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

August 25, 2000

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
broal1@greater-emmanuel.org
http://www.greater-emmanuel.org

The Need For Brokenness
Chip Brogden

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
http://www.watchman.net/articles/need.html

THE STAGE IS SET...
by Michael D Bottomly

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...

  • "Maybe I heard wrong..."
  • "Maybe God decided not to do that for me because of something that I did..."
  • "Maybe I wasn't good enough and He chose someone else..."
  • "Maybe I didn't have enough faith to make it happen..."

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
Palmer, Alaska
archangel_ii@juno.com

"TOLL- FREE AND WITHOUT DOUBT -
IT'S TIME TO RECEIVE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN PRAYING FOR"

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.
http://www.goodnews.netministries.org/kathie.htm
kathiewalters@mindspring.com

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
Dr. Mark Hanby

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
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!

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"?
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!

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
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 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
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 ).

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
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.

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
--
Live Christ Deliberately!
Christian Outfitters
outfitters@christianoutfitters.com
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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
lmi@flash.net

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!

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