Revelation = Spirit-Revealed Truths

    I'd like to take one more try at discussing yesterday's blog post and the idea of revelations from God. Sadly, I don't think the Church teaches the difference between the Logos Word and the Rhema Word. Both refer to the Word of God, but with different implications. Logos is the revelation that the "Word of God" is Jesus Christ, who is the subject from Genesis to Revelation. When John 1:1 says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, we recognize that, here, the Word is specifically Jesus. And the term "Word" is Logos in the Greek.
     But Rhema is the revealed word of God, as an utterance from God to the heart of the receiver via the Holy Spirit, as in John 14:26: But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like me who sets you free, He will teach you all things in My name. And He will inspire you to remember every word that I’ve told you.  In this case, the term "word" is Rhema in the Greek. 

     To summarize, Logos is a theological term with a clear reference to Jesus as the Word in the Bible. Rhema is a spiritual encounter with the Word, whereby the principles of the Bible are communicated directly to the heart and spirit of the Believer. The problem is that much of the Church doesn't recognize the Rhema Word or hunger for it. And of course, the Rhema Word must coincide with what is revealed about the Logos in the Bible. I do not believe God or Jesus will speak a word to our hearts or spirits that contradicts His Word in the Bible, but I certainly believe They have a desire to illuminate the Word to those who will receive it.
     I invite you to consider the following passage in the Bible. I think it expresses much better than I can, what I am talking about ... For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us. And we articulate these realities with the words imparted to us by the Spirit and not with the words taught by human wisdom. We join together Spirit-revealed truths with Spirit-revealed words.  Someone living on an entirely human level rejects the revelations of God’s Spirit, for they make no sense to him. He can’t understand the revelations of the Spirit because they are only discovered by the illumination of the Spirit. Those who live in the Spirit are able to carefully evaluate all things, and they are subject to the scrutiny of no one but God (1 Corinthians 2:12-15, The Passion Translation).
     To us in the 21st Century, this should tell us that there is a valid connection between revelation from God (Spirit-revealed truths) and the Bible (Spirit-revealed words). They are meant to work together to bring us into greater intimacy with the Father and to guide us to fulfill our purpose for the Kingdom Jesus came to establish.
     And I absolutely love what Paul tells us in this Second Chapter of 1 Corinthians. He is not shy about proclaiming his reliance on spiritual power that comes from God's Holy Spirit. He makes it clear that the message he preached was not an attempt to sway them with persuasive arguments [to believe his particular brand of theology], but to prove to them the power of the Holy Spirit in him. We should all meditate on this statement in verse 5: For God intended that our faith not be established on man’s wisdom but by trusting in His almighty power. That means that the basis of our faith should not rest on the persuasive words of humans, but on what He reveals through His Spirit... what Paul calls "wisdom from God", or what I refer to as God's "revelation".
     To bolster this idea of God's revelation Paul says, However, there is a wisdom that we continually speak of when we are among the spiritually mature.  First of all, it should be clear to us that there is a growth process to our faith, and a wisdom that only comes from growing spiritually -- not just from reading the Word or understanding its context and history; but a wisdom that comes from joining together "Spirit-revealed truths with Spirit-revealed words", as he expressed in verse 13 above. But how many Christians even acknowledge that God's truth can be Spirit-revealed? If they only rely on their own [or their favorite pastor's] interpretations of the Word from their human wisdom, aren't they denying the Spirit of God the opportunity to reveal the mysteries of God? Isn't this what Paul is implying when he says in verse 7, "Instead, we continually speak of this wonderful wisdom that comes from God, hidden before now in a mystery"?
     Before Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live inside each of us, we were not privy to the revealed wisdom of God. We could understand a certain level according to the capacity of our human mind, but God is bigger than that! I'm going to say it one more time ... we can now receive "Spirit-revealed truths" because we have the Holy Spirit in us and a greater capacity for communion with our God.
     I know that I will probably be unable to persuade anyone to see the reality of greater revelation from the Spirit. That has to come from trusting that God wants to reveal more of Himself through His Spirit. And as my husband is fond of quoting, "A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still". And I don't really want to convince anyone based on my own human argument. I want them to experience an encounter with the almighty power of God's Holy Spirit and receive the revelations of God because they are illuminated by the Spirit, Himself! Just as Paul says, if we don't live in the Spirit, then we live on the human level, and none of this will make sense. I praise God that my spirit has been able to evaluate His truth and I am subject to the scrutiny of no one but my God!
    
    

1 Corinthians 2:9    Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine—these are the many things God has in store for all His lovers.

 

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Let His Revelation Shine!

     It is always a privilege to study the Gospels and visit with Jesus. I don't think I will ever get tired of reading His words and exploring what He shows me about a life lived in righteousness. And it seems as if each time I read Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, I get a new revelation of what He wants to share with me. And I can think of no greater portion of the Bible to introduce to a new Believer; nor re-acquaint a seasoned Christian. I have come to believe that the Word never stops transforming us -- if we will let it.
     And I say that because it is the desire of my heart to continue to grow in my relationship with my Savior. But that means that I must be open to new disclosures of Jesus, beyond the traditional doctrine of any church or denomination. That happens through a renewed mind, made possible by the Holy Spirit. Actually, I like how the Bible presents this concept better: Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total transformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God's will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes (Romans 12:2).
     I want to make it clear that I do not believe one human can know all there is about God, or know all His thoughts. And that concept, by itself, can cause friction within the Body of Christ. There are those who subscribe to Sola Scriptura -- that Scripture alone is authoritative for the practice of the Christian faith and the self-disclosure of the God we serve; and that the Bible is complete, authoritative, and true. I agree with that principle. But I do not feel limited by it. Let me explain....

     Now, I know this idea of God continuing to reveal Himself has recently caused an uproar in the cultural news. And if you dare say that you hear Jesus [just like He heard the Father], then you run the risk of being called mentally ill. That's to be expected from someone who doesn't know Jesus. But it saddens me when the Church imitates the opinions of the culture and also criticizes the Believer who receives a different revelation than they have.
     As Christians, the Bible is the only "manual", so to speak, of how we are to relate to our Creator and our Savior. The Divine Character, Nature, and Will of our Father in Heaven are revealed throughout the entire Old and New Testaments. And I recognize that there are many Christians who support the concept that God's full [and complete] revelation can only be found in the Jesus of the Bible. I understand the fears of believing false prophets and teachers who claim to have received revelations beyond Jesus. Hear me when I say that in no way can I endorse any revelation of God apart from His Son.
     But, to say that God no longer needs to [or desires to] reveal Himself beyond what was written about Him during the previous centuries, somehow shortchanges our relationship with Him.  Yes, the Bible is sufficient to represent God -- it is His Truth. But, if I may be so bold, I think my God is SO big, that my well-worn Bible cannot contain all of Him. For one thing, we are left with lots of questions [and time-lapses] when we study just the life of Jesus! Did we get the major points we need to know to live a righteous life? Did we get the commandments we are to follow, and our marching orders from our Savior? Yes, we did! 
     But the big concept we cannot forget is that Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as a conduit between Him and us; as a channel of communication, so to speak. And since God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow -- and He never changes -- when we look at the Bible, we see that from Genesis through Revelation, He revealed Himself to new generations of those who would believe in Him -- and oftentimes new aspects . So, if you truly believe in His Immutability (unchanging nature), then you will see His Truth in Psalm 33:11, which reads, The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.  It can't get much plainer than that. He never stops counseling us, revealing His plans to each new generation and born-again person.
     Taking that one step further, there is Psalm 36:9, which says, For with You is the fountain of life [the fountain of life-giving water]; In Your Light we see light (ESV). This speaks of the Holy Spirit, which should be flowing out of our hearts in rivers of Living Water, bringing new life to our situations and helping us to renew our minds and hearts.         
     But I would like to offer you the Passion Translation of this verse:  To know You is to experience a flowing fountain, drinking in Your life, springing up to satisfy. In the light of Your holiness we receive the light of revelation. Although Jesus is no longer physically present on this Earth to disciple mankind, He made it clear that He was sending the Holy Spirit [the Spirit of God, Himself] to fill in for His absence. The Holy Spirit's job, as described in John 16:13 is "to unveil the reality of every truth within you. He won’t speak His own message, but only what He hears from the Father, and He will reveal prophetically to you what is to come".  And it's important that we understand that "truth" is not another word for "doctrine". 
     The revelation of God in the Bible is completely true, but I am discerning that it is not His Complete Truth. His Truth cannot be contained, and He has more to be revealed of what is to come in each Believer's life -- if we will be open to receive it as part of a Spirit-led life. As the Psalm said, to know the Father and Jesus is to experience a flowing fountain, meaning we can receive His revelation as part of an active and vibrant and fresh unveiling of His heart. I do not believe He wants our  relationship to be stagnant or limited. The Bible is the gateway to His heart and to knowing Him and experiencing Him. And I treasure each new glimpse I get of Him, verified by His Word and His Spirit in me. I will never stop my quest for more of Him, and I invite you to the same thrilling journey! 

Psalm 119:130        Break open Your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into Your plans.

Why We Must Bear Witness Of The Power Of God

     I am increasingly aware of the importance of bearing witness of the power of God in my life -- to both the Unbeliever and the Believer.  All we have to do is look around us to see the effects of Unbelief on our culture and the world.  It seems that nearly every TV show or movie includes ungodly relationships or the occult. Even a Doritos commercial blatantly displays the symbols of Freemasonry!
     It should be obvious why we need to bear witness of God's power to the Unbelieving world... it is through our witness [both in our word testimonies and our actions] that the dying world is able to see the power of God on display and His nature is revealed. Right now, they are predominantly seeing the supernatural displayed through the Dark Side -- witchcraft and the occult boldly make their presence known. But the supernatural is God's natural realm and His power is always on display there.  When we partner with Him to bring that power into this realm, it cannot be ignored. The Unbelieving world has a decision to make -- either accept or reject the reality of God and His power.
    They will either respond as Pharoah and the Pharisees did -- hardening their hearts and resisting His power because it threatens their own power and the desires of their hearts of stone -- OR their hearts are changed when that supernatural power is displayed [through me] when I lay hands on them and heal a sore neck or knee; or work with Jesus to heal an emotional wound; and yes, even when, in the Name of Jesus, the spirit of fear or anger is cast at the foot of the Cross.  Either way, these actions testify of God's love for them by invading this earth with His power, and it demands a decision: belief or unbelief; acceptance or rejection.
     And God always has a foundational purpose in my witness of His power: to change a person's heart and bring them into relationship with Him, resulting in their true repentance and His forgiveness. But it is also so that they see His power exhibited, hear the "Good News" that the Kingdom of God has invaded the earth, and this power is available to them to bring others into relationship with Him. But I find that it is not only the Unbelievers that can benefit from my witness, but Believers, too.
     The believing Body of Christ is just as guilty of denying God's power in this realm as the unbelieving world.  Why? Because they do not have their own testimonies. They have access to the power and authority of the Living Christ, but do not acknowledge it or exercise it. They are just like the sons of Ephraim in Psalm 78: Though they were all equipped warriors, each with weapons, when the battle began they retreated and ran away in fear. They didn’t really believe the promises of God; they refused to trust Him and move forward in faith. They forgot His wonderful works and the miracles of the past...

     Because the modern Church has abandoned the prophetic promise Jesus made in Matthew 11, they don't have testimonies to lean on. What promise was that? In Matthew 11:20-24, Jesus gives a prophetic promise and warning:

     Then Jesus began to openly denounce the cities where he had done most of his mighty miracles, because the people failed to turn away from sin and return to God. He said, “How tragic it will be for the city of Chorazin! And how horrible for the city of Bethsaida! For if the powerful miracles that I performed in Chorazin and Bethsaida had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have humbled themselves and repented, and turned from their sins. Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.  And Capernaum—do you really think you’ll be exalted because of the great miracles I have done there? No! You’ll be brought down to the depths of hell because of your rejection of me. For if the miracles I worked in your streets were done in Sodom, it would still be standing today! But I tell you, it will be more bearable for the region of Sodom in the day of judgment than it will be for you.”

      Jesus declares that the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida and Capernaum saw more signs and wonders and miracles than all the rest combined. Jesus was limited with what He could do in Nazareth because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58), but these were cities that must have responded to His power and had a measure of faith because He demonstrated God’s power so many times through countless miracles there. He even says that Capernaum is exalted to Heaven because miracles were done and they believed it was the power of God. They had testimonies -- but they did not act on them!

     The result? Jesus says to these cities who had seen and believed in the miracles, You’ll be brought down to the depths of hell because of your rejection of me. Why the scathing judgment? They believed in the power they had seen, right? They believed in the miracles, but they did not repent. They had seen His power and believed, but it did not change the perspective on their lives – their belief did not make His activities (healing, casting out demons, etc) the focus and ambition of their lives. When we see that kind of power and the revelation that Jesus wants us to continue His work – and we believe, but don’t act upon it – then it’s just religion and we never really change ourselves -- or others.

      I have personally seen this myself. Years ago, Mark and I were members of a large congregation who had a successful ministry called Mobile Loaves and Fishes. We would load up vans with food, clothing, and necessities and deliver them to the homeless throughout our big metropolitan city. The Church, and those who volunteered to serve the homeless, were sincere in this ministry that offered mercy and charity; and the homeless people certainly acknowledged the kindness of the Church. But it was not always effective to bring repentance among those we served. In fact, I would say that it was rarely effective. Why? Our little group that approached the homeless were seen as no different than the Red Cross, the Girl or Boy Scouts, the Kiwanis Club, or any other service organization that met their physical needs. We had no testimonies of the power of God in our lives, because we weren't believing [or useful] vessels that exercised that power, or testified of it. Our hearts were sincere in serving the homeless, but we were powerless in changing their hearts or lives.

     So, can you see the warning Jesus gave? Witnessing miracles and hearing testimonies of the power of God -- yet failing to repent and believe in God's power, and demonstrating that power to effect change in another's heart, will lead to His judgment. But what about the promise? If the powerful miracles that He demonstrated in Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum had been taken to Tyre and Sidon, "they would have humbled themselves, and repented, and turned from their sins". It was the responsibility of those believers in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum to bear witness [in words and action] of the power of God [miracles, signs and wonders] in their lives so that the lives of those in Tyre and Sidon could be changed.

     How is it any different for us today? Unless the Body of Christ comes to believe [and act on] the witness of the Word that God's signs and wonders are just as relevant for us today as they were when Jesus came to model them for us, then we will have no testimonies to share with the Lost. And what's even sadder for me, is that those unbelieving Believers within the Body will scarcely be better off than the Lost. We, who have picked up the mantle of the First Century Church, and are walking in the power of the Holy Spirit in us, and continuing the work of our Lord to demonstrate the power of Heaven to invade this Earth (the Kingdom of God is at hand) have a tremendous responsibility to share our testimonies.

     It is our witness of this power in us that will change lives and cities; that will change our culture and our nation. It begins with us. We must not be afraid to be ridiculed or judged -- by the Body of Christ or the Lost. We must be bold in declaring our witness, no matter the cost. And it will cost us! We will be accused [by the Church] of being deceived; our friends and family will distance themselves; and because you are now boldly representing the Kingdom of God on earth, you can expect the Enemy to try to shut you down with physical and spiritual attacks. 

     But we are no different than those early disciples of Jesus. They believed in the hope and the promises He offered them; responsibly used the authority and power He gave them; and knew that they could expect suffering and tribulation in this life for following Him -- yet they were all willing to be used by God to bring His Kingdom into reality on earth. 

     So, in summation, it is important to bear witness of the power of God in our lives for the following reasons:  

• We are commanded to make disciples of all the nations -- to help all people learn about Jesus, believe in Him, and obey all His commands. 

• We have been grafted into Jesus, and God has chosen us as branches that will bear fruit, i.e., bring believers into His Kingdom

• If we don't give our testimonies of what He has done in our lives, how will the Lost hear of their Savior?

• When we bear witness of the power of God in our lives, and introduce someone to His Saving Grace and their Lord and Savior, Jesus, then the Kingdom of darkness loses another captive.

     What monuments of witness are you building for God? Begin today to ask Him for testimonies. Tell Him you are willing to host His Presence and His Power. Show the world who He is by your witness. And God bless you for being obedient to the commands of our Lord!

Psalm 145:11-12   They will tell the world of the lavish splendor of Your kingdom and preach about Your limitless power. They will demonstrate for all to see Your miracles of might and reveal the glorious majesty of Your kingdom.

    

 

 
    

How Do I Love Like God Does?

     This is an introspective post, so bear with me as I invite you into a conversation I've been having with myself lately. I don't know if you are like me, but I have so many thoughts about the love of God. To begin, I am somewhat jealous when I hear people talking about experiencing the Father's love in their lives. I mean, I know He loves me; I recognize that He sent His Son to die in my place, and He loves all His creation, and I am a child of God [much beloved] for my faith in Jesus Christ. And I have had those moments of being spiritually overwhelmed with the emotion of His love. But it is not a constant experience. And I have to be honest, there are times when the two most important commandments Jesus declares -- to love the Lord God with all my heart, soul, and mind; and to love others as myself -- is sometimes hard to do. My flesh gets in the way.
     I want to be clear. Loving others is something I am certainly familiar with. I have been blessed with romantic love [Eros Love]. I know the love of family [Storge Love]. I know Philia Love, the powerful emotional bond of deep friendships. And loving God is not hard for me, by any means. But I yearn to love Him like He loves me -- without measure, perfectly, unconditionally, sacrificially, and purely. So I often question if I love Him as He deserves.

     I know that I have probably set unrealistic expectations and goals for myself. Yet, it is clear to me from Scripture just how important Love is. Jesus repeatedly tells us, "Love one another". And the Apostle John's three epistles (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John) were written to take us deeper into loving Jesus, to love the Truth of God and cherish it in our hearts, and to show the love of God and His grace to all people.
     And then there's First Corinthians, Chapter 13, in which Paul expounds at length on the subject of Love. He writes that it should be the motivation of our lives [to get it perfect] until the moment we stand face-to-face with the Perfection of Love, Himself. When I take all of this into account, I wonder if I am capable of loving as much as God and Jesus desire me to.
     And then I hear other Christians saying everything always comes back to the love of God [I agree] and it is all that matters. They will say instead of disagreeing over doctrine, kingdom work, theology, etc. we just need to love each other. I agree that is the second greatest commandment we've been given, but I don't want to be casual about the other commandments Jesus told us to teach and follow either. In other words, I want to put everything in the right perspective, without sacrificing any of my Lord's divine instruction. So, I guess my real question is, do these Christians understand [and experience and practice] the depth of God's love better than I do, and are they able to walk it out in greater degrees and with more confidence than I do? Is Love meant to be as hard as it sometimes seems?
     After pondering this for several days, I think I found my answer in Scripture [which is the obvious place, right?]. And I found it in 2 Peter, Chapter One. There, the Apostle Peter tells me that there is a way for me to share in God's Divine Nature of Love and to partner with Him to achieve it. It begins with my faith in Jesus Christ.  But to arrive at that pinnacle of loving like the Father does is a process. I cannot expect to just declare it and have it be so. Peter actually outlines the steps to get to that state of Perfect Love [or as perfect as it can be this side of Glory].
     It begins by exercising my faith and then adding virtue [goodness, moral excellence] to my faith. Once I've got that step down, then I add knowledge [or insight and understanding[ to virtue. I believe that is the download God will begin to impart to you about Himself as you seek Him. Then you add self-control to that knowledge; the ability to control your emotions and behavior in difficult situations. After you have self-control down, the next step is to add patience and steadfastness [the ability to stand firm and unwavering]. To patience, you add godliness [growing more in the image of Christ]. To godliness, you add mercy [kindness, grace, and charity to others]. And finally, when you have spiritually matured through all these phases, you get to the final step, adding unending love. All these qualities increase in you until you are spiritually mature and able to walk in the Love of God. This passage almost seems like an unfolding climb up the ladder of faith, with loving like God loves being the top rung.
      And I believe Paul's treatise on Love in 1 Corinthians 13 backs this up. When he says that we now just see a faint reflection of the riddles and mysteries of God and our understanding is incomplete, I can identify! I don't have to understand or question my capacity to love, I just need to keep progressing up the ladder! One day I will perfectly understand His Perfect Love when I stand before Him. Until then, I have faith and hope, which are temporary. But they both originate in love, so if I have them, I have a portion of the Father's love, and I can grow it as I mature in my walk with Christ.
     I can now see that if we have Jesus in our heart as our Lord and Savior, His love will naturally emanate from us. I can't love like Him on my own. And I don't have to get it perfect now. Growing that love in my daily walk is an ongoing process, and I just need to rest in the knowledge that His love for me will transfer to others as I mature in my spiritual walk. Knowing that, I can find joy in the love I have for the Father [and His for love me] while I love others, expecting all that love to grow until I finally experience His Love in eternity. All I need to know is that I am progressing towards loving like my Savior, and I can love because He first loved me!

1 John 4:16   We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him.


     

The Christian Experience: A Time Of Testing

    

     This message is very personal to me. As I mentioned in the last post, I am sensing [and seeing] a season of growing spiritual attacks upon Christians who are earnestly seeking a more intimate relationship with Jesus, as well as more power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I am not talking about Christians who are sitting on the sidelines (and accepting the poverty of spirit as their daily penitence), but Christians who are [out of obedience] boldly pursuing the calling on their lives to advance God's Kingdom here on earth.
     I know that many Believers sincerely hold fast to a theology that says, "If I just have enough faith, then I can get through this life without any suffering, or testing, or attacks from Satan that will have me questioning God's presence". But all we have to do is look at the Bible to see that is not true. Abraham, who is called the Father of our faith, endured perhaps the most difficult test any Believer in YHWH has ever faced ... the command by God to sacrifice his beloved son.
     I think it is safe to say that Abraham's faith in that situation would be tough for any one of us to imitate. Yet, because he stood firm in his faith and obedience, we have the opportunity to stand firm in ours. And Satan absolutely detests that kind of faith; the kind of faith that threatens his rule of the earth. So when obedient Christians answer the call of our God, we can expect that the Enemy will try to distract us, or forestall that calling by coming against us. But we must also realize that God tests those He calls. Hebrews 12:6 tells us, For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of his faithful love. And when he draws you to himself, it proves you are his delightful child (The Passion Translation). I much prefer this translation to the more common translations that say God "disciplines those He loves and punishes [chastises, scourges] those He accepts". I do not believe those are accurate translations because the Aramaic word for "scourge", which is nagad, can also mean "to attract,” “to draw,” or “tug the heart.” For me, that is a more accurate picture of my Abba, the God I serve. 
      And to take the word analogy one step further, isn't the result of training always a test to see what you've learned? Whether you are a Doctor in your Residency training; or a member of the Military in training at boot camp; or an athlete training for the Olympics or NFL, each one is being trained up in order to pass a test before they advance to the next level of their line of work. Well, as Ambassadors of the Kingdom, I believe that God trains us (and tests us) before He advances us to the next level of our calling.
     So, I would say to any of you that are certain that He has called you into service to the Kingdom, that you can expect times of testing -- both from the Enemy who will try to convince you that you aren't fit for your calling, and by your Father and your King as They train you up to run the race that you are called to. And I can personally say that Mark and I have experienced both this past week.
     Last post, I alluded to the spiritual attacks that were coming against us. My husband, uncharacteristically, was suffering from bouts of anxiety, resulting in rapid heart rate, lack of sleep, etc. Normally, his steadfast faith would identify an attack from the devil and he would bind those spirits, declare the word of God and loose heavenly resources, as is his inheritance as a son of God. But this time was different. None of his usual spiritual battle techniques [in Jesus] worked, and my prayers and battles in the spirit would result in minor victories, but the heaviness continued over us. 
     Mind you, at no time did we every doubt that God was with us or that we would be victorious in Jesus. We spent most of our time trying to figure out the meaning or purpose of what we were experiencing. Our faith was secure; it was just clear it was being tested. I kept asking the Holy Spirit to reveal what was going on in the spiritual realm so that we could take our authority over it and walk in our true identity -- our spirit was clear who we were, but the flesh was not cooperating.  Finally, I got a clue ... we had scheduled a meeting to disciple a young couple in deliverance ministry, and I discerned that this was perhaps an obstacle set in place to diminish the authority and power we had to minister to them, and to defeat their desire to know about this particular service to God. I was partly correct. 
      We approached our meeting with this couple in the mindset that nothing would stop us from sharing what the Lord has revealed to us. We take seriously the Lord's admonition that He needs more workers in His harvest fields, and here were two people willing to join us in bringing in that harvest. No matter what the Enemy was throwing at us physically, or the spiritual confusion we were experiencing as to the "whys", we were determined to glorify all that we had seen Jesus and the Holy Spirit do in the lives of dispirited and oppressed people. 
     What we didn't account for was that these faithful Seekers would bring a friend with them. And it quickly became clear that this friend was the focus of this Divine Appointment. He revealed that he had been delivered a few months earlier, and he knew the value of it and wanted to know more, but hinted that his healing had not been complete. As we continued to answer questions about our experiences, we shared that it is always the desire of the Father's heart that those held in captivity by the Enemy be set free. We related that we had seen that most everyone has spiritual wounds that need to be healed [either from sins they have committed, or sins that have been committed against them], and that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are looking for obedient sons and daughters to partner with Them to bring that inner healing and freedom to all that need it. We mentioned that a common wound we had seen was child molestation.
     At the mention of this sin, the friend became emotional. He stated that he was getting uncomfortable. I gently asked him if this sin had been committed against him, and he confirmed it. We told him Jesus wanted to heal that wound and if he was willing, we'd like to help make that happen. He agreed to accompany me to a private place where we could invite Jesus in, while Mark remained with the Seekers, who by now were beginning to realize that this visit was planned by God and had a bigger purpose than they had anticipated.
     To make a long story short, from the outset, it was apparent to me that this was going to be a spiritual battle of bigger proportions than we have experienced in the past. But I want to stress that there was no fear on my part as I began the session, knowing full well that the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit were greater than anything we would face from the kingdom of darkness. And this young man loved Jesus with a heart and spirit that was so convicted -- but also in great conflict. He admitted to opening doors he knew were wrong and that he had grieved Jesus, and the temptations to sin were overwhelming him. He was literally in a battle for his mind, spirit, and soul. The Enemy had him trapped in the sin of homosexuality and was torturing him! But he wanted free! And as I led him in forgiveness against the man who had sinned against him in childhood, and broke soul ties with whom he had sinned, the Enemy launched a full scale assault.
     I do not want to sensationalize what happened next nor compromise his privacy, so let's just say that it quickly became a physical battle as well as a spiritual battle. While the wife of the seeker couple prayed separately, it took Mark, myself, and the husband to battle the multitude of spirits that tried to prevent their friend from becoming free. But none of us battled from a spirit of fear or doubt! Rather, we stayed calm, but forcefully proclaimed the Truth that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world, and in the Name of Jesus, the Enemy and his demonic spirits were defeated. They must leave! Needless to say this young man had given legal authority for strongholds to take root in his life, and they weren't leaving easily. But he recognized that, and fought in the spirit, too, and after a long battle, he was victorious in Christ! When we asked Jesus to show him how he appeared to the Lord, through tears, he stated, "I am radiant! Everything looks brighter!" Hallelujah!
     I want to make sure that you understand why I have bothered to relate this episode. It is not to boast about our part in the victory that day, but rather to show you that as you begin to walk in your calling from the Lord, you can expect spiritual attacks such as the one my husband experienced. It may be the Enemy trying to distract you from an assignment, but it may also be God proving to us that our faith is real; that we are truly His children, and that no trial will overcome our faith. 
     As we mature in our Christian walk [and our calling] it will require us to move outside our comfort zones into a larger territory that needs to be conquered for God's Kingdom. In order for us to be overcomers and conquerors in this earthly realm, we need to 1) be obedient to our calling, even when we're under attack; 2) remain patient until a breakthrough occurs, even when it seems as if God is absent; 3) increase our faith when we finally get an answer, and see just how costly [and difficult] the path forward will be in carrying out our calling; and 4) learn to stand firm against the inevitable sin and temptation that the Enemy will use to test our resolve to complete our race and calling.
     When God has a specific call upon your life, you know it. And if you decide to answer that call, you can expect to be tested. The Bible is clear ... Psalm 11:5 says, The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, [exposing each heart]. But don't get discouraged! And don't let the devil deceive you into thinking you may have messed up that calling or that God is disillusioned with your service. It just may be the exact opposite -- you are hitting the target and advancing to the next level of your service. Even Paul said [in 1 Corinthians 16:9], There’s an amazing door of opportunity standing wide open for me to minister here, even though there are many who oppose and stand against me. You can expect those adversaries to be both in the spirit and in the flesh.        
     So, again, do not be discouraged by times of testing. God might just be training you up for a bigger assignment in your Divine destiny with Him. Remain steadfast in your faith --- and if you stumble, don't worry -- He has not abandoned you. He just may need to refine you more before you receive your breakthrough. I am discerning [in hindsight] that this is what happened during that period of spiritual confusion in our life. God was preparing us for a breakthrough, and we needed to be purified and refined; continuing to walk in obedience and faith to our calling, even when our flesh was weak. By never doubting our mission, God carried us through those dark days and into an experience of greater power and authority in cooperating with Jesus to set a captive free, and bring another worker into His harvest field. Both the Seeker and the Friend witnessed the power of our Almighty God that afternoon, and both want to help bring in His harvest. Each of us was tested that day ... the Seeker and his wife to find out if they were ready to answer this specific call on their lives; the Friend who found out whether he truly desired freedom and a full commitment to his Lord and Savior; and my husband and myself, who were blessed to find that our own faith and commitment are solid and that the Lord is trusting us to take the next step. 
     My final word is this: When you find yourself in trials and times of testing, don't think you are being punished by God. It may just be that He is bringing you to a higher calling on your life. And with that responsibility comes authority/power in the Name of Jesus... and Joy in being found trustworthy to serve the God of the Universe! And remember: there is nothing to be afraid of.... Jesus has already overcome the world!

Psalm 7:9     Once and for all, end the evil tactics of the wicked! Reward and prosper the cause of the righteous, for You are the righteous God, the soul searcher, who looks deep into every heart to examine the thoughts and motives.

 

    

The Christian Experience: To Give and Receive Encouragement

     Yesterday's blog post dealt with a reality of our Christian experience that can make us feel like we are walking alone. While our journey towards righteousness will inevitably offend someone, and we often find ourselves offended when another Believer doesn't agree with us, the antidote to such discouraging seasons is to find encouragement; in the Word and in the Father's love for us.
     But I also want to focus this message on the importance of giving encouragement and receiving it. This is a message that is heavy on my heart today because my spirit is sensing that we are in a season of growing spiritual attack against the Body of Christ.  Just this morning, my phone exploded with text messages asking for prayer for several strong Believers. And even my own husband was under attack.  All the attacks centered around worry and anxiety over the care and protection of family and loved ones. Christians who are on the front lines of spiritual battle suddenly find themselves with concerns and fears and, yes, even doubts, that they are up to their assignments.

     When this happens, it is up to the rest of us to rise up and lift them up. Encouragement is going to be an important weapon in this season of our Christian walk and in the seasons to come. The Enemy sees our hearts and spirits growing stronger in the knowledge and mysteries of the Lord, and he knows his time is short. So we can expect his attacks to grow stronger, too. But we don't need to suffer them!
     In John 16:33, Jesus says, And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in Me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in Me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous,  for I have conquered the world! That should be our greatest encouragement! But there are times we need to come alongside our Brothers and Sisters in Christ and confirm that Word from our Lord. And there are times we need it to be confirmed to us. 
     The Bible speaks to us of the many forms of encouragement: building one another up; stirring one another up to love and good works; meeting together; giving grace to each other; bearing one another's burdens; standing with others and Christ on behalf of another; gently encouraging those who feel themselves inadequate; encouraging others by teaching the Word and admonishing one another in all wisdom; singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; strengthening each other to endure; helping each other to renew our minds in Christ; teaching and exhorting and equipping each other to do the works of ministry; urging each other to stand on our faith; promoting God's Truth that He will carry our burdens and anxieties because He cares for us; and reminding each other that the favor of God is upon all those He calls His children.
     Encouragement is such an explicit part of our walk with the Lord. In this carnal world, if we lack encouragement we will feel unloved, unimportant, worthless, and abandoned. And if we don't receive encouragement from soaking in the Word, our spirits will be dry, unproductive, and powerless.  Either way, we are vulnerable to the attacks of the Enemy. Encouragement is vital! And God knows we need to not only give it, but receive it, as well.  
     But if you are like me, there are times I just don't feel up to the task. I don't have the right words or my spirit is struggling itself.  That's when I have to set aside my self-interests and ask the Holy Spirit to counsel me exactly how the person needs to be blessed with encouragement. Most of the time I have a sincere and convicted heart of the promises the Lord has given us, but just can't seem to convey them in my own words.  That's when I have to be still and let the Holy Spirit take over. My words don't need to be long or lofty; I just listen to the prompting of the Spirit and He will share the riches of God's grace with me.
     But what about the times that we need encouragement? Is it hard for you to receive it? That's exactly what the Enemy wants -- to convince you that either you have to handle your battle by yourself; or that you are unworthy of asking for help. That is a lie! First of all, our Lord and Savior promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. But the Enemy will try to convince us that He, too, will let us down, like so many others in our lives. That isolation is one of the most debilitating tactics of the devil. When he can keep you secluded from Jesus and fellow Believers -- especially if it is your spouse or family -- then he is free to whisper his lies as you struggle to keep from drowning in self-condemnation. Stay focused on Jesus and reach out for encouragement!  There is not one of us who has not suffered an attack from the Father of Lies. Even Peter, who was perhaps the most outspoken when it came to declaring Jesus's promises, took his eyes off His Savior as he walked on water, and the result was he began to sink! 
     I want to point us back to John 16:33.  Jesus tells us it is inevitable that we will undergo troubles and sorrows in this world. But it is important that we retain our Identity. We are the Sons and Daughters of Him that conquered this world! In view of our eternal life with Jesus, these short-lived troubles are platforms to come together for our mutual enrichment. Whether we are the one giving encouragement, or the one receiving it, it allows for God's marvelous grace to spread among more and more people, resulting in an even greater increase of praise towards God, and bringing Him even more glory! So, whether we are the Encourager or the Encouraged, let us focus our attention not on what is seen or the lies whispered in our ear, but focus on what is unseen; in the promises of our Lord to be with us through this temporary life. Remember, whatever is seen before your carnal eyes is also temporary. The promises of Jesus are eternal. He has taken away the power this world has to defeat us, and has conquered it for us. Let us be encouraged in the Peace He offers us, and encourage others to rest in His victory! 

1 Thessalonians 5:11      Because [Jesus gave His life for us], encourage the hearts of your fellow believers and support one another, just as you have already been doing.
     

The Christian Experience: Offending and Being Offended

     I want to be clear: I am not going to talk about offending the world.  As Christians, the lives we live before the unbelieving world should offend them. Instead, the concept for this post comes from a passage in a Bill Johnson book, titled When Heaven Invades Earth.  In regards to the title of this post, Johnson, the senior pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California is no stranger to offending Christians. His walk with the Lord can safely be called "outside the norm" of most Christians. He believes that the mysteries of God reveal the power of the Christian life, and it is the hunger of our hearts to seek them out and understand them. This quote from Johnson sums up my own Christian journey: "The walk of faith is to live according to the revelation we have received, in the midst of the mysteries we can’t explain".
     But what I have discovered is that the mysteries I see [and can't explain] tend to offend some of my fellow Christians ... And oftentimes, even the revelations I do understand cause offense. Let me be clear ... I am not talking about offending in the sense of being a stumbling block that causes another to sin. I am talking about being offensive in terms of declaring an unpopular Biblical viewpoint -- like our authority to heal and cast out demons; or the gospel of the Kingdom being Jesus's priority. But where does that offense come from? It has been my experience that when a Believer hears a testimony that is outside their own experience, or what they've been taught, their response is to be offended personally -- or even to be offended on behalf of God! Or, as I have heard it expressed ... "if it makes me uncomfortable, it can't be from God". The responses vary -- feelings of displeasure, annoyance, even anger. Sadly, it is often our family that is the most easily offended. But Jesus can identify with that. His own family disregarded His revelations from the Father. 
     Furthermore, in this age of technology and social media, when you throw in the email or text factors, our words can take on whole new meanings not intended by the sender. Mix that with different levels of maturity and knowledge in our faith, and you have a recipe for misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and a big ol' dose of OFFENSE.
     I know for sure that I have offended. But I can honestly say that it has never been my goal to intentionally offend. The passion I have to understand how big my God is -- and to share what has been revealed to me -- is not always received with the excitement that I present it. But what frustrates me -- and yes, offends me, is that another Christian is unwilling to let me present my findings, let alone even consider that they might have some merit.  And I have struggled with just being silent; not causing any controversy or friction. But is that what glorifies God? If I limit my Christian conversation to what is "acceptable" to an audience, am I being obedient to His call on my life?
     I am not saying that everyone has to agree with everyone else.  There are those who understand mysteries of God that I cannot even fathom. But I try really hard not to subject their message to my own understanding, but listen to them, follow up with their Scriptural references and ask God to reveal His truth. I do not understand everything in the Bible, but I don't want my lack of knowledge to limit the truth of what God is revealing to another.  And I'm okay with not understanding it all yet.  I take to heart 1 Corinthians 13:12, "For now we see but a faint reflection of riddles and mysteries as though reflected in a mirror, but one day we will see face-to-face". That being said, I also don't want to restrict the possibility that I might see more than what I understand at this moment.
     And I will admit that I don't like to think that my belief system might offend another Christian. Offending another Believer is looked down upon by the Church -- in all instances. But is it ever acceptable in God's eyes? I only have to look at my Savior to see that offending others who share your faith is going to be part of your walk with God.  Even at the young age of 12, Jesus did not seem to be concerned that he might have offended Mary and Joseph when He stayed behind at Passover to discuss the Scriptures with the religious leaders in the temple in Jerusalem.  When Mary scolded Him, He didn't apologize, He didn't make any excuses, He only said, "Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"  It's very clear that His priorities were different than everyone else's.
     Jesus also did not shy away from offending those who were religious; whether leaders like the Pharisees or those who turned away from His teachings in Galilee. And let it be clearly understood ... they were offended merely because God's instructions to Jesus did not coincide with their personal beliefs! Was the offense they took at His words justified? Looking back, as Believers, the answer is unmistakably No! And did He shy away from sharing what had been revealed to Him by the Father? No!  Again, His priorities were simply different than everyone else's.

     I think it is important that we all understand that we are maturing in our faith at our own pace; our levels of understanding are never going to be the same at any given time. But we should not stop growing! Also, I wish we could embrace the concept that because God is SO big, He might reveal one piece of the puzzle [that is Him] to me, while revealing a completely different piece to you, and they won't look like they fit together at all. But if we can come together out of a desire to know His heart and take these revelations to Scripture, we might find they are both true and we just have to wait for Him to reveal the piece that connects us. 
     We must not allow the Enemy to develop a culture of automatic unbelief just because we are uncomfortable with a concept, or it doesn't harmonize with our current belief system. It is the great privilege of a Christian to be able to go to our God with our questions. To limit your beliefs to only what you currently understand is controlling the greater things God wants to reveal to you. And believe me, He will honor that free will decision and wait for you to grow hungry before He reveals more of Himself. 
     But I want to develop a heart that is willing to embrace a new concept of God without being offended [always confirming it with Scripture and the Holy Spirit]. I'm really trying hard not to be so quick to judge because a new idea is unfamiliar to me. And I will admit that sometimes my spirit recognizes a new Truth before my mind can comprehend it.  That's when I have to seek a renewed mind so that I am in complete alignment with the  Father. And it is sometimes a struggle ... the Enemy wants me thinking out of my carnal mind because then I am a Christian in my thoughts and body, but without the power of the Spirit in my spirit. Make sense?
     I truly believe that it is so important for us to develop the ability to hear God's voice and recognize His presence in us. It is the only way that we will quit being paranoid about becoming deceived, and quit being so offended by new Biblically-sound revelations. It is then that we can trust what our spirits are telling us because we know, without a doubt, the Author of those thoughts or words [because we recognize His voice].
     I guess, in the end, there are always going to be Christians who are satisfied [and feel safe] with what they already know, and Christians who long to know more of the mysteries of God and are willing to seek them out.  And with that deliberate decision will come the inevitable result of offending another Believer. I think God knows who will obey the Truths they seek and find, and who would be unable [or unwilling] to obey. That's why Proverbs 25:2 speaks so strongly, and consistently, to me: God conceals the revelation of his word in the hiding place of his glory. But the honor of kings is revealed by how they thoroughly search out the deeper meaning of all that God says.
     So, let me apologize right now to everyone I have ever [and will] offend. As a king and member of the royal priesthood of God's Kingdom, I have legal access to the mysteries of God's realm. He has placed things there for me to discover, and I will spend the rest of my life seeking to know Him more through these hidden mysteries. They are my right and my inheritance as His child.  It is not my desire to offend you, or to harm you, but the priorities of my life are to walk as Christ did, and that means knowing my Father to the fullest extent I can. I will try not to be offended by your rebuttals or rejection, and I pray that what I share from my heart will not offend you, but instead, touch your heart, renew your mind, and provoke your own search for God's hidden Truths. He is waiting for you to discover Him!

Matthew 13:11    Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.”

"Beware Of The Natural Familiarity of Ichabod Churches"

     Are you as intrigued by that statement as I am? It certainly captured my attention when reading an article written by John Burton for Charisma Magazine. But, what exactly is an "Ichabod Church"? To understand this reference, one must go to the Old Testament and the Book of 1 Samuel. There the Israelite Judge Eli (who helped raise the prophet Samuel) and his family were judged disrepectful of the Lord, despising the sacrifices and offerings made to Him, and taking the choice parts of meat and fat for themselves.

     The result was that the Israelites were defeated in battle by the Philistines; Eli's sons were killed in battle; and Eli, himself, dies upon hearing the news that the Ark of the Covenant has fallen into the hands of the Philistines. But it is his daughter-in-law, who before dying in child-birth, learns of the deaths of her husband and father-in-law and the capture of the ark, then names her son Ichabod, and proclaims, "The glory has left Israel, for the ark of God has been taken.”
     So, in essence, what John Burton is alluding to is the fact that the glory of God has left our churches today. At the heart of his article is this statement: "Most every day, in one venue or another, I'm hearing from disillusioned, frustrated people who cannot find a church that has been overtaken by the Holy Spirit. No extreme revival atmospheres can be found for many. The Upper Room experience that innumerable desperate people are searching for are nowhere to be seen, in some instances, within 500 miles of where they live. They complain of short, ordered, controlled services that, according to them, aren't worth their time. There's a measure of spirituality, but they don't even come close to the explosive, supernatural experiences they are craving".
     Now, when I read this my heart was pricked, and my mind became super-charged, and I felt as if God was down-loading thoughts faster than I could comprehend them and tie them all together!  First of all, we know that the Ark of the Covenant was the presence of God with the Israelites. So, if the ark is gone, then the glory [and His presence] of God is gone. But how do we define the glory of God? What is it? It is certainly true that, in history, God's glory has been externally manifested not only in the Ark, but in the plagues; the pillars of cloud [by day] and fire [by night]; in His appearance on Mount Sinai; in the fire initiating the sacrificial system; and in Solomon's Temple. His glory certainly became a reality at the birth of Christ and will be evident in the restored Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem, in the future.
     But what should His glory look like for us today? And if Mr. Burton likens our modern Churches to a condition similar to the circumstances surrounding the birth of Ichabod, what is he really saying? Let me see if I can connect the dots between his article and what the Lord is showing me.  I have heard it preached and spoken by today's pastors that "God’s glory can be seen in things such as love, music, heroism and so forth—things belonging to God that we are carrying “in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). We are the vessels which “contain” His glory. I can't disagree with that, but if we are the vessels that contain His glory, what about those vessels in the Upper Room on Pentecost? Why have we, in the modern Church, dismissed the glory that they contained? Why do we dismiss the signs and wonders and the power of the Holy Spirit that was evidence of God's glory in them? 
     In his article, Mr. Burton likens the state of our churches to the Wise and Foolish Virgins in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In this well-known parable, half of the Virgins have their lamps full of oil (which is representative of the Holy Spirit in the Bible). The wise Virgins had been in recent contact with the dispenser of oil (Holy Spirit), whereas the foolish Virgins had apparently procrastinated. Engaging frequently with the dispenser of the oil [the Holy Spirit], the wise had an adequate supply of oil to trim their lamps and go into the marriage supper when the bridegroom finally arrived. They were prepared! But the foolish Virgins think they can just borrow some of the oil from their wiser counterparts.  But that's not how the Holy Spirit works!
      And this gets to the crux of Mr. Burton's premise: "Churches are filled with people the Bible would call foolish—those who are not spiritually vibrant, personally disciplined, and deeply intimate with Jesus. Their lamps are empty... If a church is ablaze with the spirit of prayer and alive as the Holy Spirit blows and burns through everyone there, those who are asleep and without any oil will definitely not feel comfortable. There is no way they can integrate in such a place without feeling the pressure to fill their lamps". Then he asks, why are we so willing to share our oil; to dilute the glory of God in the presence of the Holy Spirit in order to make those people feel comfortable? Why is the Church of today so willing "to integrate nicely with others who are equally resistant to the deeper things of the Spirit? They are [all] spiritually interested, but not spiritually invested. They have not paid the price and have not bought their own oil".
     Here's the thing ... the oil (Holy Spirit) cannot be borrowed. And it cannot be passed from one person to another.  Each person must determine just how much of the Holy Spirit he or she wants.
     This principle reminds me of those 120 who were present in the Upper Room at Pentecost. But do you recall that after He was resurrected, Jesus appeared first to Peter, then to the 12 Apostles, and then to more than 500 of His followers? Acts 1:3 says, "He presented himself alive to them after His suffering [on the Cross] by many proofs [signs and wonders], appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God".
     The Bible tells us in Acts 1:2, that just before He ascended into Heaven, He left instructions for ALL of those followers and apostles [which means "sent ones"; not restricted to the Twelve]. He told them all to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit; that which had been promised by the Father [in Joel 2].  So there were at least 512 people who had seen the resurrected Christ and been told to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. Why were there only 120 who received Him? Did the others get tired of waiting? Did they think they had lots of time and weren't diligent about being prepared? Or did they think that the gift of the Holy Spirit wasn't for them or worth their while? Do you see the similarities with the Foolish Virgins? With the modern Church?
     If we think that we're on solid ground, or good enough, with being saved and having the Holy Spirit indwell us, and thus being content with a moderate level of the Holy Spirit in us... aren't our lamps only half full? Don't we want the full measure of Him, which means we are willing to pay the price to seek Him on our own? Do we really want to be like those 200 or more people who missed out on the Upper Room experience because they weren't willing to pay the price to wait for the Father's gift of the Holy Spirit? As Mr. Burton writes, "Those who had their lamps full, those who responded to the command of Jesus to wait and pray, were ready when the wind and the fire came!"
     So, I believe the underlying message to the Ichabod Churches and to the foolish Virgins is this: Don't quench the desire of the Holy Spirit to manifest among you in the supernatural power of Heaven. Don't restrict His Presence because some are uncomfortable, or lazy, or fearful. Don't limit His Presence to the lowest common denominator. The glory of God is to make His Presence known; to pour out His Spirit on all mankind.  What He did in the Upper Room at Pentecost is His desire for you and me. We must not let His glory depart on our watch!

Exodus 24:17    "Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel".