Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
An honourable counsellor who waited for the Kingdom of God and caught it! Unlike the Jews, who according to Luke's Gospel in chapter 19 knew not the time and missed the day of their visitation. Joseph was determined not to miss it. He waited for it and was open to what God was doing even when it was not what the religious crowd was looking for.
Joseph understood the reign of God would come thru the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This reign would not be on a throne made by the hands of men but rather hearts created by the hand of God. Joseph was fulfilling his destiny, he was doing his part to advance the Kingdom.
Anyone who seeks to do their part for the body of Christ in advancing the Kingdom of God is considered honourable. The only difference between us and Joseph is we do not have to wait! We should be doing our part today: loving, forgiving, extending grace, supporting, building, ministering and addressing the political authorities on behalf of the body of Christ like Joseph. If you will, we should be simply about the Father's business.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The Government of God
The Government of God
Jesus did not come to this earth to establish a religious system, in fact an established religious system was already here when He came. Jesus came to establish a Heavenly Government, setting forth ambassadors, kings and priests. Empowering a new race of believers who were later called "Christians" because of their Christ-likeness with a unified mandate to colonize the earth.
Church was never intended to be a place where people gathered, quite the contrary! The church was and is a group of empowered and redeemed people who are sent out under the anointing and leadership of the Holy Spirit with a Kingdom mandate to enforce the culture of heaven in every aspect of life.
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The increase of His government will not diminish! Praise God! It will not end and guess what...He is still establishing it this very hour in the hearts of men. The Lord is performing this right before our eyes as He said: the zeal of the LORD of host will perform it. Notice one more point in this 7th verse. The words henceforth even for ever confirm to us this movement will not stop and cannot be stopped!
Jesus did not come to this earth to establish a religious system, in fact an established religious system was already here when He came. Jesus came to establish a Heavenly Government, setting forth ambassadors, kings and priests. Empowering a new race of believers who were later called "Christians" because of their Christ-likeness with a unified mandate to colonize the earth.
Church was never intended to be a place where people gathered, quite the contrary! The church was and is a group of empowered and redeemed people who are sent out under the anointing and leadership of the Holy Spirit with a Kingdom mandate to enforce the culture of heaven in every aspect of life.
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The increase of His government will not diminish! Praise God! It will not end and guess what...He is still establishing it this very hour in the hearts of men. The Lord is performing this right before our eyes as He said: the zeal of the LORD of host will perform it. Notice one more point in this 7th verse. The words henceforth even for ever confirm to us this movement will not stop and cannot be stopped!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Prodigal Revelation
Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
You know the story and you have probably read it a hundred times over like myself. The other day while meditating on this parable, the Lord revealed a few simple truths; truths I have never noticed before. Please notice the verse above and most importantly the word field. This implies the elder brother was working and this is later confirmed in verse 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.
These many years do I serve thee...He was in the field when he first learned of his younger brother's return. Here is the point: one brother came to his father by faith and attained instant favor while the elder brother was seeking to attain favor through his work in the field and service. The younger brother was celebrated because of his faith while the elder brother grew resentful because his works could not move the heart of the father.
Let us each remember that it is simple faith that captivates the heart of our Heavenly Father not our works! Righteousness and justification are not wrought through our service but rather through our faith!
You know the story and you have probably read it a hundred times over like myself. The other day while meditating on this parable, the Lord revealed a few simple truths; truths I have never noticed before. Please notice the verse above and most importantly the word field. This implies the elder brother was working and this is later confirmed in verse 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.
These many years do I serve thee...He was in the field when he first learned of his younger brother's return. Here is the point: one brother came to his father by faith and attained instant favor while the elder brother was seeking to attain favor through his work in the field and service. The younger brother was celebrated because of his faith while the elder brother grew resentful because his works could not move the heart of the father.
Let us each remember that it is simple faith that captivates the heart of our Heavenly Father not our works! Righteousness and justification are not wrought through our service but rather through our faith!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Government of God
Jesus did not come to this earth to establish a religious system, in fact an established religious system was already here when He came. Jesus came to establish a Heavenly Government, setting forth ambassadors, kings and priests. Empowering a new race of believers who were later called "Christians" because of their Christ-likeness with a unified mandate to colonize the earth.
Church was never intended to be a place where people gathered, quite the contrary! The church was and is a group of empowered and redeemed people who are sent out under the anointing and leadership of the Holy Spirit with a Kingdom mandate to enforce the culture of heaven in every aspect of life.
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The increase of His government will not diminish! Praise God! It will not end and guess what...He is still establishing it this very hour in the hearts of men. The Lord is performing this right before our eyes as He said: the zeal of the LORD of host will perform it. Notice one more point in this 7th verse. The words henceforth even for ever confirm to us this movement will not stop and cannot be stopped!
Church was never intended to be a place where people gathered, quite the contrary! The church was and is a group of empowered and redeemed people who are sent out under the anointing and leadership of the Holy Spirit with a Kingdom mandate to enforce the culture of heaven in every aspect of life.
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The increase of His government will not diminish! Praise God! It will not end and guess what...He is still establishing it this very hour in the hearts of men. The Lord is performing this right before our eyes as He said: the zeal of the LORD of host will perform it. Notice one more point in this 7th verse. The words henceforth even for ever confirm to us this movement will not stop and cannot be stopped!
Monday, November 7, 2011
KINGDOM
Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
The Kingdom message was a must for Jesus to preach! This was the purpose behind His earthly ministry according to His own words. Jesus said emphatically that other cities must hear the Kingdom message and then He hung the whole purpose of His ministry on the kingdom message by stating: "for therefore am I sent". Christ was sent for this purpose!
In the following verses you will see the church's purpose as well:
Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
Luke 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Our teaching and preaching reveals if we are fulfilling our God given purpose. What are we hearing today? What did you hear last week? I am convinced the only threat to Satan are those who seek to live, teach and preach the Kingdom message!
The Kingdom message was a must for Jesus to preach! This was the purpose behind His earthly ministry according to His own words. Jesus said emphatically that other cities must hear the Kingdom message and then He hung the whole purpose of His ministry on the kingdom message by stating: "for therefore am I sent". Christ was sent for this purpose!
In the following verses you will see the church's purpose as well:
Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
Luke 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Our teaching and preaching reveals if we are fulfilling our God given purpose. What are we hearing today? What did you hear last week? I am convinced the only threat to Satan are those who seek to live, teach and preach the Kingdom message!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
How will you float?
2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
"Throughly furnished" This is God's desire for each us! To be throughly furnished obviously means that God desires us to be equipped and complete as we seek to engage the world for Christ. The word in the Greek for: throughly furnished exartizō, means to be furnished completely or decked out to completion.
Let me draw this comparison to help us better see God's desire. Think of two boats, one that's a row boat and the other a battle ship. Both of these boats will float and this is great wonder within itself. The row boat can float easily upon smooth streams or ponds while the battle ship can tread the fiercest oceans of the world. One is simple with little or no array while the other is completely decked out with the most sophisticated equipment. While the row boat obviously can't handle any major storms or tumultuous weather the battle ship on the other hand has been built to withstand mother-natures worst!
As believers, once we are saved we can float if you will. However, your knowledge in the word and the word's complete work in you will determine if you'll float in a pond or in an ocean. A row boat isn't equipped for the ocean and battle ships don't belong in ponds.
Lord, may your word complete and perfect those things that concern us! May we all be transformed from row boats to battle ships. Battle ships that are arrayed to withstand the storms of life and change the world for Christ!
"Throughly furnished" This is God's desire for each us! To be throughly furnished obviously means that God desires us to be equipped and complete as we seek to engage the world for Christ. The word in the Greek for: throughly furnished exartizō, means to be furnished completely or decked out to completion.
Let me draw this comparison to help us better see God's desire. Think of two boats, one that's a row boat and the other a battle ship. Both of these boats will float and this is great wonder within itself. The row boat can float easily upon smooth streams or ponds while the battle ship can tread the fiercest oceans of the world. One is simple with little or no array while the other is completely decked out with the most sophisticated equipment. While the row boat obviously can't handle any major storms or tumultuous weather the battle ship on the other hand has been built to withstand mother-natures worst!
As believers, once we are saved we can float if you will. However, your knowledge in the word and the word's complete work in you will determine if you'll float in a pond or in an ocean. A row boat isn't equipped for the ocean and battle ships don't belong in ponds.
Lord, may your word complete and perfect those things that concern us! May we all be transformed from row boats to battle ships. Battle ships that are arrayed to withstand the storms of life and change the world for Christ!
Monday, October 17, 2011
SUPPLICATION
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18
By prayer we understand simply formal words or expressions-as, for instance, the Lord's prayer and the psalms-which sometimes express more than request. It was the disciples who said to Jesus: "Lord teach us to Pray!" It was the Holy Spirit who inspired them to make the request. It was the ministry of the Holy Spirit which brought the disciples to the conclusion of their inability to pray in their own strength. This request is a manifested reality of the Holy Spirit drawing the disciples into the deep things of God. Notice in the verse above where Paul states: "with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."
In supplication we strengthen prayer and make it more effective by a certain form of persuasion. Say what? That's right! Supplication strengthens prayer and makes it more effective. We entreat our Heavenly Father by his Son, his promises, his name. This approach strengthens prayer with heavenly persuasion and thus it carries more weight than just our words. Praying always with all prayer and (heavenly persuasion i.e. his name & his promises) Supplication in the Spirit....
Thank you Holy Spirit for teaching us and leading us into deeper realms of Jehovah!
By prayer we understand simply formal words or expressions-as, for instance, the Lord's prayer and the psalms-which sometimes express more than request. It was the disciples who said to Jesus: "Lord teach us to Pray!" It was the Holy Spirit who inspired them to make the request. It was the ministry of the Holy Spirit which brought the disciples to the conclusion of their inability to pray in their own strength. This request is a manifested reality of the Holy Spirit drawing the disciples into the deep things of God. Notice in the verse above where Paul states: "with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."
In supplication we strengthen prayer and make it more effective by a certain form of persuasion. Say what? That's right! Supplication strengthens prayer and makes it more effective. We entreat our Heavenly Father by his Son, his promises, his name. This approach strengthens prayer with heavenly persuasion and thus it carries more weight than just our words. Praying always with all prayer and (heavenly persuasion i.e. his name & his promises) Supplication in the Spirit....
Thank you Holy Spirit for teaching us and leading us into deeper realms of Jehovah!
Monday, October 10, 2011
It Takes Time
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The fruit of the Spirit is the character of Christ manifested through the believers life. It is up to each of us to cultivate the character of the King in our hearts, for it is out of the heart the issues of life proceed. No doubt there is a very deep meaning hid in the analogy of the character of Christ the Spirit seeks to bring forth in our lives. Paul refers to this as the "fruit of the Spirit." So here is a thought that I hope will bring comfort to your hearts and reassure each of us that God will perfect that which concerns us!
Fruit is never developed over night, its developed over a process of time!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The fruit of the Spirit is the character of Christ manifested through the believers life. It is up to each of us to cultivate the character of the King in our hearts, for it is out of the heart the issues of life proceed. No doubt there is a very deep meaning hid in the analogy of the character of Christ the Spirit seeks to bring forth in our lives. Paul refers to this as the "fruit of the Spirit." So here is a thought that I hope will bring comfort to your hearts and reassure each of us that God will perfect that which concerns us!
Fruit is never developed over night, its developed over a process of time!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Night Seasons
Psalm 38:10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me
I have heard it said; before there can be a break through there is usually a break down. It's in this break down process our strength fails and the light of hope seems to fade! God's love is not content to leave us in our weakness and for this reason he takes us into a dark night. He has his own way of weaning us from all the pleasures of life by giving us dry times and inward darkness. In doing so he is able to take away all the vices that seek to destroy us and in return he creates virtue within us.
Through the dark season pride becomes humility, greed becomes simplicity, wrath becomes contentment, luxury becomes peace, gluttony becomes moderation, envy becomes joy, and sloth becomes strength. No soul will ever grow deep in the spiritual life unless God works in the believers life by reason of the dark season!
May every believer humbly proclaim: Our cup(s) of pain have been good for us! Though we sought for a way for them to pass and they didn't, we can look back and say: it has been good for us!
I have heard it said; before there can be a break through there is usually a break down. It's in this break down process our strength fails and the light of hope seems to fade! God's love is not content to leave us in our weakness and for this reason he takes us into a dark night. He has his own way of weaning us from all the pleasures of life by giving us dry times and inward darkness. In doing so he is able to take away all the vices that seek to destroy us and in return he creates virtue within us.
Through the dark season pride becomes humility, greed becomes simplicity, wrath becomes contentment, luxury becomes peace, gluttony becomes moderation, envy becomes joy, and sloth becomes strength. No soul will ever grow deep in the spiritual life unless God works in the believers life by reason of the dark season!
May every believer humbly proclaim: Our cup(s) of pain have been good for us! Though we sought for a way for them to pass and they didn't, we can look back and say: it has been good for us!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Confession
Secret pride can be the most dangerous of all sins, it is the first of the seven capital sins. Here are a few characteristics of one who battles with "Secret Pride". 1. They are too spiritual 2. They like to speak of spiritual things all the time 3. They become content with their growth 4. They would prefer to teach rather than to be taught 5. They condemn others who are not as spiritual as they are 6 They fear confessing their sins to others because it would ruin their image.
Instead they secretly beg God to take away their imperfections only to seek inner peace within their own heart and not please the heart of God. What they fail to realize is, if God were to wipe away their imperfections, they would probably become prouder and presumptuous still. True inner healing and real peace is only found in confession. Confession shatters pride and destroys the image men seek to protect in the flesh. Confession reveals true humility while releasing the mercy of God. Those who are moving in God's way understand the way to counter this capital sin is in true humility.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Instead they secretly beg God to take away their imperfections only to seek inner peace within their own heart and not please the heart of God. What they fail to realize is, if God were to wipe away their imperfections, they would probably become prouder and presumptuous still. True inner healing and real peace is only found in confession. Confession shatters pride and destroys the image men seek to protect in the flesh. Confession reveals true humility while releasing the mercy of God. Those who are moving in God's way understand the way to counter this capital sin is in true humility.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Who's Door?
Jesus tells us to set our hearts on the Kingdom and to seek it first. Setting our hearts on something involves not only serious aspiration but also strong determination. A spiritual life requires human effort. Its a lot easier said than done overcoming those forces that seek to pull us back into a worry-filled life. I have learned without solitude it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life. I don't care who you are or what your responsibilities are and how busy you may be. A spiritual life begins with making time and creating a place for God and him alone. Satan's greatest tactic is busyness and busyness creates inner chaos over time. Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, (1.enter into thy closet), and when (2.thou hast shut (3) thy door), pray to thy Father which is in secret.....
Notice these three points: 1. enter into thy closet- Each of us need that place of solitude, which requires effort on our part. Your very own special & personal place that is called here, THY/YOUR Closet. 2. Shutthy door - Let me make this practical for each of us. Turn the cell phone off, shut the laptop off and Shut the door on the world. Shut the door on your business, friends, appointments, demands, etc... 3. Thy door -This is key! Please catch this: Christ puts the responsibility on us. Its our door, which means we are the ones that let all the busyness in, not him! If you can't find time because of this or that, just remember your hand is on the knob of your door. I want to encourage each of you to Shut "Your" Door and lets find that place of solitude on a continual basis. This will keep us from ever loosing focus on how we are supposed to live.
Notice these three points: 1. enter into thy closet- Each of us need that place of solitude, which requires effort on our part. Your very own special & personal place that is called here, THY/YOUR Closet. 2. Shutthy door - Let me make this practical for each of us. Turn the cell phone off, shut the laptop off and Shut the door on the world. Shut the door on your business, friends, appointments, demands, etc... 3. Thy door -This is key! Please catch this: Christ puts the responsibility on us. Its our door, which means we are the ones that let all the busyness in, not him! If you can't find time because of this or that, just remember your hand is on the knob of your door. I want to encourage each of you to Shut "Your" Door and lets find that place of solitude on a continual basis. This will keep us from ever loosing focus on how we are supposed to live.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
In the Way
Exodus 23:20 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
Please catch this! The Lord said his Angel would keep us in the way, but not Out of the Way! So many times we find ourselves slipping out of the path God has ordered us to walk in and he is always faithful to bring us back to the center of his will. However, there are times when we are walking in the path God has ordained for us that we find ourselves getting ahead of him. If we are not careful we can become presumptuous and when that happens the Lord's objective goes from keeping us in the way to getting us out of the way! You catch my drift?
Psalm 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it...
The word of the Lord is behind because someone is ahead. Timing is everything! Ecclesiastes 3.
Please catch this! The Lord said his Angel would keep us in the way, but not Out of the Way! So many times we find ourselves slipping out of the path God has ordered us to walk in and he is always faithful to bring us back to the center of his will. However, there are times when we are walking in the path God has ordained for us that we find ourselves getting ahead of him. If we are not careful we can become presumptuous and when that happens the Lord's objective goes from keeping us in the way to getting us out of the way! You catch my drift?
Psalm 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it...
The word of the Lord is behind because someone is ahead. Timing is everything! Ecclesiastes 3.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
All You Can Take
Last night as we were studying before officially retiring for the evening one of those little but yet powerful scriptures came alive once again! A scripture that we've all read numerous of times but yet without the Holy Spirit illuminating it off the page it could be easily overlooked. I read it and then re-read it and then came the download. John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. Here's the Amplified: Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples and the disciples to the reclining people; so also [He did] with the fish, as much as they wanted.
Whenever God is moving in your midst always remember: He is willing to give you as much as you want! Lord, help us to understand the unlimited supply of your goodness, grace, forgiveness, healing virtue, provision, etc... And our access of those resources to the point of, as much as we want!
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