Five-Fold Today - Dogmatism - The Need For Brokenness - The Stage is Set - Toll Free and Without doubt - Celebration of Praise - Producing The Glory of God - No Man is an Island - Only the Spirit Can Give Sight - I Am Your Source
Dogmatism
Brother Alan
Taken from the flyleaf of my old bible.
Written by Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle of the Salvation Army
around the turn of the century.The shout of hallelujahs and the noise of
tambourines won't feed the soul, nor will stirring appeals to sinners six
nights a week, and scathing anathemas against tobacco and bustles on
the seventh night, build up soldiers and make them robust men in Christ,
they need the "sincere milk of the word."Did you Know?
There is a sense in which every thoughtful, studious, prayerful Christian -
works out, under the leading of the Holy Ghost, his own theology, and
discovers what he believes to be the true doctrines of the Bible. He may
accept the teachings or doctrines of his parents and religious leaders, and
hold them intellectually to be true, but his theology is really limited to
those articles of faith which vitalize his life, guide and inspire his heart,
mold his spirit, comfort and guard his heart, purify his nature, and
rekindle his hope for the future.The truth can be known and not simply
guessed at — Some doctrines can be verified in soul satisfying
experiences.
HE KNOWS IT!
When a man broken hearted on account of his sin looks to Jesus seeking
forgiveness, and the burden rolls away, HE KNOWS IT.
When he passes from the death of sin into a life of holiness, HE KNOWS IT.
When the Holy Spirit reveals Christ within him, HE KNOWS IT.
When the Bible suddenly flames with light, revealing all the hidden things
of his secret life, the deep needs of his soul and all the ample provisions of
Grace, HE KNOWS IT.
When Jesus, whom he didn't know suddenly becomes to him altogether
lovely, and the will of God, which before was a galling yoke, now becomes
his delight, HE KNOWS IT.
Editorial
1Thes 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
We reach many conclusions in our lives that must later be adjusted and
sometimes totally discarded. These conclusions are reached by facts,
assumptions, errors, interpretations, a leaders credibility and perhaps
many other reasons.
When a conclusion is reached by a "Thus says the Lord" which is clearly
taught in Scripture then we are on safe ground. But so much of what one
assumes to be truth does not have this solid foundation. Dogmatism is the
great danger hiding around trying to get a firm hold on our mind. When
someone becomes dogmatic on anything, they are no longer open-minded
and therefore cannot be taught. Meekness has slipped away. Dogmatism
shuts the door of the mind to receiving other viewpoints, always assuming
the other party is wrong and kills the opportunity of further learning.
There is a good saying that is well worth remembering - "If you always
think what you always thought, you will always get what you always got!"
Quote from unknown source.
"Every Christian movement, that has arisen in this century was
empowered by a given web of dogma that supplanted a previous one
through attacking it's credibility. How far reaching each new movement
became was directly incurred through the degree of faith and trust the
believers brought to it thereby giving it credibility. As soon as this faith
began to waiver, the movement's credibility was called into question
causing it to lose currency. Hence, the rise of the next movement, ad
infinitum. This pattern of inception, growth and collapses shows how
spontaneously and ingeniously human beings use dogmas to discriminate
between and ultimately to alter the various aspects of reality, enhancing
some and ignoring others, determined directly by the dogma employed. "
To continue to learn, one must be willing to be vulnerable and open to new
thoughts, which must then be tested and proven by God's Word. Unless
we have the mind set of the Bereans, we will not be open to learning (or
unlearning). We read in Acts 17:11 Pauls commendation to them. "These
were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out
whether these things were so."
Personal Inventory
Do I receive the Scriptures with eagerness when they appear to be
different from my current understanding?
Am I willing to check out these things out, or do I close the door of my
mind?
Do I follow the admonition of Paul given in 1 Thes. 5:21 to "Prove all
things, hold fast that which is good."
Stumbling Blocks
Fear is a great deterrent to moving forward regardless of what the area
may be. If we are honest with ourselves we will admit that it takes
courage to be willing to explore thoughts that we are new to our
understanding. Fear holds back the Holy Spirit from teaching us. To fear is
not to truly believe God that we are being guided by His Holy Spirit. We
must be assured that the Holy Spirit will guide us into truth. This is a
promise that Jesus gave His followers. The question is, do we put more
trust in our personal ability than we do in the Holy Spirit's guidance? We
read in 1 John 2: 26-27, These things I have written to you concerning
those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received
from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but
as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and
is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
Pride is another deterrent to learning. Pride is one of the ingredients of
dogmatism. It is absolutely sure that the understanding it has is correct.
It is so absolutely sure that the understanding is has is correct, it judges
anything else to be error. This was the problem Jesus faced with the
Pharisees of His day. And this is the same problem we face today because
of this same spirit among some religious teachers. Are we willing to
honestly ask the Lord to reveal what may be unknown to us as David did in
Psalm 139: 23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and
know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me
in the way everlasting.
I suggest you do not pray this prayer if you are unwilling to accept the
Lord's clear answer.
We read in John 8: 32 and 36: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth
shall make you free." v36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall
be free indeed."
Jesus says that He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life" and tells us in Matt
28: 20: "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.Let us not
be fearful but free to let the Lord work His will in our lives.
Phil 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in
my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to
will and to do for His good pleasure.
________________________
I am - Alan - doulos Christou
Greater Emmanuel International
The Need For Brokenness
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be
of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the
LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psalms 34:18,19
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O
God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalms 51:17
The fundamental need of a disciple of Jesus Christ is not more power, but
more brokenness. The majority of Christians today are not too unlike the
original twelve disciples of the Lord. We observe the Twelve arguing over
who is the greatest; asking to sit on His right hand and on His left;
desiring to call down fire from heaven upon those who oppose them; refusing
to wash each other's feet; protesting the need for the Lord to go the cross,
even drawing the sword to defend Him in the garden.
May we see that the disciples were not endued with power from on high until
they were of one mind and one accord, together in one place, after the
crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. While it is true that
they enjoyed a measure of spiritual power during the Lord's ministry on
earth, we see how even this little taste of heavenly ability puffed them up.
Jesus sent them forth and gave them authority over evil spirits. So it
happened that when they returned, they exclaimed, "Lord! Even the demons are
subject to us through Thy name!" Even this small accomplishment made them
rejoice and exalt in themselves. Jesus tells them this little bit of success
is hardly worth rejoicing over. Later on, we find the disciples rebuking
others who used the Name to cast out demons. Why? Because "they are not of
us." Patiently, Jesus tells them to stop forbidding the others, because "he
that is not against us is for us." We see how quickly pride was able to gain
a foothold.
What a tragedy it would have been to pour out the Holy Spirit in His
fullness upon the disciples in such a condition! They were thoroughly unfit
and unprepared to handle such power. Why? Not because they were insincere.
No doubt they were very sincere. After all, they had forsaken everything and
were following the Lord. Nevertheless, they were yet unbroken. That is to
say, they were following the Lord and even had a taste of spiritual power
but they had no yet taken up the Cross. Over and over again Christ said they
must take up the Cross, but they themselves could not understand what He
meant. They even sought to prevent the Lord from taking up HIS cross. They
could not be entrusted with much power because they were not sufficiently
dead to themselves. The slightest accomplishment would only be grounds for
foolish boasting and further arguments to see who was to be the greatest
among them. Hence, they were told to tarry in Jerusalem and wait until they
would be endued with power from on high. As proud men they were found
arguing on many occasions, but as broken men they were finally in one mind
and one accord. Thus, the Spirit came, and with the Spirit, the fullness of
power.
Today the call is for unity, but we need to see that unity cannot be
achieved by calling people to unity. Unity is achieved when we take up the
Cross and die to our minute opinions and lay down our petty arguments and
prejudices. Then, and only then, will we come to one mind. A broken spirit
is a peaceful spirit, and is able to abide with others. Contentious,
unbroken, hard, stubborn people can never be in one accord. The sacrifices
of God are a broken and contrite spirit.
More Of The Lord, Or Less Of Me?
Indeed, as the Lord calls us back to the Cross to become disciples of Jesus,
He intends to first humble us before empowering us. It is not a question of
His supply, nor is His Life to be measured in terms of some, more, or
plenty. Either the Life is present, or it is not present. The Lord's Life is
a rich Life, and it fills the believer with the ALL fullness of God. We may
say of a brother or a sister, that they "really know the Lord in a powerful
way" or that they are "full of life" or they have a "strong anointing." Of
course we all have different gifts and abilities as the Spirit enables us.
But we should not use phraseology which implies that some brothers and
sisters have more of the Lord's Life than other brothers and sisters. We
categorically reject this idea. God is no respecter of persons, and He has
blessed ALL of us with "every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in
Christ (Ephesians 1:3)." "For in [Christ] dwelleth all the fullness of the
Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all
principality and power (Colossians 2:9,10)." "He that spared not his own
Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely
give us all things (Romans 8:32)?" What are these Scriptures telling us?
That we are blessed with every spiritual blessing, filled with the fullness
of God in Christ, and have received all things freely through Him. No single
believer is any more "anointed" or powerful than any other.
Please tell me, saint of God, what it is that you lack spiritually: for
these Scriptures demonstrate conclusively that you are already filled with
all that God has and is. How much is all? How full is full? How complete is
complete? If there is a lack in our lives, let us readily admit that the
lack is not on the Lord's part, and it is not because we are inferior to
other, more "powerful" believers. The question is not how to get more of the
Lord, but how to release the Life which is already hidden within us,
obscured behind the veil of our flesh. To put it another way, it is not more
of the Lord that we need, but less of ourselves. We must be broken.
Christians today are encouraged to seek more power, more anointing, and more
gifts. I have stood before these precious believers and led them in the
singing of choruses which cry, "More love, more power, more of You in my
life." To be sure such a desire is good and sincere. The Church is so hungry
for the presence of the Lord. I have watched thousands stream forward in
hopes of obtaining some fresh outpouring of spiritual power or anointing. I
have both led them in the pursuit of more power and joined them in the
pursuit. Day and night I searched for spiritual power that I might overcome
my sins, be a witness for the Lord, and have a powerful ministry which
reached thousands. But a day came when the Lord gave me revelation of Christ
in me, and I in Christ. May I say, that day was like walking out of one
room, entering another, and closing the door behind me. From that day
forward I realized that I was complete in Christ, filled with all that God
has, all that He IS. From that day forward I saw that the problem is not in
obtaining more from the Lord, but in allowing Him to break me and humble me
that I may no more hinder Him through my own foolishness, pride, natural
wisdom, fleshly lusts, and divided heart. I needed to decrease, and He would
increase in direct proportion to my decrease. If I decrease but a little, He
would increase but a little. But with much decrease of me there would be
much increase of Him. With less of me, there WOULD BE more of Him in my
life!
Chip Brogden
info@watchman.net
THE STAGE IS SET...
This Word came to me as I was simply looking at the circumstances
surrounding me and I found myself questioning the promises that God has
given me for my family, life, and ministry. The promises that came in
visions and dreams and prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled.
All that has happened up until this point in all of time has not only
been for that time's purpose, but in preparation for the time we live in
right now! This is a kairos time for the church, a final preparation, the
last leg if you will!
The Lord spoke this verse to me:
Ezekiel 12:21-25 "And the Word of the Lord came unto me saying, 'Son
of man, what is this proverb that you people have about the land of
Israel, which says, "The days are prolonged, and every vision fails'?
Tell them therefore, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will lay this proverb
to rest, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel." But say to
them, "The days are at hand, and the fulfillment of every vision. For no
more shall there be any false vision or flattering divination within the
house of Israel. For I am the LORD. I speak, and the word which I speak
will come to pass; it will no more be postponed; for in your days, O
rebellious house, I will say the word and perform it," says the Lord GOD."
God's people have feared the things to come because...
A fear has come of what people think, "Where is your God now?" they mock.
The question is, "Can I trust God with my reputation? My name? My
finances? My relationships? My transportation?" Those of you who have
walked through this, or may be walking through it right now are about to
be surprised, that God has not forgoten about you!
David prayed against these fears in Psalm 25, "...let me not be ashamed;
for I put my trust in thee."
Let our hearts cry out with such triumph that we no longer care what the
world thinks, but that our hearts focus on what He thinks. He is utterly
pleased with our faith(trust) in the midst of adversity! The answer is
coming, be patient! because "...through faith and patience (we) inherit
the promises." Hebrews 6:12
When you heard the Word the first time you had no problem believing it,
you had the goose bumps, and the shaking leg, you had gold dust on your
hands, and your legs wouldn't stop dancing(these are all awesome things!).
Patience comes through abiding(John 15, Galatians 5:22), patience is the
ability to hold onto that Word through persecution and tribulation.
Matthew 13:20-21 says, "But he that received the seed into stony places,
the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet
hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when
tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is
offended."
Why did the tribulation and persecution arise? Because of the Word, so
don't take it personally when your boss yells at you, or when your kids
begin to back talk, don't take it personally... satan is not interested in
you, He is interested in the Word, so hold on tight cause deliverance is
coming! God is faithful.
God almighty is waiting for the perfect time(kairos) to fullfill His
word, but "Know this, says the Lord, "My Word Shall Go Forth, and surely I
shall tary no longer in fulfilling it, before you know it my answer will
overcome you, and cause you to even push harder to keep up with the grace
that I will pour forth over you my bride! Your strength will not carry
you, but this grace which I will pour over you will begin to sweep you
away with it's mighty power. You are my beloved, frightened and broken
you have come to me, I WILL HEAL YOU."
The Lord also said "I am setting the stage (world, your situation) for my
entrance. I am about to take center stage, and all those who would try to
hold My role that I alone play will be brought low, but those who will
follow my lead role will be exalted with Me", says the Lord.
Mike Bottomly
Kathie Walters
I had quite an experience (es) this week and I always believe that
when God does something for one - He is usually doing it everywhere -
so for your encouragement- here's what happened: Although it applies
to everyone, it is especially a word for the prophetic ministries.
I had a vision at the beginning of the week - I believe it happened
this way because of some scriptures I have been praying over every day
for a month in Psalm 18).
ANGELS ROLLED THE STONE AWAY
In the vision I saw myself (representative of the Body, I believe),
and I also saw two tall angels. The angels were rolling toward me a
huge roundish stone. The stone had been hewn and it was about three
feet in diameter. As they got closer I looked up, beyond the stone
to see where they had gotten the stone from - you know me- I always
want to know how, why, when and where!!
GOING INSIDE THE CHAMBER
I saw a little ways off the mouth of a cave, and realized that the
angels had rolled the stone away from the mouth of a small cave. So,
I walked over to see what was in the cave. I went inside - the first
couple of feet were dark, but then I found myself in a chamber. The
chamber was full of brilliant light - it was the Lord's light, and He
was there!
Then I was really amazed! The whole cave, the walls, the
roof, and the floor, were made of emerald, ruby, sapphire, topaz etc .
It was mind boggling.
DRESS IN GOLDEN ARMOR
On Wednesday night as I fell asleep I saw an angel standing in my
room,. I had never seen him before, he was very big and dressed in
golden armor- his name was Victor.
He said he had come to stay. The next day the anointing was strong
again and my hands were covered in oil and gold dust, and the phone
got covered in oil.
The Christian friend of mine who cleans my house wouldn't come into
my office, because she said she wanted to finish cleaning the house,
and she would just get drunk [in the Spirit] if she came in. I
persuaded her to come in and lay her hands on my head anyway. As soon
as she did I left as if I was being lifted up in the air, and next
minute I was face to face with a huge principality.
THIS EVIL SPIRIT DRESSED LIKE A QUEEN
The spirit was dressed like a great queen on a throne, and it had
playing cards in it's hands.
PROPHETIC MINISTRIES TO BE FURTHER RELEASED
Then the Lord spoke to me and said, "I am going to release the
prophetic ministries into a new dimension of the spirit, so that
they can counter this spirit of divination. People are turning to
it because my prophets are not operating in all I have made available
in the Spirit. The gifts of the spirit are tools to win people to Christ."
It took me a few days to get a handle on this whole thing, but my
young daughter, Lisa, (20, at college in N.C. pretty, prophetic, but
very feisty and single), called me and said, "Mom, the reason you
haven't got an interpretation yet is that there is part of the vision
you haven't seen yet."
I SUDDENLY SAW WHAT WAS WRITTEN ACROSS THE CAVE ENTRANCE
So I waited on the Lord again today and the anointing was really
strong. Then I saw the mouth of the cave again and suddenly I saw
written across the entrance '800.'
I thought, "What on earth is that supposed to mean? Then it said
"toll free - no charge!
The Lord said, "I told you that all I have is yours."
DOUBT WAS ROLLED AWAY
Suddenly the light began to dawn! It was an invitation to enter in and
receive all the things we have been praying for. Then I saw the
boulder/rock that the angels had rolled away from the mouth of the
cave. On the rock was written the word "DOUBT." The angels had rolled
away the stone -(doubt), so that we could access our inheritance.
TOLL FREE BY GRACE
This is a time when there is a great increase for those who will enter in
(by grace- toll free remember?) and receive by faith what God has
promised---
--A new dimension of the Spirit, greater understanding; heavier
anointing; faith for healing and miracles and for finances to GO where
He tells us and Do what He says.
NO MORE RUNNING AFTER FALSE PROPHETS
Why now? Oh! because It's His time - the gospel is going to be demonstrated
through the church - to declare the glory of God. All those desperate
people wont have to run off to the false prophets and diviners on TV,
trying to find some kind of direction for their lives, because the
prophets will prophesy the word of the Lord and demonstrate the fact
that God knows all about them, and there is nothing hidden from His
eyes.
WHEN YOU PRAY, BELIEVE!!
So, saints of God - get into that cave and see for yourself what great
things the Lord has provided for us. Jesus said, "When you pray
BELIEVE you have the answer." Its time to receive the things we have
been praying for a long time. A friend from Wales called me this week
and said." Go into your cave and resurrect your dreams" - the ones from
God anyway. "No good thing will he withhold from you."
Be blessed - Kathie Walters
Kathie's books and tapes.
Celebration of Praise
Doug Patterson
I commission My people to come before Me. To lift up
their voices and to praise My name. This is a time to
shake off the weariness, to extend hands and to break
every chain that binds and ties your feet.
A new celebration is coming into the Body of Christ. A
new fire is burning within your heart. Joy and peace
will dominate you, overpower you. An explosion of praise
is coming into the church. A time of gratefully lifting
a new song to your Lord. A time of extending expressive
praise and worship through dance, banners and dancing.
Be released into the freedom of your God. For I have
purchased your freedom at the cross. Indeed it is time
for you to rejoice. Cast your cares upon Me for I care
for you. We are family preparing for a mighty banquet.
Prepare for the feast of praise. Set the table for a
celebration of grace. Get ready to rejoice and stand with
your family.
Know that your praise enters the very throne room of God.
Sing them and shout them aloud. Let everything, yes let
everything that has breath Praise the Lord. Let the
praise ring from the mountains and the valleys, in the
city and in the country.
The nations will dance and praise God. It shall be like
a consuming fire that shall burn in your heart. Your
household will be set ablaze with the glory of God.
Celebrations will extend throughout the evening and carry
on the next day. The visitation of the Lord is going to
come through the praise of His people.
Intercessors For Jesus Ministries
Now He who searches the heart knows what the mind of the
Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints
according to the will of God.
Romans 8:27 - NKJ
eaglevw@golden.net
PRODUCING THE GLORY OF GOD
In the beginning, before a blazing sun etched its amber face upon the dawn
of creation, before solar systems or celestial patterns were drawn in the
heavens by the finger of God, before there was ever a planet or prototype of
anything, God stepped out into the void of nothingness and created an
innumerable, immeasurable host of angelic beings (see Job 38:4-7).
The echoing cry of praise and worship from this created choir of angels
pierced the emptiness of non-creation and produced the very atmosphere of
glory in which God created everything else. It is this same atmosphere that
Isaiah enters into in the sixth chapter of his ministry record.
"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a
throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood
the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and
with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried
unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole
earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of
him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me!
for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the
midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the
Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in
his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid
it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine
iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the
Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here
am I; send me" (Is. 6:1-8).
God's Ultimate Desire
It has always been the will of God for the whole earth to be full of His
glory. In the fourteenth chapter of the Book of Numbers, we are told that
the people of Israel refused to fulfill the purpose of their redemption. The
Lord had brought them out of Egypt with great signs and wonders, but Israel
refused to enter into the Promised Land!
God was so angry about their obstinate hearts that He decided to utterly
destroy all the Israelites except Moses and remake the nation through him.
Moses interceded for the people, though, and God spared Israel. It was then
that the Lord declared to Moses His heart: "...I have pardoned according to
thy word: but as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the
glory of the Lord" (Num. 14:20-21).
What Is "Glory"?
The biblical understanding of glory doesn't refer much to the essence of
Deity; nor does it portray "glory" as something God rains down on us in our
corporate gatherings. Glory is something that is made and given to God when
we make manifest the greatness of God with the words of our mouth and the
actions of our body. Glory is something we produce when we praise God to one
another! (See Psalm 50:23 and Revelation 4:8-11.)
When Isaiah saw the worship of the angelic host, he saw them giving glory to
God. As these angelic beings saw the majesty of God, they could not whisper.
They cried out from the depths of their beings—to one another—their praises
of the Almighty! The atmosphere was altered by the praise between their
faces, and "the house was filled with smoke" (Is. 6:4).
Smoke is a byproduct of something solid or tangible transforming into
something gaseous or intangible. When we say that a house "went up in
smoke," we mean that, as a result of a fire, a solid wood house burned up
and transformed into a cloud of smoke.
The tangible expression of the holiness of God between the angelic faces
consumed the very substance of their beings. Their praises then became like
smoke that filled the entire atmosphere of God's throne room. They produced
so much glory that the very "posts of the door moved at the voice of him
that cried"!
Between Their Faces
The mercy seat presents an earthly picture of what occurs in the heavenly
realm. The cherubim were not placed back-to-back, side-to-side, or even
back-to-face (as we sit in our church buildings and worship settings). God's
design is that "their faces shall look one to another," for God desired to
meet with His people "between the two cherubims" (Ex. 25:20-22).
The only place where God will man-ifest His power is in an atmosphere of
glory, created between the lips and faces of creatures who know their God.
God created the angels first, even before creating the galaxies, so He would
have an atmosphere of glory in which to manifest His power.
Astronauts wear suits in outer space because humans can only exist in a
certain atmosphere. God has chosen to manifest Himself only in an atmosphere
of glory. Just as smoke is the result of fire consuming combustible
material, glory is the product of thoughts of praise to God put into words
between the lips of saints. This is why the Church is instructed to "...be
filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves [meaning one to another] in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs..." (Eph. 5:18-19).
Horizontal and Vertical
As believers begin to share the goodness of God with one another, God moves
in between their faces and they become the dwelling place of the Lord.
When the Israelites finally did enter into the Promised Land, they had to
conquer Jericho. All they did was get Jericho in between their faces and
give a shout of praise to God, and the walls fell down! If we could ever
overcome self and look and speak to one another about the majesty of the
Almighty, then God would step in between our faces and no hindrance would
ever exist between the people of God and His purpose and provision!
When Isaiah saw the worship of the seraphim, he wanted to do the same thing,
but he knew his innate impurity banned him from the celestial choir. Isaiah
was unable to worship God because he had "unclean lips." Isaiah was unable
to give God glory because his speech and the speech of his people were as
unclean as the skin of Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:19-21). Then Isaiah's dilemma was
solved when his lips were purged by a coal taken from the altar of incense
in the Holy Place. We must ask God to do for us what we cannot do ourselves:
make us clean, righteous vessels for His service. Then we will be able to do
what God asks of us.
We Are the Vessels
Heaven is already filled with angelic voices producing an atmosphere of
glory for God, but the earth has only small pockets of saints who truly
understand and know the effect of their praise in the human arena of
existence. The Kingdom prayer is that the Father's will "be done in earth,
as it is in heaven" (Mt. 6:10). That is why God calls the prophet in Isaiah
6:8 and asks, "Who will go for Us?" Like Isaiah, we must respond, "Here am
I; send me!
mail@hanby.org
Submitted by the Diggers
No Man is an Island
Doug Morrell
The phrase "no man is an island unto himself" is actually an idiom and not
found in the Bible. The precise quotation is, "No man is an Island, entire
of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.
- John Donne - Meditation XVII.
However, the meaning behind the quotation is central to God's plan for man
as evidenced from the Genesis account and carried throughout the whole of
the Bible; it is called restoration, first to God, and secondly, with each
other.
The beginning of the Bible's restoration theme is found at the beginning of
all things--in the Book of Genesis. God created man who enjoyed the image
of God, the intimacy of God, and unbroken fellowship with God.
However, man chose to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He
decided to take his life into his own hands. Instead of living from the
wisdom, righteousness, and resources of God, man would live on his own very
limited resources--he chose to become "an island unto himself."
With this tragic decision, man lost his godliness (God-image), intimacy and
fellowship with God. Immediately, man attempted to cover his nakedness,
yet, our loving Father provided clothing made from an animal skin. This
clearly shows God's plan of redemption and restoration for fallen man. That
initial sacrifice, providing clothing, pointed toward the ultimate
sacrificial Lamb of God--Jesus Himself.
Numerous other Scriptures denote that, in Christ Jesus, God restores His
people to the Father-child relationship that was broken by Adam's
disobedience. All who believe in Him are brought back into the household of
God (Eph. 2:19) and are destined to be conformed to His image (Rom. 8:29).
In essence, there are no lone rangers in the Body of Christ, only lonely
people. A person who cuts himself off from others will soon be out of step
with everyone.
"The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a
helper suitable for him." (Gen. 2:18)
"A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise
judgment." (Prov. 18:1)
"I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and
I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the
name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:11)
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (Ps.
133:1)
David stated that unity is pleasant and precious. Unfortunately, unity does
not abound in the church as it should. People disagree and cause division
over unimportant issues. Some delight in causing tension by discrediting
others. Unity is important because (1) it makes the church a positive
example to the world and helps draw others to us; (2) it helps us cooperate
as a body of believers as God meant us to, giving us a foretaste of heaven;
(3) it renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap
our energy.
Jesus' great desire for his disciples was that they would become one. He
wanted them unified as a powerful witness to the reality of God's love.
Jesus prayed for unity among the believers based on the believers' unity
with him and the Father. Christians can know unity among themselves if they
are living in union with God. For example, each branch living in union with
the vine is united with all other branches doing the same.
Living in unity does not mean that we will agree on everything; there will
be many opinions just as there are many notes in a musical chord. But we
must agree on our purpose in life--to work together for God. Our outward
expression of unity will reflect our inward unity of purpose.
Grow in grace and truth...
doug morrell
Evangelism: Only the Spirit Can Give Sight
A. W. Tozer
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are
perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not
believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who
is the image of God, should shine on them.
--2 Corinthians 4:3-4
The uncomprehending mind is unaffected by truth. The intellect of the
hearer may grasp saving knowledge while yet the heart makes no moral
response to it. A classic example of this is seen in the story of
Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield. In his autobiography
Franklin recounts in some detail how he listened to the mighty
preaching of the great evangelist. He even walked around the square
where Whitefield stood to learn for himself how far that golden voice
carried. Whitefield talked with Franklin personally about his need of
Christ and promised to pray for him. Years later Franklin wrote rather
sadly that the evangelist's prayers must not have done any good, for
he was still unconverted....
The inward operation of the Holy Spirit is necessary to saving faith.
The gospel is light but only the Spirit can give sight. When seeking
to bring the lost to Christ we must pray continually that they may
receive the gift of seeing. And we must pit our prayer against that
dark spirit who blinds the hearts of men. Born After Midnight,
62-63.
"Lord, I'll do my part today to share the Gospel with anyone You'll
bring my way. But Holy Spirit, I'll wait for You to open eyes and
give sight. I'll leave the results with You. Amen."
Insight for Leaders
I AM YOUR SOURCE
Mary (Koons) Wattenford
mkoons15@hotmail.com
Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink?,
or, What are we going to have to wear?
For the Gentiles wish for and crave and diligently seek after all these things; and your heavenly Father well knows that you
need them all.
But seek for (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom, and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right], and then
all these things taken together will be given you besides.
So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each
day is its own trouble.
(Matthew 6:31-34)
I AM is your SOURCE - and your PORTION.. I bring "MY LIGHT" into the
darkness, "HEALTH" into diseased bodies and minds, and "WEALTH" into poverty and lack! What other portion would you
have? The world "kills" by its desire to "have things... to be somebody...to look better than your neighbor!" Yet - My Word
tells you to SEEK FIRST MY KINGDOM - and then "all these things" - your needs, your provision - I AM will supply.
Tomorrow has enough "turmoil and heartache" in store, why do you continually seek to look ahead to it? Let each days
troubles be sufficient for the DAY...and do not try to "figure out" what I will do to smooth the path ahead of you for the next.
I AM YOUR SOURCE - when you look to the world, you find idols and idolatry...you find harlots and harlotry, misery and
those who "make miserable." My Word tells you to LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF - yet, most do not even
know the names of their neighbors.. And they ridicule, slander or even perpetrate evil against their OWN brothers and sisters.
A true heart is one that is not weighted down by the "cares of this world," but one that calls and cries out to me for OTHERS...
to uphold those who are lost and hurting. A true heart is one who is not looking out to its "own interests and even it's own
beliefs," but seeks MY INTEREST and MY WILL in all things. A true heart KNOWS "WHO" has the POWER to bring all
things in line with MY WORD. I AM is the WORD made "manifest" upon this earth.. Before this world was framed - I AM!
Before anything was made, I - the Master Builder was laying the foundations of it. By My Word - were the worlds framed!
Yet still, so many fear what "tomorrow holds," so many forget "faith" and listen to the lies of the enemy and walk in the "FEAR"
of what "might be!" Faith is the substance of things "HOPED FOR.." the EVIDENCE of things "NOT SEEN!" In ALL
THINGS you are to be conformed unto My likeness - to emulate ME. Did I walk in fear that My Father would not accomplish
what I SAW "HIM" DO? Did I not move in the compassion and love of the Father? Did I allow the lies of satan to interfere
with what the Father wanted done? Does My word not say "and He healed them all!"
Those who KNOW ME to be their source - know they will be asked to suffer..even as I did - they KNOW they will not be
above their MASTER. But can you STILL praise ME through the suffering? Can you STILL "have hope for what you can't
see?" Can your heart be stayed on ME - even when everything around you appears to be falling apart and the enemy is
whispering in your ear? I chastise those I love as any Father would - to show them where "correction" is needed. but MY
LOVE for you is so great - I do it gently when that heart is, in truth, seeking to find MY WAY. But - for those who seek their
OWN WAY - and whose hearts are turned away from ME, I remove My Hand of
protection and allow the enemy to do as he will, so "that heart," will TURN AND COME TO ME... and SEEK ME and find
"MY WAY!" I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.. When you seek ME with all your heart - with all your mind
- with all your soul - I WILL BE FOUND...for I "desire" to be known by My Children. I DESIRE to lead them in the WAY
that I AM has set before them. A way where "I" become their SOURCE in every circumstance, every trial, and bring them
VICTORY because they have remembered MY NAME and will not look to any other.
A trial is never desirous as you are enduring it - suffering is never something you seek - but in those trials, and during the
suffering I AM WITH YOU; I will never, NEVER - NO NEVER! leave you or forsake you. I AM perfecting MY glory within
you and allowing the enemy to no longer hinder what I AM is doing in your life. UNTIL you reach the point where he can find
"NOTHING" in you to accuse or cause pain or raise doubt. Then, will I TRULY have become your SOURCE for all
things - and NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU!
August 25, 2000
broal1@greater-emmanuel.org
http://www.greater-emmanuel.org
Chip Brogden
http://www.watchman.net/articles/need.html
by Michael D Bottomly
Palmer, Alaska
archangel_ii@juno.com
IT'S TIME TO RECEIVE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN PRAYING
FOR"
http://www.goodnews.netministries.org/kathie.htm
kathiewalters@mindspring.com
Dr. Mark Hanby
Isaiah wasn't given this incredible revelation of angelic activity simply to
comfort him after the death of a leprous king. Nor is the sixth chapter of
Isaiah merely a record of his call to the ministry of prophet; he has
already prophesied for five chapters. God's purpose for allowing Isaiah to
enter into this vision of His throne was to impart to Isaiah and to us His
ultimate desire—to fill the earth with His glory!
When we consider the concept of "glory," we usually think of something God
has inherent in Himself, something He then gives or pours out on His people.
Although it is true that the Lord is glorious in this sense, it is not the
major idea or concept of glory in the Word of God!
Structural alignment occurs in the house of God through the creation of
glory. When Moses fashioned a piece of furniture as a resting place for the
glory of God, he simply followed the heavenly pattern that Isaiah saw
generations later (Heb. 8:5). As a covering or lid for the Ark of the
Covenant, Moses made a mercy seat with two cherubim—"with their faces one to
another" (Ex. 37:9).
The Church must produce glory if God is to show Himself in His fullness. If
we only offer worship to God directly, then we only have a vertical
dimension with Deity. But if the Church will also praise God to one another,
we will fulfill the "geometry of the cross" with our horizontal dimension of
spiritual activity. When we develop both of these directional relationships
with the Lord and His people, we will truly lift up Jesus, who said, "And I,
if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me" (Jn. 12:32 ).
It is God who cleanses our lips, but we are the vessels called to fill the
earth with the glory of God! The cry of the seraphim is, "The whole earth is
full of His glory." In the King James Version, the verb "is" is in italics
because it is not in the original Hebrew. Thus the angels are not stating a
fact; they are declaring a divine mandate! They are not saying the whole
earth is now full of His glory; rather, the messengers of God are crying out
that the whole earth must be, should be, and needs to be filled with His
glory.
--
Live Christ Deliberately!
Christian Outfitters
outfitters@christianoutfitters.com
http://www.christianoutfitters.com
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