Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Rotator Cuff Healed
Prayed with a lady who had a torn rotator cuff. She had limited movement in the arm and shoulder to the point her son had come into work that day to help her out with her job which required use of this arm. She had a non-stop tingling sensation in the arm since the injury as well as constant pain which increased upon any movement. After prayer she experienced full restored movement of arm and shoulder that had been impaired. All pain as well as the constant tingling sensation was gone. She was able to make extreme movements to the arm with absolutely no pain.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Justified
There is nothing in the earth that has accomplished its goal like the blood of Jesus. Oh how we love the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus has cleansed me, washed me, justified me, sanctified me and made a way for me. I truly know as all believers should that the blood of Jesus has made me a different person. There is one situation though that the church needs to get a hold of again. That is the concept that sin is exceedingly sinful. Too many times as a leader, I hear people treat sin as if it's not a big deal. So we have to remember what the blood of Jesus did in what it did not do.
The blood of Jesus justified me not my sin. I have been justified in made into a new creation through the hour of the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Sin must still be sinful to me. There are always circumstances that maybe can soften the blow but when it comes down to it, sin is sin. Why is this important? This is important because the way I view my sin is the way I will repent. There is something important that I want people to go through. Hard repentance. What do I mean by that? I mean I want people to have to ask those who they have sinned against to actually go to the person and be honest with their sin and wait for the response.
Bill Johnson was asked, "How do you stay holy?"
His answer was, "I repent hard." He explained. "When I sinned, I went to everyone I sinned against and mad it right. I found that I did not like doing that so I try very hard to not sin so that I don't have to do it again."
Too many times people don't want to grab the mop and bucket and clean their mess. They just want people to forgive them. This often leads to repeat offenders. Since it cost them nothing they feel they can afford that price all the time. Let me an analogy that will help.
It is like the guy who cheats on his wife and there is no real consequences for it so he keeps doing it. Or the guy who beats his wife. Police are never called and she won't do anything about it so it is almost guaranteed that it will happen again. He always has a "good" reason for his actions.
Most people say they need healing. I agree. Most people are holding up there healing because pride keeps them from coming to grips with their sin.
Repentance is the quickest pathway to wholeness.
Repentance happens, I am turning myself over to the healing of the nations. I am asking for Him to deliver me, not just from the master of sin, but all the effects of it.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
No need to try to soften the blow with a loving Father who is eager to cleanse you from everything. He is waiting for you to come back and repent. If you have done something to somebody, don't try to explain your poor behavior, just ask for forgiveness. Remember this, if you justify your sin, then the Father cannot justify you. He is able to cleanse to the uttermost.
Scripture to reference:
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Hebrews 13:12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
A Confession:
“Now because I have been redeemed, delivered, forgiven, cleansed, justified, sanctified, and
because God is for my body and I don’t belong to myself, I therefore declare to all
principalities and powers, you have no power or authority over me, in me, around me,
because of the power of the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant of the Lord Jesus-Christ, my
Savior.”
The blood of Jesus justified me not my sin. I have been justified in made into a new creation through the hour of the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Sin must still be sinful to me. There are always circumstances that maybe can soften the blow but when it comes down to it, sin is sin. Why is this important? This is important because the way I view my sin is the way I will repent. There is something important that I want people to go through. Hard repentance. What do I mean by that? I mean I want people to have to ask those who they have sinned against to actually go to the person and be honest with their sin and wait for the response.
Bill Johnson was asked, "How do you stay holy?"
His answer was, "I repent hard." He explained. "When I sinned, I went to everyone I sinned against and mad it right. I found that I did not like doing that so I try very hard to not sin so that I don't have to do it again."
Too many times people don't want to grab the mop and bucket and clean their mess. They just want people to forgive them. This often leads to repeat offenders. Since it cost them nothing they feel they can afford that price all the time. Let me an analogy that will help.
It is like the guy who cheats on his wife and there is no real consequences for it so he keeps doing it. Or the guy who beats his wife. Police are never called and she won't do anything about it so it is almost guaranteed that it will happen again. He always has a "good" reason for his actions.
Most people say they need healing. I agree. Most people are holding up there healing because pride keeps them from coming to grips with their sin.
Repentance is the quickest pathway to wholeness.
Repentance happens, I am turning myself over to the healing of the nations. I am asking for Him to deliver me, not just from the master of sin, but all the effects of it.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
No need to try to soften the blow with a loving Father who is eager to cleanse you from everything. He is waiting for you to come back and repent. If you have done something to somebody, don't try to explain your poor behavior, just ask for forgiveness. Remember this, if you justify your sin, then the Father cannot justify you. He is able to cleanse to the uttermost.
Scripture to reference:
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Hebrews 13:12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
A Confession:
“Now because I have been redeemed, delivered, forgiven, cleansed, justified, sanctified, and
because God is for my body and I don’t belong to myself, I therefore declare to all
principalities and powers, you have no power or authority over me, in me, around me,
because of the power of the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant of the Lord Jesus-Christ, my
Savior.”
Friday, January 11, 2013
There Are Some Things You Will Have To Fight For
Going through life would be a lot easier if everything just went our way. Do you feel like that? I know I do. I think it is important that we see that more things are going our way at times then we think. if I could walk you through a journey I will show you how the Lord directs our paths even if those paths leads us to undesirable places. I think our first problem is when we don't have the same goals as the Father does. Many of our desires our for success, money, ministry and more. None of these things are bad or wrong. There is an old saying that God build the man before the ministry. This is true and can be frustrating to many. If you are going to do anything great for God you will find yourself alone in a wilderness sooner or later.
How you fight will be important because this battle, believe it or not, has some protocols. I will try to bring you some understanding of a few verses that might help you in this season.
The Armor of God has priestly implications.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Ephesians 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Ephesians 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
I want you at first glance to notice that it ends with prayer, supplications and being watchful. Those are all priestly terms. All of the garments in the passage here are priestly garments. I would suggest to you that Paul is speaking to the Church at Ephesus in terminology that they would understand. So we can examine this with that understanding we can see something.
Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me as priest.
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
Exodus 30:19 for Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in water from it.
John 13:5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
John 13:6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”
John 13:7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
John 13:8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
John 13:9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
Breastplate ➛ Breastplate of righteousness
Gird your waist ➛ A sash
Helmet ➛ Turban
Shield ➛ The Lord is your shield
Shod you feet ➛ Washed feet in the purity of the gospel
Sword ➛ The Word of God.
Our battles are not fought with guns and knifes, they are not fought on earthly battlegrounds, they are fought in heavenly realms in prayer. Kneeling is the best way to get victory. Yet many people might not approach this with the faith that scripture commands. Jesus tells us when we pray to believe and to forgive. Two elements that are a must for answered prayer that aren't always followed.
Let's talk about the one of faith. I love that the Lord knows we don't know how to pray completely so He helps.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
I love the fact that even are groaning can move heaven. He even helps us target prayer. Listen to what Paul said to Timothy concerning the fight of faith.
1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
1 Timothy 1:19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,
Many suffer shipwreck during wilderness experiences because they don't fight with the prophecies made concerning them. They forget all that the Lord has spoken over them and they begin to allow bitterness to sneak in. When this happens they almost always make the big wrong decision. Self seeking and bitter envy sound like wisdom to those who have suffered shipwreck in their faith. It is this time that you have to hang on to the word of the Lord over your life very tightly. Timothy was told that by doing so he could wage a good warfare. God has called you but that does not mean there won't be a fight.
Bill Johnson once said, "If you don't contend for it, you won't have the passion to keep it when God gives it to you." One of my favorite lines. I have lived by that statement as a core value since I heard it, six years ago today. Having words over your life is not license to role over people, be rude, or disrespectful. It is however permission to stay a course when others want to jump ship and abandon you. You will find that in this season God will send more seasoned people, those who have been through the process and they will minister to you. We have certainly experience the love and grace of others who have gone through the season.
I wish the process was simple but it can be quite painful. Trying to wait it out is not the goal, there are some things you will have to do like Israel if you want out of the wilderness.
1. The Old Man must die in the wilderness.
2. You will have to believe God for the promise land that He Himself promised you.
3. You will have to wage a warfare to possess the promise.
Time in and of itself is not the answer. The purpose of the wilderness is to renew and reshape you into the image of Christ. If time alone could do it then everyone would make it. Yet we have all seen those who have suffered shipwreck.
My prayer for you is that if you find yourself this day in this process, that the Spirit of the Lord will strengthen you and keep you. That He will lead you through the experience and you will make it all the way into your promise land.
How you fight will be important because this battle, believe it or not, has some protocols. I will try to bring you some understanding of a few verses that might help you in this season.
The Armor of God has priestly implications.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Ephesians 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Ephesians 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
I want you at first glance to notice that it ends with prayer, supplications and being watchful. Those are all priestly terms. All of the garments in the passage here are priestly garments. I would suggest to you that Paul is speaking to the Church at Ephesus in terminology that they would understand. So we can examine this with that understanding we can see something.
Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me as priest.
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
Exodus 30:19 for Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in water from it.
John 13:5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
John 13:6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”
John 13:7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
John 13:8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
John 13:9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
Breastplate ➛ Breastplate of righteousness
Gird your waist ➛ A sash
Helmet ➛ Turban
Shield ➛ The Lord is your shield
Shod you feet ➛ Washed feet in the purity of the gospel
Sword ➛ The Word of God.
Our battles are not fought with guns and knifes, they are not fought on earthly battlegrounds, they are fought in heavenly realms in prayer. Kneeling is the best way to get victory. Yet many people might not approach this with the faith that scripture commands. Jesus tells us when we pray to believe and to forgive. Two elements that are a must for answered prayer that aren't always followed.
Let's talk about the one of faith. I love that the Lord knows we don't know how to pray completely so He helps.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
I love the fact that even are groaning can move heaven. He even helps us target prayer. Listen to what Paul said to Timothy concerning the fight of faith.
1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
1 Timothy 1:19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,
Many suffer shipwreck during wilderness experiences because they don't fight with the prophecies made concerning them. They forget all that the Lord has spoken over them and they begin to allow bitterness to sneak in. When this happens they almost always make the big wrong decision. Self seeking and bitter envy sound like wisdom to those who have suffered shipwreck in their faith. It is this time that you have to hang on to the word of the Lord over your life very tightly. Timothy was told that by doing so he could wage a good warfare. God has called you but that does not mean there won't be a fight.
Bill Johnson once said, "If you don't contend for it, you won't have the passion to keep it when God gives it to you." One of my favorite lines. I have lived by that statement as a core value since I heard it, six years ago today. Having words over your life is not license to role over people, be rude, or disrespectful. It is however permission to stay a course when others want to jump ship and abandon you. You will find that in this season God will send more seasoned people, those who have been through the process and they will minister to you. We have certainly experience the love and grace of others who have gone through the season.
I wish the process was simple but it can be quite painful. Trying to wait it out is not the goal, there are some things you will have to do like Israel if you want out of the wilderness.
1. The Old Man must die in the wilderness.
2. You will have to believe God for the promise land that He Himself promised you.
3. You will have to wage a warfare to possess the promise.
Time in and of itself is not the answer. The purpose of the wilderness is to renew and reshape you into the image of Christ. If time alone could do it then everyone would make it. Yet we have all seen those who have suffered shipwreck.
My prayer for you is that if you find yourself this day in this process, that the Spirit of the Lord will strengthen you and keep you. That He will lead you through the experience and you will make it all the way into your promise land.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Legs and back healed
Prayed with a lady who had multiple problems with legs and back due to auto accident. After prayer she had movement restored that had been impaired from accident. She was able to walk with freedom of movement she had not experienced since the accident.
My Mandate
My Mandate
I was not brought forth to carry everyone's burdens all day long. Neither was I born to be the doormat for everyone else to dump their problems on. I was not created to be manipulated by emotions nor was I to be subject to the behavior of those who abuse. I was adopted as a son into the greatest Kingdom the universe as ever known. As a son, I have been positioned by the Spirit of the Lord to render judgment upon the forces of evil and to set the captives free from all forms of oppression.
I was born into a middle class family that had all the appearances of joy and happiness. I know what it is like to watch your family fall apart in a matter of moments and your world appear to be caving in. I know what it is like to walk in integrity and it be the one thing that you try to protect only to have your name slandered by someone you considered to be your best friend. I know what it is like to be shot and ask if there was something you were doing wrong. I know what it is like to have lost countless friends who found it easier to run away then to walk through the fire with me.
I know what it is like to have physical pain that keeps you up all night and I know what it is like to loose sleep for days on end do to the anguish of soul. I have been shot, betrayed, stolen from, slandered, used, harassed, and left for dead.
However, in all of this I am more than a conquerer in Christ. Like the Apostle Paul I can say I have been hard pressed on every side yet not crushed. I have been perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed. I am committed to filing up in my flesh that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. As a father in the Lord I understand that I am sent to blaze a trail for others to travel. I refuse to abandon the assignment the Lord has asked of me. I refuse not to forgive, to become bitter or let the opinions of others derail me. I will love with the love of Jesus all those who are around me. I will not let their pain or bitterness stop me.
I am called to bring reformation and transformation to my city, my region, my nation and my world. My mandate from the Lord has become my life's mission. It is only with the grace of the Lord laboring through me that I can do it. I am sure that the grace the Lord is upon me so I will accomplish it!!!!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Perfect Love
Perfect love has to do with His love for us. Yet in the epistle of John he discusses the commandment of the Lord. That is to love one another.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
The notion that it is okay to love God, who you cannot see, and hate your brother (or hold anything against him) who you do see is unscriptural and anti-kingdom.
Love must be perfected amongst us.
1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.
1 John 4:6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
1 John 4:13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
1 John 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
Make it your goal for 2013 and beyond for love to be perfected in you. That is love for each other.
By this we are to be known.
John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
If we have not let His love for us change our attitude for those around us, then we have fallen short of the Glory that has been made available to us.
It is a commandment and He has already demonstrated this for us.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
How do I remember love? I remember how He saved me and loved me at my worst and never gave up on me. I owe nothing less to others then that which I have freely received. I will have boldness in the day of Judgment, not because I was perfect in everything. I will have boldness because I have purposed in my life to love others as myself.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
The notion that it is okay to love God, who you cannot see, and hate your brother (or hold anything against him) who you do see is unscriptural and anti-kingdom.
Love must be perfected amongst us.
1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.
1 John 4:6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
1 John 4:13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
1 John 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
Make it your goal for 2013 and beyond for love to be perfected in you. That is love for each other.
By this we are to be known.
John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
If we have not let His love for us change our attitude for those around us, then we have fallen short of the Glory that has been made available to us.
It is a commandment and He has already demonstrated this for us.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
How do I remember love? I remember how He saved me and loved me at my worst and never gave up on me. I owe nothing less to others then that which I have freely received. I will have boldness in the day of Judgment, not because I was perfect in everything. I will have boldness because I have purposed in my life to love others as myself.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Legs Healed
Prayed with a gentleman on a scooter who had multiple problems with both his legs and back which caused him pain that was too severe to walk around the store freely. After receiving prayer, he was able to not only stand without pain but to walk freely. He testified that all pain was gone and full movement was restored. He asked his daughter who was with him to return the scooter to the front of the store where he had gotten it, he said he refused to get on it again as he no longer had any pain or discomfort when standing or walking. Saw him about a half an hour later still walking around the store with a big smile on his face, he said he was completely healed.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Grief and Sorrow
To say that everyone has to deal with grief sooner or later is true. What level of grief is what can drastically be different. There is no avoiding it. I have had to deal with grief as we all have. I like to share a couple of things that I have learned.
Embrace the process. Loss is real and it hurts. Being strong does not mean, no pain, no crying, no down time, no mourning. If you try to avoid the process you will shut off too much of yourself. You will want to feel joy again, trust me. It is impossible to shut off one feeling or emotion without clearing the shelves of all of them. Depending on the loss, it could take 1-3 years to recover. Don't be in a hurry. You owe it to yourself and everyone else to go through the process completely. Don't try to replace the loss. The love one that you have lost is irreplaceable. They are worthy of memories. Forgetting the joy of their life will not get rid of the pain.
Hang on to it. The Apostle Paul tells us that we mourn but with hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 Now also we would not have you ignorant, brethren, about those who fall asleep [in death], that you may not grieve [for them] as the rest do who have no hope [beyond the grave]. (Amplified)
We are to help others in the grief, not by offering Christian quotes but by actually mourning with them. This is very uncomfortable for people. It might be that many have their own grief and dealing with other's brings them too close. I have learned that the quickest way to wholeness for me is to just acknowledge the pain and pray. There are no shortcuts to wholeness. There is no magic wand to wave. Through prayer, Holy Spirit, will comfort and heal. Talk about the pain with someone who can listen. A good friend grabs you hand and sits with you and will hold you as you cry.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. (Amplified)
What you can expect is that the first year will be very tough. Every holiday will bring an empty seat to the table. This is normal. It is part of the process. Don't try to do too much. Tears will come and at times and pain can overwhelm you. Those around people going through loss need to understand that their role is to help embrace. Partner with them in the process. Weep with them. Take the roller coaster ride of emotions. If they weep then weep and if they rejoice then rejoice.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted. (NKJV)
Notice that those who mourn get comforted. Avoiding the pain can make you feel isolated and distant. Holy Spirit will walk you all the way through it. You don't have to journey alone.
Beni Johnson of Bethel Church Redding, CA said this.
"For many it has been an emotional time this pass week. Feeling the grief and the great sorrow of what happened in Newtown. Someone asked me how do you navigate through this. I told them, "lots of crying, lots of praying for those involved, speaking in tongues, holding on to God and staying close to His heart". And, releasing lots of hope. It's ok to cry and grieve with those who are grieving the bible tells us that."
Hold on to God, don't let go. He is right there with you. And yes He feels the pain.
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints. (NKJV)
Kris Vallotton of Bethel says, "Jesus said, "blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted". In America we avoid pain at all cost so instead of mourning with those who mourn, we often think it is our job to cheer people up. But mourning and grieving is the road to wholeness and peace. David said, "weeping endures through the night but joy comes in the morning." Sometimes the "night" is longer than 8 hours; it is the dark season of the soul. In these night seasons it's important to remember that God is bigger than our pain. If we don't stuff our pain but allow the process of grieving to bring closure to our lives...the season will change and joy will return. One more thing; trying to figure out "why" in the midst of our pain, usually leads to wrong answers and bitterness. Not only that, it prolongs the "night" season of mourning. Sometimes people get "stuck" in grief and they need us to take them by the heart and lead them back to joy. But shutting down mourning prematurely will lead to incomplete healing and chronic heart pain. Love NEVER fails!"
These are words of wisdom.
No parent should have to go through want Sandy Hook parents are going through. I cannot imagine it. However, I have spent time weeping for those so tragically touched. Evil does not discriminate. It attacks all and does it without mercy. Trying to explain it will do us no good. Many look for closer. Wholeness will come if you allow it. THE LORD IS FAITHFUL!
Embrace the process. Loss is real and it hurts. Being strong does not mean, no pain, no crying, no down time, no mourning. If you try to avoid the process you will shut off too much of yourself. You will want to feel joy again, trust me. It is impossible to shut off one feeling or emotion without clearing the shelves of all of them. Depending on the loss, it could take 1-3 years to recover. Don't be in a hurry. You owe it to yourself and everyone else to go through the process completely. Don't try to replace the loss. The love one that you have lost is irreplaceable. They are worthy of memories. Forgetting the joy of their life will not get rid of the pain.
Hang on to it. The Apostle Paul tells us that we mourn but with hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 Now also we would not have you ignorant, brethren, about those who fall asleep [in death], that you may not grieve [for them] as the rest do who have no hope [beyond the grave]. (Amplified)
We are to help others in the grief, not by offering Christian quotes but by actually mourning with them. This is very uncomfortable for people. It might be that many have their own grief and dealing with other's brings them too close. I have learned that the quickest way to wholeness for me is to just acknowledge the pain and pray. There are no shortcuts to wholeness. There is no magic wand to wave. Through prayer, Holy Spirit, will comfort and heal. Talk about the pain with someone who can listen. A good friend grabs you hand and sits with you and will hold you as you cry.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. (Amplified)
What you can expect is that the first year will be very tough. Every holiday will bring an empty seat to the table. This is normal. It is part of the process. Don't try to do too much. Tears will come and at times and pain can overwhelm you. Those around people going through loss need to understand that their role is to help embrace. Partner with them in the process. Weep with them. Take the roller coaster ride of emotions. If they weep then weep and if they rejoice then rejoice.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted. (NKJV)
Notice that those who mourn get comforted. Avoiding the pain can make you feel isolated and distant. Holy Spirit will walk you all the way through it. You don't have to journey alone.
Beni Johnson of Bethel Church Redding, CA said this.
"For many it has been an emotional time this pass week. Feeling the grief and the great sorrow of what happened in Newtown. Someone asked me how do you navigate through this. I told them, "lots of crying, lots of praying for those involved, speaking in tongues, holding on to God and staying close to His heart". And, releasing lots of hope. It's ok to cry and grieve with those who are grieving the bible tells us that."
Hold on to God, don't let go. He is right there with you. And yes He feels the pain.
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints. (NKJV)
Kris Vallotton of Bethel says, "Jesus said, "blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted". In America we avoid pain at all cost so instead of mourning with those who mourn, we often think it is our job to cheer people up. But mourning and grieving is the road to wholeness and peace. David said, "weeping endures through the night but joy comes in the morning." Sometimes the "night" is longer than 8 hours; it is the dark season of the soul. In these night seasons it's important to remember that God is bigger than our pain. If we don't stuff our pain but allow the process of grieving to bring closure to our lives...the season will change and joy will return. One more thing; trying to figure out "why" in the midst of our pain, usually leads to wrong answers and bitterness. Not only that, it prolongs the "night" season of mourning. Sometimes people get "stuck" in grief and they need us to take them by the heart and lead them back to joy. But shutting down mourning prematurely will lead to incomplete healing and chronic heart pain. Love NEVER fails!"
These are words of wisdom.
No parent should have to go through want Sandy Hook parents are going through. I cannot imagine it. However, I have spent time weeping for those so tragically touched. Evil does not discriminate. It attacks all and does it without mercy. Trying to explain it will do us no good. Many look for closer. Wholeness will come if you allow it. THE LORD IS FAITHFUL!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Eschatology Of Hope-Part 2
Part 2-The Timing
Our eschatology must be consistent with the belief that God is good. In this installment on the topic let’s discuss some timing issues that are important. Many people focus on certain scriptures as futuristic in nature. The scripture was written futuristic to the ones it was written to but, it does not mean that is was written as futuristic to us.
We need to look at the scripture to see if there is a timing that we can understand and then look at history. One of the main passages people refer to is Matthew 24.
Matt. 24:3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
All end time, dooms day teachers will point here to say that this is coming. Yet, as we investigate we might see something fresh. This great question so easily taken for something in our day has a focal point that should not be ignored. That focal point is the Temple. Jesus just pronounced a chapter full of judgments upon Jerusalem and ends with this statement.
Matt. 24:1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
Matt. 24:2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
It would be a weighty matter to the Jewish apostles that were with Jesus. Therefore it is no surprise that they ask these questions. In Mark’s and Luke’s gospels it is worded differently.
Mark 13:4 “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”
Luke 21:7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”
It is clear that they are asking for signs leading up to the destruction of the Temple not to the end of the world. There is another point here as well, just because Jesus reveals something does not always mean it is His will for it. God is often looking for someone to stand in the gap and alter the course.
Back to our topic, Jesus is telling the apostles when the Temple age will end. This is the age He is referring to. This was a major paradigm shift in the world. A new covenant was going to be instituted and remember the apostles don’t know it yet. Jesus will fill them in later. The Temple is everything to the nation of Israel. If that does not sound like a shift, I don’t know what is. Wars and rumors of wars were the signs leading up to this major event, not to the end of the world. There is another important event, The Great Tribulation. Jesus speaks of this in Matthew 24.
Matt. 24:21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Matt. 24:22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened
This event is not the prelude to the end of the world but to the end of the age. For those who like to make it a double prophecy Jesus answers that as well, “Nor ever shall be means that this is the greatest one.” Hopefully we have at least in a short synopsis opened up the possibility that this prophecy was for another time. This greatly affects our outlook for the future.
It is difficult to lay out complete teachings in these weekly letters, but I hope what I have shared has begun to shine a light on the hope of the Kingdom. Soon in the future I will be doing a teaching series that will go into greater detail.
Addicted To His Presence,
Louis C. DeSiena
Our eschatology must be consistent with the belief that God is good. In this installment on the topic let’s discuss some timing issues that are important. Many people focus on certain scriptures as futuristic in nature. The scripture was written futuristic to the ones it was written to but, it does not mean that is was written as futuristic to us.
We need to look at the scripture to see if there is a timing that we can understand and then look at history. One of the main passages people refer to is Matthew 24.
Matt. 24:3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
All end time, dooms day teachers will point here to say that this is coming. Yet, as we investigate we might see something fresh. This great question so easily taken for something in our day has a focal point that should not be ignored. That focal point is the Temple. Jesus just pronounced a chapter full of judgments upon Jerusalem and ends with this statement.
Matt. 24:1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
Matt. 24:2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
It would be a weighty matter to the Jewish apostles that were with Jesus. Therefore it is no surprise that they ask these questions. In Mark’s and Luke’s gospels it is worded differently.
Mark 13:4 “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”
Luke 21:7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”
It is clear that they are asking for signs leading up to the destruction of the Temple not to the end of the world. There is another point here as well, just because Jesus reveals something does not always mean it is His will for it. God is often looking for someone to stand in the gap and alter the course.
Back to our topic, Jesus is telling the apostles when the Temple age will end. This is the age He is referring to. This was a major paradigm shift in the world. A new covenant was going to be instituted and remember the apostles don’t know it yet. Jesus will fill them in later. The Temple is everything to the nation of Israel. If that does not sound like a shift, I don’t know what is. Wars and rumors of wars were the signs leading up to this major event, not to the end of the world. There is another important event, The Great Tribulation. Jesus speaks of this in Matthew 24.
Matt. 24:21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Matt. 24:22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened
This event is not the prelude to the end of the world but to the end of the age. For those who like to make it a double prophecy Jesus answers that as well, “Nor ever shall be means that this is the greatest one.” Hopefully we have at least in a short synopsis opened up the possibility that this prophecy was for another time. This greatly affects our outlook for the future.
It is difficult to lay out complete teachings in these weekly letters, but I hope what I have shared has begun to shine a light on the hope of the Kingdom. Soon in the future I will be doing a teaching series that will go into greater detail.
Addicted To His Presence,
Louis C. DeSiena
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Eschatology Of Hope-Part 1
Part 1-Putting On Different Glasses (Originally Published On May 19, 2011)
Eschatology is the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.
Why would anyone want to embark on this topic? It has been discussed and over discussed. I want to offer a new perspective on eschatology. When I first came to the Lord I heard many teachings about the end times. The main focus was that everything was going to get worse and by the grace of God we were going to get sucked out at the last moment and no judgments would ever come upon us. I would watch as people would get excited as if this was good news. On the other hand, there would almost be a quiet joy over calamity, because this meant that Jesus was coming back.
This philosophy however leaves many people without power and hope for the future. The year was 1996 and I had completed seven years of study on the topic of the end times according to the way it was taught. I found myself frustrated and convinced that it was not accurate.
First, it seemed that there was no hope to shape the future. We were all living our lives and no matter what we did it was going to end up the same. The devil was going to take over the earth and in a flash Superman Jesus would rescue us from the fate of a lost world and we would spend at least the next seven years in heaven while judgment and fire were being poured out on the earth. I have even heard people use this as a witnessing tool. Our prayers were hopeless in the dying world and nothing could change the outcome. We were to give ourselves to getting as many souls to the Holy Spirit bus stop and wait for Elijah or Moses to come and pick us up. As exciting as winning the souls may sound, when you have this theology it seems pointless to pray for dreams and vision of a future and a hope. Remember time is short so don’t make any long-range plans.
Second, this theology lacked the power that was clearly given to the Church. The notion that our future was already mapped out took away one of the most amazing gifts from God, free will! Without that we are no different than the animals. We are history makers not role players. Winston Churchill put it this way, “History shall be kind to me for I intend to write it.” That is power. Things are not left up to chance but by co-laboring with the Father of heaven we can shape the world.
Third, the kingdom of God was a place in a time period that seemed pointless to me. All the scripture I read kept pointing to a kingdom that was here and now. What I was taught was that the kingdom would come at the return of the Lord and then everything would be better. Unfortunately, I just could not see it. Why was the church just settling for a mediocre existence and not the fullness that the Lord Jesus obtained for us?
Forth, there was too much fear and not enough power, love and sound mind. I watched the youth become disenchanted with life as it was to come to an end quickly. Anytime you hear a spirit of fear in our doctrine you have the right to question it. God’s kingdom is one of love not fear.
In 1993 my son, Jordan, was born. When I was praying the Lord told me not to tell him that he was the last generation for it would shorten his days. Again and again the Spirit would break down the walls of the old fearful theology and begin to formulate a new one that brought hope and power.
Over the next several months I want to take you on a journey that I have been on for fifteen years. We will cover many of the topics that will reveal the kingdom in a powerful way. When we are done I hope to have convinced you that you are a world changer and have been given the most amazing opportunity in the kingdom.
Addicted to His Presence,
Louis C DeSiena
Eschatology is the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.
Why would anyone want to embark on this topic? It has been discussed and over discussed. I want to offer a new perspective on eschatology. When I first came to the Lord I heard many teachings about the end times. The main focus was that everything was going to get worse and by the grace of God we were going to get sucked out at the last moment and no judgments would ever come upon us. I would watch as people would get excited as if this was good news. On the other hand, there would almost be a quiet joy over calamity, because this meant that Jesus was coming back.
This philosophy however leaves many people without power and hope for the future. The year was 1996 and I had completed seven years of study on the topic of the end times according to the way it was taught. I found myself frustrated and convinced that it was not accurate.
First, it seemed that there was no hope to shape the future. We were all living our lives and no matter what we did it was going to end up the same. The devil was going to take over the earth and in a flash Superman Jesus would rescue us from the fate of a lost world and we would spend at least the next seven years in heaven while judgment and fire were being poured out on the earth. I have even heard people use this as a witnessing tool. Our prayers were hopeless in the dying world and nothing could change the outcome. We were to give ourselves to getting as many souls to the Holy Spirit bus stop and wait for Elijah or Moses to come and pick us up. As exciting as winning the souls may sound, when you have this theology it seems pointless to pray for dreams and vision of a future and a hope. Remember time is short so don’t make any long-range plans.
Second, this theology lacked the power that was clearly given to the Church. The notion that our future was already mapped out took away one of the most amazing gifts from God, free will! Without that we are no different than the animals. We are history makers not role players. Winston Churchill put it this way, “History shall be kind to me for I intend to write it.” That is power. Things are not left up to chance but by co-laboring with the Father of heaven we can shape the world.
Third, the kingdom of God was a place in a time period that seemed pointless to me. All the scripture I read kept pointing to a kingdom that was here and now. What I was taught was that the kingdom would come at the return of the Lord and then everything would be better. Unfortunately, I just could not see it. Why was the church just settling for a mediocre existence and not the fullness that the Lord Jesus obtained for us?
Forth, there was too much fear and not enough power, love and sound mind. I watched the youth become disenchanted with life as it was to come to an end quickly. Anytime you hear a spirit of fear in our doctrine you have the right to question it. God’s kingdom is one of love not fear.
In 1993 my son, Jordan, was born. When I was praying the Lord told me not to tell him that he was the last generation for it would shorten his days. Again and again the Spirit would break down the walls of the old fearful theology and begin to formulate a new one that brought hope and power.
Over the next several months I want to take you on a journey that I have been on for fifteen years. We will cover many of the topics that will reveal the kingdom in a powerful way. When we are done I hope to have convinced you that you are a world changer and have been given the most amazing opportunity in the kingdom.
Addicted to His Presence,
Louis C DeSiena
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