Original Date: 2/7/09
Ok, new download... God is so awesome!
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
2. What this means is that as we behold His glory, we will be changed into His image. The only way for us to become more Holy is for us to reflect more of His holiness. In Rick Joyner's book "50 Days for a Firm Foundation," he says "We will never be changed by dwelling on what is wrong with us, but rather by beholding the glory of God."
3. God gave me this image in my mind:
On one side of a mirror, there exists Satan, Demons, Flesh, Sin, and Darkness. In the middle exists the Mirror, which is me. On the other side is God Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Righteousness, and Light.
4. Ok, so, if we were to take this mirror into a dark room. We couldn't see anything, not even the mirror. In the same way, turning a mirror towards the darkness does not accomplish anything. You can sit there and tell a person their sins (only sins) all day long without any change whatsoever. POINTING OUT DARKNESS DOES NOTHING BUT PERPETUATE AND PROLONG DARKNESS.
5. However, if you turn that mirror towards God's light, not only do you restore righteousness but you eradicate darkness AT THE SAME TIME. It is God's job to bring light to situations. It is our role to be mirrors of His light and to help other people turn their mirrors towards Him.
6. The book "Freedom Tools," by Andy Reese, talks about how to equip people as emotional healers. It sheds the light of Christ on how to help people come into God's presence. In the book, Andy talks about some good ways and bad ways of dealing with people in a healing session:
Example 1:
Bad: I want to tell you what your problems are.
Good: Can I share with you a picture the Lord gave me that I wrote down? I
think it will encourage you.
Example 2:
Bad: That sin is where it all began.
Good: Can you see that this action seems to be a root for some of your current
issues?
Example 3:
Bad: That's sin - no way!
Good: Let's ask Jesus what He has to say about that, okay?
7. John 3:30 - He must increase, I must decrease. Another way of looking at this is He must increase IN ORDER FOR me to decrease. I agree with Rick Joyner when he says, if we get this backwards, then it will result in the religious spirit of the pharisees and personal control.
8. Our goal should never be to point at darkness but to point at light. THAT WHICH WE FOCUS ON, WE WILL MAGNIFY! Let's magnify God by speaking the truth in love.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Spiritual life through the eyes of a computer
Ok, so this is an interesting download and revelation but a profound one. I work in the computer world so especially unique way to think about the spiritual world. (Note, this applies to PC users... Macs, be patient) So, here we go.
1. The Operating System - The operating system of the computer is the primary software that runs the computer. It is the set of rules, systems, and programs to operate how the computer performs. Through it all processes happen for every part of the machine. Compare that to us. We have a heart, soul, mind, and body. Within that heart, soul, mind, and body, we have a belief system, a set of rules that we live by like concepts of fairness, etc., and a structure and order that we follow. We have mindsets that we adhere to that determine personality.
2. Different by Design - Each computer is designed to do different things just as each person is designed to do different things. Think of RAM as the ability to process information and how much information could be taken in at one time. Think of Hard Drive size as how much a person can remember. Imagine someone who has 20 Gigs of RAM and a 5 Gig Hard Drive. If that doesn't make sense, this just means that this person can process a lot of information really fast but not store any of it to memory. Some computers have video software attached, some have audio attached. If we were all computers in a corporation, each computer would perform a different function, but we are all computers and we all are designed for a purpose.
3. The Data - Information is stored in our heads and our hearts just as they are in a computer. Information flows from one place to another on a regular basis. The data also varies from computer to computer as does the data from person to person. The data present in the computer can speed up or slow down a computer. It can create cause problems or create solutions.
4. The Internet - The internet is the channel for communication in the computer's world. In our world, communication comes through the natural channel and the spiritual channel, which looking at it from a big picture perspective, are really the same. From the internet, data can be downloaded that can be both positive and negative, harmful or protective. In our world, Satan can lie to us, God can encourage us, people can bring us down or people can build us up.
5. Malware - This is a collective term for all malicious software that can be downloaded onto the computer. Malware includes viruses, adware, spyware, etc. Spyware is designed to spy on you. In the spiritual realm, this is like the enemy sending out scouts to collect data on you. The data allows the enemy to then exploit or manipulate you in some way, shape or form. Adware is designed to get you to pursue ads that pop up on the screen. Think of it as advertisement-software. Satan is trying to advertise to you to get you to go to different sites, etc.
6. Viruses destroy the Operating System - So, worst of all is that viruses destroy the operating system. Depending on what we allow into our minds, hearts, and bodies, Satan can destroy us. In fact, Satan can re-arrange our entire operating system so that we no longer become functional. Our mindsets are altered, our belief system is shaken, and we have been marred from our original creative purpose. Our blue (depressed) screen of death comes up and we can no longer work the way we are supposed to work.
7. Re-loading the operating system - When a computer is beyond repair because it's operating system is so corrupted, then it's time for a re-load. All the data that is on the computer, save maybe (pictures) memories, (documents), are destroyed. The old operating system has to go and a new one has to be installed. This is like when Jesus comes into our hearts. He formats (cleans everything out) and starts us on the right foot. The computer is ready to run well again.
8. The anti-virus software - Unfortunately, the enemy won't stop coming to try and destroy the operating system (what's in you). If you are not protected, you will get hit. But thank God for Anti-virus software. The anti-virus software suite is designed with a set of tools to equip your computer to handle viruses - sins, attacks, demons, lies, wounds. Tools consist of things like active and passive scanners, security updates, Virus Definitions, anti-rootkits, and a firewall.
9. The Security Updates - God wants us to become more secure in who He is. It is only by truth being revealed in our life that our security level is enhanced and we are greater immunized/protected. Security updates come through reading God's word and having people bless your spirit.
10. The Virus Definitions - These are a list of known enemy attacks and how to destroy them. When a virus scan is run, the more virus definitions that are active allow the scan to destroy a greater number of viruses. Virus definitions are updated by reading God's word.
11. Active Scanners - This would be like when you click on the button that says "Scan My computer" now. You are actively looking for infections and lies and attacks of the enemy. Active Scanner is like us praying fervently for realease and forgiveness. It also can release a person from sickness or bondage.
12. Passive Scanner - This is active when the computer's opperating sytem is doing it's day-to-day thing. The Holy Spirit is iterceding in computer clicks and occassionally, it may find something wrong. Then, the Holy Spirit scan brings it to your attention to get rid of it.
13. Anti-Rootkits - Now, here is where the fun begins. Really nasty viruses create what are called rootkits. These are bases of operation and a defense post for viruses. Imagine an underground swarm of demons waiting for attack time. They are protected from most of the scans/prayers. The anti-rootkit software is designed to unearth these spiritual strongholds and destroy them. They open up the opportunity for the other defense mechanisms to destroy the viruses. An anti-rootkit would be comparable to prayer, fasting, forgiveness, healing ministry, and casting out the demonic forces. Basically, Operation overkill. Compare a rootkit to a stronghold.
14. The last tool is my favorite of all. You will get hit but it allows you to stop the attacks from coming through. Nothing can access your operating system without bypassing it. This is the FIREWALL. A firewall is a gateway that won't let anything in or out without the user's permission. Paul said "Take every thought captive to the authority of Christ." Christ is the Gatekeeper and can stop every single threat to your operating system.
15. Closing - We all have problems with our operating systems. However, there is hope. Through the tools God has given us, we can defend against and actually destroy the enemy. We have to be equipped through the word. We pray to find the viruses and we use the word of God to destroy them. It is only when we come to enlightenment and become a mac that everything changes. Then, there is no need for virus protection.
1. The Operating System - The operating system of the computer is the primary software that runs the computer. It is the set of rules, systems, and programs to operate how the computer performs. Through it all processes happen for every part of the machine. Compare that to us. We have a heart, soul, mind, and body. Within that heart, soul, mind, and body, we have a belief system, a set of rules that we live by like concepts of fairness, etc., and a structure and order that we follow. We have mindsets that we adhere to that determine personality.
2. Different by Design - Each computer is designed to do different things just as each person is designed to do different things. Think of RAM as the ability to process information and how much information could be taken in at one time. Think of Hard Drive size as how much a person can remember. Imagine someone who has 20 Gigs of RAM and a 5 Gig Hard Drive. If that doesn't make sense, this just means that this person can process a lot of information really fast but not store any of it to memory. Some computers have video software attached, some have audio attached. If we were all computers in a corporation, each computer would perform a different function, but we are all computers and we all are designed for a purpose.
3. The Data - Information is stored in our heads and our hearts just as they are in a computer. Information flows from one place to another on a regular basis. The data also varies from computer to computer as does the data from person to person. The data present in the computer can speed up or slow down a computer. It can create cause problems or create solutions.
4. The Internet - The internet is the channel for communication in the computer's world. In our world, communication comes through the natural channel and the spiritual channel, which looking at it from a big picture perspective, are really the same. From the internet, data can be downloaded that can be both positive and negative, harmful or protective. In our world, Satan can lie to us, God can encourage us, people can bring us down or people can build us up.
5. Malware - This is a collective term for all malicious software that can be downloaded onto the computer. Malware includes viruses, adware, spyware, etc. Spyware is designed to spy on you. In the spiritual realm, this is like the enemy sending out scouts to collect data on you. The data allows the enemy to then exploit or manipulate you in some way, shape or form. Adware is designed to get you to pursue ads that pop up on the screen. Think of it as advertisement-software. Satan is trying to advertise to you to get you to go to different sites, etc.
6. Viruses destroy the Operating System - So, worst of all is that viruses destroy the operating system. Depending on what we allow into our minds, hearts, and bodies, Satan can destroy us. In fact, Satan can re-arrange our entire operating system so that we no longer become functional. Our mindsets are altered, our belief system is shaken, and we have been marred from our original creative purpose. Our blue (depressed) screen of death comes up and we can no longer work the way we are supposed to work.
7. Re-loading the operating system - When a computer is beyond repair because it's operating system is so corrupted, then it's time for a re-load. All the data that is on the computer, save maybe (pictures) memories, (documents), are destroyed. The old operating system has to go and a new one has to be installed. This is like when Jesus comes into our hearts. He formats (cleans everything out) and starts us on the right foot. The computer is ready to run well again.
8. The anti-virus software - Unfortunately, the enemy won't stop coming to try and destroy the operating system (what's in you). If you are not protected, you will get hit. But thank God for Anti-virus software. The anti-virus software suite is designed with a set of tools to equip your computer to handle viruses - sins, attacks, demons, lies, wounds. Tools consist of things like active and passive scanners, security updates, Virus Definitions, anti-rootkits, and a firewall.
9. The Security Updates - God wants us to become more secure in who He is. It is only by truth being revealed in our life that our security level is enhanced and we are greater immunized/protected. Security updates come through reading God's word and having people bless your spirit.
10. The Virus Definitions - These are a list of known enemy attacks and how to destroy them. When a virus scan is run, the more virus definitions that are active allow the scan to destroy a greater number of viruses. Virus definitions are updated by reading God's word.
11. Active Scanners - This would be like when you click on the button that says "Scan My computer" now. You are actively looking for infections and lies and attacks of the enemy. Active Scanner is like us praying fervently for realease and forgiveness. It also can release a person from sickness or bondage.
12. Passive Scanner - This is active when the computer's opperating sytem is doing it's day-to-day thing. The Holy Spirit is iterceding in computer clicks and occassionally, it may find something wrong. Then, the Holy Spirit scan brings it to your attention to get rid of it.
13. Anti-Rootkits - Now, here is where the fun begins. Really nasty viruses create what are called rootkits. These are bases of operation and a defense post for viruses. Imagine an underground swarm of demons waiting for attack time. They are protected from most of the scans/prayers. The anti-rootkit software is designed to unearth these spiritual strongholds and destroy them. They open up the opportunity for the other defense mechanisms to destroy the viruses. An anti-rootkit would be comparable to prayer, fasting, forgiveness, healing ministry, and casting out the demonic forces. Basically, Operation overkill. Compare a rootkit to a stronghold.
14. The last tool is my favorite of all. You will get hit but it allows you to stop the attacks from coming through. Nothing can access your operating system without bypassing it. This is the FIREWALL. A firewall is a gateway that won't let anything in or out without the user's permission. Paul said "Take every thought captive to the authority of Christ." Christ is the Gatekeeper and can stop every single threat to your operating system.
15. Closing - We all have problems with our operating systems. However, there is hope. Through the tools God has given us, we can defend against and actually destroy the enemy. We have to be equipped through the word. We pray to find the viruses and we use the word of God to destroy them. It is only when we come to enlightenment and become a mac that everything changes. Then, there is no need for virus protection.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Captive to Commander
Original Date: 2/4/09
1. In the spiritual world, Satan wants to tell us a lie over and over so that we will eventually believe it. I wrote about this in the blog, "Counterfeit Confirmation." He will tell others lies to get them to believe certain things. He will tell someone a lie to get that person to tell another person the same lie.
2. So, here's a question: what would happen if the lies of Satan and his forces are then wound together with the wounding that others have caused us, and the sin that has entangled us? It becomes what is known as a stronghold.
(Lies + Wounding + Sin)(Repeated Over Time) = Stronghold!
3. So then, how should we think about a stronghold? Well, I look at it like this: A stronghold is designed as a military base to keep you held captive. You are chained by hands and feet, you are in a prison cell behind bars, you are guarded by an enemy soldier. But, what's cool is that most any work of the enemy is not his own creativity. Rather, it is a counterfeit of something God created. So, if Satan constructed the stronghold, what was God's original intention? That would be the fortress!
4. David said in Psalms over and over again that "God, you are my fortress and my deliverer." The fortress represents a refuge. It is a military installation that defends the people within. You are not only protected, but you have the weapons needed to defeat the enemy. You are also protected by other members of the army, including angels.
5. In fact, since we are given charge over angels, then we are commanders in the forces of God's army. So, then the question becomes: how do we go from captive to commander?
6. First, we have to get free. To get free, the stronghold has to be penetrated. Lies have to be replaced with truth. Wounding has to be healed. Sin has to be destroyed. Once we are free, then we must enter the fortress of God. We are then trained by the word of God and commissioned as a Commander. Exciting!
7. God has called us all to be commanders but we have to seek freedom in order to get there.
1. In the spiritual world, Satan wants to tell us a lie over and over so that we will eventually believe it. I wrote about this in the blog, "Counterfeit Confirmation." He will tell others lies to get them to believe certain things. He will tell someone a lie to get that person to tell another person the same lie.
2. So, here's a question: what would happen if the lies of Satan and his forces are then wound together with the wounding that others have caused us, and the sin that has entangled us? It becomes what is known as a stronghold.
(Lies + Wounding + Sin)(Repeated Over Time) = Stronghold!
3. So then, how should we think about a stronghold? Well, I look at it like this: A stronghold is designed as a military base to keep you held captive. You are chained by hands and feet, you are in a prison cell behind bars, you are guarded by an enemy soldier. But, what's cool is that most any work of the enemy is not his own creativity. Rather, it is a counterfeit of something God created. So, if Satan constructed the stronghold, what was God's original intention? That would be the fortress!
4. David said in Psalms over and over again that "God, you are my fortress and my deliverer." The fortress represents a refuge. It is a military installation that defends the people within. You are not only protected, but you have the weapons needed to defeat the enemy. You are also protected by other members of the army, including angels.
5. In fact, since we are given charge over angels, then we are commanders in the forces of God's army. So, then the question becomes: how do we go from captive to commander?
6. First, we have to get free. To get free, the stronghold has to be penetrated. Lies have to be replaced with truth. Wounding has to be healed. Sin has to be destroyed. Once we are free, then we must enter the fortress of God. We are then trained by the word of God and commissioned as a Commander. Exciting!
7. God has called us all to be commanders but we have to seek freedom in order to get there.
Counterfeit Confirmations
Original Date: 2/4/09
1. Have you ever heard someone say "I received confirmation?" Well, they usually are referring to a time when they hear something repeated two or three or more times by different people. Some people receive confirmation in the form of advice, direction, or Godly council. Others receive confirmation in day-to-day happenings. One example of a day-to-day confirmation is if Jane received a diagnosis from a doctor and she wants a second opinion. She gets a second opinion from a second doctor and usually goes along with the course of treatment recommended.
2. What is so critical is that we are all searching for confirmation. We can hear something from someone one time and it may not affect us. If we hear it multiple times, then we pay more close attention to it. When something is repeated multiple times, it is very important to pay attention, especially if it is in the Bible.
3. Confirmation not only applies to the physical realm, but also to the spiritual realm. And, since it is not flesh and blood that we fight, but principalities and powers, confirmation becomes really important in the fight. In the spiritual world, Satan wants to tell us a lie over and over so that we will eventually believe it. He will tell others lies to get them to believe certain things. He will tell someone a lie to get that person to tell another person the same lie.
4. So, how do you guage whether a confirmation is from God or not? Paul says to test the spirits. This means to figure out which force is behind the confirmation. If it’s God, you will start to see some common themes:
A. The confirmation will edify and uplift
B. The confirmation will honor God and His children
C. The confirmation will shine light in the darkness
D. The confirmation will be spoken out of love
If it’s not of God then you will also see some common themes:
A. The counterfeit confirmation will breakdown and destroy
B. The counterfeit confirmation will degrade and bring doubt, fear, and worry
C. The counterfeit confirmation will be used as a defense mechanism or attack
D. The counterfeit confirmation will be commonly be spread by gossip
5. We can be taken in by counterfeit confirmations. Let’s say, for example, that a character flaw exists in John. Satan will use the person most likely to attack that person for that flaw. Let’s say that that person is Jane. Satan will tell multiple people to tell Jane about the character flaw in John. The counterfeit confirmation would then be used to tear down John for that character flaw. The confirmation would be used to “love” him out of that character flaw. Catch the difference?
6. Satan will always try to twist words to destroy humanity. He did it in the Garden of Eden. He does today. Be careful to test the spirits for counterfeit confirmations.
1. Have you ever heard someone say "I received confirmation?" Well, they usually are referring to a time when they hear something repeated two or three or more times by different people. Some people receive confirmation in the form of advice, direction, or Godly council. Others receive confirmation in day-to-day happenings. One example of a day-to-day confirmation is if Jane received a diagnosis from a doctor and she wants a second opinion. She gets a second opinion from a second doctor and usually goes along with the course of treatment recommended.
2. What is so critical is that we are all searching for confirmation. We can hear something from someone one time and it may not affect us. If we hear it multiple times, then we pay more close attention to it. When something is repeated multiple times, it is very important to pay attention, especially if it is in the Bible.
3. Confirmation not only applies to the physical realm, but also to the spiritual realm. And, since it is not flesh and blood that we fight, but principalities and powers, confirmation becomes really important in the fight. In the spiritual world, Satan wants to tell us a lie over and over so that we will eventually believe it. He will tell others lies to get them to believe certain things. He will tell someone a lie to get that person to tell another person the same lie.
4. So, how do you guage whether a confirmation is from God or not? Paul says to test the spirits. This means to figure out which force is behind the confirmation. If it’s God, you will start to see some common themes:
A. The confirmation will edify and uplift
B. The confirmation will honor God and His children
C. The confirmation will shine light in the darkness
D. The confirmation will be spoken out of love
If it’s not of God then you will also see some common themes:
A. The counterfeit confirmation will breakdown and destroy
B. The counterfeit confirmation will degrade and bring doubt, fear, and worry
C. The counterfeit confirmation will be used as a defense mechanism or attack
D. The counterfeit confirmation will be commonly be spread by gossip
5. We can be taken in by counterfeit confirmations. Let’s say, for example, that a character flaw exists in John. Satan will use the person most likely to attack that person for that flaw. Let’s say that that person is Jane. Satan will tell multiple people to tell Jane about the character flaw in John. The counterfeit confirmation would then be used to tear down John for that character flaw. The confirmation would be used to “love” him out of that character flaw. Catch the difference?
6. Satan will always try to twist words to destroy humanity. He did it in the Garden of Eden. He does today. Be careful to test the spirits for counterfeit confirmations.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Build The Formation Challenge
Original Date: 2/3/2009
This isn't really an event as much as it is a process and a challenge that was a powerful message from a woman in my church. And I really didn't know how to compose a note to send to everyone so I'm sending it here on the events. I am writing this challenge because we are in the drudgery of an unsettling economy, trying times, and questionable circumstances. People are facing depression, sickness, poverty, job loss, you name it.
This challenge is for us to come together to defend each other, work together, and sharpen each other's swords - remember, iron sharpens iron. In the movie "The Gladiator," the unit of roman soldiers was called a "Centuria" led by a centurion. When they came together in formation, a row of soldiers in front would put out their shields defending the front and guys on each side. The row of soldiers behind them would put their shields horizontally over their heads protecting them and the guys in the front. This created an impenetrable wall and proved highly effective in combat.
Like the centuria, we are in a battle. Actually, we are battling so many things right now which is why we must recognize that we are all part of a team. The men that made up the centuria were all working together to defend one another. We need to be doing the same. We have to be praying for one another, helping one another out, and encouraging one another. Lay aside any differences and come together for the good of the team.
For a Roman soldier, it was absolutely unacceptable to break formation. If the formation was broken then everyone was in jeopardy. That's where we are at now. We have to stand together in formation or we won't stand.
The challenge has four parts (Add more if you like):
Part 1:
Choose 3 friends that you will be praying for every day. For every friend that you pray for, ask them to pray for 3 more besides the one praying for them.
Part 2:
Find someone or more than someone that you can bless. There are more than enough people right now in need of groceries or money. See what you can spare and share it.
Part 3:
This may be the hardest part. Find someone that you have unforgiveness or dissension against. Make amends, forgive, solve conflicts, and come together in agreement. If they are unwilling/unresponsive, then pray for them to be blessed.
Part 4:
Pass this challenge along to as many people as you can.
Additionally, let's be praying for us to hear God's voice in these trying times. We have two ears and one mouth. So, let's listen to God twice as much as we talk. We must come back to the fear of the Lord if we hope to overcome. Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom!
This isn't really an event as much as it is a process and a challenge that was a powerful message from a woman in my church. And I really didn't know how to compose a note to send to everyone so I'm sending it here on the events. I am writing this challenge because we are in the drudgery of an unsettling economy, trying times, and questionable circumstances. People are facing depression, sickness, poverty, job loss, you name it.
This challenge is for us to come together to defend each other, work together, and sharpen each other's swords - remember, iron sharpens iron. In the movie "The Gladiator," the unit of roman soldiers was called a "Centuria" led by a centurion. When they came together in formation, a row of soldiers in front would put out their shields defending the front and guys on each side. The row of soldiers behind them would put their shields horizontally over their heads protecting them and the guys in the front. This created an impenetrable wall and proved highly effective in combat.
Like the centuria, we are in a battle. Actually, we are battling so many things right now which is why we must recognize that we are all part of a team. The men that made up the centuria were all working together to defend one another. We need to be doing the same. We have to be praying for one another, helping one another out, and encouraging one another. Lay aside any differences and come together for the good of the team.
For a Roman soldier, it was absolutely unacceptable to break formation. If the formation was broken then everyone was in jeopardy. That's where we are at now. We have to stand together in formation or we won't stand.
The challenge has four parts (Add more if you like):
Part 1:
Choose 3 friends that you will be praying for every day. For every friend that you pray for, ask them to pray for 3 more besides the one praying for them.
Part 2:
Find someone or more than someone that you can bless. There are more than enough people right now in need of groceries or money. See what you can spare and share it.
Part 3:
This may be the hardest part. Find someone that you have unforgiveness or dissension against. Make amends, forgive, solve conflicts, and come together in agreement. If they are unwilling/unresponsive, then pray for them to be blessed.
Part 4:
Pass this challenge along to as many people as you can.
Additionally, let's be praying for us to hear God's voice in these trying times. We have two ears and one mouth. So, let's listen to God twice as much as we talk. We must come back to the fear of the Lord if we hope to overcome. Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Johnny Appleseed Wisdom
Original Date: 2/2/09
So, I read an interesting quote this morning:
Johnny Appleseed: "Any man can count the seeds in an apple but only God can count the apples in a seed."
That phrase gave me a whole new perspective on the principle of sewing and reaping. Think of it like this: You are a farmer. All you have to live on is the food at the harvest. So, you have to sew seeds to yield the fruit. Well, you are not going to throw in bad seed, are you? If you throw in bad seed, you will get bad fruit.
It's the same in the spiritual world. Only in the spiritual world, words are seeds. If you are sewing seeds of bitterness, you will have to eat the fruit of that bitterness. Sew only the seeds of that which you would want to eat.
So, I read an interesting quote this morning:
Johnny Appleseed: "Any man can count the seeds in an apple but only God can count the apples in a seed."
That phrase gave me a whole new perspective on the principle of sewing and reaping. Think of it like this: You are a farmer. All you have to live on is the food at the harvest. So, you have to sew seeds to yield the fruit. Well, you are not going to throw in bad seed, are you? If you throw in bad seed, you will get bad fruit.
It's the same in the spiritual world. Only in the spiritual world, words are seeds. If you are sewing seeds of bitterness, you will have to eat the fruit of that bitterness. Sew only the seeds of that which you would want to eat.
Does God block out our prayers?
Original Date: 2/2/09
A man once told me that my generation has to come back to the "Fear of the Lord." He had one message for me. If you do anything, teach your generation the fear of the Lord. I think about that and today I had a breakthrough on what he meant by that.
1. Challenge: Go to bible.com and look up "Fear of the Lord." You will be amazed at what all you find. In the old testament, often the "Fear of the Lord" was mentioned in commands to the people and examples before the love of the Lord was.
2. So, why do we learn the fear of the Lord? Well, first of all the "Fear of the Lord" is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). So, for us to even start being wise, we have to have a good healthy portion of some God-fear! David and Solomon talk about the "Fear of the Lord" as the "Beginning of wisdom and these 2 men were considered "The Man after God's Own Heart" and "The wisest man on earth." So, we should probably pay attention.
3. Now, what is the "Fear of the Lord?" In Deuteronomy 31:12 it says "fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law." "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate." Unfortunately, we have not trembled in His presnence (Jeremiah 5:22) enough.
4. 2 Chronicles 19:7 says: ""Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness." If God has no part in unrighteousness, nor should we. Job 28:28 - "And to depart from evil is understanding.'"
5. So, then, what are some reasons for wanting a good healthy dose of fear? Well, of course, He is the God of the universe and not to fear Him would be absolutely retarded. Apart from the obvious, we already said there is wisdom. Also, here are some more:
Psalm 34:9 There is no want!
Psalm 103:13 God has compassion!
Psalm 112:1 God showers His blessings!
Psalm 115:11 God guards you with His shield!
Proverbs 2:5 Know the knowledge of God!
Proverbs 14:26 There is refuge!
Proverbs 22:4 Riches, Honor, and Life!
6. So then, what happens when we don't have a fear of the Lord? I had always heard that God always answers prayers in one of three ways: Yes, No, and Wait. I think that this is bad theology and incongruent with scripture. It's more like, Yes, No, Wait, and I don't hear you.
7. "I don't hear you" is the most dangerous one of all because it means that God can shut off communication with us. This is because we shut off communication with Him. So, then, what happens when we don't have a fear of the Lord and this communication is cut off:
Deuteronomy 28: Famine, Curses, Destruction, Poverty, and you get the idea.
8. What really hit me more than anything is that God can block out our prayers. Lamentations 3:44 says: "You have covered Yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through." Jeremiah calls out to God and asks Him not to hide his ear from his prayer." (Lamentations 3:56)
9. So, then you may be saying in your mind, "What about the new covenant?" After Jesus rose again, God sent us the Holy Spirit. The guys in the old testament didn't have the Holy Spirit. To whom much is given, much is expected.
10. If we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, why don't we start administering the Spirit? We, too often, will quench the Holy Spirit, then we are left to just us and God the Father. Now, when we quench the Spirit, then we often times neglect the fear of the Lord. If the Holy Spirit is our intercessor, then we have again blocked off the communication to God the Father.
11. Acts 9:31 "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase." Some of us have gotten too comfortable with the Spirit. But this passage says that when we continue in the Fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Spirit, that is where increase happens!
A man once told me that my generation has to come back to the "Fear of the Lord." He had one message for me. If you do anything, teach your generation the fear of the Lord. I think about that and today I had a breakthrough on what he meant by that.
1. Challenge: Go to bible.com and look up "Fear of the Lord." You will be amazed at what all you find. In the old testament, often the "Fear of the Lord" was mentioned in commands to the people and examples before the love of the Lord was.
2. So, why do we learn the fear of the Lord? Well, first of all the "Fear of the Lord" is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). So, for us to even start being wise, we have to have a good healthy portion of some God-fear! David and Solomon talk about the "Fear of the Lord" as the "Beginning of wisdom and these 2 men were considered "The Man after God's Own Heart" and "The wisest man on earth." So, we should probably pay attention.
3. Now, what is the "Fear of the Lord?" In Deuteronomy 31:12 it says "fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law." "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate." Unfortunately, we have not trembled in His presnence (Jeremiah 5:22) enough.
4. 2 Chronicles 19:7 says: ""Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness." If God has no part in unrighteousness, nor should we. Job 28:28 - "And to depart from evil is understanding.'"
5. So, then, what are some reasons for wanting a good healthy dose of fear? Well, of course, He is the God of the universe and not to fear Him would be absolutely retarded. Apart from the obvious, we already said there is wisdom. Also, here are some more:
Psalm 34:9 There is no want!
Psalm 103:13 God has compassion!
Psalm 112:1 God showers His blessings!
Psalm 115:11 God guards you with His shield!
Proverbs 2:5 Know the knowledge of God!
Proverbs 14:26 There is refuge!
Proverbs 22:4 Riches, Honor, and Life!
6. So then, what happens when we don't have a fear of the Lord? I had always heard that God always answers prayers in one of three ways: Yes, No, and Wait. I think that this is bad theology and incongruent with scripture. It's more like, Yes, No, Wait, and I don't hear you.
7. "I don't hear you" is the most dangerous one of all because it means that God can shut off communication with us. This is because we shut off communication with Him. So, then, what happens when we don't have a fear of the Lord and this communication is cut off:
Deuteronomy 28: Famine, Curses, Destruction, Poverty, and you get the idea.
8. What really hit me more than anything is that God can block out our prayers. Lamentations 3:44 says: "You have covered Yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through." Jeremiah calls out to God and asks Him not to hide his ear from his prayer." (Lamentations 3:56)
9. So, then you may be saying in your mind, "What about the new covenant?" After Jesus rose again, God sent us the Holy Spirit. The guys in the old testament didn't have the Holy Spirit. To whom much is given, much is expected.
10. If we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, why don't we start administering the Spirit? We, too often, will quench the Holy Spirit, then we are left to just us and God the Father. Now, when we quench the Spirit, then we often times neglect the fear of the Lord. If the Holy Spirit is our intercessor, then we have again blocked off the communication to God the Father.
11. Acts 9:31 "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase." Some of us have gotten too comfortable with the Spirit. But this passage says that when we continue in the Fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Spirit, that is where increase happens!
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