Faith Sets the Sail! Adjust to the Wind!

Faith sets the sail!

I still remember sailing across the Atlantic on a 65′ schooner when I was 21 years old. Though I had little interest in sailing at the time ( I was on a treasure hunting expedition, and I was pretty much the lead diver on the crew), I do remember learning that though we had no control of the direction or strength of the winds, we could always change the set of the sail, and tack back and forth, to stay on course. 26 days after leaving, Key West, Florida, I was awakened one morning to the shout of ‘Land, Ahoy!’, as we came upon the cliffs of the Azores, one misty dawn.

During those 26 days, we saw some bright sunny days, and endured a severe storm, that kept us simply hanging on for dear life for three days and three nights. The winds and seas constantly changed, as as they did, we had to run up many different sets of sails, depending upon the wind that particular day.

Gravity, is like the law of sin and death, that drags you down, always.

FAITH – the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, lifts us up above the circumstances of life, just like the laws of thrust and lift under and airplanes wing, defeat the law of gravity.

In this life, we face both calm and stormy seas.

While enjoying the wonders of creation on the bright and beautiful days, wise people study and prepare their faith for the storms of life, for in the severe tests, only faith will suffice to weather the storm.

Like sailing, each particular wind required a particular set of sails, so each season of life, requires our faith in Jesus adjusted to whatever wind current is blowing that day, for the Holy Spirit is always moving, and we need to be sensitive and adaptive to what He is doing, and adjust our faith sails to maximize our eternal impact with our lives, that particular day.

This is not about salvation, rather joy-filled obedience, intimate relationship with Him, daily.

When life comes to us, to bring sickness or pain, that are never the will of our God, those of us that are wise have learned that a legalistic stand boldly claiming God’s promises of healing, become only the beginning sometimes, of a spirit-led walk leading again to strength, health and wholeness.

When I had my stroke in 2009, and found myself on the medical examination table with blood pressure 200 over 150, claiming: ‘By His stripes I am healed’ I was confronted by a brutally rough ex army doctor who read me the riot act. She told me in no uncertain terms what I had to do over the next year, in terms of reducing stress, changing my diet, getting actual sleep at night, and learning to exercise again, what I needed to do, if I want to live past what could have been my last six months on the planet.

I did what she said, cut my work day back from fourteen hours to nine or ten each day, signed up for the local YMCA, and over the next two years, lost 45 pounds, and found a new perspective and lease on life.

The sail that had built a million dollar a year company, was insufficient for the wind that blew that day, and by the grace of God, I changed, and am alive to tell my story.

The season had changed in my life, and I had not discerned it….

I have walked with the Lord now for over 25 years, and He is good!

It is too late to try to convince me that health and provision, are not part of the gospel – Jesus still heals, and He would that we all prosper financially.

Yet, money will not buy obedience, nor health. These are gifts from the Lord, and come as a result of a grace-filled life stemming from spirit-led obedience, daily, over years.

What we don’t know, can kill us!

During the good times of smooth sailing, dig deep into the Word of God, and learn about healing, diet, exercise, nutrition, finances, how to hear and become led by the Spirit of God, the principals of faith and confession, wisdom, because know this: there is a storm coming!

God doesn’t bring it, devils and people that serve them do, but this world is a difficult place.

It is tough to pour concrete in a tornado! The wise man built his house upon the rock, BEFORE the storm can!

The foundation you must have to survive the storm must be built in the calm, good times, when there is calmness to learn and learn to apply spiritual law that will dominate life’s circumstances every time it is applied.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law  of sin and death.

I pray you begin and end this day, in faith, fully led by Holy Spirit, rising high above every storm of life, by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus!

It can be done!

Stay in faith today, and SOAR with Jesus!

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I submit to Your leadership in my life today. Holy Spirit, please speak to me, and help me to carefully obey, as I seek first You and Your kingdom, today Lord Jesus. Amen’

Prisoners of Hope!

In today’s reading, we read the 105th Psalm. Please read it for yourself:

Ps 105:6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.

Ga 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Ps 105:17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:

18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

I wish to focus on v19,  Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

Joseph had a dream from God as a young man, and it was authentic. He would become the prime minister of Egypt. He believed that word, and then all hell broke loose against him. Instead of his brothers rejoicing and participating in his development willingly, they beat him up, threw him in a well, and sold him into slavery. Then, as God promoted him as a slave, he was falsely accused, and thrown into prison, and God was with him. Then, the chief cup bearer for Pharoah and baker ended up in prison, and Joseph’s gift of dream interpretation ‘read their mail’.

Looked like, finally Joe was headed for freedom, but nope, not yet…

There was a set time appointed by the Father for Joseph, and his life was on hold, while Egypt was being prepared for his leadership.

I love this verse. Joseph had a word from God!

Yet the very word he had received, tried him!

He had to believe he had heard God, no matter what the circumstances looked like…

Was Joseph trying the word of God?

Nope, the Word of God is already tried.

2Sa 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Ps 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Ps 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

So the word of God is already tried, God is holy and cannot lie.

It is us that need refinement, and believing a personal promise from God, when every circumstance is against us, provides that refinement.

Joseph is not alone in his trial, you and I are being tried too…

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Now, read: Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is a heavenly substance, and after we have believed we received, then what?

Then there is Bible hope.

In order to understand true Bible hope, I quote Kenneth Copeland:

“ If you look up the Greek definition of the word hope, you’ll find it means “to be intensely expectant, to be confidently looking forward to something you fully expect to happen.”

You can see this kind of hope in action in Philippians 1:19-20. There, the Apostle Paul says:

“I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope…”

For emphasis, Paul used the two Greek words there that mean earnest expectation.

In other words, he was saying to them, “This thing is so inevitable I’m just burning up with expectancy!”

This sheds a brand new light on this wonderful verse brought before us pastors Terri and Steve Spanish of Victory.com, when we attended their connect group:

Zec 9:12 Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;

When pastor Terri uttered those words, they literally leapt off of the page for me, under the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

Here is what I saw, clearly that night!

It is only after we have believed we received, that we need Bible hope. Hope is the total, passionate expectation that which we have believed, will surely come to pass.

The very word from God that we have believed, is what makes us a ‘prisoner of hope’. We see clearly by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the vision of God for our lives, and no matter what the daily circumstances scream, we are captive to the vision. We have believed we have received, and each day, we fully expect that today is going to be the day it comes to pass!

This captivity, this heavenly vision, this faith in action, is what empowers us to:

2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

It empowered the apostle Paul, when he cheerfully proclaimed the gospel in chains:

Ac 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force!

We are in a war, it is the fight of faith!

To believe when it looks impossible, because faith makes the impossible, possible, in fact, inevitable!

When we have authentically heard God, that which He has spoken, tries us, refines us, forces us to grow, to discipline ourselves, to get equipped, trained, fit for service.

I believe this is what sustained Nelson Mandela through his years in prison, before becoming the first black leader in apartheid South Africa. God raised him up, through hardship, to be a vessel of great wisdom, compassion, mercy, strength, and forgiveness, in prison.

I believe he knew he would be President for many, many years before it happened, and that this inward knowing was his faith in operation, and that this word from God, tried him, just like it tried Joseph.

How about Martin Luther King? The words, ‘I Have A Dream!’ have been a battle cry against racism here in the United States since he rallied this nation to confront this great evil. He died for what he believed, yet his work is immortal, and still goes on today, for there is power in heavenly vision.

Think about President Abraham Lincoln: his repeated failures, yet, one of the greatest Presidents to ever live: http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/education/failures.htm

As Paul Harvey says, ‘now for the rest of the story!”

Isa 61:7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Both yours and mine days of promotion and prominence will indeed come to pass, as we move forward in obedience to Holy Spirit, after we have believed we received.

Heaven is on its feet, the great cloud of heavenly witnesses, watching our course with joy, eternal testimony being written on parchment of time, we call, history.

Indeed it is HIS story, written in eternal record for all the universe to see, when we victoriously serve Jesus in this life!

Let the process have its work in you, remember, we never try the Word of God, it is trying us!

Let’s Pray:

‘Father God, I ask for confirmation, strength, encouragement, and fresh revelation of the vision for my brother or sister today. May we walk out, without compromise, the heavenly vision, and come out of this trial, perfect, entire, and lacking nothing. We ask this Father, in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

The Problems We Have When God Shows Up!

As I read this passage from the account of the earthly ministry of Jesus, we see our Heavenly Father show up:

Mark 9. 5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Interesting reading today.

Seems Peter, James and John, got to see Jesus transfigured, and meeting with Elijah and Moses on top of the mountain.

We Jesus literally fulfilling the law and the prophets, with Moses (the lawgiver) and Elijah (school of the prophets) present.

Yet, like we do often, we interpret the presence of God to mean what we think it ought to mean, based upon our limited understanding of the kingdom, and if we are not humble, and truly seeking truth, we miss it.

In this passage in Mark 5:

⁷ And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Jesus is still speaking, and if we listen and obey, we will not only have revelation, but correct interpretation and application of what He wants done, when we slow down!

⁸ And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

⁹ And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

¹⁰ And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

They saw Jesus accurately, meeting with Moses and Elijah in fulfillment of the law and the prophets, but there was a sovereign plan of heaven being unfurled, that they did not yet understand. Like most of us, they wanted to camp right there, in the revelation of that experience, but God is not just in the experience – He has the salvation of humanity being worked out in our lives.

The problem is usually not with the revelation we receive, rather the interpretation and implementation.

How often I have run, instead of waiting for clarification as to How God wanted something done, and erred in my zeal, my interpretation. His timing…

Let’s Pray:
‘Father, continue to speak to us, grant us vision, revelation, Your presence. As you do, may we slow down long enough to get fuller understanding to interpret and apply that which you show us. In your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

Faith Sets the Sail!

Faith sets the sail!

I still remember sailing across the Atlantic on a 65′ schooner when I was 21 years old. Though I had little interest in sailing at the time ( I was on a treasure hunting expedition, and I was pretty much the lead diver on the crew), I do remember learning that though we had no control of the direction or strength of the winds, we could always change the set of the sail, and tack back and forth, to stay on course. 26 days after leaving, Key West, Florida, I was awakened one morning to the shout of ‘Land, Ahoy!’, as we came upon the cliffs of the Azores, one misty dawn.

During those 26 days, we saw some bright sunny days, and endured a severe storm, that kept us simply hanging on for dear life for three days and three nights. The winds and seas constantly changed, as as they did, we had to run up many different sets of sails, depending upon the wind that particular day.

Gravity, is like the law of sin and death, that drags you down, always.

FAITH – the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, lifts us up above the circumstances of life, just like the laws of thrust and lift under and airplanes wing, defeat the law of gravity.

In this life, we face both calm and stormy seas.

While enjoying the wonders of creation on the bright and beautiful days, wise people study and prepare their faith for the storms of life, for in the severe tests, only faith will suffice to weather the storm.

Like sailing, each particular wind required a particular set of sails, so each season of life, requires our faith in Jesus adjusted to whatever wind current is blowing that day, for the Holy Spirit is always moving, and we need to be sensitive and adaptive to what He is doing, and adjust our faith sails to maximize our eternal impact with our lives, that particular day.

This is not about salvation, rather joy-filled obedience, intimate relationship with Him, daily.

When life comes to us, to bring sickness or pain, that are never the will of our God, those of us that are wise have learned that a legalistic stand boldly claiming God’s promises of healing, become only the beginning sometimes, of a spirit-led walk leading again to strength, health and wholeness.

When I had my stroke in 2009, and found myself on the medical examination table with blood pressure 200 over 150, claiming: ‘By His stripes I am healed’ I was confronted by a brutally rough ex army doctor who read me the riot act. She told me in no uncertain terms what I had to do over the next year, in terms of reducing stress, changing my diet, getting actual sleep at night, and learning to exercise again, what I needed to do, if I want to live past what could have been my last six months on the planet.

I did what she said, cut my work day back from fourteen hours to nine or ten each day, signed up for the local YMCA, and over the next two years, lost 45 pounds, and found a new perspective and lease on life.

The sail that had built a million dollar a year company, was insufficient for the wind that blew that day, and by the grace of God, I changed, and am alive to tell my story.

The season had changed in my life, and I had not discerned it….

I have walked with the Lord now for over 25 years, and He is good!

It is too late to try to convince me that health and provision, are not part of the gospel – Jesus still heals, and He would that we all prosper financially.

Yet, money will not buy obedience, nor health. These are gifts from the Lord, and come as a result of a grace-filled life stemming from spirit-led obedience, daily, over years.

What we don’t know, can kill us!

During the good times of smooth sailing, dig deep into the Word of God, and learn about healing, diet, exercise, nutrition, finances, how to hear and become led by the Spirit of God, the principals of faith and confession, wisdom, because know this: there is a storm coming!

God doesn’t bring it, devils and people that serve them do, but this world is a difficult place.

It is tough to pour concrete in a tornado! The wise man built his house upon the rock, BEFORE the storm can!

The foundation you must have to survive the storm must be built in the calm, good times, when there is calmness to learn and learn to apply spiritual law that will dominate life’s circumstances every time it is applied.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law  of sin and death.

I pray you begin and end this day, in faith, fully led by Holy Spirit, rising high above every storm of life, by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus!

It can be done!

Stay in faith today, and SOAR with Jesus!

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I submit to Your leadership in my life today. Holy Spirit, please speak to me, and help me to carefully obey, as I seek first You and Your kingdom, today Lord Jesus. Amen’

Seven That Ways God Speaks to You: Part 7 – Prophesy!

Seven That Ways God Speaks to You:

Prophecy

God leads through prophecy!

2Ki 8:1 Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

Notice here, that if this Shunnamite woman, had not listened to the prophet of God here, great hardship would have come upon her family in the famine that was about to hit the earth.

Num 11:27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

Prophecy can reveal mysteries, and unlock revelation that will allow us to enter areas previously closed to us.

Isaiah 22:22

And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open

Revelation 3:7

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Luke 11:52

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

Prophetic words, cannot provide keys of knowledge, that unlock doors in the realm of the Spirit, and in the earth.

Ac 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

There are many books written on prophecy, but know this: prophets and prophecy are very much alive in the New Testament!

Basically, prophecy falls into two categories: foretelling, and forthtelling.

Foretelling is where the Holy Spirit shows us things to come, future events.

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Forthtelling is where a person of God sees or hears into the heavenlies, and knows by the Spirit of God, exactly what God is doing in an individuals life, or in a certain setting, and they tell forth, or utter what the Father is saying or doing at that very moment.

John 5:30

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Any person can prophesy at some level. Simply telling the story of something Jesus has done in your life, is prophesy. Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Jesus loves us, and Holy Spirit will speak that love through you and I to encourage people in our day to day lives:

Holy Spirit is called the comforter, and most prophecy, reveals His comfort:

1 Corinthians 14
Follow after charity,(love) and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. …
Yet, there are levels of prophesy, that range in depth, insight and authority from simple testimony, to prophecies that will literally cause signs in the heavens:

Act 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Any born-again believer can prophesy, but not everyone is called to the five-fold ministry of the New Testament prophet!

Just for the sake of godly order in churches, 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
If a prophetic word is given publicly, let it be judged publicly. If a pastor or leader asks you not to prophesy, DON’T DO IT!

They have the responsibility of governing the whole congregation, not just you and your gift. Sometimes, words are given by the Holy Spirit to direct you to pray and intercede over a particular body, discern: Do I say? Do I pray? What I have done over the years, when I do not know leadership and the Lord gives me a word, is to write it down, and quietly give it to them. At that point, they are fully responsible for the Word, not me. I am fully submitted to God’s authority in that church, yet have fully obeyed God in discharging my responsibility to give His Word.
In short, here is my general counsel on prophesy:

1. Love people, and encourage and comfort them with the Word of God.

2. Judge prophetic words you receive from either the Holy Spirit, of from another person of God, by the Scripture.

God should speak to you directly. If a person of God should speak a ‘word from God’ into your life, it should confirm something that God has already spoken to you, and should edify, exhort, and comfort you to obey God.

1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

3. If a prophetic word does not bear witness to you, (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/06/seven-that-ways-god-speaks-to-you-part-5/)  nor does it confirm something God has already spoken to you, simply ‘put it on the shelf’. If it is of God, He will bring it to your remembrance at the right time. If it is not of God, don’t worry about it, it will not come to pass.

Refuse to be manipulated, controlled, or led by another person’s prophesy!

Jesus is your Lord, no man or woman of God.

True shepherds lead God’s sheep, not drive them!

There are times and seasons in God, and God’s timing is always perfect!

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

God may actually be speaking something, but it may be years before He brings it to pass. Timing is everything in the kingdom. Right people, right place and right timing, make for a sucessful life in Jesus!

Daniel 2:21

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

1 Chronicles 12:32

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

2 Chronicles 20:20 (KJV)²⁰ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper

A ‘NOW’ Word from God, can bring you great blessing in your life.

4. Test the Spirits. 1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

There are many voices in the earth, and many spirits: human, divine, angelic, and demonic. Just because you hear a voice in prayer, does not mean what you are hearing is God speaking. This is an important topic, so I have written more about it here:  (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/test-the-spirits-love-truth/)

In summation, any preacher truly sent of God, will want you to grow, to develop, to become all that you are created to be in Jesus. God is a good God, and He wants to be trusted and believed, and He loves to partner with us in vision that is far greater than any of could possibly accomplish in our own strength. Great ministers stretch us, and cause us to rise up and grow, and do exploits for God in our generation. Calling forth nation shakers and history makers! Training and equipping us to grow into our destiny and calling, learning how to supernaturally move in our world….

Let’s Pray:
“Father, grant me prophetic utterance. Holy Spirit, I ask You for Your gift of prophesy to operate in my life, today, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen!”

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Timing in the Call of God!

Timing in the Call of God!.

Timing in the Call of God!

Timing in the Call of God!

Timing…

He is preparing your place…

Joh 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

De 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Isa 45:2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Lu 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Eph 4: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

So, you have a call to kingdom leadership, and it burns, like a fire shut up in your bones!

You know you have an offering to contribute, a gift to bring, but it seems every door is closed at present.

Your frustration mounts, as the days turn into months, into years, as you faithfully stay before the Lord, in prayer, worship, and diligent study of His Word.

Yet, know this. The kingdom of God is no longer a new entity in the earth. The church has been here for 2000 years! Your gift, in order to effectively operate, must work alongside, and in conjunction with many other gifts in the Body of Christ, and in order for you to step into your place, others, perhaps elder than you, need to recognize, test, and respond to your gift.

At present, they may not even like you, for your particular gift is designed to impact this generation, not theirs, and your fire, passion and zeal, may be uncomfortable to them, as God has lead you far outside their mental box.

Lu 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

You gift must operate cross generationally, and there are at least four generations of believers surrounding you now, and somehow, you must build generational bridges, and create pathways for people to flow supernaturally, gracefully through each season of their life and calling.

Is 58: 10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:

There are particular needs, pains, and ministry needs in each season of life. It will take much wisdom from God, to seek to meet these.

There is nothing new under the sun. You are not the first, nor the last to experience this frustration. If you like, you can throw off the fetters of the established order, and explode into the earth, as the new entity God has called you to be. Many have done this, and sometimes it is the passion of the Holy Spirit for the harvest that authentically compels them.

Others, like me, are learning to temper their fire with wisdom. In the making of a true Samurai sword, the layers of leavened steel are heated up at least seven times, and quenched in various processes, to instill the right temper and spring into the steel. US soldiers discovered that these swords could literally slice through their gun barrels in WW2!

Isa 41:2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.
Isa 49:2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

True leaders, entering an existing organization, recognize they must become a lover and historian of the people, places, and things that God has built in previous years, even if they clearly see exactly what must happen to experience the explosive kingdom growth, that will occur when they are given a platform to lead!

Understand the heart of Jesus! He is still a great, gentle shepherd, and He is dealing with seasoned hearts in tenderness and wisdom, to prepare them for you, even as He has spent years in your development.

Perhaps, you are honestly ready to step into your office, call, and appointment, but they are not. Let love prevail!

King David, a man after God’s own heart, refused to touch God’s anointed, even though his daily circumstances were brutal!

Let’s just say, my past couple of years have been no picnic either….

David was clearly anointed by God, the prophet Samuel himself came to his house, to pour oil upon his head, and set him apart as king of Israel.

1Sa 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

By the anointing, he slew the lion, the bear, and Goliath!

Yet, he was not king, YET!

1 Sam 18:10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.
11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
12 ¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

He was anointed by God, but not yet appointed king. He had to dodge spears, all the way from Saul’s throne, through the deserts and rocks, for years, but He fully trusting in God, and His timing, and though there were several times God delivered Saul into David’s hands, David refused to hurt him!

Notice the exclamation point folks, because I have urgently wanted to blast godly authority sometimes, when they are clearly wrong, but I WILL NOT TOUCH GODS ANOINTED, NOR WILL I SOW DISCORD AMONG THE BRETHREN!

1Sa 24:6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

God HATES:

Pr 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Eventually, David was appointed king…

Notice there were many years between the anointing of God, and the Appointing of God!

2Sa 2:4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

I could study it out, but I’m not sure how long David ran from Saul, in battle, hiding amongst his enemies, yet refusing to take matters into His own hands…

I asked Holy Spirit why David had to stay in the wilderness, and I felt Him say: ‘David had to learn to accurately hear my voice in life and death circumstances, before he was fully qualified to lead my people’

Isa 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another,

Yes, the gifts and callings of God are without repentence, but many are called and few are chosen, therefore there is difference between the CALL of God and the COMMISSION of God.

As you cry out to God, as I do daily, one of two things will happen. Either those around you, currently in positions of authority, will eventually respond to the direction and wooing of the Holy Spirit, or He will move them out of your way.  As for me, I fear God, and we reap what we sow. I am walking in love towards all men, even my persecutors and op-posers.

OR

He will move you out of the way! Currently, I find myself, like David, Paul and other Biblical characters, completely removed from my church home, as I radically obey Holy Spirit into some wilderness areas. His voice is clear here, and there is great intimacy in the desert, with Him!

Why? I would rather have the grace, and resulting power with God that comes to the humble, than that which the strength of my own arm, or even the violence that my own faith can produce. Obedience and intimacy with Him are my first priority, and I will pay any price to fully obey Him, without compromise.

There is a set time, and I will walk in it, even if, like my First Nations brothers, I create my own personal ‘trail of tears’ towards my destiny.

Ps 75:6 ¶ For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Gotta be like Jesus:

Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Sure, it is hard. Brutal at times, but remember, He makes everything beautiful in His time.

Let’s Pray:
‘Father, what I do affects eternity, and generations to come, should Jesus tarry. You lead with gentleness, those with young, how much more, organizations, and kingdom constructs you have raised up to minister to them. Give me patience, grace, strength to endure, as my fire and passion, find release in praise, prayer, and violent faith released in the earth, in your precious name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

Leadership Development and Timing!

Leadership Development and Process!
Luke 12:42

The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?

If we recognize that all authority, whether political or spiritual comes from God, we, as growing leaders determined to perform the perfect will of God for our lives, and the lives of those we lead, find ourselves, constantly, humbly, praying, seeking His face for wisdom, and studying to learn how to do things better

.

John 13:NIV
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Down is Up in God’s Kingdom.

Seems that the heart of true leadership, is the call to honestly love and serve God’s people. As we grow in grace and humility, it is only so that we can do more to empower, equip, prosper, educate, disciple, heal, and love the people God has called us to lead.

Mark 9:35 The Voice (VOICE)
It is only natural for the disciples to wonder which of them will be His right-hand man. Even the three disciples who have just seen Jesus’ glory revealed in the transfiguration cannot resist the attraction of honor. After all, who has a better claim than they do to being the greatest of Jesus’ disciples?
Fortunately Jesus overhears what is said and is quick to respond in mercy to correct their mistake. Greatness in His eyes doesn’t consist of seeing wonders or performing miracles or even fasting and praying. Instead, greatness is about humility and service. These are the heart of the kingdom of heaven.

35 He sat down with the twelve to teach them.
Jesus: Whoever wants to be first must be last, and whoever wants to be the greatest must be the servant of all.
As I am reading, yet another book on leadership, learning, growing, developing, and allowing my weaknesses of character and understanding to be exposed, and rebuilt upon the impregnable foundation of the Word of God, I read this quote, that prompted the writing of this article.

‘A new moral principal is emerging which holds that only authority deserving one’s allegiance is that which is freely and knowingly granted by the led to the leader in response to, and in proportion to, the clearly evident servant stature of the leader. Those who choose to follow this principal will not casually accept the authority of existing institutions. Rather, they will freely respond only to individuals who are chosen as leaders because they are proven and trusted as servants.’

Servant Leadership, A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness, Robert K Greenleaf

Perhaps humility and servant-hood are new concepts in the business world, but they are not new to the kingdom of God. Seems that down is up in the kingdom, for God gives grace, that is power, authority, wisdom, and influence, to the humble…

2 Corinthians 8:9
You know the grace that has come to us through our Lord Jesus the Anointed. He set aside His infinite riches and was born into the lowest circumstance so that you may gain great riches through His humble poverty.

The riches of heaven come to us, because God, the Creator of Heaven and earth, not only humbled Himself to become a man, Christ Jesus, but then emptied Himself of every earthly rank, position, and privilege, and accepted a beggars death upon the cross, that the wrath, the judgment, the punishment each of us deserve, might be poured upon Himself. God within God, doing the infinite, that we, the finite, might be reconciled, to Him.

As leaders, we become shepherds, called of God to lead, feed, and protect God’s people, as they grow in their particular gifts and callings.

1 Peter 5: 2 When you shepherd the flock God has given you, watch over them not because you have to but because you want to. For this is how God would want it not because you’re being compensated somehow but because you are eager to watch over them. 3 Don’t lead them as if you were a dictator, but lead your flock by example; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be crowned with honor that will shine brightly forever. 5 You who are younger in the faith: do as your elders and leaders ask. All of you should treat each other with humility, for as it says in Proverbs, God opposes the proud
but offers grace to the humble.[a]  6 So bow down under God’s strong hand; then when the time comes, God will lift you up. 7 Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries.

Humility is rarely a virtue that our culture values. We’re trained from an early age to show our strengths and hide our weaknesses. This type of thinking also spills over into our models of leadership, as we learn to dictate to others how they should perform.

Peter, however, says that we should be humble in our relationships with one another and not lead as dictators. In fact, this humility before one another and God is actually the position of the greatest strength. Our enemy desires to consume us, but we find strength to resist him when we are dependent upon God for His strength.

These verses bring me great comfort, as I daily prepare for the calling and task before me:

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

When I saw Sadhu Sundar Singh in Europe, he had completed a tour around the world. People asked him, Doesn’t it do harm, your getting so much honor?” The Sadhu’s answer was: “No. The donkey went into Jerusalem, and they put garments on the ground before him. He was not proud. He knew it was not done to honor him, but for Jesus, who was sitting on his back. When people honor me, I know it is not me, but the Lord, who does the job.”

Corrie Ten Boom, Each New Day

In the quote, that prompted this article, I am reminded of this verse:

Psalm 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

There is, I believe, a day of God’s power, an unveiling of a masterpiece, whereby God Himself, sets in the public eye, a leader that He may have been preparing secretly, for many decades. For those of us in that divine development process, this verse should again bring comfort:

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a man’s associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bits & Pieces, September 15, 1994, p. 4

There is a set time, and appointed time for the release of our gift into the earth. Perhaps, like me, you clearly see that the time is close, and appears to be, NOW! Yet, despite the incredible vision God has given you, and the personal promises He has spoken to you, the time, is yet for an appointed time.

Habakkuk 2
King James Version (KJV)
2 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Daily, we seek Him, set upon our watch, listening carefully for what He might speak to us, carefully documenting and writing the vision, yet though we press for it in faith, it is for an appointed time, and there is nothing we can do to make it happen any quicker, so, if we are wise, we diligently prepare…

Ps 105:16 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.
17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

The very promises of God, spoken to your heart, are testing and trying you.

You are not testing the word of God – it is testing you!

Notice this verse though. Before Joseph was brought from the prison to the palace, the Sovereign judgments of God were in the earth. Joseph was tried, trained, and prepared in the brutal circumstances of an Egyptian prison, yet the hardness worked a work in Joseph, causing him to become a strong leader, in what for Egypt, were some brutal times.

Brutal times are again coming to the earth, in many nations. I think of my years as a missionary, working underground in a mine, on boats, in the competitive field of triathlon, in construction.

There have been tough times, brutal people and circumstances, hard things that have happened.

Yet, over the decades, in places often far from the comforts of the familiar, of family, of friends, I have met Jesus, and walked with Him, daily now, for many, many years.

As much as I love my family, my church, my country, and now this country I am called to, I love Jesus more, and know Him….He has been totally faithful, no matter what people or circumstances have done to me…He is faithful to you too!

Let’s pray:
‘Father, keep me focused upon my purpose, Your personal promises to me and my family. May I not become distracted, discouraged, dismayed as I stay in the press towards the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. May I lead, and develop as a servant leader, daily, determined to grow, develop, seek, hear, and walk in holiness, without compromise, flying straight and true, to the calling You have placed upon my life, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen!’

Prisoners of Hope!

In today’s reading, we read the 105th Psalm. Please read it for yourself:

Ps 105:6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.

Ga 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Ps 105:17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

I wish to focus on v19,  Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

Joseph had a dream from God as a young man, and it was authentic. He would become the prime minister of Egypt. He believed that word, and then all hell broke loose against him. Instead of his brothers rejoicing and participating in his development willingly, they beat him up, threw him in a well, and sold him into slavery. Then, as God promoted him as a slave, he was falsely accused, and thrown into prison, and God was with him. Then, the chief cup bearer for Pharoah and baker ended up in prison, and Joseph’s gift of dream interpretation ‘read their mail’.

Looked like, finally Joe was headed for freedom, but nope, not yet…

There was a set time appointed by the Father for Joseph, and his life was on hold, while Egypt was being prepared for his leadership.

I love this verse. Joseph had a word from God!

Yet the very word he had received, tried him!

He had to believe he had heard God, no matter what the circumstances looked like…

Was Joseph trying the word of God?

Nope, the Word of God is already tried.

2Sa 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Ps 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Ps 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

So the word of God is already tried, God is holy and cannot lie.

It is us that need refinement, and believing a personal promise from God, when every circumstance is against us, provides that refinement.

Joseph is not alone in his trial, you and I are being tried too…

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Now, read: Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is a heavenly substance, and after we have believed we received, then what?

Then there is Bible hope.

In order to understand true Bible hope, I quote Kenneth Copeland:

“ If you look up the Greek definition of the word hope, you’ll find it means “to be intensely expectant, to be confidently looking forward to something you fully expect to happen.”

You can see this kind of hope in action in Philippians 1:19-20. There, the Apostle Paul says:

“I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope…”

For emphasis, Paul used the two Greek words there that mean earnest expectation.

In other words, he was saying to them, “This thing is so inevitable I’m just burning up with expectancy!”

This sheds a brand new light on this wonderful verse brought before us pastors Terri and Steve Spanish of Victory.com, when we attended their connect group:

Zec 9:12 Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;
When pastor Terri uttered those words, they literally leapt off of the page for me, under the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

Here is what I saw, clearly that night!

It is only after we have believed we received, that we need Bible hope. Hope is the total, passionate expectation that which we have believed, will surely come to pass.

The very word from God that we have believed, is what makes us a ‘prisoner of hope’. We see clearly by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the vision of God for our lives, and no matter what the daily circumstances scream, we are captive to the vision. We have believed we have received, and each day, we fully expect that today is going to be the day it comes to pass!

This captivity, this heavenly vision, this faith in action, is what empowers us to:
2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

It empowered the apostle Paul, when he cheerfully proclaimed the gospel in chains:

Ac 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force!

We are in a war, it is the fight of faith!

To believe when it looks impossible, because faith makes the impossible, possible, in fact, inevitable!

When we have authentically heard God, that which He has spoken, tries us, refines us, forces us to grow, to discipline ourselves, to get equipped, trained, fit for service.

I believe this is what sustained Nelson Mandela through his years in prison, before becoming the first black leader in apartheid South Africa. God raised him up, through hardship, to be a vessel of great wisdom, compassion, mercy, strength, and forgiveness, in prison.

I believe he knew he would be President for many, many years before it happened, and that this inward knowing was his faith in operation, and that this word from God, tried him, just like it tried Joseph.

How about Martin Luther King? The words, ‘I Have A Dream!’ have been a battle cry against racism here in the United States since he rallied this nation to confront this great evil. He died for what he believed, yet his work is immortal, and still goes on today, for there is power in heavenly vision.

Think about President Abraham Lincoln: his repeated failures, yet, one of the greatest Presidents to ever live: http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/education/failures.htm

As Paul Harvey says, ‘now for the rest of the story!”

Isa 61:7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Both yours and mine days of promotion and prominence will indeed come to pass, as we move forward in obedience to Holy Spirit, after we have believed we received.

Heaven is on its feet, the great cloud of heavenly witnesses, watching our course with joy, eternal testimony being written on parchment of time, we call, history.

Indeed it is HIS story, written in eternal record for all the universe to see, when we victoriously serve Jesus in this life!

Let the process have its work in you, remember, we never try the Word of God, it is trying us!

Let’s Pray:
‘Father God, I ask for confirmation, strength, encouragement, and fresh revelation of the vision for my brother or sister today. May we walk out, without compromise, the heavenly vision, and come out of this trial, perfect, entire, and lacking nothing. We ask this Father, in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’