"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love Yahweh, to them who are the called according to His purpose." ~Romans 8:28
If you love God, you have become among the called! I like to say that God chooses you as soon as you choose Him. Or is it the other way around? I don't believe that either Calvinism nor Armenianism are sufficient to describe His ways (Isaiah 55:9). Anyways, "His purpose" is divine love, and if we included in that, then we'll especially love Him.
"They continue this day according to Thine ordinances: for all are Thy servants." ~Psalm 119:91
What "continues[s] to this day"? Well, according to the preceding verse, all things of the earth continue. God's overruling of the physical world continues. God's glory in the big things and the small continue. He's still on the throne. And all things He's created -- everything -- works for our Heavenly Father, just the way He wants it to. Everything serves Him.
You have the Spirit of Yahweh within you. Isn't that beautiful? I think it is. There is a depth of God's power inside that never had to run dry (Zechariah 4 and context). This is reality for believers today, and because God is on the outside and the inside, all things are serving you.
Things are working together for you. Not just some things, but "all things". God may very well be breathing life into inanimate objects, breathing His Spirit into the little details (Psalm 37:23) and greater depths of your life, so that all things weave and work together for you. You'll see your schedule fall right into place, you'll never be too busy, and people will randomly encourage you at needed times -- even unbelievers. They're His servants too, remember?
You'll buy the right books, read the right books, meet the right people and make the right friends. They are all your servants (as you are theirs, Galatians 5:13), all because you serve Him.
You're for Him, and He's for you. There is an attractive power in being a child of God. Now, bad things still happen to good people (see the book of Job for examples of this), but if we really believed what Romans 8:28 says about our Heavenly Father's sovereignty, would we consider anything bad??? I don't think so. Life is beautiful and pure and free! Nothing would be allowed, good or "bad", if it wasn't breathed out into existence with the all-knowing power of the living word.
All things are lifting you up to the heavens, and all things are pulling the heavens down into you (Luke 17:21). Yahweh wants you to be close to Him!
Showing posts with label Psalms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalms. Show all posts
Friday, January 8, 2016
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Hope!!!
Commit thy way unto Yahweh; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.
~Psalm 37:5
Hope always leads to trust and rest. In order to have such hope, you need to commit your paths, your plans, and even your predictions to God. There's a comfort in knowing it's out of your own hands. It's comforting to know that the preeminent changes can only be accomplished by God. It's comforting to know that it's not up to you!
Hope isn't complacency. But it is contentment. And contentment in itself is gain (1 Tim. 6:6) -- another thing to hope for!
Hope is not a reason to sit around all day, just "waiting on the Lord". Hope is a reason to have confidence in yourself! Confidence in yourself -- in Christ (Phil. 4:13). Remember in Psalm 37 that Yahweh will bring your way to pass. Your way, yes, if it's already been committed! In Christ, you are capable and pure.
Hope makes us bold (2 Cor. 3:12), it inspires us to act, it inspires us to pray and to contend. Spiritual warfare is only done from a point of rest. Work should only be done in trust. Hope won't let you get weary!
Hope can seem foolish to the world. It may inspire the appearance of short-term memory loss (Philippians 3:13). Hope can be illogical, unconventional, and stubborn. Hope doesn't look at the facts.
The mystery of Christianity is this: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Ultimately, hope comes from the longing for Christ in you.
~Psalm 37:5
Hope always leads to trust and rest. In order to have such hope, you need to commit your paths, your plans, and even your predictions to God. There's a comfort in knowing it's out of your own hands. It's comforting to know that the preeminent changes can only be accomplished by God. It's comforting to know that it's not up to you!
Hope isn't complacency. But it is contentment. And contentment in itself is gain (1 Tim. 6:6) -- another thing to hope for!
Hope is not a reason to sit around all day, just "waiting on the Lord". Hope is a reason to have confidence in yourself! Confidence in yourself -- in Christ (Phil. 4:13). Remember in Psalm 37 that Yahweh will bring your way to pass. Your way, yes, if it's already been committed! In Christ, you are capable and pure.
Hope makes us bold (2 Cor. 3:12), it inspires us to act, it inspires us to pray and to contend. Spiritual warfare is only done from a point of rest. Work should only be done in trust. Hope won't let you get weary!
Hope can seem foolish to the world. It may inspire the appearance of short-term memory loss (Philippians 3:13). Hope can be illogical, unconventional, and stubborn. Hope doesn't look at the facts.
The mystery of Christianity is this: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Ultimately, hope comes from the longing for Christ in you.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Video Journal: Power in The Hands
"Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle."
Psalm 144:1
When God compels us to pray, we need to accept His gift of faith. We need to accept His power. We need to expect His love, and we need to expect from that a powerful manifestation.
God taught David how to overcome with His hands, and God is just the same today. We need to accept that God has overcome, and to believe for His will to flow down onto the earth. We need the Holy Spirit, the Ruach Elohim, to teach us how to pray. (Luke 11:1)
Our faith is just a mirror-image of God's faith. God's faith is the substance! And we can conceptualize that faith really is a force when we use our hands to pray.
When our hands become controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit, that's when God takes over.
Praying with your hands, whether scanning with them, pushing with them, circling with them--whatever God calls you to do--might feel weird at first. It's different! God is different. But praying and warring with your hands is worth it, because it's our calling to demonstrate the faith of God in action.
Psalm 144:1
When God compels us to pray, we need to accept His gift of faith. We need to accept His power. We need to expect His love, and we need to expect from that a powerful manifestation.
God taught David how to overcome with His hands, and God is just the same today. We need to accept that God has overcome, and to believe for His will to flow down onto the earth. We need the Holy Spirit, the Ruach Elohim, to teach us how to pray. (Luke 11:1)
Our faith is just a mirror-image of God's faith. God's faith is the substance! And we can conceptualize that faith really is a force when we use our hands to pray.
When our hands become controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit, that's when God takes over.
Praying with your hands, whether scanning with them, pushing with them, circling with them--whatever God calls you to do--might feel weird at first. It's different! God is different. But praying and warring with your hands is worth it, because it's our calling to demonstrate the faith of God in action.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Snapshot: Psalm 20:6
While in Church a few weeks ago, the Lord gave me a vision where He scooped me up from where I was at, and lifted me to a higher place of worship. His right arm, specifically, reached down and brought me up to Himself. I realized that deliverance had come--God was providing a safe place where I would be free to worship in Spirit and in truth.
The rest of the worship session was fantastic! I knew God had lifted my head up--I knew He had came down and rescued me. And then I happened to turn to Psalm 20, verse 6. But I know it was intended by God:
Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.
Praise God! For me, that was such a confirmation. God was reaffirming what He'd first told me through the vision. He confirmed that He is faithful, that He is powerful. He confirmed that He gives saving victory to His anointed.
We can always rely on God's promises. If He had His way, He'd fulfill every single one of them through our lives. We just need to trust Him! We just need to meet the conditions--and then focus on Him.
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me."
Psalm 138:7
The rest of the worship session was fantastic! I knew God had lifted my head up--I knew He had came down and rescued me. And then I happened to turn to Psalm 20, verse 6. But I know it was intended by God:
Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.
Praise God! For me, that was such a confirmation. God was reaffirming what He'd first told me through the vision. He confirmed that He is faithful, that He is powerful. He confirmed that He gives saving victory to His anointed.
We can always rely on God's promises. If He had His way, He'd fulfill every single one of them through our lives. We just need to trust Him! We just need to meet the conditions--and then focus on Him.
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me."
Psalm 138:7
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Word: The Severity of Mercy
A few days I was getting a headache and praying it away wasn't quite working like it usually does. So I asked the Lord about this, and He simply said,
"Not My goodness but My severity"
This took me by surprise a little. And I felt like the Lord was telling me I was in the wrong somehow. He highlighted to me that I was not at peace! So I repented--turned--from this mistake as well as I could. And the headaches gradually went away. Thank you, Lord, for the comfort in your discipline. His rod is supposed to comfort us! (Psalms 23:4) It may not be easy to undergo, but God always works our discipline for the good.
Just a few minutes after the Lord said this, and as my headache was going away, I saw a new book on the table, and flipped it face up to look at the title. It was called "A Severe Mercy", by one of CS Lewis's friends. Wow! What a confirmation. I did not know we had that book, nor had I ever heard of it. But I realize that God's mercy leads to discipline--that His mercy calls for severity. It was the Lord who prompted me to flip over that book as a way to confirm His message! God is so masterful in His workings. He always confirms His word.
So if you're going through a trial of some sort, it may not be from the enemy! It may be discipline from the Lord--an effort by Him to get you back into line. Now, your trial might just be a spiritual attack. But it could be disciplining from God! And we need to inquire of God to see if we're in the wrong. We need to inquire of Him, to see if we opened up a door someplace or are walking without His light. We shouldn't try to war against God's will only because we mistook His teaching for something else.
So let's war against the enemy, yes, with his condemnation and lying and problems. But let's make sure that our trials are not actually God trying to get our attention. He may be wanting us to repent. He may want us to be healed, delivered, brought out--He does--but only if we will first identify our problems. So we need to diligently seek Him whenever we encounter a trial. It could be that He just wants us to cast the enemy out. But maybe He wants to tell us something first.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." Psalm 119:67
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes" Psalm 119:71
"Not My goodness but My severity"
This took me by surprise a little. And I felt like the Lord was telling me I was in the wrong somehow. He highlighted to me that I was not at peace! So I repented--turned--from this mistake as well as I could. And the headaches gradually went away. Thank you, Lord, for the comfort in your discipline. His rod is supposed to comfort us! (Psalms 23:4) It may not be easy to undergo, but God always works our discipline for the good.
Just a few minutes after the Lord said this, and as my headache was going away, I saw a new book on the table, and flipped it face up to look at the title. It was called "A Severe Mercy", by one of CS Lewis's friends. Wow! What a confirmation. I did not know we had that book, nor had I ever heard of it. But I realize that God's mercy leads to discipline--that His mercy calls for severity. It was the Lord who prompted me to flip over that book as a way to confirm His message! God is so masterful in His workings. He always confirms His word.
So if you're going through a trial of some sort, it may not be from the enemy! It may be discipline from the Lord--an effort by Him to get you back into line. Now, your trial might just be a spiritual attack. But it could be disciplining from God! And we need to inquire of God to see if we're in the wrong. We need to inquire of Him, to see if we opened up a door someplace or are walking without His light. We shouldn't try to war against God's will only because we mistook His teaching for something else.
So let's war against the enemy, yes, with his condemnation and lying and problems. But let's make sure that our trials are not actually God trying to get our attention. He may be wanting us to repent. He may want us to be healed, delivered, brought out--He does--but only if we will first identify our problems. So we need to diligently seek Him whenever we encounter a trial. It could be that He just wants us to cast the enemy out. But maybe He wants to tell us something first.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." Psalm 119:67
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes" Psalm 119:71
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Your Prophetic Word Confirmed: He Sets a Table
In a blog post here yesterday, I went into how the Lord is faithful to keep us well nourished regardless of our spiritual surroundings. Below is an excerpt from that blog post, with bolded parts for emphasis.
1/14/15 Snapshot: Rest and Comfort:
The Holy Spirit brought to remembrance Psalm 23:5. There were several confirmations for this verse...and I had it playing and replaying in my hear for much of the day:
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Spiritually speaking, believers today have enemies as real as those of King David. However, our enemies are not flesh and blood like his. Instead, they are systems of this world and spiritual powers of darkness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). The good news is that God still protects us! He still gives us messages and words--the bread of life--amidst chaos and darkness brought about by the enemy. He invites us to feast with Him on the Word, and still, enemies and accusers lurk nearby. But God protects us from these things! That's what Psalm 23:5 testifies to--the faithfulness of God overcoming all else.
Then, today, a new Word was released on the Elijah list--"Your Watch Word for 2015". In it were some very encouraging lessons. There were also lots of confirmation, one of which was especially striking. Below is an excerpt from this Word, by Russ Walden. I italicized it, and in addition bolded the parts that really stuck out to me.
1/15/15 Elijah List:
"You will find My favor in the morning. You will find My favor in the evening. You will sit at the table of My favor in the presence of your enemies and they will not be able to reduce you or inhibit you in anyway.
"Make My presence your priority," says the Father, "for 2015 will be a gauntlet of distraction. The tyranny of the urgent will go to war with the priority of My presence. The enemy is very time conscious for he knows his time is short – therefore he will intensify his wrath against you and against My Kingdom. Do not put your attention on the enemy but let your eye go beyond the second heaven and garner your instructions from My throne – for I will give you rule over your enemy with an iron hand.
Glory to God! I know that this is a message from the Lord (Jeremiah 32:8). We are going to find ourselves in the presence of our enemies, but we will then be shown in a new way that Jesus is Lord! And we'll be aware of this, but God is going to overshadow the enemy! We'll know that darkness is around us, but more than that, we'll know that God has already set us a table. We'll see that He has already given us such favor. We'll see that He will continue to, "give us this day our daily bread". Praise Him!
He is going to feed us more richly than ever; He longs to satisfy us with the riches of foods (Psalm 107:9). He is going to speak to us more clearly, by His Spirit and with truth (John 4:24). The enemy will try to interfere with this; He will try to make us fall for his schemes. He will try to exchange the truth for a lie, and place these lies on the Lord's table. But we have the mind of Christ--we can know the character of God (1 Corinthians 2:16 and context)! We can "appraise all things" and see them as they really are. God's given us a Spirit that knows how to separate the wheat from the chaff. He's given us discernment. We can know His truth. We can sense darkness near, while not fearing it. We can accept only the finest of foods--that which He's given us.
"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 112:7
This is what God does. He takes away our fear and timidity. He gives us a Spirit that at once recognizes danger yet does not fear it. God wants us to know that the evil one will not touch us. Our Lord wants us to have that blessed assurance. We can and will always be fed by His hand. We can sit with Him at His table. He wants to set us there. He wants to give us rest there. He wants us to see Him ridiculing the enemy. Will you take shelter under Him?
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1
1/14/15 Snapshot: Rest and Comfort:
The Holy Spirit brought to remembrance Psalm 23:5. There were several confirmations for this verse...and I had it playing and replaying in my hear for much of the day:
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Spiritually speaking, believers today have enemies as real as those of King David. However, our enemies are not flesh and blood like his. Instead, they are systems of this world and spiritual powers of darkness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). The good news is that God still protects us! He still gives us messages and words--the bread of life--amidst chaos and darkness brought about by the enemy. He invites us to feast with Him on the Word, and still, enemies and accusers lurk nearby. But God protects us from these things! That's what Psalm 23:5 testifies to--the faithfulness of God overcoming all else.
Then, today, a new Word was released on the Elijah list--"Your Watch Word for 2015". In it were some very encouraging lessons. There were also lots of confirmation, one of which was especially striking. Below is an excerpt from this Word, by Russ Walden. I italicized it, and in addition bolded the parts that really stuck out to me.
1/15/15 Elijah List:
"You will find My favor in the morning. You will find My favor in the evening. You will sit at the table of My favor in the presence of your enemies and they will not be able to reduce you or inhibit you in anyway.
"Make My presence your priority," says the Father, "for 2015 will be a gauntlet of distraction. The tyranny of the urgent will go to war with the priority of My presence. The enemy is very time conscious for he knows his time is short – therefore he will intensify his wrath against you and against My Kingdom. Do not put your attention on the enemy but let your eye go beyond the second heaven and garner your instructions from My throne – for I will give you rule over your enemy with an iron hand.
Glory to God! I know that this is a message from the Lord (Jeremiah 32:8). We are going to find ourselves in the presence of our enemies, but we will then be shown in a new way that Jesus is Lord! And we'll be aware of this, but God is going to overshadow the enemy! We'll know that darkness is around us, but more than that, we'll know that God has already set us a table. We'll see that He has already given us such favor. We'll see that He will continue to, "give us this day our daily bread". Praise Him!
He is going to feed us more richly than ever; He longs to satisfy us with the riches of foods (Psalm 107:9). He is going to speak to us more clearly, by His Spirit and with truth (John 4:24). The enemy will try to interfere with this; He will try to make us fall for his schemes. He will try to exchange the truth for a lie, and place these lies on the Lord's table. But we have the mind of Christ--we can know the character of God (1 Corinthians 2:16 and context)! We can "appraise all things" and see them as they really are. God's given us a Spirit that knows how to separate the wheat from the chaff. He's given us discernment. We can know His truth. We can sense darkness near, while not fearing it. We can accept only the finest of foods--that which He's given us.
"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 112:7
This is what God does. He takes away our fear and timidity. He gives us a Spirit that at once recognizes danger yet does not fear it. God wants us to know that the evil one will not touch us. Our Lord wants us to have that blessed assurance. We can and will always be fed by His hand. We can sit with Him at His table. He wants to set us there. He wants to give us rest there. He wants us to see Him ridiculing the enemy. Will you take shelter under Him?
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Snapshot: Music From Heaven
Over the past several months, I've been having some interesting dreams. God's been giving me songs and harmonies in my sleep. These songs are downloaded from Heaven. Sometimes they are gospel songs, sometimes they are blue's based--last night, I even heard a Christian rap song. I don't like rap, but this one was very anointed.
I'm not always a fan of modern Christian radio--some of the songs just sound like pop to me. And they all sound the same! But the songs I hear in my dreams are always so creative. Some incorporate awesome rock riffs; others beautiful harp music. In addition, they carry such a spiritual weight to them. It's hard to explain, but this dream-music carries the presence and splendor of Heaven.
"Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath." Isaiah 44:23
You can probably think of a few songs that personally bring you close to God. You might have a few favorite Christian songs that are especially anointed. The songs God's given in my dreams are kind of like this, but just spiritually intensified. Like I said, they make such a testimony to God's nature. They really, really usher in the presence of God. In essence, they are perfect in every way.
I'm not wanting to brag here. These songs have been given from God, and they are of His inspiration. They haven't been my doing! But I think they are representative of something important. God wants to give us supernatural ideas and downloads. I'm not even a musician, but God knows I have a passion for worshipful music, and He has seen it fit to give me such things. He wants to give all of us something good from the storehouses of Heaven.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
Confirmed: Yesterday on the Quickened Word there was a word about God releasing new sounds that would reveal His knowledge. These songs will be similar to the Psalms in that they prophecy into our spirits a powerful experience with the Lord. These sounds are designed to stir us up, to allow us to reach new spiritual heights. They are designed to take us to the mountaintop with God.
"They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD-- the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more." Jeremiah 31:12
I'm not always a fan of modern Christian radio--some of the songs just sound like pop to me. And they all sound the same! But the songs I hear in my dreams are always so creative. Some incorporate awesome rock riffs; others beautiful harp music. In addition, they carry such a spiritual weight to them. It's hard to explain, but this dream-music carries the presence and splendor of Heaven.
"Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath." Isaiah 44:23
You can probably think of a few songs that personally bring you close to God. You might have a few favorite Christian songs that are especially anointed. The songs God's given in my dreams are kind of like this, but just spiritually intensified. Like I said, they make such a testimony to God's nature. They really, really usher in the presence of God. In essence, they are perfect in every way.
I'm not wanting to brag here. These songs have been given from God, and they are of His inspiration. They haven't been my doing! But I think they are representative of something important. God wants to give us supernatural ideas and downloads. I'm not even a musician, but God knows I have a passion for worshipful music, and He has seen it fit to give me such things. He wants to give all of us something good from the storehouses of Heaven.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
Confirmed: Yesterday on the Quickened Word there was a word about God releasing new sounds that would reveal His knowledge. These songs will be similar to the Psalms in that they prophecy into our spirits a powerful experience with the Lord. These sounds are designed to stir us up, to allow us to reach new spiritual heights. They are designed to take us to the mountaintop with God.
"They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD-- the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more." Jeremiah 31:12
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Snapshot: Victory
Recently I've heard a lot about victory. This is what Jesus has earned for us...this is our inheritance in Him. Victory is knowing that Jesus is Lord and King, and knowing that you have justification with Him. Victory is being close enough to Him to know that all is well, drawn near enough to know that His Love remains. Victory is total satisfaction, and it leaves us wanting nothing more than to remain with Him.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" Psalm 23:1
All we can do to have victory is to melt before Jesus. All we can do is offer ourselves up and let Him carry us there. God is taking us to victory. Draw near to Him, draw closer, and He will take you there. Blessed Victory. Don't be satisfied with the past, the present, or your future. Only desire closeness to Him. You can have it right now. You can be moved to tears of joy right now. You can have a revelation of His Love right now. So understand that He's saved you with an otherworldly Love, and put your hope in Him.
"Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." Psalm 131:3
We are spiritual Israel. Glory to God! Let's be taken to that place where we can be with Him. He will take us there, and make us more like Him. He is faithful to draw us near, and He is faithful to give us a hope that will not fade. Come near to Him and believe in the Victory. Believe that Jesus is still on the throne. Look to Him, and hope that His deliverance is here.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" Psalm 23:1
All we can do to have victory is to melt before Jesus. All we can do is offer ourselves up and let Him carry us there. God is taking us to victory. Draw near to Him, draw closer, and He will take you there. Blessed Victory. Don't be satisfied with the past, the present, or your future. Only desire closeness to Him. You can have it right now. You can be moved to tears of joy right now. You can have a revelation of His Love right now. So understand that He's saved you with an otherworldly Love, and put your hope in Him.
"Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." Psalm 131:3
We are spiritual Israel. Glory to God! Let's be taken to that place where we can be with Him. He will take us there, and make us more like Him. He is faithful to draw us near, and He is faithful to give us a hope that will not fade. Come near to Him and believe in the Victory. Believe that Jesus is still on the throne. Look to Him, and hope that His deliverance is here.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Snapshot: Prophetic Praise
If we draw near to God, we will be consumed in His Love. We will Praise Him, we will worship Him, and maybe we'll even dance to Him. This is what King David did, and this is what God wants from those who would express themselves this way. Music is a powerful thing, and a force that can align us with either Jesus or evil. God wants us to glorify Him through music. He wants us to know that "for Him are all things" (Romans 11:36).
In the last month I've been reading about King David and his team of musicians in my new Bible commentary books. I've been realizing in a new way that David was a very musically- oriented man. Music was a means of life for David, because David lived for God. He had such a heart for God's people coming together in worship. God wants to give all of us a heart like that.
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
When the hungry come together, they come to worship and experience true Life. They live in His presence, and they live for their relationship with Him. When the hunger is there, the Holy Spirit is there.
So Worship elevates us to a place where we better understand Jesus. And worship music helps with this. Worship music is a holiness tool. It elevates us to a place where our thoughts and our actions bring us to the King. It gives a testimony to Jesus.
This is where prophecy comes in. This is where we can give a revelation of Jesus through our speech and through song. This is where music brings in a message from God that testifies to forgiveness and love. This message testifies to Jesus. It tells us that God is doing a new thing; that He is making a way where there was only hopelessness before.
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19
It tells us to change in accordance with His will. And it speaks of a future hope and a future calling that far exceeds past doubts and failures. This message comes as the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10) And music helps us get to that place. When God's people come in unity and seek Him in song, God is pleased. When the music and the worship please Him, the atmosphere becomes prophetically charged.
This is one thing King David loved about the body. This is why David surrounded himself by a team of worshippers and musicians. It allowed Him to come closer to God.
"Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation."
Let's praise Him vocally. Let's sing and praise and shout as we become the hope of God. Let's sing a new song, let's sing in the Spirit, let's sing as we are led. Let's worship with all of our spirit, as His Spirit leads into all truth (John 4:24).
But don't sing out of obligation--God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Sing because there is no other way to express His character. Sing, because when His Love comes, it's often hard to be quiet. Make a joyful noise, as He fills you to overflowing with His Love. Wigglesworth said that you're in a terrible place if you can't shout. Now, to each their own. But we need to be passionate about our God. We need to be passionate about what He's done, and we need to be passionate about giving Him all the glory we can.
"He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed." Psalm 40:3
God gave this. God is still doing this. By the Spirit, He will give you all the songs you want. Let Him inspire you. Let Him renew your mind and give you music that glorifies Him. Sing to Him, and sing to Him a new song. Sing by His leading to glorify what He's done, to share your testimony. That's what King Hezekiah did after God healed Him (Hezekiah's Song). So sing praises, and allow Him to uplift you and spread His glory.
Confirmed: As I was writing the last paragraph, seen above, Vanessa came in with a testimony. She was singing to God in the other room, singing praise as she felt led and thanking Him for His goodness. All of a sudden, she was prompted to file down her fingernails, so she left the room and found a new nail file in the next room over . As she filed, she turned it over and read the back--sometimes God will lead you towards apparently random things--and it said, "ENCORE!".
Glory to God! He likes our music. God is pleased by our worship. He wants us to continue in it! He wants us to give Him an encore! He wants us to stay in praise, abide in Him, and let Him take our fears away. He wants to surround us with His Love and with a sense of His presence.
So Worship elevates us to a place where we better understand Jesus. And worship music helps with this. Worship music is a holiness tool. It elevates us to a place where our thoughts and our actions bring us to the King. It gives a testimony to Jesus.
This is where prophecy comes in. This is where we can give a revelation of Jesus through our speech and through song. This is where music brings in a message from God that testifies to forgiveness and love. This message testifies to Jesus. It tells us that God is doing a new thing; that He is making a way where there was only hopelessness before.
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19
It tells us to change in accordance with His will. And it speaks of a future hope and a future calling that far exceeds past doubts and failures. This message comes as the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10) And music helps us get to that place. When God's people come in unity and seek Him in song, God is pleased. When the music and the worship please Him, the atmosphere becomes prophetically charged.
This is one thing King David loved about the body. This is why David surrounded himself by a team of worshippers and musicians. It allowed Him to come closer to God.
"Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation."
Let's praise Him vocally. Let's sing and praise and shout as we become the hope of God. Let's sing a new song, let's sing in the Spirit, let's sing as we are led. Let's worship with all of our spirit, as His Spirit leads into all truth (John 4:24).
But don't sing out of obligation--God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Sing because there is no other way to express His character. Sing, because when His Love comes, it's often hard to be quiet. Make a joyful noise, as He fills you to overflowing with His Love. Wigglesworth said that you're in a terrible place if you can't shout. Now, to each their own. But we need to be passionate about our God. We need to be passionate about what He's done, and we need to be passionate about giving Him all the glory we can.
"He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed." Psalm 40:3
God gave this. God is still doing this. By the Spirit, He will give you all the songs you want. Let Him inspire you. Let Him renew your mind and give you music that glorifies Him. Sing to Him, and sing to Him a new song. Sing by His leading to glorify what He's done, to share your testimony. That's what King Hezekiah did after God healed Him (Hezekiah's Song). So sing praises, and allow Him to uplift you and spread His glory.
Confirmed: As I was writing the last paragraph, seen above, Vanessa came in with a testimony. She was singing to God in the other room, singing praise as she felt led and thanking Him for His goodness. All of a sudden, she was prompted to file down her fingernails, so she left the room and found a new nail file in the next room over . As she filed, she turned it over and read the back--sometimes God will lead you towards apparently random things--and it said, "ENCORE!".
Glory to God! He likes our music. God is pleased by our worship. He wants us to continue in it! He wants us to give Him an encore! He wants us to stay in praise, abide in Him, and let Him take our fears away. He wants to surround us with His Love and with a sense of His presence.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Snapshot: Humbled
Humility was a theme last week. God was putting me through some hardship spiritually and I was wondering why. So He led me to Psalm 44. This passage reminds me of Job in some senses, where God appeared to let down His people.
When we are set back, we cannot give up. When we go through that valley, we shouldn't fear any evil. When we are humbled, we need to accept it. Despite our situation, God wants us to know that our redeemer lives (Job 19:25) . We need to know that God is who He says He is...faithful, patient and totally in control. And so loving! We need to come out of trials more humble than we were before them. We need to understand that He is good enough to work all things together for our good.
Confirmed: On the same day as I read Psalm 44, there were confirming comments on a new post on the Quickened Word. Here they are. It amazes me how God speaks similar things to His children. So synchronized, so timely. And our Lord wants all of us to "see in part"!
Confirmed: Here is another faith builder from the Quickened Word, this one from today. It is God's arm that fights for us, and must fight for us, or else we cannot live in His Victory. See psalm 44 above for more on that. The better way to live is in humility! If we are humble before Him, He will always lift us up. He lifts us up and gives us His might to live victorious. God doesn't want His children falling short because they don't have knowledge of who He is and what He's done (Hosea 4:6). He wants us to use the power and name that called us and justified us in the first place. God's righteous right hand has lifted us up, and His Word has given us power and authority.
Let's know that God disciplines those He loves. Let's respond with a Spirit of humility and trust. Only then can we walk by the power of His arm. Only then can we help the body. Only then can we be a "strong and mighty" warrior for Him (Judges 6:12).
When we are set back, we cannot give up. When we go through that valley, we shouldn't fear any evil. When we are humbled, we need to accept it. Despite our situation, God wants us to know that our redeemer lives (Job 19:25) . We need to know that God is who He says He is...faithful, patient and totally in control. And so loving! We need to come out of trials more humble than we were before them. We need to understand that He is good enough to work all things together for our good.
Confirmed: On the same day as I read Psalm 44, there were confirming comments on a new post on the Quickened Word. Here they are. It amazes me how God speaks similar things to His children. So synchronized, so timely. And our Lord wants all of us to "see in part"!
Confirmed: Here is another faith builder from the Quickened Word, this one from today. It is God's arm that fights for us, and must fight for us, or else we cannot live in His Victory. See psalm 44 above for more on that. The better way to live is in humility! If we are humble before Him, He will always lift us up. He lifts us up and gives us His might to live victorious. God doesn't want His children falling short because they don't have knowledge of who He is and what He's done (Hosea 4:6). He wants us to use the power and name that called us and justified us in the first place. God's righteous right hand has lifted us up, and His Word has given us power and authority.
Let's know that God disciplines those He loves. Let's respond with a Spirit of humility and trust. Only then can we walk by the power of His arm. Only then can we help the body. Only then can we be a "strong and mighty" warrior for Him (Judges 6:12).
Friday, December 5, 2014
Snapshot: His Mercy
Today I was in riding in the car for a while and forgot to bring anything to read. Praise God, though, that I found a pretty comprehensive Bible Commentary book to look at. I was ready about the theme of God's mercy...what a significant thing. Some have it, some do not, and that makes all the difference. Praise God that He greets those who come to Him with His Love.
Anyways, I was reading about mercy in context to the Psalms. David made so many mistakes, but He also gloried in God's mercy. His sin made the mercy of God all the more amazing. Yet David new repentance, and what it is to be truly sorry and humble before God. He did not live in sinfulness; that would be an attempt at abusing God's mercy. This simply doesn't work, because our Lord cannot be mocked. (Galatians 6:7-7) He can be trusted merciful, though, and if we accept the riches of His mercy, it will be enough to compel us to "bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:8)
I was praying about this. I wanted to be assured that I have His mercy. I was begging for it. I'll be honest, I'm very human in that my faith needs to continually be "reminded". I need a God who is quick and active! I felt Him saying that I did have it, and that I could rest assured in that. What did I expect? God is faithful.
Anyways, right after feeling confirmed by God, I looked up. We were still driving down the highway, and right in front of us was a car whose back license plate said, "MERCY" in all caps. Glory to God! He wants us to feast on His Word. He wants us to crave it, even if that means craving the basics of our spiritual faith (1 Peter 2:2). He always brings us back.
Anyways, I was reading about mercy in context to the Psalms. David made so many mistakes, but He also gloried in God's mercy. His sin made the mercy of God all the more amazing. Yet David new repentance, and what it is to be truly sorry and humble before God. He did not live in sinfulness; that would be an attempt at abusing God's mercy. This simply doesn't work, because our Lord cannot be mocked. (Galatians 6:7-7) He can be trusted merciful, though, and if we accept the riches of His mercy, it will be enough to compel us to "bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:8)
I was praying about this. I wanted to be assured that I have His mercy. I was begging for it. I'll be honest, I'm very human in that my faith needs to continually be "reminded". I need a God who is quick and active! I felt Him saying that I did have it, and that I could rest assured in that. What did I expect? God is faithful.
Anyways, right after feeling confirmed by God, I looked up. We were still driving down the highway, and right in front of us was a car whose back license plate said, "MERCY" in all caps. Glory to God! He wants us to feast on His Word. He wants us to crave it, even if that means craving the basics of our spiritual faith (1 Peter 2:2). He always brings us back.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Truth Brings Deliverance
The first part of yesterday was rough. I had fallen into doubt, and the truth was being pushed out by lies. We were in Church, and parts of worship were great, but others were not. I intermittently fell in and out of confusion. God often gives me prophetic visions, but during worship, I kept seeing a bunch of visions that just didn't make any sense. These visions were apparently random and did not bring upliftment nor directly point to God. Worship didn't do what it usually does for me--I didn't feel any better afterwards than I did beforehand. I still felt oppressed, and now I was feeling a lot of confusion because I felt like God was not in my mind.
I should also mention that a few days ago, God began speaking to me about deliverance. I sometimes struggle with doubt, and for me, this doubt dilutes and distorts God's voice. This oppression began when God first started to train me to hear from Him accurately, and since then I've struggled through lesson after lesson on the importance of receiving God. I've learned that fear can make us falsely prophetic. Doubt, too, is also a dangerous thing. If unchecked, it can even make me believe that God has refused to bring me to a safe place, salvation. In referring to my own future deliverance, I heard God put it this way: "No more will you hear the voice of the enemy and believe it". That's a promise. His sheep hear His voice, and they follow it.
Anyways, He told me, promised me, that my own deliverance from oppression and doubt would come soon. This was two days prior to Sunday. After the worship section ended, I began pleading with God that He would deliver me, and do so today!
Praise God that if our minds condemn us, even if our hearts condemn us, He knows whose seed we are of (1 John 3:20). I was wrestling with God--or trying to--after worship ended, and He let me. Suddenly I came our of the spiritual attack and my mind felt clear and renewed. He began speaking to me, which I documented in my notebook as well as I could:
"Amidst a sea of doubt and confusion, set your eyes on Me. Set your affection on Me. Set your hope on Me."
He continued into more personal stuff, and the message was clear. I got into trouble because I was not fixated on God! Worship can be a very spiritual thing, and not every spiritual thing is good or worth thinking about. The more the Lord shows me how to worship in His fullness, the more spiritual worship feels and becomes. The deeper God takes me through worship,"in Spirit and in truth", the more boldly I need to focus on Him. It's not enough to just worship in Spirit. It's not entering into the fullness of God if we just worship in truth. The combination of both brings in God's touch.
What God spoke to me after worship was the truth, His truth, and it set me free. I was delivered from all my fears! God is so good. The Word he spoke to me was then confirmed as a lady went up to the front and shared a testimony. She said several things that so validated what God had spoken to me, and my heart was truly set at rest. Below are a few phrases that were so synchronistic to what I'd just received. Most are rephrased because all this was very in the moment.
-Things that aren't truthful can't be figured out.
The visions I received during worship weren't truth. As a result, I just couldn't figure them out! God is a God of order, and the things He gives are meant to help us be set free. Wow...this was a big learning lesson because it applied directly to all those seemingly spiritual, dark or random visions that were oppressing me.
-Jesus is the only answer, and we need to focus on Him
We need to focus on Him. Look at what happened to Peter when he stepped out onto the sea, in faith, but later lost his focus. Just like God told me right after worship! Any other thing besides Him does not give us an answer. Any other thing does not reply with the truth.
-No truth only "leads to confusion"
The wording this lady used was so synchronistic with how God initially answered me. Praise Jesus! Confused is exactly how I felt when I was spiritually attacked. I had many spiritual things blocking out the truth, and I became pretty confused in trying to make sense of them.
The same Holy Spirit that gave me deliverance after worship prompted this lady to share testimony later in the service, and this same Spirit gave her and I similar human words and phrases to conceptualize spiritual truths. The truth set me free, and by His grace God gave me confirmations so that I could continue in the faith.
How does God deliver us? He gives us the Truth. He gives us the revelation. He gives us free gifts, and He accompanies these good things with faith to expand on them. He allows us to go through oppressions so that we can call on Him. We call on Him, and He answers us! He answers us with deliverance. Glory to God! He gives us the truth and saves us from the enemy. He gives us truth and saves us from all our fears.
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
I should also mention that a few days ago, God began speaking to me about deliverance. I sometimes struggle with doubt, and for me, this doubt dilutes and distorts God's voice. This oppression began when God first started to train me to hear from Him accurately, and since then I've struggled through lesson after lesson on the importance of receiving God. I've learned that fear can make us falsely prophetic. Doubt, too, is also a dangerous thing. If unchecked, it can even make me believe that God has refused to bring me to a safe place, salvation. In referring to my own future deliverance, I heard God put it this way: "No more will you hear the voice of the enemy and believe it". That's a promise. His sheep hear His voice, and they follow it.
Anyways, He told me, promised me, that my own deliverance from oppression and doubt would come soon. This was two days prior to Sunday. After the worship section ended, I began pleading with God that He would deliver me, and do so today!
Praise God that if our minds condemn us, even if our hearts condemn us, He knows whose seed we are of (1 John 3:20). I was wrestling with God--or trying to--after worship ended, and He let me. Suddenly I came our of the spiritual attack and my mind felt clear and renewed. He began speaking to me, which I documented in my notebook as well as I could:
"Amidst a sea of doubt and confusion, set your eyes on Me. Set your affection on Me. Set your hope on Me."
He continued into more personal stuff, and the message was clear. I got into trouble because I was not fixated on God! Worship can be a very spiritual thing, and not every spiritual thing is good or worth thinking about. The more the Lord shows me how to worship in His fullness, the more spiritual worship feels and becomes. The deeper God takes me through worship,"in Spirit and in truth", the more boldly I need to focus on Him. It's not enough to just worship in Spirit. It's not entering into the fullness of God if we just worship in truth. The combination of both brings in God's touch.
What God spoke to me after worship was the truth, His truth, and it set me free. I was delivered from all my fears! God is so good. The Word he spoke to me was then confirmed as a lady went up to the front and shared a testimony. She said several things that so validated what God had spoken to me, and my heart was truly set at rest. Below are a few phrases that were so synchronistic to what I'd just received. Most are rephrased because all this was very in the moment.
-Things that aren't truthful can't be figured out.
The visions I received during worship weren't truth. As a result, I just couldn't figure them out! God is a God of order, and the things He gives are meant to help us be set free. Wow...this was a big learning lesson because it applied directly to all those seemingly spiritual, dark or random visions that were oppressing me.
-Jesus is the only answer, and we need to focus on Him
We need to focus on Him. Look at what happened to Peter when he stepped out onto the sea, in faith, but later lost his focus. Just like God told me right after worship! Any other thing besides Him does not give us an answer. Any other thing does not reply with the truth.
-No truth only "leads to confusion"
The wording this lady used was so synchronistic with how God initially answered me. Praise Jesus! Confused is exactly how I felt when I was spiritually attacked. I had many spiritual things blocking out the truth, and I became pretty confused in trying to make sense of them.
The same Holy Spirit that gave me deliverance after worship prompted this lady to share testimony later in the service, and this same Spirit gave her and I similar human words and phrases to conceptualize spiritual truths. The truth set me free, and by His grace God gave me confirmations so that I could continue in the faith.
How does God deliver us? He gives us the Truth. He gives us the revelation. He gives us free gifts, and He accompanies these good things with faith to expand on them. He allows us to go through oppressions so that we can call on Him. We call on Him, and He answers us! He answers us with deliverance. Glory to God! He gives us the truth and saves us from the enemy. He gives us truth and saves us from all our fears.
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Synchronicity: How to Read The Word
God gave us His Word for many reasons. The Word is our hope and our encouragement, our "ever-present hope in times of trouble." We cannot forget or underestimate the Word. It is alive and active, and by the Holy Spirit it is made real to us.
The Bible gives us commands to keep us pure in the eyes of God, and it also gives us moment by moment direction. There are a few names for the Word's present-time guidance. I like to call this kind of direction "rhema" or "navigational commands". These things come from the Word as we read it led by the Holy Spirit.
So, how to get specific commands from the bible? There are certainly times when it's good to read long passages of scripture at once, but the Lord has given us faster ways to discern His answers to specific questions. When we are led by the Spirit and operating out of a place of faith, random bible reading is often miraculously on topic. Try randomly opening a bible up and you'll see what I mean. As long as we precede this by trust and reliance on God, He gives specific direction through the Word, in ways that are sometimes totally unrelated to the context of that scripture section.
For example, last night I had a warning-type dream. It related to discipline that was painful. I felt it was from God, and this dream really helped me understand His might in disciplining those He loves. His discipline, and His commands to stay blameless, are designed for our protection, "lest some worse thing happen". After asking for His help, I open up the Word to Proverbs 19:18:
"Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction."
So this verse synchronously confirmed the topic and message of last night's dream. God is always faithful to His Word. The Bible is unlike any other book, and because of that, it is reliable to direct us when opened at random. So, often, I open my Bible at random and the first thing my eyes see totally relates to the day's events. Sometimes the first passage I read relates to things that happened just minutes ago. These synchronistic happenings are not just coincidences! No, those who are near God need to acknowledge His power (Isaiah 33:13).
In the last month or so, the Holy Spirit has been teaching me how to get specific instruction from God on behalf of others. I don't mean prophecy here, but more so selecting timely bible verses, that often have a prophetic meaning. It all starts by hearing God's voice. The further you go along with God, the less and less you can do things, even spiritual things, according to your own will.
This new method is very efficient, but like I said, it must be strongly guided by God. So, most mornings I seek God on behalf of my wife. I acknowledge His ability, and His power, and then open my Bible at random. I may have my eyes closed, and point to a spot on the page, before opening my eyes and reading the selected verse. Or, I might just "know" that I'm meant to keep my eyes open, and immediately look on near the top left corner of the page. Direction such as this is a benefit of "keeping in step" with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Once again, distinct guidance is critical here! The Lord directs me when I do these random, finger-pointing readings...it is He that gives me protection and wisdom. Often He speaks with that "still, small voice" and tells me where to point my finger, which side of the page to gaze at, or where in the Word I should first open. When I do read as directed, God always gives me a passage whose message couldn't be a bit better. This is my one of my favorite ways to get specific direction from God.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105
The Word is a light for the feet, not a spotlight into the distant future. So many people miss this! The Word guides us step by step. If we could do more than just "see in part" (1 Corinthians 13:9), we would not need to fully rely on God, nor have faith in the unseen! The synchronistic things God directs to us often fall around our feet, as He turns our "darkness into light" and guides us moment by moment. God's Spirit aligns us with converging events, through the Word, that guide our path. Glory to God! He really is so creative. Synchronicity through the word keep us "in step" better than almost anything. Reading the Bible at random is such a faith builder. Like I said, though, we must begin reading in faith that "the Lord is God, shining upon us". Or else, we are in serious danger of our faith being hurt even more:
"...Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." Matthew 13:12
So, let's read the word with faith to receive, and faith to believe the rhema word that God wants to speak. Let's desire clear and specific instruction, so that we can walk on His path for us, and not resort to lighting our own fires. Let's acknowledge God's power to move through synchronistic events, and give Him the Glory for it!
"For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
The Bible gives us commands to keep us pure in the eyes of God, and it also gives us moment by moment direction. There are a few names for the Word's present-time guidance. I like to call this kind of direction "rhema" or "navigational commands". These things come from the Word as we read it led by the Holy Spirit.
So, how to get specific commands from the bible? There are certainly times when it's good to read long passages of scripture at once, but the Lord has given us faster ways to discern His answers to specific questions. When we are led by the Spirit and operating out of a place of faith, random bible reading is often miraculously on topic. Try randomly opening a bible up and you'll see what I mean. As long as we precede this by trust and reliance on God, He gives specific direction through the Word, in ways that are sometimes totally unrelated to the context of that scripture section.
For example, last night I had a warning-type dream. It related to discipline that was painful. I felt it was from God, and this dream really helped me understand His might in disciplining those He loves. His discipline, and His commands to stay blameless, are designed for our protection, "lest some worse thing happen". After asking for His help, I open up the Word to Proverbs 19:18:
"Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction."
So this verse synchronously confirmed the topic and message of last night's dream. God is always faithful to His Word. The Bible is unlike any other book, and because of that, it is reliable to direct us when opened at random. So, often, I open my Bible at random and the first thing my eyes see totally relates to the day's events. Sometimes the first passage I read relates to things that happened just minutes ago. These synchronistic happenings are not just coincidences! No, those who are near God need to acknowledge His power (Isaiah 33:13).
In the last month or so, the Holy Spirit has been teaching me how to get specific instruction from God on behalf of others. I don't mean prophecy here, but more so selecting timely bible verses, that often have a prophetic meaning. It all starts by hearing God's voice. The further you go along with God, the less and less you can do things, even spiritual things, according to your own will.
This new method is very efficient, but like I said, it must be strongly guided by God. So, most mornings I seek God on behalf of my wife. I acknowledge His ability, and His power, and then open my Bible at random. I may have my eyes closed, and point to a spot on the page, before opening my eyes and reading the selected verse. Or, I might just "know" that I'm meant to keep my eyes open, and immediately look on near the top left corner of the page. Direction such as this is a benefit of "keeping in step" with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Once again, distinct guidance is critical here! The Lord directs me when I do these random, finger-pointing readings...it is He that gives me protection and wisdom. Often He speaks with that "still, small voice" and tells me where to point my finger, which side of the page to gaze at, or where in the Word I should first open. When I do read as directed, God always gives me a passage whose message couldn't be a bit better. This is my one of my favorite ways to get specific direction from God.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105
The Word is a light for the feet, not a spotlight into the distant future. So many people miss this! The Word guides us step by step. If we could do more than just "see in part" (1 Corinthians 13:9), we would not need to fully rely on God, nor have faith in the unseen! The synchronistic things God directs to us often fall around our feet, as He turns our "darkness into light" and guides us moment by moment. God's Spirit aligns us with converging events, through the Word, that guide our path. Glory to God! He really is so creative. Synchronicity through the word keep us "in step" better than almost anything. Reading the Bible at random is such a faith builder. Like I said, though, we must begin reading in faith that "the Lord is God, shining upon us". Or else, we are in serious danger of our faith being hurt even more:
"...Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." Matthew 13:12
So, let's read the word with faith to receive, and faith to believe the rhema word that God wants to speak. Let's desire clear and specific instruction, so that we can walk on His path for us, and not resort to lighting our own fires. Let's acknowledge God's power to move through synchronistic events, and give Him the Glory for it!
"For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Food and Idolatry
Many times in street ministry we see people who have all sorts of back or joint problems that are apparently caused by being overweight. God heals them just like anyone else. From a natural perspective, these people put their ailments upon themselves by eating too much. But who can say that they deserved to be healed? Besides, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against unseen forces in the spiritual realm. These people who spend years harming their bodies through eating too much receive the promises of God just like any other believer can, and in Jesus' name all their pain is taken away. What grace! I often wonder where these people went wrong. I believe they fell prey to the evil nature of today's food system. But more on that later. First, let's look at what the Word says about affliction and sin.
"Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities were afflicted". Psalm 107:17
I believe that affliction is often punishment for sin. It is a way for God to turn us away from lawlessness. Sickness can be God's will, if it brings us closer to Him.
"It is good for me that I was afflicted; that I might learn your statutes". Psalm 119:71
But praise God that there is a way out! Repent and be delivered! In "returning and rest" we will be saved. We will be delivered into the care of Him who "bore all our diseases".
Back to today's food system. I believe many, many believers overlook the destruction that the enemy has done in this area. We have chemicals of all kinds being put into our food and water, and we have processed foods available everywhere we look. These 'foods' are manufactured to be so tasty that they are impossible to put down. We have produce that is genetically modified, and we have semi toxic products being sold as health food. Satan is the father of lies and deception, and I believe that he has made it nearly impossible for us as Christians to "touch no unclean thing". Is it sin to eat pop tarts, drink HFCS-filled soda, or feed your children genetically modified apples? Surely God, in His mercy, is punishing Christians for their terrible eating habits, right?
I don't think so. Based on the Word of God, and also my experience in ministering to people with weight-induced problems, I do not think that being overweight is a sin in itself. In my opinion, a lifestyle of bad eating habits is not inherently sinful. The flesh profits nothing, whether we feast or fast.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God". I Cor. 10:31
That being said, I still believe that weight-induced diseases (joint damage, diabetes, heart problems, often sleep apnea, etc.) are afflictions usually brought on by sin. What is the sin? Often one of two things--idolatry or fear. Let's look at idolatry first.
Food Idolatry as Sin
God is a jealous God, but He also honors free will. Often He turns people over to their selfish desires. Many believers, often strong ones, have not put away their selfish desires, and as a result are constantly being punished by reaping the results of food idolatry. How many people live in chronic pain, how many live dependent on insulin or sleep medication, how many even die prematurely, because they are serving this food addiction alongside The Lord? Praise God that He is more gracious than I am. We need to delight in His law and His boundaries so that we do not "perish in our affliction". I feel like this is a major overlooked problem within the church . The Lord, by His Spirit, gives us a supernatural source of "power, love, and self-control"! How many are not yielding to it. These people reap what they've been sowing. Don't forget, though, that God continues to heal people from the results of such actions. He is not mocked, but what a wonderful thing Jesus did for us!
"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace". Romans 8:6
Instead, God gives us His Spirit...if we do not ignore His leadings, we can act with the same self-discipline that Jesus had. Don't forget that Jesus fasted for forty days. Don't forget that his food was to do the will of His father. Also remember that Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, by telling Him to make bread to eat out of the rocks. How many Christians today just need to learn how to say "no" and resist the temptation of food? I'll say it again, I believe that food idolatry is a widespread, marginalized problem within the Church. The enemy is still tempting God's children with the false satisfaction of unnecessary food, and at this point in time (in modernized countries, at least), he has nearly endless resources at his disposal. How many churches serve coffee and donuts, or host giant potlucks, when they could be out on the street doing ministry, or still worshipping The Lord in the sanctuary?
Note that I'm not perfect myself. I like food more than most. Jesus is always willing to heal. He is willing to forgive, too. Just the mention of His name is enough to eliminate pain caused by bearing excess weight. His name is enough to cure diabetes. His name is enough to eliminate cancer caused by a lifetime of eating artificially colored and flavored foods. His name can and does "destroy the works of the devil".
What I want to do by writing this is not to pronounce judgement. Mercy triumphs judgement...or else these healings would not occur! I am not fit to judge others anyways. But I encourage believers to seek The Lord about the presence of food idolatry in their lives and the lives of others. Let's exhort eachother into God's truth! The problem is not wheat, it is not sugar. The problem isn't GMOs. It's not even red #40 or aspartame . The problem is idolatry.
More on this in the next post. There is another false attitude towards food that I really want to address. Many Christians go the opposite way, and in trying to eat healthy take their eyes off of the divine health offered in our savior Lord Jesus. Please remember that these posts are not condemnation. Many of the things God's shown me have been taught through my own failures. I am guilty without forgiveness and repentance just like any other. But we must be desperate to stay blameless in God's eyes!
"Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities were afflicted". Psalm 107:17
I believe that affliction is often punishment for sin. It is a way for God to turn us away from lawlessness. Sickness can be God's will, if it brings us closer to Him.
"It is good for me that I was afflicted; that I might learn your statutes". Psalm 119:71
But praise God that there is a way out! Repent and be delivered! In "returning and rest" we will be saved. We will be delivered into the care of Him who "bore all our diseases".
Back to today's food system. I believe many, many believers overlook the destruction that the enemy has done in this area. We have chemicals of all kinds being put into our food and water, and we have processed foods available everywhere we look. These 'foods' are manufactured to be so tasty that they are impossible to put down. We have produce that is genetically modified, and we have semi toxic products being sold as health food. Satan is the father of lies and deception, and I believe that he has made it nearly impossible for us as Christians to "touch no unclean thing". Is it sin to eat pop tarts, drink HFCS-filled soda, or feed your children genetically modified apples? Surely God, in His mercy, is punishing Christians for their terrible eating habits, right?
I don't think so. Based on the Word of God, and also my experience in ministering to people with weight-induced problems, I do not think that being overweight is a sin in itself. In my opinion, a lifestyle of bad eating habits is not inherently sinful. The flesh profits nothing, whether we feast or fast.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God". I Cor. 10:31
That being said, I still believe that weight-induced diseases (joint damage, diabetes, heart problems, often sleep apnea, etc.) are afflictions usually brought on by sin. What is the sin? Often one of two things--idolatry or fear. Let's look at idolatry first.
Food Idolatry as Sin
God is a jealous God, but He also honors free will. Often He turns people over to their selfish desires. Many believers, often strong ones, have not put away their selfish desires, and as a result are constantly being punished by reaping the results of food idolatry. How many people live in chronic pain, how many live dependent on insulin or sleep medication, how many even die prematurely, because they are serving this food addiction alongside The Lord? Praise God that He is more gracious than I am. We need to delight in His law and His boundaries so that we do not "perish in our affliction". I feel like this is a major overlooked problem within the church . The Lord, by His Spirit, gives us a supernatural source of "power, love, and self-control"! How many are not yielding to it. These people reap what they've been sowing. Don't forget, though, that God continues to heal people from the results of such actions. He is not mocked, but what a wonderful thing Jesus did for us!
"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace". Romans 8:6
Instead, God gives us His Spirit...if we do not ignore His leadings, we can act with the same self-discipline that Jesus had. Don't forget that Jesus fasted for forty days. Don't forget that his food was to do the will of His father. Also remember that Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, by telling Him to make bread to eat out of the rocks. How many Christians today just need to learn how to say "no" and resist the temptation of food? I'll say it again, I believe that food idolatry is a widespread, marginalized problem within the Church. The enemy is still tempting God's children with the false satisfaction of unnecessary food, and at this point in time (in modernized countries, at least), he has nearly endless resources at his disposal. How many churches serve coffee and donuts, or host giant potlucks, when they could be out on the street doing ministry, or still worshipping The Lord in the sanctuary?
Note that I'm not perfect myself. I like food more than most. Jesus is always willing to heal. He is willing to forgive, too. Just the mention of His name is enough to eliminate pain caused by bearing excess weight. His name is enough to cure diabetes. His name is enough to eliminate cancer caused by a lifetime of eating artificially colored and flavored foods. His name can and does "destroy the works of the devil".
What I want to do by writing this is not to pronounce judgement. Mercy triumphs judgement...or else these healings would not occur! I am not fit to judge others anyways. But I encourage believers to seek The Lord about the presence of food idolatry in their lives and the lives of others. Let's exhort eachother into God's truth! The problem is not wheat, it is not sugar. The problem isn't GMOs. It's not even red #40 or aspartame . The problem is idolatry.
More on this in the next post. There is another false attitude towards food that I really want to address. Many Christians go the opposite way, and in trying to eat healthy take their eyes off of the divine health offered in our savior Lord Jesus. Please remember that these posts are not condemnation. Many of the things God's shown me have been taught through my own failures. I am guilty without forgiveness and repentance just like any other. But we must be desperate to stay blameless in God's eyes!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)