This coming generation of revivalists must be a people who are continually climbing higher. We must be a people doing things no one has ever heard of and seeing things no one has ever seen. This lifestyle requires an unquenchable yearning for learning.
There are realms of life experiences that no one has ever tapped into. When Moses came off the mountain, he has to veil his face because the glory of the Lord was radiating from his face so intensely. This was under the Old Covenant. We are under the New Covenant.
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
- 1 Corinthians 3:7-9
What this tells me is that since we are not experiencing this as ministers of the Gospel, there must be more. My point here is that there is always more. God is infinite. Because of this, we must always be seeking to learn as much as we can from the Holy Spirit.
I significant portion of this learning will come from an insatiable hunger for the word of God. We must read it. We must study it. We must devour it. We must allow it to become who we are. The supernatural goes so far beyond our human reason that if the word of God hasn't taken root and become who we are, we will either deny the power of God out of fear of deception or we will begin to glorify the signs instead of the One to Whom the signs direct us. In addition to this, we must seek to learn all we can from those who came before us and those who are currently reaching higher levels of God's glory. This means studying their lives, learning how they lived, and learning from their shortcomings. Leaders are readers. People who are to carry the coming revival must be readers. They must be learners. They (we) must never spend two consecutive days in the same plane of knowledge and supernatural experience. We must be learning until the day we die.
Study to show yourself approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.
- 2 Timothy 2:15
Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
- Psalm 119:105
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Deep Things
"Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven--what can you do? Deeper than Sheol--what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea."
- Job 11:7-9
I was reading through Job yesterday, and this jumped out at me. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10, we can know the deep things of God by His Spirit. These deep things are higher than heaven, deeper than hell, and more vast than the ocean. In other words, they are immeasurable. However, we, God's kids, can know them. This tells me that there is more to life than going to church, reading your Bible, and praying for your friends. There is great power in these, but God is infinite. If God is infinite, then life in Christ has infinite possibilities and experiences. No eye has seen them, no ear has heard of them , and no mind has conceived them.
What are the deep things of God? I don't think God is going to just hand them over. He wants us to pursue Him into realms that violate our understanding.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter."
- Proverbs 25:2
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."
- Isaiah 55:8-9
I want to know the deep things of God. I want to know what is in His heart. I want to experience Him. I want to know His thoughts. I want Him to violate my reasoning and understanding.
"I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places..."
- Isaiah 45:3
- Job 11:7-9
I was reading through Job yesterday, and this jumped out at me. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10, we can know the deep things of God by His Spirit. These deep things are higher than heaven, deeper than hell, and more vast than the ocean. In other words, they are immeasurable. However, we, God's kids, can know them. This tells me that there is more to life than going to church, reading your Bible, and praying for your friends. There is great power in these, but God is infinite. If God is infinite, then life in Christ has infinite possibilities and experiences. No eye has seen them, no ear has heard of them , and no mind has conceived them.
What are the deep things of God? I don't think God is going to just hand them over. He wants us to pursue Him into realms that violate our understanding.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter."
- Proverbs 25:2
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."
- Isaiah 55:8-9
I want to know the deep things of God. I want to know what is in His heart. I want to experience Him. I want to know His thoughts. I want Him to violate my reasoning and understanding.
"I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places..."
- Isaiah 45:3
To Carry Revival: Character Test
I'm no genius when it comes to the things of God, but I am still hungry for wisdom and revelation. I say this because while I like to make my opinion known, I realize I have a great deal to learn.
I know the to carry lasting revival, character is of utmost importance. There is miracle working power available to believers that is very dangerous if used for our own self-interest. In order to express the heart of God to the world, we need His character.
Moses, the meekest man in the Bible, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he failed to lead Israel in a redemptive manner in one instance (Numbers 20:12). Read closely...
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals." So Moses took the rod from before the Lord as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
- Numbers 20:7-11
Moses' did not express the heart of God toward the people. God did not react in anger when He told Moses to speak to the rock. Moses, however, struck the rock and called the children of Israel rebels. This is not what was in God's heart for His people.
Far to often, great men of God have failed this character test and lost their ministries. Men such as Ted Haggard and Jimmy Swaggart are good examples of men of God who struggled with Godly character. Because of this, they have lost their witness and many people have been turned off to the Gospel of Christ because of this. Their anointing did not leave them, and they were still great men of God (Romans 11:29). Their poor choices, however, hindered their Kingdom influence.
Sin does not disqualify, but poor character does. Poor character fails to deal with sin appropriately. David sinned greatly, but he had great character. Because of this, God blessed Israel for generations after him.
I know the to carry lasting revival, character is of utmost importance. There is miracle working power available to believers that is very dangerous if used for our own self-interest. In order to express the heart of God to the world, we need His character.
Moses, the meekest man in the Bible, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he failed to lead Israel in a redemptive manner in one instance (Numbers 20:12). Read closely...
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals." So Moses took the rod from before the Lord as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
- Numbers 20:7-11
Moses' did not express the heart of God toward the people. God did not react in anger when He told Moses to speak to the rock. Moses, however, struck the rock and called the children of Israel rebels. This is not what was in God's heart for His people.
Far to often, great men of God have failed this character test and lost their ministries. Men such as Ted Haggard and Jimmy Swaggart are good examples of men of God who struggled with Godly character. Because of this, they have lost their witness and many people have been turned off to the Gospel of Christ because of this. Their anointing did not leave them, and they were still great men of God (Romans 11:29). Their poor choices, however, hindered their Kingdom influence.
Sin does not disqualify, but poor character does. Poor character fails to deal with sin appropriately. David sinned greatly, but he had great character. Because of this, God blessed Israel for generations after him.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
To Carry Revival: Pride Test
To be carriers of Kingdom revival, God's children must be clothed in humility. Pride will render us unable to carry the weight of God's great power and great glory in a way that expresses His heart to those in need of an encounter with the Almighty.
While true humility is a very broad thing, the contrasts between David and Saul will help illuminate some of what it means to have true humility (rather than false or religious humility...sick). The Spirit of God left Saul (1 Samuel 16:14) but remained on David for his entire life (1 Samuel 16:13). Why is this? Saul was afraid of how he appeared to others and he was afraid of what those whom he was leading thought of him (1 Samuel 15:24). He had the fear of man which brings a snare (Proverbs 29:25). When we are afraid of what people think, we are limited in our effectiveness in doing our Father's business. Noah's family would have been destroyed if he was afraid of what people thought of him. No one had ever seen rain let alone a flood, and he was building a massive boat because his God told him to. It is pride to value people's opinions above God's. This is what Saul did.
David, on the other hand, was not afraid of what people thought of him. He was far more concerned with God's reputation. When Goliath was defying God's chosen people, David rose up in the confidence of the Lord despite his lack of qualifications and slew the giant (1 Samuel 17:26-28). David's brother accused him of being prideful. Religion often mistakes confidence for pride. True humility is having confidence in God and walking accordingly. David committed murder and adultery, but the Spirit of God never left him, and he was arguably the most anointed king in Israel's history. This shows how dangerous the fear of man, one of most prominent forms of pride, really is. If a pastor was caught in adultery, he'd lose his job and rightly so, but there are thousand of pastor's who are being dictated by what others think and no one cares. The fear of man is the most tolerated sin in the church today.
Keep in mind that while David was not afraid of what people thought of him, he still refused to dishonor the king who was in a position that was rightfully David's. We should be careful to realize that although humility has no fear of what other's think, true humility expresses the heart of God. In David's case, he understood that Saul, although sinful, was God's chosen king. David refused to see him as anything less than that.
The humility required to be a carrier of lasting revival is made manifest by expressing the heart of God. Like David we must be confident in the word and strength of the Lord and not in our qualifications or reputations, but we must also realize that people, regardless of where they're at in life, are God's treasure.
While true humility is a very broad thing, the contrasts between David and Saul will help illuminate some of what it means to have true humility (rather than false or religious humility...sick). The Spirit of God left Saul (1 Samuel 16:14) but remained on David for his entire life (1 Samuel 16:13). Why is this? Saul was afraid of how he appeared to others and he was afraid of what those whom he was leading thought of him (1 Samuel 15:24). He had the fear of man which brings a snare (Proverbs 29:25). When we are afraid of what people think, we are limited in our effectiveness in doing our Father's business. Noah's family would have been destroyed if he was afraid of what people thought of him. No one had ever seen rain let alone a flood, and he was building a massive boat because his God told him to. It is pride to value people's opinions above God's. This is what Saul did.
David, on the other hand, was not afraid of what people thought of him. He was far more concerned with God's reputation. When Goliath was defying God's chosen people, David rose up in the confidence of the Lord despite his lack of qualifications and slew the giant (1 Samuel 17:26-28). David's brother accused him of being prideful. Religion often mistakes confidence for pride. True humility is having confidence in God and walking accordingly. David committed murder and adultery, but the Spirit of God never left him, and he was arguably the most anointed king in Israel's history. This shows how dangerous the fear of man, one of most prominent forms of pride, really is. If a pastor was caught in adultery, he'd lose his job and rightly so, but there are thousand of pastor's who are being dictated by what others think and no one cares. The fear of man is the most tolerated sin in the church today.
Keep in mind that while David was not afraid of what people thought of him, he still refused to dishonor the king who was in a position that was rightfully David's. We should be careful to realize that although humility has no fear of what other's think, true humility expresses the heart of God. In David's case, he understood that Saul, although sinful, was God's chosen king. David refused to see him as anything less than that.
The humility required to be a carrier of lasting revival is made manifest by expressing the heart of God. Like David we must be confident in the word and strength of the Lord and not in our qualifications or reputations, but we must also realize that people, regardless of where they're at in life, are God's treasure.
Friday, June 20, 2008
To Carry Revival: What Does It Take?
The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are completely His (2 Chronicles 16:9). God is searching for sons and daughters who are pursuing Him with reckless abandon. He is searching for people who will be found good stewards of His great glory. His Kingdom is pressing through this natural realm (some would call this revival), and it will take wise sons and daughters to steward the power in which He wants to come. In order to properly carry and perpetuate this revival, believers must show themselves worthy to be chosen (Matthew 22:14).
I was watching a few interviews of various revivalists in which they were all giving their advice on what it takes for a young revivalist to step into the supernatural calling for his or her life. I payed close attention. I want to be known in Heaven and feared in Hell. I took their points and began to study and learn.
There are five things which a carrier of continual revival must have in order to properly manage the power of God in the proportion He desires to give it. There are so many more, but these are five I have been focusing on lately based on what I've learned from these interviews.
I was watching a few interviews of various revivalists in which they were all giving their advice on what it takes for a young revivalist to step into the supernatural calling for his or her life. I payed close attention. I want to be known in Heaven and feared in Hell. I took their points and began to study and learn.
There are five things which a carrier of continual revival must have in order to properly manage the power of God in the proportion He desires to give it. There are so many more, but these are five I have been focusing on lately based on what I've learned from these interviews.
- Pride test
- Character test
- Leaders are readers
- Discipleship
- Above all else, INTIMACY WITH GOD
(Please note that when I use the word revival, I'm referring to when a believer or body of believers allows the Kingdom to be manifested in the natural. This includes healing, deliverance, salvation, miracles, and any other manifestations of the Holy Spirit that bring transformation to people's lives and destruction to the powers of darkness.)
Interview Day!
Today is the day. I have an interview with Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I'm pretty excited. I get to talk with someone who pastors at a place where the book of Acts is being lived. Really, this is a place where the Bible is being lived. When people in the congregation go out, they minister as Jesus did. Demons are cast out and the sick are healed. There are even a couple of testimonies of dead being raised.
For the past several years, I've struggled with two passages...
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
- Mark 16:17-18
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
- John 14:12
I would read these passages over and over again wondering why on earth I don't see these being lived out by the body of Christ today. I grew up in a Pentecostal church, thus speaking in tongues and casting out demons was not new to me. In most of the church, however, I saw none of this. Such things characterized the early church and ministry of Jesus. This frustrated me deeply.
Late last summer, I started to read When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson, the president of BSSM and senior pastor of Bethel Church. As I was reading through it, I was astonished and quite frankly, relieved. Finally, I see that there are people in the church who are doing what these passages say. These folks take this stuff seriously. Since then, I have been exposed to dozens of leaders, pastors, and ministries who are fulfilling the Great Commission as Jesus and the early Christians did. I feel normal again.
Christ called us to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach the Gospel to the poor (Matthew 10:7-8). All of these are of equal importance. Christ also said that we will be endued with power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us (Acts 1:8). The word "power" comes from the Greek word "dunamis" which means "force, especially miraculous power, usually by implication a miracle itself." The Holy Spirit also gives us the gifts (tools) to minister His love to others. All of this is a significant part of the training at BSSM. They go beyond the Gospel of Salvation into the Gospel of the Kingdom. Salvation is the key that unlocks the door to a whole new realm of life, the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit and destroying the works of the enemy (1 John 3:8).
For the past several years, I've struggled with two passages...
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
- Mark 16:17-18
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
- John 14:12
I would read these passages over and over again wondering why on earth I don't see these being lived out by the body of Christ today. I grew up in a Pentecostal church, thus speaking in tongues and casting out demons was not new to me. In most of the church, however, I saw none of this. Such things characterized the early church and ministry of Jesus. This frustrated me deeply.
Late last summer, I started to read When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson, the president of BSSM and senior pastor of Bethel Church. As I was reading through it, I was astonished and quite frankly, relieved. Finally, I see that there are people in the church who are doing what these passages say. These folks take this stuff seriously. Since then, I have been exposed to dozens of leaders, pastors, and ministries who are fulfilling the Great Commission as Jesus and the early Christians did. I feel normal again.
Christ called us to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach the Gospel to the poor (Matthew 10:7-8). All of these are of equal importance. Christ also said that we will be endued with power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us (Acts 1:8). The word "power" comes from the Greek word "dunamis" which means "force, especially miraculous power, usually by implication a miracle itself." The Holy Spirit also gives us the gifts (tools) to minister His love to others. All of this is a significant part of the training at BSSM. They go beyond the Gospel of Salvation into the Gospel of the Kingdom. Salvation is the key that unlocks the door to a whole new realm of life, the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit and destroying the works of the enemy (1 John 3:8).
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Spirit Led Mandate
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Here lies the simplicity of the Spirit filled life. Jesus was fully man. He was born of a virgin to remain sinless here on earth, but He gave up His divine nature. He took on our likeness and ministered the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
- Philippians 2:5-7
He not only paved a way for us to enter His Kingdom, but he also demonstrated how to minister the Gospel as a child of God rather than as God. The ministry of Jesus did not begin until the Spirit of the Lord came upon Him. The Spirit of God was the key to Jesus' ministry and He is the key to ours.
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Here lies the simplicity of the Spirit filled life. Jesus was fully man. He was born of a virgin to remain sinless here on earth, but He gave up His divine nature. He took on our likeness and ministered the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
- Philippians 2:5-7
He not only paved a way for us to enter His Kingdom, but he also demonstrated how to minister the Gospel as a child of God rather than as God. The ministry of Jesus did not begin until the Spirit of the Lord came upon Him. The Spirit of God was the key to Jesus' ministry and He is the key to ours.
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
- Matthew 3:16
Pursue Love
When the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus. He, as man, received sonship when he heard God say, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." This is love. We cannot minister to others unless we have a revelation of God's love for us.
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
- 1 John 4:8
They key to God's love is to see yourself as a son (or daughter).
Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
- Galatians 4:7
Sonship unlocks the Kingdom to believers. Did Jesus know who he was? Yes he did, but this act formally demonstated to the world the crucial revelation we must have, sonship. Sonship is what gives us the confidence in our Father which enables us to love without fear of being hurt and love without the intent of getting something. In sonship, we have everything we need emotionally and physically.
Desire Spiritual Gifts
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
The manifestations of the Spirit profit all. What are they for? Paul doesn't say here, but the task at hand is discipling nations and preaching the Gospel to every creature. This is an impossible task. However, we have been given a Helper Who specializes in the impossible. His gifts are the tools we are equipped with to minister His love.
Especially That You May Prophesy
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3
Prophecy is the superior gift. It is through prophecy that we can strengthen, encourage, and comfort a world in need and the broken Body of Christ.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Signs That Follow
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
- Mark 16:15-18
I have frequently been accused of being in a cult and doing evil because of my perspective on the supernatural as a part of the normal Christian walk. Here are legal chacteristics of being a believer...
We believe and are baptized into salvation. Simply put, these are the signs which will follow those who believe:
1 - Casting out demons
2 - Speaking in tongues
3 - Healing the sick
There are Christians who don't do these. I am not going to claim they aren't true believers, and I'm not going to say they can't do great things for God. God cares more about souls than anything, but the kingdom is not made up of just souls.
I will say that those who condemn God's people for doing these things are in danger of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This is far more dangerous than getting sucked into a cult.
- Mark 16:15-18
I have frequently been accused of being in a cult and doing evil because of my perspective on the supernatural as a part of the normal Christian walk. Here are legal chacteristics of being a believer...
We believe and are baptized into salvation. Simply put, these are the signs which will follow those who believe:
1 - Casting out demons
2 - Speaking in tongues
3 - Healing the sick
There are Christians who don't do these. I am not going to claim they aren't true believers, and I'm not going to say they can't do great things for God. God cares more about souls than anything, but the kingdom is not made up of just souls.
I will say that those who condemn God's people for doing these things are in danger of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This is far more dangerous than getting sucked into a cult.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Revival
So I've been sick for the past few days, but at around ten I've felt 100% better. Now, because I slept most of the day, I'm wide awake. That is my explanation for writing in the middle of the night.
Here is something I've been thinking about quite a bit lately...
When I was in a church service recently, the pastor said something that caught my attention and has begun to bring me a revelation of the distinction between having revival and advancing the Kingdom. What he said was something like this:
"Have you heard of the Pensacola (Brownsville) Revival? How about the Toronto Blessing? We want the [city name here] Anointing."
Later that night, I attended a service at a different church. A man who has been in this paticular city longer than any other active pastor came up to the front and was honored by the other pastors there. He was given a chance to say some things. They went something like this:
"I have seen many pastors and churches come and go, but they all had their own visions and agendas. I want the Kingdom."
The occurances which happened at this latter service where quite similar to what one might see at the Toronto Blessing. There were healings, prophetic words and songs, and people enjoying the presence of God in many other ways. At the former service, there were no such happenings. It was just a routine church service. That night I was wondering why one church was wanting something but wasn't really experiencing it and why the other had little conern for a movement but was experiencing everything that embodied any recent so called revival. It began to click.
What we sometimes see as revival is really just believers tapping into the Kingdom. Too often, we have the notion that revival is a movement where people get saved, healed, delivered, prophesied over etc. What we fail to realize is that what we call revival is really the Kingdom being realized on earth. The revival is what happened in believers to get their way of thinking to align with heaven's way of thinking. The revival happened before the visible manifestations of the Kingdom. Revival is renewal, and renewal is allowing the mind of Christ to take over our logic and reasoning. This is what transforms us, the renewal of our minds.
Think of two parallel horizontal lines. Now imagine that the higher one is the Kingdom and the lower one is the natural realm. Revival is when a particle approaches the upper line. The Kingdom is when a particle reaches and becomes stuck at the upper line. A movement is not what we're after. The Kingdom is what we're after. We can call it whatever we want, but we must realize that when we pray for revival, what we really need to do to see those prayers be made manifest is change the way we think. When the Kingdom comes, what we will see will go far beyond spiritual gifts. It will challenge our understanding to its core. It will be far beyond our control. We must not look for a movement that comes and goes. We must seek to conquer and occupy enemy territory (in the spirit world) for this is the Kingdom. The Kingdom is not a movement, it is a lifelong quest to possess the land promised to us by our King and our Father.
I would like to note that I am a huge supporter of the Toronto Blessing and the Brownsville Revival along with other similar "revivals" such as the Lakeland Healing Outpouring (Todd Bentley) and the Renewal (Rodney Howard Browne). These folks, however, were not and are not looking for a movement. They simply want more of God, and they want that for others. These all have underwent and still undergo tremendous criticism from the church, but they do not care. They know that the approval of God far exceeds the approval of man.
What most of us don't even realize is that these commonly mentioned revivals have seen and are seeing manifestations like uncontrollable laughter, jewels appearing out of thin air, missing limbs grow back, gold dust covering people, physical transportations, angelic visitations, oil flowing from people's hands, glory clouds, and even rain inside church buildings. These things scare even the most charismatic believers, but these must happen. They keep our understanding challenged so that we are never able to control what God is doing. The instant we can make sense of what God is doing is the instant we can create a formula and control what is happening. God's interest is setting captives free spiritually, physically, and emotionally, but He also wants His own sons and daughters to be in awe and in constant wonder of their beautiful Creator. This realm that goes far beyond our intellect is what will allow us to never be able to control or formulate the Spirit. Unfortunately, most believers are too caught up in theology and logic to realize that there is such wonder in allowing God to violate our understanding. They will reject Him because of these signs and wonders.
Here is something I've been thinking about quite a bit lately...
When I was in a church service recently, the pastor said something that caught my attention and has begun to bring me a revelation of the distinction between having revival and advancing the Kingdom. What he said was something like this:
"Have you heard of the Pensacola (Brownsville) Revival? How about the Toronto Blessing? We want the [city name here] Anointing."
Later that night, I attended a service at a different church. A man who has been in this paticular city longer than any other active pastor came up to the front and was honored by the other pastors there. He was given a chance to say some things. They went something like this:
"I have seen many pastors and churches come and go, but they all had their own visions and agendas. I want the Kingdom."
The occurances which happened at this latter service where quite similar to what one might see at the Toronto Blessing. There were healings, prophetic words and songs, and people enjoying the presence of God in many other ways. At the former service, there were no such happenings. It was just a routine church service. That night I was wondering why one church was wanting something but wasn't really experiencing it and why the other had little conern for a movement but was experiencing everything that embodied any recent so called revival. It began to click.
What we sometimes see as revival is really just believers tapping into the Kingdom. Too often, we have the notion that revival is a movement where people get saved, healed, delivered, prophesied over etc. What we fail to realize is that what we call revival is really the Kingdom being realized on earth. The revival is what happened in believers to get their way of thinking to align with heaven's way of thinking. The revival happened before the visible manifestations of the Kingdom. Revival is renewal, and renewal is allowing the mind of Christ to take over our logic and reasoning. This is what transforms us, the renewal of our minds.
Think of two parallel horizontal lines. Now imagine that the higher one is the Kingdom and the lower one is the natural realm. Revival is when a particle approaches the upper line. The Kingdom is when a particle reaches and becomes stuck at the upper line. A movement is not what we're after. The Kingdom is what we're after. We can call it whatever we want, but we must realize that when we pray for revival, what we really need to do to see those prayers be made manifest is change the way we think. When the Kingdom comes, what we will see will go far beyond spiritual gifts. It will challenge our understanding to its core. It will be far beyond our control. We must not look for a movement that comes and goes. We must seek to conquer and occupy enemy territory (in the spirit world) for this is the Kingdom. The Kingdom is not a movement, it is a lifelong quest to possess the land promised to us by our King and our Father.
I would like to note that I am a huge supporter of the Toronto Blessing and the Brownsville Revival along with other similar "revivals" such as the Lakeland Healing Outpouring (Todd Bentley) and the Renewal (Rodney Howard Browne). These folks, however, were not and are not looking for a movement. They simply want more of God, and they want that for others. These all have underwent and still undergo tremendous criticism from the church, but they do not care. They know that the approval of God far exceeds the approval of man.
What most of us don't even realize is that these commonly mentioned revivals have seen and are seeing manifestations like uncontrollable laughter, jewels appearing out of thin air, missing limbs grow back, gold dust covering people, physical transportations, angelic visitations, oil flowing from people's hands, glory clouds, and even rain inside church buildings. These things scare even the most charismatic believers, but these must happen. They keep our understanding challenged so that we are never able to control what God is doing. The instant we can make sense of what God is doing is the instant we can create a formula and control what is happening. God's interest is setting captives free spiritually, physically, and emotionally, but He also wants His own sons and daughters to be in awe and in constant wonder of their beautiful Creator. This realm that goes far beyond our intellect is what will allow us to never be able to control or formulate the Spirit. Unfortunately, most believers are too caught up in theology and logic to realize that there is such wonder in allowing God to violate our understanding. They will reject Him because of these signs and wonders.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Promises
Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
- Psalm 25:12-15
This is a promise! This we must proclaim over ourselves and live it out.
I am the man that fears the Lord!
He shall teach me in the way He chooses!
I shall dwell in prosperity!
My offspring shall inherit the earth!
The secret of the Lord is with me!
He will show me His covenant!
My eyes are ever toward the Lord!
He shall pluck my feet from the net!
I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession."
- Psalm 2:8
This is another promise we can take and must take hold of. When we indentify with Christ, it is He Who lives through us. We become children of God. We are the body of Christ. We must take hold of this promise, for when we do, we will inherit the nations and possess the earth.
- Psalm 25:12-15
This is a promise! This we must proclaim over ourselves and live it out.
I am the man that fears the Lord!
He shall teach me in the way He chooses!
I shall dwell in prosperity!
My offspring shall inherit the earth!
The secret of the Lord is with me!
He will show me His covenant!
My eyes are ever toward the Lord!
He shall pluck my feet from the net!
I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession."
- Psalm 2:8
This is another promise we can take and must take hold of. When we indentify with Christ, it is He Who lives through us. We become children of God. We are the body of Christ. We must take hold of this promise, for when we do, we will inherit the nations and possess the earth.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Greater Works
Yesterday, I was talking with a friend about healing as a part of the Christian life. He brought up a good point. In John 14:12, Jesus said, "The works that I do you also will do and even greater works because I go to my Father." Obviously, Jesus raised the dead, healed the sick, and cast out demons. My friend brought up the point that this also includes loving and discipling people.
I tend to talk quite a bit about signs and wonders as being what we are called to do as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). I understand that our walk is not and should never be limited to these, but as I was thinking about his point, I realized something. Jesus called us to do not only what He did but also to do things that go beyond scope of the miracles and life transformations He did. This means that the body of Christ should, in fact, be the most innovative and creative people in the market place. This means removing poverty in places where no one could, finding cures no one else could find, and playing music no one has ever heard before because the Spirit of the living God, the Creator of creativity and the Inventor of innovation, dwells within His sons and daughters.
Jesus said to make disciples of nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This cannot be done without the leading of the Spirit and transformation of the environment around us. This is why Pentacost happened. We needed to be endued with power from on high to become Christ's witnesses throughout the whole earth (Acts 1:8).
Jesus never found a cure for cancer or aids. He is the cure, and we can expect to see healings even now. However, if there was a Spirit-filled, on-fire believer who officially cured cancer with science, that would transform the medical industry, and God's dominion would be established in that realm of society.
The reason we can do greater works than we saw Jesus do in the Bible is because we are His body. He is still working, but now it is through us. Even now, Christians must be living in such a way that of the governemnt of the Kingdom there will be no end, for it is ever increasing (Isaiah 9:7). We can do greater works because earth is not yet like heaven.
I tend to talk quite a bit about signs and wonders as being what we are called to do as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). I understand that our walk is not and should never be limited to these, but as I was thinking about his point, I realized something. Jesus called us to do not only what He did but also to do things that go beyond scope of the miracles and life transformations He did. This means that the body of Christ should, in fact, be the most innovative and creative people in the market place. This means removing poverty in places where no one could, finding cures no one else could find, and playing music no one has ever heard before because the Spirit of the living God, the Creator of creativity and the Inventor of innovation, dwells within His sons and daughters.
Jesus said to make disciples of nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This cannot be done without the leading of the Spirit and transformation of the environment around us. This is why Pentacost happened. We needed to be endued with power from on high to become Christ's witnesses throughout the whole earth (Acts 1:8).
Jesus never found a cure for cancer or aids. He is the cure, and we can expect to see healings even now. However, if there was a Spirit-filled, on-fire believer who officially cured cancer with science, that would transform the medical industry, and God's dominion would be established in that realm of society.
The reason we can do greater works than we saw Jesus do in the Bible is because we are His body. He is still working, but now it is through us. Even now, Christians must be living in such a way that of the governemnt of the Kingdom there will be no end, for it is ever increasing (Isaiah 9:7). We can do greater works because earth is not yet like heaven.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
David's Suddenly
I've always wondered what it was like for David when Samuel came to his house and anointed him king over Israel. Imagine yourself at work, minding your own business, carrying on with everyday life, when suddenly you become anointed to become the next king. Herein lies a key to realizing the adventure of life that God is leading us into.
David lived a lifestyle of intimacy with God. He killed a bear and a lion when no one was looking. In other words, he placed more value on victory in the secret place than public victory in which there is much recognition. He lived a lifestyle of praise and worship even as a boy. He was a man after God's own heart. This heart condition was already cultivated within him when suddenly, he was thrusted into a calling much greater than he could've imagined. God saw that David was more concerned with the heart of God than pleasing people or gaining recognition. Because of this, God knew that David would be a good steward of His nation of Israel.
David was God's example for us that no eye has seen , no ear has heard, and no heart has concieved the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. He knew the heart of his King and lived accordingly. What followed was more than was humanly possible. David was the youngest child in a low class family in the least of all the tribes. Yet God chose him to be king.
You can never predict what God is going to do on your behalf. If you will seek only to know his heart, events of profound significance will follow. Around every corner could be something you never saw coming that radically changes your life and forever changes your present circumstances. We must pursue the heart of our Father, for when we do, His dreams will be made manifest in our lives. This revelation somehow makes seemingly hopeless circumstances opportunities for God to suddenly bless our socks off in such a way that makes us say, "I never saw this coming. Who am I that God should choose me for such a massive promotion in the Kingdom?"
Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
- Psalm 40:5
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."
- Isaiah 55:8-9
Delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
- Psalm 37:4
David lived a lifestyle of intimacy with God. He killed a bear and a lion when no one was looking. In other words, he placed more value on victory in the secret place than public victory in which there is much recognition. He lived a lifestyle of praise and worship even as a boy. He was a man after God's own heart. This heart condition was already cultivated within him when suddenly, he was thrusted into a calling much greater than he could've imagined. God saw that David was more concerned with the heart of God than pleasing people or gaining recognition. Because of this, God knew that David would be a good steward of His nation of Israel.
David was God's example for us that no eye has seen , no ear has heard, and no heart has concieved the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. He knew the heart of his King and lived accordingly. What followed was more than was humanly possible. David was the youngest child in a low class family in the least of all the tribes. Yet God chose him to be king.
You can never predict what God is going to do on your behalf. If you will seek only to know his heart, events of profound significance will follow. Around every corner could be something you never saw coming that radically changes your life and forever changes your present circumstances. We must pursue the heart of our Father, for when we do, His dreams will be made manifest in our lives. This revelation somehow makes seemingly hopeless circumstances opportunities for God to suddenly bless our socks off in such a way that makes us say, "I never saw this coming. Who am I that God should choose me for such a massive promotion in the Kingdom?"
Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
- Psalm 40:5
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."
- Isaiah 55:8-9
Delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
- Psalm 37:4
Monday, June 9, 2008
Vision
The drummers began to play according to the rhythm of the Spirit. I began to march. Immediately, I found myself marching out onto a ledge overlooking a vast landscape. This was a land I had never seen before, but it was my home. It was covered with pools glowing with the reflection of the setting sun. I wondered within myself where I was. I heard the Lord say to me, "You are now marching into your promised land."
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.
- Psalm 84:5-7
Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.
- Genesis 13:17
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.
- Psalm 84:5-7
Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.
- Genesis 13:17
Friday, June 6, 2008
No eye has seen.
But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
~ 1 Corinthians 2:9
What God has planned for each person in love with their Creator is something no one has ever seen. It is something no one has ever heard. What God has in store for me goes far beyond what I could imagine. This is a promise. I am tired of being around Christians who limit their walks to a couple of social gatherings each week where they can get their ears tickled and feel warm and fuzzy inside. There is immeasurably more to walking with God, and I'm going to obtain it!
~ 1 Corinthians 2:9
What God has planned for each person in love with their Creator is something no one has ever seen. It is something no one has ever heard. What God has in store for me goes far beyond what I could imagine. This is a promise. I am tired of being around Christians who limit their walks to a couple of social gatherings each week where they can get their ears tickled and feel warm and fuzzy inside. There is immeasurably more to walking with God, and I'm going to obtain it!
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