24Jan2014 - Perfect Patience

How you doin?  Day 20 of our Daniel fast.  I most admit that I'm looking forward to Sunday, which will be the 1st day off of our fast.  It's been quite an experience.  I'm sure I'll recap the fast once it's over.  More confession, from 1 Thessalonians to Revelation I've only read Hebrews, James, and Revelation from start to finish.  All the other books have served as reference.  I believe I've read 1 John in entirety.  Just not from start to finish.  2 & 3 John are so short I read those as well, but they're hard to count.  One thing that has been beneficial during our devotional time is that we read each chapter as a story.  Meaning we don't have any agenda, search, or study.  We've read each chapter open to the message that the Holy Ghost has for us in that chapter, that day.  It's what we pray for prior to starting.  I do search and study at other times, but in the morning with Stacey we just read.  It's been a wonder-full few years.  One chapter at a time.  With that being said, 1 Timothy 1 blew me away this morning.

Verses 4-5, "...which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.  But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."  I'm lured to instructions or commands that lead to "love from a pure heart", "a good conscience", and "sincere faith".  Those 3 things make it possible to tap into the resources of heaven.  They make it possible for me to know my identity in Christ and His in me.  SO GOOD!!!!!!!  Paul is warning against false teaching of the Law in the first 11 verses.  Verses 8-9, "But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, ⁹ realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers".  Verses 10-11, go on listimg those that the Law is intended for.  The beginning of verse 9 helps me understand the importance of knowing my identity in Christ so I can let the old covenant/Law fade away.  It's through the righteousness of Jesus, who dwells in me that fulfills the Law and allows me to live in the new covenant.  DIG IT!!!!!!!

Verse 14, "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." (NIV)  WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!  The heading of verses 12-20 is, "The Lord's Grace To Paul".  This creates Holy jealousy for me.  I need/want Jesus' grace, faith, and especially His love. 

Verses 15-16,  "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. ¹⁶ Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life."  I love these verses.  How reassuring to think that Jesus can use the likes of Paul, and me, to demonstrate "His perfect patience".  It makes sense.  When I take hard looks at myself, I thank God for "His perfect patience".  Receive the poured out grace, faith, and love that are Christ Jesus today.

PS   I try not to jump ahead, but the "trustworthy statement" stirred interest so I looked up the references to other "trustworthy statements".  Here's one I need to share. 2 Timothy 2:11-13,  

"It is a trustworthy statement:

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
¹² If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
¹³ If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."
I agree that this is a "trustworthy statement", "that deserves full acceptance".  HOLY MAC A LOLY!!!!!!!  Verse 13 here is just too much.
PPS   Stacey pointed out how we sometimes find our process painful.  She said "can you imagine how painful it is for Jesus".  Jesus knows who we are and what we are intended/capable to do.  So Jesus watches us walk through life in unbelief and unaware of our identity and destiny.  This thought makes me think of Audrey and Paulie.  I know they will be able to think and function as adults at some point, but teaching them to get there requires patience.  Teaching them, what seem to be the most mundane things, requires "perfect patience".  Praise Jesus that He has just that with me.  

23Jan2014 - The Lord Himself

How you doin?  We went to the Abundant Life prayer/worship meeting last night.  It was great.  Though there were several Spirit filled prayers prayed out loud, one really stood out to me.  It was a prayer for men to wake up.  A prayer for men to be freed from shame, embarrassment, and division.  A prayer to step up as spiritual sons and fathers.  A prayer for men to step into their identity and destiny.  This is a prayer that I've been praying for a while now.  I would extend that prayer and pray for men to partner with their wives in ministry, devotions, and spiritual parenting.  Adam had God and still needed a helper.  I can picture God walking and talking through the garden with Adam and Him saying, "Dude you need a helper.  You need a wife".  There was also some good prayers for unity in the body of Christ.  I myself heard, "Compelled by love.  Filled with love to over flowing.  Rend our hearts and pour in".  I believe that loving each other should come naturally as a result of God's love flowing through us.  I believe that loving each other and unity in the body of Christ shouldn't be such a conscious effort.  Love shouldn't be masked by a conscious effort to be optimistic or friendly.  There's my sermon for the day.  More then that, it's my prayer.  It was a great meeting last night none the less.  2 Thessalonians 3 today.

Verse 5, "May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ."  That's a good prayer.  As said above, I believe God's love should flow through me in a way that's unconscious.  The NIV read's like this, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance."  I'm not sure what the difference is between "steadfastness" and "perseverance".  Either way I pray that the Lord directs my heart into it.  I'm down with anything that that Lord directs me into.

Verse 13, "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good."  That's a good word.

Verse 16, "Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every ^[r]circumstance. The Lord be with you all!"  I left the footnote because another word for circumstance is "way".  So it could read "grant you peace in every way".  I notice a pattern in this book of Paul praying or speaking about the "Lord Himself" teaching, comforting, and directing the Thessalonians.  I believe that this is why they were so strong and valued.  I can't help but to think that if we seek direction, teaching, and comfort from the Lord Himself, it would take some pressure and tension out of the fellowship.  I believe it would aid in the unification of the body.  By getting closer to Jesus and becoming more Christ like as individuals, we could function in Christ's unity as a body.  COME ON!!!!!!!  I can't say this any better then Paul did, "May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ."... today.

PS   I had a thought of summary on what the Holy Ghost revealed to me this morning.  Unity doesn't come from conformity, it comes from transformation.  Meaning, unity in the body isn't everyone agreeing with me or conforming to the way I think.  If we all think, act, and have a Christ like attitude, we will be in unity consequently. 

22Jan2014 - The Hope of Glory

How you doin?  I can see where study plays such a large part in understanding.  2 Thessalonians 2 is way heavy reading.  After reading this chapter I can see why people are so cautious of miracles, signs, and wonders.  I still fall back on the fact that God is good and wants good things for those who love Him.  I've been through my battle with miracles, signs, and wonders.  I believe that God offers me discernment in these matters, which in turn supplies refuge.  I've learned to be open to the Holy Ghost, not the experience of a meeting or event.  The experience comes from encountering God's great love.  It's not a magic show.  I can also understand why there are different eschatology beliefs.  I don't believe God contradicts Himself or wants to confuse us.  I believe He hinds this for us not from us.  I just continue to pray for revelation and unity.  All that I'm talking about is in the first 12 verses of 2 Thessalonians 2.  Heavy reading today. 

Verses 13-14,  "But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. ¹⁴ It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Much better.  These verse don't hurt my brain.  I like the reminder that sanctification comes by, or in this case literally "in", the Spirit.  The part that got me the most was the last part of verse 14, "that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ".  Just to revisit the definition of glory, according to my NIV Bible it's, "great honor, praise, and thanksgiving offered in worship; splendor and majestic beauty".  According to Webster it's-
 

1
a :  praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent :  renown

b :  worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving <giving glory to God>

2

a :  something that secures praise or renown <the glory of a brilliant career>

b :  a distinguished quality or asset

3

a (1) :  great beauty and splendor :  magnificence <the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome — E. A. Poe> (2) :  something marked by beauty or resplendence <a perfect glory of a day>

b :  the splendor and beatific happiness of heaven; broadly :  eternity

4

a :  a state of great gratification or exaltation <when she's acting she's in her glory>

b :  a height of prosperity or achievement

5

:  a ring or spot of light: as

a :  aureole

b :  a halo appearing around the shadow of an object

So through the gospel I/we can "gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ".  Come On!!!!!!!  It's hard to feel bad about yourself after reading that.  It does however make me want to read the gospels.  I so desire the fullness of Christ in me, the hope of glory.  That's Biblical hope, the expectation of something good. 

As he often does, Paul saved the best for last.  Verses 16-17, "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word."  WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!  I'm just going to reach right out and grab that.  May you gain the glory of Jesus today.

PS   Stacey pointed out who was bewitched.  Verses 10 and 12 describe people perishing and being condemned because they did not love or believe the Truth. 

21Jan2014 - You will be considered worthy

How you doin?  So I received some correction from someone who I value very much.  My thoughts on why David collected 5 stones was just that, a thought.  It was however a thought from God.  I didn't really look for Biblical prove, yet.  Sometimes I just take God on His word during my prayers.  Anyway, it was mainly food from thought.  I realize that there are some significant division within the body of Christ regarding more subjects then I'd like to admit.  One that has been made known to me recently is the 5 fold ministry.  Apostles and prophets seem to have been omitted from the 5 fold ministry, making it a 3 fold ministry.  Although, the way some come up against Pastors, evangelist, and teachers it may be down to a "my fold ministry".  Some of the other subjects are baptism of the Holy Spirit, eschatology, rapture, wrath/punishment, and many more.  I think of what the great philosopher Rodney King said, "Can't we all just get along".  Either way it's not my intention to mislead anyone or to share bad theology, it's just food for thought.  2 Thessalonians 1 today.

Verse 3, "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;"  To piggy back on Stacey's reminder of the value of being thankful.  Giving thanks to God for each other.  This is a novel idea.  I may take it for test drive today.

Verse 5, "This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering."  WOW!!!!!!!  I love this.  Read verse 4 for clearer understanding.  I love the thought of being "worthy of the kingdom of God".     

Verses 11-12, 

To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, ¹² so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

"  These verses help me want to bear with my brothers and sisters in Christ and pray that they bear with me.  I'll be praying that all feel worthy of their call and that Christ is glorified in you and you in Him.

My Bible (NIV) has verse 11 like this, "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith."  I've been using the NASB on Bible Gateway for the email.  Well anyway, I just love these verses I mentioned.  I thought this chapter had some encouragement in it for me.  Then most chapters do.  May the name of Jesus be glorified in you, and you in Him today.  

20Jan2014 - Practicing in Private

How you doin?  Thank you to those of you who made an effort to encourage me at church or sent me encouraging emails.  I did have a chance to speak to a friend in Christ yesterday on the phone as well.  He was very helpful.  Thank you Jack.  As I've been praying about this matter of conferences, God keeps imparting to me stewardship and fundamentals.  I keep hearing, "go back to the basics".  This email is certainly something that has opened a channel of communication with the Lord.  I've also been reminded (by God) what the basics are or what I should be stewarding better.  First and foremost my relationship with Him.  My relationship with Him is the crux of it all.  Second is my relationship with Stacey.  Third is my relationship with, and parenting, the kids.  Getting back to these ministries or basics is edifying and encouraging.  Stacey reminded me of a sermon we heard from Bill Johnson on the importance of thanksgiving.  AA suggests that in times of hardship that you make a "gratitude list".  To literally list on paper all the things you have to be grateful for.  I didn't actually make the list, but I did appreciate the recap reminder of Bill Johnson's sermon.  He pretty much stated that we need to have thanksgiving in all that we do.  Good times, bad times, prayer, worship, ministry, being ministered to, and perseverance. 

My buddy Jack reminded me of something that Stacey and I talk about on a regular bases.  David had defeated a lion and a bear in private.  1 Samuel 17:36, "Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.”  This entire story is in 1 Samuel 17:31-54.  We do this with the kids continually.  For example we practiced giving God a shout of praise at home, in private, and now we feel very comfortable with doing it in public.  This works because we experienced God inhabiting the praise of His people.  David had already defeated enemies that he was well under matched.  He knew that he would have victory over Goliath through the power of God that he had already experienced.  COME ON!!!!!!!

I love this fascinating story.  One of the things that I'm curious about is why "five smooth stones". (1 Samuel 17:40)  We all know it only took 1.  While Stacey and I were laying in bed for an hour praying me through rejection, anger, retaliation, and condemnation on Weds 1/8, we discussed this story.  She posed the question "why 5 stones?".  As soon as she asked that question, that I've asked a number of times, God downloaded to me that the 5 stones were a prophecy of the power of the five fold ministry.  The five fold ministry is apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. (Ephesians 4:11-16)  AWESOME!!!!!!!  Well worth reading today if you have the time. 

One other thing I love about this story of David and Goliath is that David took Goliath's weapons and put them in his tent. (1 Samuel 17:54)  I've heard that our biggest enemies become our biggest weapons.  For example my sobriety.  My victory over addiction is know a weapon used to free others from addiction.  COME ON!!!!!!!  I've also heard that going back and freeing others from the captivity of your old enemies/capture's is God's vengeance.  Interesting to say the least.  I love being free.  I love my process that God has me in.  Thanks again to those who reached out to me at church or via email.  Thank you to those of you who pray for me/us.  Practice in private whatever you can't do in public for the glory of God today.

PS  I'm really diggin my study of the 5 crowns in heaven.  Hopefully I'll have something by next Monday. 

19Jan2014 - Preserved Completely

How you doin?  I may be taking some time off from this email.  I'm feeling like I need/want to, but I'm still waiting to hear from God.  Which seems to be more of a challenge since yesterday.  I'm dealing with financial insecurity, spiritual identity theft, low self worth, discouragement, disconnect, and defeat.  I'm questioning my vision and call from God.  Whether or not it actually was a call from God, or my own mind manipulating my own selfish desires.  Perhaps this is the temptation that comes with fasting.  Temptation to hear and believes lies.  Today is day 15 of fasting.  My time off of work is taking serious shoots at me.  I feel like fiery arrows are coming from inside my shield of faith.  Either way I fell like I need to "stay down".  I can only take so many shots.  Please be praying for me/us.  Pray that I can be a good steward of what God has given me.  Pray that I can reconnect with Him and be edified and built up by Him.  If God does indeed tell me to take a break from this email, know that Stacey and I will continue our morning devotion.  I'm hoping that God tells me to continue this email as usual.  It has been wonderful for the past year or so.  1 Thessalonians 5 today.

Verses 4-6, "But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; ⁵ for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; ⁶ so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober."  WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!  This chapter has come in perfect timing.  God tends to do that. 

Verses 8-11, "But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."  These verses are great instruction and encouragement. 

Verses 12-22, are instructions to a perfect body of Christ.  Please read these verses on your own.  Reading them creates Holy jealousy in me.  I will be trying to adhere to these instruction in my own life and praying for others to do the same.

Verses 23-24, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.²⁴ Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."  HOLY MAC A LOLY!!!!!!!  These verses take the cake.  I love the words "entirely" and "complete".  I believe and know that Jesus is faithful.  I know that God is strong in my weakness.  Be sanctified "entirely" and preserved "completely" today. 

18Jan2014 - Called to God's Sphere

How you doin?  Paulie was up 3 times last night with foot cramps.  Stacey has what she's calling "pinched disk" or "a pulled muscle" in her neck.  Whatever it is she's in a lot of pain.  She can hardly move her head/neck.  Please pray for her.  I've always said that our family faces attack right before breakthrough.  When we are getting ready to leave for a conference or some type of ministry at our own church, we usually have a rough 3 to 5 days before we leave.  We know for sure that the Jonathan Welton conference is going to advance the Kingdom in a way that will bring increase and breakthrough.  As I said before, between the fasting and the conference, Satan is stirred.  If Satan is stirred, that means God is stirred.  Satan is just a cheap counterfeit of what God is doing.  So we'll laugh at those who oppose us along with God. (Psalm 37:13)  If we're facing attack 3 weeks prior to the conference, this is going to be monumental.  1 Thessalonians 4 today.

Verses 7-8,  "For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but ^[h]in sanctification. ⁸ So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you."  I left the footnote here because it reads, " I.e. in the state or sphere of".  AWESOME!!!!!!!  Here sanctification means "in the state or sphere of".  God has called us to be in His sphere.  I love this.  If we've said "yes" to Jesus, we've received this call.  Receiving the call is great, but we most answer it with "YES".  I love the choice these verses present, impurity or sanctification.  Seems like a no brainer.  COME ON!!!!!!!

This chapter is very instructional.  That's it for me, since we're getting such a late start.  I hope you take the time to read this chapter.  It is really good.  Say "yes" to God's call today.

17Jan2014 - Hearts Without Blame

How you doin?  Between fasting and dealing with this conference, I'm very distracted this morning.  These chapters in 1 Thessalonians are very short as well.  The purpose of this book is to strengthen the Thessalonians in their faith.  I'm guessing it's not a coincidence that we are reading this right now.  1 Thessalonians 3 today.

Verses 11-13,  "Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you;¹² and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; ¹³ so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints."  This is quite a prayer.  These are some thoughts and prayers I need in my heart and mind.  I take rejection so personally.  It's a temptation that I struggle with.  Applying the principles of the Bible on this subject is difficult for me. 1 Samuel 8:7, "The LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them."  This could easily head down a huge bunny trail.  There is a ton on rejection in the Bible.  It's a high ranked demon.  Verses 12 and 13 today will be in my mind and serve as comfort.  The temptation to allow this to get too big is strong.  I find it leaking into other areas.  This demon attacks my self worth.  I know that God is good and that He is pleased with me.  I know that Jesus is establishing my heart without blame in holiness before God.  That's a good word.  "Abound in love for one another, and for all people" today.

16Jan2014 - The Work in You

How you doin?  A better nights sleep last night.  There is something to be said for freedom in Christ.  We attended a social event at our church last night and enjoyed it very much.  It's good to fellowship.  It feels like the Holy Ghost is giving me rest today.  1 Thessalonians 2 today.

Verses 7-8,  "But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. ⁸ Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us."  These verses describe love for each other in brilliant way.  I can't imagine having or receiving this type of ministry and love. 

Verses 11-12,  "just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, ¹² so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."  I find myself recognizing this ministry in some of the apostles and spiritual fathers in today's body of Christ.  I praise God for those men and women.

Verse 13,  "For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe."  This verse takes the cake.  Paul and his crew delighted in seeing people receive what God is offering.  Imparting truth in disciples and watching that truth "work" in the believers.  I think the key word is "believe".  I've found that believing in my head, out of obligation or rules, is much different then believing in my heart, out of love for Jesus and His love for me.  COME ON!!!!!!!  That's a good word.  There have been many times were I've thought to myself, "I believe that because it's being said by (someone in ministry) or because it's in the Bible, but...".  Know I find myself believing in a different way.  I believe in my heart God has a work in me.  I know many people have different opinions about apostles, pastors, and teachers.  I've come to have an opinion about the Holy Ghost whom I believe can work through anyone.  I know for sure that I love the Word that is at work in me.   

The thing that stood out the most to me in this chapter is what I call "God's glory connection".  It's like a triangle.  God's love flows into certain people (that say "yes" to Christ), then God's love flows throughthem into other people (who also say "yes" to Christ), then love for God flows back to Him for His glory.  This is "God's glory connection".  As followers of Jesus we probably should be some part of this connection as He leads.  We may be a different part to different people.  We should always be saying "yes" to Jesus.  Let the Word work in you today. 

15Jan2014 - Power, Holy Spirit, Full Conviction

How you doin?  I must admit that this is the first time I will have read through 1st or 2nd Thessalonians.  These letters have always been referenced, but never read straight through.  I couldn't say why.  Last night was brutal.  I seem to have picked up a stomach virus and I'm still dealing with some lack of forgiveness.  More on that later.  I only slept a few hours.  1 Thessalonians 1 today.

This chapter is only 10 verses.  It should be easy for you to find time to read it all today.  Verses 3-5,  "constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, ⁴ knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; ⁵ for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."  WOW!!!!!!!  I have a little Holy jealous of the Thessalonians here today.  These verses really paint a beautiful picture of following the Way.  COME ON!!!!!!!  I look at these as testimony so God may indeed repeat "His choice" of me.

Back to last night and this morning.  Stacey and laid in bed praying for about an hour this morning.  Last Tuesday I received quite a blow of rejection from a dear friend.  I thought that I had forgiven him, but last night I was trying to pray for him and my prayers lacked compassion, genuineness, sincerity, and most of all love.  I'm sharing this with you not to put myself down, but to share how I received breakthrough.  While praying, Stacey used a sozo technique in prayer.  She had me repeat a prayer after her.  I, out loud, repented of using anger, resentment, and lack of forgiveness as/for comfort and remedy of the hurt that I received last Tuesday.  The Holy Ghost is by name the Comforter.  The false sense of comfort and remedy that anger, resentment, and lack of forgiveness brings, breaks down when true Comfort is required.  In order to pray for my friend last night, I needed the Comfort to free me from the lie.  So as I repented of believing this lie instead of the Truth, I then asked for the Holy Ghost to take from me this anger, resentment, and lack of forgiveness and to replace it with His truth, comfort, and love.  Pretty much to replace it with Him.  It worked.  PRAISE JESUS!!!!!!!  I could feel this curse of rejection lift off of me.  I will be reaching out to my friend and asking for forgiveness for my lack forgiveness and love toward him.  I love being free.  2 Corinthians 2:10-11, "Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, ¹¹ in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."  I can't afford to be outwitted by or unaware of Satan's schemes for 1 second.  God is just TOO GOOD for even 1 second of turning from His love.  COME ON!!!!!!!  Receive the gospel not in word alone, "but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction" today. 

PS   After discussing this with Stacey, I have a shorter hopefully more understandable way of saying what happens to me.  I can easily say I forgive someone, but my hurt is still there.  I have 2 choices of how to comfort or heal my hurt.   The Kingdom's ways or the world's ways.  Though the world's way's are based on lies and of Satan's schemes, they are familiar.  The Kingdom's ways are based on compassion and love and come from the Comforter.  The Kingdom's ways are becoming more and more familiar.  PRAISE JESUS!!!!!!!  Forgiveness gives me the opportunity to choose correctly. 

Stacey had some tremendous revelation this morning that she will be sharing on our blog.  Here's the link if you're interested in hearing from Stacey today.  I would strongly encourage you to.  She's amazing!!!

http://staceypaulseekinghiskingdom.blogspot.com/2014/01/stacey-wrote-enemys-weapons.html

Stacey Wrote: The enemy's Weapons

This is day #11 of a 21 Daniel Fast that Paul and I have been doing together.  We have been contending for open eyes and open ears to hear God more clearly.  He is really answering our prayers.  This morning Paul and I were praying through some things and the Lord was really giving me some powerful words to minister to Paul more effectively and accurately.

While this was going on, I found myself thinking about the weapons of the enemy (spiritual enemy - the demonic).  In what seemed to me a flash, God revealed to me a mystery of the weapons of the enemy.  This is the best I could do at describing what was revealed to me that I wrote in my journal:

The story of David and Goliath (1 Sam 17) was a prophetic story of the battle on the cross.  Goliath was the Philistines' biggest weapon.  He stood before the Israelites challenging them day after day to come against him.  The Philistines sat smugly behind their ultimate weapon as the Israelites hid in fear.  When David was anointed, scripture says in 1 Sam 16:13 that the spirit of the lord came powerfully upon David from that day on.  David saw this scene and boldly came up against Goliath.  He took 5 stones (represents the 5-fold ministry maybe? just an idea... why was there 5 stones David pulled out) and with the first one nailed Goliath between the eyes and killed him, cut his head off.  Just like that, their ultimate weapon was defeated in a humiliating fashion by a boy... as if it were nothing.

Jesus Christ comes on the scene to a world that was dead in sin and slaves to it.  He came because He loved us while we were yet sinners... while we were yet slaves to sin and living in darkness (Romans 5:8).  (Love is God's ultimate weapon by the way).  On the cross, Jesus died in our place, and then 3 days later, the Holy Spirit raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11)!  Now Jesus offers us eternal life through his victory.  Jesus went up against the ultimate weapon of the enemy, death, and defeated it.  "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Col 2:15).  Jesus completely disarmed the enemy as if it were nothing.  He took their ultimate weapon, death, and turned it into a gain for us through Christ.  "To live is Christ, to die is gain" (Phil 1:21).  Look at Stephen the martyr.  The church grew like wild after his death because they were scattered because of the persecution that broke out over his death. (Acts 8:1)  Fear not the one who can kill the body but has no power over the spirit. (Mat 10:28)  Oh death where is your victory?  Death where is your sting? (1 Cor 15:55)  Christ made a public spectacle of their ultimate weapon.  Had they known what Christ's death was going to accomplish, they never would have killed Jesus (1 Cor 2:8).  They thought they had won!  The joke was on them that while Jesus was hanging on the cross dying, which was foolishness and a stumbling block to the enemy (1 Cor 1:23), he was disarming them and humiliating them by His loving obedience.  Death no longer has mastery over him (Romans 6:9) or us.

This is huge for me this morning.  What do I have to fear?  Think about it: What does the enemy have that can have any effect on me now that Christ has completely disarmed the enemy and taken their ultimate weapon, death, from them?  The answer is: nothing.  Thank you Jesus!  I am going to be meditating on these scriptures and asking God for understanding about the authority that we carry now through Christ against the powerless enemy.

14Jan2014 - Seasoned with Salt

How you doin?  We're very excited today.  We'll be going to the South Jersey Revival Alliance pray/worship meeting this morning.  We're so excited to fellowship with like minded followers of Jesus.  I believe that God honors and is pleased with our efforts to advance His Kingdom.  Today is a corporate effort to connect with Him.  SO GOOD!!!!!!!  Stacey and I are hungry for fellowship and community with like minded followers of the Way.  I know the Holy Ghost will be there.  Colossians 4 today.

Verses 2-4,   "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; ³ praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;⁴ that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak."  A couple things stood out in these verses.  The word "devote".  I don't think this word gets used enough when speaking about prayer.  I believe we tend to be circumstantial prayers, not devoted prayers.  I think the part that will help me is the "attitude of thanksgiving".  I find myself praying to inform or pursued God.  Not only does that have zero gratitude, but it's rather insane.  Not even to mention self serving and arrogant.  Being devoted to pray with a attitude of thanksgiving sounds like a much better option. 

Verses 5-6,  "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. ⁶ Let your speech always be with grace,as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."  I always notice "salt" in the Bible.  I'm guessing it's due to my line of work and deep like, bordering on love, for salt.  I was asked once about the affect salt had on food.  I said that it draws out moisture, which preserves and in some cases draws out flavor.  It enhances flavor.  Either way it draws out.  Then the question was posed, "If we as Christians are the "salt of the world".  What are we to be drawing out?".  Sadly enough the collective answer of the group was "sin".  That is an old covenant, sin conscious, answer if I've ever heard one.  Here in verse 6, salt is drawing out grace.  That's a new covenant, truth conscious, answer.  I think it's better to draw out true identity, grace, and love.  In culinary arts, salt can "save" food, which in turn can bring it back from the dead.  COME ON!!!!!!!  In my kitchen I'll hear, Chef, that "whatever" is dead.  I'll come investigate with a box of salt in my hand.  Let the salt of heaven draw out grace in you today. 

PS   Stacey sent me this Kris Vallotton quote off of his Facebook page.   

"Everybody needs to live in an environment where they are celebrated not just tolerated.

When people stop believing in you, you stop living at your full potential. When you stop operating at your full potential, it validates the misconception that you are not worth believing in...and the beat goes on.

Of course we all know that our worth is not in our ability but in our identity in Christ."

Colossians 4:11, "and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me."  There's something to be said for unity, fellowship, and community.

13Jan2014 - He's Pleased With Me

How you doin?  So God has me on a new trend of thought.  I'm becoming the new creation He intended me to be.  The old covenant is finally fading.  Here's the new thought.  God is pleased with me.  God delights in me.  God takes pleasure in dwelling in me and through me.  COME ON!!!!!!!  All my life I've been taught that I'm "a sinner saved by grace".  God is showing me the flaw in the way this is said.  God tells me now that I "was a sinner saved by grace".  Indeed God sent His Son to redeem me while I was still a sinner.  Now that "It is finished" I'm no longer a sinner.  It's impossible for God to take pleasure in sin or sinners.  As Spike talked about in church yesterday, Jesus' death on the cross included the old or sinful me.  I hope that's enough of this part of it.  It's about 10% of what I have to say about it, but it will have to do for now. 

Last Weds. I'm sitting in this worship/prayer meeting rather downcast due to rejections and the famous "no" to Christ instead of "yes" to Him.  The 2nd song played was "Where I Belong" by Cory Asbury.  It was during that song and specifically during the chorus that said "Delight in me" (4x).  God made it extremely clear to me that He was hearing and responding to my prayerful cry as I sang along to this song.  God completely freed me from the spirit of rejection, low self worth, and hopelessness.  He showed me again how He sees me and how pleased He is with me.  SO GOOD!!!!!!!

Two days later, Stacey and I read Colossians 1.  Verses 19-20 wrecked me,  "For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, ²⁰ and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven."  The good news about this is that Jesus dwells in me.  What an amazing thought to think that Father God is pleased with fully dwelling in me. AWESOME!!!!!!! 

So, of course I need more.  I take it to the Bible.  Just in case God doesn't inhabit the praise of His people and speak to us through praise and worship music.  I'm a little bit sorry for the sarcasm.  I would invite you to search Scripture for verses about God's pleasure with you.  It's more then refreshing and powerful.  It shows you how God sees you.  COME ON!!!!!!! 

Genesis 2:7,  "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."  Man is the only thing God touched during creation.  Everything else He spoke into existence.  God form us with His hands and breathed His breath into us.  WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!  Here are some of the several verses that stood to me.

1 Samuel 12:22, "For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself."        

Psalm 35:27, 

Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication;
And let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified,
Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”

'  (I used this one yesterday in church)

Psalm 147:11, "The Lord delights in those who fear him,
    who put their hope in his unfailing love."

 

Psalm 149:4, 

"

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.

 "

  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!

Psalm 139:1-3, 

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
³ You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

"

 '

Ezekiel 18:31-32, 

Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? ³² For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.”

 '  God takes pleasure in life.

Hebrews 11:5-6, "

 

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

 "

James 2:23, "

and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.

 "

In this study God has revealed to me that He is most pleased with those who seek and understand Him.  The last 2 Scripture references allude to that.  Some other verses on that are Jeremiah 9:23-24 & Philippians 2:12-13 (these 2 I like the most).  The simplest verses are Psalm 53:2, 
"God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men
To see if there is anyone who understands,
Who seeks after God."  Psalm 14:2 reads the same way.

Please bear with me.  I know this email is more like a book.  Keep in mind that God made it clear to me to only share 10% of this testimony/revelation.  These last 3 verses really brought it home for me.  Jeremiah 32:38-41-
"They shall be My people, and I will be their God; ³⁹ and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them. ⁴⁰ I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me. ⁴¹ I will rejoice over them to do them good and will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul."

HOLY MAC A LOLY!!!!!!!  Keep in mind that the "way" is Jesus, the "everlasting covenant" is the new covenant, and the "fear" is the Holy Ghost.  This is the prophecy of the relationship that you and I are invited into.  COME ON!!!!!!!  I love reading the O.T. because it really gives me a great look at the character and nature of God.  I have 90% more on this recent revelation of the fullness of Christ in me, the hope of glory.  I love being free.  I love being loved.  Know that God is pleased to dwell in you and that He delights in you today.

PS   How of you know that Father God has a soul.  We have a spirit, soul, and body.  If we are made in His image, He has a Spirit, soul, and body.  Guess who makes up God's body.  Let's receive His Spirit so we can understand His soul and be His body.  That's a good word.  

12Jan2014 - Put on Your New Self

How you doin?  I feel numb this morning.  God gave me a word about fasting yesterday.  I was trying to eliminate food completely as of this past Thurs.  By yesterday around 11am, I was in serious pain (stomach and head).  As I was praying I heard God say in a jovial voice (almost sarcastic voice), "I'm not asking you to fast to be in pain".  So I'm back to the Daniel fast.  I'm learning.  The key is to hear, listen, and pay attention to God.  Colossians 3 today.

Verses 1-4, "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ³ For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.⁴ When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." (NASB)  In my NIV Bible, the title of verses 1-17 is "Rules for Holy Living".  In the NASB the title for verses 1-17 is "Put On The New Self".  I've really been leaning toward the NASB translation lately.  I love these first 4 verses.  Especially verse 4.  I'm comforted by the knowledge that God has given me His full portion.  There isn't any more of God to come dwell in me.  There is an infinite amount of God to still be revealed to me.  COME ON!!!!!!!  These 4 verses are good instruction on how to receive this revelation.

Verses 9-11,  "Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, ¹⁰ and have put on the new self who is being^[i]renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— ¹¹ a renewal in which there is no distinction betweenGreek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all." The foot note "i" is for the word renewed.  It means "literally renovated".  That's a good word.  I just can't get enough of the transition from old to new.  Jesus' first miracle was a prophetic act of turning water into wine.  Water baptism into the baptism in the Spirit.  Old to new.  SO GOOD!!!!!!! 

Verses 14-16, "Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."  Verses 12-13, basically list the fruit of the Spirit.  I love how verse 14 qualifies love as the most important fruit of all.  God has really revealed to me how He loves me this past week.  He has revealed to me that He "delights in me" and that He is pleased with dwelling in me.  WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!  I can feel the Holy Ghost rending my heart so that God's love can pure in to the point of overflowing.  COME ON!!!!!!!  Be renovated by putting on your new self today.

11Jan2014 - Brought to Fullness

How you doin?  Day 7 of fasting.  I can hardly feel anything or think about anything except for God's love.  WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!  Be careful about what you ask for, you might get it.  Colossians 2 today.

I really dig verses 2-3,  "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches ofcomplete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."  This sounds like a great place to be.  I like the words "complete" and "fullness" in the Scriptures.  I know that God has given me 100% of His portion.  Now it's a matter of uncovering the fullness of that portion.  SO GOOD!!!!!!!  I'll never be bored.  These 2 verses make me want to get after it.

Verse 8, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."  I heard that.  This is great instruction and warning.

Verses 9-10, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰ and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."  This is a promise I can't read enough.  These verses are hard to understand while being sin conscious.  Truth consciousness make these verses a promise worth reaching out for and grabbing.  This is where the prayer for revelation comes in.  When I didn't understand or want this promise I asked God for revelation and the desire to want more of Him.  Once I started praying for increased desire and understanding, God pretty much said "welcome to the process" and pulled me in. 

Verses 13-15,  "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴ having canceled the written code, with it's regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away,nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."  To me these verses are worth a shout of praise.  Jesus did for me what I can't even imagine doing for myself.  The written code or law, which leads to death, has been taken away by Him.  COME ON!!!!!!! But more then that, verse 15 makes me feel safe and protected.  It allows me to live in the refuge of the Lord.  It encourages me to step out of the boat on to the water of the great unknown, where feet may fail.  That's a good word.

Now as usual this email does this chapter absolutely no justice.  Verses 6-23 are titled "Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ".  Old covenant, which Jesus took away, into new covenant.  I love this stuff.  I love Jesus.  I love being free.  Free to receive the FULLNESS of Christ in me.  COME ON!!!!!!!

One more.  Verse 20, "Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:".  Now that's a good question.  I need to ask myself that question everyday or sometimes every hour.  More specifically I need to ask the Holy Ghost this question.  God is not concerned with my sin, He took that away already.  He's concerned with my lack.  I've come to learn that God's not in this relationship to punish or condemn.  He's in it to love me.  HOLY MAC A LOLY!!!!!!!  That's a good word.  The Beatles had it right and they didn't even know it, "All you need is love".  Know that Jesus not only triumphed of Satan and his army, but "He made a public spectacle of them" tod ay.

PS   During Bible study last night, preparing for demonic attack was discussed.  I couldn't help but to think about how to prepare for attack.  I heard Bill Johnson say, "Spiritual warfare is the only warfare that you don't look at your opponent.  You look at the Victor".  The most powerful, thing Jesus ever did was a act of humility.  The most powerful position He ever took was that of a mutilated, crucified, man hanging on a cross.  It was that act that makes verse 15 a real thing.  I tend to fight with force.  God is teaching me to win with love and compassion.  COME ON!!!!!!! 

10Jan2014 - Fullness

How you doin?  As we begin day 6 of fasting, I find myself in an incredible state of heightened sensitivity to the Holy Ghost.  I feel clothed in Jesus.  The thing that comes out of this awareness of His Presence is His love for me and my love for Him.  COME ON!!!!!!!  Colossians 1 today.

I have the majority of this chapter underlined in my Bible.  It's just so AWESOME!!!!!!!  I could easily spend days if not weeks or months in this chapter.  I don't think there is a chapter in my Bible with more notes at the bottom of the page.  29 verses over 6 pages in my Bible.  I say all this to encourage you to read this chapter... a lot. 

The "Thanksgiving and Prayer" in verses 3-14 is what I'm praying our body of Christ looks like some day.  The thing that stood out the most today was "The Supremacy of Christ", which is covered in verses 15-23.  Specifically verses 19-20,  "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."  Jesus was 100% man just like me.  Paul is writing this after the cross, so he had the full example or model of Jesus' life.  Paul had the completed picture of what it looks like for God to be 100% inside of a man.  More then that "God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him".  God sent Jesus to reconcile me to Him.  God didn't send Jesus to atone for sin SO He could love me... He sent Jesus to atone for sin BECAUSE He loves me.  HOLY MAC A LOLY!!!!!!!  That's a good word.   

My hands have oil all over them.  Come Holy Spirit.  Verses 21-22,  "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—".  This promise is the crux of receiving the fullness of God.  I need to believe with 100% of me (spirit,soul, & body) that I'm completely reconciled to Father God.  You have to know that this is a set up.  Here comes the good part.

Verses 24-27,  "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. ²⁵ I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."  Give God a shout of praise.  This is SO GOOD!!!!!!!  To me Paul is the 2nd best example of stewarding the commission that every follower of Jesus has received.  Of course Jesus is 1st.  I like how Paul says "I fill up".  He's not waiting for conviction.  He's after the fullness of Christ.  He's after eliminating his lack and the lack in the body of Christ.  COME ON!!!!!!!  Praise Jesus for the apostles of the past, present, and future.  This is my biggest prayer.  That the Spirit of revelation will fill my lack by revealing the fullness of Christ in me, the hope of glory.  Don't forget that hope is eager anticipation of something good.  Hope is not a wish, like we tend to think.  I'm still trying to find the word "wish" in the Bible.  This could go on for a long time.  So I'm just going to crash this thing.  Know that God is pleased to have all His fullnessdwell in you today.

9Jan2014 - Joy

How you doin?  So we went to a Spirit filled worship and prayer meeting last night.  AWESOME!!!!!!!  The people there are fasting as well.  The Pastor was pointing out that fasting makes us notice that "Jesus you're right there" as he put his hands out in a reaching motion.  WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!  Jesus is indeed right there.  It literally feels as though He's close enough to reach out and touch Him.  I'm not sure if I'll ever eat again.  Just kidding.  I know this is just to teach me how to be aware of His Presence.  SO GOOD!!!!!!!  The final chapter of Paul's letter of Joy.  Philippians 4.

The headings of each chapter are 1)  "Joy in Suffering",  2)  "Joy in Serving,  3)  "Joy in Believing,  4)  "Joy in Giving".  Verses 4-9, sound like a beautiful song to me.  Verses 4-5, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."  Coincidence ?... I think not.  Verses 6-7,  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  These 2 verses makes it possible for me to step out of the boat onto the water.  COME ON!!!!!!!  I'm learning to love "dangerous territory".  These verses make me feel safe to step out on the water of the great unknown, where feet may fail.  AWESOME!!!!!!!  Verses 8-9  "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."  Verse 8 is great instruction.  Verse 9 makes me value men and women who have gone before me.  I know there is a large group of religious people out there that rebuke mere people receiving offices of power like apostle and prophet, but I love apostles and prophets and praise God for them.  I can't imagine the life of Holiness and the awareness of their righteousness in Christ they have.  It makes my have Holy jealousy.  I praise God for their obedience and perseverance through rebuke and persecution.  WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!

The second song during worship last night was "Where I Belong" by Cory Asbury.  This song wrecked me.  I was completely undone in listening to this song^.

The first chorus goes, "I’ve finally found where I belong, I’ve finally found where I belong, In Your presence, I’ve finally found where I belong, to be with You, to be with You"... beautiful.  The second chorus got me the most, "Delight in me, Delight in me
Delight in me, Delight in me".  As I'm sitting back in my chair completely smitten by God and being freed and cleansed by His Presence, Stacey tells me that she had a vision of me prying out fiery arrows out of my heart with my sword.  HOLY MAC A LOLY!!!!!!!  That's what it felt like as well.  Except for me it felt like God was healing my heart.  "Rejoice in the Lord always"  Here's a link to that song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL1G77iOVpU-- 

One more thing.  Stacey and the kids were talking about why the snow is so bright last Friday.  Stacey pointed out that Jesus' blood makes us white as snow (Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:16-18).  So of course the kids ask their most common question "why?".  Stacey said that she wasn't sure, but I was in the next room receiving the answer from the Holy Ghost.  So I yelled out "It's because the snow reflects the light".  We are made "white as snow", because we reflect the light of Jesus.  That's a good word.  Rejoice in the Lord today... He is near!!!!!!!  

PS   Verses 2-3, speak of the importance of unity and like mindedness.  Check them out on your own.  We are probably going back to that same worship prayer meeting tonight if anyone is interested in going.  It's at the Abundant Life Church on Rt. 50 in Seaville.  Basically across the street from Dino's Diner.  

Life is good, God is better!

8Jan2014 - Compelled by Love

How you doin?  I'm getting rocked.  This fast was a set up.  I've been up since 4am praying and reading the Bible.  After being denied support from my church to bring a certain conference to it.  I laid in bed last night and cast out the spirits of anger, retaliation, condemnation, and most of all rejection.  I then prayed for the Holy Ghost to give me clarity on this matter.  He clearly said to me, "We are compelled by Love (2 Cor. 5:14, Romans 2:4), or compelled by fear (1 John 4:18)".  I can only hope and pray for unity in the church.  I pray that God continues to teach me how to love.  Rend my heart Lord and pure your love in.  Philippians 3 today.

Verses 7-11,  "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith inChrist—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."  COME ON!!!!!!!  This Scripture rings loud to me today.  I'm going to shorten this email today on  account of my extreme condition of being rocked by the manifest Presences of God.  I feel as though God wants me to sit on the revelation He has given me this morning.  He has given me a word to protect what is sacred.  I am praying for the Spirit of revelation to come to all who love Jesus.  I pray that you hear this Scripture the same way that I heard it today. 

I will give you a Bill Johnson quote, "When the world persecutes the church, the church thrives and grows. When the church persecutes the church, the church dies".  Please pray for unity and like mindedness among the body of Christ.  It's obtained through like mindedness with Christ.  Be compelled by Love today. 

7Jan2014 - Imitating Christ's Humility

How you doin?  Sorry for the late start.  We had wonderful fellowship with a lovely couple last night a little later then we usually stay up.  So we slept in until 6:30am.  It was so exciting to have fellowship with like minded followers of Jesus.  Praise God for them.  I also had a Dr.s appointment this morning.  I received a good report of healing, praise Jesus.  I am to start the process of walking in my normal shoes.  I feel incredible here on day 3 of our fast.  God is overwhelmingly compassionate.  I often pray for God to fill me with love to overflowing.  I can feel that prayer being answered.  As my body and soul are being purged of toxins and contaminates, my spirit is being connected to the Holy Ghost in a way that's indescribable. Philippians 2 today.

Verses 1-2, "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."  The first 11 verses of this chapter are titled "Imitating Christ's Humility".  I've heard it said that Jesus' most powerful display of authority was His submission to death on the cross.  His servant-hood heart and humility is His greatest display of power and love.  Jesus did not rule from above, He ruled from below by serving.  COME ON!!!!!!!  He wants this for us.  Verses 5-8,  "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!"
WOW!!!!!!!  Jesus gave up so much and He did it because He loved us.  My life verses are in this chapter.  Verses 12-13, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."  I have pages of thoughts written on these verses that I'll spare you today.  Sufficed to say, I love the process that these verses describe and that God has a work in my that makes it possible for me to "fulfill His good purpose".  AWESOME!!!!!!!
Please see this as a shameless plug for the Jonathan Welton Conference coming up on Feb. 6-8 at our church.  I'm reading his book "Normal Christianity" and it's transforming and renewing my mind.  COME ON!!!!!!!  I love 2 for 1 deals.  The 4th chapter is called "A Slave of Freedom".  Jonathan is discussing God's grace allowing love to fulfill the law.  Obviously right up my alley.  He writes this, "The difficulty of developing this type of lifestyle is that we must have our eyes focused not on a list of rules, but upon walking in love in our relationships.  Before I act, I am constantly aware of the pleasure or displeasure of the Holy Spirit and those around me.  Every possible rule created outside the of the law of love is a failing attempt at curbing the sin nature.  the Average Christian has grown quite accustomed to living in awareness of a list of rules, rather than living in awareness of the heart of God.  It will require a major shift for an individual to walk in true freedom."  Jonathan uses the term Average Christian to describe what we've become in our western church as apposed to Normal Christians that we should become based on God's plan.  He describes 2 options we're faced with, 1) "Live by the love of law", or 2) "Live by the law of love".  This plug could go on and on.  This book is AWESOME!!!!!!!  You could skip reading it and just come to the conference or read it and come to the conference.  Needless to say, Stacey and I are very excited.
According to this book, the law of love is this, "I choose not to sin because it harms relationship".  I noticed this morning that Philippians 2 and chapter 4 of "Normal Christianity" mentioned relationships quite a bit.  After fellowship with like minded followers of Jesus last night, I get it.  Have the same mindset as Jesus in your relationships today.  

5Jan2014 - Standing

How you doin?  So the Eagles lost a heart breaker last night.  They are a very young team and it showed last night.  Great experience for them.  It should serve them well next session.  Please be praying for Stacey and I as we begin fasting today.  Ephesians 6 today.

This final chapter is from the posture of standing.  We sat and received.  Then we walked.  Now we stand.  This is a defensive posture.  Standing our ground in Christ.  I think it's interesting that this chapter starts with instructions on obeying and honoring parents.  Verses 1-3,"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—³"so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”  I never think of this commandment of being the first with a promise.  Verse 4, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."  God's plan and instructions make perfect sense.  Kids obey and honor your parents and parents train up your kids in the Way of the Lord.  All of that so we can receive the promise “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”  I want it to go well.

Verses 10-13, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your standagainst the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."  I have a hard time with this Scripture.  I always make my struggles against flesh and blood.  My own flesh and blood that is.  Sometimes it feels like being in a net.  The more I fight, move, wiggle, and struggle, the more entangled I get.  This set of instructions say to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power".  It says to "take your stand" and "stand your ground".  It does not speak of wrestling or struggling myself into more entanglement.  This posture requires a deep understanding of the power and authority that I have in Christ.

It's no coincidence that the postures of a follower of Jesus are in this order.  Sitting, so to receive all the power and authority of heaven and earth that Jesus won back by defeating death.  Walking, so to activate the full measure of faith that God gave me.  Standing, so not to be entangled in the devil's lies and schemes.  Bill Johnson said "spiritual warfare is the only warfare that you don't look at your opponent, you look at the Victor".  Sit, walk, and stand today.     

PS   What a great chapter to read heading into a fast.  Please be praying for us.  This fast is to allow my spirit to lead my soul and body.  I don't want to struggle with my flesh and blood anymore.  God has made it clear to me that this is necessary and right.  I will need prayer to keep my eyes on the Victor throughout this time of lies and schemes.  Verses 18-20, speak of prayer as part of the armor of God and standing my ground.  SO GOOD!!!!!!!