What is a "performer?" In regard to Christianity, a "performer" is one whose life, relationships and ministry are being carried out in a calculated, result-oriented fashion which serves a self-purpose that goes beyond the obvious occasion. Simply put, it is being less than authentic because of a hidden agenda. The world is full of performing people, whether it be in entertainment, politics, media, sports, education, technology,church etc. Certainly, the church is no wise exempt from such a manifestation of the spirit of the age.
The performer is either being influenced or oppressed by the hireling spirit (Jn.10:11-13). Those of this spirit can be very captivating, entertaining, attractive and even seductive. They can rally people emotionally, impress through achievement and the allure of celebrity, and even be a financial asset to those who will allow them to showcase themselves. But those of this spirit lack follow through and integrity, are impersonal, can become surprisingly cold and detach themselves in ways which go beyond objectivity, and only have time for you when it clearly benefits them. As a result of their (often hidden) agenda, they leave wreckage everywhere they go, consuming everything and everyone undiscerning enough to give them such an opportunity.
This spirit wants to pervasively dominate the Body of Christ in order to bring repeated disappointment, disillusion and even disgrace to the church, but the Lord is being faithful in this hour to cause His people to look at themselves. Separate yourself from this tendency in your life, no matter what you have to do to come under the authority of the Lord– regardless of the changes in relationship you may need to make. The assignment of this spirit against the body will only continue and increase. You must break this demonic power over your life today.
"ME" Syndrome
When considering what it means to be a hireling, most are prone to think in terms of those in ministry for the money. Or, those who won't allow anyone or anything to get in the way of their progress of advancement toward a goal. Or, even those whose understanding of the Body of Christ is simply motivated by constantly obtaining support for their own personal needs. In other words, the performing-hireling is often seen as the epitome of the "me" or "my" syndrome. Personified.
What we fail to consider many times is that one doesn't have to be "in the ministry" to be operating under the influence of or be bound by the hireling. It is no different than any other form of prostitution that all of us encounter everyday– in the work place, schools, media, etc. Any believer that is simply "in it for what I can get," is inviting the hireling spirit to take over in pride, greed, dishonesty and exploitation.
All of this being true, what can we say as to what causes a person to develop in this way? Yes, there is a sin issue, a "self" orientation, a "me first" disposition. But to be healed as an individual you must receive true repentance which results in an authentic "transformation by the renewal of your mind" (Ro.12:1-2). We've made repentance about determination to change– even religious self-hatred to motivate us– but a true cleansing from the Lord produces change of heart and mind (2Cor.7:10). Therefore, the ability itself to repent (which means to turn and face God resulting in the abandonment of self-focus and absorption) must also come from God (Ro.2:4; 2Tim.2:25).
Perfect in Love
To come to the end of our self-trust and confidence in the flesh, we must ask ourselves some penetrating questions, such as: "why do I prefer to perform for people, achieving in the eyes of others and self more than I desire to personally relate to God?" "Why can't I allow God to personally nurture me and let the reality of that be seen privately with those very same persons?" Another is "what makes me withdraw from those who need me most, those I am required to be most committed to?" There are many more, but what I'm getting to is that there is an unmet need in many individuals, an unresolved issue, a lack of being made "perfect in love" which produces fear of being seen at any level deeper than superficial performing (1Jn.4:18).
Somewhere along the line, an event has transpired which has so impacted the person that they are not really present in the current situation. A precedent has been established resulting from such a past event or history, one which causes them to instinctively protect self. Operating from that which is past and unrelated to the present situation, many live out of a wound, allowing that breach to define their behavior in the present. This renders them unable to have relationships and they de facto become a hireling.
Therefore, the one who has been hurt, or under-nurtured, or rejected/abandoned turns to productivity, recognition and/or accomplishment as the substitute for intimacy. Why? In the hope of overcoming the fear of being insufficient in the eyes of others (& therefore also in self). Why? Because they are convinced of their own insufficiency and cannot risk letting what they feel about themselves be confirmed to them by you. Therefore, they will only perform for you, they will not relate to you. They must show you what they can do, but they cannot bear to let you see what they (fear & feel) they are.
When asked why they must work so hard, their invariable answer is because "there is a need." Unable to rest without addressing it, the performer will HAVE TO do something about everything that is less than perfect around them. When constantly preferring business, ministry, recreation, friends, etc. to those whose commitment takes clear biblical precedence, they clearly demonstrate proof of their performance orientation.
For example, a performing minister– whether being a hireling or just wrestling against the tendency– will always prefer to be used of God than have relationship with God. So whenever there is a choice between someone clamoring for their personal attention or spending time with God– the choice will have already been made. Why is that? Being used of God can make one feel good emotionally and mentally in ways that personal relationships often do not– especially a personal relationship with God which requires one to face self in the light of His presence. Therefore, public and even personal ministry is preferable to private prayer, any anointing for ministry is chosen over the individual's seek of God, and the self-image which comes through "helping" serves as the replacement and substitute for being "helped" by God.
Since those who know them best are the least impressed with them, the hireling-performer avoids unpleasant reality checks with those close to them. Because they are incomplete in their walk with God, their pain instinctively guides them away from intimacy with God and family and into productivity, performance and pleasure with those whose notice of them will affirm the outer man.
Are You Codependent?
Yes, I'm saying that if you are one who leans toward codependency (or needing to be needed), you are a prime candidate for coming under the hireling spirit. This is because you will unwittingly make choices based on what (perhaps unconsciously) seems to meet your unmet need. Faced with choices to either trust God for solutions involving faith (prayer) as opposed to your work (speaking into their life, listening, or assisting), you will instinctively react to circumstance rather than respond to the Spirit of God.
Again, the performer is either being influenced or oppressed by the hireling spirit. The hireling "careth not for the sheep" (Jn.11:13). How can this be that the performer "ministers" but does not truly care for others? Because they are driven to act by their own self-need, whether it be psychological (self-image), social (affirmation), career (advancement &/or reputation) or financial (survival or increase).
After all, how can the hireling truly care for the sheep if motivated by self-needs which cause favoritism, rejection and selective attention? The sheep might truly need him, but he has nothing to personally give in heart, even if abounding in resource & expertise. The sheep might make him look bad (if they fail to live up to his standards of excellence which are more pride based than Kingdom oriented). The sheep might take up his time with things that will keep the hireling unseen (when he so "needs" to be seen & noticed for his productivity & public performing).
Again, this spirit wants to increasingly dominate the Body of Christ. But what it promotes to bring to the body it more than takes away from it, fostering disappointment, disillusion and even disgrace to the church. How? By reproducing this tendency in others and therefore providing false models of how we are to recognize success and true achievement- whether it be in priority of heart or decision making.
The Lord is being faithful to cause all of His people to come under self-examination in His Presence, however. All false options for moving forward are bit by bit being eliminated so those who have truly desired and asked to become completely His will have valid opportunity to be so. Separate yourself from every aspect of this tendency and/or close all gates to this demonic influence. Do whatever you must to come under the authority of the Lord, regardless of the changes you will need to make. Tomorrow will be the same as today unless freedom comes. So will the next day. You must break this demonic power now.
How?
Give God the opportunity to loose repentance into your life. Get before Him with no distraction or agenda. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ to you personally and privately, showing you every tendency which hinders you, releasing new ways of walking closer with Him. Discriminate between the urgent and the important, do what is eternal that may have no immediate impact for feeding self, advancement, or increase.
Allow yourself to play as a child so that you can loosen up and enjoy your walk with God. On the other hand, if recreation has been your way of avoiding maturity issues, allow the Father to guide you and administer His responsibilities to you by the Spirit.
If these prove insufficient because you are oppressed in spirit (rather than simply influenced because of your personal background), lay hands on yourself and use your authority to break satan's grip (Mk.16:15). Or, fast and seek God's face for intimacy (Joel 2). If necessary, don't hesitate to seek out those whose integrity and authority you trust to help you get free in order to walk into freedom.
If you have a local church, start there. It should be one who not only covers you, but is also covered in Apostolic/Prophetic relationship with others as well. If you do not trust your local church leadership (your Pastor,oops)for this, or feel they may be under the hireling spirit also, then by all means consider this may be a sign that God has something better for you. Perhaps you are being challenged to consider a change of environment.
God wants you free; the Lord wants you able to progress into His destiny. The Holy Spirit will lead you if you will allow yourself to go beyond the quick fix, the expedient route, the short cut, and the means to an end that the hireling is always driven to find before they can participate.
Jesus took no short cut (Php.2:5-11). Christ allowed Himself to be utterly and completely broken for each and every one of us (Isa.53:1-8). The Lord did not wait until it would benefit Him (Ro.5:8). He did all this so we could have relationship with Him, not just use Him for our own purposes (2Cor.5:18-20).
When the hireling/performer gets free, then life can become about the "Him and His" of the Kingdom of God. It no longer has to be about the "them & their's" of self (Jn.10:11).
Happy Father'S Day!
Amazing Praise
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Entitlements
"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!" - Philippians 2:8
Society today has duped many of us into believing that the world owes us. It owes us a good living, a loving spouse, good health throughout our whole life, sexual pleasure when we want it, and paid vacations the rest of our lives. The world has told us if we work hard and do right, we are entitled to these things. This is the Esau perspective on life. For a mere meal, he sold his own birthright for a simple pleasure to which he felt entitled.
Society, and even the Church, is more pleasure-focused than ever before. I read once where a man stated: We are not a society that simply enjoys its time off. Our leisure appetites drive us. It is increasingly common to hear people turning down job offers because the hours or other responsibilities would interfere with their hobbies, fitness regimens and other free time activities. Even our spending habits show that playing has become a major priority. The average household spends more money on entertainment than it does clothing, health care, furniture or gasoline. Recreational activities have jumped more than 10 percent in the amount of time given to them. [George Barna, Frog In The Kettle (Ventura, California: Regal Books, 1990), 82.]
What are the motives for our work life? Is it only to gain increased pleasure and leisure time? Jesus said He came only to do the work of the Father. I am sure that Jesus had times of refreshment in His life that allowed Him to get recharged for the mission God called Him to. However, He understood the balance of maintaining mission and play. When we view life with an attitude of entitlements, we are susceptible to becoming disappointed, resentful, and even bitter when our expectations go unmet. Ask the Lord if you need to relinquish any rights that may be hindering your freedom to experience His love and grace this week.
Society today has duped many of us into believing that the world owes us. It owes us a good living, a loving spouse, good health throughout our whole life, sexual pleasure when we want it, and paid vacations the rest of our lives. The world has told us if we work hard and do right, we are entitled to these things. This is the Esau perspective on life. For a mere meal, he sold his own birthright for a simple pleasure to which he felt entitled.
Society, and even the Church, is more pleasure-focused than ever before. I read once where a man stated: We are not a society that simply enjoys its time off. Our leisure appetites drive us. It is increasingly common to hear people turning down job offers because the hours or other responsibilities would interfere with their hobbies, fitness regimens and other free time activities. Even our spending habits show that playing has become a major priority. The average household spends more money on entertainment than it does clothing, health care, furniture or gasoline. Recreational activities have jumped more than 10 percent in the amount of time given to them. [George Barna, Frog In The Kettle (Ventura, California: Regal Books, 1990), 82.]
What are the motives for our work life? Is it only to gain increased pleasure and leisure time? Jesus said He came only to do the work of the Father. I am sure that Jesus had times of refreshment in His life that allowed Him to get recharged for the mission God called Him to. However, He understood the balance of maintaining mission and play. When we view life with an attitude of entitlements, we are susceptible to becoming disappointed, resentful, and even bitter when our expectations go unmet. Ask the Lord if you need to relinquish any rights that may be hindering your freedom to experience His love and grace this week.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Being a Determined Church
God desires to bless His people, He desires to bring REVIVAL to His children, but there is one thing that we must do to receive what God has for us. We must be determined to become the church that He wants us to be. People are crying out for a move of God. People need to know there is hope. That hope I am talking about is Jesus. The church today must become DETERMINED to reach out to a lost and dying world to let them know about the saving GRACE of our Lord and Savior.
I received some very disturbing information regarding a co-laborer struggles with
ministry. Strange enough, It makes me really question the inclusive Gospel that I've been trying to really understand. Don't get me wrong, I've felt the presence of God when I visited a few of these churches, but I still had a little doubt. I Tim. 4 talks about how people will turn from the truth of God's Word giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. When I hear about the ignorance of some of the leaders who have started a church (with no spiritual covering/guidance)it makes me wonder if everyday this prophecy is being fulfilled. If we're going to be inclusive, BE JUST THAT DAMMIT! This is to encourage the Brother In Atlanta!
The Church is Not a Building, A Pastor, Or "A New Thing"
We must first realize that His church is not a church building made with hands. (Acts 17:24) The church is the people of God, His children, blood bought, born-again Saints of God. We are His temple. (I Cor. 3:16) We as the body of Christ, His arms, His legs, His voice must regain our determination to reach the lost. Our goal should be to reach the sinner with the message of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus. Do you want to see people saved, set free, delivered, redeemed. It's time for the body of Christ to unite. Lay aside our denominational differences and join forces and minister the message of salvation.
It's time to catch a hold of what I call the Bartemeaus determination. We read in Mark 10:46-52 about blind Bartemeaus who made a decision to receive from Jesus, no matter what he had to do. He became DETERMINED to get Jesus' attention. As he heard about what was taking place through the ministry of Jesus his faith began to grow. I believe he was praying and asking God to bring Jesus down that road. Bartemeaus sat along the side of that road begging, he heard that Jesus, the one in whom he had heard about was coming down the road he was on. So he determined that Jesus was not going to get by without him receiving from the Lord. As Jesus approached Bartemeaus's faith grew. He stood up and began to scream out "Jesus, thou son of David; have mercy on me" (vs. 47). The people around him told him to be still, but he cried out all the more, "Thou Son of David; have mercy on me" (vs. 48). This caught the attention of Jesus. And we see by the rest of the story that Bartemeaus did receive his sight. It was by his faith of DETERMINATION.
Get Results
Bartemeaus got results because he didn't let the world talk him out of receiving. We must also decide to do the same thing no matter what the enemy throws at us. We are I a war, not a scuffle. We are Soldiers in the army of God. We have to gain the Bartemeaus DETERMINATION. If we do, we will see results. Souls will be saved, People will be healed, set free from hurts etc… So as the children of God, lets step out and be DETERMINED to reach our towns, our communities, our neighbors with the LOVE of God, and then and only then will the Kingdom of God be built.
So To The Man of God in Atlanta, I pray that you continue to dance! I pray that you see the good in the situation and know that your next assignment is ordained by God! You were never meant to be there long. When I visited the service in which you presiding over...I realized that you have church mastered! The Pastor was intimidated by your anointing, so don't allow it to stop you! Be encouraged! You're called for such a time as this because of the determined church within you!
I received some very disturbing information regarding a co-laborer struggles with
ministry. Strange enough, It makes me really question the inclusive Gospel that I've been trying to really understand. Don't get me wrong, I've felt the presence of God when I visited a few of these churches, but I still had a little doubt. I Tim. 4 talks about how people will turn from the truth of God's Word giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. When I hear about the ignorance of some of the leaders who have started a church (with no spiritual covering/guidance)it makes me wonder if everyday this prophecy is being fulfilled. If we're going to be inclusive, BE JUST THAT DAMMIT! This is to encourage the Brother In Atlanta!
The Church is Not a Building, A Pastor, Or "A New Thing"
We must first realize that His church is not a church building made with hands. (Acts 17:24) The church is the people of God, His children, blood bought, born-again Saints of God. We are His temple. (I Cor. 3:16) We as the body of Christ, His arms, His legs, His voice must regain our determination to reach the lost. Our goal should be to reach the sinner with the message of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus. Do you want to see people saved, set free, delivered, redeemed. It's time for the body of Christ to unite. Lay aside our denominational differences and join forces and minister the message of salvation.
It's time to catch a hold of what I call the Bartemeaus determination. We read in Mark 10:46-52 about blind Bartemeaus who made a decision to receive from Jesus, no matter what he had to do. He became DETERMINED to get Jesus' attention. As he heard about what was taking place through the ministry of Jesus his faith began to grow. I believe he was praying and asking God to bring Jesus down that road. Bartemeaus sat along the side of that road begging, he heard that Jesus, the one in whom he had heard about was coming down the road he was on. So he determined that Jesus was not going to get by without him receiving from the Lord. As Jesus approached Bartemeaus's faith grew. He stood up and began to scream out "Jesus, thou son of David; have mercy on me" (vs. 47). The people around him told him to be still, but he cried out all the more, "Thou Son of David; have mercy on me" (vs. 48). This caught the attention of Jesus. And we see by the rest of the story that Bartemeaus did receive his sight. It was by his faith of DETERMINATION.
Get Results
Bartemeaus got results because he didn't let the world talk him out of receiving. We must also decide to do the same thing no matter what the enemy throws at us. We are I a war, not a scuffle. We are Soldiers in the army of God. We have to gain the Bartemeaus DETERMINATION. If we do, we will see results. Souls will be saved, People will be healed, set free from hurts etc… So as the children of God, lets step out and be DETERMINED to reach our towns, our communities, our neighbors with the LOVE of God, and then and only then will the Kingdom of God be built.
So To The Man of God in Atlanta, I pray that you continue to dance! I pray that you see the good in the situation and know that your next assignment is ordained by God! You were never meant to be there long. When I visited the service in which you presiding over...I realized that you have church mastered! The Pastor was intimidated by your anointing, so don't allow it to stop you! Be encouraged! You're called for such a time as this because of the determined church within you!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
QUALITIES OF A SOUND CHURCH
A healthy life makes up a healthy and sound church; a church is not sound by merely looking at the well built and beautiful building or Cathedral. The people make the church sound. Not for their wealth but for their spiritual and mental fitness. There are things that were properly meant for sound doctrine. No wonder the church is sick; the proper teaching for sound church is missing. What are these things that make the church sound enough for the free flow of the spirit of the Lord? There are four levels of leadership development out-lined by Paul in the book of Titus,
"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things". Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV)
What are these simple but all important facts? The idea of Paul was for a proper indoctrination of the people. Teach them!
Why Is All This Necessary?
This is necessary for the Lord Himself has invested so much on us. God invested in us because He wants an inheritance. The emphasis of every Nation differs. For example, each nation invests in other nations for their national interest. We must find the emphasis of the spirit for the church. Do not forget that faith and grace were there before now. They are not new terms to the church.
So faith and grace is not a new thing. They existed in the Old Testament 'the just shall live by faith' Enoch used his faith to please God. In today's church, the use of faith is a different thing. In the name of faith, it is used to grab finance and material things from innocent members that desire miracles and signs.
Through the same faith Moses refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter. The ingredient for the release of the spirit is obedience. Complete obedience is the core to manifestation of His presence not partial obedience. Moses died to every thing called glamour. He had the opportunity. This is what this generation is dying for; houses and cars. By the same faith we are embracing all kind of things in the name of church programmers.
All the asset of Land and money people are dropping at the altars could be from the field of blood simply referred as blood money. They are sending you the money to build church. There is no contact without contamination. The current emphasis of the spirit is lifestyle. When you are under pleasure, we will know who you are. A Healthy church is a true reflection and expression of God
Characteristics of a Healthy Church
The first characteristics of a healthy church are "UNITY". Romans 12:4-5 'for as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another".
The church must be in one body, one hope and one spirit. All the part must be united to make the global community church united. There are basically two keys to church unity, the people must have a testimony and have one mind. Unity involves the people having the same understanding of the nature and character of God. The life of the church must manifest through the people to express the true nature of Christ.
Unity unlocks the power of God in a church (acts 4:32-37). The barriers were broken because they had one mind and of testimony, unity equally releases the manifestation of Holy Spirit to mightily in the life of the church. The bond of peace comes as a matter of the spirit in unity. Unity leads to friendliness, harmonious relationship, and freedom from molestation.
Secondly, LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have love you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Love and relationship is the hallmark of the new covenant in Christ. Love and relationship are essential manifestation of our love of God. True love lead to a total fulfillment of the Law. This is the law that covers the multitude of sin.
Thirdly, JOY, Romans 14:17 "for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" joy is the foundation of hope. Joy allows one to access the wells of salvation.
Another characteristics is PURITY 1Peter 2:11, "dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" the end time church most possess this character which is the attribute of the church for the soon coming king. Purity must be present in our lifestyle.
TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGE, church is a place where a believer encounter transformation and so there must be internal transformation and change in our lifestyle. Coming into Christ produces newness. As creation is the end product of a creative act.
Have A Great Week!
"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things". Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV)
What are these simple but all important facts? The idea of Paul was for a proper indoctrination of the people. Teach them!
Why Is All This Necessary?
This is necessary for the Lord Himself has invested so much on us. God invested in us because He wants an inheritance. The emphasis of every Nation differs. For example, each nation invests in other nations for their national interest. We must find the emphasis of the spirit for the church. Do not forget that faith and grace were there before now. They are not new terms to the church.
So faith and grace is not a new thing. They existed in the Old Testament 'the just shall live by faith' Enoch used his faith to please God. In today's church, the use of faith is a different thing. In the name of faith, it is used to grab finance and material things from innocent members that desire miracles and signs.
Through the same faith Moses refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter. The ingredient for the release of the spirit is obedience. Complete obedience is the core to manifestation of His presence not partial obedience. Moses died to every thing called glamour. He had the opportunity. This is what this generation is dying for; houses and cars. By the same faith we are embracing all kind of things in the name of church programmers.
All the asset of Land and money people are dropping at the altars could be from the field of blood simply referred as blood money. They are sending you the money to build church. There is no contact without contamination. The current emphasis of the spirit is lifestyle. When you are under pleasure, we will know who you are. A Healthy church is a true reflection and expression of God
Characteristics of a Healthy Church
The first characteristics of a healthy church are "UNITY". Romans 12:4-5 'for as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another".
The church must be in one body, one hope and one spirit. All the part must be united to make the global community church united. There are basically two keys to church unity, the people must have a testimony and have one mind. Unity involves the people having the same understanding of the nature and character of God. The life of the church must manifest through the people to express the true nature of Christ.
Unity unlocks the power of God in a church (acts 4:32-37). The barriers were broken because they had one mind and of testimony, unity equally releases the manifestation of Holy Spirit to mightily in the life of the church. The bond of peace comes as a matter of the spirit in unity. Unity leads to friendliness, harmonious relationship, and freedom from molestation.
Secondly, LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have love you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Love and relationship is the hallmark of the new covenant in Christ. Love and relationship are essential manifestation of our love of God. True love lead to a total fulfillment of the Law. This is the law that covers the multitude of sin.
Thirdly, JOY, Romans 14:17 "for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" joy is the foundation of hope. Joy allows one to access the wells of salvation.
Another characteristics is PURITY 1Peter 2:11, "dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" the end time church most possess this character which is the attribute of the church for the soon coming king. Purity must be present in our lifestyle.
TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGE, church is a place where a believer encounter transformation and so there must be internal transformation and change in our lifestyle. Coming into Christ produces newness. As creation is the end product of a creative act.
Have A Great Week!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Commandment with a Promise and Fruit that Remains
Honor Our Fathers and Mothers:
The Commandment with a Promise and Fruit that Remains
The only commandment with a promise is to "honor our fathers and mothers," and the promise is "so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth..." (see Ephesians 6:2-3). Nowhere does it say we should only honor great fathers and mothers or even good ones, but simply the ones we have been given, good or bad. Almost all will be both good and bad, just as some of the greatest heroes in the Bible also made some of the greatest mistakes.
Obeying this commandment enabled King David to establish a throne that would last forever because Jesus is now seated on "the throne of David." That is longevity! He called Saul his father and honored him, even when Saul was trying to kill him. As cruel as Saul's persecution of David had been, David honored him and his house even after Saul was dead. Saul's persecution was one of the primary factors that worked such a grace in David's life that the Lord called him a man after His own heart and made him the most celebrated ancestor of the Lord Jesus.
I have studied Church history for many years and I am yet to find a single move of God that was not persecuted by the previous move of God. Usually this occurs because a spirit of jealousy comes upon the previous move of God, similar to that which came upon Saul, causing him to persecute David. Like all of the Reformers who sincerely hoped to reform the whole Church and not leave it, but were driven out with no choice but to start a new movement, this has been a repeating cycle in Church history.
Unity is important and is one of the primary desires of the Lord for His people. However, our "love of the truth" must sometimes trump our desire for unity if we are not going to be deceived and are going to be a part of the present purposes of the Lord. Once we see the truth we are responsible to obey it, and sometimes this means that we will be driven out and persecuted by our predecessors, even by the very ones who gave birth to us in the Lord.
Not many of those who have gone forward have done so without reacting to their persecutors with retaliation. However, for those who can maintain David's attitude toward Saul and the Apostle Paul's attitude toward his worse persecutors, the Jews, who he loved so much that he said he would even give up his own salvation to see them saved, they will bear fruit that remains like David and Paul, which is continually increasing to this day.
Happy Mother's Day!
Amazing....
The Commandment with a Promise and Fruit that Remains
The only commandment with a promise is to "honor our fathers and mothers," and the promise is "so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth..." (see Ephesians 6:2-3). Nowhere does it say we should only honor great fathers and mothers or even good ones, but simply the ones we have been given, good or bad. Almost all will be both good and bad, just as some of the greatest heroes in the Bible also made some of the greatest mistakes.
Obeying this commandment enabled King David to establish a throne that would last forever because Jesus is now seated on "the throne of David." That is longevity! He called Saul his father and honored him, even when Saul was trying to kill him. As cruel as Saul's persecution of David had been, David honored him and his house even after Saul was dead. Saul's persecution was one of the primary factors that worked such a grace in David's life that the Lord called him a man after His own heart and made him the most celebrated ancestor of the Lord Jesus.
I have studied Church history for many years and I am yet to find a single move of God that was not persecuted by the previous move of God. Usually this occurs because a spirit of jealousy comes upon the previous move of God, similar to that which came upon Saul, causing him to persecute David. Like all of the Reformers who sincerely hoped to reform the whole Church and not leave it, but were driven out with no choice but to start a new movement, this has been a repeating cycle in Church history.
Unity is important and is one of the primary desires of the Lord for His people. However, our "love of the truth" must sometimes trump our desire for unity if we are not going to be deceived and are going to be a part of the present purposes of the Lord. Once we see the truth we are responsible to obey it, and sometimes this means that we will be driven out and persecuted by our predecessors, even by the very ones who gave birth to us in the Lord.
Not many of those who have gone forward have done so without reacting to their persecutors with retaliation. However, for those who can maintain David's attitude toward Saul and the Apostle Paul's attitude toward his worse persecutors, the Jews, who he loved so much that he said he would even give up his own salvation to see them saved, they will bear fruit that remains like David and Paul, which is continually increasing to this day.
Happy Mother's Day!
Amazing....
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Stay With Your Anointing
We've been in revival all week and I'm absolutely drained!
God anoints His people for specific purposes and different ministries. (1 Corinthians 12:14-25) I have seen ministries and some laymen become frustrated in life because they leave their anointing and try to be like someone who was called to and anointed for different purpose.
If you don't wait on the anointing to give you direction in life, you will be frustrated and misdirected by your own desires.
Paul put it this way: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophesy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth , on teaching." (Romans 12:3-7)
Paul told us not to think more highly of ourselves then we ought to think. For instance, I am an ordained minister, but I mostly operate in the office of a teacher. Over the years, I've stayed with what I know God has called and anointed me to do. I always caution people to be careful that they shouldn't allow someone to prophesy over them and get them out of their anointing and God's timing.
Happiness Is Doing God's Will
If you're willing to do what God calls you to do, God will not only create in you the desire to do His Will, but He will also furnish the anointing to get the job done.
God told Israel. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land..." (Isaiah 1:19)
There are some who are willing, but have never been obedient, and there are others who are obedient, but they have never been willing. They drag their feet all of the way. Both of these individuals will be miserable in life and will never enter into full blessings of the promised land of God's perfect will.
If you are willing and obedient, you will have confidence that God's calling will supply the anointing that will guide you into His perfect will.
In Psalm 37:4, David said "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Now, you could take that two ways, but I'm convinced that this verse is saying: If you'll delight yourself in the Lord, His Word will create the desires in your heart that are of God. In other words, your desires will be directed by the Holy Spirit rather than by your own fleshly desires.
Paul said,"...let us wait on our ministering..." (Romans 12:7)
I believe there are some who have billed themselves as apostles, pastors and prophets prematurely. This may have been what Paul had in mind when he said that people should not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think.
If that kind of calling and anointing is upon a minister, others will be aware of it. They won't have to advertise it. Then, on the other hand, if they are not called and anointed for what they are trying to do, that is very obvious also.
John gives us some insight on this matter, "Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists: whereby we know that it is the last time. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth" (1 John 2:18, 20-21)
John states that you have an unction of the Holy One, and you have the ability in you to know your calling. God wants you to think highly of yourself. But don't be deceived into thinking more highly of yourself then you ought to think; but think soberly. In other words, use some spiritual common sense and think in line with your calling and anointing.
"These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him" (1 John 2:26-27)
The anointing within you will teach you about your calling in life. You don't have to have someone prophesy over you to know what to do. However, sometimes God will use a prophetic word to confirm the calling that He has already revealed to you.
But personal prophecies are not to guide or direct your life. I think most of us know that, but it's good to be reminded of these things. There are some who have said: "Thus saith the Lord," when the Lord didn't say it.
Learn to draw from the anointing that abides in you, and you won't be deceived. When someone speaks a word over you about something God hasn't talked to you about, and it doesn't bear witness with your spirit, just forget it!
You have an anointing to know on the inside of you ...in your spirit. You may not know it in your head, but you will in your spirit. Draw from that anointing by confessing daily that you have the wisdom of God until you know beyond any doubt what is of God and what is of man.
James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask..." (James 1:5) Jesus said, "...ask and ye shall receive..." (John 16:24) John said, "...the same anointing teacheth you of all things..." (John 2:27) So draw from that anointing. Start confessing that you have an anointing to know, and trust in that anointing to give you insight.
When it is time to make decisions, even if you don't have any great revelation concerning the matter, just stop and ask yourself, "What is it that I really feel deep down in my spirit?" If you are sold out to God and are willing to trust the anointing, many times the desire you have in your heart is the wisdom of God. It will work for ministers and laymen alike. A God-called business person has an anointing to know what to do in business.
Not everyone is called to be a pastor, teacher, or a public minister. There are some who are called to be business people. They have an anointing. If they'll trust in that anointing and develop a sensitivity to it, then they will be successful and fulfill their calling in life!
Over the years, I've had as many manifestations of the Spirit in everyday business affairs as I have had in spiritual things. (1 Corinthians 12:7-8)
We miss it when we think manifestations of the Spirit and anointings are only available concerning spiritual matters of ministry. You are anointed to know God's direction in your life. Learn to draw from that anointing.
Stay with what God has anointed you to do. Stay with your calling in life. A young pastor once told me that he wanted me to pray that he would have the boldness of another minister. I said to him, "You better stay with the anointing and temperament that God gave you. If you get the other minister's boldness with your anointing, it may do more harm than good."
Be Yourself
Don't get caught in the trap of trying to be someone else. This one thing causes much frustration in the Body of Christ. God knew you when he called you and He anointed you accordingly. Stay with and trust that anointing to give direction in your life.
Don't give up when things go wrong and situations seem to get out of hand. Pray in the Spirit as Paul said in Romans 8:26-27. God wants you to draw from His wisdom. (1 Corinthians 2:4-6)
You can learn to draw from God's wisdom by confessing the Word daily. Then allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you, even in small things. That is how you develop a sensitivity to your anointing so that it will give you direction in life.
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
The apostle Paul gives us a fitting conclusion to this subject, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God...he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:12-16)
Make a decision to be willing and obedient to God's calling and experience the good of the land until Jesus comes.
Have A Blessed Week! MARANATHA!
A Praise
God anoints His people for specific purposes and different ministries. (1 Corinthians 12:14-25) I have seen ministries and some laymen become frustrated in life because they leave their anointing and try to be like someone who was called to and anointed for different purpose.
If you don't wait on the anointing to give you direction in life, you will be frustrated and misdirected by your own desires.
Paul put it this way: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophesy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth , on teaching." (Romans 12:3-7)
Paul told us not to think more highly of ourselves then we ought to think. For instance, I am an ordained minister, but I mostly operate in the office of a teacher. Over the years, I've stayed with what I know God has called and anointed me to do. I always caution people to be careful that they shouldn't allow someone to prophesy over them and get them out of their anointing and God's timing.
Happiness Is Doing God's Will
If you're willing to do what God calls you to do, God will not only create in you the desire to do His Will, but He will also furnish the anointing to get the job done.
God told Israel. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land..." (Isaiah 1:19)
There are some who are willing, but have never been obedient, and there are others who are obedient, but they have never been willing. They drag their feet all of the way. Both of these individuals will be miserable in life and will never enter into full blessings of the promised land of God's perfect will.
If you are willing and obedient, you will have confidence that God's calling will supply the anointing that will guide you into His perfect will.
In Psalm 37:4, David said "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Now, you could take that two ways, but I'm convinced that this verse is saying: If you'll delight yourself in the Lord, His Word will create the desires in your heart that are of God. In other words, your desires will be directed by the Holy Spirit rather than by your own fleshly desires.
Paul said,"...let us wait on our ministering..." (Romans 12:7)
I believe there are some who have billed themselves as apostles, pastors and prophets prematurely. This may have been what Paul had in mind when he said that people should not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think.
If that kind of calling and anointing is upon a minister, others will be aware of it. They won't have to advertise it. Then, on the other hand, if they are not called and anointed for what they are trying to do, that is very obvious also.
John gives us some insight on this matter, "Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists: whereby we know that it is the last time. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth" (1 John 2:18, 20-21)
John states that you have an unction of the Holy One, and you have the ability in you to know your calling. God wants you to think highly of yourself. But don't be deceived into thinking more highly of yourself then you ought to think; but think soberly. In other words, use some spiritual common sense and think in line with your calling and anointing.
"These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him" (1 John 2:26-27)
The anointing within you will teach you about your calling in life. You don't have to have someone prophesy over you to know what to do. However, sometimes God will use a prophetic word to confirm the calling that He has already revealed to you.
But personal prophecies are not to guide or direct your life. I think most of us know that, but it's good to be reminded of these things. There are some who have said: "Thus saith the Lord," when the Lord didn't say it.
Learn to draw from the anointing that abides in you, and you won't be deceived. When someone speaks a word over you about something God hasn't talked to you about, and it doesn't bear witness with your spirit, just forget it!
You have an anointing to know on the inside of you ...in your spirit. You may not know it in your head, but you will in your spirit. Draw from that anointing by confessing daily that you have the wisdom of God until you know beyond any doubt what is of God and what is of man.
James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask..." (James 1:5) Jesus said, "...ask and ye shall receive..." (John 16:24) John said, "...the same anointing teacheth you of all things..." (John 2:27) So draw from that anointing. Start confessing that you have an anointing to know, and trust in that anointing to give you insight.
When it is time to make decisions, even if you don't have any great revelation concerning the matter, just stop and ask yourself, "What is it that I really feel deep down in my spirit?" If you are sold out to God and are willing to trust the anointing, many times the desire you have in your heart is the wisdom of God. It will work for ministers and laymen alike. A God-called business person has an anointing to know what to do in business.
Not everyone is called to be a pastor, teacher, or a public minister. There are some who are called to be business people. They have an anointing. If they'll trust in that anointing and develop a sensitivity to it, then they will be successful and fulfill their calling in life!
Over the years, I've had as many manifestations of the Spirit in everyday business affairs as I have had in spiritual things. (1 Corinthians 12:7-8)
We miss it when we think manifestations of the Spirit and anointings are only available concerning spiritual matters of ministry. You are anointed to know God's direction in your life. Learn to draw from that anointing.
Stay with what God has anointed you to do. Stay with your calling in life. A young pastor once told me that he wanted me to pray that he would have the boldness of another minister. I said to him, "You better stay with the anointing and temperament that God gave you. If you get the other minister's boldness with your anointing, it may do more harm than good."
Be Yourself
Don't get caught in the trap of trying to be someone else. This one thing causes much frustration in the Body of Christ. God knew you when he called you and He anointed you accordingly. Stay with and trust that anointing to give direction in your life.
Don't give up when things go wrong and situations seem to get out of hand. Pray in the Spirit as Paul said in Romans 8:26-27. God wants you to draw from His wisdom. (1 Corinthians 2:4-6)
You can learn to draw from God's wisdom by confessing the Word daily. Then allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you, even in small things. That is how you develop a sensitivity to your anointing so that it will give you direction in life.
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
The apostle Paul gives us a fitting conclusion to this subject, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God...he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:12-16)
Make a decision to be willing and obedient to God's calling and experience the good of the land until Jesus comes.
Have A Blessed Week! MARANATHA!
A Praise
Monday, April 26, 2010
Your Relationship!
CAUTION: "YOU ARE ENTERING INTO YOUR PROMISED LAND...ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME!" Exodus 15:24, Numbers 14:2, Numbers 20:10
Exodus 15:24 "And the people murmured against Moses saying, "What shall we drink?"
On the very brink of entering into their land of promise the Israelites upon hearing the evil report of the ten spies began to weep and cry out in Numbers 14:2. "And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron and the whole congregation said to them, "Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would to God we had died in this wilderness!"
Numbers 20:10 "And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock and said to them, "Hear now you rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?" As a result of Moses anger against the people he strikes the rock instead of speaking to it and it cost him from entering the promised land. The book of Numbers could also be called the book of 'murmuring' because the Israelites kept murmuring against Moses and God.
ANGER AND STRIFE BETWEEN MOSES AND THE ISRAELITES CONTRIBUTED LARGELY IN KEEPING THEM BOTH FROM ENTERING INTO THEIR PROMISED LAND!
Being in the same church for several years I decided to interview my pastor regarding her thoughts on leadership/membership relationships and she stated this: "God deems our relationships higher than our vision and dreams. If your vision or dream is not yet fulfilled check out your relationships because I believe we inherit our promised land through our relationships. If you think you only need God to enter in think again. Where the scripture says, Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision the people perish could also perhaps be turned around to say..."Without people your vision will perish." Your promised land or vision isn't really for just you anyhow....it is for others too! I am learning that God uses people to help fulfill my dream and to take me into my purpose and destiny. I have seen Him use all kinds of people. People I did not like let alone love. I have seen him use crazy people. I have seen God use some of my enemies to actually launch me toward divine purposes and my destiny." So as they say in church, turn to the person next to you and tell them..."I might need you to help get me into my promised land!"
YOUR PRESENT RELATIONSHIPS WILL AFFECT YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AND GENERATIONS TO COME!
She continued..."If I had my life to do over again regarding my dream and vision for my life and our church I would guard my relationships more. When I began to focus on our vision and made my vision more important than our relationships we began to lose ground. When we begin to lose our relationships we begin to abort our vision and destiny. I am learning that the vision is in the people more than us leaders. That's why the leaders are called to equip and bring forth the visions and dreams out of the people! I learned late also that the decisions made concerning losing relationships and splits for the sake of our vision or what I wanted, directly affects our children. I believe this is one of the reasons the younger generation is no longer interested with church as it is today because of the way we have hurt one another. Our hurts and wounds sown in our relationships are often multiplied and reaped in our children and grandchildren affecting generations to come."
A NEW FOUNDATION OF 'HOLDING ON TO ONE ANOTHER' IS BEING POURED INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST!
Recently I saw a vision of a huge cement truck pulling up outside of God's House. It was there to begin to pour a fresh new foundation in the place of the old foundation that had been cracked and marred and could no longer hold what was coming...the weight of the glory of God. I sensed the Lord saying to all of us in His Body to stand back and circle this foundation that was being freshly poured. We were being commanded to stretch out our arms and hold on to each other's hands and not to touch the fresh foundation until it was dried. The Lord was saying.."Hands off! This is My work and not man's!" As we held on to each other's hands firmly many of us were wanting to ask questions concerning what to be doing like..."Lord, what about the vision you gave us?" I sensed the Lord responding.."Just keep holding on to each other!" We kept asking many other questions like..."Lord, what about this and what about that?" Every question that we had was being answered from heaven...."Just keep holding on to one another!" It was as though 'holding on to one another' was the heavenly vision that God had for all of us all along!
BE CAREFUL THAT YOUR GIFTS DON'T SEPARATE YOU FROM PEOPLE!
I am learning that Jesus died for people more than he died for my gift or dream. Never let your gift come between you and the authority God has placed over you and the people around you. Allow God to use people in your life to refine your gift while you are being conformed to the image of Jesus. If the Lord leads you out of your church for whatever reason share with your pastor first the reason why in love and leave with the pastor blessing you and leave a blessing behind you so you will be blessed going out!
You may be just one relationship away from your inheritance! Let's make sure we love every one including our enemies! It's time to go on in!
Happy trails to you!
Amazing Praize
Exodus 15:24 "And the people murmured against Moses saying, "What shall we drink?"
On the very brink of entering into their land of promise the Israelites upon hearing the evil report of the ten spies began to weep and cry out in Numbers 14:2. "And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron and the whole congregation said to them, "Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would to God we had died in this wilderness!"
Numbers 20:10 "And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock and said to them, "Hear now you rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?" As a result of Moses anger against the people he strikes the rock instead of speaking to it and it cost him from entering the promised land. The book of Numbers could also be called the book of 'murmuring' because the Israelites kept murmuring against Moses and God.
ANGER AND STRIFE BETWEEN MOSES AND THE ISRAELITES CONTRIBUTED LARGELY IN KEEPING THEM BOTH FROM ENTERING INTO THEIR PROMISED LAND!
Being in the same church for several years I decided to interview my pastor regarding her thoughts on leadership/membership relationships and she stated this: "God deems our relationships higher than our vision and dreams. If your vision or dream is not yet fulfilled check out your relationships because I believe we inherit our promised land through our relationships. If you think you only need God to enter in think again. Where the scripture says, Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision the people perish could also perhaps be turned around to say..."Without people your vision will perish." Your promised land or vision isn't really for just you anyhow....it is for others too! I am learning that God uses people to help fulfill my dream and to take me into my purpose and destiny. I have seen Him use all kinds of people. People I did not like let alone love. I have seen him use crazy people. I have seen God use some of my enemies to actually launch me toward divine purposes and my destiny." So as they say in church, turn to the person next to you and tell them..."I might need you to help get me into my promised land!"
YOUR PRESENT RELATIONSHIPS WILL AFFECT YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AND GENERATIONS TO COME!
She continued..."If I had my life to do over again regarding my dream and vision for my life and our church I would guard my relationships more. When I began to focus on our vision and made my vision more important than our relationships we began to lose ground. When we begin to lose our relationships we begin to abort our vision and destiny. I am learning that the vision is in the people more than us leaders. That's why the leaders are called to equip and bring forth the visions and dreams out of the people! I learned late also that the decisions made concerning losing relationships and splits for the sake of our vision or what I wanted, directly affects our children. I believe this is one of the reasons the younger generation is no longer interested with church as it is today because of the way we have hurt one another. Our hurts and wounds sown in our relationships are often multiplied and reaped in our children and grandchildren affecting generations to come."
A NEW FOUNDATION OF 'HOLDING ON TO ONE ANOTHER' IS BEING POURED INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST!
Recently I saw a vision of a huge cement truck pulling up outside of God's House. It was there to begin to pour a fresh new foundation in the place of the old foundation that had been cracked and marred and could no longer hold what was coming...the weight of the glory of God. I sensed the Lord saying to all of us in His Body to stand back and circle this foundation that was being freshly poured. We were being commanded to stretch out our arms and hold on to each other's hands and not to touch the fresh foundation until it was dried. The Lord was saying.."Hands off! This is My work and not man's!" As we held on to each other's hands firmly many of us were wanting to ask questions concerning what to be doing like..."Lord, what about the vision you gave us?" I sensed the Lord responding.."Just keep holding on to each other!" We kept asking many other questions like..."Lord, what about this and what about that?" Every question that we had was being answered from heaven...."Just keep holding on to one another!" It was as though 'holding on to one another' was the heavenly vision that God had for all of us all along!
BE CAREFUL THAT YOUR GIFTS DON'T SEPARATE YOU FROM PEOPLE!
I am learning that Jesus died for people more than he died for my gift or dream. Never let your gift come between you and the authority God has placed over you and the people around you. Allow God to use people in your life to refine your gift while you are being conformed to the image of Jesus. If the Lord leads you out of your church for whatever reason share with your pastor first the reason why in love and leave with the pastor blessing you and leave a blessing behind you so you will be blessed going out!
You may be just one relationship away from your inheritance! Let's make sure we love every one including our enemies! It's time to go on in!
Happy trails to you!
Amazing Praize
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