Thursday, December 02, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
19 years new
I don’t remember not knowing Traci. We met at the tender age of five. I’m not sure if the word ‘tender’ applies to us though. We came from two very different worlds. I was born to missionary/evangelists which meant that my home had either wheels or wings and I was in church more nights than not. She grew up in a mobile home with a couple of cool Austin hippies. I remember hanging out at Traci’s while a scratchy record of Peter Frampton played in the background. She remembers coming to our trailer where we had the Gaithers rocking the hi fi.
My parents moved into this old Austin trailer park and the one open spot they had was near my future wife. Thus we were next door neighbors in this low budget commune in a time when Star Wars was still in the theater, old bicycles were learning to be ridden, and disco was having its five minutes of cool. We grew up as friends, best friends, and a pure childlike love grew into me proposing to her on a cool February night in downtown Austin.
So there you have it. We met, grew up writing letters, shared a love of God and mission, and got married at the tender age of 18. I’m still not sure the word ‘tender’ applies to us though, because after a couple of years of Bible College we signed on to help plant a church. And there’s nothing tender about birthing a church. It wasn’t the only thing birthed at the time. We had two amazing kids during the 90’s. It’s funny how some dramatic adjective is expected when one talks about his kids. If it’s there, as in “amazing kids”, it sounds trite. If it’s not, as in “...kids”, it sounds cold. Either way, it’s lousy writing. But in this case, our son and daughter absolutely exemplify the requirements necessary to warrant the term “amazing”. They are, without question, two of the coolest humans we’ve ever known.
Austin was home, is home, and has a piece of our heart, but there’s a mission that we’ve been called to that is consuming. We love empowering people to reach a destiny that enables them to live out the dream on God’s heart. You know the Scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, on that refrigerator magnet that you got in that sympathy gift that one time? “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” God has dreams about you that the enemy, life, circumstances, the choices of others, and the choices you regret, have all conspired to tattoo an indelible “disqualified” on your heart and soul. But the Spirit can never be disqualified and He’s been given to you as a gift of grace. You are the highest imagination of God in history, the greatest dream of God realized. It is who you become when you submit to the voice of his Holy Spirit that ultimately determines your identity, and that’s what we want people to see. Traci has seen it in me and refuses to see anything differently. And that’s the heart of love, when you remind people of who they are when they themselves have forgotten. It’s our heart that the body of Christ become the empowering force, fueled by love, that launches people into their destiny, the destiny that is the dream of God.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Trying to Want
When He won't grant what I think is good, I become vulnerable to take that which is not.
I still look at my dad's condition (unable to communicate through speech) and think, "54 years devoting your life and voice to exalt this extravagant One who gives life abundantly and this is how it goes down at the end? Or how about spending your life giving more than you've received to act as a conduit of heaven releasing provision to others? Now himself left with very little? The retirement plan for this job needs a tweaking." But then I realize that it's never been a job to him, nor does he seem to wrestle with one day of regret for the beauty that the relationship has brought to His eternity. The blessings through his eyes are more prevalent than the curses through mine. He won't embrace any curse as a gift, neither will he allow it to taint the gift itself, which has always been Him. Just Him.
And right now, that's all I'm trying to want.
I still look at my dad's condition (unable to communicate through speech) and think, "54 years devoting your life and voice to exalt this extravagant One who gives life abundantly and this is how it goes down at the end? Or how about spending your life giving more than you've received to act as a conduit of heaven releasing provision to others? Now himself left with very little? The retirement plan for this job needs a tweaking." But then I realize that it's never been a job to him, nor does he seem to wrestle with one day of regret for the beauty that the relationship has brought to His eternity. The blessings through his eyes are more prevalent than the curses through mine. He won't embrace any curse as a gift, neither will he allow it to taint the gift itself, which has always been Him. Just Him.
And right now, that's all I'm trying to want.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Skeleton and the Treasure
Questions are the barely to the side of the sweet spot ricochet off the bat that becomes a pop fly into center field where as a boy I waited. Feeling the blood run cold then hot through my suddenly knotted legs cocked like the hammer of a gun, I stared into the sky squinting to find the dot hiding within the suns intensity. Catching it would be a victory forgotten. Dropping it would be an error remembered. I don't remember a single catch. I remember vividly every drop. As the mystery unfolds, wisdom increases, experience stacks up for better or worse, questions are sun blinded pop flies or scorching line drives that collectively come like a tsunami. The spray from the tidal wave that makes me squint and moistens my lips before the wall that follows knocks me from my steady footing, of wisdom, of compassion, of faith, of family, of love. They never stop, like the ticker at the bottom of the newscast, and sometimes I just have to choose to look away. Because unless the answers affect choice that produces productive action, they just torment you. Questions are neither right nor wrong, but rather are the shovel that penetrates the carefully nurtured landscape of your world to uncover the treasure, or the skeleton, or the skeleton holding the treasure, beneath the surface of who you think you are. And all they want, is to know, and so do I.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Creating an Empowering Culture
In Ephesians 4, Paul gives what may be the greatest key to regional transformation in all of Scripture and to turn the key on a transformational engine and create a momentum is the unique calling of every ministry. It's the missional invitation to create an empowering culture that releases people into their destiny. When ministries come together in this, it doesn't affect who they are or the uniqueness of their call. They, in fact, move from control to empowerment and in that there is an organic exchange of life that can leave an entire region transformed.
Paul states in Ephesians 4:11 the familiar passage identifying what has come to be known as the five fold ministry, in essence, describing a multifunctional leadership structure that, much like the five fingers on a hand, exists for the purpose of equipping others to work. I want to be clear on a personal point here and that is this. I believe that the works of the ministry are not merely service projects that require no supernatural intervention. 1 John 2:6 says, "If any claim to live in Christ he must walk just as He walked." One of the meanings of the word "walk" there is "to demonstrate ability". 1 John 4:17 says, "...as He is so are we in this world." and in John 20: 21 Jesus Himself says, "As the Father sent me, so I send you." Jesus, in John 14:12, says that we who are joined to Him in this relationship of love would do the works He did and greater. So the works that the Body of Christ are equipped to do is far beyond merely causing the church to look like the Red Cross. There will always be a need for service ministry and the Body ought to be on the front line of that because the church carries the heart of the One who is love. But beyond that, it must be that a follower of Christ presses into what reason has deemed impossible to the extent that without God's intervention you will most certainly fail. (See Matt 10:8) When people believe that all things are possible, then you have an empowering culture and an empowered people. The benefits to this culture, according to Paul, are four absolutely stunning realities of the Kingdom of God.
UNITY OF THE FAITH. The creation of unity has been an elusive prize that leaders salivate to attain through, ironically, programatic control. This kind of leadership shuns empowerment because it has the potential to start a fire that goes beyond one man's ability to control it. Jesus empowered a handful of people that defied the logical stereotype of a qualified church leadership team and empowered them to turn the world upside down. And they did. If we are to re-present Jesus Christ in equipping the saints, then we'll recognize the treasure in the broken, and release people to love and serve trusting in the Spirit of the resurrected Christ to empower them to love just as He has empowered you.
THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD. Paul started out the letter to the Ephesians by praying that God would grant them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph 1:17) There is this striving to know Him more through academic instruction that exalts theology (the study of God) over theophany (the appearance of God). But revelation is far superior to mere information. The understanding of something is not a prerequisite for experiencing it. When my daughter was four she couldn't explain love, but she could absolutely experience the reality of it. Your inability to explain everything about God is not a hinderance in your ability to encounter and experience His presence, power, and love. And it's often in the experience that there is a new measure of understanding.
MATURITY. Jesus said that if you want to experience the Kingdom, you have to become as a child and a child has the capacity to experience that which they cannot yet explain. We have come to believe that maturity is intellectual enlightenment reaching a level to which we are free from deception. But that would actually be the result of this verse (Eph 4:13), not the cause of it. You'll actually find that specific benefit in verse 14, so then that can't be what he's talking about by maturity here because this comes before that. An empowered people are not empowered to think but to act. When people see their faith come alive in the works of Christ being released through their hands, it produces a childlike trust in the goodness of God. Empowered people are both mature and childlike, and one does not exist without the other.
TO THE MEASURE OF THE FULLNESS WHICH BELONGS TO THE STATURE OF CHRIST. Do you see what's possible? The fullness of Christ being represented in the people of God who are empowered to become every bit as glorious as God intended. In John 17 Jesus prays that we would be one just as the Father, Spirit, and Son are one. if the body carries the heart and acts so as to reflect the thoughts of the "Head" which is Christ, then the life that flows must give movement and freedom to the people that make up that body. You can adopt your dorm all and prayer walk it. You can adopt a corner on your campus and make it a place of prayer for you, asking God to reveal the hidden treasure in every person walking by. As favor and love increases in you, don't be shocked when you find yourself in and exchange of life giving words that results in healing, wholeness, deliverance, and salvation to another, who then you are equipped to empower.
I've probably set a record for the number of times the word "empower" is used in an article, but that's ok. But as the days of programmed systems of control come to a close, it would probably be a good idea to get used to the word. After all, it was Jesus Christ's method of turning the world upside down.
Paul states in Ephesians 4:11 the familiar passage identifying what has come to be known as the five fold ministry, in essence, describing a multifunctional leadership structure that, much like the five fingers on a hand, exists for the purpose of equipping others to work. I want to be clear on a personal point here and that is this. I believe that the works of the ministry are not merely service projects that require no supernatural intervention. 1 John 2:6 says, "If any claim to live in Christ he must walk just as He walked." One of the meanings of the word "walk" there is "to demonstrate ability". 1 John 4:17 says, "...as He is so are we in this world." and in John 20: 21 Jesus Himself says, "As the Father sent me, so I send you." Jesus, in John 14:12, says that we who are joined to Him in this relationship of love would do the works He did and greater. So the works that the Body of Christ are equipped to do is far beyond merely causing the church to look like the Red Cross. There will always be a need for service ministry and the Body ought to be on the front line of that because the church carries the heart of the One who is love. But beyond that, it must be that a follower of Christ presses into what reason has deemed impossible to the extent that without God's intervention you will most certainly fail. (See Matt 10:8) When people believe that all things are possible, then you have an empowering culture and an empowered people. The benefits to this culture, according to Paul, are four absolutely stunning realities of the Kingdom of God.
UNITY OF THE FAITH. The creation of unity has been an elusive prize that leaders salivate to attain through, ironically, programatic control. This kind of leadership shuns empowerment because it has the potential to start a fire that goes beyond one man's ability to control it. Jesus empowered a handful of people that defied the logical stereotype of a qualified church leadership team and empowered them to turn the world upside down. And they did. If we are to re-present Jesus Christ in equipping the saints, then we'll recognize the treasure in the broken, and release people to love and serve trusting in the Spirit of the resurrected Christ to empower them to love just as He has empowered you.
THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD. Paul started out the letter to the Ephesians by praying that God would grant them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph 1:17) There is this striving to know Him more through academic instruction that exalts theology (the study of God) over theophany (the appearance of God). But revelation is far superior to mere information. The understanding of something is not a prerequisite for experiencing it. When my daughter was four she couldn't explain love, but she could absolutely experience the reality of it. Your inability to explain everything about God is not a hinderance in your ability to encounter and experience His presence, power, and love. And it's often in the experience that there is a new measure of understanding.
MATURITY. Jesus said that if you want to experience the Kingdom, you have to become as a child and a child has the capacity to experience that which they cannot yet explain. We have come to believe that maturity is intellectual enlightenment reaching a level to which we are free from deception. But that would actually be the result of this verse (Eph 4:13), not the cause of it. You'll actually find that specific benefit in verse 14, so then that can't be what he's talking about by maturity here because this comes before that. An empowered people are not empowered to think but to act. When people see their faith come alive in the works of Christ being released through their hands, it produces a childlike trust in the goodness of God. Empowered people are both mature and childlike, and one does not exist without the other.
TO THE MEASURE OF THE FULLNESS WHICH BELONGS TO THE STATURE OF CHRIST. Do you see what's possible? The fullness of Christ being represented in the people of God who are empowered to become every bit as glorious as God intended. In John 17 Jesus prays that we would be one just as the Father, Spirit, and Son are one. if the body carries the heart and acts so as to reflect the thoughts of the "Head" which is Christ, then the life that flows must give movement and freedom to the people that make up that body. You can adopt your dorm all and prayer walk it. You can adopt a corner on your campus and make it a place of prayer for you, asking God to reveal the hidden treasure in every person walking by. As favor and love increases in you, don't be shocked when you find yourself in and exchange of life giving words that results in healing, wholeness, deliverance, and salvation to another, who then you are equipped to empower.
I've probably set a record for the number of times the word "empower" is used in an article, but that's ok. But as the days of programmed systems of control come to a close, it would probably be a good idea to get used to the word. After all, it was Jesus Christ's method of turning the world upside down.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Shift
My right shift key never gets used. When I was learning to type, I had broken my right pinky finger. It healed up, but I never got used to using that finger. Moral of the story. If you don't utilize the broken, you'll miss some good keys.
Most people are broken somewhere. Interesting that Jesus took people as they were and used the creative power of experience to teach and equip them. Empowering people isn't an option if unity and the the fullness of Christ are of any value to you at all. In Ephesians 4:11-13 there's this line of thought that I'll paraphrase. The gifts of Christ, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers are given to equip the church to do the works that give evidence to the faith we all claim. When that happens, we become unified,
Most people are broken somewhere. Interesting that Jesus took people as they were and used the creative power of experience to teach and equip them. Empowering people isn't an option if unity and the the fullness of Christ are of any value to you at all. In Ephesians 4:11-13 there's this line of thought that I'll paraphrase. The gifts of Christ, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers are given to equip the church to do the works that give evidence to the faith we all claim. When that happens, we become unified,
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Theophany
I'm pondering the Kingdom truth that it's the kindness of God that leads to repentance. Modern theology has trained us to believe that it's the repentance of man that accesses the kindness of God, giving religion cause to create an obstacle course painting the Father's embrace as the finish line, when in fact, we run the race in the Father's arms, and therein lies freedom.
Truth: All have sinned... Romans 3:23
Truth: All have sinned... Romans 3:23
Truth: All are justified... Romans 3:24
Truth: God does not count your sins against you. 2 Cor 5:16-20.
It's called the "Ministry of Reconciliation".
Truth: That is the ministry that we are all called into. 2 Cor 5:16-20)
Its God's authority, not man's activity, that assigns man's identity. Our mandate is to agree with His destiny for man to be conformed into the image of Christ, calling out the treasure in earthen vessels.
If I cannot do this, I cannot love, (nor can I claim to love) like Christ. And without love, you can have theology (the study of God) but you will not have theophany (the appearance of God) for there are two things without which we are nothing. God and Love, and those two are one.
The heart of the revivalist is calling the church to radical love, and seems to be asking the question, what is the boundary line you have drawn which, if a person crosses, will disqualify them from your love? Grace is the revelation that sin doesn't have the power to dictate to God how He will love or accept you. Mercy is God's embrace of the guilty, and thankfully it triumphs over judgement.
Truth: God does not count your sins against you. 2 Cor 5:16-20.
It's called the "Ministry of Reconciliation".
Truth: That is the ministry that we are all called into. 2 Cor 5:16-20)
Its God's authority, not man's activity, that assigns man's identity. Our mandate is to agree with His destiny for man to be conformed into the image of Christ, calling out the treasure in earthen vessels.
If I cannot do this, I cannot love, (nor can I claim to love) like Christ. And without love, you can have theology (the study of God) but you will not have theophany (the appearance of God) for there are two things without which we are nothing. God and Love, and those two are one.
The heart of the revivalist is calling the church to radical love, and seems to be asking the question, what is the boundary line you have drawn which, if a person crosses, will disqualify them from your love? Grace is the revelation that sin doesn't have the power to dictate to God how He will love or accept you. Mercy is God's embrace of the guilty, and thankfully it triumphs over judgement.
Moment-um
The apex second
The iridescent blink
Behind me a door closed
An origin fading into forgotten
A life now marked in decades
Well worn the soles
That carry my alternating steps
Striding toward the door marked exit
Which some days appears
Closer than others
And in this stroll
Between the doors
There are moments
Where breath
And step
And breeze
And blink
And beat
And sun
And warm
And spray
And rain
And dawn
And dusk
And touch
And taste
And sight
And scent
And sound
And Spirit
Converge and create
That apex second
Love's perfection
Fear's demise
Joy's leap
That a universe filled with currency
Could not purchase
The iridescent blink
Behind me a door closed
An origin fading into forgotten
A life now marked in decades
Well worn the soles
That carry my alternating steps
Striding toward the door marked exit
Which some days appears
Closer than others
And in this stroll
Between the doors
There are moments
Where breath
And step
And breeze
And blink
And beat
And sun
And warm
And spray
And rain
And dawn
And dusk
And touch
And taste
And sight
And scent
And sound
And Spirit
Converge and create
That apex second
Love's perfection
Fear's demise
Joy's leap
That a universe filled with currency
Could not purchase
The Sigh of Heaven
That which reason cannot destroy does not itself need a reason to exist. Love is such for it exists unto itself without reason and is, quite often, unreasonable. Thus the question 'why' goes unanswered except for the audible sigh of the lover's unreasonable heart, wrapped warmly within the fabric of mystery. It is the sigh of Heaven that embraces the soul.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Healer
An excerpt from the new book/film, "Healer", by Bill and Britain
------------------
I know blood. I know its smell, its taste, its consistency. The way blood thickens when exposed to air and time. The way its shiny wet red turns to dull dry brown. The way it moves like water when it’s thin, and the warmth it maintains as it flows from within your skin to carve a pattern upon your face, your brow, your back, your hand. I love watching people’s reaction to the sight of blood. That’s intoxicating for me and I find myself left with an often inappropriate uncontrollable grin that I’ll try to erase quickly. Horror, surprise, sympathy, and the ever present cringe. Everyone’s cringe is unique. For some their cringe is out and out nausea. For the tough it’s a barely wrinkled crows foot in one eye. Some people cross their arms covering their elbows. Some find a place to sit clutching their legs behind the knees. Some just cover their faces leaving small parts between their fingers because they just can’t look away. I think it’s because watching the reality of what’s happening is actually better than the horror they imagine when they close their eyes. That’s why the people who can actually turn away and feel better about what they can’t see may be the pure in heart, or at least mind. When the horror of reality is more tame than the mind’s capacity to conjure imaginary gore, you may need a therapist.
Some reactions have a soundtrack. It may sound like a nervous laugh, a hiss as air is sucked through clenched teeth, or an expletive that both cuts and enhances the tension. It’s cut because it articulates what everyone’s thinking when they see the person before them become a leaking biohazard who is not to be envied. It’s enhanced because, depending on the expletive, a degree of seriousness has now been implied to the situation. It’s the screaming reaction that I can’t handle. That and a crying child. I hate the thought that a child may witness something in this moment that marks their psyche for life, rendering them speechless and incoherent for the duration of the trauma.
But personally, for me, It’s all about the pain. I’m not sure which is worse. The pain of a blade slicing through flesh, or the pain of an ache in your heart. No, it’s much deeper than that. The soul? Still not deep enough. Yet there’s this need, this appetite, because my pain can take away someone else’s. It’s strange how this gift turns you into a philosopher, and what is a philosopher except a person with more questions than can be answered in a thousand lifetimes? And I have questions. Lots of them.
------------------
I know blood. I know its smell, its taste, its consistency. The way blood thickens when exposed to air and time. The way its shiny wet red turns to dull dry brown. The way it moves like water when it’s thin, and the warmth it maintains as it flows from within your skin to carve a pattern upon your face, your brow, your back, your hand. I love watching people’s reaction to the sight of blood. That’s intoxicating for me and I find myself left with an often inappropriate uncontrollable grin that I’ll try to erase quickly. Horror, surprise, sympathy, and the ever present cringe. Everyone’s cringe is unique. For some their cringe is out and out nausea. For the tough it’s a barely wrinkled crows foot in one eye. Some people cross their arms covering their elbows. Some find a place to sit clutching their legs behind the knees. Some just cover their faces leaving small parts between their fingers because they just can’t look away. I think it’s because watching the reality of what’s happening is actually better than the horror they imagine when they close their eyes. That’s why the people who can actually turn away and feel better about what they can’t see may be the pure in heart, or at least mind. When the horror of reality is more tame than the mind’s capacity to conjure imaginary gore, you may need a therapist.
Some reactions have a soundtrack. It may sound like a nervous laugh, a hiss as air is sucked through clenched teeth, or an expletive that both cuts and enhances the tension. It’s cut because it articulates what everyone’s thinking when they see the person before them become a leaking biohazard who is not to be envied. It’s enhanced because, depending on the expletive, a degree of seriousness has now been implied to the situation. It’s the screaming reaction that I can’t handle. That and a crying child. I hate the thought that a child may witness something in this moment that marks their psyche for life, rendering them speechless and incoherent for the duration of the trauma.
But personally, for me, It’s all about the pain. I’m not sure which is worse. The pain of a blade slicing through flesh, or the pain of an ache in your heart. No, it’s much deeper than that. The soul? Still not deep enough. Yet there’s this need, this appetite, because my pain can take away someone else’s. It’s strange how this gift turns you into a philosopher, and what is a philosopher except a person with more questions than can be answered in a thousand lifetimes? And I have questions. Lots of them.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Lose Some, Win Some
Sometimes, I dream. Ok, all the time, I dream. I used to stare out the window on long road trips imagining myself on a dirt bike riding at an impossible speed, landing impossible jumps. Somehow, in my mind, I always won, always accomplished the impossible, always did everything I set out to do. Life itself isn't so kind, however, and has often defied what I believed was possible.
Two examples come to mind from my childhood starting with the medal that I missed on track and field day in the sixth grade in Lake Benton, MN. I had laced up my borrowed track shoes, touching the metal cleats on the bottom of them with my open hand. Impressed by how sharp they were, imagining my advantage of exploding off the line. I scanned the group I was up against. I knew these guys and they were bigger, thicker, more suited for a football line than a foot race. It was going to be an easy performance. The stance was inspired by a poster of Carl Lewis that hung in the coach's office. Bent over, fingertips spread and touching the ground, right foot forward, I heard the whistle blow and dug my cleats into the grass and earth. I was fast. Fast enough to impress Krista though? That was the goal. The medal meant I had bested the rest of the runners, but more than that it would be a point of conversation between me and the cutest girl in the sixth grade. She was on the red wooden bleachers, black and yellow Bobcat jacket over her green sweater. A virtual rainbow of unmatched (unmatching) beauty, she smiled and cheered.
What I didn't count on was the quiet farmer. He showed all the interest in this contest that a blind person would show at a 3D movie. Tshirt, jeans, and boots, he was an embarrassment to the fine tradition of track and field. I mean, you wouldn't wear a speedo to play hockey or put on a goalie's pads to climb the high dive and go for the double backflip with half twist. But when that whistle blew, he was off. For a few seconds he took this thing seriously enough to make me stare at the back of his John Deere tshirt as it diminished beyond my ability to read the words "Nobody Stops A Deere". No medal, no conversation piece, no victorious warrior hug.
It reminded me of the time I took Robert Otto's spot in the spelling bee by a fluke. Robert had practiced and repracticed these words, working them out with military precision. The spelling bee was held annually in Ivanhoe and that meant that the two representatives from our class got to take part of the day off to be driven like rockstars in the school bus all the way across the county. The decision on who was going to go was based upon a spelling bee of our own in Mrs. Wheeler's class. It was finally down to Krista, Robert, and me. Robert got a hard word and stuttered through it only to hear the bell and if I could answer the next word, Robert was out. My word was easy and I pumped my fist in the air at the reality that Krista and I would be going to the spelling bee. Robert was the better speller, and on any other day, would have had his linguistic way with me. But alas, today I was victorious fair and square. The ride was uneventful and my heart pounded as we entered the strange gym to a bleacher full of proud parents and a panel of people who all wore glasses and had more hair in their eyebrows than they did on their head. Except for one elderly woman, who also had some chin hair. My word was Miscellaneous. I hate that word. To this day, every time I hear it, there's an emotion that I can't describe, but it carries a dull aching....ugh. I know how to spell it now, but that day it only had one "L" in my mind. I was out in the first round. Suddenly I didn't want to leave Ivanhoe, because that would mean I had to go back to Lake Benton to a heart broken Robert Otto who would be all too pleased to point out that I should have never been there in the first place. To his credit, Robert was liberal with his sympathy and said, "I'm sorry you don't know how to spell anything." In a life of wins and losses, it's interesting which ones stand out and remain personally iconic. Oh, I've got more losses than a track contest and spelling bee in the sixth grade. I just don't want to write about them.
Two examples come to mind from my childhood starting with the medal that I missed on track and field day in the sixth grade in Lake Benton, MN. I had laced up my borrowed track shoes, touching the metal cleats on the bottom of them with my open hand. Impressed by how sharp they were, imagining my advantage of exploding off the line. I scanned the group I was up against. I knew these guys and they were bigger, thicker, more suited for a football line than a foot race. It was going to be an easy performance. The stance was inspired by a poster of Carl Lewis that hung in the coach's office. Bent over, fingertips spread and touching the ground, right foot forward, I heard the whistle blow and dug my cleats into the grass and earth. I was fast. Fast enough to impress Krista though? That was the goal. The medal meant I had bested the rest of the runners, but more than that it would be a point of conversation between me and the cutest girl in the sixth grade. She was on the red wooden bleachers, black and yellow Bobcat jacket over her green sweater. A virtual rainbow of unmatched (unmatching) beauty, she smiled and cheered.
What I didn't count on was the quiet farmer. He showed all the interest in this contest that a blind person would show at a 3D movie. Tshirt, jeans, and boots, he was an embarrassment to the fine tradition of track and field. I mean, you wouldn't wear a speedo to play hockey or put on a goalie's pads to climb the high dive and go for the double backflip with half twist. But when that whistle blew, he was off. For a few seconds he took this thing seriously enough to make me stare at the back of his John Deere tshirt as it diminished beyond my ability to read the words "Nobody Stops A Deere". No medal, no conversation piece, no victorious warrior hug.
It reminded me of the time I took Robert Otto's spot in the spelling bee by a fluke. Robert had practiced and repracticed these words, working them out with military precision. The spelling bee was held annually in Ivanhoe and that meant that the two representatives from our class got to take part of the day off to be driven like rockstars in the school bus all the way across the county. The decision on who was going to go was based upon a spelling bee of our own in Mrs. Wheeler's class. It was finally down to Krista, Robert, and me. Robert got a hard word and stuttered through it only to hear the bell and if I could answer the next word, Robert was out. My word was easy and I pumped my fist in the air at the reality that Krista and I would be going to the spelling bee. Robert was the better speller, and on any other day, would have had his linguistic way with me. But alas, today I was victorious fair and square. The ride was uneventful and my heart pounded as we entered the strange gym to a bleacher full of proud parents and a panel of people who all wore glasses and had more hair in their eyebrows than they did on their head. Except for one elderly woman, who also had some chin hair. My word was Miscellaneous. I hate that word. To this day, every time I hear it, there's an emotion that I can't describe, but it carries a dull aching....ugh. I know how to spell it now, but that day it only had one "L" in my mind. I was out in the first round. Suddenly I didn't want to leave Ivanhoe, because that would mean I had to go back to Lake Benton to a heart broken Robert Otto who would be all too pleased to point out that I should have never been there in the first place. To his credit, Robert was liberal with his sympathy and said, "I'm sorry you don't know how to spell anything." In a life of wins and losses, it's interesting which ones stand out and remain personally iconic. Oh, I've got more losses than a track contest and spelling bee in the sixth grade. I just don't want to write about them.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Treasure Hunt Testimony
Treasure Hunting Testimony from Youngstown, OH.
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I just wanted to thank you for encouraging my spirit at the conference in Ohio. I had no idea we were being sent out on a treasure hunt when I attended your prophetic session that day. I've heard about treasure hunts but never had the courage to go out beyond the walls of the church. Right after the session ended and we had all of our clues, girl dark hair, red shirt, heart condition, McDonald's and gas station. We headed out to our "first" stop. It wasn't were we needed to be... after driving around "trying" to make our clues fit...I asked Felicia (the girl you meant in FL with Georgian) what are you feeling...should we head to McDonald's as we were sitting in the 2nd gas station.. She said looked up and pointed to the billboard advertising McDonald's...So off we headed... there were others there from the conference who had found there treasure and my mom (who was also with us on the hunt) sat down at the table kind of bummed out we hadn't found our person.... seconds later my mom excitedly looks over at me and says Jaime red shirt ....and I said Dark hair.... we looked at each other and stood up excited!!!! Should we go over to her? We were immediately faced with FEAR. Like a wall that we ran into... We looked at each other and we said No fear in the presence of God and walked over to the girl... We asked to sit down with her and my mother explained we were on a treasure hunt and what that was and started going over the clues we had...McDonald's, girl, red shirt, dark hair...I said the last clue was heart condition....do you have a heart condition...tears started running down her face. She had a heart condition and later we learned that she was 17 and pregnant with her first baby. She was just getting off of work and was waiting for her ride. We prayed and prophesy over her. It was so awesome. We invited her back to the conference that night and she gave us her number. We called her later and her mom answered and I explained everything that happened. She said that Shawna (our treasure...God's treasure...) didn't want to come but that she would come. So we offered to go to her house and get her...God put on my heart to fill up her gas tank so she would have freedom to go when she wanted... She told me she didn't have any money she got paid very little working @ planned parenthood....and she thanked us and attend the evening session. In fact she stayed for most of the service! I wanted to let you know though again how encouraging it was to hear you. I know that God had me there for that exact reason! We are planning on going on many many more treasure hunts soon! Oh and the kids that you brought up on stage...WOW....it was awesome! I can't thank you enough for doing what you do!
In God's Love:
JME
----------------
I just wanted to thank you for encouraging my spirit at the conference in Ohio. I had no idea we were being sent out on a treasure hunt when I attended your prophetic session that day. I've heard about treasure hunts but never had the courage to go out beyond the walls of the church. Right after the session ended and we had all of our clues, girl dark hair, red shirt, heart condition, McDonald's and gas station. We headed out to our "first" stop. It wasn't were we needed to be... after driving around "trying" to make our clues fit...I asked Felicia (the girl you meant in FL with Georgian) what are you feeling...should we head to McDonald's as we were sitting in the 2nd gas station.. She said looked up and pointed to the billboard advertising McDonald's...So off we headed... there were others there from the conference who had found there treasure and my mom (who was also with us on the hunt) sat down at the table kind of bummed out we hadn't found our person.... seconds later my mom excitedly looks over at me and says Jaime red shirt ....and I said Dark hair.... we looked at each other and stood up excited!!!! Should we go over to her? We were immediately faced with FEAR. Like a wall that we ran into... We looked at each other and we said No fear in the presence of God and walked over to the girl... We asked to sit down with her and my mother explained we were on a treasure hunt and what that was and started going over the clues we had...McDonald's, girl, red shirt, dark hair...I said the last clue was heart condition....do you have a heart condition...tears started running down her face. She had a heart condition and later we learned that she was 17 and pregnant with her first baby. She was just getting off of work and was waiting for her ride. We prayed and prophesy over her. It was so awesome. We invited her back to the conference that night and she gave us her number. We called her later and her mom answered and I explained everything that happened. She said that Shawna (our treasure...God's treasure...) didn't want to come but that she would come. So we offered to go to her house and get her...God put on my heart to fill up her gas tank so she would have freedom to go when she wanted... She told me she didn't have any money she got paid very little working @ planned parenthood....and she thanked us and attend the evening session. In fact she stayed for most of the service! I wanted to let you know though again how encouraging it was to hear you. I know that God had me there for that exact reason! We are planning on going on many many more treasure hunts soon! Oh and the kids that you brought up on stage...WOW....it was awesome! I can't thank you enough for doing what you do!
In God's Love:
JME
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Freely Give
In response to a question posed on Facebook about Impartation...
----------------------
Hey, Scotti. In my limited opinion, but you asked...:
Impartation is to those who honor the anointing as separate from the vessel or can lift the lid on the vessel to see the treasure it contains. If I honor THAT, then I benefit from the value of that treasure and it is deposited into my account. Matt 10:41...(if you honor a prophet in the name of the prophet...) I think it's nice if the vessel knows what they contain/carry, but it's not necessary. There is also great capacity in the heart of the person positioned to receive. The woman with the issue of blood who touched Jesus for example. The giver and the receiver who are each aware of what's going on will both be blessed in the exchange. I'm not sure how to put this but here goes... God never stops being the source of the gift, so it's not something that we can ever give independent of His sovereign will, however it is His sovereign right to invite us into a partnership of co-laboring where our will and His will are united to release blessing to people. If someone gave you charge of their wealth and asked you to distribute it, you would want to do so according to their desire, not sowing where they would not sow and so on. That would require you to be in a close relationship with them, which is apparently what He wants. That delegated authority to you would not result in your independence from Him, but would actually draw you closer as you release the treasure within you to affect the world around you.
Laying on of hands is a big deal. If you are going to equip someone in the physical, you'll do it by taking hold of something and handing it to another person. We are made in the image of God and I think that, though God is Spirit, our hands reflect that aspect of His nature that releases, empowers, blesses, and equips. When you lay hands on someone and are aware that you are reflecting Him, there is great power in that moment and contact. To put it another way, if people are conscious of what they carry in the things of the Spirit and they lay hands on someone whose heart is positioned to receive and steward with excellence what is deposited into them, there is a tangible transfer of Spiritual wealth from one person to another through the laying on of hands. 1 Tim 4:14. (Don't neglect the gift in you that was deposited to you by the laying on of hands...) It's God's way of making certain that the Body stays connected and that we are always in "freely you have received, freely give" mode.
On your last paragraph... Fruit is not followers. If that were the case, Jesus had a fruitless ministry. Fruit is of the Spirit and that which is not of the Spirit is dead, and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace....etc. Fruit is first and foremost, love. Love (Agape) has an appetite and it will be drawn to a well where it can be filled. God's (Love's) appetite for you went to unreasonable degrees to be poured out, ie crucifixion. The result of being immersed in that river of love is the fullness of joy that comes from the Presence of the Lord....followed by peace that goes beyond comprenension...etc. You get the picture, but it's ALL good and beautiful. As I heard in a song once, "God is a lover looking for a lover so He fashioned me." Love looks for Love, to respond to Love, so Love can increase. This is the mark of true discipleship. John 13:35
Quick study... Jesus says blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake for they shall be filled. Matt 5:6 Righteousness is not a condition of being. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A PERSON. Jesus IS the Righteousness of God and when you are in Christ and He is in you that Oneness produces an identity that we could spend a thousand lifetimes attempting to understand. That you now ARE the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. But just because something isn't fully understood doesn't mean that it can't be fully accepted. So BLESSED (that is favored, empowered, and equipped) are YOU who have an appetite for more of Him and the result of that manifest hunger is that you will be filled. Fullness in the Kingdom is measure in overflow, that is, stewarding it means you give it away. In order for that to occur, you have to find more who are hungry and thirsty for what you have freely received. If you are willing to travel to receive something from God, it demonstrates the value your heart places on both the vessel and the treasure God has put in them. This is honor and honor is how you receive inheritance. It is a self pity mindset that defaults to the omnipresence of God as a way to excuse the lack of hunger a man can feel when disappointment and offense manifests as apathy. Apathy disguised as maturity will always call hunger that moves you a foolish waste of time. But it's the hunger that makes it to the surface that gets fed and wise men still travel.
----------------------
Hey, Scotti. In my limited opinion, but you asked...:
Impartation is to those who honor the anointing as separate from the vessel or can lift the lid on the vessel to see the treasure it contains. If I honor THAT, then I benefit from the value of that treasure and it is deposited into my account. Matt 10:41...(if you honor a prophet in the name of the prophet...) I think it's nice if the vessel knows what they contain/carry, but it's not necessary. There is also great capacity in the heart of the person positioned to receive. The woman with the issue of blood who touched Jesus for example. The giver and the receiver who are each aware of what's going on will both be blessed in the exchange. I'm not sure how to put this but here goes... God never stops being the source of the gift, so it's not something that we can ever give independent of His sovereign will, however it is His sovereign right to invite us into a partnership of co-laboring where our will and His will are united to release blessing to people. If someone gave you charge of their wealth and asked you to distribute it, you would want to do so according to their desire, not sowing where they would not sow and so on. That would require you to be in a close relationship with them, which is apparently what He wants. That delegated authority to you would not result in your independence from Him, but would actually draw you closer as you release the treasure within you to affect the world around you.
Laying on of hands is a big deal. If you are going to equip someone in the physical, you'll do it by taking hold of something and handing it to another person. We are made in the image of God and I think that, though God is Spirit, our hands reflect that aspect of His nature that releases, empowers, blesses, and equips. When you lay hands on someone and are aware that you are reflecting Him, there is great power in that moment and contact. To put it another way, if people are conscious of what they carry in the things of the Spirit and they lay hands on someone whose heart is positioned to receive and steward with excellence what is deposited into them, there is a tangible transfer of Spiritual wealth from one person to another through the laying on of hands. 1 Tim 4:14. (Don't neglect the gift in you that was deposited to you by the laying on of hands...) It's God's way of making certain that the Body stays connected and that we are always in "freely you have received, freely give" mode.
On your last paragraph... Fruit is not followers. If that were the case, Jesus had a fruitless ministry. Fruit is of the Spirit and that which is not of the Spirit is dead, and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace....etc. Fruit is first and foremost, love. Love (Agape) has an appetite and it will be drawn to a well where it can be filled. God's (Love's) appetite for you went to unreasonable degrees to be poured out, ie crucifixion. The result of being immersed in that river of love is the fullness of joy that comes from the Presence of the Lord....followed by peace that goes beyond comprenension...etc. You get the picture, but it's ALL good and beautiful. As I heard in a song once, "God is a lover looking for a lover so He fashioned me." Love looks for Love, to respond to Love, so Love can increase. This is the mark of true discipleship. John 13:35
Quick study... Jesus says blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake for they shall be filled. Matt 5:6 Righteousness is not a condition of being. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A PERSON. Jesus IS the Righteousness of God and when you are in Christ and He is in you that Oneness produces an identity that we could spend a thousand lifetimes attempting to understand. That you now ARE the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. But just because something isn't fully understood doesn't mean that it can't be fully accepted. So BLESSED (that is favored, empowered, and equipped) are YOU who have an appetite for more of Him and the result of that manifest hunger is that you will be filled. Fullness in the Kingdom is measure in overflow, that is, stewarding it means you give it away. In order for that to occur, you have to find more who are hungry and thirsty for what you have freely received. If you are willing to travel to receive something from God, it demonstrates the value your heart places on both the vessel and the treasure God has put in them. This is honor and honor is how you receive inheritance. It is a self pity mindset that defaults to the omnipresence of God as a way to excuse the lack of hunger a man can feel when disappointment and offense manifests as apathy. Apathy disguised as maturity will always call hunger that moves you a foolish waste of time. But it's the hunger that makes it to the surface that gets fed and wise men still travel.
Impartation
In response to a question about Impartation...
----------------------
Impartation is to those who honor the anointing as separate from the vessel or can lift the lid on the vessel to see the treasure it contains. If I honor THAT, then I benefit from the value of that treasure and it is deposited into my account. Matt 10:41...(if you honor a prophet in the name of the prophet...) I think it's nice if the vessel knows what they contain/carry, but it's not necessary. There is also great capacity in the heart of the person positioned to receive. The woman with the issue of blood who touched Jesus for example. The giver and the receiver who are each aware of what's going on will both be blessed in the exchange. I'm not sure how to put this but here goes... God never stops being the source of the gift, so it's not something that we can ever give independent of His sovereign will, however it is His sovereign right to invite us into a partnership of co-laboring where our will and His will are united to release blessing to people. If someone gave you charge of their wealth and asked you to distribute it, you would want to do so according to their desire, not sowing where they would not sow and so on. That would require you to be in a close relationship with them, which is apparently what He wants. That delegated authority to you would not result in your independence from Him, but would actually draw you closer as you release the treasure within you to affect the world around you.
Laying on of hands is a big deal. If you are going to equip someone in the physical, you'll do it by taking hold of something and handing it to another person. We are made in the image of God and I think that, though God is Spirit, our hands reflect that aspect of His nature that releases, empowers, blesses, and equips. When you lay hands on someone and are aware that you are reflecting Him, there is great power in that moment and contact. To put it another way, if people are conscious of what they carry in the things of the Spirit and they lay hands on someone whose heart is positioned to receive and steward with excellence what is deposited into them, there is a tangible transfer of Spiritual wealth from one person to another through the laying on of hands. 1 Tim 4:14. (Don't neglect the gift in you that was deposited to you by the laying on of hands...) It's God's way of making certain that the Body stays connected and that we are always in "freely you have received, freely give" mode.
One more thing. Fruit is of the Spirit and that which is not of the Spirit is dead, and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace....etc. Fruit is first and foremost, love. Love (Agape) has an appetite and it will be drawn to a well where it can be filled. God's (Love's) appetite for you went to unreasonable degrees to be poured out, ie crucifixion. The result of being immersed in that river of love is the fullness of joy that comes from the Presence of the Lord....followed by peace that goes beyond comprenension...etc. You get the picture, but it's ALL good and beautiful. As I heard in a song once, "God is a lover looking for a lover so He fashioned me." Love looks for Love, to respond to Love, so Love can increase. This is the mark of true discipleship. John 13:35
Quick study... Jesus says blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake for they shall be filled. Matt 5:6 Righteousness is not a condition of being. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A PERSON. Jesus IS the Righteousness of God and when you are in Christ and He is in you that Oneness produces an identity that we could spend a thousand lifetimes attempting to understand. That you now ARE the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. But just because something isn't fully understood doesn't mean that it can't be fully accepted. So BLESSED (that is favored, empowered, and equipped) are YOU who have an appetite for more of Him and the result of that manifest hunger is that you will be filled. Fullness in the Kingdom is measure in overflow, that is, stewarding it means you give it away. In order for that to occur, you have to find more who are hungry and thirsty for what you have freely received. If you are willing to travel to receive something from God, it demonstrates the value your heart places on both the vessel and the treasure God has put in them. This is honor and honor is how you receive inheritance. It is a self pity mindset that defaults to the omnipresence of God as a way to excuse the lack of hunger a man can feel when disappointment and offense manifests as apathy. Apathy disguised as maturity will always call hunger that moves you a foolish waste of time. But it's the hunger that makes it to the surface that gets fed and wise men still travel.
----------------------
Impartation is to those who honor the anointing as separate from the vessel or can lift the lid on the vessel to see the treasure it contains. If I honor THAT, then I benefit from the value of that treasure and it is deposited into my account. Matt 10:41...(if you honor a prophet in the name of the prophet...) I think it's nice if the vessel knows what they contain/carry, but it's not necessary. There is also great capacity in the heart of the person positioned to receive. The woman with the issue of blood who touched Jesus for example. The giver and the receiver who are each aware of what's going on will both be blessed in the exchange. I'm not sure how to put this but here goes... God never stops being the source of the gift, so it's not something that we can ever give independent of His sovereign will, however it is His sovereign right to invite us into a partnership of co-laboring where our will and His will are united to release blessing to people. If someone gave you charge of their wealth and asked you to distribute it, you would want to do so according to their desire, not sowing where they would not sow and so on. That would require you to be in a close relationship with them, which is apparently what He wants. That delegated authority to you would not result in your independence from Him, but would actually draw you closer as you release the treasure within you to affect the world around you.
Laying on of hands is a big deal. If you are going to equip someone in the physical, you'll do it by taking hold of something and handing it to another person. We are made in the image of God and I think that, though God is Spirit, our hands reflect that aspect of His nature that releases, empowers, blesses, and equips. When you lay hands on someone and are aware that you are reflecting Him, there is great power in that moment and contact. To put it another way, if people are conscious of what they carry in the things of the Spirit and they lay hands on someone whose heart is positioned to receive and steward with excellence what is deposited into them, there is a tangible transfer of Spiritual wealth from one person to another through the laying on of hands. 1 Tim 4:14. (Don't neglect the gift in you that was deposited to you by the laying on of hands...) It's God's way of making certain that the Body stays connected and that we are always in "freely you have received, freely give" mode.
One more thing. Fruit is of the Spirit and that which is not of the Spirit is dead, and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace....etc. Fruit is first and foremost, love. Love (Agape) has an appetite and it will be drawn to a well where it can be filled. God's (Love's) appetite for you went to unreasonable degrees to be poured out, ie crucifixion. The result of being immersed in that river of love is the fullness of joy that comes from the Presence of the Lord....followed by peace that goes beyond comprenension...etc. You get the picture, but it's ALL good and beautiful. As I heard in a song once, "God is a lover looking for a lover so He fashioned me." Love looks for Love, to respond to Love, so Love can increase. This is the mark of true discipleship. John 13:35
Quick study... Jesus says blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake for they shall be filled. Matt 5:6 Righteousness is not a condition of being. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A PERSON. Jesus IS the Righteousness of God and when you are in Christ and He is in you that Oneness produces an identity that we could spend a thousand lifetimes attempting to understand. That you now ARE the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. But just because something isn't fully understood doesn't mean that it can't be fully accepted. So BLESSED (that is favored, empowered, and equipped) are YOU who have an appetite for more of Him and the result of that manifest hunger is that you will be filled. Fullness in the Kingdom is measure in overflow, that is, stewarding it means you give it away. In order for that to occur, you have to find more who are hungry and thirsty for what you have freely received. If you are willing to travel to receive something from God, it demonstrates the value your heart places on both the vessel and the treasure God has put in them. This is honor and honor is how you receive inheritance. It is a self pity mindset that defaults to the omnipresence of God as a way to excuse the lack of hunger a man can feel when disappointment and offense manifests as apathy. Apathy disguised as maturity will always call hunger that moves you a foolish waste of time. But it's the hunger that makes it to the surface that gets fed and wise men still travel.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
"I've never been anywhere, but I watch the Travel Channel."
Everyone is right about some things and wrong about others. You don't need to know which is which, you only need to know that it's true. Those who refuse to know this are the insane who won't be taught. This statement may be right, or not. And that, I'm certain, is true.
This is an expansion on an early morning thought I was chewing on regarding the importance of staying teachable. It sounds good in theory but it's humbling in reality because it requires me to admit that I don't know everything that's right and there are things I do know that may be wrong. My willingness to acknowledge that fact and allow the Spirit of Truth to tweak and shape my understanding is what positions me to grow.
Have you ever met people who have never been anywhere but are simply content to watch the travel channel? The hunger for knowledge must draw us into experience or there will be no revelation. Gaining knowledge of the Bible while rejecting a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ is a dangerous waste of time. It is a fools leap into the abyss of religion.
You're likely to find that 99% of the people in church will approve of radical street evangelism. That's also probably the same percentage of people who will not be going with you. When you are provoked to turn your faith into action, you put a demand upon a Word from God that causes it to manifest as experience. It is from there that you now have testimony. And we all know what a big deal that is.
This is an expansion on an early morning thought I was chewing on regarding the importance of staying teachable. It sounds good in theory but it's humbling in reality because it requires me to admit that I don't know everything that's right and there are things I do know that may be wrong. My willingness to acknowledge that fact and allow the Spirit of Truth to tweak and shape my understanding is what positions me to grow.
Have you ever met people who have never been anywhere but are simply content to watch the travel channel? The hunger for knowledge must draw us into experience or there will be no revelation. Gaining knowledge of the Bible while rejecting a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ is a dangerous waste of time. It is a fools leap into the abyss of religion.
You're likely to find that 99% of the people in church will approve of radical street evangelism. That's also probably the same percentage of people who will not be going with you. When you are provoked to turn your faith into action, you put a demand upon a Word from God that causes it to manifest as experience. It is from there that you now have testimony. And we all know what a big deal that is.
Friday, July 09, 2010
Who does He sound like?
"The Lord God, in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you in His love
He will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph 3:17
It's interesting that the most popular tv show in America is a singing competition. Maybe it's the built in sense of wonder and emotion we feel when music and words combine to form a song that can touch you in a place where mere speech never could.
Of all of the thoughts swimming around my heart and head about this passage, the one that I find most amusing is this. It's the revelation that God sings over you. What does He sound like? Think of the iconic voices of our time. Does God sound like Tony Bennet, Nat King Cole, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, James Hetfield, Willie Nelson, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Luciano Pavarotti? He's outside of the confines of gender so maybe there's some Mariah Carey, Whitney (in her prime), Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson, Norah Jones. I guess the question actually should be, who sounds like Him?
I imagine, if His Spirit can reside and express through all of us, then we all can sound like Him in our song. Think of each voice, gifted by the Spirit of God, as a singular expression of the nature of His "sound". There is no gift that's independent of it's origin and being the source of every gift, each unique voice would have no choice but to reveal a little bit of His. So when He sings, I think He sounds like everyone only more so. Like if you listen to His sound, you will find it to be more familiar to your heart that you ever dreamed possible, because you will hear in His voice........you.
Pull back the layers on this verse. The Lord is in your midst so His presence is close. He doesn't stand far away watching from a distance. He exercises His might to save you, redeem you, replace a deserved death with His righteous life. He leaps and dances with joy at the thought of you. His love draws you into peace and draws peace into you, silencing any voice that would defy peace, including your own. He parts His lips to release from the abundance of His heart, a sound, a song, created at the very thought of you. And His love song over you is one of righteousness, peace, and joy, all of which are found in this verse. Because His declaration carries power that formed the universe, His song over you causes you to become aware of your destiny, of your identity, of why you were created, and how you are loved. As many songs have been written about, to, and for Him, it doesn't compare to the songs He's composed about you. Selah.
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you in His love
He will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph 3:17
It's interesting that the most popular tv show in America is a singing competition. Maybe it's the built in sense of wonder and emotion we feel when music and words combine to form a song that can touch you in a place where mere speech never could.
Of all of the thoughts swimming around my heart and head about this passage, the one that I find most amusing is this. It's the revelation that God sings over you. What does He sound like? Think of the iconic voices of our time. Does God sound like Tony Bennet, Nat King Cole, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, James Hetfield, Willie Nelson, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Luciano Pavarotti? He's outside of the confines of gender so maybe there's some Mariah Carey, Whitney (in her prime), Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson, Norah Jones. I guess the question actually should be, who sounds like Him?
I imagine, if His Spirit can reside and express through all of us, then we all can sound like Him in our song. Think of each voice, gifted by the Spirit of God, as a singular expression of the nature of His "sound". There is no gift that's independent of it's origin and being the source of every gift, each unique voice would have no choice but to reveal a little bit of His. So when He sings, I think He sounds like everyone only more so. Like if you listen to His sound, you will find it to be more familiar to your heart that you ever dreamed possible, because you will hear in His voice........you.
Pull back the layers on this verse. The Lord is in your midst so His presence is close. He doesn't stand far away watching from a distance. He exercises His might to save you, redeem you, replace a deserved death with His righteous life. He leaps and dances with joy at the thought of you. His love draws you into peace and draws peace into you, silencing any voice that would defy peace, including your own. He parts His lips to release from the abundance of His heart, a sound, a song, created at the very thought of you. And His love song over you is one of righteousness, peace, and joy, all of which are found in this verse. Because His declaration carries power that formed the universe, His song over you causes you to become aware of your destiny, of your identity, of why you were created, and how you are loved. As many songs have been written about, to, and for Him, it doesn't compare to the songs He's composed about you. Selah.
Surfing the Slippery Slope
The following is an exchange that happened on Facebook that displays what religion does to the mind and heart. Names (other than mine) have been abbreviated. It began with my having of a friend of mine who happens to be a woman on a radio show I was hosting talking about some of the things going on in her ministry. Another friend (JB) decided to call her down and thus it began.
<> JB: Are you gonna ask her why she teaches and preaches when the Bible clears states women should not teach or have authority of men? The very WORD of God says men are to teach and preach. 1 Timothy 2:12-14
(Here there was a dozen or so exchanges with friends that I've removed, that escalated the point to where I finally climbed on this train wreck.)
<> William Vanderbush @JB: According to the Apostle Paul, if you're still living in a kingdom where genitals determine Spiritual qualification, you're not "in Christ".
Galatians 3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Are the writers of New Testament letters to the church to be heeded to the letter, in effect turning their writings into another law? They didn't even regard each other in this manner and it matters to know it. In Galatians 2:11, Paul (writer of Scripture) opposes Peter (Apostle and writer of Scripture) "to his face". If I were talking to Paul about this issue of women in ministry today, I would do the same with no dishonor or regret. And you can quote me on that. In case you believe the Apostle Paul to be irrefutable, (as Miles points out above) he himself gives commands that did not come from God and he knows it. 1 Cor 7:25 for example. In case you believe that Paul was without recorded error, in Acts 23:3 the apostle Paul called the High Priest a whited wall and then immediately repented, not realizing who he was talking to, he says we are not to say evil things about our leaders.
In I Cor. 11, Paul grants women the freedom to speak or pray in worship as long as she wears proper headgear. However, in I Cor. 14:34-36, Paul states that women should be silent in church, which contradicts the teaching that women may pray and speak (I Cor. 11:5). Which is it? Is Paul confused?
I'm not saying that the New Testament isn't inspired by the Holy Spirit. It most certainly is, but to take the writer of Galatians who argues so vehemently against being under the law, and turn his writings into another letter that kills apart from the Spirit, is about the most dishonoring thing one could do to this Apostle of God who commanded us all to walk in the Spirit.
Don't want to pick a fight with you, bro, but you've jumped on my wall enough to warrant some response. I feel though that our views are not going to be complimentary. I pulled my head out of the rear of religion some time ago and I must say, both the view and the smell have improved. You, on the other hand, seemed to have crawled all the way in.
One of these days, when you are in need of grace, and the rest of those around you who are trying to beautify the rectum of religiosity have none to freely give, you still have my number, and my friendship.
<> JB: Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 says: "16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
Huh, whom do I believe, men and women who don't believe the Bible is perfect, or my God who is perfect and able to communicate exactly everything I need for life and godliness. I think I am gonna go with my Sovereign Lord, He has not lied to me yet.
<> William Vanderbush @JB: Amen to everything you just wrote there. See, we do agree.
<> JB: William: James 1:27
It makes me angry when I see the Word of God so violently handled by men and women with absolutely no fear of God and what He teaches. James 3:1, you will be judged with greater strictness and that makes me fear for you and what you teach and believe. Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. William, I don't know who died and gave you the authority to twist Scripture and just pick and choose what is inspired and what is not.
2 Peter 3:15-16 "Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
<> William Vanderbush And to think, I used to make you waffles. Still love you, JB. You're just one Divine encounter away from good theology.
<> JB: No, William we don't agree! With the words you have spoken tonight, you have proven what I had already feared, that you have stepped outside of orthodox Christianity, and are rapidly heading down the slippery slope toward heresy and corruption.
<> William Vanderbush: Last one, JB. You dismiss me with contextual interpretation without addressing a single specific point. Instead you call me a heretic without pointing out one heresy. Fortunately for me we don't live in the middle ages and you aren't a bishop. I'd be a human BBQ and you would be holding the torch.
While you're arguing your theology exalting physical gender above Spiritual identity, Patricia is opening a shelter in Thailand to minister to children enslaved by the sex trade. Children who are being sold while we argue. You want to put her in her place as a servant to religion. I say her place is as a friend of God and she can do whatever He calls her to do. When you are doing the work of the ministry you have little time to argue over who is and is not qualified to do it. Jesus was addressing you in John 5:39-40, those so blinded by the letter that they could not see the Word. Repent, open your eyes, and be free.
----------------------
And that, my friends, is why Jesus (the Prince of Peace) got angry with the religious. I took this exchange to JB's wall and when he couldn't deal with it he defriended me and ended the exchange. This young man was once a good friend and neighbor and we have a long history and had many good conversations in the past. He began to run, however, with a group of religious people who live in constant fear of worldly contamination and who have adopted and entirely unteachable dogma regarding the gifts and workings if the Holy Spirit. Basically that the gifts have ceased and there us no longer prophecy, healing, or a need for the church to live in the supernatural power of God.
It's a good study into the mind of a sphere of the faith that is living by principle above Presence. I hoped I would (through some radical statements and clever potty humor jabs) get under the skin of his cerebral cortex just enough to provoke an exchange that would be more than just blind anger expressed in an arial font. However it was not to be. By now he ought to have known (by basic relationship) enough to know of my immense love and respect and honor for the inerrancy of Scripture. If there was love present and he genuinely believed I was calling the Word imperfect, I've no doubt he would have called me and scheduled a face to face meeting which I gladly would have welcomed.
Whereas FB exchanges are mostly for entertainment value, this he took seriously enough to sever a relationship over with no heartfelt personal outreach to correct my thinking and set me on the right path. So now I'm lost and he can wash his hands of me which is what religion does. I'll call him later today so he can hear my voice and tell him I love him but it will be his love that determines whether or not he wants to have relationship with someone with whom he doesn't agree theologically. Religion doesn't allow for that, it requires separation from those with whom you disagree and relationship with the sinner only for the purpose of conversion. JB: is a fine young man and I believe he'll fall into the bliss filled grace of Christ in time. Always expect the best and look for the treasure. That's what Love requires.
<> JB: Are you gonna ask her why she teaches and preaches when the Bible clears states women should not teach or have authority of men? The very WORD of God says men are to teach and preach. 1 Timothy 2:12-14
(Here there was a dozen or so exchanges with friends that I've removed, that escalated the point to where I finally climbed on this train wreck.)
<> William Vanderbush @JB: According to the Apostle Paul, if you're still living in a kingdom where genitals determine Spiritual qualification, you're not "in Christ".
Galatians 3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Are the writers of New Testament letters to the church to be heeded to the letter, in effect turning their writings into another law? They didn't even regard each other in this manner and it matters to know it. In Galatians 2:11, Paul (writer of Scripture) opposes Peter (Apostle and writer of Scripture) "to his face". If I were talking to Paul about this issue of women in ministry today, I would do the same with no dishonor or regret. And you can quote me on that. In case you believe the Apostle Paul to be irrefutable, (as Miles points out above) he himself gives commands that did not come from God and he knows it. 1 Cor 7:25 for example. In case you believe that Paul was without recorded error, in Acts 23:3 the apostle Paul called the High Priest a whited wall and then immediately repented, not realizing who he was talking to, he says we are not to say evil things about our leaders.
In I Cor. 11, Paul grants women the freedom to speak or pray in worship as long as she wears proper headgear. However, in I Cor. 14:34-36, Paul states that women should be silent in church, which contradicts the teaching that women may pray and speak (I Cor. 11:5). Which is it? Is Paul confused?
I'm not saying that the New Testament isn't inspired by the Holy Spirit. It most certainly is, but to take the writer of Galatians who argues so vehemently against being under the law, and turn his writings into another letter that kills apart from the Spirit, is about the most dishonoring thing one could do to this Apostle of God who commanded us all to walk in the Spirit.
Don't want to pick a fight with you, bro, but you've jumped on my wall enough to warrant some response. I feel though that our views are not going to be complimentary. I pulled my head out of the rear of religion some time ago and I must say, both the view and the smell have improved. You, on the other hand, seemed to have crawled all the way in.
One of these days, when you are in need of grace, and the rest of those around you who are trying to beautify the rectum of religiosity have none to freely give, you still have my number, and my friendship.
<> JB: Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 says: "16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
Huh, whom do I believe, men and women who don't believe the Bible is perfect, or my God who is perfect and able to communicate exactly everything I need for life and godliness. I think I am gonna go with my Sovereign Lord, He has not lied to me yet.
<> William Vanderbush @JB: Amen to everything you just wrote there. See, we do agree.
<> JB: William: James 1:27
It makes me angry when I see the Word of God so violently handled by men and women with absolutely no fear of God and what He teaches. James 3:1, you will be judged with greater strictness and that makes me fear for you and what you teach and believe. Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. William, I don't know who died and gave you the authority to twist Scripture and just pick and choose what is inspired and what is not.
2 Peter 3:15-16 "Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
<> William Vanderbush And to think, I used to make you waffles. Still love you, JB. You're just one Divine encounter away from good theology.
<> JB: No, William we don't agree! With the words you have spoken tonight, you have proven what I had already feared, that you have stepped outside of orthodox Christianity, and are rapidly heading down the slippery slope toward heresy and corruption.
<> William Vanderbush: Last one, JB. You dismiss me with contextual interpretation without addressing a single specific point. Instead you call me a heretic without pointing out one heresy. Fortunately for me we don't live in the middle ages and you aren't a bishop. I'd be a human BBQ and you would be holding the torch.
While you're arguing your theology exalting physical gender above Spiritual identity, Patricia is opening a shelter in Thailand to minister to children enslaved by the sex trade. Children who are being sold while we argue. You want to put her in her place as a servant to religion. I say her place is as a friend of God and she can do whatever He calls her to do. When you are doing the work of the ministry you have little time to argue over who is and is not qualified to do it. Jesus was addressing you in John 5:39-40, those so blinded by the letter that they could not see the Word. Repent, open your eyes, and be free.
----------------------
And that, my friends, is why Jesus (the Prince of Peace) got angry with the religious. I took this exchange to JB's wall and when he couldn't deal with it he defriended me and ended the exchange. This young man was once a good friend and neighbor and we have a long history and had many good conversations in the past. He began to run, however, with a group of religious people who live in constant fear of worldly contamination and who have adopted and entirely unteachable dogma regarding the gifts and workings if the Holy Spirit. Basically that the gifts have ceased and there us no longer prophecy, healing, or a need for the church to live in the supernatural power of God.
It's a good study into the mind of a sphere of the faith that is living by principle above Presence. I hoped I would (through some radical statements and clever potty humor jabs) get under the skin of his cerebral cortex just enough to provoke an exchange that would be more than just blind anger expressed in an arial font. However it was not to be. By now he ought to have known (by basic relationship) enough to know of my immense love and respect and honor for the inerrancy of Scripture. If there was love present and he genuinely believed I was calling the Word imperfect, I've no doubt he would have called me and scheduled a face to face meeting which I gladly would have welcomed.
Whereas FB exchanges are mostly for entertainment value, this he took seriously enough to sever a relationship over with no heartfelt personal outreach to correct my thinking and set me on the right path. So now I'm lost and he can wash his hands of me which is what religion does. I'll call him later today so he can hear my voice and tell him I love him but it will be his love that determines whether or not he wants to have relationship with someone with whom he doesn't agree theologically. Religion doesn't allow for that, it requires separation from those with whom you disagree and relationship with the sinner only for the purpose of conversion. JB: is a fine young man and I believe he'll fall into the bliss filled grace of Christ in time. Always expect the best and look for the treasure. That's what Love requires.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
In Flight
The sun settles into the pocket of cloud at the edge of the horizon, ultraviolet beams bust through holes worn into the clouds by the wind causing me to squint tight my eyes. It rolls down the wall of blue and like a mood ring the color responds to it's heat. The sun must be a confused lover today because orange, pink, and purple can't seem to find out where one ends and the other begins. Embracing the blue the colors never merge, never separate, never dilute like paint into a dull gray. At 35 thousand feet it feels like I'm above it all, but 93 million miles away this molten hurricane of fire hardly resembles the beauty it's light is forming before my eyes here. The sounds of Muse breeze through my airtight earbuds and I want to roll down the window of this jet, crawl outside and on top of it, standing left foot forward, right foot dug in and ride this supersonic surfboard through banks and turns careening through the clouds like a hawk glides between the walls of a canyon. Ignoring the impossible physics of the quest, I could feel my feet leave the fuselage for a second or two wondering how far I had just passed through the air only to touch down on two feet still intact. It's delightful to discover that at the age of 37, I still have an imagination.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Joy and Fear in the Presence of God
I was at a college group this week and spoke about the supernatural reality of the finished work of Christ and the stewardship of grace as it pertains to John 20:23. The power and presence of God flowed thick as the revelation of grace flooded the room and it was a beautiful night. Afterward, a young man named Micah was standing near me and I asked him if he had something to impart. He said, "I feel overwhelmed with the fear of the Lord." The interesting thing is that when he said this, he was smiling. He laid hands on another young man and released to him a revelation of the fear of the Lord. Both young men became flooded by joy and I just stood back to watch realizing that I was learning something here and I needed to pay attention.
I recalled being in a service where the fear of the Lord was the topic and as the speaker continued to expound on the depravity of man the heaviness in the room became quite tangible. People wept, cried, and the assumption was that repentance for sin was happening. I thought at the time, "This is is revival. It's dark, depressing, and heavy, but I guess this is what you have to walk through to get free." Oddly enough though, the heaviness never lifted and joy never felt like an appropriate response. As I remembered that night, I got a picture of a guy walking into a prison cell and sitting down on the cot at the cell door slams shut with an echoing clang. The same look of depressed heaviness and the tears of sorrow as you accept the weight of your punishment were the same look that I saw in that church that night. I got another picture though, and it was of a guy leaving a prison, filling his lungs with fresh air, as the gate opens before him and he is free. The tears of gratitude and the joy of stepping into a world formerly unattainable yet always within reach, that was the look I saw in the college group the other night.
Here's the deal. When you have a revelation of grace, the fear of the Lord manifests as joy. It's the result of the safety and protection of God rather than the wrath and judgement of God. Religion imprisons, Christ sets free. Your response will reveal which one has captured your heart.
I recalled being in a service where the fear of the Lord was the topic and as the speaker continued to expound on the depravity of man the heaviness in the room became quite tangible. People wept, cried, and the assumption was that repentance for sin was happening. I thought at the time, "This is is revival. It's dark, depressing, and heavy, but I guess this is what you have to walk through to get free." Oddly enough though, the heaviness never lifted and joy never felt like an appropriate response. As I remembered that night, I got a picture of a guy walking into a prison cell and sitting down on the cot at the cell door slams shut with an echoing clang. The same look of depressed heaviness and the tears of sorrow as you accept the weight of your punishment were the same look that I saw in that church that night. I got another picture though, and it was of a guy leaving a prison, filling his lungs with fresh air, as the gate opens before him and he is free. The tears of gratitude and the joy of stepping into a world formerly unattainable yet always within reach, that was the look I saw in the college group the other night.
Here's the deal. When you have a revelation of grace, the fear of the Lord manifests as joy. It's the result of the safety and protection of God rather than the wrath and judgement of God. Religion imprisons, Christ sets free. Your response will reveal which one has captured your heart.
Laws of Nature and the Kingdom of God
I get quite a few questions about the coin on the wall thing. This is my response to a friend recently on Facebook.
I feel a certain restriction in trying to put anything in writing about it. Most of the little that I have put in writing has been copied and reposted many more times than I ever expected or am comfortable with. I have no problem talking about it in person, because there's something about the dna of hunger that's communicated voice to voice, Spirit to Spirit. What I will say is that questions of challenge, I tend to steer away from, because the discussions are rarely fruitful. But questions of curiosity I love, because they come from a teachable heart looking to learn and desiring more than is currently known. From the story you relayed about the young boy who tied a prophetic promise to a challenge to a natural law, I feel bad for him as well. Consider what would happen if it were to work that way though. It would be the potential birth of a superstar and potentially position a young man for a proud ruin at an early age. I'm finding these days that God rarely honors presumption that empowers self over others, even if it's for noble purpose.
My daughter (13) was asked by a woman in Florida to explain the coin thing. Sara prefers to show rather than tell so she asked for a coin and the woman took out a nickel and she had the lady hold the coin to the wall (could have been a window, ceiling, whatever) and Sara held it there with her. She then began to tell her about how she began to realize that laws of nature are not impossible to invade just because man has called them "laws". Jesus creates the law of gravity and then treats it as optional. That matter isn't meant to be restrictive to the advancing of the Kingdom so if there's someone on the other side of a wall that I need to minister to, that the matter of this wall should not be able to hinder my capacity to move through it to accomplish His word. Things like that. The coin continued to fall over and over again as they both held it and let go. Suddenly Sara gets quiet, takes her finger off the coin and steps back a few feet. A minute or so goes by in silence and then the lady takes her finger off the nickel and it stays. She has a dramatic "reaction" to say the least. All of this happened in the sight of quite a few people. I asked Sara what she was learning there. She said that the Holy Spirit spoke to her and told her to stand back. She said, "Dad, it's not about me. It's about what He wants to show her. I just knew I needed to get my hands off of it." The presence of the Lord was so thick, I even feel it strong here as I type this recalling the wisdom God reveals through the process of either being childlike or becoming childlike again.
The supernatural power of God has been reduced (for many) to myth at the least, a wish at the most. So we've stressed relationship with God but have not taken into account the supernatural nature of His ways as it pertains to us. Are you a physical being having a Spiritual experience or are you a Spiritual being having a physical experience? If it's the latter, the supernatural should simply be natural when it comes to the normal relationship with God who is Spirit. If it's not, then who exactly do you have a relationship with in your walk with God? There are people who claim to know God so well but deny His power at work in their lives. When we do that we have made Him into our image and that's not who He is.
We have become all too familiar with a God we hardly know.
I feel a certain restriction in trying to put anything in writing about it. Most of the little that I have put in writing has been copied and reposted many more times than I ever expected or am comfortable with. I have no problem talking about it in person, because there's something about the dna of hunger that's communicated voice to voice, Spirit to Spirit. What I will say is that questions of challenge, I tend to steer away from, because the discussions are rarely fruitful. But questions of curiosity I love, because they come from a teachable heart looking to learn and desiring more than is currently known. From the story you relayed about the young boy who tied a prophetic promise to a challenge to a natural law, I feel bad for him as well. Consider what would happen if it were to work that way though. It would be the potential birth of a superstar and potentially position a young man for a proud ruin at an early age. I'm finding these days that God rarely honors presumption that empowers self over others, even if it's for noble purpose.
My daughter (13) was asked by a woman in Florida to explain the coin thing. Sara prefers to show rather than tell so she asked for a coin and the woman took out a nickel and she had the lady hold the coin to the wall (could have been a window, ceiling, whatever) and Sara held it there with her. She then began to tell her about how she began to realize that laws of nature are not impossible to invade just because man has called them "laws". Jesus creates the law of gravity and then treats it as optional. That matter isn't meant to be restrictive to the advancing of the Kingdom so if there's someone on the other side of a wall that I need to minister to, that the matter of this wall should not be able to hinder my capacity to move through it to accomplish His word. Things like that. The coin continued to fall over and over again as they both held it and let go. Suddenly Sara gets quiet, takes her finger off the coin and steps back a few feet. A minute or so goes by in silence and then the lady takes her finger off the nickel and it stays. She has a dramatic "reaction" to say the least. All of this happened in the sight of quite a few people. I asked Sara what she was learning there. She said that the Holy Spirit spoke to her and told her to stand back. She said, "Dad, it's not about me. It's about what He wants to show her. I just knew I needed to get my hands off of it." The presence of the Lord was so thick, I even feel it strong here as I type this recalling the wisdom God reveals through the process of either being childlike or becoming childlike again.
The supernatural power of God has been reduced (for many) to myth at the least, a wish at the most. So we've stressed relationship with God but have not taken into account the supernatural nature of His ways as it pertains to us. Are you a physical being having a Spiritual experience or are you a Spiritual being having a physical experience? If it's the latter, the supernatural should simply be natural when it comes to the normal relationship with God who is Spirit. If it's not, then who exactly do you have a relationship with in your walk with God? There are people who claim to know God so well but deny His power at work in their lives. When we do that we have made Him into our image and that's not who He is.
We have become all too familiar with a God we hardly know.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A friend asked me recently how I would deal with a person who was demonized and I said (this isn't nearly the only method but likely the most shocking and unexpected), if you can't find an adult who has confidence in their anointing and authority, then find some Spirit filled children to deal with it. Demons (like animals because of their beast nature) respond to fear. Just like an animal can smell fear and will attack, the demonic does as well and will find a place to attach where fear has gained a foothold. Children who are filled with the Holy Spirit can do such damage to the demonic because often they have no fear. I've seen youngsters cast out demons that would make adults stop, analyze, rationalize, and partner with a spirit of fear rendering them powerless in the moment. Strange but true.
My friend, Will, called me a few weeks ago saying that he had an assignment to deal with a person who was demonized. Will felt this overwhelming joy come over him and he just started laughing and the more he laughed the more angry the demon got until finally the man was delivered. Will got the revelation that the demonic is offended by joy. So here's the equation. Joy is the manifestation of liberty for where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty and in the Presence there is fullness of joy and pleasure forevermore. Demonic fear based religious systems take all of the fun out of, well, everything. Control kills liberty which is the soil in which joy grows. God is love and perfect love casts out fear so when we're in the presence we can choose to partner with love or fear. If we partner with fear it will manifest as control and abusive religious systems. If we partner with love it will manifest as empowerment and freedom and joy will flow. In that place, the demonic is automatically displaced. Demons don't care for a Holy Ghost party. As you recall, there wasn't a single demon that could crash the Acts 2 party.
So what happens when a church begins to see demonic manifestations? If the spirit of fear has a foothold, it may be that the demonic is drawn to and will manifest more often because it's got an initial platform of fear from which to operate. The initial method churches use is to try to ignore the problem hoping it will go away. That doesn't work, so they will have to train and equip people to deal with it. This starts an endless cycle of training and dealing, training and dealing, and that breeds people who can't remember the last time they experience the joy of the Lord. It's just flat exhausting. Police officers train to use weapons they hope they never will have to employ. They hope that their presence as a force in itself will be enough for the enemy to stand down. Everyone needs to be equipped, no doubt, but a police force assigned to an area will see that area overrun by crime if they are crippled by fear. The training Jesus gave the disciples in dealing with the demonic was very simple. Cast them out. How that end is reached is where the methods come in handy. However, the greater your anointing, the easier it becomes. Jesus just said, "Go." That would be the goal.
To clarify, the demonic is not to be ignored, but neither is it to be held as a force to be impressed with. Dealing with it doesn't need to be complicated if you have confidence in your anointing and authority. But in religious systems people lack the confidence in their anointing and authority because they've been told they "can't" over and over again. This is why empowering people (all ages, races, genders, etc...) is SUCH A BIG DEAL!!!
My friend, Will, called me a few weeks ago saying that he had an assignment to deal with a person who was demonized. Will felt this overwhelming joy come over him and he just started laughing and the more he laughed the more angry the demon got until finally the man was delivered. Will got the revelation that the demonic is offended by joy. So here's the equation. Joy is the manifestation of liberty for where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty and in the Presence there is fullness of joy and pleasure forevermore. Demonic fear based religious systems take all of the fun out of, well, everything. Control kills liberty which is the soil in which joy grows. God is love and perfect love casts out fear so when we're in the presence we can choose to partner with love or fear. If we partner with fear it will manifest as control and abusive religious systems. If we partner with love it will manifest as empowerment and freedom and joy will flow. In that place, the demonic is automatically displaced. Demons don't care for a Holy Ghost party. As you recall, there wasn't a single demon that could crash the Acts 2 party.
So what happens when a church begins to see demonic manifestations? If the spirit of fear has a foothold, it may be that the demonic is drawn to and will manifest more often because it's got an initial platform of fear from which to operate. The initial method churches use is to try to ignore the problem hoping it will go away. That doesn't work, so they will have to train and equip people to deal with it. This starts an endless cycle of training and dealing, training and dealing, and that breeds people who can't remember the last time they experience the joy of the Lord. It's just flat exhausting. Police officers train to use weapons they hope they never will have to employ. They hope that their presence as a force in itself will be enough for the enemy to stand down. Everyone needs to be equipped, no doubt, but a police force assigned to an area will see that area overrun by crime if they are crippled by fear. The training Jesus gave the disciples in dealing with the demonic was very simple. Cast them out. How that end is reached is where the methods come in handy. However, the greater your anointing, the easier it becomes. Jesus just said, "Go." That would be the goal.
To clarify, the demonic is not to be ignored, but neither is it to be held as a force to be impressed with. Dealing with it doesn't need to be complicated if you have confidence in your anointing and authority. But in religious systems people lack the confidence in their anointing and authority because they've been told they "can't" over and over again. This is why empowering people (all ages, races, genders, etc...) is SUCH A BIG DEAL!!!
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