Just as you cannot eat next week's bread, so you cannot travel next week's journey. You can only be where you are. Pay attention to where you are. Pay attention to who you are, where you are. Pay attention to who is there with you, where you are.
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Re: St. John 4:23-24: Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth
Here is another exegetical article sent by my friend that I found interesting & profound enough to share.
From: "MarQuentis X. McNamara"
Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 15:47:41 -0400
To: <bishop@bereanmadison.com>
Subject: St. John 4:23-24: Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
From: "MarQuentis X. McNamara"
Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 15:47:41 -0400
To: <bishop@bereanmadison.com>
Subject: St. John 4:23-24: Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth
In St. John 4:23-24, Jesus states that the kind of worshipers God seeks are those that worship Him "in spirit and in truth". However, it is probably not immediately obvious what this phrase actually means. It is a rather literal translation of the Greek, but because English grammar is quite different from Greek grammar, the English phrase fails to express the same idea with the same force. The grammar of the underlying Greek clearly indicates that this phrase describes the manner in which we should worship God - it answers the question "How?" How do we worship God? - "In spirit and in truth" - or much better: "spiritually and truthfully". The next question is what does it mean to worship "spiritually" and "truthfully". Worshiping spiritually means our worship is generated from our spirit. Going through the motions, performing ceremonies, eating the Lord's Supper, singing songs or praying with little or no thought is not worship! These things may be used to express worship - but they are not worship. Worship comes from the depths of our spirit, as we recognize and bow before the greatness and awesomeness of God. To worship God truthfully means that our worship must be real and not pretentious – it must be sincere! Therefore, St. John204:23 would be better translated: "God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship with their spirit and with sincerity".
Re: Proverbs 22:6a - Recognizing and Appointing Young Leaders
A friend of mine shared this exegetical article with me and I found it to be rather interesting and quote profound, so I thought I would pass it on to spread the understanding.
From: "MarQuentis X. McNamara"
Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 15:43:17 -0400
To: <bishop@bereanmadison.com>
Subject: Proverbs 22:6a - Recognizing and Appointing Young Leaders
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
From: "MarQuentis X. McNamara"
Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 15:43:17 -0400
To: <bishop@bereanmadison.com>
Subject: Proverbs 22:6a - Recognizing and Appointing Young Leaders
Proverbs 22:6a says, "Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it." This proverb has been long understood as advice for parents on the way to raise and educate their children. However, this understanding (and translation) is based on some very dubious word studies. The Hebrew word translated "child", does not carry the concept of age, but rather status – in particular, high status! The same word refers to Joseph at age 17 (Genesis 37:2) and age 30 (Genesis 41:12). The person being referred to may be a young man but the point is not his age but his status and responsibility. In light of the way this word is used elsewhere in the Old Testament, and the context of Proverbs, the so-called "child" is a young adult who is NOT a rank novice with little or no experience. It is someone who is outstanding among his/her peers, but has not yet reached their full potential or maturity. "Train" is also incorrectly translated from the Hebrew. There is virtually no evidence that the Hebrew word means anything close to "train" in the Old Testament. Rather, it refers to initiating someone who has already completed his or her training, for a new position or responsibility. Also, "in the way he should go" appears to be an idio m for "according to a service that best suits his character and skills". Therefore, this verse would be better translated: "Initiate a young cadet according to a service that best suits his character and skills, and when he is old, he will not turn from it." This verse teaches that a young outstanding Christian who has been suitably trained, should be recognized and initiated into a position of responsibility and given the full respect that accompanies that position. It also teaches that when such a person is given the recognition and responsibility due to them, they will continue to serve and persist even when they get older.
Some Thoughts On Prayer
Simply defined, prayer is two-way communication between God and us. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing and this is done by remaining in an attitude of prayer and to be instant in prayer. Being in an attitude of prayer is thinking and doing with an awareness that God is present.
When one is speaking to God, he is engaged in the highest activity of the human soul. Prayer is limitless in space, touching three worlds. It touches heaven, earth and hell simultaneously and instantaneously. Prayer...
When one is speaking to God, he is engaged in the highest activity of the human soul. Prayer is limitless in space, touching three worlds. It touches heaven, earth and hell simultaneously and instantaneously. Prayer...
- Motivates God as no other endeavor.
- Touches man as nothing else that we can do.
- Worries the devil more than any other enterprise.
Through the limitless reach of prayer, we can stand in the "Now" and influence the "Then". We can stand in the "Here" and touch the "There". Prayer breaks through the borders of time and stands firmly in eternity.
Prayer is essential to the life of the believer. No believer's spiritual life will rise above and remain constant beyond one's prayer life.
The 3 Dangers of Prayerlessness
When we do not pray we:
- Sin - (1 Samuel 12:23; 1 Chronicles 16:11; St. Matthew 7:7; St. Luke 18:1)
- Sin against the purpose and plan of God - (St. Matthew 6:10)
- Sin against the pleasure of God - (Proverbs 15:8)
Praylessness is not just merely a weakness, it is sin...!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Captured By The Calling
1 Corinthians 16:13-16...
13... Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14... Let all your things be done with charity.
15... I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
16... That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
In recent years there has been great emphasis on words like calling, anointing, ministry, vision, purpose, and destiny. While it is encouraging to see the thrust forward with this emphasis I'm concerned that we don't get stuck there and finally press to the next level. We want to move past the point of the realization of our calling into the actuating of our ministry. I challenge everyone to be "captured by the calling". The scripture above speaks of the people of the house of Stephanas and how they had been so captured by their calling that they were addicted to the ministry of the saints. In fact, because of their ministry addiction and diligence in Kingdom work they were recommended by the Apostle Paul to be worthy of being submitted to by the people of Corinth.
When one has learned to and begun to live out the ministry, God will bless them to live by the ministry (not the other way around, mind you). To get to that point one must not consider ministry as a secondary vocation or something one does on the side, but as an integral part of one's life. This sometimes takes a rearrangement of consideration. All else that I do is now considered secondary to my ministry and I do them to live now until I can live by the ministry. This sometimes takes a rearrangement of priority. I prioritize my day based on my calling and not let my calling be "a filler" for the rest of my day. This sometimes takes a rearrangement of duties. Ministry no longer takes a backseat to my other duties.
When I am finally captured by the calling no one has to convince me of it, I just know it...! When I am finally captured by the calling I no longer need motivators, because the ministry motivates me...! When I am finally captured by the calling I don't have to be pumped and primed into action, because I, like Paul, am willing to be poured out as a drink offering for the needs of the people of God...!
Once the calling captures you, you will be situated in your place of provision. Once the calling captures you, you will find your following and those that will submit to the "God leadership" in you. Once the calling captures you, there's not a demon in hell that will be able to stop you from fulfilling your God-given vision and walk in your God-established destiny, utilizing your God-granted anointing...!
Only Believe
"Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts, but never doubt your beliefs or believe your doubts." (Scottish Seminary Professor - Name Unknown)
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Re: Excellence...!
GREAT QUOTE...
From: "-- MarQue --"
Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 18:06:11 -0500
To: Bishop Marque E. Duncan<bishop@bereanmadison.com>
Subject: Excellence...!
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
From: "-- MarQue --"
Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 18:06:11 -0500
To: Bishop Marque E. Duncan<bishop@bereanmadison.com>
Subject: Excellence...!
"Excellence is the result of caring more than others think wise, risking more than others think safe, dreaming more than others think practical, and expecting more than others think possible."
-- MarQue --
Fw: For Your Encouragement
A dear friend of mine shared this poem with me as an encouragement for the difficult Mother's Day I just experienced. It was so inspiring that I felt compelled to share it on my blog. Hopefully it will encourage someone else the way it encouraged me.
From: nacqram@aol.com
Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 14:43:27 -0400
To: <bishop@bereanmadison.com>
Subject: For Your Encouragement
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
From: nacqram@aol.com
Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 14:43:27 -0400
To: <bishop@bereanmadison.com>
Subject: For Your Encouragement
I said, "God, I hurt."
And God said, "I know."
I said, "God, I cry a lot."
And God said, "That is why I gave you tears."
I said, "God, I am depressed."
And God said, "That is why I gave you sunshine."
I said, "God, life is hard."
And God said, "That is why I gave you loved ones."
I said, "God, it hurts."
And God said, "I know."
I said, "God, my loved one died."
And God said, "So did mine."
I said, "God, it is such a loss."
And God said, "I saw mine nailed to a cross."
I said, "God, but your loved one lives."
And God said, "So does yours."
Robien D. Holt
And God said, "I know."
I said, "God, I cry a lot."
And God said, "That is why I gave you tears."
I said, "God, I am depressed."
And God said, "That is why I gave you sunshine."
I said, "God, life is hard."
And God said, "That is why I gave you loved ones."
I said, "God, it hurts."
And God said, "I know."
I said, "God, my loved one died."
And God said, "So did mine."
I said, "God, it is such a loss."
And God said, "I saw mine nailed to a cross."
I said, "God, but your loved one lives."
And God said, "So does yours."
Robien D. Holt
Monday, May 11, 2009
Every Kingdom Has a King
Jesus is more than a king in the royal line of David; He is the King of Kings...!
While in the world Jesus had no throne, but He has reigned in the hearts of men, women, boys and girls in every century.
While in Jerusalem Jesus had no armies, but in every generation there have been Christian soldiers.
While in Pilate's judgment hall Jesus did not take the scepter that was rightfully His, but soon everyone will kneel before His raised scepter.
While in Nazareth Jesus had no palace, but today He's preparing palaces for all His royal people.
On the road to Jerusalem Jesus refused to be crowned King, but one day the grandest coronation the world had ever seen will be held, when Jesus will be crowned King of Kings...!
Jesus is the King of Peace, the King of Glory, the King of this world, the Royal King of Heaven...the King of Kings...!
While in the world Jesus had no throne, but He has reigned in the hearts of men, women, boys and girls in every century.
While in Jerusalem Jesus had no armies, but in every generation there have been Christian soldiers.
While in Pilate's judgment hall Jesus did not take the scepter that was rightfully His, but soon everyone will kneel before His raised scepter.
While in Nazareth Jesus had no palace, but today He's preparing palaces for all His royal people.
On the road to Jerusalem Jesus refused to be crowned King, but one day the grandest coronation the world had ever seen will be held, when Jesus will be crowned King of Kings...!
Jesus is the King of Peace, the King of Glory, the King of this world, the Royal King of Heaven...the King of Kings...!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Closure
First of all, I wish all mothers a Happy Mother's Day, even though the wish comes at the end of the day. God Bless All Mothers...I Honor All of You...!
Today was a particularly difficult Mother's Day for me. It was the second Mother's Day since my own mother went home to be with the Lord. Today was much more difficult than last year as I missed my mother more given last year grieving her death was still rather fresh on Mother's Day. This year it reached beyond the actual grieving to really feeling the loss. I am encouraged, however, by reflecting on the memories, the advice, the wisdom, the reprimands, the lessons and all the wonderful moments God allowed me to have with my mother. I honor Delores Duncan...a wonderful mother...the elect lady...! While I miss her tremendously, I thank God that she is no longer in the pain and suffering that marked the closure of her life experience. Mama, I Love You...!
Anyone interested in the tribute page I created for her can find it at... http://www.myspace.com/deloresduncan.
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
Today was a particularly difficult Mother's Day for me. It was the second Mother's Day since my own mother went home to be with the Lord. Today was much more difficult than last year as I missed my mother more given last year grieving her death was still rather fresh on Mother's Day. This year it reached beyond the actual grieving to really feeling the loss. I am encouraged, however, by reflecting on the memories, the advice, the wisdom, the reprimands, the lessons and all the wonderful moments God allowed me to have with my mother. I honor Delores Duncan...a wonderful mother...the elect lady...! While I miss her tremendously, I thank God that she is no longer in the pain and suffering that marked the closure of her life experience. Mama, I Love You...!
Anyone interested in the tribute page I created for her can find it at... http://www.myspace.com/deloresduncan.
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
Church for the Unchurched
"Churches that are effective reaching people for Christ see the needs of the unchurched, establish ministries that allow the church to be present in the community, and have a process by which they are able to draw these unchurched people into the safety of Christ and a local church." (Gary McIntosh & Glenn Martin wrote in their book, "Finding Them, Keeping Them")
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
+ Bishop Marque E. Duncan +
Sent from my BlackBerry® handheld device
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Seasons
Seasons change and so will yours. Seasons of change are essential for growth in your life. Change requires a leap of faith. There is a time for everything. There are seasons to laugh, cry, live, die build and tear down.
Each season has a specific purpose for occurring. The lessons they bring are life long, and they will lead to fulfillment within your life. Among other things, they build your faith and character. By trusting God, you allow Him to complete what He has prepared for you.
Each season that has come and gone in your life is as solid blocks placed one by one upon each other. All are individual and separate, but come together in one solid foundation.
Line upon line, precept upon precept, they have made you - you (who you are). Remember, all things are working together for your good.
Each season has a specific purpose for occurring. The lessons they bring are life long, and they will lead to fulfillment within your life. Among other things, they build your faith and character. By trusting God, you allow Him to complete what He has prepared for you.
Each season that has come and gone in your life is as solid blocks placed one by one upon each other. All are individual and separate, but come together in one solid foundation.
Line upon line, precept upon precept, they have made you - you (who you are). Remember, all things are working together for your good.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Need for Passion
As breakthrough believers we must press past "wish" to "desire" ultimately arriving at "passion". A "wish" is a passive, mental thought pattern with the expectation of seeing fulfillment of it sometime in the future. A "desire" is an active, strong-willed effort to bring into fulfillment the expected event or answer. A "passion" is a driving force of spiritual energy that shapes a person's lifestyle, thinking and action until he sees a total fulfillment of what he is passionately pursuing. Every ounce of energy and thought is propelled into that single course of pursuit, aggressively removing all barriers and self-limitations that prevent its ultimate fulfillment. The entire thought pattern revolves around their passion. Their dreams, conversations, and priorities often reveal that which is within their passion. They derive their drive, their motivation and their inspiration by stirring their passion within their hearts and minds. They become renewed and reenergized to seek wholesome ways of bringing their passion to satisfied fulfillment.
The only thing that matches in strength and in its driving force to passion is lust. Lust is a passion that has gone wrong in its motivation, its principles of operation and its desired result. It is founded on self-gratification, impatience, selfishness and ungodly principles. Lust never brings wholesome satisfaction because the flesh (the ego) has no ability to please God (Romans 8:6-7) or find life and peace.
God is looking for more than just a wishing people. He is drawn by those who are in hot passionate pursuit of Him.
Passion is created or stirred into our hearts when we know a sense of the urgency of time. Passion is also created or stirred in our hearts when we sense a conducive atmosphere for intimate relationship to be formed. The conducive atmosphere provides the necessary encouragement to freely express our hearts. Passion also comes out of developing a sense of intensity of pursuit in seeking for the things or person loved. When we think and plan to reach out in the directions our heart is leaning towards, passion grows. There can never be a proper development to passion without first planning and thinking a workable strategy towards fulfillment. Our thought patterns must revolve around the pursued things and we must set our focus and priority in wanting to achieve our desired goal. Passion also comes out of maintaining a sense of grateful communication towards the other person. The more we know the person (in this case, God) the more we enjoy being with them, and the greater their impact and influence will be on our lives. Passion is also stirred in our hearts as we sense the deep satisfaction it brings when we have accomplished what we set out to do.
Our passion provides the driving force of inner motivation, inspiration and strength to launch what our hearts have set out to do. With passion the believers become high achievers. They will possess the initiatives and discipline to launch ahead for greater exploits.
There are five areas of passion that are important to develop within breakthrough believers. They are as follows:
The only thing that matches in strength and in its driving force to passion is lust. Lust is a passion that has gone wrong in its motivation, its principles of operation and its desired result. It is founded on self-gratification, impatience, selfishness and ungodly principles. Lust never brings wholesome satisfaction because the flesh (the ego) has no ability to please God (Romans 8:6-7) or find life and peace.
God is looking for more than just a wishing people. He is drawn by those who are in hot passionate pursuit of Him.
Passion is created or stirred into our hearts when we know a sense of the urgency of time. Passion is also created or stirred in our hearts when we sense a conducive atmosphere for intimate relationship to be formed. The conducive atmosphere provides the necessary encouragement to freely express our hearts. Passion also comes out of developing a sense of intensity of pursuit in seeking for the things or person loved. When we think and plan to reach out in the directions our heart is leaning towards, passion grows. There can never be a proper development to passion without first planning and thinking a workable strategy towards fulfillment. Our thought patterns must revolve around the pursued things and we must set our focus and priority in wanting to achieve our desired goal. Passion also comes out of maintaining a sense of grateful communication towards the other person. The more we know the person (in this case, God) the more we enjoy being with them, and the greater their impact and influence will be on our lives. Passion is also stirred in our hearts as we sense the deep satisfaction it brings when we have accomplished what we set out to do.
Our passion provides the driving force of inner motivation, inspiration and strength to launch what our hearts have set out to do. With passion the believers become high achievers. They will possess the initiatives and discipline to launch ahead for greater exploits.
There are five areas of passion that are important to develop within breakthrough believers. They are as follows:
- A passion for Jesus which is grown and maintained through the atmosphere of worship and praise.
- A passion for one another which is grown and maintained through the bonds of covenant relationships and fellowship.
- A passion for souls which is grown and maintained through the stirrings of Christ's compassion for the lost sinner.
- A passion for ministry excellence which is grown and maintained through our desire to honor and fully represent and serve Him.
- A passion for purpose and the fulfillment of destiny is grown and maintained through our prophetic stirrings to reach our maximum potential so that we can give our "utmost for His highest".
Breakthrough believers are in passionate pursuit of God and His purposes. There is an intensity about them that matches the "zeal that consumed the Lord Jesus" (St. John 2:17). Believers like these are a special breed who will live up to their highest potential. This new breed of believers is our only hope for the advancement of God's Kingdom and the reformation of our societies and communities.
Fear of Failure or Success
I am not afraid of being a failure. I am afraid of being successful at something God is not interested in.
-- Dr. Charles Keene
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Reverend
I was having a discussion with a gentleman today that I found quite interesting. This man was almost violently annoyed by the usage of the title “Reverend” by some ministers. I was quite familiar with the particulars of his argument as I have heard it before and have even once shared the same viewpoint. I did not seek to disagree with him nor did I share with him my own views...for one I’ve learned to choose my battles and this was not important enough to me to debate; and I’ve also learned to allow people the freedom of their own convictions. After this exchange I felt compelled to share my conviction concerning this issue (or non-issue, as such) on my blog. I am not stuck on or controlled by titles, but I certainly don’t have anything against them so long as they are not abused.
Part and parcel to the argument against a preacher using the title “Reverend” is that no human should use Reverend with their name because the King James Version of the Bible says in Psalm 111:9, “...holy and reverend is his name.” While I cannot argue (nor would I attempt to) that Scripture does say that His name is reverend, an attentive perusal of this passage would immediately indicate that his passage does not preclude anyone from using this as a title, particularly since this is not referred to as His title. The Hebrew/Chaldee word for reverend here is “yare” and it takes on the form of an adjective giving us to know that this refers to an attribute and not a title or name (which incidentally would have to take the form of a noun). Therefore, this Scripture is saying that His name has the attribute of being “holy” and “reverend” bringing to man the responsibility of holding His name in high regard, respect, and fear. To deduce from this Scripture that no one should be called reverend totally removes this passage from it’s scriptural context and thereby eradicates its original purpose and meaning. So, to properly divide the word of truth and to put precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little (Isaiah 28:10) we cannot ignore the word “holy” in this passage. On many occasions Scripture has indicated that God’s people would be CALLED holy (Isaiah 4:3; 62:12; St. Luke 2:23; 1 Peter 1:15-16), so now it stands to reason that since both “holy” and “reverend” are grouped together in Psalm 111:9 that if we can be referred to as holy, we can also be referred to as reverend. We are called “holy” because of Who we represent (along with a representative lifestyle) therefore I, as a man of God, think it not robbery to be called “reverend” because of Who I represent.
Part and parcel to the argument against a preacher using the title “Reverend” is that no human should use Reverend with their name because the King James Version of the Bible says in Psalm 111:9, “...holy and reverend is his name.” While I cannot argue (nor would I attempt to) that Scripture does say that His name is reverend, an attentive perusal of this passage would immediately indicate that his passage does not preclude anyone from using this as a title, particularly since this is not referred to as His title. The Hebrew/Chaldee word for reverend here is “yare” and it takes on the form of an adjective giving us to know that this refers to an attribute and not a title or name (which incidentally would have to take the form of a noun). Therefore, this Scripture is saying that His name has the attribute of being “holy” and “reverend” bringing to man the responsibility of holding His name in high regard, respect, and fear. To deduce from this Scripture that no one should be called reverend totally removes this passage from it’s scriptural context and thereby eradicates its original purpose and meaning. So, to properly divide the word of truth and to put precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little (Isaiah 28:10) we cannot ignore the word “holy” in this passage. On many occasions Scripture has indicated that God’s people would be CALLED holy (Isaiah 4:3; 62:12; St. Luke 2:23; 1 Peter 1:15-16), so now it stands to reason that since both “holy” and “reverend” are grouped together in Psalm 111:9 that if we can be referred to as holy, we can also be referred to as reverend. We are called “holy” because of Who we represent (along with a representative lifestyle) therefore I, as a man of God, think it not robbery to be called “reverend” because of Who I represent.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Consider
Today the word “consider” has arrested my attention. The Lord dropped this word in my spirit this morning and has served as a strong source of inspiration for me all day long. Throughout the day rather than making immediate judgments or assessments I simply took the time to consider each matter. As part of my moments of consideration I recognized that I don’t “consider” near enough. Just consider...! I wonder if our busy schedules and technology addictions cause us to not take the appropriate time to just “consider”. Taking time to consider is very important to the believer and is crucial for Kingdom awareness. There is a danger when we fail to consider.
Consider what...? There is much to be considered and much of it important, but I am personally making a determination to consider only that which is productive and expansive. I gathered Scriptures with admonitions to consider to be the roadmap for what I would begin in my ongoing quest for purposed consideration. I will share these Scriptures with you. These are by no means exhaustive, but represent those that resonate for me.
Deuteronomy 4:39 (NKJV)...
(39) Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
1 Samuel 12:23 - 24 (NKJV)...
(23) Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
(24) Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
1 Chronicles 28:10 (NKJV)...
(10) Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.
Isaiah 1:3 (NKJV)...What happened to me today is that I was provided such a profound sense of empowerment as I paused to consider. My thoughts were more enlightened and my decisions were more settled. The misconception is that the time taken to consider will be lengthy and wasteful, but I found the opposite to be true as I pressed into consideration. With each consideration I learned more thus causing the time taken to consider to be shorter and more productive. Just consider...!
(3) The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; but Israel does not know, my people do not consider.”
Consider what...? There is much to be considered and much of it important, but I am personally making a determination to consider only that which is productive and expansive. I gathered Scriptures with admonitions to consider to be the roadmap for what I would begin in my ongoing quest for purposed consideration. I will share these Scriptures with you. These are by no means exhaustive, but represent those that resonate for me.
Deuteronomy 4:39 (NKJV)...
(39) Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
1 Samuel 12:23 - 24 (NKJV)...
(23) Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
(24) Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
1 Chronicles 28:10 (NKJV)...
(10) Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.
Job 37:14 (NKJV)...
(14) “Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.
Psalms 8:3 - 5 (NKJV)...
(3) When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
(4) What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?
(5) For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
Ecclesiastes 7:13 - 14 (NKJV)...
(13) Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked?
(14) In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
Romans 11:22 (NKJV)...
(22) Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
2 Timothy 2:1 - 7 (NKJV)...
(1) You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
(2) And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
(3) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
(4) No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
(5) And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
(6) The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
(7) Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
Hebrews 3:1 - 2 (NKJV)...
(1) Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
(2) Who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.
Hebrews 12:3 - 4 (NKJV)...
(3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
(4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
2 Peter 3:14 - 16 (NKJV)...
(14) Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
(15) And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
(16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
(14) “Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.
Psalms 8:3 - 5 (NKJV)...
(3) When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
(4) What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?
(5) For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
Ecclesiastes 7:13 - 14 (NKJV)...
(13) Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked?
(14) In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
Romans 11:22 (NKJV)...
(22) Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
2 Timothy 2:1 - 7 (NKJV)...
(1) You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
(2) And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
(3) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
(4) No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
(5) And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
(6) The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
(7) Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
Hebrews 3:1 - 2 (NKJV)...
(1) Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
(2) Who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.
Hebrews 12:3 - 4 (NKJV)...
(3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
(4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
2 Peter 3:14 - 16 (NKJV)...
(14) Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
(15) And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
(16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
-- CONSIDER --
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Impartation by Apostolic Grace
Romans 1:1 - 12 (NKJV)…In a new move of God the patterns of ministering also undergo change. By ministering I mean the process by which spiritual resource is transferred into the lives of the saints on an individual level.
1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,
2 Which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3 Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
6 Among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,
10 Making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established —
12 That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
In the present reformation of the Church the term “impartation” has come to a place of great emphasis. There is great release of divine resource to the individual lives of the saints as the apostolic word that is impregnated with life-giving power is decreed and proclaimed over the lives of the saints. Impartation is a major dimension of the apostolic. We experience progression by impartation...!
It is wise to company with those who are going in the same direction as you are. If the values that you seek also reside in them then those values will prosper in your own spirit. Find and experience spiritual growth through fellowship and relationship within your impartation community...!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Excerpt from "Your Comfortable Lie"
Excerpt of Bishop Marque E. Duncan preaching "The Creative Crashing of Your Comfortable Lie"
For Kingdom Advance...Face Forward
There is an apparent excitement that comes with the newness of salvation that eventually dissipates once the newness wears off and ultimately disappears once trouble comes. If there is anything of great importance the people of God tend to lack it is staying power...! One of the greatest mistakes we make when this Christian walk gets difficult is we start to look back and we allow circumstances to draw us backward rather than pressing forward.
“But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but to those who believe to the saving of the soul.” The word “perdition” comes from the Greek word “apoleia” {ap-o’-li-a} which means “ruin, loss or destruction obtained through a slow and unnoticeable process”. The drawing back that comes from looking back is a slow and unnoticeable process that leads to ruin, loss and destruction.
It is time for us to make Kingdom advance...so...now...FACE FORWARD...!
St. Luke 17:32 (NKJV)...The lesson we learn from Lot’s wife is the danger and devastation that comes from looking back. Many preach that Lot’s wife didn’t want to leave the sin and degradation of Sodom and Gomorrah, but there’s really nothing biblical to support that view, in fact the holiness and righteousness upheld in the household of Lot brings the exact opposite view. It is my belief that what diverted Lot’s wife attention from escape was the “people attachments” she was leaving behind...those she ministered to, prayed for, had become attached to, etc.
32 Remember Lot’s wife.
St. Luke 9:59 - 62 (NKJV)...Looking back makes one unfit for the Kingdom of God and usage by God.
59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”
61 And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”
62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Hebrews 10:35 - 39 (NKJV)...Looking back will ultimately cause drawing back. “...if any man draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37 “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
“But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but to those who believe to the saving of the soul.” The word “perdition” comes from the Greek word “apoleia” {ap-o’-li-a} which means “ruin, loss or destruction obtained through a slow and unnoticeable process”. The drawing back that comes from looking back is a slow and unnoticeable process that leads to ruin, loss and destruction.
It is time for us to make Kingdom advance...so...now...FACE FORWARD...!
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Move of God
St. John 5:1 - 10 (NKJV)...
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.
5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”
9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.
10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”
1) The move of God is in the church.
- The move is going to be breaking out at the sheepgate. People are going to be the instruments. The 5 porches refer to the fivefold grace, and the five fold ministry. This move is in the church. The move first takes place in the upper room and then goes to the streets. God is about to visit those who are in place, in position and in expectancy for the move of God upon His people.
2) The move of God is about changing the state and present condition of the church.
- There are all kinds of conditions in the church, but God is going to stir the waters to change the state of the church. God is going to change the state of our lives and ministry. No matter what our present condition is, we have the hope that God is coming to meet us!
3) This move is about those who are waiting for the stirring of the waters.
- One man waited for thirty eight years. We need to press in with persistence until God changes our lives. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. This man waited expectantly for thirty eight years. This move is for those who are actively waiting. Every day, every hour this man had an eager expectation that God would visit him. Waiting is not sitting around and waiting for the Lord to move – it is pressing in UNTIL you get your breakthrough. When we wait actively we will rise up with the wings of an eagle, we will soar above any earthly limitations which hold us down. This new move is for those who are waiting. We need to be waiting at the right place for God.
4) The move of God is set for God’s kiaros time to be upon us.
- There is certain point in time when things must happen, this is kairos time. When this move takes place, the things that must happen in your life must happen. The time of God’s favour is going to break upon us. There was a certain season when the waters were stirred. That season is coming upon us when our breakthroughs will be at hand. As sure as the breaking forth of a new day, so our righteousness will rise.
5) The move of God is for those who tap on the first anointing.
- The first anointing is the anointing of pioneers. Whoever first touched the water received their healing. Elijah was a pioneer, he was not a settler. He broke the status quo and pioneered into a new area. The reason why some of us don’t break out is because we stay in familiar territory.
- God knows who touches the water first. God knows who touches Him first. We need the first anointing to press in and touch God. Only those who are dead to their flesh can touch the first anointing. There are many that are watching from the sidelines at the work of God, but there are few that press in to touch God first.
6) This move is about establishing new orders, patterns and procedures, more excellent ways.
- There was an old order of getting healed. But Jesus said that when He comes to us, He will establish a new order. We are no longer waiting for the old ways, and old patterns but we are setting new patterns, more excellent ways.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
What Is A Move of God...?
Whenever we use the term “a move of God” we are basically saying that the Spirit of God has moved to new positions and we are being called to identify these new positions and move towards them. It’s not that the new positions are new to God; it is that they are new to us. We are called to journey and migration.
A movement or a “move of God” is built upon the core reality that the Church has realized that the Spirit of God is operating in a more advanced and different way and is calling the Church forward to new positions in the Spirit. The key factor to understand is that a move of God requires US to MOVE.
In every move of God the structures and patterns of the Church change. It is important to note that each new move of God does not abandon and reject the prevailing ministry pattern of the move that has gone before but includes and practices it in the midst of the new move. Therefore it is clear to see that each new move becomes stronger and more comprehensive in its spiritual operations.
A movement or a “move of God” is built upon the core reality that the Church has realized that the Spirit of God is operating in a more advanced and different way and is calling the Church forward to new positions in the Spirit. The key factor to understand is that a move of God requires US to MOVE.
In every move of God the structures and patterns of the Church change. It is important to note that each new move of God does not abandon and reject the prevailing ministry pattern of the move that has gone before but includes and practices it in the midst of the new move. Therefore it is clear to see that each new move becomes stronger and more comprehensive in its spiritual operations.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Danger of Needing Nothing
An intricate part of our walk with God is the necessity to exercise that which we believe. Faith, in its simplest definition, is that which you really believe. Faith without works is dead. We miss a valuable part of the equation when we do not allow our faith to work for us. You see, properly executed, we do not perform the works, but we allow our faith to work for and through us.
Faith is a necessary ingredient in every aspect of our daily Christian walk. Faith is necessary for salvation, growth, and receiving what we need and desire from God.
Faith is a necessary ingredient in every aspect of our daily Christian walk. Faith is necessary for salvation, growth, and receiving what we need and desire from God.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)...
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must
believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
What is the necessary stimulus to the exercising of our faith...? NEED. What happens when the necessary stimulus to our faith is removed from us...? Our faith decreases and we become self-sufficient and lose sight of the need of God.
We ask all the time...
- Why must I need...?
- How come I’ve got to need so much...?
- Should I always have to be seeking God for something...?
- When will I not need anymore...?
Need is necessary...! Without need we tend to become without faith...! When you don’t need, you don’t need a provider...! Who needs a doctor when they’re not sick...? The interesting thing about need is that need comes with a promise...
Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)...
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
St. John the Revelator exiled on the Isle of Patmos for the preaching of the Word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ. Per the direction of Jesus, John writes letters to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor.
- Ephesus – the backslidden church that lost their first love.
- Smyrna – the poor but truly rich church.
- Pergamos – the church of evil surroundings, steadfast, but infected with heresy.
- Thyatira – the church of good works but harboring a false prophetess.
- Sardis – the dying church.
- Philadelphia – the weak, but faithful church.
- Laodicea – the lukewarm church.
Revelation 3:13 - 22 (NKJV)...
13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’
14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness
may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”
Laodicea – What gets the Laodicean church to its lukewarm state...? (See verse 17)
Once God blesses us to receive the manifestation of our miracle and we receive what we have been seeking God for, we must be careful of becoming self-sufficient. Once we get what we’ve been praying for there is the tendency to slack off in our praying, not worshipping the way we were when we were in need, it becomes hard to get us to the house of God. We get what we want and just go on.
There is a danger in needing nothing. We can’t handle the realm of nothing. We have no rights to the realm of nothing. God reserves sole rights to the realm of nothing unto Himself. That’s why we can’t fathom “nothing”.
Needing nothing is outside of the realm of possibility for the true believer.
(Verse 18): “...counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire...” The important thing about this equation is not so much the gold as it is the trying...! The trying is necessary...it keeps us in the place of need to keep our faith maintained.
(Verse 19): Rebuke and chastisement are intricate components to the love of God.
(Verses 20 – 21): The goal is NOT to “need nothing”, but to OVERCOME...! The real overcomer is the one that responds to the knock. We’re so involved in trying to get God to respond to us, but what He wants is for us to respond to Him...!
(Verses 13 & 22): There’s a necessity in having a spiritually open and hearing ear to keep our faith vibrant and not be found thinking we need nothing. Many are listening to the voice of the Spirit, but only a few are hearing the voice of the Spirit. Having hearing ears are key to recognizing and realizing WHAT we need.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Technology of Boldness
We are presently in a very tedious place in our quest towards operation in the Kingdom of God. Where we are now, we can either make great advance or totally blow it. I choose to believe we will make great advances.
For our purposes in this discussion technology is defined as a system of internal spiritual principles and laws that make an external manifestation predictable and stable. There is a system of operation which facilitates the effective working out of God’s purposes in the Earth and we have to seek to lock into that system. We have to unlock the technology to bring about God’s ultimate purpose in the Earth.
The problem with those in the Body of Christ is that rather than finding our conflict with the powers of darkness, we find our conflict with each other. While we’re busy fighting each other the real culprit/enemy gets away.
The Kingdom is a conquering force that cannot peacefully co-exist with that which is an oppositional nature of itself: it never retreats; it operates in one gear – forward only. Daniel sees a vision of the activity of the Kingdom of God in the Earth in the latter times and with clarity he discerns its characteristics...
Boldness terrifies the devil. It is a quality that he attempts to extinguish in the Church. In our quest for meekness we have lost the importance of boldness, not realizing that “meekness is not weakness, but strength under control”. The devil makes it his business to exploit your weakness.
Boldness is unreserved utterance with frankness, candor, and cheerful courage. It denotes divine enablement that comes to ordinary and unprofessional people exhibiting spiritual power and authority. (This is what satan fears.)
Boldness is a spiritual impartation that gives authority to whatever we say or do. It is the determination to match fire with fire and not to back down from the intimidation of principalities and powers.
Challenge is not sin and to be challenged is not sin. Anything that cannot be challenged is intrinsically corrupt.
The Church must regain it’s tenacity for the advance of the Kingdom of God...! Boldness is the technology for advancement...!
For our purposes in this discussion technology is defined as a system of internal spiritual principles and laws that make an external manifestation predictable and stable. There is a system of operation which facilitates the effective working out of God’s purposes in the Earth and we have to seek to lock into that system. We have to unlock the technology to bring about God’s ultimate purpose in the Earth.
St. Matthew 11:12...The reality is that Kingdom advance is a matter of conflict. The Kingdom of heaven advances against terrible (and even territorial) opposition from satanic forces set up to resist it. There is no way to get around this fact; there is no advance without opposition and resistance.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
St. Matthew 11:12 (NIV)...
12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
The problem with those in the Body of Christ is that rather than finding our conflict with the powers of darkness, we find our conflict with each other. While we’re busy fighting each other the real culprit/enemy gets away.
The Kingdom is a conquering force that cannot peacefully co-exist with that which is an oppositional nature of itself: it never retreats; it operates in one gear – forward only. Daniel sees a vision of the activity of the Kingdom of God in the Earth in the latter times and with clarity he discerns its characteristics...
Daniel 2:44 (NKJV)...Kingdom advance has a lot to do with the activity of men (people) in the Earth. These kingdom-advancing people must have a certain biblically prescribed mentality: they are described as “forceful-men”.
44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
Acts 4:5 - 14 (NKJV)...The events of Acts 4 happen very early in the history of the Church. Great governmental gains have been secured by the Church. Jesus has been working with them in a flow of signs and wonders. The lame man at the gate Beautiful has been wonderfully and miraculously healed by the power of God and the power structure of the religious world is threatened. The response of the enemy is strong intimidation and the apostles are arrested. The priests and the Sadducees see the boldness that is upon the apostles.
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and
scribes,
6 As well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10 Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
Boldness terrifies the devil. It is a quality that he attempts to extinguish in the Church. In our quest for meekness we have lost the importance of boldness, not realizing that “meekness is not weakness, but strength under control”. The devil makes it his business to exploit your weakness.
Boldness is unreserved utterance with frankness, candor, and cheerful courage. It denotes divine enablement that comes to ordinary and unprofessional people exhibiting spiritual power and authority. (This is what satan fears.)
Boldness is a spiritual impartation that gives authority to whatever we say or do. It is the determination to match fire with fire and not to back down from the intimidation of principalities and powers.
Challenge is not sin and to be challenged is not sin. Anything that cannot be challenged is intrinsically corrupt.
The Church must regain it’s tenacity for the advance of the Kingdom of God...! Boldness is the technology for advancement...!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A Couple Abstract, Yet Empowering, Thoughts
Peace is everywhere except where it is suppressed by ignorance (consciously or unconsciously ignoring it).
Per Romans 10:17, faith comes by hearing not by having heard. (Catch it...!)
Per Romans 10:17, faith comes by hearing not by having heard. (Catch it...!)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
My Personal Musings
It's been a few days since I've posted and I realize I customarily post from the fruit of my studies and teachings. However, today I feel compelled to simply share from my heart, which is where I've been mentally and spiritually the past few days. I have been in prayer concerning the current state of the economy, our nation and the world while simultaneously observing the varying, incoherent, and incongruous response from the Church. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all those who name the name of Christ upon themselves could speak with one voice...? But, I digress. I could speak to the current happenings in the earth from the purview of my own political leanings and postulate from my own religious and spiritual beliefs, however I'm cognizant enough to know that this will only lend itself to adding another opinion into an already overwhelmed pond of varying opinions and stances. So, I wish to address this based upon what I believe God spoke to me from His Word (without unnecessarily burdening it with my own thoughts).
We win or lose by the way we choose. We can choose to see the darkness or partake of the light. The enemy attacks us from the outside. But God blesses us from the inside through the light that is rising within us. When the light comes to you, you need to let that light shine.
Many of us have received so many things, but we don't take that light and let it shine. If we let that light shine, nations and kingdoms will come to us. What God has put within us can affect nations. It has power to influence and impact people around our lives.
The light must continue to grow until nations are attracted to it. Everything that God has given us has the power to draw and influence nations. Kings will come to our rising brightness. We will not only have reach in the nations, but we will affect the men in high places. The quality of my life and light must attract the nations and impress the people in high places. The light that is within us must rise in brightness. Nations and kings will only come to the rising of our brightness.
Light must come from heaven, and we need to be recipients of that light. We need to be responsible for the light, to develop it, nurture it, until kings and nations are drawn to our rising brightness. This is the heart of the portion for Kingdom Believers.
Looking at the current state of affairs, the issue is not a matter of the downward turn of events, but it is a matter of the opportunity these events offer to the Body of Christ. Will we take this opportunity...? Let's not cloud the issue with facts...! Yes, I said it and I'll say it again...let's not cloud the issue with facts...! The Kingdom is the real world and the reality of the matter is swollen with what God says about it and if we have the capacity to receive it this is an exciting time for believers everywhere. All I have to say is..."You better get you some...!"
You will notice that these musings do not arrive at a particular conclusion, but are purposely inconclusive to allow space for the Spirit of God to speak individually to each person who reads this. God has given us a new spiritual position to influence and impact the earth. If we will be responsible to nurture what God has given to us then we will receive this new position. As far as you can see, you can have it. Whatever direction you look in, you will have unhindered sight. We don't want our vision to be narrow; we don't want our perception to be blocked. When we see a clear picture of what God has for us, then we can move into it.
Isaiah 60:1 - 3 (NKJV)...There is a breaking forth of light, despite the darkness that is surrounding the earth. There is a refreshing in the midst of crisis, hope in the midst of turmoil. Those who choose light will find life. We cannot focus on darkness, but we must focus on the light that needs to come to us. You must become a recipient of the light. Your portion is light, health, blessing and life...! If darkness hits you, you cannot rise. We must not be guided by what our natural eyes can see. We must gravitate towards the light.
1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.
We win or lose by the way we choose. We can choose to see the darkness or partake of the light. The enemy attacks us from the outside. But God blesses us from the inside through the light that is rising within us. When the light comes to you, you need to let that light shine.
Many of us have received so many things, but we don't take that light and let it shine. If we let that light shine, nations and kingdoms will come to us. What God has put within us can affect nations. It has power to influence and impact people around our lives.
The light must continue to grow until nations are attracted to it. Everything that God has given us has the power to draw and influence nations. Kings will come to our rising brightness. We will not only have reach in the nations, but we will affect the men in high places. The quality of my life and light must attract the nations and impress the people in high places. The light that is within us must rise in brightness. Nations and kings will only come to the rising of our brightness.
Light must come from heaven, and we need to be recipients of that light. We need to be responsible for the light, to develop it, nurture it, until kings and nations are drawn to our rising brightness. This is the heart of the portion for Kingdom Believers.
Looking at the current state of affairs, the issue is not a matter of the downward turn of events, but it is a matter of the opportunity these events offer to the Body of Christ. Will we take this opportunity...? Let's not cloud the issue with facts...! Yes, I said it and I'll say it again...let's not cloud the issue with facts...! The Kingdom is the real world and the reality of the matter is swollen with what God says about it and if we have the capacity to receive it this is an exciting time for believers everywhere. All I have to say is..."You better get you some...!"
You will notice that these musings do not arrive at a particular conclusion, but are purposely inconclusive to allow space for the Spirit of God to speak individually to each person who reads this. God has given us a new spiritual position to influence and impact the earth. If we will be responsible to nurture what God has given to us then we will receive this new position. As far as you can see, you can have it. Whatever direction you look in, you will have unhindered sight. We don't want our vision to be narrow; we don't want our perception to be blocked. When we see a clear picture of what God has for us, then we can move into it.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
I AM WHAT I AM...!
1 Corinthians 15:9 - 10 (NKJV)...
9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
The Apostle Paul is known throughout history as a great preacher and most remembered of the apostles of old. He is a prolific writer as the greatest contributor to the New Testament. Paul is also considered to be one of the most controversial men in Scriptures. Yet even with all his apparent success in ministry, he dubs himself as “least of the apostles” and “chief of sinners”.
Prior to his conversion Paul was named Saul. Born of Jewish parents and reared in a place called Tarsus, his special training was in tent making and Jewish Scriptures. At the age of 13, he became a child of the law and was brought to Jerusalem and placed under the tutelage of the noted pedagogue Gamaliel. He was a brilliant law student and a young rabbi, eventually becoming the rising hope of the Pharisees having been known as the “Pharisee of the Pharisees”. As Saul, he was a staunch enemy of Christ, he persecuted the Christians, he aided in the fatal stoning of Stephen and the record says that he “made havoc of the church”.
While on the Damascus Road, Saul had a personal experience with Jesus Christ, whom he persecuted. Having a very vivid and tremendous conversion experience, Jesus changed his name to Paul and sent him to a street called Straight. Now being called for the cause of Christ, he first went to be trained of the elders and other apostles and then went forth to do great and mighty works for Christ.
Notice the great paradox in the life of Paul. His original training did not match his ultimate destiny. He actually fought against his real destiny and purpose in God. This paradox is our same lot as our past never seems to match the destiny that God has for us and we typically fight against our true destiny and purpose in God.
Paul dubs himself as “least of the apostles” because he persecuted the church, yet he states “...by the grace of God I am what I am...” He did not let his past define who He is, he allows the grace of God to define him. Don’t let anything define who you are, except the grace of God…!
For the sake of clarity, the two short definitions of grace are “God’s unmerited favor” and “the enabling power of God”.
Don’t let your past, your circumstance, your situation, your financial condition, your physical condition, your mental condition, other people, or whatever else define who you are...! Only allow the grace of God to define you…!
God will anoint what HE’S called YOU to do...! Conversely, He will NOT anoint what you are not or what He has not called you to do...! That includes what we settle for because we’re either afraid or feel like we’re unworthy to walk in the actual place God has for us. He’s just not going to anoint the place you settle for short of His real plan for you...it just won’t work...! God is a particular God and He wants what He wants...!
Notice, in the text, what all grace did for Paul... Grace defined who he was in God. The grace was not given to him in vain because the grace worked in him the ability to accomplish all that he accomplished. What grace did for Paul, grace will do for you.
BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I AM WHAT I AM...! There’s nothing wrong with knowing who you are in God. Stop pretending to not be what God has called you to be to accommodate others...! Boldly be who you are in God.
If you make it a habit of celebrating the works of God, how can you neglect the works of God in you to include what He’s chosen for you to be in Him. Celebrate who you are in God. Not a celebration of your flesh or what YOU can do, but of the work of God and the power of God in you as you and the ability of God in you to get accomplished His plan for you. CELEBRATE…!
BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I AM WHAT I AM…!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
EXTRAVAGANT WORSHIP
St. Mark 14:1 - 11 (NKJV)...This woman came bearing an alabaster box (vial). The box (vial) itself was extraordinary and exquisite. It was not some little plastic throwaway container, but something that was in itself expensive. Alabaster is a fine-grained, massive gypsum...an expensive translucent marble, either white, brown or yellow in color.
1 After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death.
2 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.”
3 And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.
4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted?
5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.
6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.
7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always.
8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.
9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them.
11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.
The remarkable thing is that there is no way to extract the spikenard (precious ointment) unless the container (the alabaster box) is broken. There was no screw-off cap as we know today that could be neatly screwed back on for the next time. It was either break it in order to extract the contents or the contents remained yet enclosed.
As expensive and beautiful as the alabaster box is, it’s not the container that interests the Lord, but it’s the contents (the spikenard / fine ointment) that He desires. So, to get to the expensive contents, the exquisite container must be broken.
The extravagance of our worship is in our brokenness. It is one thing to have the fragrance of Christ formed in us through identification with Him and quite another thing to have the religion of convenience, which is also the religion of betrayal. If our Christianity costs nothing and is convenient, then we are already one with Judas.
The faith is extraordinarily demanding, and that is why Jesus commended what the woman had done, and it was to be a memorial to her wherever this gospel is preached. This gospel is the gospel of extravagant abandonment and pouring out from our brokenness, or it is not a gospel of power. Wholeness is found only at the fulfillment of our brokenness.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Bless The City
Proverbs 11:11 (NKJV)…
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
This is a condensed but very potent word from God. The power of the Kingdom of God through the expression of Kingdom ministry is visible in its ability to impact cities. This is the evidence of the power and ability of the church to actuate spiritual governance in the city and region where it resides.
There are three important things to consider when looking at the governing church’s place in the city in relation to Proverbs 11:11. They are the condition of the city, the people in the city, and the effective activity of the city.
The Condition of the City
Proverbs 11:11 takes us into the true dynamics that determine the factors that impact the governance, morality and spirituality of a city. The city can either be exalted or overthrown. The reality is that the condition of the city can be changed. This realization gives power and confidence to our prayer and ministry efforts. The word “exalted” signifies “movement in an upward direction”. The whole reality of movement is important to the understanding of this word. It is the same Hebrew/Chaldee word used in Genesis 7:17, “…the waters increased and…the ark…rose high above the earth.”
The People in the City
There are two (2) groups of people in the city that have a direct governing impact upon the condition of the city. They are not the Republicans and Democrats. The final condition of the city, as far as the Word is concerned, does not really depend upon the multiplicity of political parties or the power of Congress. But the two groups that have direct governing impact upon the condition of the city are the upright and the wicked. It is these two groups and the power of their spiritual alignment that determine the final condition of the city.
Where you stand is determined by what you are governed by. What are you governed by…? To know this ask yourself, “What do I respond to…?”
The upright are the “just” or those who have consciously and accurately aligned themselves with the position of God. The word “wicked” is a legal term indicating those who are legally guilty of opposition with God. (Recognize that there is a strong legal dimension to the power of governance in the spirit realm.)
The Effective Activity of the City
When the upright begin to “bless” the city or to make powerful, intelligent spoken declarations of the prosperity, rule, rightness and order of God over the city then the upward movement of exaltation begins to take place.
When the lawless, guilty, wicked people open their mouth then the city is “overthrown” or “forced downward with a strong blow”.
Proverbs 28:4 (NKJV)…The upright are in spiritual contention with the wicked over the future of the city. Our warfare and contention is in the spiritual realm of prayer and decrees of the upward mobility of the city released by the mouth of blessing.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them.
LET THE UPRIGHT BLESS THE CITY…!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Reform Fatigue
Jeremiah 1:4 - 10 (NKJV)...
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.”
The Call to Reform & Being a Reformer
If you are to be in cutting edge ministry as was Jeremiah, with the call to ministry comes the call to be a reformer. The obvious requisite to being a reformer is to have gone through the process of reformation yourself and occupy the place of being reformed.
It is of utmost importance that as a reformer you know the scope and extent of your sphere of responsibility to ensure that you are not easily shaken when difficulty presents itself. When you are faced with the calling of God upon your life (to reform and be a reformer), you can expect to be immediately confronted with your limitations and inadequacies (vs. 6). God's consistent response to our limitations and inadequacies is absolute obedience to Him (vs. 7). We access God's power and ability (the anointing) in our obedience to Him.
In verse 8 God says to Jeremiah, "Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you." Hidden in this admonition to resist fear is a promise of opposition. While there is a hidden promise of opposition, notice the visible and open promise of God's presence and deliverance. God provides the tools you need to accomplish His will (vs. 9).
Jeremiah 1:10 (NKJV)...
10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.
Not only did God call Jeremiah to be a prophet, but he called him to be a reformer. Notice the order...before Jeremiah could get to the point of building and planting he had to first root out, pull down, destroy and throw down (a 4:2 ratio). You cannot build on a faulty foundation...the old must first be destroyed before you can build and plant. It is spiritually illegal to destroy without having the wherewithal and sustenance to rebuild anew...and this is the seat of reformation.
Reformers Opposition
Jeremiah 20:1 - 2 (NKJV)...
1 Now Pashhur the son of Immer, the priest who was also chief governor in the house of the Lord, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.
2 Then Pashhur struck Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the Lord.
Pashhur the priest, the chief officer in the house of the Lord, had Jeremiah beaten and imprisoned. Observe that Jeremiah's opposition comes from a fellow believer who would not accept the prophetic message of reform which Jeremiah proclaimed. The uncomfortable message of reform will not be met with immediate acceptance, but rather with opposition and controversy.
Opposition often causes us to wonder if we are operating accurately under the direction of the Lord and this is a dilemma. There is a tendency to desire migration towards that which is popular and engaged by the majority. This fixation to be enthralled with that which is popular can often be a fatal mistake. Be careful and very cautious about crowd mentality.
1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)...
11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
The biblical record of holy writ is provided for us to be an example and an admonition so we have a clear understanding of the configuration of God. The stories in the Word of God give us understanding on how God works and how we should and should not respond to God and our situations / circumstances. That being said...
On What Side Do We Really Stand...? It begs the question...given our fixation with the crowd and the majority, on what side would we have found ourselves had we been in these situations accounted in the canonical record...
- Noah and the Great Flood
- Sodom and Gomorrah
- Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea
- Moses and the Israelites at the base of Mt. Sinai
- The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jeremiah 20:7 - 8 (NKJV)...
7 O Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me.
8 For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, “Violence and plunder!” Because the word of the Lord was made to me a reproach and a derision daily.
Here we find Jeremiah, in the big middle of operating in his call as a reformer, distraught and complaining about the outcome of his opposition. This is the classic example of "Reform Fatigue". This is the place where you become tired of being the reformer (read: the "odd ball" out) and you just want out...whatever out means or represents. Have you ever been there...?
Jeremiah 20:9 (NKJV)...
9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.
Within the heart of a true reformer is the resolve to continue in the call regardless of the stance of the majority or heat of the opposition. To the reformer the message of reform is like a burning fire shut up in his bones. Without technical controls, fire cannot be contained...it will spread beyond its containment.
Jeremiah 20:10 - 11 (NKJV)...
10 For I heard many mocking: “Fear on every side!” “Report,” they say, “and we will report it!” All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, “Perhaps he can be induced; then we will prevail against him, and we will take our revenge on him.”
11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.
Jeremiah recognized, as we all must, that regardless to the opposition waged against the reformer, the might and power of the awesome God is ever present to deliver and avenge (as he was promised at his calling).
The Reformer's Addiction
1 Corinthians 16:13 - 16 (NKJV)...
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the
saints—
16 That you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
Within the heart of a true reformer lies an addiction to the message of reform and the ministry of the saints. Let's look at the anatomy of an addiction...
- You can't help it...You find yourself doing whatever it takes to get to what you're addicted to.
- Nothing deters you from your addiction.
- You seek out others who are addicted like you and you attempt to recruit others to the addiction.
THE CURE FOR REFORM FATIGUE IS THE REFORMER'S ADDICTION...!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Efficiently and Effectively Finding Your Frequency
There are not many things that can be more frustrating than listening to a radio station that is off frequency. The static, the background noise, the inconsistency of sound and the inability to accurately discern what you're hearing drives you to readjust the station to either better capture the station you're listening to or just find another station altogether. This is a concept that is easy to understand as we have been in that place before. Even with the proliferation of CDs, mp3s, iPods and the like we can embrace this concept either by recognition of radio listening or cell phone usage…being out of frequency is a frustration and an irritation not to be tolerated.
What I find to be strange, yet real, is that while we can embrace the need to shift frequency and find a better signal in our usage of technology we struggle with this reality when the frequency is off in the operation of our lives. We will continue to tolerate the static, background noise, inconsistency of sound and inability to rightly discern rather than making the shift to truly find our frequency. What are we afraid of…? This stagnation causes us to continuously spin our wheels and chase our tails living lives that have been dictated to us by the proverbial "others". The strength of resolve comes in finding, setting and living in your own frequency that has been specifically carved out for you. Here's a special news flash for us all…WHAT WORKS FOR YOU MAY NOT WORK FOR ME AND WHAT WORKS FOR ME MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU…! Since God created us as individuals He specifically put a plan in place to deal with us as individuals. God being Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent, He is more than capable and able to achieve this objective.
We can easily identify when we're off frequency once we acknowledge our inability to rightly discern where we are or where we are going. Before we know it we can end up flowing along operating by the dictates of someone else's ideals to the loss and ultimate demise of our own. I am not purporting an independent standoffish demeanor and attitude, but I am espousing the strength that lies in interdependence where we know well who we are and live in the frequency that God has designed specifically for us to excel.
I cannot nor can anyone identify your frequency for you and vice versa. This is a quest that we each must go on and be secure in knowing when we have found the correct frequency and the courage to recognize and acknowledge when that frequency has grown weak and shift frequencies and find a better signal.
In recent days I have come to an intimate realization of this phenomenon. You can get there before you know it. I found myself in a place where I knew things were not working for me, but I remained there in an effort to keep other people content. And the saddest part of this reality is that I didn't even realize it. Even after I recognized it, my refusal to acknowledge it further delayed my progress. The only way I could shift was to make some radical changes in direction and focus. Many people that I love and respect could not, and some still do not, understand my feverishly audacious maneuvers to which my only response is…"so be it". What seemed spontaneous to them took me many long hours in prayer, contemplation, study and strategy. It hurt me to hurt them, but it was necessary for me to be in the center of God's will, which is the ONLY place of safety. I am still tweaking the frequency for the right signal, but I am closer than I have been in quite a while. And you know what…it feels great…!
So to those who have taken the time to read this blog I challenge you (I can't help it…I'm a preacher) to find YOUR frequency. Be who God designed YOU to be and live there happily and without fear.
Well, I sort of went off on a tangent on this blog. It was my intention to deal with the difference between being efficient and effective in finding your frequency and the necessity of both, but I'm swiftly running out of steam plus I don't want this to be too long. So, perhaps I'll do that another time.
Just Consider…
Consider the following passage of scripture in light of the discussion in this blog about finding your frequency:
What I find to be strange, yet real, is that while we can embrace the need to shift frequency and find a better signal in our usage of technology we struggle with this reality when the frequency is off in the operation of our lives. We will continue to tolerate the static, background noise, inconsistency of sound and inability to rightly discern rather than making the shift to truly find our frequency. What are we afraid of…? This stagnation causes us to continuously spin our wheels and chase our tails living lives that have been dictated to us by the proverbial "others". The strength of resolve comes in finding, setting and living in your own frequency that has been specifically carved out for you. Here's a special news flash for us all…WHAT WORKS FOR YOU MAY NOT WORK FOR ME AND WHAT WORKS FOR ME MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU…! Since God created us as individuals He specifically put a plan in place to deal with us as individuals. God being Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent, He is more than capable and able to achieve this objective.
We can easily identify when we're off frequency once we acknowledge our inability to rightly discern where we are or where we are going. Before we know it we can end up flowing along operating by the dictates of someone else's ideals to the loss and ultimate demise of our own. I am not purporting an independent standoffish demeanor and attitude, but I am espousing the strength that lies in interdependence where we know well who we are and live in the frequency that God has designed specifically for us to excel.
I cannot nor can anyone identify your frequency for you and vice versa. This is a quest that we each must go on and be secure in knowing when we have found the correct frequency and the courage to recognize and acknowledge when that frequency has grown weak and shift frequencies and find a better signal.
In recent days I have come to an intimate realization of this phenomenon. You can get there before you know it. I found myself in a place where I knew things were not working for me, but I remained there in an effort to keep other people content. And the saddest part of this reality is that I didn't even realize it. Even after I recognized it, my refusal to acknowledge it further delayed my progress. The only way I could shift was to make some radical changes in direction and focus. Many people that I love and respect could not, and some still do not, understand my feverishly audacious maneuvers to which my only response is…"so be it". What seemed spontaneous to them took me many long hours in prayer, contemplation, study and strategy. It hurt me to hurt them, but it was necessary for me to be in the center of God's will, which is the ONLY place of safety. I am still tweaking the frequency for the right signal, but I am closer than I have been in quite a while. And you know what…it feels great…!
So to those who have taken the time to read this blog I challenge you (I can't help it…I'm a preacher) to find YOUR frequency. Be who God designed YOU to be and live there happily and without fear.
Well, I sort of went off on a tangent on this blog. It was my intention to deal with the difference between being efficient and effective in finding your frequency and the necessity of both, but I'm swiftly running out of steam plus I don't want this to be too long. So, perhaps I'll do that another time.
Just Consider…
Consider the following passage of scripture in light of the discussion in this blog about finding your frequency:
Hebrews 6:1 - 6 (NKJV) …
- Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
- Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
- And this we will do if God permits.
- For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,
- And have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,
- If they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
My Friend Jimmy
For those who have occasion to read my blog I want to invite you to view a website of a good friend of mine. The site is owned by Jimmy Hayes, a native of St. Louis, MO. Along with information about himself, his site conveys an experience he encountered with his former employer, J.B. Hunt. Jimmy's story is unfortunately another saga of racially based bias and discrimination. He is still looking for his day in court as he has been unable to find an attorney to take his case. I am sharing this in hopes there will be someone who will read this and be willing and able to support this effort.
Here is the link to Jimmy's site… http://web.mac.com/jimmyjamm
Here is the link to Jimmy's site… http://web.mac.com/jimmyjamm
That Which Quells Essential Power In The Body Of Christ
What is one of the greatest reasons why we lack essential power in "the church"…? Façades…!
We have heard it said time and time again, the greatest actors are not found on the silver screen in Hollywood or on the stage on (or off) Broadway. You will find the greatest actors you'll ever meet in your life gathering Sunday after Sunday in churches around the globe. Why do we find it necessary to keep up facades with one another…? We try to convince one another that we have everything all together not recognizing that it is the strength of recognizing weakness that we find the strength of the Lord…? Who do we really think we're fooling, other than ourselves…? The only ones really tricked in these occasions are ourselves.
James 5:16 (NKJV) …
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
We use this scripture often to emphasize the latter part of it about "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man". And this makes for great emphasis on the power of prayer in the life of the believer. While I do not disagree with emphasizing that reality, I believe we do it to the neglect of the greater reality that resides in the foundation from which that power is built. Here's what I mean… While we can greatly preach on the effectiveness of prayer; get many "amens" and shouts of approval concerning the fervency of prayer; tout with great conviction the importance of personal righteousness; and "hoop" in succession of how all this culminates into availing much for the praying believer, all from the latter part of this verse…we tend to be particularly silent and often painfully mute concerning the first portion of the passage with the admonition to "confess your trespasses to one another". Isn't it strange, yet real, how we so easily bypass the "confession" to get to the "effective", when it is indeed the "confession" that forms the "effective". Our hesitancy towards this part of the passage is largely due to our outright fear of the whole idea of "confession". I really like the way this passage reads in the Amplified Bible…
James 5:16 (AMP) …
16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
It begs the question…if we are not confessing our trespasses, how do we know what to pray for and how can we be healed and restored…? This is why much of the body of Christ is bound…paralyzed in façades. We cannot expect or anticipate effective, fervent prayer availing much because without "confession" we won't be righteous. After all, what is righteousness, if not right-standing with God…? How can we indeed be in right-standing with God if we live in and exude façades…? David said of God that He desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6) and I add that truth in the inward parts will ultimately spill outward.
I have personally gotten to the point that I am frustrated with the lack of truth exhibited in the lives of those we call "Christians". Deliver me from the falsehood and "poker face" we practice in the church. I have recognized this trait in me and it sickens me to think I have perpetrated a fraud, particularly when there was nothing to gain and much to lose.
fa.çade n [F façade, fr. It facciata, fr. faccia face, fr. (assumed) VL facia] (ca. 1681) 1: the front of a building; also: any face of a building given special architectural treatment 2: a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect
Let me sound the alarm for all to hear…FAÇADES ARE NOT REAL…! Per Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, a façade is a false, superficial or artificial appearance or effect. In a word, it is a lie. It is a lie that we choose to believe and we orchestrate for others to believe about us. This is not the manner of true citizens of the Kingdom of God.
For those of us who walk in current expressions of the Kingdom of God and live in the present truth of Apostolic Reformation, if we still afford ourselves the perceived luxury of maintaining our own personal façade we have not advanced the way we think we have and we are as religious as we espouse others to be. It's the religion of "me" and not the relationship of God.
How do we worship effectively with a façade when the word of God says that "the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (St. John 4:23)…?
The sad reality is that we are afraid of confession because the church has not created an environment conducive to confession. We are at the mercy of the "gossip mongers" and their salacious and intently interested listeners. And such we some of us...! Real, true, honest confession becomes a laborious process in the presence of our fellow believers who many are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for the first opportunity to crucify the one who dares follow the Word of God and engage in the practice of open confession. Oh, you know how it's done…we hold a "bull session"…you know what that is don't you…? It's a luscious gossip session, during which we dissect and re-dissect the incident with relish. Let's grow up saints and follow the Word of God. This spirit must be broken. We side with Satan as the accuser of the brethren when we take this course of action. I recall that Michael the archangel dared not bring a reviling accusation against the devil (Jude 1:9); yet we take "pop shots" at each other all the time without a second thought. Help us, Lord…! Can we honestly say like David, "I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress" (Psalm 17:3)…?
In this last hour, the body of believers needs all the power it can muster and we cannot afford to let anything slip. We must pray like David; "Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip" (Psalm 17:5). I challenge believers everywhere to exercise the Word of God and confess your trespasses to one another so we may all know how to pray and see true healing and restoration come to the body of Christ. It is then, and only then, that we will realize the true effective, fervent prayer of the righteous availing much.
We have heard it said time and time again, the greatest actors are not found on the silver screen in Hollywood or on the stage on (or off) Broadway. You will find the greatest actors you'll ever meet in your life gathering Sunday after Sunday in churches around the globe. Why do we find it necessary to keep up facades with one another…? We try to convince one another that we have everything all together not recognizing that it is the strength of recognizing weakness that we find the strength of the Lord…? Who do we really think we're fooling, other than ourselves…? The only ones really tricked in these occasions are ourselves.
James 5:16 (NKJV) …
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
We use this scripture often to emphasize the latter part of it about "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man". And this makes for great emphasis on the power of prayer in the life of the believer. While I do not disagree with emphasizing that reality, I believe we do it to the neglect of the greater reality that resides in the foundation from which that power is built. Here's what I mean… While we can greatly preach on the effectiveness of prayer; get many "amens" and shouts of approval concerning the fervency of prayer; tout with great conviction the importance of personal righteousness; and "hoop" in succession of how all this culminates into availing much for the praying believer, all from the latter part of this verse…we tend to be particularly silent and often painfully mute concerning the first portion of the passage with the admonition to "confess your trespasses to one another". Isn't it strange, yet real, how we so easily bypass the "confession" to get to the "effective", when it is indeed the "confession" that forms the "effective". Our hesitancy towards this part of the passage is largely due to our outright fear of the whole idea of "confession". I really like the way this passage reads in the Amplified Bible…
James 5:16 (AMP) …
16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
It begs the question…if we are not confessing our trespasses, how do we know what to pray for and how can we be healed and restored…? This is why much of the body of Christ is bound…paralyzed in façades. We cannot expect or anticipate effective, fervent prayer availing much because without "confession" we won't be righteous. After all, what is righteousness, if not right-standing with God…? How can we indeed be in right-standing with God if we live in and exude façades…? David said of God that He desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6) and I add that truth in the inward parts will ultimately spill outward.
I have personally gotten to the point that I am frustrated with the lack of truth exhibited in the lives of those we call "Christians". Deliver me from the falsehood and "poker face" we practice in the church. I have recognized this trait in me and it sickens me to think I have perpetrated a fraud, particularly when there was nothing to gain and much to lose.
fa.çade n [F façade, fr. It facciata, fr. faccia face, fr. (assumed) VL facia] (ca. 1681) 1: the front of a building; also: any face of a building given special architectural treatment 2: a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect
Let me sound the alarm for all to hear…FAÇADES ARE NOT REAL…! Per Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, a façade is a false, superficial or artificial appearance or effect. In a word, it is a lie. It is a lie that we choose to believe and we orchestrate for others to believe about us. This is not the manner of true citizens of the Kingdom of God.
For those of us who walk in current expressions of the Kingdom of God and live in the present truth of Apostolic Reformation, if we still afford ourselves the perceived luxury of maintaining our own personal façade we have not advanced the way we think we have and we are as religious as we espouse others to be. It's the religion of "me" and not the relationship of God.
How do we worship effectively with a façade when the word of God says that "the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (St. John 4:23)…?
The sad reality is that we are afraid of confession because the church has not created an environment conducive to confession. We are at the mercy of the "gossip mongers" and their salacious and intently interested listeners. And such we some of us...! Real, true, honest confession becomes a laborious process in the presence of our fellow believers who many are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for the first opportunity to crucify the one who dares follow the Word of God and engage in the practice of open confession. Oh, you know how it's done…we hold a "bull session"…you know what that is don't you…? It's a luscious gossip session, during which we dissect and re-dissect the incident with relish. Let's grow up saints and follow the Word of God. This spirit must be broken. We side with Satan as the accuser of the brethren when we take this course of action. I recall that Michael the archangel dared not bring a reviling accusation against the devil (Jude 1:9); yet we take "pop shots" at each other all the time without a second thought. Help us, Lord…! Can we honestly say like David, "I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress" (Psalm 17:3)…?
In this last hour, the body of believers needs all the power it can muster and we cannot afford to let anything slip. We must pray like David; "Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip" (Psalm 17:5). I challenge believers everywhere to exercise the Word of God and confess your trespasses to one another so we may all know how to pray and see true healing and restoration come to the body of Christ. It is then, and only then, that we will realize the true effective, fervent prayer of the righteous availing much.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Quote by Elbert Hubbard
"Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal."
-- Elbert Hubbard
-- Elbert Hubbard
The Bondage Called "Me"
Judges 16:15-21 • 2 Corinthians 3:17 • Galatians 5:1
Our Current Freedom From Bondage
We can now successfully and rightfully boast in the Lord of our freedom from many different forms of bondage…
- Sin
- Drugs
- Sex
- People
- Religiosity
Liberty vs. Bondage
- Synonymous with the Spirit of the Lord is the Spirit of Liberty.
- Bondage, of any kind, cannot co-exist with the Spirit of God.
- Once you have embraced the liberty available in Christ Jesus through His Spirit, you are to be mindful to not allow yourself to be entangled again under the yoke of any bondage.
- There is no acceptable bondage…!
- While we have made great strides in dealing with our external bondages, we have yet to deal with our internal bondage.
The Bondage Called "Me"
St. Matthew 16:24
The bondage yet to be dealt with is… The Bondage Called "Me"…!
- Personal & cherished fears
- My own personal mindset
- My delusions of grandeur
- My personal lover called "hurt"
- My ever increasing need for attention
- My exaggerated opinion of my own spirituality
The problem with retaining our internal bondage is that it leads us back into our external bondages. 2 Peter 2:20
Samson
- Samson, a child of destiny, was destined to deliver Israel out the hand of the Philistines.
- Samson's life & lifestyle had a way of not matching his destiny.
- Samson's greatest enemy was not the Philistines, but that he was bound to himself.
- Originally God used Samson's "pledge to himself" for His purposes, but just because God used Samson's flesh does not mean that God validated his flesh.
- Samson's allegiance was so pledged to himself that he led himself to his own destruction.
- The Bondage Called "Me" will have you looking right at the path of your undoing and keep walking the same path.
- After Delilah made it clear she meant him no good, Samson continued to trust her.
• …bind me with seven green that were never dried…
• …bind me fast with new ropes that were never occupied…
• …weave the seven locks of my head with the web…
• …No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazarite to God from my mother's womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man… - "Bind me…"
- Notice how he got closer to his undoing with each disclosure.
- We give the enemy too much information.
- Samson liked playing too many games.
- Many of us are playing games with our safety.
Judges 16:27-30
- The reality of Samson's destiny was not realized until he was willing to die.
- Samson finally came to the end of himself.
- There is a death to self that is necessary to release the Bondage Called "Me".
Monday, February 23, 2009
Destiny - A Place Called Destination
Destiny – we talk a lot and hear a lot about destiny these days. Our destiny discussions are often exciting & personally fulfilling to us. What we often fail to consider in our destiny discussions is the relationship that exists between destiny and destination. Destiny is a series of destinations ultimately arriving to a final promised destination. Our problem is because of the difficulty of the process we often abort important destinations.
Genesis 37:1-11
Genesis 37:1-11
- Joseph presents as a prime example of destiny from a series of unforeseen destinations…
vss. 3-4 – Unfortunately, being called & chosen will always place you as an object of jealousy & hatred. - vs. 5 – Many times difficulties befall us simply because we talk too much…!
- vss. 6-11 – Observe, Joseph dreamed of his preferment, but he did not dream of his imprisonment.
Joseph's brothers conspired to kill him, but Reuben thought better of that plan & decided to cat him into a pit, delivered him out of their hands so he could be returned to his father. They stripped him of his coat & threw him in the pit. After having their lunch they saw of company of Ishmeelites coming & decided to sell him into slavery, selling him for 30 pieces of silver. The brothers killed a kid goat & dipped Joseph's coat in the blood to perpetrate his brutal death to his father Jacob, who mourned heavily for the loss of his son. Don't be too surprised & alarmed by the treachery of jealousy.
Genesis 39:1-5
Even in the midst of his predicament the Lord was with Joseph & Potiphar noticed the anointing on Joseph. The Lord blessed Potiphar's house for Joseph's sake…many times people are blessed because of you & they don't even realize it. Being the overseer of Potiphar's house was not Joseph's destiny, just one destination on the road to destiny. On the road to destiny there will always be intermediate places of blessings in between the many & varied struggles…DON'T CONFUSE AN INTERMEDIATE PLACE OF BLESSING AS YOUR DESTINY …&… DON'T SETTLE FOR AN INTERMEDIATE PLACE OF BLESSING IN LIEU OF YOUR DESTINY…HOLD OUT FOR THE TRUE PROMISE…!
You can always tell an intermediate place of blessing because it will be short lived. Potiphar's wife gets designs on Joseph…she sees different talent in Joseph than did Potiphar. Potiphar's wife invites Joseph to a "bedroom blessing" to which he denies as he did not want to betray the trust of his master Potiphar nor did want to do that sort of wickedness and sin against God. She put the pressure on daily for a real good "flesh festival", until finally she couldn't take it anymore & took matters into her own hands and snatched the man's clothes off. Dude broke camp & ran out the house.
Potiphar's wife then lies on Joseph & says that the he was trying to have her, of course angering Potiphar. The now angry Potiphar throws Joseph in prison. Joseph now in prison & even in prison the Lord was with Joseph as he was put over all the prisoners and all that he did there the Lord made it prosper.
In prison Joseph's anointing as an interpreter of dreams arises and becomes evident as he interprets the dreams of the butler & the baker of the king of Egypt that was thrown into prison in the same ward where Joseph was. The butler promised to remember Joseph once he was restored, but he didn't. After 2 full years Pharaoh has a dream & looks for an interpretation. The butler finally remembers Joseph as an interpreter of dreams.
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream & the grateful Pharaoh sets Joseph over all the land of Egypt (a rank & position far higher than that of Potiphar). (Joseph was 30 years old when Pharaoh promoted him.)
The pit, the Potiphar and the prison is the passage to the palace…! Genesis 45:3-8
Joseph arrives at his Divinely appointed destiny in the palace…"the place of destination"…but only after experiencing the pit, the Potiphar & the prison. Even the treachery of his brothers couldn't keep him from his destiny; in fact, they didn't even know they were simply part of the plan.
Why couldn't Joseph just go straight to the palace? God knew that's where He wanted Him. Destiny is the finish of many destinations…! Don't abort your destiny by trying to take detours…! When you miss Sovereignly determined destinations you delay & potentially abort your Divinely appointed destiny.
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