
3. Twelve years old - too young for a dream to die. Dreams, the ones that God gets involved in, are to grow, develop, mature, and come to the place where they can "reproduce after their own kind". What about the dream in your life or ministry? Is it really time for it to die or are you just "pulling the plug" for your own convenience? After all, who wants to baby sit a "dream" that has "no chance in hell" of ever being more than a nuisance. Aren't you glad we don't have to base our life, or our God-given dreams, on chance - either on earth or in hell. Oh, one quick thing here - the Bible says that children are a gift from God. That's why I believe I can use this illustration to talk about God-given dreams.
4. I've noticed something about people, and I hope I remember this the next time people "introduce" their dream to me. People who haven't carried the dream in their heart, haven't spent sleepless nights walking the floor over it, or who haven't participated in the dream with their finances, are a lot quicker to say, "just leave the Master alone; it's too late, the dream has died". Can you imagine what you would think if you were in the hospital room, sitting with a dying child, and some stranger walks in the room and says to you, "don't bother, this life isn't worth it. After all, there are more important things that you can do". You may find yourself in jail, after a comment like that!
5. As long as Jesus is with you and I, walking with us to minister to our "dream", we must keep believing. As long as Jesus still has a word for our dream, a word that will cause its spirit to return and raise it off the bed, then we must keep on believing. Even if Jesus gets interrupted on the way to our house, we must keep on believing. Why? Because the dream isn't just about us. It's about God's plan for it and His ability to reveal His Glory through the dream He gave us in the first place!
Remember, He IS the RESURRECTION and the LIFE!
Pastor Jan
Monday, October 01, 2007
Have you done all to stand?
Greetings in the Name of Jesus - the One Who finishes whatever He begins.
Ephesians 6:10-13:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and , but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
The other day the Lord asked me a question which has given me a rejuvenated passion to make sure I finish my course well. He asked me, as He reminded me of verse 13 above, if I had done all I could do. "Before you get the idea that it's time to throw in the towel, have YOU done all you could do?" The enemy of our soul wants us to be so immobilized and paralyzed by his wiles, schemes, of doubt, deception, destruction and fear that he sells us the idea that we have reached the end of God's ability and our energy so we might as well move on to something else. As long as we can say, "we've done our best", then we feel justified in whatever decision we make.
This attitude is diabolical and is very much running rampant in the Body of Christ. Look at these verses found in Hebrews 12:3,4 - "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to shed, striving against sin." I don't believe we can fathom what would have been our condition if Jesus wouldn't have done ALL He could do. Our very life depended on it; and there are many lives that depend on each of us doing ALL WE can do.
When you start to get discouraged or maybe a little bent out of shape, begin asking yourself (and let the Holy Spirit help you answer truthfully), "Have I done ALL I can do to stand?" You know, the Body of Christ would be much farther along the path to being conformed into the Image of the Holy One if we had been doing that all along. Churches wouldn't be splitting or barely getting along; no, they'd be affecting their society and changing their neighborhoods. If we would ask ourselves questions like:
1. Have I prayed all I can pray? (Luke 18:1 - don't faint in prayer; 1 Thess 5 - pray without ceasing)
2. Have I believed all I can believe? (Mark 9:23 - all things are possible to him who believes)
3. Have I given I all I can give? (Luke 6:38 - the way you measure...)
4. Have I spoken all I can speak? (Romans 10:9-17 - people need to hear and faith will come)
5. Have I loved all I can love? (1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love never fails)
6. Have I done all I can do? (Philippian 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength)
Before you get it in your mind that I don't know what you're going through let me say that I'm sure I don't know. But I know Someone Who does! Regardless of your situation can you honestly, before God, say that you've given it your all and you've gotten all the help from God that is available? Or, have you just decided to quit because it seems easier?
2 Samuel 23:8-12 - "These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder. And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. Then the people fled from the Philistines. But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. And the Lord brought about a great victory."
Notice these guys who did all they could do to stand...and even though they each could have had a good reason to quit, they looked beyond their own reasoning and grabbed hold of God's strength to enable them to do MORE and thus secure the victory.
Brethren, if you look around long enough you will always find someone who will tell you the best thing for you to do is give up. There is always someone who will agree that the easy way must be God's way. "After all, God wants us to have joy", they seem to say. And joy couldn't be part of a tough situation, could it? Hebrews 12 - "Who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross and despised the shame..." Churches are full of "believers" who run away from the battle and declare "God is leading me". Of course, as soon as "things really start happening once again" God "leads" them back. Like in the passage above, the people returned after the fight so they could enjoy the plunder.
It is time you and I answer the Lord as He asks - "Have YOU done all to stand?" Let's answer with our actions, and see His Kingdom come, His will be done. Amen!
Pastor Jan
Ephesians 6:10-13:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and , but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
The other day the Lord asked me a question which has given me a rejuvenated passion to make sure I finish my course well. He asked me, as He reminded me of verse 13 above, if I had done all I could do. "Before you get the idea that it's time to throw in the towel, have YOU done all you could do?" The enemy of our soul wants us to be so immobilized and paralyzed by his wiles, schemes, of doubt, deception, destruction and fear that he sells us the idea that we have reached the end of God's ability and our energy so we might as well move on to something else. As long as we can say, "we've done our best", then we feel justified in whatever decision we make.
This attitude is diabolical and is very much running rampant in the Body of Christ. Look at these verses found in Hebrews 12:3,4 - "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to shed, striving against sin." I don't believe we can fathom what would have been our condition if Jesus wouldn't have done ALL He could do. Our very life depended on it; and there are many lives that depend on each of us doing ALL WE can do.
When you start to get discouraged or maybe a little bent out of shape, begin asking yourself (and let the Holy Spirit help you answer truthfully), "Have I done ALL I can do to stand?" You know, the Body of Christ would be much farther along the path to being conformed into the Image of the Holy One if we had been doing that all along. Churches wouldn't be splitting or barely getting along; no, they'd be affecting their society and changing their neighborhoods. If we would ask ourselves questions like:
1. Have I prayed all I can pray? (Luke 18:1 - don't faint in prayer; 1 Thess 5 - pray without ceasing)
2. Have I believed all I can believe? (Mark 9:23 - all things are possible to him who believes)
3. Have I given I all I can give? (Luke 6:38 - the way you measure...)
4. Have I spoken all I can speak? (Romans 10:9-17 - people need to hear and faith will come)
5. Have I loved all I can love? (1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love never fails)
6. Have I done all I can do? (Philippian 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength)
Before you get it in your mind that I don't know what you're going through let me say that I'm sure I don't know. But I know Someone Who does! Regardless of your situation can you honestly, before God, say that you've given it your all and you've gotten all the help from God that is available? Or, have you just decided to quit because it seems easier?
2 Samuel 23:8-12 - "These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder. And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. Then the people fled from the Philistines. But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. And the Lord brought about a great victory."
Notice these guys who did all they could do to stand...and even though they each could have had a good reason to quit, they looked beyond their own reasoning and grabbed hold of God's strength to enable them to do MORE and thus secure the victory.
Brethren, if you look around long enough you will always find someone who will tell you the best thing for you to do is give up. There is always someone who will agree that the easy way must be God's way. "After all, God wants us to have joy", they seem to say. And joy couldn't be part of a tough situation, could it? Hebrews 12 - "Who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross and despised the shame..." Churches are full of "believers" who run away from the battle and declare "God is leading me". Of course, as soon as "things really start happening once again" God "leads" them back. Like in the passage above, the people returned after the fight so they could enjoy the plunder.
It is time you and I answer the Lord as He asks - "Have YOU done all to stand?" Let's answer with our actions, and see His Kingdom come, His will be done. Amen!
Pastor Jan
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Spirit of Giving
Greetings,
Many of you have probably heard at least one message concerning "tithing" and "offerings". I've heard quite a few myself. I've also received mail from big ministries "soliciting" funds for their projects, their dad, etc...of course these were all very worthwhile projects. Sometimes people who instruct others regarding this subject can do so in such a way that it gets very close to manipulation. In some cases they actually cross the line. There are some ministers who are "gifted" fund raisers (the title they use to refer to their ministry).
While I don't want to talk ugly about any of God's kids, I must make a statement that may offend some. Manipulation, whether it is to get a bigger offering or drag someone to the altar, will NOT reap eternal dividends. It does NOT have the anointing and favor of the Living God upon it. Regardless of how well things seem to go, the eternal truth is sure - WHATEVER a person sows, THAT shall they reap.
Please read the following verses - allow the Spirit of God to open your understanding to the authentic Spirit of Giving. There is a kind of giving that gets the Lord involved; it isn't giving so God will pay my bills nor is it tithing because the Bible tells me to, though both examples are scriptural and should be considered as we walk with the Lord. It's a giving that goes beyond the point of obedience. Really, now, shouldn't we all, as believers in Jesus Christ, live a life of obedience to the Spirit and the Word? The kind of giving I'm referring to is found in Exodus 35 and 36 with a New Testament application found throughout the book of Ephesians and other places as well.
Exodus 35:5 - Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze;
Exodus 35:21,22 - Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who offered an offering of gold to the Lord.
Notice the phrase, "whose heart was stirred, and...whose spirit was willing". Their heart was lifted up to the Lord and their spirit "volunteered". There was no plea from Moses, just a statement from him saying "this is what the Lord commands". The people were touched by God to the point of going beyond obedience. Obedience would bring in the minimum - obedience alone will provide the least amount. If you and I are strictly "obedient", we will probably seek to do the minimum. Minimum Bible study, minimum ministry, minimum whatever. But the Spirit of Giving brought so much more - see verse 29:
The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to the Lord, all the men and women whose hearts were willing to bring material for all kinds of work which the Lord, by the hand of Moses, had commanded to be done.
There have been times I have taught the Word of God and received an offering because WE (our church) needed the finances. I was teaching more out of desperation than faith. "If I can just create my words just right, give out the promises of God just right, etc, then maybe God will turn some of the people loose with the finances I need". What if I would trust Him and just tell people the Word of God and believe that the Lord is involved in what HE is CREATING! The Spirit of Giving is released when the only thing that matters is being involved with what God is building. God will make sure His Kingdom, His dwelling place (tabernacle), His Revival, etc, will be built. He will not build it with funds or gifts that have been squeezed out of His people using unholy methods. The spirit of manipulation (telling a good story, crying at just the right time, showing a sad picture, etc) is NOT from the Spirit of God. But He will help people go beyond obedience to extreme blessing when they see it as something God desires to do.
In Exodus 36 Moses had to tell the people - "we've got enough". STOP GIVING! Oh, by the way, the thing they were giving for was the Tabernacle where the Glory of God would abide. God dwelt in their midst because they went beyond the minimum and gave into something beyond themselves. Ephesians 2 says we are a building that is being built (fitted and joined together) as a dwelling place for the Spirit of God. That's why the Lord says in several places for each person to use the gift they have for the building up of others. In other words, don't just do the minimum (as it fits your schedule and plans) - but GO ALL OUT UNTIL GOD SAYS STOP!
What if the Spirit of Giving was loosed in your area, my area? It would be like the Book of Acts, chapters 2-4. What if we wouldn't wait to hear how much was needed but we simply lived our life as if the Lord's work was really the only thing that mattered?
God is always receiving an offering - He is always commanding us to give - and He is prepared to release the Spirit of Giving upon people who will go beyond the minimum...
"You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." 2 Corinthians 9:7,8 (NLT)
After the children of Israel "paid for" the tabernacle, they still had plenty to get by with for the next 40 years. Their next generation could experience the Glory of God and the miraculous provisions of God because they took giving to a level beyond obedience -
Isaiah 1:19 - "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land" Pastor Jan
Many of you have probably heard at least one message concerning "tithing" and "offerings". I've heard quite a few myself. I've also received mail from big ministries "soliciting" funds for their projects, their dad, etc...of course these were all very worthwhile projects. Sometimes people who instruct others regarding this subject can do so in such a way that it gets very close to manipulation. In some cases they actually cross the line. There are some ministers who are "gifted" fund raisers (the title they use to refer to their ministry).
While I don't want to talk ugly about any of God's kids, I must make a statement that may offend some. Manipulation, whether it is to get a bigger offering or drag someone to the altar, will NOT reap eternal dividends. It does NOT have the anointing and favor of the Living God upon it. Regardless of how well things seem to go, the eternal truth is sure - WHATEVER a person sows, THAT shall they reap.
Please read the following verses - allow the Spirit of God to open your understanding to the authentic Spirit of Giving. There is a kind of giving that gets the Lord involved; it isn't giving so God will pay my bills nor is it tithing because the Bible tells me to, though both examples are scriptural and should be considered as we walk with the Lord. It's a giving that goes beyond the point of obedience. Really, now, shouldn't we all, as believers in Jesus Christ, live a life of obedience to the Spirit and the Word? The kind of giving I'm referring to is found in Exodus 35 and 36 with a New Testament application found throughout the book of Ephesians and other places as well.
Exodus 35:5 - Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze;
Exodus 35:21,22 - Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who offered an offering of gold to the Lord.
Notice the phrase, "whose heart was stirred, and...whose spirit was willing". Their heart was lifted up to the Lord and their spirit "volunteered". There was no plea from Moses, just a statement from him saying "this is what the Lord commands". The people were touched by God to the point of going beyond obedience. Obedience would bring in the minimum - obedience alone will provide the least amount. If you and I are strictly "obedient", we will probably seek to do the minimum. Minimum Bible study, minimum ministry, minimum whatever. But the Spirit of Giving brought so much more - see verse 29:
The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to the Lord, all the men and women whose hearts were willing to bring material for all kinds of work which the Lord, by the hand of Moses, had commanded to be done.
There have been times I have taught the Word of God and received an offering because WE (our church) needed the finances. I was teaching more out of desperation than faith. "If I can just create my words just right, give out the promises of God just right, etc, then maybe God will turn some of the people loose with the finances I need". What if I would trust Him and just tell people the Word of God and believe that the Lord is involved in what HE is CREATING! The Spirit of Giving is released when the only thing that matters is being involved with what God is building. God will make sure His Kingdom, His dwelling place (tabernacle), His Revival, etc, will be built. He will not build it with funds or gifts that have been squeezed out of His people using unholy methods. The spirit of manipulation (telling a good story, crying at just the right time, showing a sad picture, etc) is NOT from the Spirit of God. But He will help people go beyond obedience to extreme blessing when they see it as something God desires to do.
In Exodus 36 Moses had to tell the people - "we've got enough". STOP GIVING! Oh, by the way, the thing they were giving for was the Tabernacle where the Glory of God would abide. God dwelt in their midst because they went beyond the minimum and gave into something beyond themselves. Ephesians 2 says we are a building that is being built (fitted and joined together) as a dwelling place for the Spirit of God. That's why the Lord says in several places for each person to use the gift they have for the building up of others. In other words, don't just do the minimum (as it fits your schedule and plans) - but GO ALL OUT UNTIL GOD SAYS STOP!
What if the Spirit of Giving was loosed in your area, my area? It would be like the Book of Acts, chapters 2-4. What if we wouldn't wait to hear how much was needed but we simply lived our life as if the Lord's work was really the only thing that mattered?
God is always receiving an offering - He is always commanding us to give - and He is prepared to release the Spirit of Giving upon people who will go beyond the minimum...
"You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." 2 Corinthians 9:7,8 (NLT)
After the children of Israel "paid for" the tabernacle, they still had plenty to get by with for the next 40 years. Their next generation could experience the Glory of God and the miraculous provisions of God because they took giving to a level beyond obedience -
Isaiah 1:19 - "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land" Pastor Jan
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Where are the Noah's?
Greetings...
I'm going to share, just briefly, the message the Lord had me preach this morning. The incident that led to my even thinking along these lines was the issue that happened in Polk County this week. As you may recall, there was a certain judge that believed it was alright for homosexuals to marry so he struck down Iowa's law banning homosexual marriage. The Lord began to speak to me, kind of questioning me about how much I really believe the Gospel and how important is it to me that others hear. Then His Word came to me like this: Where are the Noah's?
Luke 24:26-30
"And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. "
It would be "easy" for believers in Jesus to look at our mean, nasty, ugly world and just give up. But in the days of Noah, even though it was wicked beyond description, there was still a witness for God. Noah! Peter refers to Noah as a proclaimer of the right way to live (preacher of righteousness). The Lord showed His long suffering to those of Noah's day, and us, by how He used Noah to touch his generation. Noah put his hands, voice, and heart to the task of saving his world. He followed the Lord's directions explicitly and without reservation. Where are the Noah's for this generation? What are your hands, voice, and heart given to?
Then there's the part in Luke's gospel that reads, "Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot..." Think about the story of Lot. He spent a lot of time with his uncle Abraham, the father of faith, the friend of Almighty God. He prospered as well as did his uncle, to the point where they had to separate so the land would sustain them. We know he chose the fertile land of Sodom and Gomorrah as his territory, even though it was an exceedingly wicked group of people. Maybe he went with the idea that he would be a missionary to them, I don't know. But it seems that once he got away from the godly influence of his uncle, he just kind of faded into the scenery.
I shouldn't need to say this, but sexual perversion, sexual promiscuity, homosexual behaviors, etc. is wicked. Wickedness destroys individuals, families, and even nations that allow such things to go unchecked. I don't know how long Lot was in Sodom and Gomorrah, but however long it was, he did not make any eternal difference in the lives of those he came in contact with. For a fact, if it weren't for his uncle Abraham, he would never have left the land before it was destroyed.
The question begs to be asked: "Where are the Abraham's?" Where are the intercessors who will give up their hands, voice, and heart to the will of God? The will of God? Remember, He's not willing that ANY perish. Are we?
Will we, can we, just watch the days of Noah and Lot appear before our eyes and not realize our part to play? Yes, our redemption is drawing near and we should lift up our heads. But shouldn't we lift them up in faith and cry out for our generation to recognize that the day of the Lord is close at hand? Shouldn't we look to the One Who gave Himself for all mankind?
Jesus described the days of Noah and the days of Lot - and so shall it be when Jesus comes again. HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR...THESE are the days of YOU and I - THESE are the days when our Father's work must be accomplished; the night is coming when NO ONE will be able to work. God is trying to reach YOUR generation THROUGH YOU...what are your hands, voice, and heart doing?
Where are the Noah's? Where are the Abraham's?
I believe I'm writing to them!
Pastor Jan
I'm going to share, just briefly, the message the Lord had me preach this morning. The incident that led to my even thinking along these lines was the issue that happened in Polk County this week. As you may recall, there was a certain judge that believed it was alright for homosexuals to marry so he struck down Iowa's law banning homosexual marriage. The Lord began to speak to me, kind of questioning me about how much I really believe the Gospel and how important is it to me that others hear. Then His Word came to me like this: Where are the Noah's?
Luke 24:26-30
"And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. "
It would be "easy" for believers in Jesus to look at our mean, nasty, ugly world and just give up. But in the days of Noah, even though it was wicked beyond description, there was still a witness for God. Noah! Peter refers to Noah as a proclaimer of the right way to live (preacher of righteousness). The Lord showed His long suffering to those of Noah's day, and us, by how He used Noah to touch his generation. Noah put his hands, voice, and heart to the task of saving his world. He followed the Lord's directions explicitly and without reservation. Where are the Noah's for this generation? What are your hands, voice, and heart given to?
Then there's the part in Luke's gospel that reads, "Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot..." Think about the story of Lot. He spent a lot of time with his uncle Abraham, the father of faith, the friend of Almighty God. He prospered as well as did his uncle, to the point where they had to separate so the land would sustain them. We know he chose the fertile land of Sodom and Gomorrah as his territory, even though it was an exceedingly wicked group of people. Maybe he went with the idea that he would be a missionary to them, I don't know. But it seems that once he got away from the godly influence of his uncle, he just kind of faded into the scenery.
I shouldn't need to say this, but sexual perversion, sexual promiscuity, homosexual behaviors, etc. is wicked. Wickedness destroys individuals, families, and even nations that allow such things to go unchecked. I don't know how long Lot was in Sodom and Gomorrah, but however long it was, he did not make any eternal difference in the lives of those he came in contact with. For a fact, if it weren't for his uncle Abraham, he would never have left the land before it was destroyed.
The question begs to be asked: "Where are the Abraham's?" Where are the intercessors who will give up their hands, voice, and heart to the will of God? The will of God? Remember, He's not willing that ANY perish. Are we?
Will we, can we, just watch the days of Noah and Lot appear before our eyes and not realize our part to play? Yes, our redemption is drawing near and we should lift up our heads. But shouldn't we lift them up in faith and cry out for our generation to recognize that the day of the Lord is close at hand? Shouldn't we look to the One Who gave Himself for all mankind?
Jesus described the days of Noah and the days of Lot - and so shall it be when Jesus comes again. HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR...THESE are the days of YOU and I - THESE are the days when our Father's work must be accomplished; the night is coming when NO ONE will be able to work. God is trying to reach YOUR generation THROUGH YOU...what are your hands, voice, and heart doing?
Where are the Noah's? Where are the Abraham's?
I believe I'm writing to them!
Pastor Jan
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
He sent His Word and Healed Them...
Greetings in the Glorious Name of Jesus!
Psalm 107:19-21 - "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
He sent His Word - the same Word He spoke when He created the Heavens and the Earth.
He sent His Word - the same Word wherewith He upholds all things (Hebrews 1)
He sent His Word - that Word which runs swiftly (Psalm 147:15)
He sent His Word - the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-4,14)
He sent His Word - as a Sower sowing seed, His Word not returning void...(Isaiah 55:11; Mark 4:14-20)
He sent His Word - the Report of the Lord that we are to believe (Isaiah 53)
He sent His Word - which is Life to those who find it and health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:20-22)
He sent His Word - for out of the abundance of God's heart His mouth spoke (Matthew 12:34)
He sent His Word - the Author and Finisher of our faith (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 12:1,2)
He sent His Word - that Incorruptible seed which is able to save our soul (1 Peter 1:23)
He sent His Word - the Sword that the Spirit wields (Ephesians 6:17)
He sent His Word - that it might be fulfilled which was spoken...(various scriptures)
He sent His Word - the Body that was prepared for Jesus (in the volume of the Book...) (Hebrews 10:5-10)
He sent His Word...
Today, if you'll hear His voice, harden not your hearts. Receive the Word He has sent - Jesus, the Word of God. He IS your salvation, your righteous, your sanctification, and your redemption. He is the Lover of your soul, the Healer of your body, the Peace for your heart, the Soundness of your mind, and your Eternal Source of Joy! He still goes about DOING GOOD and HEALING ALL who are, or who have been, oppressed by the devil. Bless the Lord!
With everything you have, with everything you are, bless the Lord! He forgives ALL your iniquities and heals ALL your diseases. He, right now, presently, at this moment, is at work in you redeeming your life from destruction. All things are working for your good because He is good and because He SENT HIS WORD to you that it might be fulfilled!
To as many as receive Him (His Word), to them He gives the power, the authority, and the revelation to walk with Him. You can lay hold of that which He has purchased for you; that which pertains to life and godliness.
The Life-Giving, Miracle-working, Soul-saving, Healing Word of God has come to you.
Rise up and bless the Lord!
Pastor Jan
Psalm 107:19-21 - "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
He sent His Word - the same Word He spoke when He created the Heavens and the Earth.
He sent His Word - the same Word wherewith He upholds all things (Hebrews 1)
He sent His Word - that Word which runs swiftly (Psalm 147:15)
He sent His Word - the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-4,14)
He sent His Word - as a Sower sowing seed, His Word not returning void...(Isaiah 55:11; Mark 4:14-20)
He sent His Word - the Report of the Lord that we are to believe (Isaiah 53)
He sent His Word - which is Life to those who find it and health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:20-22)
He sent His Word - for out of the abundance of God's heart His mouth spoke (Matthew 12:34)
He sent His Word - the Author and Finisher of our faith (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 12:1,2)
He sent His Word - that Incorruptible seed which is able to save our soul (1 Peter 1:23)
He sent His Word - the Sword that the Spirit wields (Ephesians 6:17)
He sent His Word - that it might be fulfilled which was spoken...(various scriptures)
He sent His Word - the Body that was prepared for Jesus (in the volume of the Book...) (Hebrews 10:5-10)
He sent His Word...
Today, if you'll hear His voice, harden not your hearts. Receive the Word He has sent - Jesus, the Word of God. He IS your salvation, your righteous, your sanctification, and your redemption. He is the Lover of your soul, the Healer of your body, the Peace for your heart, the Soundness of your mind, and your Eternal Source of Joy! He still goes about DOING GOOD and HEALING ALL who are, or who have been, oppressed by the devil. Bless the Lord!
With everything you have, with everything you are, bless the Lord! He forgives ALL your iniquities and heals ALL your diseases. He, right now, presently, at this moment, is at work in you redeeming your life from destruction. All things are working for your good because He is good and because He SENT HIS WORD to you that it might be fulfilled!
To as many as receive Him (His Word), to them He gives the power, the authority, and the revelation to walk with Him. You can lay hold of that which He has purchased for you; that which pertains to life and godliness.
The Life-Giving, Miracle-working, Soul-saving, Healing Word of God has come to you.
Rise up and bless the Lord!
Pastor Jan
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Strategy
Greetings,Back already...
This morning I shared a little about "This Present Truth" and along with the teaching I mentioned three things I believe the Lord was speaking to me about; a "present truth" for myself and the local fellowship we're a part of. The first - relationship building, possible home group ministry, etc. The second - strategic intercession (I told the congregation I wasn't real sure what that meant but would be glad to hear from any of them if they had an idea). The third - lengthening the time we usually have for our morning service. Not to "run long" for the sake of staying long, but to not feel so rushed should the Lord direct otherwise.
This afternoon while praying and ministering to the Lord, He gave me a "word". It was a definition of strategy that, coupled with truth regarding intercession, lit a fuse on the inside of me. I'm going to share just the main points, briefly. I would appreciate any comments or feedback. I am not trying to say I understand all this, but I know what the Lord spoke to my heart. I shared this word with the people who gathered this evening and then we had a time of prayer and worship.
Anyway...the essence of the word is this: Gain the advantage in intercession through Holy Spirit inspired strategy.
Sounds easy, doesn't it? I looked up a definition of the word "strategy" - "the science and art of military command exercised to meet the enemy in combat under advantageous conditions". I believe the Body of Christ is so used to being in a "reactive" posture we have been unable to gain the advantage on the enemy. We have been behind...we come along after the "bomb" has already gone off in our lives or in those around us. We've been content to help others pick up the pieces (which is very nice) when, if we utilized the Holy Spirit's "strategy", we could turn things to where the devil would have to spend his time trying to put out the "fires" we start!
The strategy is really this - Live in such a way where the Holy Spirit can "show you things to come" (John 16:13) and expect Him to "help you in your weaknesses (not knowing how or when, etc. to pray - Romans 8:26-27). The strategy entails living a life of forgiveness and humility (2 Cor. 2:10,11; 1 Peter 3:7-9). It involves loving others more than ourselves so that we are not selfish with our TIME (it takes time to pray for people...time to love...time to minister to those who have been affected by the affairs of life...it takes time to do anything!). It's TIME we use a different strategy than we've used in the past. Let's not rely on what we hear, see, or read about to draw us to the place of prayer. Let's, instead, develop such a fellowship with the Holy Spirit whereby we hear His voice and learn His timing. The Lord has NO DESIRE to run second place to the works of darkness. There's much more to be accomplished when the Spirit of God is directing our lives - EVERY SECOND OF IT. Don't you just believe that the Lord has a strategy for our city, our state, etc!
When you get an opportunity, please read Acts 9:23-31. Notice that the great apostle Paul (Saul) just had gotten saved and became a radical for Jesus. Well, the enemy wanted to shut him up so he incites the crowds (in 2 different cities) to plan a way to eliminate our brother. Now if the church then had been using the "strategy" of the 21st century church, we would not have any Pauline Epistles. But news came to the disciples and Paul in time for something to be done BEFORE they had to raise him from the dead (they had to do that later, Acts. 14).
Read 2 Kings 6:8-12. Elisha the prophet of God was used by the Spirit of God to prevent the Syrians from waging successful war against the children of Israel.
May we, by the Glorious Spirit of the Living God, be so sensitive to God and unselfish with our lives that we can find our place in God's Strategy...pro actively declaring and demonstrating the Kingdom of God. AMEN!
Pastor Jan
This morning I shared a little about "This Present Truth" and along with the teaching I mentioned three things I believe the Lord was speaking to me about; a "present truth" for myself and the local fellowship we're a part of. The first - relationship building, possible home group ministry, etc. The second - strategic intercession (I told the congregation I wasn't real sure what that meant but would be glad to hear from any of them if they had an idea). The third - lengthening the time we usually have for our morning service. Not to "run long" for the sake of staying long, but to not feel so rushed should the Lord direct otherwise.
This afternoon while praying and ministering to the Lord, He gave me a "word". It was a definition of strategy that, coupled with truth regarding intercession, lit a fuse on the inside of me. I'm going to share just the main points, briefly. I would appreciate any comments or feedback. I am not trying to say I understand all this, but I know what the Lord spoke to my heart. I shared this word with the people who gathered this evening and then we had a time of prayer and worship.
Anyway...the essence of the word is this: Gain the advantage in intercession through Holy Spirit inspired strategy.
Sounds easy, doesn't it? I looked up a definition of the word "strategy" - "the science and art of military command exercised to meet the enemy in combat under advantageous conditions". I believe the Body of Christ is so used to being in a "reactive" posture we have been unable to gain the advantage on the enemy. We have been behind...we come along after the "bomb" has already gone off in our lives or in those around us. We've been content to help others pick up the pieces (which is very nice) when, if we utilized the Holy Spirit's "strategy", we could turn things to where the devil would have to spend his time trying to put out the "fires" we start!
The strategy is really this - Live in such a way where the Holy Spirit can "show you things to come" (John 16:13) and expect Him to "help you in your weaknesses (not knowing how or when, etc. to pray - Romans 8:26-27). The strategy entails living a life of forgiveness and humility (2 Cor. 2:10,11; 1 Peter 3:7-9). It involves loving others more than ourselves so that we are not selfish with our TIME (it takes time to pray for people...time to love...time to minister to those who have been affected by the affairs of life...it takes time to do anything!). It's TIME we use a different strategy than we've used in the past. Let's not rely on what we hear, see, or read about to draw us to the place of prayer. Let's, instead, develop such a fellowship with the Holy Spirit whereby we hear His voice and learn His timing. The Lord has NO DESIRE to run second place to the works of darkness. There's much more to be accomplished when the Spirit of God is directing our lives - EVERY SECOND OF IT. Don't you just believe that the Lord has a strategy for our city, our state, etc!
When you get an opportunity, please read Acts 9:23-31. Notice that the great apostle Paul (Saul) just had gotten saved and became a radical for Jesus. Well, the enemy wanted to shut him up so he incites the crowds (in 2 different cities) to plan a way to eliminate our brother. Now if the church then had been using the "strategy" of the 21st century church, we would not have any Pauline Epistles. But news came to the disciples and Paul in time for something to be done BEFORE they had to raise him from the dead (they had to do that later, Acts. 14).
Read 2 Kings 6:8-12. Elisha the prophet of God was used by the Spirit of God to prevent the Syrians from waging successful war against the children of Israel.
May we, by the Glorious Spirit of the Living God, be so sensitive to God and unselfish with our lives that we can find our place in God's Strategy...pro actively declaring and demonstrating the Kingdom of God. AMEN!
Pastor Jan
Saturday, August 11, 2007
This Present Truth
Greetings,
A short message to "set the stage" for the next word...please read the following verse: 2 Peter 1:12 -
"Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth."
"Present truth" is another one of the "spiritual phrases" being used in "prophetic" church circles these days. Many who use it do so with the conviction that Father God is speaking something that is "right now" for the Church, the Body of true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am one that believes that Father is speaking and has been speaking for quite some time. As a matter of fact, I believe He has ALWAYS had a word for the church - as witnessed in the first 3 chapters of Revelation. He also told us that we are to live by "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God".
Please understand this: any present truth, any right now word, any "thus saith the Lord" is for the purpose of LIFE, through edification, exhortation, or comfort. His Word, that which He is speaking, is Spirit and Life. He intends for His Word to accomplish what He sends it to do. He means for His Word to be made flesh and dwell among us - not just when Jesus, the Word, was made flesh and dwelt among us but by His Present Word (Truth) being received by us and consumed by us; to the point where we only do what our Father says. The purpose of Present Truth is to equip the Body of Christ with the Revelation of Who it is and what its purpose is. Sort of like the mirror spoken of in James 1:22-25 (...he that looks into the perfect law of liberty...). Kind of like what Jesus mentioned in Hebrews 10 - "a body you've prepared for me; in the volume of the book it is written of me to do Your will, O God". Present Truth...not something for us to wear like we invented it, but something that is to transform us into the image of Christ.
One more item...Present Truth always seems to point us back to the original intent of God! That's why many people struggle with it. Present Truth that is "old fashioned" does not seem to have the drawing power that many feel it should have. Yet Paul made it clear that he believed it best that the Corinthians faith wasn't in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2). I'm beginning to see that everything the Lord is "speaking presently" isn't something He's never spoken before, but something we've been incapable of hearing before.
Just think about it. I'll give some examples next time. In the meanwhile, seek to abide in Him - above all else.
Pastor Jan
A short message to "set the stage" for the next word...please read the following verse: 2 Peter 1:12 -
"Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth."
"Present truth" is another one of the "spiritual phrases" being used in "prophetic" church circles these days. Many who use it do so with the conviction that Father God is speaking something that is "right now" for the Church, the Body of true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am one that believes that Father is speaking and has been speaking for quite some time. As a matter of fact, I believe He has ALWAYS had a word for the church - as witnessed in the first 3 chapters of Revelation. He also told us that we are to live by "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God".
Please understand this: any present truth, any right now word, any "thus saith the Lord" is for the purpose of LIFE, through edification, exhortation, or comfort. His Word, that which He is speaking, is Spirit and Life. He intends for His Word to accomplish what He sends it to do. He means for His Word to be made flesh and dwell among us - not just when Jesus, the Word, was made flesh and dwelt among us but by His Present Word (Truth) being received by us and consumed by us; to the point where we only do what our Father says. The purpose of Present Truth is to equip the Body of Christ with the Revelation of Who it is and what its purpose is. Sort of like the mirror spoken of in James 1:22-25 (...he that looks into the perfect law of liberty...). Kind of like what Jesus mentioned in Hebrews 10 - "a body you've prepared for me; in the volume of the book it is written of me to do Your will, O God". Present Truth...not something for us to wear like we invented it, but something that is to transform us into the image of Christ.
One more item...Present Truth always seems to point us back to the original intent of God! That's why many people struggle with it. Present Truth that is "old fashioned" does not seem to have the drawing power that many feel it should have. Yet Paul made it clear that he believed it best that the Corinthians faith wasn't in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2). I'm beginning to see that everything the Lord is "speaking presently" isn't something He's never spoken before, but something we've been incapable of hearing before.
Just think about it. I'll give some examples next time. In the meanwhile, seek to abide in Him - above all else.
Pastor Jan
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Aborting God's Call
Greetings,
It's been a month or better since I've last written. Phyllis and I were on vacation for a couple of weeks and, also, I didn't have anything "pressing me" to write about.
I do have something to share now, though, and I'll start with one word - ABORTION. I realize that just the mention of the word can get all kinds of reaction, and that's exactly why I used it. However, I am not referring to the 1.5 million babies that are killed every year. I'm not referring to a woman's "right to choose" or to the "pro life" side, either. Instead, I am going to write a little about the abortions that are taking place daily in the body of Christ and, specifically, in the lives of God's people. It is my whole-hearted opinion that one of the main reasons why the world is in its present condition is because the Body of Christ has allowed God's purposes for it to be aborted - terminated prematurely, not allowed to grow to full term. To stop in the early stages what God has intended us to be, ie - salt and light, righteousness, His witnesses, etc. We have sown seeds of "abortion" by running after our own desires and it now reaps a harvest throughout the world. Don't get me wrong; I have much hope in the God of hope. He WILL finish what He's begun. But it would do us well to understand how we get into this condition and therefore, just possibly, break the cycle that has continued for years. I am going to use the story of Samson and Delilah as the scripture reference; Judges 13-16.
Judg 13:5-"For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
Samson’s life was to be one of purpose and destiny. He was one of many biblical characters that had their life’s work prophesied before their birth. Ishmael, John, Jesus, to name a few.
He was to be a “Nazirite” from birth. That is, wholly consecrated to the Lord. His focus, as ours should be, was to be “what is the will of God for me and in this situation”
Judg 13:24-So the woman bore a son and called his name Samson; and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
Samson means “sun”, “ray”, and can be implied to mean “ray of light”, or, a “ray of hope”. The children of Israel needed a “ray of hope” because their lives were in captivity to the Philistines. The Philistines represented “the sin within”, or, “the flesh”; that which always keeps us beat down, rolling in despair, never able to reach our potential in Christ. As long as the Philistines are in the land, no real joy can be realized. And, as long as we allow "the flesh" the final say for decisions we make day in and day out, we will always be just a "feeling" away from getting our eyes finally gouged out. You see, what we don't protect we will lose. If we really don't care enough about "seeing" things the way we should, there will come a time when we'll "see" no more...
So God set the stage for Israel to be delivered and the “ray of hope” to be His vessel of deliverance. Kind of sounds like God's plan for us; Jesus refers to us as "the light of the world" (Matt 5:14).
But, the call of God doesn’t automatically insure victory and deliverance. Remember, Judas Iscariot was "called" by the Lord. The “philistines” are not quitters. They don’t just roll over and die. Samson, armed with all the power he needed to defeat the Philistines, forgot to do certain things. Because of his error in judgment (actually, failure to control his fleshly appetites) he fell prey to Delilah. Delilah means “to weaken”, to “fizzle out”, to “run out of gas”, to “languish”. Whenever we allow things in our life that are contrary to His Word and His Call upon our life, we will come face to face with a “delilah”, and we will be robbed of all strength, and our life/ministry can be stopped short! You know, sometimes our "feeling" may be one of "dryness" and "unworthiness". Understand this, that feeling has a friend by the name of Delilah who will quickly sell you out if you let it get close enough.
Judg 13:25-And the Spirit of the LORD began to move upon him at Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Here’s where we can start to miss it. We start looking more at “how God is using me/anointing me” that we forget about the Nazirite vow-the command of the Lord to “come out from among them and be clean”, the reminder that “evil company corrupts good morals”. IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD MOVE UPON US, HE DESIRES TO FLOW THROUGH US IN UNLIMITED POWER. Look at the following verse:
Heb 1:9-”You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."
Though the Anointing of God is not earned, to consistently walk with God under “opened heavens” we must “love what is right and good” and “hate what is sin/lawlessness”.
Samson went after the wrong stuff. He took for granted the call, the anointing, and lived according to the flesh, not the Spirit. And Delilah was just “bound” to happen! And, Samson's life was cut short because of his ungodly desires (Galatians 6:7,8). The Lord had great plans for Samson. He intended for Samson, the "ray of light" to be the light to the nation of Israel and to the surrounding people. Yes, he did go out with quite a bang, but he went out prematurely just the same. He went out before he could build the next generation of "light rays". His ministry, purpose, calling, anointing...was ABORTED; aborted by Samson.
Begin looking at Judges 14 where Samson “saw a woman”...take note of all the times reference to his flesh are mentioned over the next 2 chapters.
THERE IS A MOVE OF GOD THAT IS BUILDING, BUILDING, AND BUILDING. IT IS THE MOST POWERFUL THING HE HAS DONE IN THE EARTH THUS FAR. BUT IT WILL NOT BE MINISTERED THROUGH THE HANDS THAT ARE HOLDING ON TO THE WAYS OF THE FLESH. IT WILL BE MINISTERED THROUGH THE HANDS THAT ARE HOLY, THAT ARE CLEAN, THAT ARE RAISED IN SURRENDER TO HIS WILL. THESE WILL BE HANDS OF HIS PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND THE SACRED VOW TO HOLINESS. AND REVIVAL SHALL COME IN SUCH AWESOME POWER THAT PEOPLE BY THE MILLIONS SHALL BE SAVED.
"Open my eyes, oh Lord, that I may behold You and the wondrous things you have prepared for my life."
May the Lord's work in us go "FULL TERM"! He will perfect that which concerns us...as we turn our eyes upon "the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let's not let the philistines or the delilahs keep us from walking in the ways of the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Jan
It's been a month or better since I've last written. Phyllis and I were on vacation for a couple of weeks and, also, I didn't have anything "pressing me" to write about.
I do have something to share now, though, and I'll start with one word - ABORTION. I realize that just the mention of the word can get all kinds of reaction, and that's exactly why I used it. However, I am not referring to the 1.5 million babies that are killed every year. I'm not referring to a woman's "right to choose" or to the "pro life" side, either. Instead, I am going to write a little about the abortions that are taking place daily in the body of Christ and, specifically, in the lives of God's people. It is my whole-hearted opinion that one of the main reasons why the world is in its present condition is because the Body of Christ has allowed God's purposes for it to be aborted - terminated prematurely, not allowed to grow to full term. To stop in the early stages what God has intended us to be, ie - salt and light, righteousness, His witnesses, etc. We have sown seeds of "abortion" by running after our own desires and it now reaps a harvest throughout the world. Don't get me wrong; I have much hope in the God of hope. He WILL finish what He's begun. But it would do us well to understand how we get into this condition and therefore, just possibly, break the cycle that has continued for years. I am going to use the story of Samson and Delilah as the scripture reference; Judges 13-16.
Judg 13:5-"For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
Samson’s life was to be one of purpose and destiny. He was one of many biblical characters that had their life’s work prophesied before their birth. Ishmael, John, Jesus, to name a few.
He was to be a “Nazirite” from birth. That is, wholly consecrated to the Lord. His focus, as ours should be, was to be “what is the will of God for me and in this situation”
Judg 13:24-So the woman bore a son and called his name Samson; and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
Samson means “sun”, “ray”, and can be implied to mean “ray of light”, or, a “ray of hope”. The children of Israel needed a “ray of hope” because their lives were in captivity to the Philistines. The Philistines represented “the sin within”, or, “the flesh”; that which always keeps us beat down, rolling in despair, never able to reach our potential in Christ. As long as the Philistines are in the land, no real joy can be realized. And, as long as we allow "the flesh" the final say for decisions we make day in and day out, we will always be just a "feeling" away from getting our eyes finally gouged out. You see, what we don't protect we will lose. If we really don't care enough about "seeing" things the way we should, there will come a time when we'll "see" no more...
So God set the stage for Israel to be delivered and the “ray of hope” to be His vessel of deliverance. Kind of sounds like God's plan for us; Jesus refers to us as "the light of the world" (Matt 5:14).
But, the call of God doesn’t automatically insure victory and deliverance. Remember, Judas Iscariot was "called" by the Lord. The “philistines” are not quitters. They don’t just roll over and die. Samson, armed with all the power he needed to defeat the Philistines, forgot to do certain things. Because of his error in judgment (actually, failure to control his fleshly appetites) he fell prey to Delilah. Delilah means “to weaken”, to “fizzle out”, to “run out of gas”, to “languish”. Whenever we allow things in our life that are contrary to His Word and His Call upon our life, we will come face to face with a “delilah”, and we will be robbed of all strength, and our life/ministry can be stopped short! You know, sometimes our "feeling" may be one of "dryness" and "unworthiness". Understand this, that feeling has a friend by the name of Delilah who will quickly sell you out if you let it get close enough.
Judg 13:25-And the Spirit of the LORD began to move upon him at Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Here’s where we can start to miss it. We start looking more at “how God is using me/anointing me” that we forget about the Nazirite vow-the command of the Lord to “come out from among them and be clean”, the reminder that “evil company corrupts good morals”. IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD MOVE UPON US, HE DESIRES TO FLOW THROUGH US IN UNLIMITED POWER. Look at the following verse:
Heb 1:9-”You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."
Though the Anointing of God is not earned, to consistently walk with God under “opened heavens” we must “love what is right and good” and “hate what is sin/lawlessness”.
Samson went after the wrong stuff. He took for granted the call, the anointing, and lived according to the flesh, not the Spirit. And Delilah was just “bound” to happen! And, Samson's life was cut short because of his ungodly desires (Galatians 6:7,8). The Lord had great plans for Samson. He intended for Samson, the "ray of light" to be the light to the nation of Israel and to the surrounding people. Yes, he did go out with quite a bang, but he went out prematurely just the same. He went out before he could build the next generation of "light rays". His ministry, purpose, calling, anointing...was ABORTED; aborted by Samson.
Begin looking at Judges 14 where Samson “saw a woman”...take note of all the times reference to his flesh are mentioned over the next 2 chapters.
THERE IS A MOVE OF GOD THAT IS BUILDING, BUILDING, AND BUILDING. IT IS THE MOST POWERFUL THING HE HAS DONE IN THE EARTH THUS FAR. BUT IT WILL NOT BE MINISTERED THROUGH THE HANDS THAT ARE HOLDING ON TO THE WAYS OF THE FLESH. IT WILL BE MINISTERED THROUGH THE HANDS THAT ARE HOLY, THAT ARE CLEAN, THAT ARE RAISED IN SURRENDER TO HIS WILL. THESE WILL BE HANDS OF HIS PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND THE SACRED VOW TO HOLINESS. AND REVIVAL SHALL COME IN SUCH AWESOME POWER THAT PEOPLE BY THE MILLIONS SHALL BE SAVED.
"Open my eyes, oh Lord, that I may behold You and the wondrous things you have prepared for my life."
May the Lord's work in us go "FULL TERM"! He will perfect that which concerns us...as we turn our eyes upon "the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let's not let the philistines or the delilahs keep us from walking in the ways of the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Jan
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Thoughts about the Body
Greetings in the Name of the Lord.
Please allow me just a few minutes of your time. I believe this message is one of the most important for the Body of Christ to grab a hold of and put into practice. I keep coming back to this, over and over again. It's the message of THE Body growing and becoming what God has intended it to be.
I'm preaching/teaching on Sunday mornings about the church in Antioch. I see it as one of the most powerful churches that ever existed. Paul, Barnabas, Agabus the Prophet, Silas, Luke, Timothy, probably Priscilla and Aquila, and many more all had roots of sorts in that church. Apostles began their ministry their, the people there helped support other believers who suffered during times of famine; on and on the list goes. Most of our New Testament letters were written by Paul who based his "ministry" (home base) with the church at Antioch.
All that being said, you would think that some "big name" apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher would have "started" the church in Antioch. Surely someone with a "Name"...
Nope! Acts 11:19-21 reads: "Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord." Notice, the names of the people weren't even mentioned! NO NAMED PEOPLE, who couldn't keep their mouth shut about THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES were used by God to begin one of the most powerful works ever.
How often, though, do we feel we must have "a name" for God to use us. Fact is, God knows our name and He knows what He has prepared for us to do. His gifts and callings are without repentance. If we would be faithful to be the "part of the Body" God created us to be, we would see more of the "hand of the Lord" upon us.
As I've stated before - I believe the days of the "big shots" are coming to an end. These last days will be marked by the Body of Christ walking and ministering as One - one voice, one purpose, one power...declaring the Kingdom of God to this world. Yes, there will be Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers encouraging, provoking, shepherding, equipping, etc. But the BULK of the work will be accomplished by the BODY!
Seems like it's quite the thing in the church these days for people to flock to one place or the other because of this and that reason. I've heard several...pastor preaches good and is funny, the worship is awesome, they have a good youth program, "I like to be around miracles", etc. But what about knowing and obeying what Father says? "But God has placed the members in the Body as it has pleased Him".
There's a move of the Spirit that is happening, though in its very early stages. The Lord is in the process of "weaning", "sifting", "breaking our old habits" - the things about us that are all about pleasing ourselves and the things that divide our heart from totaling serving God. Mark it down. You will experience the pruning of the Lord soon, if you haven't begun to yet.
I think I'll quit for now. The Lord is very jealous for His Body. He loves and cherishes it (Eph. 5). He is perfecting that which concerns it. My, oh my. Are we in for a change.
More later,
Jan
Please allow me just a few minutes of your time. I believe this message is one of the most important for the Body of Christ to grab a hold of and put into practice. I keep coming back to this, over and over again. It's the message of THE Body growing and becoming what God has intended it to be.
I'm preaching/teaching on Sunday mornings about the church in Antioch. I see it as one of the most powerful churches that ever existed. Paul, Barnabas, Agabus the Prophet, Silas, Luke, Timothy, probably Priscilla and Aquila, and many more all had roots of sorts in that church. Apostles began their ministry their, the people there helped support other believers who suffered during times of famine; on and on the list goes. Most of our New Testament letters were written by Paul who based his "ministry" (home base) with the church at Antioch.
All that being said, you would think that some "big name" apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher would have "started" the church in Antioch. Surely someone with a "Name"...
Nope! Acts 11:19-21 reads: "Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord." Notice, the names of the people weren't even mentioned! NO NAMED PEOPLE, who couldn't keep their mouth shut about THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES were used by God to begin one of the most powerful works ever.
How often, though, do we feel we must have "a name" for God to use us. Fact is, God knows our name and He knows what He has prepared for us to do. His gifts and callings are without repentance. If we would be faithful to be the "part of the Body" God created us to be, we would see more of the "hand of the Lord" upon us.
As I've stated before - I believe the days of the "big shots" are coming to an end. These last days will be marked by the Body of Christ walking and ministering as One - one voice, one purpose, one power...declaring the Kingdom of God to this world. Yes, there will be Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers encouraging, provoking, shepherding, equipping, etc. But the BULK of the work will be accomplished by the BODY!
Seems like it's quite the thing in the church these days for people to flock to one place or the other because of this and that reason. I've heard several...pastor preaches good and is funny, the worship is awesome, they have a good youth program, "I like to be around miracles", etc. But what about knowing and obeying what Father says? "But God has placed the members in the Body as it has pleased Him".
There's a move of the Spirit that is happening, though in its very early stages. The Lord is in the process of "weaning", "sifting", "breaking our old habits" - the things about us that are all about pleasing ourselves and the things that divide our heart from totaling serving God. Mark it down. You will experience the pruning of the Lord soon, if you haven't begun to yet.
I think I'll quit for now. The Lord is very jealous for His Body. He loves and cherishes it (Eph. 5). He is perfecting that which concerns it. My, oh my. Are we in for a change.
More later,
Jan
Monday, May 21, 2007
What's Your Aim?
Greetings,
We had an evangelist minister the word last night; as he ministered the Lord spoke this thought to my spirit:
"what are you aiming for". Along with it was, "how will you know if you hit the mark?" I decided to look up the few scriptures (New King James Version) that speak of such a thing. As I did, here's what the Spirit of God began to speak to me...
Romans 15:20
"so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel"
2 Corinthians 5:9
"we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him"
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
"we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire (aim) to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing"
We have all heard this definition of "sin" - "missing the mark", such as a target, or a bulls eye. Yet we have all grown accustomed to making excuses for "missing the mark". On one hand we'll share the verse with the unbeliever "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God", trying to get them to believe they need a Savior. Then we'll turn right around and use the verse about "if anyone sin, we have an Advocate...Jesus Christ the Righteous..." as we give a sigh of relief; making us feel okay about sinning or missing the mark.
Could it be that the Church has a problem with its concept of "missing the mark"? Could it be that we've grown too accustomed to missing the mark and, even though we call it "sin", the fact we have an Advocate seems to make it all right? Is sin, missing the mark, REALLY acceptable? Is it really what we're after?
Isn't it time for each of us to ask ourselves (and ask the Lord to reveal to us) "what is our aim?" What are we focusing on? Like trying to shoot an arrow at a target; you close one eye and shut out everything else with the other eye EXCEPT what you're aiming at. You gather everything within you to focus on one task - HITTING the mark, not missing it.
If "missing the mark" causes us to come up short of His Glory, what would happen if we, by the grace and power of God, began aiming at the right target (that which pleases the Lord) and then, started hitting it? Instead of spending our time wallowing in condemnation and despair because of our inability to walk with God, we'd have the joy of the Lord as our strength and God would have an open door to shine forth His glory in and through our lives...causing us to "lack nothing".
The Kingdom of God is STILL righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! Holiness is STILL in style with Heaven's crowd! And aiming for that which pleases God is the only way to hit it!
Hebrews 1:8,9 gives us another clue on how to hit the target and get the glory...turn away from the things that displease God and love (or aim for) that which God loves. Simple? Yes, with the Holy Spirit's help. Jesus made it His "aim" to ONLY DO THAT WHICH PLEASED HIS FATHER. He made it clear, over and over, that His life was about knowing and doing the will of God. It didn't matter what choices He had; He wasn't trying to just "get by". He wasn't content to just "hit in the vicinity of the target"; no, He was going for the bulls eye with every decision He made. Paul told us to have the same mind that Jesus did (Philippians 2) and then taught about Jesus' life of obedience.
It is time, brethren, that each of us were as arrows in the hands of our Father. It's time that the Church, the Body of Christ, get fed up with just pointing in the general vicinity of some target. May His Spirit help each of us to "fix our eyes (set our aim)" and "set our mind"; making it our AIM to please our Father God in ALL WAYS!
Pastor Jan
We had an evangelist minister the word last night; as he ministered the Lord spoke this thought to my spirit:
"what are you aiming for". Along with it was, "how will you know if you hit the mark?" I decided to look up the few scriptures (New King James Version) that speak of such a thing. As I did, here's what the Spirit of God began to speak to me...
Romans 15:20
"so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel"
2 Corinthians 5:9
"we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him"
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
"we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire (aim) to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing"
We have all heard this definition of "sin" - "missing the mark", such as a target, or a bulls eye. Yet we have all grown accustomed to making excuses for "missing the mark". On one hand we'll share the verse with the unbeliever "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God", trying to get them to believe they need a Savior. Then we'll turn right around and use the verse about "if anyone sin, we have an Advocate...Jesus Christ the Righteous..." as we give a sigh of relief; making us feel okay about sinning or missing the mark.
Could it be that the Church has a problem with its concept of "missing the mark"? Could it be that we've grown too accustomed to missing the mark and, even though we call it "sin", the fact we have an Advocate seems to make it all right? Is sin, missing the mark, REALLY acceptable? Is it really what we're after?
Isn't it time for each of us to ask ourselves (and ask the Lord to reveal to us) "what is our aim?" What are we focusing on? Like trying to shoot an arrow at a target; you close one eye and shut out everything else with the other eye EXCEPT what you're aiming at. You gather everything within you to focus on one task - HITTING the mark, not missing it.
If "missing the mark" causes us to come up short of His Glory, what would happen if we, by the grace and power of God, began aiming at the right target (that which pleases the Lord) and then, started hitting it? Instead of spending our time wallowing in condemnation and despair because of our inability to walk with God, we'd have the joy of the Lord as our strength and God would have an open door to shine forth His glory in and through our lives...causing us to "lack nothing".
The Kingdom of God is STILL righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! Holiness is STILL in style with Heaven's crowd! And aiming for that which pleases God is the only way to hit it!
Hebrews 1:8,9 gives us another clue on how to hit the target and get the glory...turn away from the things that displease God and love (or aim for) that which God loves. Simple? Yes, with the Holy Spirit's help. Jesus made it His "aim" to ONLY DO THAT WHICH PLEASED HIS FATHER. He made it clear, over and over, that His life was about knowing and doing the will of God. It didn't matter what choices He had; He wasn't trying to just "get by". He wasn't content to just "hit in the vicinity of the target"; no, He was going for the bulls eye with every decision He made. Paul told us to have the same mind that Jesus did (Philippians 2) and then taught about Jesus' life of obedience.
It is time, brethren, that each of us were as arrows in the hands of our Father. It's time that the Church, the Body of Christ, get fed up with just pointing in the general vicinity of some target. May His Spirit help each of us to "fix our eyes (set our aim)" and "set our mind"; making it our AIM to please our Father God in ALL WAYS!
Pastor Jan
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The Anointed Body
Greetings...
Psalms 133
1. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2. It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. 3. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing life forevermore.
Notice that God thinks unity is good and pleasant. He had David write that it is a prerequisite for the Anointing. The High Priest, Aaron, would be dressed in the priestly clothes prepared to minister for the people and before the Lord. He would be drenched with holy anointing oil that would flow from his head and cover his whole being.
Unity is also likened to the Dew of Heaven descending upon the Mountain of God, Zion, the City of the Great King (Psalm 48). Dew wouldn't just cover one little portion, but would cover the mountain.
God also shows us that the Body of Christ (the Anointed One) is to be in unity and function in the same anointing that flows from the Head (Jesus) to each part. Ephesians is a good book to read regarding the place and purpose of the Body. It says in the first chapter that the church is the body of Christ. The fourth chapter speaks of the body being fitly joined to each other and to the Head.
Where does "unity" fit in? Unity isn't going to the same church, saying the same thing, not fussing or feuding, or anything like that. Unity, as God sees it, is a proper connection and submission to each other much the same way the parts of a body are connected to each other.
Picture your body. If your head wants your hand to pick something up, or wave to someone, it simply tells the hand to move. Understand, though, that there are many parts (too many for me to name or even know) that are involved in the "simple" operation. Yet, each part is vital to the whole movement. Take any part out and you have no movement. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Body is one yet has many members. He also made a statement about God placing certain"parts" in the Body that are very pronounced; parts such as "Apostle", "Prophet", "Workers of Miracles", "Teachers", etc. He goes on to ask the question: "are all apostles, are all prophets, ...do all speak with tongues" to which we all answer, "no". Yet we can miss Paul's point if we're not careful. He writes that every part is vital and is emphasizing, with the questions about the different offices of ministry, that it isn't the apostle, or prophet, or teacher, etc., that carries the anointing or the ability to express the will of the Head. IT IS THE BODY and every part performing as it is designed to perform.
That is the way God is going to have His Anointing flow in these last days. It is IMPERATIVE that His Body understand their place and submit themselves to the parts "next door"; the parts they are to be connected to. We've got to VALUE the Body of Christ as we do the Head. I CANNOT be submitted to the Head without being submitted to the Body. If I'm going to walk with God, anointed by Him to accomplish His will, then I must walk WITH YOU and YOU WITH ME.
This is not the day to worship the ministries of the "anointed ones"; this is the day to find our place in Him. To be where He wants us to be, doing what He wants us to do. I am not discounting the ministry of apostle, prophet, or any of the "out front" ministries; I'm just saying that hands and feet won't function without all the parts working properly.
One last thing; being in the Body of Christ means losing our rights for the sake of a higher calling. The "good feelings" and "anointed services" are fine but if we want the Anointing that flows from the Head (the Anointing that empowered Jesus to go about doing good and heal ALL...) we must be properly connected and ready to receive from the parts around us and then distribute that which we've received to others we're connected to.
The world has yet to see the kind of power that God has ready to release. But when we get in the right position, submitted to each other and "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit..." God will once again say "Yes, how good and how pleasant it is..."
And the Oil will flow...
Pastor Jan
Psalms 133
1. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2. It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. 3. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing life forevermore.
Notice that God thinks unity is good and pleasant. He had David write that it is a prerequisite for the Anointing. The High Priest, Aaron, would be dressed in the priestly clothes prepared to minister for the people and before the Lord. He would be drenched with holy anointing oil that would flow from his head and cover his whole being.
Unity is also likened to the Dew of Heaven descending upon the Mountain of God, Zion, the City of the Great King (Psalm 48). Dew wouldn't just cover one little portion, but would cover the mountain.
God also shows us that the Body of Christ (the Anointed One) is to be in unity and function in the same anointing that flows from the Head (Jesus) to each part. Ephesians is a good book to read regarding the place and purpose of the Body. It says in the first chapter that the church is the body of Christ. The fourth chapter speaks of the body being fitly joined to each other and to the Head.
Where does "unity" fit in? Unity isn't going to the same church, saying the same thing, not fussing or feuding, or anything like that. Unity, as God sees it, is a proper connection and submission to each other much the same way the parts of a body are connected to each other.
Picture your body. If your head wants your hand to pick something up, or wave to someone, it simply tells the hand to move. Understand, though, that there are many parts (too many for me to name or even know) that are involved in the "simple" operation. Yet, each part is vital to the whole movement. Take any part out and you have no movement. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Body is one yet has many members. He also made a statement about God placing certain"parts" in the Body that are very pronounced; parts such as "Apostle", "Prophet", "Workers of Miracles", "Teachers", etc. He goes on to ask the question: "are all apostles, are all prophets, ...do all speak with tongues" to which we all answer, "no". Yet we can miss Paul's point if we're not careful. He writes that every part is vital and is emphasizing, with the questions about the different offices of ministry, that it isn't the apostle, or prophet, or teacher, etc., that carries the anointing or the ability to express the will of the Head. IT IS THE BODY and every part performing as it is designed to perform.
That is the way God is going to have His Anointing flow in these last days. It is IMPERATIVE that His Body understand their place and submit themselves to the parts "next door"; the parts they are to be connected to. We've got to VALUE the Body of Christ as we do the Head. I CANNOT be submitted to the Head without being submitted to the Body. If I'm going to walk with God, anointed by Him to accomplish His will, then I must walk WITH YOU and YOU WITH ME.
This is not the day to worship the ministries of the "anointed ones"; this is the day to find our place in Him. To be where He wants us to be, doing what He wants us to do. I am not discounting the ministry of apostle, prophet, or any of the "out front" ministries; I'm just saying that hands and feet won't function without all the parts working properly.
One last thing; being in the Body of Christ means losing our rights for the sake of a higher calling. The "good feelings" and "anointed services" are fine but if we want the Anointing that flows from the Head (the Anointing that empowered Jesus to go about doing good and heal ALL...) we must be properly connected and ready to receive from the parts around us and then distribute that which we've received to others we're connected to.
The world has yet to see the kind of power that God has ready to release. But when we get in the right position, submitted to each other and "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit..." God will once again say "Yes, how good and how pleasant it is..."
And the Oil will flow...
Pastor Jan
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Seed Time and Harvest
Greetings in the Matchless Name of Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest!
Tonight was a night of revelation to my spirit. As we began to sing, the Spirit of God ushered in such a sense of worship that I didn't "feel" right about singing the "fast songs" I had put together. While in prayer, earlier in the afternoon, the Lord had spoken to my spirit about the "secret place" as seen in Matthew 6. He showed me that when I pray I am to enter into my "place"...
Matthew 6:6
"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
I noticed that the place I am to go into is the place where He is waiting for me. My "room" is His secret place. It's the place of complete abandonment, complete humility, complete dependence upon someone other than myself, and a place of promise unlike anything else. After all, where else is there any more complete promise as "and your Father Who sees in secret (or, sees you in the same room with Him) shall reward you openly)".
So, as we began singing, I felt the Lord usher me into His room and we shut the door behind us. What a holy time. I don't know what anyone else was sensing or feeling; after all, I wasn't in the same room as they were.
I mentioned, though, that this was a night of revelation to my spirit. Here's what I'm referring to. I knew I was to share some things the Lord had just shown me regarding the secret place. As I was teaching, though, I found myself learning some more about the secret place. The Lord had me liken us going to the secret place, the place of promise, to a seed being planted in the ground; its "secret place".
John 12:24 (New Living Translation)
"The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil. Unless it dies it will be alone-a single seed. But its death will produce many new kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives."
Think about a seed. Regardless of how glorious, beautiful, talented, wealthy, etc. a seed is, it was created not for show and tell, but to be planted. It must be planted, buried to the point of being completely out of the lime light, and then trust its care to the ground and the elements it can no longer see. If the seed stays on display, or decides it has a better use than what it was created for, there can be no harvest. The seed, in its proper "secret place" draws no attention to itself, makes no noise, and boasts of nothing other than its strength is in its Creator; the One Who created it on purpose, for a purpose and Who sees it in its secret place.
There are very few who have taken Jesus' Lordship to this point: "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39. But isn't this what Jesus teaches about the "secret place"? Think about this: how many "rights" does a "seed" really have? Yet, it is one of the grandest things God has ever created! The ability to reproduce after its own kind!
Reproduction in the Kingdom of God isn't the result of arrogance, pride, strutting our stuff, putting together all the right programs, dotting our "I's" and crossing our "T's" any more than having babies is the result of putting all the materials that make up a human into a bottle, shaking it a few times, and then placing it in the oven for a couple of hours. The Kingdom of God is completely dependent upon the King of the Kingdom and each part in the Kingdom must be COMPLETELY subject to His Lordship. No seed has the right to dictate what it is or where it is to be planted. It must be completely submitted to its Creator.
You and I, in the Kingdom of God, are God's "seeds". We are and were created "in Christ Jesus unto good works". And good works we will see accomplished as we allow ourselves to get comfortable in the "secret place". Even when the fruit starts to show "above ground", keep yourself in the secret place. Don't allow the will of God to be aborted in your life because you've got to let everyone know that the "fruit" is connected to YOU!
One more verse. Genesis 8:22a: "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest...shall not cease.'' Catch what the Spirit of God is saying...as long as there are seeds, planted where they were designed by God to be planted, there will be a harvest. And, as long as there are people who meet with their God in their "secret place", that place of completely trusting and yielding to the Lordship of the King of the Kingdom, there will be a harvest; "OPEN REWARDS".
Pastor Jan
Tonight was a night of revelation to my spirit. As we began to sing, the Spirit of God ushered in such a sense of worship that I didn't "feel" right about singing the "fast songs" I had put together. While in prayer, earlier in the afternoon, the Lord had spoken to my spirit about the "secret place" as seen in Matthew 6. He showed me that when I pray I am to enter into my "place"...
Matthew 6:6
"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
I noticed that the place I am to go into is the place where He is waiting for me. My "room" is His secret place. It's the place of complete abandonment, complete humility, complete dependence upon someone other than myself, and a place of promise unlike anything else. After all, where else is there any more complete promise as "and your Father Who sees in secret (or, sees you in the same room with Him) shall reward you openly)".
So, as we began singing, I felt the Lord usher me into His room and we shut the door behind us. What a holy time. I don't know what anyone else was sensing or feeling; after all, I wasn't in the same room as they were.
I mentioned, though, that this was a night of revelation to my spirit. Here's what I'm referring to. I knew I was to share some things the Lord had just shown me regarding the secret place. As I was teaching, though, I found myself learning some more about the secret place. The Lord had me liken us going to the secret place, the place of promise, to a seed being planted in the ground; its "secret place".
John 12:24 (New Living Translation)
"The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil. Unless it dies it will be alone-a single seed. But its death will produce many new kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives."
Think about a seed. Regardless of how glorious, beautiful, talented, wealthy, etc. a seed is, it was created not for show and tell, but to be planted. It must be planted, buried to the point of being completely out of the lime light, and then trust its care to the ground and the elements it can no longer see. If the seed stays on display, or decides it has a better use than what it was created for, there can be no harvest. The seed, in its proper "secret place" draws no attention to itself, makes no noise, and boasts of nothing other than its strength is in its Creator; the One Who created it on purpose, for a purpose and Who sees it in its secret place.
There are very few who have taken Jesus' Lordship to this point: "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39. But isn't this what Jesus teaches about the "secret place"? Think about this: how many "rights" does a "seed" really have? Yet, it is one of the grandest things God has ever created! The ability to reproduce after its own kind!
Reproduction in the Kingdom of God isn't the result of arrogance, pride, strutting our stuff, putting together all the right programs, dotting our "I's" and crossing our "T's" any more than having babies is the result of putting all the materials that make up a human into a bottle, shaking it a few times, and then placing it in the oven for a couple of hours. The Kingdom of God is completely dependent upon the King of the Kingdom and each part in the Kingdom must be COMPLETELY subject to His Lordship. No seed has the right to dictate what it is or where it is to be planted. It must be completely submitted to its Creator.
You and I, in the Kingdom of God, are God's "seeds". We are and were created "in Christ Jesus unto good works". And good works we will see accomplished as we allow ourselves to get comfortable in the "secret place". Even when the fruit starts to show "above ground", keep yourself in the secret place. Don't allow the will of God to be aborted in your life because you've got to let everyone know that the "fruit" is connected to YOU!
One more verse. Genesis 8:22a: "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest...shall not cease.'' Catch what the Spirit of God is saying...as long as there are seeds, planted where they were designed by God to be planted, there will be a harvest. And, as long as there are people who meet with their God in their "secret place", that place of completely trusting and yielding to the Lordship of the King of the Kingdom, there will be a harvest; "OPEN REWARDS".
Pastor Jan
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Faith In The Working Of God
Greetings and a blessed Easter to each of you.
Colossians 2:12-15
12. buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14. having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Take a good look at verse 12, "...through faith in the working of God...". This phrase has been in front of my "eyes" the last couple of days. The working of God, or, the way God works and the power He releases. But it's more than that, I believe. God showed His WAYS to Moses and His ACTS to the children of Israel (Psalm 103:7). Moses got the close up view while the children only saw the results of God's move. The Lord wants us to go beyond the "children" stage into the kind of maturity where He can show us and trust us concerning His workings. You know, if Moses would have been like the people he was leading, he wouldn't have used the Rod of God on a rock! HE would have struck the earth under Korah's feet and then told God that they died! But there's something about the way the working of God is; something we're to have faith in (and, to a small degree, we do. That's how we get born again.).
Paul talks about the Resurrection of Jesus AND our resurrection WITH Him as an example of the working of God (see Ephesians 1:19). Understand, however, that the resurrection was the end result of the working of God. I'll show you what I mean, as I see the principle of God's working throughout scripture.
1. The working of God can be seen in the first chapter of Genesis. What is "without form and void (empty)" becomes fully alive, intricately detailed and beyond comprehension. God takes that which is completely empty and makes it full of His glory! Same way with Naaman, the leper (2 Kings 5) and the blind man that Jesus healed by spitting on the dirt and rubbing the mud on the man's empty sockets. That which was without form and void is a prime candidate for the working of God. In this we MUST have faith.
2. The barren become fruitful - always abounding with the touch of the Almighty. Just ask Hannah (1 Samuel 1 and 2). What about the widow of Nain who had lost her only son...or the woman that blessed Elisha and God gave her a son? Abraham and Sarah? The working of God is seen best when there's the least for Him to work with!
3. Beauty replaces ashes, dirt, decay, ugliness and ruin when God's works are on the scene. Isaiah 61 states, along with Luke 4:18, that Jesus was anointed to bring deliverance to the captives, make the blind eyes see, etc. Jesus, while ministering to the woman at the well, brought her from a place of ruin, decay, ugliness to a place where she radiated the beauty of the Lord. The woman who anointed Jesus' feet with her tears received the same thing as a result of the working of God. Are you seeing that the working of God is evident when people are at their greatest NEED, rather than dressed up in their SUNDAY BEST?!?
4. When there is faith in the working of God, there will not be the fear to stand before the Lord THE WAY WE REALLY ARE. Weakness becomes strong, while strongholds become demolished by the hand of God. See 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 and 2 Corinthians 10:3,4
5. The Working of God is, really, best illustrated by the Resurrection. Resurrection doesn't come until AFTER death FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING. Jesus followed the plan of God completely. Hebrews 5 - Philippians 2 - He became obedient unto death...Resurrection to fullness of life doesn't come just because someone dies, but it's the way they die. Jesus says - take up YOUR cross daily and follow Him.
Resurrection also follows, not just a death, but a burial and sealed tomb. I think that's why we must confess with our mouth AND believe God raised Him from the dead. We declare our faith in the working of God. We confess our complete emptiness and ugliness - ruin and decay - without Jesus. We see ourselves in such need and realize that, without the power of God, we are dead and buried in a sealed tomb. HOPELESS!
But friends, remember; that's when God works the best! Regardless of the situation, He works best when He's allowed to work the most.
This EASTER, I believe it would be good for us all to have faith in the working of God. Not just for the season, but for our life. This will be a key in seeing the End-Time move of God. This is a principle that He lives by and is calling us to embrace.
Amen, so be it!
Pastor Jan
Central Iowa Revival News @ http://valleyag.blogspot.com
Colossians 2:12-15
12. buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14. having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Take a good look at verse 12, "...through faith in the working of God...". This phrase has been in front of my "eyes" the last couple of days. The working of God, or, the way God works and the power He releases. But it's more than that, I believe. God showed His WAYS to Moses and His ACTS to the children of Israel (Psalm 103:7). Moses got the close up view while the children only saw the results of God's move. The Lord wants us to go beyond the "children" stage into the kind of maturity where He can show us and trust us concerning His workings. You know, if Moses would have been like the people he was leading, he wouldn't have used the Rod of God on a rock! HE would have struck the earth under Korah's feet and then told God that they died! But there's something about the way the working of God is; something we're to have faith in (and, to a small degree, we do. That's how we get born again.).
Paul talks about the Resurrection of Jesus AND our resurrection WITH Him as an example of the working of God (see Ephesians 1:19). Understand, however, that the resurrection was the end result of the working of God. I'll show you what I mean, as I see the principle of God's working throughout scripture.
1. The working of God can be seen in the first chapter of Genesis. What is "without form and void (empty)" becomes fully alive, intricately detailed and beyond comprehension. God takes that which is completely empty and makes it full of His glory! Same way with Naaman, the leper (2 Kings 5) and the blind man that Jesus healed by spitting on the dirt and rubbing the mud on the man's empty sockets. That which was without form and void is a prime candidate for the working of God. In this we MUST have faith.
2. The barren become fruitful - always abounding with the touch of the Almighty. Just ask Hannah (1 Samuel 1 and 2). What about the widow of Nain who had lost her only son...or the woman that blessed Elisha and God gave her a son? Abraham and Sarah? The working of God is seen best when there's the least for Him to work with!
3. Beauty replaces ashes, dirt, decay, ugliness and ruin when God's works are on the scene. Isaiah 61 states, along with Luke 4:18, that Jesus was anointed to bring deliverance to the captives, make the blind eyes see, etc. Jesus, while ministering to the woman at the well, brought her from a place of ruin, decay, ugliness to a place where she radiated the beauty of the Lord. The woman who anointed Jesus' feet with her tears received the same thing as a result of the working of God. Are you seeing that the working of God is evident when people are at their greatest NEED, rather than dressed up in their SUNDAY BEST?!?
4. When there is faith in the working of God, there will not be the fear to stand before the Lord THE WAY WE REALLY ARE. Weakness becomes strong, while strongholds become demolished by the hand of God. See 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 and 2 Corinthians 10:3,4
5. The Working of God is, really, best illustrated by the Resurrection. Resurrection doesn't come until AFTER death FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING. Jesus followed the plan of God completely. Hebrews 5 - Philippians 2 - He became obedient unto death...Resurrection to fullness of life doesn't come just because someone dies, but it's the way they die. Jesus says - take up YOUR cross daily and follow Him.
Resurrection also follows, not just a death, but a burial and sealed tomb. I think that's why we must confess with our mouth AND believe God raised Him from the dead. We declare our faith in the working of God. We confess our complete emptiness and ugliness - ruin and decay - without Jesus. We see ourselves in such need and realize that, without the power of God, we are dead and buried in a sealed tomb. HOPELESS!
But friends, remember; that's when God works the best! Regardless of the situation, He works best when He's allowed to work the most.
This EASTER, I believe it would be good for us all to have faith in the working of God. Not just for the season, but for our life. This will be a key in seeing the End-Time move of God. This is a principle that He lives by and is calling us to embrace.
Amen, so be it!
Pastor Jan
Central Iowa Revival News @ http://valleyag.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Our Blessed Hope
Greetings!
This message will be mostly scripture (as you'll soon notice). The main point I'm hearing the Lord say deals with "the end times". I believe these are the final days before the end of the age Jesus spoke about. A lot has been written, spoken, perceived, believed, etc., about these times. You probably have your own ideas and maybe, just maybe, you have them all packaged neatly into one of 3 boxes: pre-tribulation rapture, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation. Maybe you're not quite certain where to hang your "beliefs", but none the less, I'm sure you have some kind of "notion" as to how things are going to pan out in the end.
I'm hearing the Lord speak of a simultaneous move of the Spirit...a time of unprecedented Glory and Power released through the ones who will go to unprecedented extremes for God, as well as a time of unparalleled shaking and even dismay among the "church folk". Dismay sets in when discouragement and frustration have run their course. When we keep looking at our little "box" and then look at the world around us and wonder why things don't match up. People get to looking at WHAT they believe rather than WHO they believe and, little by little, the joy leaves, their own desires begin to crowd out the will of God and they eventually fall away (as in 1 Tim. 4 and 2 Thes. 2). But those WHO KNOW THEIR GOD WILL BE STRONG AND DO EXPLOITS! (Dan.11:32)
Sifting, shaking, glory and power. The problem this kind of thinking brings to the church world is that it doesn't fit too well with our little boxes we've used to store our theology. Too many of us, and for far too long, have built an idol of worship out of our ability to "know the scriptures" and "be correct" in the way we "rightly" divide the truth. We'll even go to battle with our brothers and sisters to make sure we're understood and perceived as having the correct view. We'll build whole denominations (fellowships) around our ability to rightly divide the truth. Now I'm all for interpreting the scriptures accurately; I believe it's very important for each of us to study and be scripture smart. But if God really meant everything each of the different churches believed He meant, God must be one confused being! But God isn't confused; man is and has attempted to use God's name to give their belief substance. But in these last days, God's going to get His message across; without a doubt. The line's being drawn and His truth will prevail!
Think about this...our "Blessed Hope" isn't the EVENT of the coming of the Lord!! Our "Blessed Hope" is Jesus Christ Himself!!! Look at the verses below and let the Lord speak to your heart. Lay aside your religious brain (even if for just a little while) and read these verses as if Jesus was your hope. You see, if we have Jesus as our hope, we find ourselves more ready to live for Him, die for Him, and everything in between. Remember what He said in John 14:3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." Our HOPE, Jesus, said that wherever He'll be, that's where we'll be. Hallelujah!
So, let's get beyond the "waiting" game and get on with living in the Name! There's Glory and Power to be released through those whose HOPE IS Christ Jesus.
Titus 2:11-14
11. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12. teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13. looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14. who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
1 John 3:1-3
1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Romans 15:4,12
4. For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
12. ...in Him the Gentiles shall hope.
13. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:18
18. the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling...
Ephesians 2:12
12. that at that time you were without Christ...having no hope and without God in the world.
Colossians 1:27
27. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
1 Thessalonians 5:8,9
8. ...and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Timothy 1:1
1. ...the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope
Titus 3:7
7. that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Hebrews 6:18,19
18. that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Hebrews 7:19
19. for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 10:23-25
23. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25. not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
1 Peter 1:3
3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Blessings,
Pastor Jan
This message will be mostly scripture (as you'll soon notice). The main point I'm hearing the Lord say deals with "the end times". I believe these are the final days before the end of the age Jesus spoke about. A lot has been written, spoken, perceived, believed, etc., about these times. You probably have your own ideas and maybe, just maybe, you have them all packaged neatly into one of 3 boxes: pre-tribulation rapture, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation. Maybe you're not quite certain where to hang your "beliefs", but none the less, I'm sure you have some kind of "notion" as to how things are going to pan out in the end.
I'm hearing the Lord speak of a simultaneous move of the Spirit...a time of unprecedented Glory and Power released through the ones who will go to unprecedented extremes for God, as well as a time of unparalleled shaking and even dismay among the "church folk". Dismay sets in when discouragement and frustration have run their course. When we keep looking at our little "box" and then look at the world around us and wonder why things don't match up. People get to looking at WHAT they believe rather than WHO they believe and, little by little, the joy leaves, their own desires begin to crowd out the will of God and they eventually fall away (as in 1 Tim. 4 and 2 Thes. 2). But those WHO KNOW THEIR GOD WILL BE STRONG AND DO EXPLOITS! (Dan.11:32)
Sifting, shaking, glory and power. The problem this kind of thinking brings to the church world is that it doesn't fit too well with our little boxes we've used to store our theology. Too many of us, and for far too long, have built an idol of worship out of our ability to "know the scriptures" and "be correct" in the way we "rightly" divide the truth. We'll even go to battle with our brothers and sisters to make sure we're understood and perceived as having the correct view. We'll build whole denominations (fellowships) around our ability to rightly divide the truth. Now I'm all for interpreting the scriptures accurately; I believe it's very important for each of us to study and be scripture smart. But if God really meant everything each of the different churches believed He meant, God must be one confused being! But God isn't confused; man is and has attempted to use God's name to give their belief substance. But in these last days, God's going to get His message across; without a doubt. The line's being drawn and His truth will prevail!
Think about this...our "Blessed Hope" isn't the EVENT of the coming of the Lord!! Our "Blessed Hope" is Jesus Christ Himself!!! Look at the verses below and let the Lord speak to your heart. Lay aside your religious brain (even if for just a little while) and read these verses as if Jesus was your hope. You see, if we have Jesus as our hope, we find ourselves more ready to live for Him, die for Him, and everything in between. Remember what He said in John 14:3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." Our HOPE, Jesus, said that wherever He'll be, that's where we'll be. Hallelujah!
So, let's get beyond the "waiting" game and get on with living in the Name! There's Glory and Power to be released through those whose HOPE IS Christ Jesus.
Titus 2:11-14
11. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12. teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13. looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14. who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
1 John 3:1-3
1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Romans 15:4,12
4. For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
12. ...in Him the Gentiles shall hope.
13. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:18
18. the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling...
Ephesians 2:12
12. that at that time you were without Christ...having no hope and without God in the world.
Colossians 1:27
27. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
1 Thessalonians 5:8,9
8. ...and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Timothy 1:1
1. ...the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope
Titus 3:7
7. that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Hebrews 6:18,19
18. that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Hebrews 7:19
19. for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 10:23-25
23. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25. not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
1 Peter 1:3
3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Blessings,
Pastor Jan
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Written for our example...
Greetings in the Name of the Desire of All Nations...
I'm going out on the limb a little with this teaching, but I really believe it's what the Spirit of God has been speaking deep into my spirit these last few weeks. He keeps bringing these things up - no matter where I'm reading in the Word, He seems to direct my thoughts and prayers back to this central theme. And that theme is what I'm going to share about now.
For teaching purposes, I'm going to speak as though I'm a history teacher and then draw some parallels with what's happening today. I'll try and keep my points as concise as possible.
1. The Lord always builds on relationships, not rules and laws. God appeared to Abram (Genesis 12:1-4; 15:1-21; 17:1) with no mention of rules or laws. It's not that Abram didn't need them; it's that as he began to know and trust the Almighty, the law and rules were obeyed as a result of the relationship they had with each other. Abram (Abraham) stuck up for God and God stuck up for Abraham!
2. Abraham's son and grandson, Isaac and Jacob, had a relationship with the Almighty, but not to the extent of Abraham. They each had a shining moment when God met their need or redefined their life (and Jacob's "walk"), but they didn't seem to nurture the relationship with El Shaddai; they knew that their God was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but when it came down to trusting Jehovah Jireh not a thing was mentioned about the Lord. They instead sought the help of Egypt. Now, mind you, God understood where they would be spiritually at this time and provided a savior (Joseph) anyway. And thank God He does! How many times have we depended on Egypt for our help and because our God knew where we stood He provided for our help to come from that direction. But that wasn't His best! As a matter of fact, Israel stayed in Egypt over 400 years. People of the promises living in a strange land, surrounded by strange gods.
3. The children of Israel had their traditions, their stories of the God of Abraham, but as long as they had their prosperity (the land of Goshen) and their ministries (shepherds, farmers, ranchers for Pharoah), they really didn't give two hoots about the Living God. Why? Because they didn't have a relationship with Him. No relationship, no fellowship; no fellowship, no ability to really touch God; no touch, no power! But that was to change.
4. The catalyst for the change was..."Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph." Exodus 1:8. When their comfort started waning, their focus started changing. Without the cry to God there will be no change, no deliverance. The children of Israel had gotten comfortable in their religion but just because they had prosperity and the acceptance of their world (up to that point) they were still not partaking of what God had promised. So, God would change that. He would reveal Himself to them as they had never known before. He would bring them out of their comfort, through a wilderness where the Law would be used to help forge a relationship with the Almighty, and He would bring them into the place of possession of the promises He had made to their ancestors. Their relationship with Him would be developed within the boundries of the Law, God's revealed purposes and procedures; as God would prepare His people to be His witnesses and change their world. By the time Joshua led the people across the Jordan, the Word of the Lord to him was - as I was with Moses, so I am with you (relationship). No one will be able to stand before you (or against you) all the days of your life. You will lead this people and divide to them their inheritance.
5. All of the above, I believe, is a type of what God is doing in the Church, the called out ones. 1 Corinthians 10:10,11 - "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
The Church didn't begin because someone read the Law or heard a rule. It began through a relationship that the Father initiated through sending His Son as THE Revelation of Love. He initiated the fellowship, much the same way the Father did with Abram. God came to us. Immanuel, God with us. Throughout the Gospels, the Acts, etc, we read of people building a relationship with Jesus and He with them. We read where people are "led" by the Spirit of God and whoever is "led" by the Spirit, THESE are the SONS of God. Led by the Spirit implies hearing and obeying, through a trust relationship, the voice of the Lord Jesus.
6. Unfortunately, and much like the son and grandson of Abraham and very much like the children of Israel, things began to change. For many years, though God has always had a remnant, the "Church", the "called out ones", became more and more content to be accepted by the world than accepted in the Beloved. The Church has gotten to the point where it is quite comfortable with the world's system, even though God says to not "love the world or the things of the world" (1 John 2:15-17). It's like we're Israel, back in Egypt, eating the best of the land. As long as there isn't any pressure, as long as we have our own land (tax exemption, "ministry", entertainment and industry (Christian music?), we seem quite content to live in the land of many gods as long as we're not bothered. As long as we can worship our "One God", we don't seem to bothered by the "many" around us.
7. But there is a transition that is taking place. Our God is in the process of bringing us to the place of relationship and then fellowship and power. But first, as it was long ago, there must be a moving of His people. A repositioning, a changing of the mind (repentance?), a separation from a reliance upon the world's system to a whole hearted faith in the One True God. And the thing that started Israel on that trek while "stationed" in Egypt was "now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph." There is coming a time, not too far off, where the church - the true believers - will be scorned by the world. We will be dropped by the world as "last year's lover". And while there will be miracles take place during this time of transition, it will be a very trying time as God takes us from being spoiled brats to sons and daughters who are trained to reign with Him. The "wilderness", a time of pruning, cutting, separating, learning His ways once more, knowing His provision as never before, knowing His likes and dislikes to where we hate what He hates and love only what He loves. And, as He used the Law of Moses to "pound out" the unclean elements and provide revelation to those who had an ear to hear, He will again be doing that through the Word of God. Once again there will be prophetic preaching that will cut the flesh but heal the wounds. It will decree "thus saith the Lord" and the Spirit's Presence will be as it was when the Holy Cloud covered Mount Sinai. Our God IS a consuming fire and He will shake anything that CAN be shaken - so that His purposes, His Holiness, His and His alone, may remain. Hallelujah!
8. Bottom line, saints: brace yourself. NO ONE will be left untouched. Every church, every leader, every denomination, every individual will be affected. Not all will embrace His "move", but as Jesus said "he that has ears, let him hear...", let us heed the word of the Lord to now "come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord." See 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 The Glory of God SHALL be revealed. He IS coming for a church that is without spot or blemish. He IS working in us that which is pleasing in His sight and He WILL perfect that which concerns us. No doubt about it. This is HIS SHOW and He will have His way.
The last thing the enemy of our soul wants is for us to enter back into the Promised land. He'd much rather we stay in Egypt, eating and drinking and telling all the glorious stories of old. We're a lot "safer" there. But God wants us inhabiting that for which Christ died. Amen? Amen!
Pastor Jan
I'm going out on the limb a little with this teaching, but I really believe it's what the Spirit of God has been speaking deep into my spirit these last few weeks. He keeps bringing these things up - no matter where I'm reading in the Word, He seems to direct my thoughts and prayers back to this central theme. And that theme is what I'm going to share about now.
For teaching purposes, I'm going to speak as though I'm a history teacher and then draw some parallels with what's happening today. I'll try and keep my points as concise as possible.
1. The Lord always builds on relationships, not rules and laws. God appeared to Abram (Genesis 12:1-4; 15:1-21; 17:1) with no mention of rules or laws. It's not that Abram didn't need them; it's that as he began to know and trust the Almighty, the law and rules were obeyed as a result of the relationship they had with each other. Abram (Abraham) stuck up for God and God stuck up for Abraham!
2. Abraham's son and grandson, Isaac and Jacob, had a relationship with the Almighty, but not to the extent of Abraham. They each had a shining moment when God met their need or redefined their life (and Jacob's "walk"), but they didn't seem to nurture the relationship with El Shaddai; they knew that their God was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but when it came down to trusting Jehovah Jireh not a thing was mentioned about the Lord. They instead sought the help of Egypt. Now, mind you, God understood where they would be spiritually at this time and provided a savior (Joseph) anyway. And thank God He does! How many times have we depended on Egypt for our help and because our God knew where we stood He provided for our help to come from that direction. But that wasn't His best! As a matter of fact, Israel stayed in Egypt over 400 years. People of the promises living in a strange land, surrounded by strange gods.
3. The children of Israel had their traditions, their stories of the God of Abraham, but as long as they had their prosperity (the land of Goshen) and their ministries (shepherds, farmers, ranchers for Pharoah), they really didn't give two hoots about the Living God. Why? Because they didn't have a relationship with Him. No relationship, no fellowship; no fellowship, no ability to really touch God; no touch, no power! But that was to change.
4. The catalyst for the change was..."Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph." Exodus 1:8. When their comfort started waning, their focus started changing. Without the cry to God there will be no change, no deliverance. The children of Israel had gotten comfortable in their religion but just because they had prosperity and the acceptance of their world (up to that point) they were still not partaking of what God had promised. So, God would change that. He would reveal Himself to them as they had never known before. He would bring them out of their comfort, through a wilderness where the Law would be used to help forge a relationship with the Almighty, and He would bring them into the place of possession of the promises He had made to their ancestors. Their relationship with Him would be developed within the boundries of the Law, God's revealed purposes and procedures; as God would prepare His people to be His witnesses and change their world. By the time Joshua led the people across the Jordan, the Word of the Lord to him was - as I was with Moses, so I am with you (relationship). No one will be able to stand before you (or against you) all the days of your life. You will lead this people and divide to them their inheritance.
5. All of the above, I believe, is a type of what God is doing in the Church, the called out ones. 1 Corinthians 10:10,11 - "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
The Church didn't begin because someone read the Law or heard a rule. It began through a relationship that the Father initiated through sending His Son as THE Revelation of Love. He initiated the fellowship, much the same way the Father did with Abram. God came to us. Immanuel, God with us. Throughout the Gospels, the Acts, etc, we read of people building a relationship with Jesus and He with them. We read where people are "led" by the Spirit of God and whoever is "led" by the Spirit, THESE are the SONS of God. Led by the Spirit implies hearing and obeying, through a trust relationship, the voice of the Lord Jesus.
6. Unfortunately, and much like the son and grandson of Abraham and very much like the children of Israel, things began to change. For many years, though God has always had a remnant, the "Church", the "called out ones", became more and more content to be accepted by the world than accepted in the Beloved. The Church has gotten to the point where it is quite comfortable with the world's system, even though God says to not "love the world or the things of the world" (1 John 2:15-17). It's like we're Israel, back in Egypt, eating the best of the land. As long as there isn't any pressure, as long as we have our own land (tax exemption, "ministry", entertainment and industry (Christian music?), we seem quite content to live in the land of many gods as long as we're not bothered. As long as we can worship our "One God", we don't seem to bothered by the "many" around us.
7. But there is a transition that is taking place. Our God is in the process of bringing us to the place of relationship and then fellowship and power. But first, as it was long ago, there must be a moving of His people. A repositioning, a changing of the mind (repentance?), a separation from a reliance upon the world's system to a whole hearted faith in the One True God. And the thing that started Israel on that trek while "stationed" in Egypt was "now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph." There is coming a time, not too far off, where the church - the true believers - will be scorned by the world. We will be dropped by the world as "last year's lover". And while there will be miracles take place during this time of transition, it will be a very trying time as God takes us from being spoiled brats to sons and daughters who are trained to reign with Him. The "wilderness", a time of pruning, cutting, separating, learning His ways once more, knowing His provision as never before, knowing His likes and dislikes to where we hate what He hates and love only what He loves. And, as He used the Law of Moses to "pound out" the unclean elements and provide revelation to those who had an ear to hear, He will again be doing that through the Word of God. Once again there will be prophetic preaching that will cut the flesh but heal the wounds. It will decree "thus saith the Lord" and the Spirit's Presence will be as it was when the Holy Cloud covered Mount Sinai. Our God IS a consuming fire and He will shake anything that CAN be shaken - so that His purposes, His Holiness, His and His alone, may remain. Hallelujah!
8. Bottom line, saints: brace yourself. NO ONE will be left untouched. Every church, every leader, every denomination, every individual will be affected. Not all will embrace His "move", but as Jesus said "he that has ears, let him hear...", let us heed the word of the Lord to now "come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord." See 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 The Glory of God SHALL be revealed. He IS coming for a church that is without spot or blemish. He IS working in us that which is pleasing in His sight and He WILL perfect that which concerns us. No doubt about it. This is HIS SHOW and He will have His way.
The last thing the enemy of our soul wants is for us to enter back into the Promised land. He'd much rather we stay in Egypt, eating and drinking and telling all the glorious stories of old. We're a lot "safer" there. But God wants us inhabiting that for which Christ died. Amen? Amen!
Pastor Jan
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Unity
Greetings,
I must share a letter Phyllis and I received from a good friend. I believe the message is very timely and true to the heart of Father God. May each of us take to heart this word and let Father move us into the place of perfect obedience. All Heaven stands ready...
Pastor Jan
Here's the letter:
This weekend, I had opportunity to hear from 4 voices that speak a true word of the Lord. Each echoed the other, until I knew I was hearing God's heart.
The call of Christ to His flock is to abide in Him, to live a life that is grafted in the vine, Jesus Christ (John 15). We live this life by seeking God's face, be desiring His presence above all else (Psalm 27). For those who stand in public positions of ministry, there must be a conscious realization that the call to pursue intimacy with God must exceed and be held in higher esteem than ministering to people. This is the first commandment: loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This must always come first.
This position of whole-being'ed devotion to God will produce individual unity with God. When the day comes that we are each walking in unity with God, then we will discover---to our delight!---that we are walking in unity with one another. We are in this hour in the earth: the hour of God's call to unity between His heart and the hearts of His people. How do we know this? Look to Iraq, ancient Babylon. It was when man was unified, possessing one tongue/language and were of one mind that the Lord said, "Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, .... now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them" (Genesis 11:6 NKJV).
But these people were intent upon wicked things that deified man. So God loosed confusion upon men, so the language was no longer unified. The people had different tongues and were scattered upon the earth (Genesis 11:8-9).
The next time scripture speaks of unity coming among the language of men, i.e. meaning that men of different tongues understood one another, is at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12). The Holy Spirit gave utterance to men so that they could understand one another, so that it was like they were speaking the same language.
In like manner, as each of us presses into God, seeking intimacy with Him above all else, we will be baptized in the Holy Spirit, die deeper to self, and receive more and more of the Lord's mind. As the thoughts of Christ invade our minds, we will begin to walk as those who have the mind of God and the power of His Spirit. Those who walk in this way will find themselves in unity with others who walk in like manner. This is true unity in the Spirit.
It is not mental agreement that produces unity. It is not agreeing to disagree. No, the unity of the Spirit is a supernatural work of the Spirit in our spirit man that produces in us the renewing of the mind by the Word of God, so that we each possess the mind of Christ (the Living Word). As the Living Word comes to life in us, overtaking our thought lives as we pursue intimacy with God, we will discover others who are like-minded.
I pray that each of you have experienced koinonia, that sweet fellowship that comes from being with like-minded Christ-followers. This is true unity. It has nothing to do with denominational boundaries, doctrinal systems, statements of belief, etc. It has to do with walking in unity with the Triune God.
As we walk in such unity with God individually, we will come into unity corporately. This will not be the work of one group endeavoring to draw believers together. This will be the work of the Holy Spirit.
I felt the Lord stirring this in me for speaking as a preface to this article because some will read these words and say, "We must call a meeting! We must ACT!" The book entitled the ACTS of the Apostles begins with prayerful waiting upon the Lord. That is how the Lord births unity. That is how the Lord births His order. That is how the Lord births His government. It is not by the will or power of a man, it is by the Spirit of God.
As you read these words, resist the temptation to act before you pray. God's first order of business as He seeks to establish true unity in this season is for His people to seek His face individually. If you're not with Him individually, I'll be honest: I don't want to walk with you corporately, because we won't have unity.
Seek God first. Establish unity with the Lord and then begin to pray in His unity in the spheres He calls you to pray over. God treasures the day of small beginnings (Zech. 4:10). We would do well to do likewise. Rejoice over the "small beginning" of unity in the earth as it unfolds in your own heart....and know that God rejoices, as well!
As your intimacy with God grows, He will give you words to speak. Speak them first in prayer to Him, and then, as your faith permits, speak them forth to others as God leads. If, in days past, you have had words to speak but you remained silent, repent for your lack of faith (Romans 12:6), and ask for grace to speak in days to come as the Spirit gives utterance. God will not refuse your humble heart.
There is a warning in the midst of this call to the intimacy (or renewed intimacy, as the case may be) that precedes unity: Beware that you do not harbor or give entrance to a spirit of stupor (see Romans 11:8, Deut. 29:4, Isaiah 29:10). If you read these verses, you will discern the modus operandi of such a spirit, as well as the point of entrance: disobedience. When we forsake God's commands, i.e. loving Him totally, we give ground to a stuporous spirit. Our eyes become blind, our ears become dull, and we become spiritually sleepy. Remember: In the parable of the 10 virgins, ALL fell asleep as they waited for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:5).
Last night, I heard a godly word that contended that because the church in America has been trained to be entertained, whether by tv preaching shows or the entertainment some churches offer as worship and teaching, we are lulled to sleep under the impression that we are being fed. We must guard our hearts against such slumber! It is deceptive and, I suspect, the slumber that typifies the foolish virgins, those without oil.
If you are solid with the Lord in intimacy, if you are living the abiding life in unity with the Lord, then you are perfectly positioned to pray for God's order and the fivefold ministry to emerge in your region/area/sphere of influence. Prayer is needed to bring this forth. And it's believers who are walking in unity with the Lord who are best positioned to pray unity into being. When you are one with the Lord, you'll understand your place in the body of Christ, and you'll grasp the vital importance of your prayers in these hours. Above all, we're each called to pray....and those prayers will fuel our individual unity with the Lord.
Some of you who read this are presently out of fellowship with a local body. You're not out of fellowship with Christ Jesus; you're just not settled in a local body. That's in this word I've attached, too. I suspect it is from the truth seekers who are responding to God's voice to walk in the way they do not know (like Abraham) that we will see a true faith (relevant to this hour) emerging. Let God give you the words He has for you in this season in the wilderness. Jesus Christ Himself spent 40 days in the desert prior to being anointed with power (Luke 4:14). If God has placed you in a similar place, rejoice and continue to seek Him. He will give you visitations of Himself in your wilderness wanderings (Genesis 18:1-8), He will utter promises to your heart (Genesis 15), and He will endue you with power (Luke 4:14).
God's blessings on you as you read His word......julie (p.s. below)
P.S. As our nation has invaded Iraq (ancient Babylon), this has loosed a spirit of confusion upon our nation (Genesis 11:9). This is a prayer point, fyi. You can bind those spirits of confusion in your sphere of influence as God has revealed it to you in prayer. We will see an increase of confusion in days to come in the world around us. It is beginning to unfold in our government now. These are prayer points......as God leads!
Julie Martens
juliem119@mchsi.com
I must share a letter Phyllis and I received from a good friend. I believe the message is very timely and true to the heart of Father God. May each of us take to heart this word and let Father move us into the place of perfect obedience. All Heaven stands ready...
Pastor Jan
Here's the letter:
This weekend, I had opportunity to hear from 4 voices that speak a true word of the Lord. Each echoed the other, until I knew I was hearing God's heart.
The call of Christ to His flock is to abide in Him, to live a life that is grafted in the vine, Jesus Christ (John 15). We live this life by seeking God's face, be desiring His presence above all else (Psalm 27). For those who stand in public positions of ministry, there must be a conscious realization that the call to pursue intimacy with God must exceed and be held in higher esteem than ministering to people. This is the first commandment: loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This must always come first.
This position of whole-being'ed devotion to God will produce individual unity with God. When the day comes that we are each walking in unity with God, then we will discover---to our delight!---that we are walking in unity with one another. We are in this hour in the earth: the hour of God's call to unity between His heart and the hearts of His people. How do we know this? Look to Iraq, ancient Babylon. It was when man was unified, possessing one tongue/language and were of one mind that the Lord said, "Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, .... now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them" (Genesis 11:6 NKJV).
But these people were intent upon wicked things that deified man. So God loosed confusion upon men, so the language was no longer unified. The people had different tongues and were scattered upon the earth (Genesis 11:8-9).
The next time scripture speaks of unity coming among the language of men, i.e. meaning that men of different tongues understood one another, is at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12). The Holy Spirit gave utterance to men so that they could understand one another, so that it was like they were speaking the same language.
In like manner, as each of us presses into God, seeking intimacy with Him above all else, we will be baptized in the Holy Spirit, die deeper to self, and receive more and more of the Lord's mind. As the thoughts of Christ invade our minds, we will begin to walk as those who have the mind of God and the power of His Spirit. Those who walk in this way will find themselves in unity with others who walk in like manner. This is true unity in the Spirit.
It is not mental agreement that produces unity. It is not agreeing to disagree. No, the unity of the Spirit is a supernatural work of the Spirit in our spirit man that produces in us the renewing of the mind by the Word of God, so that we each possess the mind of Christ (the Living Word). As the Living Word comes to life in us, overtaking our thought lives as we pursue intimacy with God, we will discover others who are like-minded.
I pray that each of you have experienced koinonia, that sweet fellowship that comes from being with like-minded Christ-followers. This is true unity. It has nothing to do with denominational boundaries, doctrinal systems, statements of belief, etc. It has to do with walking in unity with the Triune God.
As we walk in such unity with God individually, we will come into unity corporately. This will not be the work of one group endeavoring to draw believers together. This will be the work of the Holy Spirit.
I felt the Lord stirring this in me for speaking as a preface to this article because some will read these words and say, "We must call a meeting! We must ACT!" The book entitled the ACTS of the Apostles begins with prayerful waiting upon the Lord. That is how the Lord births unity. That is how the Lord births His order. That is how the Lord births His government. It is not by the will or power of a man, it is by the Spirit of God.
As you read these words, resist the temptation to act before you pray. God's first order of business as He seeks to establish true unity in this season is for His people to seek His face individually. If you're not with Him individually, I'll be honest: I don't want to walk with you corporately, because we won't have unity.
Seek God first. Establish unity with the Lord and then begin to pray in His unity in the spheres He calls you to pray over. God treasures the day of small beginnings (Zech. 4:10). We would do well to do likewise. Rejoice over the "small beginning" of unity in the earth as it unfolds in your own heart....and know that God rejoices, as well!
As your intimacy with God grows, He will give you words to speak. Speak them first in prayer to Him, and then, as your faith permits, speak them forth to others as God leads. If, in days past, you have had words to speak but you remained silent, repent for your lack of faith (Romans 12:6), and ask for grace to speak in days to come as the Spirit gives utterance. God will not refuse your humble heart.
There is a warning in the midst of this call to the intimacy (or renewed intimacy, as the case may be) that precedes unity: Beware that you do not harbor or give entrance to a spirit of stupor (see Romans 11:8, Deut. 29:4, Isaiah 29:10). If you read these verses, you will discern the modus operandi of such a spirit, as well as the point of entrance: disobedience. When we forsake God's commands, i.e. loving Him totally, we give ground to a stuporous spirit. Our eyes become blind, our ears become dull, and we become spiritually sleepy. Remember: In the parable of the 10 virgins, ALL fell asleep as they waited for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:5).
Last night, I heard a godly word that contended that because the church in America has been trained to be entertained, whether by tv preaching shows or the entertainment some churches offer as worship and teaching, we are lulled to sleep under the impression that we are being fed. We must guard our hearts against such slumber! It is deceptive and, I suspect, the slumber that typifies the foolish virgins, those without oil.
If you are solid with the Lord in intimacy, if you are living the abiding life in unity with the Lord, then you are perfectly positioned to pray for God's order and the fivefold ministry to emerge in your region/area/sphere of influence. Prayer is needed to bring this forth. And it's believers who are walking in unity with the Lord who are best positioned to pray unity into being. When you are one with the Lord, you'll understand your place in the body of Christ, and you'll grasp the vital importance of your prayers in these hours. Above all, we're each called to pray....and those prayers will fuel our individual unity with the Lord.
Some of you who read this are presently out of fellowship with a local body. You're not out of fellowship with Christ Jesus; you're just not settled in a local body. That's in this word I've attached, too. I suspect it is from the truth seekers who are responding to God's voice to walk in the way they do not know (like Abraham) that we will see a true faith (relevant to this hour) emerging. Let God give you the words He has for you in this season in the wilderness. Jesus Christ Himself spent 40 days in the desert prior to being anointed with power (Luke 4:14). If God has placed you in a similar place, rejoice and continue to seek Him. He will give you visitations of Himself in your wilderness wanderings (Genesis 18:1-8), He will utter promises to your heart (Genesis 15), and He will endue you with power (Luke 4:14).
God's blessings on you as you read His word......julie (p.s. below)
P.S. As our nation has invaded Iraq (ancient Babylon), this has loosed a spirit of confusion upon our nation (Genesis 11:9). This is a prayer point, fyi. You can bind those spirits of confusion in your sphere of influence as God has revealed it to you in prayer. We will see an increase of confusion in days to come in the world around us. It is beginning to unfold in our government now. These are prayer points......as God leads!
Julie Martens
juliem119@mchsi.com
Saturday, January 13, 2007
The Enablement
Greetings,
Well, here we are with a new year right before us. Many things have happened to each of us - some good, some not so good.
The Spirit of the Lord spoke something to my heart about a week ago and told me that this year will be a year of "enablement". A year, a period of time, where the Spirit of God will be actively working "enabling" the people of God. I want to share, just for a few moments, a couple of things we should consider.
Acts 2: 4 - And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. (New Living Translation)
The "Today's New International Version" reads "as the Holy Spirit enabled them". The Holy Spirit didn't speak FOR them, rather He gave THEM the ability to speak - He ENABLED them.
The Spirit of God is called the "Paraclete"; One called along side to help. He doesn't come to those who don't need help or want help. He comes to those who recognize their need of help and who stay actively involved through the process. You know, some folks cry out to God and when God shows up, they just shut down and expect God to do everything. I don't read that in the Word. I realize that the Scriptures talk about people who were to "stand still and see the salvation of God". That was told to a group of people who were engaged in seeking the will of God and had cried out to God in faith. God responded with "stand still..." and then the leader interpreted that as "let's go and confront the approaching armies with praise and trust in our God. Let's go expecting the Lord to give us victory since He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or even think!" (2 Chronicles 20)
Many times we are afraid of weakness, afraid of not knowing what to do, afraid of turmoil. We turn inward looking for the strength we need to overcome our situations. What God is desiring is that we look to Him as the One Who gives us the ENABLEMENT to do His will! Acts 10:38 and Luke 4:18 show something of Jesus in this regard.
Acts 10:38
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,"
This is the year where His power and ability will begin to be demonstrated through the inability and weakness of His people who are finding ways to trust Him. People who understand that it's the weak, the insufficient in themselves, the no-accounts, etc. that are called and equipped by God.
(1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5)
Know this: as the year unfolds there will be a tremendous shifting in the spirit realm. Darkness and light will become more pronounced. The church is being shaken and will have to come to an understanding of Kingdom principles. Things that have worked in the past; i.e. church growth ideas, praise and worship (contemporary music) promoting, spiritual warfare, giving and receiving and tax deduction status, etc.; all these and more will be shaken and some things removed or radically changed so that what remains is what God, and only God, can work with. He works with things that don't have "flesh stains" on them. He works with those who's heart is humble and broken before Him, who NEED Him. He will ENABLE those who make themselves weak so they can be strong IN HIM. Paul said it in 2 Corinthians 12 :9,10 - "Each time He said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
In order for the Spirit's enablement to become more visible, more pronounced, understand that there will be much more opportunities to NEED the Spirit's ability. Don't let your heart grow weary during those needy times. They are necessary! Jesus said that it was to our advantage (John 16) that He go away, because when He left He would send the Spirit. It is necessary for us to understand our inability because it's at that point that we begin to understand that we can do ALL things THROUGH Christ Who gives us the strength.
Exciting times are ahead for those who will see their own inability and still press on to know Him and the power of His Resurrection. Let's cry out to the Lord expecting Him to answer with the ENABLEMENT that we and those around us so desperately need.
Pastor Jan
Well, here we are with a new year right before us. Many things have happened to each of us - some good, some not so good.
The Spirit of the Lord spoke something to my heart about a week ago and told me that this year will be a year of "enablement". A year, a period of time, where the Spirit of God will be actively working "enabling" the people of God. I want to share, just for a few moments, a couple of things we should consider.
Acts 2: 4 - And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. (New Living Translation)
The "Today's New International Version" reads "as the Holy Spirit enabled them". The Holy Spirit didn't speak FOR them, rather He gave THEM the ability to speak - He ENABLED them.
The Spirit of God is called the "Paraclete"; One called along side to help. He doesn't come to those who don't need help or want help. He comes to those who recognize their need of help and who stay actively involved through the process. You know, some folks cry out to God and when God shows up, they just shut down and expect God to do everything. I don't read that in the Word. I realize that the Scriptures talk about people who were to "stand still and see the salvation of God". That was told to a group of people who were engaged in seeking the will of God and had cried out to God in faith. God responded with "stand still..." and then the leader interpreted that as "let's go and confront the approaching armies with praise and trust in our God. Let's go expecting the Lord to give us victory since He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or even think!" (2 Chronicles 20)
Many times we are afraid of weakness, afraid of not knowing what to do, afraid of turmoil. We turn inward looking for the strength we need to overcome our situations. What God is desiring is that we look to Him as the One Who gives us the ENABLEMENT to do His will! Acts 10:38 and Luke 4:18 show something of Jesus in this regard.
Acts 10:38
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,"
This is the year where His power and ability will begin to be demonstrated through the inability and weakness of His people who are finding ways to trust Him. People who understand that it's the weak, the insufficient in themselves, the no-accounts, etc. that are called and equipped by God.
(1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5)
Know this: as the year unfolds there will be a tremendous shifting in the spirit realm. Darkness and light will become more pronounced. The church is being shaken and will have to come to an understanding of Kingdom principles. Things that have worked in the past; i.e. church growth ideas, praise and worship (contemporary music) promoting, spiritual warfare, giving and receiving and tax deduction status, etc.; all these and more will be shaken and some things removed or radically changed so that what remains is what God, and only God, can work with. He works with things that don't have "flesh stains" on them. He works with those who's heart is humble and broken before Him, who NEED Him. He will ENABLE those who make themselves weak so they can be strong IN HIM. Paul said it in 2 Corinthians 12 :9,10 - "Each time He said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
In order for the Spirit's enablement to become more visible, more pronounced, understand that there will be much more opportunities to NEED the Spirit's ability. Don't let your heart grow weary during those needy times. They are necessary! Jesus said that it was to our advantage (John 16) that He go away, because when He left He would send the Spirit. It is necessary for us to understand our inability because it's at that point that we begin to understand that we can do ALL things THROUGH Christ Who gives us the strength.
Exciting times are ahead for those who will see their own inability and still press on to know Him and the power of His Resurrection. Let's cry out to the Lord expecting Him to answer with the ENABLEMENT that we and those around us so desperately need.
Pastor Jan
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