Luke 17:12-19
"And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."
"Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late- and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simply will not work." -A.W. Tozer
It has been said that he who believes obeys, and he who obeys believes. Perhaps as startling as it may seem, prayer without obedience is powerless. We have been programmed to believe that prayer is the only answer we need, while I agree prayer is vital to the success of an individual or a collective unit of people. But if we don't start training ourselves to be obedient to the word of God, then those prayers will be pointless.
Our text reveals to us an encounter between ten lepers and Jesus; in this scene the Bible depicts these men as being afar off. Due to their condition a gap was formed between them and God. I understand at times it seems as if God is too far away to do anything in your life. I know it seems as if sometimes your mistakes and failures have left you so wounded and battered that God can't reach you from where you are. But some body needs to be encouraged as you read this, because the Bible says that even though they were afar off, even though there was a gap in between them and even though their scars and their wounds were evident still, Jesus looked on them. Someone needs to be reaffirmed that God still knows where you are. It doesn't matter how bad it may look, it doesn't matter how far you may be, it doesn't matter how wounded, battered or beaten you might be; Jesus still knows where to look to find you!
And the Bible says that when he saw them, he gave them this command; Go show yourselves unto the priests. Now this is where I personally would've had problem. Show myself to the priests? Really? That's the best you got? You brought Israel out of Egypt; You parted the Red Sea; You provided manna and Quail; You brought water out of a rock! And all you have for me right now is to go show myself to the priests? In case you didn't realize, by going and showing myself to the priests is how I got to where I'm at in the first place. He's the one that labeled me unclean, and excommunicated me from my family! Now you want me to go back to him? There is no way this made sense to any of them, nevertheless the Bible says they went...
I wonder what our response would be today if Jesus asked us to take that kind of leap of faith. What if Jesus called you to do something that didn't add up, that just doesn't make sense! What if Jesus decided the best avenue for you to take right now, is to go to a place where you've already been labeled and judged. Would your faith really allow you to go? Or would you allow you're mentality to keep you bound?
Notice the power of this text, Jesus never healed them! Jesus never said he would either! All Jesus told them was to go to the priests!!
In our fast aced, drive thru world; we've become so impatient! We pray and if there are no fireworks then there must be no power. So we leave the church discouraged, frustrated and defeated. But I wonder how many people miss out on miracles and blessings because they failed to acknowledge the power of obedience? Sometimes Jesus may not heal you, sometimes Jesus may not deliver you, but there is always an opportunity to go to the priests! Don't allow your wounds and your pain to keep you from the temple! The priests may just have a word that can change your life!
So these ten lepers decide to obey the words of Jesus, and they start walking. I don't know if they walked 12 steps or 12 miles, either way the Bible says as they went, they were cleansed! As they obeyed! As they stayed faithful, as they kept worshiping, as they kept dancing they received their miracle! Somebody needs to hear these words YOUR MIRACLE IS ON THE ROAD OF YOUR OBEDIENCE!!! When it doesn't make sense, stay faithful, when it seems like you've lost, keep shouting, when it seems like God doesn't even know where your at, trust in his words!!
What a beautiful example of the mercy of God. But this blog is not so much about the miracle, the power or the obedience. The lesson I learned from this leper is found in verse 15-16. "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back...and fell down on his face at his feet...and he was a Samaritan" 9 Jewish boys kept on walking, 9 church boys decided what they received on that road was good enough. They figured that since the leprosy was dried up, that they were done. This is the danger of our world; we come to God with our hands out, and we leave with a small blessing and assume that's all God wants to give us! But 1 man, a Samaritan, decided to turn back and give God thanks! Not only did that 1 leper not become satisifed with one touch, he came back looking for more! He sought after God with more zeal after his cleansing than he did when leprosy was eating up his body!
I can understand that, I too have felt the devastation of leprosy (sin) as it ate away at everything in my life. And I can still remember the day at 16 years of age when God touched me and cleansed me of my leprosy!! What a glorious day!! But I never allowed that one altar call to satisfy me! That one experience has driven me for over 10 years now!! I'm not satisfied, I want more of Jesus than I've ever had in my life! Am I still a leper? No! But I still need Him!
And as that leper came back, Jesus looked down at him and told him; go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole!!! Those 9 church boys who were satisfied with what they got, will always carry the scars of their past. Every time they see their reflection they will be reminded of what they went through. And their futures still rested in the judgment of a priest! But this man, Jesus told him, your not just cleansed any longer, now ou are made completely whole! I've taken your future out of man's hands, and I'm declaring it from the throne room, your past is erased, your scars are removed, the damage of your leprosy is restored like new!! your not just forgiven, your a brand new creature!!!!
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The Journey
Numbers 21:4
"And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way."
"Life is just a journey" -Princess Diana
Perhaps truer words have never been spoken. When we consider the ups and downs of life, we can admittedly concur that life is simply a journey. Just when we think we have figured it all, and feel like we have a firm grasp on it, without warning the rug is yanked out from beneath us and we're faced with the recognition that life really is a journey. Oh don't get me wrong, this journey possesses many great moments. Life is full of celebrations, milestones and accomplishments; the day I got married and the birth of my children rank at the top of life's greatest thrills. I can't forget the feeling of buying my first home or purchasing my first car. This journey is rewarding at times as well; I've experienced a lot on this journey. My upbringing although at times very troubling was one of my greatest blessings, not curses. It revealed to me more about the nature of God than anything I've ever experienced. Nothing can replace the knowledge, understanding and wisdom that can be attained along this journey of life.
With all of that being said, life can at times become very overwhelming. Although life is filled with exuberant mountain top experiences, it's the valleys on this journey that threaten to destroy you. It's the valley's that cause even the strongest people to become weak, and the bravest souls to fear. It's in these valleys of torment where you question your calling, your purpose and your value. It's here in the loneliness of the valley where your mind will be tested and your nights become sleepless. Regardless of how high your mountain tops appear to be, I warn you friend this journey will take you to these valleys. These valleys strike without warning, one day everything is going great, the next you walk outside to see police officers outside your house and your world begins to unravel. It's when your minding your own business and your cell phone rings; it's one car wreck, one lie, one stab in the back or one bad decision that can altar your entire life! And suddenly as you look around your surrounded by the darkness of that valley and the voices of hell are calling out to you. It's no wonder the Psalmist David said these words...
"Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." Psalm 23:4
It can be debilitating walking in this valley, as your compassed by a shadow it feels as if death is the only sure possibility. How do I escape this? In this place it feels as if your prayers can't reach the ceiling, as if everyone around you is blessed and your the only one struggling. It's here where the thoughts of giving up and throwing in the towel parade around your mind.
When Joel prophesied about the last days he makes this observation. Joel 3:14 "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision..."
Millions of people tragically searching for hope from within the shadows of death. And this valley can simply be labeled the valley of decision. From the midst of this tormented place a decision will be made. To walk closer to God, or to finally succumb to the voice of defeat.
But David recognized, even while surrounded by the teeth of hell, I have nothing here to fear. He states even though I'm walking through this valley, I will fear no evil. How can he say this? How in the world could a man be surrounded by such pain and despair, and honestly say such a thing? It was because David had this revelation... thou art with me!!
Maybe that's why the Psalmist gives this address in Psalm 139:7-10, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
What peace!! To know that even in my lowest valley, God is with me! And not only is he with me, but he is leading me through this valley, and he holds me in his right hand!
Psalm 16:11, "Thou wilt show me the path of life (reveal the journey): in thy presence is the fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
It doesn't matter what element of the journey you find yourself in, stay connected to the master! He will show you the way through the tough times, he will lead you with his divine hand, and he will hold you together with his right hand! And in his right hand friend are pleasures forevermore!! I can be in the darkest valley and still sing and shout, because I'm in the hand of God! And I will never fear what evil may be present, for I know my God is right beside me! Be encouraged in your valley today! God may not bring you out, but he will LEAD you through! And while I'm here, I'm not going to feel sorry for myself, but I will enjoy the beautiful blessings of God!
Psalm 23:5, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies..."
Be blessed!
"And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way."
"Life is just a journey" -Princess Diana
Perhaps truer words have never been spoken. When we consider the ups and downs of life, we can admittedly concur that life is simply a journey. Just when we think we have figured it all, and feel like we have a firm grasp on it, without warning the rug is yanked out from beneath us and we're faced with the recognition that life really is a journey. Oh don't get me wrong, this journey possesses many great moments. Life is full of celebrations, milestones and accomplishments; the day I got married and the birth of my children rank at the top of life's greatest thrills. I can't forget the feeling of buying my first home or purchasing my first car. This journey is rewarding at times as well; I've experienced a lot on this journey. My upbringing although at times very troubling was one of my greatest blessings, not curses. It revealed to me more about the nature of God than anything I've ever experienced. Nothing can replace the knowledge, understanding and wisdom that can be attained along this journey of life.
With all of that being said, life can at times become very overwhelming. Although life is filled with exuberant mountain top experiences, it's the valleys on this journey that threaten to destroy you. It's the valley's that cause even the strongest people to become weak, and the bravest souls to fear. It's in these valleys of torment where you question your calling, your purpose and your value. It's here in the loneliness of the valley where your mind will be tested and your nights become sleepless. Regardless of how high your mountain tops appear to be, I warn you friend this journey will take you to these valleys. These valleys strike without warning, one day everything is going great, the next you walk outside to see police officers outside your house and your world begins to unravel. It's when your minding your own business and your cell phone rings; it's one car wreck, one lie, one stab in the back or one bad decision that can altar your entire life! And suddenly as you look around your surrounded by the darkness of that valley and the voices of hell are calling out to you. It's no wonder the Psalmist David said these words...
"Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." Psalm 23:4
It can be debilitating walking in this valley, as your compassed by a shadow it feels as if death is the only sure possibility. How do I escape this? In this place it feels as if your prayers can't reach the ceiling, as if everyone around you is blessed and your the only one struggling. It's here where the thoughts of giving up and throwing in the towel parade around your mind.
When Joel prophesied about the last days he makes this observation. Joel 3:14 "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision..."
Millions of people tragically searching for hope from within the shadows of death. And this valley can simply be labeled the valley of decision. From the midst of this tormented place a decision will be made. To walk closer to God, or to finally succumb to the voice of defeat.
But David recognized, even while surrounded by the teeth of hell, I have nothing here to fear. He states even though I'm walking through this valley, I will fear no evil. How can he say this? How in the world could a man be surrounded by such pain and despair, and honestly say such a thing? It was because David had this revelation... thou art with me!!
Maybe that's why the Psalmist gives this address in Psalm 139:7-10, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
What peace!! To know that even in my lowest valley, God is with me! And not only is he with me, but he is leading me through this valley, and he holds me in his right hand!
Psalm 16:11, "Thou wilt show me the path of life (reveal the journey): in thy presence is the fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
It doesn't matter what element of the journey you find yourself in, stay connected to the master! He will show you the way through the tough times, he will lead you with his divine hand, and he will hold you together with his right hand! And in his right hand friend are pleasures forevermore!! I can be in the darkest valley and still sing and shout, because I'm in the hand of God! And I will never fear what evil may be present, for I know my God is right beside me! Be encouraged in your valley today! God may not bring you out, but he will LEAD you through! And while I'm here, I'm not going to feel sorry for myself, but I will enjoy the beautiful blessings of God!
Psalm 23:5, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies..."
Be blessed!
Monday, April 8, 2013
The Temptation To Be Silent
Luke 4:32-33
"And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried with a loud voice,"
It's 2013, and the word of God is still powerful! We can debate theology, hermeneutics, homiletics or doctrine all day; but the reality is unless it is drawn straight from the word it is powerless. It's not the religion, the preacher or the doctrine that is powerful; it's the word of God! Ecclesiastes 8:4 says, "Where the word of a King is, there is power..."! All it takes is one word from the mouth of the King, and creation will begin to flow! Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away." The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:89, "Your word, Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens". This word is so powerful that the Psalmist went as far as to say this in Psalm 119:165, "Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." The word will not only deliver you, heal you, sanctify you and bless you, but the word will also keep you from offense and fill your life with peace!!
But as powerful as the word is, it is powerless in your life unless it is received. This brings us to the essence of this passage, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue; and suddenly it began to happen, revelation began to flow. The minds and hearts of God's people began to grasp the reality that the words of Jesus were beyond human, and that this man just might be the messiah! And the Bible says that they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was with power! It is a beautiful thing when revelation is opened in the hearts of people. But this text isn't really about the necessity of revelation, or about the power of his word as much as it is about the response of Hell to revelation. As the people began to believe in His word, suddenly verse 33 tells us a man possessed with a devil began to cry with a loud voice. Anytime revelation is released hell will begin to scream at you with a loud voice. His mission is to drown out the word of God with the voice of evil! Any time you get an understanding of how powerful the word of God can be, hell will unleash a distraction that doesn't whisper in your ear, but rather screams at you from the top of it's lungs.
As I look at our world today, it is evident that the church is in revival! At FIrst Church Tyler we are currently enjoying revival as well; however, as the church thrives in revival, hell's voice is loud and clear. And when hell begins to scream it is intended to overwhelm you! 1 school shooting doesn't cut it, try 19 in the last calendar year; killing 47 innocent people, 20 of which were children age 6-7, while injuring over 25 more! In Kaufman County the Arian Brotherhood, a white supremacy organization, has launched a revenge attack against the Kaufman County District Attorney's office; having already successfully assassinated the Assistant District Attorney in January, and murdering the District Attorney and his wife in there home the Saturday before Easter. Everywhere we look it appears evil has prevailed! Gay rights and Gay marriages are on the verge of legalization, and nobody is attempting to speak up or speak out about the radically advancing agenda of evil! The voice of the spirit of hell is screaming from the mountain tops, while the voice of truth seems to be quiet, dormant and intimidated! With the onslaught of evil, there is a temptation to be silent! We worry of coming across as extremists, we ponder the effects it will have on our attendance and our perception. So we remain quiet on issues of morality, doctrine and truth. And if this trend continues, hell will prevail...
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmond Burke
There is only one way hell will be successful in their attempt to drown out the voice of truth and revelation, and that's if the church goes silent! Silence is never the answer..
In Judges 13:2 the Bible gives us an introduction into the soon to be parents of Samson. Only at this point in scripture the Bible says that Manoah and his wife were barren. One day as I was studying God spoke a revelation to me. I found out that the name Manoah literally means quiet; and The Lord whispered to my spirit these words..."Quietness produces barrenness"! Israel needed somebody with a voice, and the man with virtue was quiet! If your voice is stopped you will become barren and unproductive!
In Esther chapter 4 we see the dialogue between Esther and her uncle Mordecai regarding her purpose in the palace. Esther is struggling with her mission, she's afraid of the King's law, and she began to think that since she was in the palace that she would be ok. In Esther 4:14 in the NIV Mordecai says, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will for the Jews will arise from another place (God will keep his church), but you and your father's family will perish..." In other words he was telling Esther that if she remains silent in this critical hour of the church, that she will be lost! Again I say, silence is not the answer!
I love how Jesus responds to this spirit, as he shows us what our response should be as well. He looks that man in the face and says in Luke 4:35, "...hold thy peace, and come out of him..." Basically Jesus was saying, "Devil, shut your mouth and leave them alone"!! The only way to counteract the voice of evil, is to respond with a voice of truth! It's not time to be quiet, it's time the church arose from the doldrums of normality with a voice in this generation!!
In Revelations 5:2 John saw a strong angel proclaim with a loud voice! This tells me that the strength of the church is determined by the volume of it's voice! If we are to be a strong church in these last days, we need a loud voice in this generation! And in Revelations 20:3 John sees an angel with the key and chain! Here we find 2 critical elements to success; the key to success is a church with a voice! The result of the voice is the chain of truth! And the vision tells us that that angel equipped with the key and the chain, bound the devil with truth!! And SHUT HIM UP with his voice!!
When the church arises with a loud voice of it's own, we are given the key to operate like Jesus did in Luke 4, to yell back at those voices from hell... Devil shut your mouth, and leave us alone! We're not a weak church, we're not an intimidated church; we are a strong church, with a loud voice!!
John the Baptist broke the silence of 400 years with a voice!! He was prophesied as the voice of him crying in the wilderness!! The only way to break through the silence of our generation and allow the revelation of God to flow is to awake from our complacency with a voice like never before!!
"And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried with a loud voice,"
It's 2013, and the word of God is still powerful! We can debate theology, hermeneutics, homiletics or doctrine all day; but the reality is unless it is drawn straight from the word it is powerless. It's not the religion, the preacher or the doctrine that is powerful; it's the word of God! Ecclesiastes 8:4 says, "Where the word of a King is, there is power..."! All it takes is one word from the mouth of the King, and creation will begin to flow! Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away." The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:89, "Your word, Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens". This word is so powerful that the Psalmist went as far as to say this in Psalm 119:165, "Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." The word will not only deliver you, heal you, sanctify you and bless you, but the word will also keep you from offense and fill your life with peace!!
But as powerful as the word is, it is powerless in your life unless it is received. This brings us to the essence of this passage, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue; and suddenly it began to happen, revelation began to flow. The minds and hearts of God's people began to grasp the reality that the words of Jesus were beyond human, and that this man just might be the messiah! And the Bible says that they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was with power! It is a beautiful thing when revelation is opened in the hearts of people. But this text isn't really about the necessity of revelation, or about the power of his word as much as it is about the response of Hell to revelation. As the people began to believe in His word, suddenly verse 33 tells us a man possessed with a devil began to cry with a loud voice. Anytime revelation is released hell will begin to scream at you with a loud voice. His mission is to drown out the word of God with the voice of evil! Any time you get an understanding of how powerful the word of God can be, hell will unleash a distraction that doesn't whisper in your ear, but rather screams at you from the top of it's lungs.
As I look at our world today, it is evident that the church is in revival! At FIrst Church Tyler we are currently enjoying revival as well; however, as the church thrives in revival, hell's voice is loud and clear. And when hell begins to scream it is intended to overwhelm you! 1 school shooting doesn't cut it, try 19 in the last calendar year; killing 47 innocent people, 20 of which were children age 6-7, while injuring over 25 more! In Kaufman County the Arian Brotherhood, a white supremacy organization, has launched a revenge attack against the Kaufman County District Attorney's office; having already successfully assassinated the Assistant District Attorney in January, and murdering the District Attorney and his wife in there home the Saturday before Easter. Everywhere we look it appears evil has prevailed! Gay rights and Gay marriages are on the verge of legalization, and nobody is attempting to speak up or speak out about the radically advancing agenda of evil! The voice of the spirit of hell is screaming from the mountain tops, while the voice of truth seems to be quiet, dormant and intimidated! With the onslaught of evil, there is a temptation to be silent! We worry of coming across as extremists, we ponder the effects it will have on our attendance and our perception. So we remain quiet on issues of morality, doctrine and truth. And if this trend continues, hell will prevail...
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmond Burke
There is only one way hell will be successful in their attempt to drown out the voice of truth and revelation, and that's if the church goes silent! Silence is never the answer..
In Judges 13:2 the Bible gives us an introduction into the soon to be parents of Samson. Only at this point in scripture the Bible says that Manoah and his wife were barren. One day as I was studying God spoke a revelation to me. I found out that the name Manoah literally means quiet; and The Lord whispered to my spirit these words..."Quietness produces barrenness"! Israel needed somebody with a voice, and the man with virtue was quiet! If your voice is stopped you will become barren and unproductive!
In Esther chapter 4 we see the dialogue between Esther and her uncle Mordecai regarding her purpose in the palace. Esther is struggling with her mission, she's afraid of the King's law, and she began to think that since she was in the palace that she would be ok. In Esther 4:14 in the NIV Mordecai says, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will for the Jews will arise from another place (God will keep his church), but you and your father's family will perish..." In other words he was telling Esther that if she remains silent in this critical hour of the church, that she will be lost! Again I say, silence is not the answer!
I love how Jesus responds to this spirit, as he shows us what our response should be as well. He looks that man in the face and says in Luke 4:35, "...hold thy peace, and come out of him..." Basically Jesus was saying, "Devil, shut your mouth and leave them alone"!! The only way to counteract the voice of evil, is to respond with a voice of truth! It's not time to be quiet, it's time the church arose from the doldrums of normality with a voice in this generation!!
In Revelations 5:2 John saw a strong angel proclaim with a loud voice! This tells me that the strength of the church is determined by the volume of it's voice! If we are to be a strong church in these last days, we need a loud voice in this generation! And in Revelations 20:3 John sees an angel with the key and chain! Here we find 2 critical elements to success; the key to success is a church with a voice! The result of the voice is the chain of truth! And the vision tells us that that angel equipped with the key and the chain, bound the devil with truth!! And SHUT HIM UP with his voice!!
When the church arises with a loud voice of it's own, we are given the key to operate like Jesus did in Luke 4, to yell back at those voices from hell... Devil shut your mouth, and leave us alone! We're not a weak church, we're not an intimidated church; we are a strong church, with a loud voice!!
John the Baptist broke the silence of 400 years with a voice!! He was prophesied as the voice of him crying in the wilderness!! The only way to break through the silence of our generation and allow the revelation of God to flow is to awake from our complacency with a voice like never before!!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
The Second Dimension of Favor
Exodus 4:1-8
Moses pleads with God, explaining to Him that the children of Israel will not believe that God had actually called him. So God asks Moses a question. What is in your hand? The hand symbolizes his ministry, what was in his hand symbolizes his gifts. Lord all I have is this rod; and God told him to throw the rod down. And when Moses submitted his gifts to the word of The Lord the rod became a serpent. God was telling Moses through your gifts the people will know I have called you. But then The Lord goes a step further, he tells Moses to stick his hand into his robe, and when he does his hands turns white, when he does it again his hand is restored. And God tells him if they refuse to believe the first sign, they'll believe this one.
When I examine the Apostolic Pentecostal movement, I recognize the gifting that God has placed on it. The gifts of the spirit are actually promised of God. It doesn't take long for somebody to begin to manifest those gifts in a Holy Ghost atmosphere. Usually once the flow of the spirit takes off, those who possess these gifts will begin to walk in those gifts. It's not unusual, and it's not reserved for ministry. I've witnessed countless saints of God who were used tremendously used in the gifts of the spirit. Most of us at least acknowledge this fact. However, this passage spoke life to me this morning...
As most people, we struggle at times through life. Not marriage difficulties, my wife is my best friend; not church difficulties, I'm blessed to be a part of a great church with great people; and it's not difficulties with my kids, they bring nothing but joy to our life. What I'm talking about is the trying times that appear so small and insignificant in the beginning, but after the process of time it begins to increasingly take its toll on you. Long hours at work, increased hours on church stuff, trying to spend quality time with family and the constant expectation to be everywhere all the time! I know all of us face these dilemmas at one time or another, it's a fact of life. And after those grueling hours have been spent, you wonder at times, do I have anything left? I write this at 5:30 on Sunday morning, as I sit outside Brookshires in Athens. Not by choice but by work obligation. I had the privilege of working this Sunday, only when I am scheduled to work on Sunday I refuse to miss church; because that's my life! So my alarm sounds at 2:30 a.m. to attempt to wake my zombified corpse from its slumber, so i can finish this route before church! Aside from the physical toll this kind of schedule puts on me, the agony of working so hard for so little money, and the frustration of just trying to catch up. I know God is faithful, I know God has even promised me that everything will be ok, but the enemy keeps bombarding my mind with that constant fear of what if its not? This is how Satan works, he comes at you with scripture and with testimonies of others and uses that to question your calling and your relationship with God. Well Josh, if you are so called of God, why hasn't he blessed you like so and so? If you were really anointed, why are you struggling so bad? To the one struggling, these seem like very rational questions! But as I sit here in this empty parking lot waiting for this store to open, I'm surrounded by the sounds of birds chirping in the coolness of morning. And although the sun has yet to arise, activity in this small town has begun. In this parking lot however, it's just me and God! Oh how I love to sit in his presence, and feel the overwhelming sensation of rest and joy! There is no place this morning I'd rather be than right here in this car, in the glory of my God!
Here is where The Lord encouraged me; I recognize the gifts that I have, although there but a few. I know when I stand behind the pulpit, or work the altars of our church that something will begin to work through me, thats the gifts. But that is so generic! I posted earlier about the Mantle of Favor, last night about Standard of Anointing. So why would a generic sign be enough to convince anybody that I'm called to be where I am? Then God revealed to me the second dimension of favor! You see many men and woman operate in the first dimension of favor, and they become content and satisfied operating with gifts! And it's not a bad thing, after all it's a blessing to have gifts submitted to God. But what God revealed to me is something very powerful! You see Moses was a lot like most of us, insecure, intimidated, and his own worst critic. And God wanted to show us a principle through the life of Moses. So he took Moses to the second dimension!
The first dimension of favor deals with you submitting your gifts (what's in your hand) to God. This can deal with talents, money, resources or abilities. When you say God this isn't my talent it's yours, this isn't my money it's yours, it isn't my ability it's yours! God will take that talent and use it for his glory. But there is another dimension of favor. This is what set Moses apart from every other leader in history! God anointed his gift (rod) but then God anointed his hand (ministry)! I know what your thinking, of course his ministry was anointed!! Hold on let me explain before you exit out of this blog. The individual ministry is not the focus of the anointing, the gift is; why? Because the anointing is designed by nature to bless the people not the minister. Gifts are designed to reach the people, the ministry only affects the minister. This is how this works, so where you used to be anointed when you stepping into a ministry role and began to operate in the gifts, now God said I will transfer you to a higher dimension of favor, and your ministry will now be anointed! In other words you will be anointed before you ever even get to church! You'll be anointed in the grocery store, in your home, at work or walking down the street! In the second dimension of favor, God allows the miracles to transfer from the rod to the hand! Now anything you touch, and anywhere you go is anointed!!!
God revealed to me this morning that he is drawing his people to this next dimension of favor! And he said your used to seeing miracles happen to others as a result of your ministry, your used to blessing others with your ministry, but once you get into the next dimension , your miso try will begin to produce miracles in your own life! Your ministry will begin to produce blessings in your own life! Because in the second dimension the miracle always extends from the rod to the hand!!!
Be encouraged friend, your blessing is awaiting you on the other side!
Moses pleads with God, explaining to Him that the children of Israel will not believe that God had actually called him. So God asks Moses a question. What is in your hand? The hand symbolizes his ministry, what was in his hand symbolizes his gifts. Lord all I have is this rod; and God told him to throw the rod down. And when Moses submitted his gifts to the word of The Lord the rod became a serpent. God was telling Moses through your gifts the people will know I have called you. But then The Lord goes a step further, he tells Moses to stick his hand into his robe, and when he does his hands turns white, when he does it again his hand is restored. And God tells him if they refuse to believe the first sign, they'll believe this one.
When I examine the Apostolic Pentecostal movement, I recognize the gifting that God has placed on it. The gifts of the spirit are actually promised of God. It doesn't take long for somebody to begin to manifest those gifts in a Holy Ghost atmosphere. Usually once the flow of the spirit takes off, those who possess these gifts will begin to walk in those gifts. It's not unusual, and it's not reserved for ministry. I've witnessed countless saints of God who were used tremendously used in the gifts of the spirit. Most of us at least acknowledge this fact. However, this passage spoke life to me this morning...
As most people, we struggle at times through life. Not marriage difficulties, my wife is my best friend; not church difficulties, I'm blessed to be a part of a great church with great people; and it's not difficulties with my kids, they bring nothing but joy to our life. What I'm talking about is the trying times that appear so small and insignificant in the beginning, but after the process of time it begins to increasingly take its toll on you. Long hours at work, increased hours on church stuff, trying to spend quality time with family and the constant expectation to be everywhere all the time! I know all of us face these dilemmas at one time or another, it's a fact of life. And after those grueling hours have been spent, you wonder at times, do I have anything left? I write this at 5:30 on Sunday morning, as I sit outside Brookshires in Athens. Not by choice but by work obligation. I had the privilege of working this Sunday, only when I am scheduled to work on Sunday I refuse to miss church; because that's my life! So my alarm sounds at 2:30 a.m. to attempt to wake my zombified corpse from its slumber, so i can finish this route before church! Aside from the physical toll this kind of schedule puts on me, the agony of working so hard for so little money, and the frustration of just trying to catch up. I know God is faithful, I know God has even promised me that everything will be ok, but the enemy keeps bombarding my mind with that constant fear of what if its not? This is how Satan works, he comes at you with scripture and with testimonies of others and uses that to question your calling and your relationship with God. Well Josh, if you are so called of God, why hasn't he blessed you like so and so? If you were really anointed, why are you struggling so bad? To the one struggling, these seem like very rational questions! But as I sit here in this empty parking lot waiting for this store to open, I'm surrounded by the sounds of birds chirping in the coolness of morning. And although the sun has yet to arise, activity in this small town has begun. In this parking lot however, it's just me and God! Oh how I love to sit in his presence, and feel the overwhelming sensation of rest and joy! There is no place this morning I'd rather be than right here in this car, in the glory of my God!
Here is where The Lord encouraged me; I recognize the gifts that I have, although there but a few. I know when I stand behind the pulpit, or work the altars of our church that something will begin to work through me, thats the gifts. But that is so generic! I posted earlier about the Mantle of Favor, last night about Standard of Anointing. So why would a generic sign be enough to convince anybody that I'm called to be where I am? Then God revealed to me the second dimension of favor! You see many men and woman operate in the first dimension of favor, and they become content and satisfied operating with gifts! And it's not a bad thing, after all it's a blessing to have gifts submitted to God. But what God revealed to me is something very powerful! You see Moses was a lot like most of us, insecure, intimidated, and his own worst critic. And God wanted to show us a principle through the life of Moses. So he took Moses to the second dimension!
The first dimension of favor deals with you submitting your gifts (what's in your hand) to God. This can deal with talents, money, resources or abilities. When you say God this isn't my talent it's yours, this isn't my money it's yours, it isn't my ability it's yours! God will take that talent and use it for his glory. But there is another dimension of favor. This is what set Moses apart from every other leader in history! God anointed his gift (rod) but then God anointed his hand (ministry)! I know what your thinking, of course his ministry was anointed!! Hold on let me explain before you exit out of this blog. The individual ministry is not the focus of the anointing, the gift is; why? Because the anointing is designed by nature to bless the people not the minister. Gifts are designed to reach the people, the ministry only affects the minister. This is how this works, so where you used to be anointed when you stepping into a ministry role and began to operate in the gifts, now God said I will transfer you to a higher dimension of favor, and your ministry will now be anointed! In other words you will be anointed before you ever even get to church! You'll be anointed in the grocery store, in your home, at work or walking down the street! In the second dimension of favor, God allows the miracles to transfer from the rod to the hand! Now anything you touch, and anywhere you go is anointed!!!
God revealed to me this morning that he is drawing his people to this next dimension of favor! And he said your used to seeing miracles happen to others as a result of your ministry, your used to blessing others with your ministry, but once you get into the next dimension , your miso try will begin to produce miracles in your own life! Your ministry will begin to produce blessings in your own life! Because in the second dimension the miracle always extends from the rod to the hand!!!
Be encouraged friend, your blessing is awaiting you on the other side!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
The Standard of Anointing
Isaiah 59:19
"...when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of The Lord shall lift up a standard aginst him..."
It was Friday night of HYC, the Louisiana State Youth Choir was singing, my mind was fixated on the 4,000+ young people who were passionately involved in worship when this scripture ran across my mind. My first reaction was less than spiritual to say the least, I simply filed that thought under randomness and continued in the service. But no mater how intently I tried to engage myself in the service my mind was suddenly arrested with these words.. when the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of The Lord shall lift up a standard against him... It echoed like a PA system, as random as it seemed I knew now that this was not a random passing thought, I knew that God was trying to tell me something. So I paused for a second to hear these words.... I have released an elevated standard of anointing...
When we examine the layout and the conditions of the world in which we live, it is unquestionable; the enemy has come like a flood. I love how detailed the Bible is, when we imagine the effects of a flood, we can sense the dread and the destruction it leaves in its wake. Floods are destructive by nature, and they strike sometimes without warning. This is how hell operates, without warning it unleashes trajedy after trajedy until you feel completely overwhelmed beneath the surge and rising tide of evil. Notice the words of the prophet, WHEN the enemy...not IF. We have to understand that the objective of your adversary is not to simply cause you to have a bad day, his mission is to destroy you. But I'm glad to know that God didn't stop with that, he continued... the spirit of The Lord SHALL lift up a standard against him! I get the picture in my mind of a powerful dam, designed and structured by God. It's this standard of anointing that will serve as the dam that keeps the flood of evil at bay!
As I went home from that meeting I was still captivated by that passage, but my mind was consumed with preperations for Easter Sunday; and this passage has nothing to do with an Easter message... so I thought. As I began to pray and seek The Lord, suddenly I began to realize what The Lord was trying to show me...
Isaiah 40:29-31
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint."
God has promised to empower the weak and to strengthen those who have no might. Why? Because the prophecy states that even the youth will faint and they'll become weary, and the strongest of young men will fall. Dependance on youthful energy and youthful enthusiasm isn't the avenue of success. It may work for a season, but there will come a time when the words of this prophecy will be revealed. But the scripture tells us that they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength. That word renew literally means to exchange. It means God will remove your strength from you, and replace it with his strength! And with this transformation comes a 3 dimensional promise of anointing! God promised those who experience the transformation of strength would fly, run and walk. That reveals to us the 3 dimensions of anointing; Elevation, Acceleration and Determination.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, the first standard that God raises up is the standard of Elevation. God will literally take you to a higher dimension in him. Peter experienced this 6 days after his proclamation of faith; thou art the Christ! Jesus knew, with revelation comes a stronger wave of demonic activity, he knew that at the base of that mountain would be a boy possessed with a demon that they had never experienced before. That's why 9 disciples stood there powerless and clueless about what to do. But in order for the church to be successful against this new wave of radically advancing sin, it required Peter, John and James to travel to the Mt of Transfiguration; because the only counteraction against a surge of demonic activity is to ascend to a higher dimension of revelation and understanding. What I'm trying to instill into the hearts of our people is, if we are to be successful in this hour against the onslaught of evil is to have willingness to journey to a higher altitude of revelation and understanding. We will not be able to withstand the flood of the enemy with the experiences, revelations and understanding of yesterday! We desperately need an elevation of the spirit to take us to a dimension of God we never knew existed!!
Secondly God will raise a standard of acceleration. Once you reach that altitude of revelation and understanding, things will begin to accelerate in your life. When David as a youth, walked into that valley to fight a Giant he was ill prepared physically to fight; he climbed into a higher dimesnion of revelation. He didn't walk into that valley thinking he could kill a giant, he walked in there with an understanding that God could kill a giant. That's what revelation is, it's reconizing who God is! And once David graduated from stage 1 things began to progress rapidly. Saul never allowed David to go back home, and shortly after it is recorded in scripture, the people began to chant; Saul has killed his thousands, and David has killed his ten thousands. Although Saul didn't like the accelerated anointing, there was nothing he could do to stop it. We see men and woman of God advance very quickly, we think they seemingly came out of no where, but in reality God has simply given them an accelerated anointing! What I believe is going to happen to those who are willing to travel to the mnountain of revelation is this, God is about to accelerate your minitries. Your about to start preaching things you're not smart enough to preach! You're about to start teaching Bible studies your not equipt to teach! How? It's the accelerated anointing of God!
Finally, God will raise a standard of determination. In Luke 17:20, Jesus was asked of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus answered them and said, the kingdom of God does not come with observation, but the kingdom of God is within you! What he was telling them is this; there was a time when a structure was in place. This structure was for me to respond to your cries and for me to do all the work. However, shortly this structure will be broken, and you will no longer have me here with you to do all your bidding. But I have told you I will not leave you comfortless, and you will be filled with power! In other words, once you've been equipt with revelation and understanding, and once God begins to accelerate your ministry, you will then be expected of God to develop a spirit of determination. What Jesus was trying to get them to understand is, no longer do you have to wait for something to happen, you now have the power to make it happen! Now you've got the power to pray things into existence! We need revival, make it happen! We need a miracle of healing, make it happen! Not out of your power, but from the power that God has given you! My power has been exchanged for His power!!
We need a standard of anointing to flow throughout our churches! Let's elevate to accelerate, and allow our faith to be transformed to determine in our hearts, it will happen!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Mantle of Favor
Genesis 37:3-4
"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him."
"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Regardless of your career choice, interests or desires in life; you will inevitably fall into one of three categories. You will either blend in with the crowd, rise above the crowd or fall short of the crowd. We as humans, have somehow adopted the idea that only certain people can be successful. We assume those who have enjoyed the benefits of success were born with some abnormality of DNA that gives them greater intelligence, a stronger drive, and an uncanny ability to turn everything they touch into gold. We admire men and woman of great success and accredit their success to luck, or simply being born in the right family, or possibly knowing the right people. I will not sit here and pretend that these thoughts have never crossed my mind, we must understand this mindset is a lie! Although being born in the right circumstances has it's advantages, and although getting the right connections are beneficial and although sometimes luck plays a factor; we must never allow ourselves to believe that success is reserved for a select few! You can be anyone you want to be, you can achieve anything you want to achieve; there is no cieling on your potential, if you want it go get it!
Our text reveals to us an insight into the story of Joseph, many times in our zeal to uncover the glorious story of his ascension from the prison room to the throne room, we mistakenly omit this portion of the story. Joseph was the favorite son, the Bible tells us. A few days ago, the Lord began to really open up my mind. I wasn't praying, i wasn't at church; I was simply driving down the road. Yes, God can speak to us, even when we're not in "apostolic" mode. The Bible actually tells us to pray without ceasing, it doesn't mean to stop living in exchange for prayer, rather it simply means to keep in touch. Make sure that you are readily available when I call for you. Anyhow, I found myself in one of those God moments, where it becomes undeniable that the Lord is speaking, not audibly, but speaking nonetheless.
I've found myself at times on a roller coaster, some weeks I feel as though I can accomplish anything I set my sights on; other weeks I feel as useless as a catcher in T-ball! I've always desires a genuine relationship with the Lord, even in some of my most rebellious years, deep inside of my gut was an unquenchable hunger for Him. Friend, never attempt to quiet that hunger with carnality, or relationships. that void was placed there by God Himself, and is to only be occupied by God Himself! But throughout my journey through life and ministry, I have found myself admiring the great men and woman of God. I read their books, I listen to their sermons, I watch them at conference, I hear their testimonies and I witness their success. Each time my soul is stirred for a moment, and I believe for just a second that I too can taste that! All too soon I suddenly find myself back in reality; the outrageous hours spent at work, which average between 55-60 hours a week, the craziness of 2 children age 4 and 2, the demand of our local church; the studying, sermon preparation, the hours spent on website development, with help from my sister, Facebook page maintenance, and whatever else I can find to improve. After the hustle of a full week, I'm just thankful to be where I am. It's in this whirlwind of life that I find myself saying, If only....
Abraham was given a promise, God told him his seed would be numbered like the stars of the sky; and the sands of the earth. Wow! What an incredible word from God! But Abraham only has 1 son, Isaac. And Isaac, the promised son has only 1 son that the Lord accepts. It appears as if the promise may never come to pass, after all, how do you create a great nation and achieve that many offspring with simple replacement mode. Issac replaced Abraham, Jacob replaced Isaac; they had to be thinking when does the multiplication start? But then suddenly it happens, Jacob is blessed with 12 sons. Which become the pillars if Israel, and established the 12 tribes of Israel. These 12 sons were part of a generation that changed the landscape of Israel. They brought into existence a structure never before seen. I believe this generation has the opportunity to achieve that same level of success. I believe that this generation is about to step into an anointing that will completely reshape the structure of the church. We've been accustomed to operating in a reactionary mode. Where we simply react to events as they happen. But I can sense this generation stepping into an anointing that will transform us from reactive people to proactive people. Where we no longer wait for things to happen, but we actually step out in faith and make things happen!
This is where God stepped in and began to talk to me. You see I'm my own worst critic, as most of us are. I recognize someone more talented than me, I recognize those who are better preachers, and better orators. I can see when somebody is smarter and has better leadership qualities. And usually I accept those facts and begin to think less of myself. I have often found myself intimidated and almost fearful because I view my self as less talented, and by assumption less anointed. It's a dangerous trap that will destroy your faith. With that being said, I usually try not to dwell on those areas of life as much, and focus my energy on our local church, my family and so on. As I was driving that day, the Lord actually began to remind me of that very idea. He told me there would always be a better preacher, there will always be a better leader, always be a better speaker and teacher. But he began to show me that Joseph wasn't the most qualified son. Reuben was the first born, he was better qualified according to the law. Judah was a better leader, and lead by example and by love. Joseph wasn't all that! But there something about Joseph that stood out to daddy! And this is where God revolutionized my mentality; he said although there will be many with greater talents and abilities; they may out preach you, out teach you or out smart you, but never allow anyone to out pray you, out fast you, or out love you!
Suddenly it was as if God rolled a curtain back and began to reveal to me the purpose of this encounter. Questions began to flood my mind; will you be satisfied just being a part of the greatest movement on earth? Will you be satisfied being counted among the millions of Pentecostal preachers who have ever preached? Are you content with being on par with every other anointed man of God? Or do you desire that Mantle of Favor that Joseph so proudly wore? Joseph was a part of a generation that brought change and revival; but by Joseph's hand (ministry) all the ends of the earth were blessed! Joesph never settled for ordinary, and his drive positioned him in a place to be successful! What the Lord showed me is that if we hunger for him, and pursue him above the call of duty (extended fasting, unrehearsed prayer etc..) he is willing to place on our ministries a Mantle of Favor! I don't know about you but I don't want to settle for average when a Mantle is available! And once that Mantle hits your shoulders you will be given a vision and a dream that appears unreachable! But do not fret the small things, you've got the favor of God!
"What you want to do, and what you can do, is limited only by what you can dream." -Mike Melville
"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him."
"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Regardless of your career choice, interests or desires in life; you will inevitably fall into one of three categories. You will either blend in with the crowd, rise above the crowd or fall short of the crowd. We as humans, have somehow adopted the idea that only certain people can be successful. We assume those who have enjoyed the benefits of success were born with some abnormality of DNA that gives them greater intelligence, a stronger drive, and an uncanny ability to turn everything they touch into gold. We admire men and woman of great success and accredit their success to luck, or simply being born in the right family, or possibly knowing the right people. I will not sit here and pretend that these thoughts have never crossed my mind, we must understand this mindset is a lie! Although being born in the right circumstances has it's advantages, and although getting the right connections are beneficial and although sometimes luck plays a factor; we must never allow ourselves to believe that success is reserved for a select few! You can be anyone you want to be, you can achieve anything you want to achieve; there is no cieling on your potential, if you want it go get it!
Our text reveals to us an insight into the story of Joseph, many times in our zeal to uncover the glorious story of his ascension from the prison room to the throne room, we mistakenly omit this portion of the story. Joseph was the favorite son, the Bible tells us. A few days ago, the Lord began to really open up my mind. I wasn't praying, i wasn't at church; I was simply driving down the road. Yes, God can speak to us, even when we're not in "apostolic" mode. The Bible actually tells us to pray without ceasing, it doesn't mean to stop living in exchange for prayer, rather it simply means to keep in touch. Make sure that you are readily available when I call for you. Anyhow, I found myself in one of those God moments, where it becomes undeniable that the Lord is speaking, not audibly, but speaking nonetheless.
I've found myself at times on a roller coaster, some weeks I feel as though I can accomplish anything I set my sights on; other weeks I feel as useless as a catcher in T-ball! I've always desires a genuine relationship with the Lord, even in some of my most rebellious years, deep inside of my gut was an unquenchable hunger for Him. Friend, never attempt to quiet that hunger with carnality, or relationships. that void was placed there by God Himself, and is to only be occupied by God Himself! But throughout my journey through life and ministry, I have found myself admiring the great men and woman of God. I read their books, I listen to their sermons, I watch them at conference, I hear their testimonies and I witness their success. Each time my soul is stirred for a moment, and I believe for just a second that I too can taste that! All too soon I suddenly find myself back in reality; the outrageous hours spent at work, which average between 55-60 hours a week, the craziness of 2 children age 4 and 2, the demand of our local church; the studying, sermon preparation, the hours spent on website development, with help from my sister, Facebook page maintenance, and whatever else I can find to improve. After the hustle of a full week, I'm just thankful to be where I am. It's in this whirlwind of life that I find myself saying, If only....
Abraham was given a promise, God told him his seed would be numbered like the stars of the sky; and the sands of the earth. Wow! What an incredible word from God! But Abraham only has 1 son, Isaac. And Isaac, the promised son has only 1 son that the Lord accepts. It appears as if the promise may never come to pass, after all, how do you create a great nation and achieve that many offspring with simple replacement mode. Issac replaced Abraham, Jacob replaced Isaac; they had to be thinking when does the multiplication start? But then suddenly it happens, Jacob is blessed with 12 sons. Which become the pillars if Israel, and established the 12 tribes of Israel. These 12 sons were part of a generation that changed the landscape of Israel. They brought into existence a structure never before seen. I believe this generation has the opportunity to achieve that same level of success. I believe that this generation is about to step into an anointing that will completely reshape the structure of the church. We've been accustomed to operating in a reactionary mode. Where we simply react to events as they happen. But I can sense this generation stepping into an anointing that will transform us from reactive people to proactive people. Where we no longer wait for things to happen, but we actually step out in faith and make things happen!
This is where God stepped in and began to talk to me. You see I'm my own worst critic, as most of us are. I recognize someone more talented than me, I recognize those who are better preachers, and better orators. I can see when somebody is smarter and has better leadership qualities. And usually I accept those facts and begin to think less of myself. I have often found myself intimidated and almost fearful because I view my self as less talented, and by assumption less anointed. It's a dangerous trap that will destroy your faith. With that being said, I usually try not to dwell on those areas of life as much, and focus my energy on our local church, my family and so on. As I was driving that day, the Lord actually began to remind me of that very idea. He told me there would always be a better preacher, there will always be a better leader, always be a better speaker and teacher. But he began to show me that Joseph wasn't the most qualified son. Reuben was the first born, he was better qualified according to the law. Judah was a better leader, and lead by example and by love. Joseph wasn't all that! But there something about Joseph that stood out to daddy! And this is where God revolutionized my mentality; he said although there will be many with greater talents and abilities; they may out preach you, out teach you or out smart you, but never allow anyone to out pray you, out fast you, or out love you!
Suddenly it was as if God rolled a curtain back and began to reveal to me the purpose of this encounter. Questions began to flood my mind; will you be satisfied just being a part of the greatest movement on earth? Will you be satisfied being counted among the millions of Pentecostal preachers who have ever preached? Are you content with being on par with every other anointed man of God? Or do you desire that Mantle of Favor that Joseph so proudly wore? Joseph was a part of a generation that brought change and revival; but by Joseph's hand (ministry) all the ends of the earth were blessed! Joesph never settled for ordinary, and his drive positioned him in a place to be successful! What the Lord showed me is that if we hunger for him, and pursue him above the call of duty (extended fasting, unrehearsed prayer etc..) he is willing to place on our ministries a Mantle of Favor! I don't know about you but I don't want to settle for average when a Mantle is available! And once that Mantle hits your shoulders you will be given a vision and a dream that appears unreachable! But do not fret the small things, you've got the favor of God!
"What you want to do, and what you can do, is limited only by what you can dream." -Mike Melville
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