Been thinking a lot about temptation recently. There is a higher side to this, a higher solution, that I'll get to in a bit. But for now, here's some thoughts taken from the Smith Wigglesworth devotional:
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12
People do not know what they are getting when they are in a great place of temptation. Temptation endured brings the “crown of life.”
There is nothing outside of purity except what is sin. All unbelief is sin. God wants you to have a pure, active faith so that you will be living in an advanced place of believing God all the time, and so that you will be on the mountaintop and singing when others are crying.
I want to speak now about lust. I am not speaking about the base things, the carnal desires. I am not speaking so much about adultery or fornication, and such things, but I am speaking about what has turned you aside to some other thing instead of God.
God has been offering you better things all the time, and you have missed them.
There are three things in life, and I noticed that many people are satisfied with just one of them. There is blessing in justification, there is blessing in sanctification, and there is blessing in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is a wonderful thing, and we know it. Sanctification is a process that takes us on to higher levels with God. Salvation, sanctification, and the fullness of the Spirit are processes.
Many people are satisfied with “good” – that is, with salvation. Other people are satisfied with “better” – a sanctified life, purified by God. Still other people are satisfied with “best” – the fullness of God with revelation from on high. I am not satisfied with any of the three. I am only satisfied with “best with improvement”.
So I come to you not with good, but better; not with better, but best; not with best, but best with improvement – going on with God.
Why?
Because “when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fully-grown, brings forth death”(James 1:15)
When anything has taken me from God, it means death in some way.
When Jesus said to the disciples, “The Son of Man will be put into the hands of sinners and crucified,” Peter rebuked Him ( see Mt. 16:21-22), but Jesus said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”(verse 23)
Anything that hinders me from denying myself and taking up my cross(v.24) is of the Devil; anything that hinders me from being separated unto God is of the Devil, anything that hinders me from being purified every day is carnal, and it is death.
So I implore you today to make certain that there is no lustful thing in you that would rob you of the glory. Then God will take you to the very summit of the blessing where you can be increased day by day into all His fullness.
Thought for today: Do not neglect the Word of God. Take time to think about the Word of God; it is the only place of safety.
Showing posts with label Sanctification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sanctification. Show all posts
Monday, January 4, 2016
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Living in Thanks
"I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of Yahweh" ~Psalm 107:22
So many things in our lives can be sanctified by thanksgiving. Whether we are waking up in the morning, working, or folding laundry doesn't really matter--we can experience the holiness weaved into each moment by awakening to a state of thanksgiving.
When we call on the name of Yahweh, we're really also calling on all that goes with it. We are calling on a force greater and more noble than ourselves. We are calling for a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude to overtake us.
So many rituals in the Old Testament point to future spiritual parallels found in the New (Colossians 2:17), It's our job, not God's, to become appropriately thankful for all the things He's already done. Thanks offerings are still a part of the righteous person's walk.
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
We're no longer on the other side of the fence, offering sacrifices to a distant, overarching God. Yahshua has come! Instead, we can let Christ in us commune with the Father in the same way He did while on earth in bodily form. We're one with Him, and He's one with us, even One with all who believe. Thankfulness can be our natural state of being. It's part of our calling, and it's a medium through which more specialized aspects of our Father's plans are directed. God doesn't always make things easy, but He does make things easier.
So many things in our lives can be sanctified by thanksgiving. Whether we are waking up in the morning, working, or folding laundry doesn't really matter--we can experience the holiness weaved into each moment by awakening to a state of thanksgiving.
When we call on the name of Yahweh, we're really also calling on all that goes with it. We are calling on a force greater and more noble than ourselves. We are calling for a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude to overtake us.
So many rituals in the Old Testament point to future spiritual parallels found in the New (Colossians 2:17), It's our job, not God's, to become appropriately thankful for all the things He's already done. Thanks offerings are still a part of the righteous person's walk.
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
We're no longer on the other side of the fence, offering sacrifices to a distant, overarching God. Yahshua has come! Instead, we can let Christ in us commune with the Father in the same way He did while on earth in bodily form. We're one with Him, and He's one with us, even One with all who believe. Thankfulness can be our natural state of being. It's part of our calling, and it's a medium through which more specialized aspects of our Father's plans are directed. God doesn't always make things easy, but He does make things easier.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Snapshot: An Anointed Pen
Just a short post here. I want to describe something God showed me recently, as I think it relates to the missions and callings that God has placed on many people right now.
You see, for each mission, there is an equipping and anointing by God. For each skill set or talent needed, God gives an anointing to carry us on through it. Isn't that great? He's the one who sets the stage. He's the one who gives us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
And so a few days ago, the Lord showed me a pen that was being used for His Glory--for the glory of Jesus. And this pen became filled with ink--it became plump with ink, actually, and began expanding. With this came a message. God spoke to me and said that He is who anoints us to write. He spoke and showed me that He gives us more than enough to inspire our writing! Awesome!
This has been an encouragement for both Vanessa and I. God gives us promises and words we've yet to receive fulfilled. See, even if we put things off, even if we suffer some delays, God will make a way. His power is still waiting for us, and when we release it, He will still allow that anointing to flow! If He's given you a mandate to write--to write in your journal, to write on a website, or even to write a book--don't put it off! His power is still waiting in the wings. His anointing is still ready to be released.
We need to sanctify the Lord in our hearts (1 Peter 3:15), and then receive from Him that anointed pen. We need to have our words, speech, and writing transformed by Him for His glory! We need to walk in whatever He's already called us to do, with no more delays. We need to let His words flow.
You see, for each mission, there is an equipping and anointing by God. For each skill set or talent needed, God gives an anointing to carry us on through it. Isn't that great? He's the one who sets the stage. He's the one who gives us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
And so a few days ago, the Lord showed me a pen that was being used for His Glory--for the glory of Jesus. And this pen became filled with ink--it became plump with ink, actually, and began expanding. With this came a message. God spoke to me and said that He is who anoints us to write. He spoke and showed me that He gives us more than enough to inspire our writing! Awesome!
This has been an encouragement for both Vanessa and I. God gives us promises and words we've yet to receive fulfilled. See, even if we put things off, even if we suffer some delays, God will make a way. His power is still waiting for us, and when we release it, He will still allow that anointing to flow! If He's given you a mandate to write--to write in your journal, to write on a website, or even to write a book--don't put it off! His power is still waiting in the wings. His anointing is still ready to be released.
We need to sanctify the Lord in our hearts (1 Peter 3:15), and then receive from Him that anointed pen. We need to have our words, speech, and writing transformed by Him for His glory! We need to walk in whatever He's already called us to do, with no more delays. We need to let His words flow.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Dream: Repentance with Jesus; Winds of Change
Last night I had an interesting experience. I was dreaming and the Lord Jesus came in. I did not quite see Him in this dream, that I can remember. However, He seemed very close by and I did really feel His presence. Once this presence came into my awareness--wow, what love! I was pretty taken aback with admiration and bliss. I felt His love surround me and was left in adoration.
And I also felt the need to repent. I realized how far from perfection, how far from Him, I'd been living. I repented and repented and repented--I had to in order to withstand His nearness. I became acutely aware of the degrees of pride, impurity, and unbelief I had let into my daily life. For every 'good' work I had done, I understood that He had the ability to just burn it up. At the same time, I did not really feel a worldly guilt. My sense of unworthiness was refreshing, not condemning.
So I did repent. With each confession, and every time I turned back from something, I felt Jesus come nearer. I felt Him begin to penetrate my heart. I felt His Love in a new way. His presence got so, so thick. I was crying, and then sobbing. I had repented, and I finally felt clean! And I could let Him in. Praise the Lord! This experience did not take very long, but resulted in so much heart change.
After this, I woke up. I think it was about midnight. And I heard this roaring wind in my ears. I felt like it was from God--but it still frightened me. It was a loud, intimidating sound, and I was hearing it almost internally, not sensing that I had over it any amount of control. It would pick up and then withdraw a little. I asked the Lord if He would make it more bearable, and He did. It became quieter, and then I went back to sleep.
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
I've had the above verse in my head for a couple days now. It's clearer now that it'd been preparation for what happened last night. This morning I did some research. This year, according to the Hebrew calendar year 5775, is a year for the Winds of Change to manifest on the earth. This is a time when God will blow away our impurities and usher in a new thing. The Holy Spirit will usher in a time of greater purity and longing for Jesus.
Here is an article on the Elijahlist about the winds of change and their multitudes of purpose. There are many winds, because there are many changes that can take place for the better. We are cleansed by these changes--our own shortcomings are blown away and a spiritual shift takes place.
"When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses." Jeremiah 10:13
And I also felt the need to repent. I realized how far from perfection, how far from Him, I'd been living. I repented and repented and repented--I had to in order to withstand His nearness. I became acutely aware of the degrees of pride, impurity, and unbelief I had let into my daily life. For every 'good' work I had done, I understood that He had the ability to just burn it up. At the same time, I did not really feel a worldly guilt. My sense of unworthiness was refreshing, not condemning.
So I did repent. With each confession, and every time I turned back from something, I felt Jesus come nearer. I felt Him begin to penetrate my heart. I felt His Love in a new way. His presence got so, so thick. I was crying, and then sobbing. I had repented, and I finally felt clean! And I could let Him in. Praise the Lord! This experience did not take very long, but resulted in so much heart change.
After this, I woke up. I think it was about midnight. And I heard this roaring wind in my ears. I felt like it was from God--but it still frightened me. It was a loud, intimidating sound, and I was hearing it almost internally, not sensing that I had over it any amount of control. It would pick up and then withdraw a little. I asked the Lord if He would make it more bearable, and He did. It became quieter, and then I went back to sleep.
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
I've had the above verse in my head for a couple days now. It's clearer now that it'd been preparation for what happened last night. This morning I did some research. This year, according to the Hebrew calendar year 5775, is a year for the Winds of Change to manifest on the earth. This is a time when God will blow away our impurities and usher in a new thing. The Holy Spirit will usher in a time of greater purity and longing for Jesus.
Here is an article on the Elijahlist about the winds of change and their multitudes of purpose. There are many winds, because there are many changes that can take place for the better. We are cleansed by these changes--our own shortcomings are blown away and a spiritual shift takes place.
"When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses." Jeremiah 10:13
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Snapshot: In a Bubble
There Lord has been speaking to me about His protection and His presence surrounding us recently. There have been many thematic events about bubbles. This all began at Christmas, when we got a gift of "durable bubbles" for our cat, Fearless, to play with. These bubbles were advertised as being able to touch the ground and not pop. The idea is that cats chase them as they roll around on the floor, until the cat actually has to touch the bubble to pop it.
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you" Job 12:7
Anyways, bubbles have been a recurring theme since then. For me, they represent God's indwelling presence exceeding our own bodies. They represent the Holy Spirit in us coming through and creating a manifestation of God all around us. They represent the "hedge of protection" that the Lord had placed around Job (Job 1:10). This bubble is God's territory. The enemy cannot enter, and we are shielded by God's power and Love. Disease cannot enter, neither can spiritual darkness or despair.
If we yield to God's Spirit within us, we will find it is soon all around us, too. We will find that the Holy Spirit will surround us with peace, love, and joy. Those around us will be positively affected, too (but some will be cut to the heart). This is what we are called to--Christ in us, with us and through us--until we are manifesting His presence here on the earth.
"Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again." Isaiah 52:1
This is God's command to us as believers. In other words, put on your bubble! Be separated and sanctified and set apart from the rest. Be clothed with His strength. It's already within--just let His Light and His character shine through. His Light is Love and strength. And if we yield and come into agreement with Him, His strong hand will come upon us (Isaiah 8:11). We will be displaying the nature of our savior to all the world, and we will achieve victory over the enemy, who will not be able to touch us.
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14
When we are within His bubble, we are seen by all as we rightfully are--sons and daughters of the King! Adverse situations will not steal our joy. We will have the right to the tree of life and be allowed through the gates of His Kingdom. The enemy will see the Spirit of God within us, and he will not be able to touch us. We will walk out our identity as the Lord's anointed, as He cleans us from the inside out (Psalms 105:15).
Glory to God! Yield to Him, focus on Him, preoccupy yourself with His goodness, and watch as it bubbles up through you. You will be within His bubble, and His presence around you will make you clean. Watch as His presence then shines out, and watch as you become totally untouched by outside circumstances. His Joy will surround you wherever you go!
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you" Job 12:7
Anyways, bubbles have been a recurring theme since then. For me, they represent God's indwelling presence exceeding our own bodies. They represent the Holy Spirit in us coming through and creating a manifestation of God all around us. They represent the "hedge of protection" that the Lord had placed around Job (Job 1:10). This bubble is God's territory. The enemy cannot enter, and we are shielded by God's power and Love. Disease cannot enter, neither can spiritual darkness or despair.
If we yield to God's Spirit within us, we will find it is soon all around us, too. We will find that the Holy Spirit will surround us with peace, love, and joy. Those around us will be positively affected, too (but some will be cut to the heart). This is what we are called to--Christ in us, with us and through us--until we are manifesting His presence here on the earth.
"Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again." Isaiah 52:1
This is God's command to us as believers. In other words, put on your bubble! Be separated and sanctified and set apart from the rest. Be clothed with His strength. It's already within--just let His Light and His character shine through. His Light is Love and strength. And if we yield and come into agreement with Him, His strong hand will come upon us (Isaiah 8:11). We will be displaying the nature of our savior to all the world, and we will achieve victory over the enemy, who will not be able to touch us.
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14
When we are within His bubble, we are seen by all as we rightfully are--sons and daughters of the King! Adverse situations will not steal our joy. We will have the right to the tree of life and be allowed through the gates of His Kingdom. The enemy will see the Spirit of God within us, and he will not be able to touch us. We will walk out our identity as the Lord's anointed, as He cleans us from the inside out (Psalms 105:15).
Glory to God! Yield to Him, focus on Him, preoccupy yourself with His goodness, and watch as it bubbles up through you. You will be within His bubble, and His presence around you will make you clean. Watch as His presence then shines out, and watch as you become totally untouched by outside circumstances. His Joy will surround you wherever you go!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Asking for His Details
I was asking God for a few things in prayer earlier today... and decided to play some worshipful music on my Kindle while getting some things done. As I was getting the music set up, a YouTube add came up which said: "Ask More, Get More". This was quickened to me because it happened synchronistically with my prayer.
"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" John 14:13
If we abide in Him, this will be obvious in our lives. Because when we abide in Him, our will is replaced by His. When we abide in Him, we are led to pray His Kingdom down, just as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). And if we ask in prayer for His Will and His Kingdom, He will surely give it!
But we need to ask. Even more than that, we need to live in a hungering for His Will that results in our asking. Smith Wigglesworth said that asking is receiving. But this is only true if we are walking really close to God. He is waiting for us to ask, and He is waiting for us to receive. He is waiting for us to stop and consider the very BEST for our lives...and that requires searching for His perfect Will. God wants to guide us continually (Isaiah 58:11). Are we willing to surrender all and long for His desires?
Confirmed: There was a new Rhema Word on the Quickened Word website today. Here it is. As I've gotten close to God, I've realized that He is really into the details. He wants everything, even the little things.. He desires everything, because all things are His, and He will not turn down an opportunity to glorify Himself. His name is majestic in all the earth (Psalms 8:1). This article goes into that very well.
God wants to bless every aspect of our lives. But He can only do that if we are living for Him. He will only :guide us continually" if we are seeking His Will and praying into it. The more we ask Him, the more we get direction. And the more we can receive Holy direction, the more we can please Him and rise above this world. But we need to seek Him intently and not for selfish reasons.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
If we are set apart from the world, we can receive downloads of God with clear filters. God's Word has already been planted in our hearts, but it cannot mature unless we have been sanctified. So we are sanctified, we pray His Will into manifestation, and we receive a mind in tune with the Spirit and the perfect Will of God.
Finding God's Will is an art more than a science. We have to be equipped to test it. We have to strive for His PERFECT Will. God wants the best for us. We need to do our best to follow Him. It takes purpose and purity of heart to see what He wants. We need to become more pure, in order to plunge deeper into spiritual things. We should be able to discern God's thoughts on all areas of our lives. Why not? Our vision will take on His own if we abide in Him, if we are pure.
God delights in every detail of our lives (see Psalm 37:23 on that Quickened Word post). Yes, every detail. The problem is that many are still learning the basics of God over and over and over again. So many need to stay confined to spiritual milk because they choose to live with minds fixated on this world. Why not pay the price for spiritual meat? (See 1 Corinthians 3)
Our God is willing, our God is able, our God is mighty. He is mighty to save and sanctify EVERY part of our lives. He is not willing for any of our works to be burnt up. But we can only please Him in everything if we deeply abide in Him. If we abide in Him, we will find that salvation is a full experience. Let's seek God for every aspect of His Will.
Let's ask Him for every single detail. Let's choose the very best path, so that He can delight in us. Do you know when God wants you to wake up tomorrow? If not, what does He think about the way you dress? Does He want you to pray for a particular neighbor? Does He want you to live where you do? Do not expect to discern these things if you are living in the world. We can only see a larger part (see 1 Corinthians 13) if we have taken on His purity. It takes a transformed mind and a walk in His Spirit to please Him in all. Let's commit to this.
Remember, God want to guide you continually. He wants you to enjoy favor in all things you do. There is a price to pay, but it is worth it. Entering the fullness of salvation is worthy of counting the cost. Put Him first, and He will direct you.
Confirmed 12/15: This post is a confirmation of the "asking" theme. Like the post says, never be afraid to ask for directions! Vanessa and I like to call them 'navigational commands'. We need to ask if we want to receive fully.
"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" John 14:13
If we abide in Him, this will be obvious in our lives. Because when we abide in Him, our will is replaced by His. When we abide in Him, we are led to pray His Kingdom down, just as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). And if we ask in prayer for His Will and His Kingdom, He will surely give it!
But we need to ask. Even more than that, we need to live in a hungering for His Will that results in our asking. Smith Wigglesworth said that asking is receiving. But this is only true if we are walking really close to God. He is waiting for us to ask, and He is waiting for us to receive. He is waiting for us to stop and consider the very BEST for our lives...and that requires searching for His perfect Will. God wants to guide us continually (Isaiah 58:11). Are we willing to surrender all and long for His desires?
Confirmed: There was a new Rhema Word on the Quickened Word website today. Here it is. As I've gotten close to God, I've realized that He is really into the details. He wants everything, even the little things.. He desires everything, because all things are His, and He will not turn down an opportunity to glorify Himself. His name is majestic in all the earth (Psalms 8:1). This article goes into that very well.
God wants to bless every aspect of our lives. But He can only do that if we are living for Him. He will only :guide us continually" if we are seeking His Will and praying into it. The more we ask Him, the more we get direction. And the more we can receive Holy direction, the more we can please Him and rise above this world. But we need to seek Him intently and not for selfish reasons.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
If we are set apart from the world, we can receive downloads of God with clear filters. God's Word has already been planted in our hearts, but it cannot mature unless we have been sanctified. So we are sanctified, we pray His Will into manifestation, and we receive a mind in tune with the Spirit and the perfect Will of God.
Finding God's Will is an art more than a science. We have to be equipped to test it. We have to strive for His PERFECT Will. God wants the best for us. We need to do our best to follow Him. It takes purpose and purity of heart to see what He wants. We need to become more pure, in order to plunge deeper into spiritual things. We should be able to discern God's thoughts on all areas of our lives. Why not? Our vision will take on His own if we abide in Him, if we are pure.
God delights in every detail of our lives (see Psalm 37:23 on that Quickened Word post). Yes, every detail. The problem is that many are still learning the basics of God over and over and over again. So many need to stay confined to spiritual milk because they choose to live with minds fixated on this world. Why not pay the price for spiritual meat? (See 1 Corinthians 3)
Our God is willing, our God is able, our God is mighty. He is mighty to save and sanctify EVERY part of our lives. He is not willing for any of our works to be burnt up. But we can only please Him in everything if we deeply abide in Him. If we abide in Him, we will find that salvation is a full experience. Let's seek God for every aspect of His Will.
Let's ask Him for every single detail. Let's choose the very best path, so that He can delight in us. Do you know when God wants you to wake up tomorrow? If not, what does He think about the way you dress? Does He want you to pray for a particular neighbor? Does He want you to live where you do? Do not expect to discern these things if you are living in the world. We can only see a larger part (see 1 Corinthians 13) if we have taken on His purity. It takes a transformed mind and a walk in His Spirit to please Him in all. Let's commit to this.
Remember, God want to guide you continually. He wants you to enjoy favor in all things you do. There is a price to pay, but it is worth it. Entering the fullness of salvation is worthy of counting the cost. Put Him first, and He will direct you.
Confirmed 12/15: This post is a confirmation of the "asking" theme. Like the post says, never be afraid to ask for directions! Vanessa and I like to call them 'navigational commands'. We need to ask if we want to receive fully.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Snapshot: Praising God
This morning I received from God a vision of a trumpet. Then at church a few hours later, I saw another horn instrument.
As far as interpretation goes, here are a few verses on the subject:
"Blow the trumpets in times of gladness, too, sounding them at your annual festivals and at the beginning of each month. And blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and peace offerings. The trumpets will remind the LORD your God of his covenant with you. I am the LORD your God." Numbers 10:10
"And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets." 2 Chronicles 29:26
"Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre..." Psalm 150:3
"They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets." 2 Chronicles 20:28
We need to be bold and intentional in coming to worship and praise the Lord...we don't want to have "believed in vain". To me, the trumpet I saw symbolized the importance of bold worship. Let's praise the Lord with the instrument He's given us! Praise is a great way to enter in to God. He accepts the worship of those made pure. He loves it!
And because He wants to be worshipped purely, "in spirit and in truth", the act of praising Him often leads to sanctification, as well. Through worship, the Holy Spirit makes us yielded to Himself and softens our heart. Our heart is softened and shaped pure, until the point comes when we realize that the poor in heart will see God.
Confirmed: This morning, after receiving the vision, a friend kept texting us recommending a Christian radio station.
Confirmed: Psalm 150 was read in Church today. Followed by a great worship service!
Confirmed: After worship, the Lord prompted a church friend to read 2nd Samuel, where David worships the Lord and becomes "even more undignified than this". Glory to God for a shameless love for Him!
As far as interpretation goes, here are a few verses on the subject:
"Blow the trumpets in times of gladness, too, sounding them at your annual festivals and at the beginning of each month. And blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and peace offerings. The trumpets will remind the LORD your God of his covenant with you. I am the LORD your God." Numbers 10:10
"And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets." 2 Chronicles 29:26
"Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre..." Psalm 150:3
"They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets." 2 Chronicles 20:28
We need to be bold and intentional in coming to worship and praise the Lord...we don't want to have "believed in vain". To me, the trumpet I saw symbolized the importance of bold worship. Let's praise the Lord with the instrument He's given us! Praise is a great way to enter in to God. He accepts the worship of those made pure. He loves it!
And because He wants to be worshipped purely, "in spirit and in truth", the act of praising Him often leads to sanctification, as well. Through worship, the Holy Spirit makes us yielded to Himself and softens our heart. Our heart is softened and shaped pure, until the point comes when we realize that the poor in heart will see God.
Confirmed: This morning, after receiving the vision, a friend kept texting us recommending a Christian radio station.
Confirmed: Psalm 150 was read in Church today. Followed by a great worship service!
Confirmed: After worship, the Lord prompted a church friend to read 2nd Samuel, where David worships the Lord and becomes "even more undignified than this". Glory to God for a shameless love for Him!
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Snapshot: God's Discipline
In Church today the Lord gave me a vision of my legs being torn ripped, from the top down, into two pieces. I was surprised, but over time I've been taught to trust the things the Lord shows me. I felt the tearing in this case was a good thing...I knew I was being humbled and softened so that I could be a vessel of God. I knew that the sword of the Spirit was sharpening me.
"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-week sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" Hebrews 4:12
Confirmed: while still in Church later on, man was sharing a testimony. He described how God delivered him and kept him out of sin...he was talking about how God "broke his legs"--figuratively--as a means of discipline.
Confirmed: Also in church, there was a bible study mentioning that "the veil had been torn, from top to bottom". In the vision, my legs had been torn from top to bottom.
We need to let the Lord break us. Often His WORD tears us from things which would distract us from God. The sword of the Spirit is meant to keep us safe from evil! If we touch any "unclean thing", the Lord will ensure that the Spirit redirects us. This is the price to pay for following Him. The veil has been torn and we can enter into the most Holy place, but there is a sacrifice to provide. Let's allow the sword to separate us from things that are displeasing to God. Let's invite in the discipline of God, and let Him purify our hearts.
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19
"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-week sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" Hebrews 4:12
Confirmed: while still in Church later on, man was sharing a testimony. He described how God delivered him and kept him out of sin...he was talking about how God "broke his legs"--figuratively--as a means of discipline.
Confirmed: Also in church, there was a bible study mentioning that "the veil had been torn, from top to bottom". In the vision, my legs had been torn from top to bottom.
We need to let the Lord break us. Often His WORD tears us from things which would distract us from God. The sword of the Spirit is meant to keep us safe from evil! If we touch any "unclean thing", the Lord will ensure that the Spirit redirects us. This is the price to pay for following Him. The veil has been torn and we can enter into the most Holy place, but there is a sacrifice to provide. Let's allow the sword to separate us from things that are displeasing to God. Let's invite in the discipline of God, and let Him purify our hearts.
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Snapshot: Sacrifices
This morning the Lord gave me four pretty random visions that didn't make much sense until He had me read Exodus. I read a bit about the regulations God gave Moses about the altar of burnt offering. There were to be four horns on the Altar. It struck me that this paralleled with the four mental images God gave me. You will find that there are not many coincidences when God is relaying a message.
I knew that these four images represented things I had to offer up to the Lord. In exchange, I had to turn to pure solutions to these problems. My faithless and doubtful ways had to be burnt up, freeing me to obtain heavenly treasures.
I am still working on this. Sacrificing things to God is often difficult. But it is a critical part of counting the cost. We need to be willing to dedicate our lives to God in exchange for the gift of His tangible presence. We need to give to Him everything we have.
"...No one is to appear before Me empty handed". Exodus 23:15
Moses was instructed to place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle. We need to offer up our impure things to the Lord before we are ready to live a pure life. We must allow God to take and destroy the things that distract us from Him in preparation for worship. We need to be exposed before Him so that He can clothe us in righteousness.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints". Psalms 116:15
Precious is the giving up of our sinful desires. This collection of burnt offerings is still being gathered up today. The giving of these things pleases God and allows us to draw near to Him. This burning, this sanctification, produces an aroma that pleases the Lord and gives us permission to enter into the tabernacle. And today, the tabernacle is within us via the Spirit, but we still need to die to ourselves to get there.
I knew that these four images represented things I had to offer up to the Lord. In exchange, I had to turn to pure solutions to these problems. My faithless and doubtful ways had to be burnt up, freeing me to obtain heavenly treasures.
I am still working on this. Sacrificing things to God is often difficult. But it is a critical part of counting the cost. We need to be willing to dedicate our lives to God in exchange for the gift of His tangible presence. We need to give to Him everything we have.
"...No one is to appear before Me empty handed". Exodus 23:15
Moses was instructed to place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle. We need to offer up our impure things to the Lord before we are ready to live a pure life. We must allow God to take and destroy the things that distract us from Him in preparation for worship. We need to be exposed before Him so that He can clothe us in righteousness.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints". Psalms 116:15
Precious is the giving up of our sinful desires. This collection of burnt offerings is still being gathered up today. The giving of these things pleases God and allows us to draw near to Him. This burning, this sanctification, produces an aroma that pleases the Lord and gives us permission to enter into the tabernacle. And today, the tabernacle is within us via the Spirit, but we still need to die to ourselves to get there.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Commissions
"So go and make disciples in all countries. Baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Matthew 28:19
Jesus gave his people this command prior to leaving us here on earth. Many people today call this the great commission. I believe that all yielding believers today are directed by the Holy Spirit to spread the good news and call others to Christ. The Holy Spirit will always magnify Jesus, and we need to be watchful and seek out the lost on Jesus' behalf. Each of us has a crucial role to play in the command Jesus gave us here. Some are involved in organized ministry, some are not. But we are all called to be His body, His voice here on earth.
This morning the Lord gave me a vision of water being poured all over my head. I felt nice and clean! First, we need to let the Lord purify our own lives.
"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:17
So we ourselves are called by the Lord, then we need to have a certain response. We need to beckon others onwards! We need to direct others on to His cleansing waters.
While reading the Word today the Lord directed me to 1 Chronicle 23:28. Often God has spoken to me about my calling as a Levite. So this was just one of many confirmations. The Lord often gets me with a scripture like the one below, when I begin to get anxious over my future or career choices. It is my desire to be involved in full time ministry.
"For their office is to assist the sons of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts and in the chambers and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God..."
Those with a levitical calling are directed to purify all holy things. God makes us His people holy, and in our ministry we need to spur on others to allow God to purify them. Sometimes exhortation isn't always fun. But the way I see it, our Lord is to good to allow any sin or disobedience to hold back His favor and His love. Let's pray that the Lord directs us into our chosen calling, whether that be organized ministry or anything else.
Matthew 28:19
Jesus gave his people this command prior to leaving us here on earth. Many people today call this the great commission. I believe that all yielding believers today are directed by the Holy Spirit to spread the good news and call others to Christ. The Holy Spirit will always magnify Jesus, and we need to be watchful and seek out the lost on Jesus' behalf. Each of us has a crucial role to play in the command Jesus gave us here. Some are involved in organized ministry, some are not. But we are all called to be His body, His voice here on earth.
This morning the Lord gave me a vision of water being poured all over my head. I felt nice and clean! First, we need to let the Lord purify our own lives.
"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:17
So we ourselves are called by the Lord, then we need to have a certain response. We need to beckon others onwards! We need to direct others on to His cleansing waters.
While reading the Word today the Lord directed me to 1 Chronicle 23:28. Often God has spoken to me about my calling as a Levite. So this was just one of many confirmations. The Lord often gets me with a scripture like the one below, when I begin to get anxious over my future or career choices. It is my desire to be involved in full time ministry.
"For their office is to assist the sons of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts and in the chambers and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God..."
Those with a levitical calling are directed to purify all holy things. God makes us His people holy, and in our ministry we need to spur on others to allow God to purify them. Sometimes exhortation isn't always fun. But the way I see it, our Lord is to good to allow any sin or disobedience to hold back His favor and His love. Let's pray that the Lord directs us into our chosen calling, whether that be organized ministry or anything else.
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