Monday, June 22, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Friday, June 19, 2015
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Another Wave: How to Catch the New Thing God is Doing
There are ebbs and flows and surge times in the move of God, just as there are in the waves of the sea.
Waves are known as a prophetic metaphor for the move of the Holy Spirit.
God is saying, ‘It is time to pay attention! Something new is on its way. It is time to get on board with the new thing I am doing.’
‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’ (Isa 43:18-19)
How to Catch the Move of the Holy Spirit
1. Pay Attention to the New Thing God is Doing
When you Google ‘surfing conditions’ you discover Surfcams, Surf reports and Surfcasts. [1] There is a new surfcast every day—yesterday’s wave forecast is no longer relevant.
- In life and ministry, it can be tempting to hold on to old ‘Surfcasts'; prophetic dreams from the past.
However, in order to catch the wave of the new thing God is doing, we need to pay attention to where the Holy Spirit is currently moving and about to move. We also need to listen to our leaders who are tuned in to the Holy Spirit.
Andrew Caught Another Wave
The ministry of John the Baptist was a wave, a mighty move of God. The Spirit of God was moving powerfully, bringing repentance to multitudes in the Judean wilderness.
It must have been an exciting time for John’s disciples. They were on the crest of the wave of what God was doing!
And yet, when John the Baptist pointed Jesus out to his disciple Andrew, the young man paid attention and pursued Jesus. Andrew later became a disciple of Jesus. (John 1:35-40, Matt 4:18-19)
Remarkably, Andrew was able to release his past loyalties and go with the new thing God was doing.
And yet, when John the Baptist pointed Jesus out to his disciple Andrew, the young man paid attention and pursued Jesus. Andrew later became a disciple of Jesus. (John 1:35-40, Matt 4:18-19)
Remarkably, Andrew was able to release his past loyalties and go with the new thing God was doing.
2. Position with Purpose
In order to ride a wave, a surfer must be positioned with purpose on the surfboard, and ready to go.
Andrew is a great example of someone who lived out of his purpose. The call that Jesus gave him was to ‘fish for people.’
- Firstly, Andrew brought his brother Simon, who would later become known as Peter, to Jesus.
- When Jesus and His disciples were faced with a hungry crowd of 5,000 people in John 6, it was Andrew who brought the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus.
- In John 12, when Greek Jews inquired about Jesus, Andrew with Phillip came to tell Jesus.
It’s time to catch the revelation of the purpose and destiny that God has called you to. It is time to say ‘Yes’ to Jesus.
Don’t let transition deter you—stay on the board of your purpose, and catch the new wave of what God is doing.
Don’t let transition deter you—stay on the board of your purpose, and catch the new wave of what God is doing.
3. Don’t Lose Momentum
A surfer gathers speed, paddling in order to connect properly and catch the wave. Then comes the vital moment when the wave picks up and carries the surfer onward. At that moment, the surfer rises to his or her feet.
A half-hearted attempt misses the wave.
Unlike many other disciples of John the Baptist, Andrew moved with the change and never lost momentum.
In Matthew 9, John the Baptist’s disciples struggled with the difference between John’s approach and Jesus’ approach to fasting. The outward form was different.
It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t believe in fasting—He taught on fasting, but very often when people saw Him, He was at the centre of the local party in town, dining with outcasts.
It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t believe in fasting—He taught on fasting, but very often when people saw Him, He was at the centre of the local party in town, dining with outcasts.
Jesus responded to them:
“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matt 9:17)
“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matt 9:17)
If you are deterred by the outward appearance of the package, you are going to miss the gift of God, the new thing He is bringing.
This was a stumbling block to most of John’s disciples, but it wasn’t to Andrew. Andrew was one of those rare people who could enjoy both the old and new things of what God is doing.
It is important to remember that no change takes God by surprise. And when church, ministry, or secular leaders direct change that you have not chosen, you need to remember that God is sovereign and He is faithful. His plan for your life will be accomplished, as you keep your heart free of hurt and offense.
4. Stay on the Wave
While Andrew was able to catch the wave and stay on it, many of John the Baptist’s disciples could not see what God was doing.
30 years later in Ephesus Paul found a group of John the Baptist disciples.
- They completely missed what God was doing
- They missed Jesus
In the meantime, Andrew had gone on to see hundreds and thousands won to Christ.
Andrew understood that John the Baptist’s ministry was a wave that had spent and receded at John the Baptist’s death. Andrew caught the wave that emerged with Jesus’ ministry. He embraced change—and walked into his destiny. [2]
Andrew understood that John the Baptist’s ministry was a wave that had spent and receded at John the Baptist’s death. Andrew caught the wave that emerged with Jesus’ ministry. He embraced change—and walked into his destiny. [2]
It is time to catch the vision for the new thing God is doing and receive the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for what lies ahead.
The Spirit is in the wind and the waves, God is at work and right now is an opportunity to join in what He is doing. Don’t hold back. It is time to catch the wave!
Notes:
[1] A surfcast is a precise report of the conditions of the waves at a beach and is designed to help surfers make decisions about the best time and place to surf.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
GOD SAYS: Do You Have Time For MY House? CONSIDER YOUR WAYS!
Haggai 1
A Call to Rebuild the Temple
1 On August 29[a] of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the Lord gave a message through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua[b] son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
2 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’”
3 Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? 5 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 6 You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!
7 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 8 Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. 9 You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. 10 It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. 11 I have called for a drought on your fields and hills—a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olive trees and all your other crops, a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get.”
Obedience to God’s Call
12 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of God’s people began to obey the message from the Lord their God. When they heard the words of the prophet Haggai, whom the Lord their God had sent, the people feared the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave the people this message from the Lord: “I am with you, says the Lord!”
14 So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, 15 on September 21[c] of the second year of King Darius’s reign.
Footnotes:
- 1:1a Hebrew On the first day of the sixth month, of the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar. A number of dates in Haggai can be cross-checked with dates in surviving Persian records and related accurately to our modern calendar. This event occurred on August 29, 520 B.c.
- 1:1b Hebrew Joshua, a variant spelling of Jeshua; also in 1:12, 14.
- 1:15 Hebrew on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, of the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar. This event occurred on September 21, 520 B.c.; also see note on 1:1a.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Monday, June 8, 2015
What Does ‘Ordination’ Mean To You?
What does ‘ordination’ mean to you?
Being set IN ORDER
According to the mandate of God,
And confirmed by apostolic leadership,
To a new covenantal place
Of increased
Servanthood,
Revelation,
Power,
Stewardship, and
Accountability.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
What Is An Overseer?
1 Timothy 3:1
New International Version
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
New Living Translation
This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position."
English Standard Version
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
New American Standard Bible
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
King James Bible
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
New Living Translation
This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position."
English Standard Version
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
New American Standard Bible
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
King James Bible
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
Overseer [N]
The word "overseer" (Gk. episkopos [ejpivskopo"]) is used a limited number of times in the New Testament, but it has significant implications for a proper understanding of leadership in the church.
The noun episkopos [ejpivskopo"] appears five times in the New Testament and means overseer, guardian, bishop. It is used in reference to Jesus Christ in 1 Peter 2:25 and in other places of individuals who have a function of leadership in the church ( Acts 20:28; Php 1:1 ; 1 Tim 3:2 ; Titus 1:7 ). The verb episkopeo [ejpiskopevw] appears in 1 Peter 5:2 and means to take care of, to oversee, or to care for. Episkope [ejpiskophv] appears in 1 Timothy 3:1 and refers to the position or office of overseer or bishop. It seems clear that a plurality of overseers (elders) was the New Testament model, though flexibility apparently existed as to structure. It is quite likely that one overseer or elder would have primary leadership as the pastor among the other elders in the local church, such as James in the church at Jerusalem (cf. Acts 15:13-21 ).
The first responsibility God has given the overseer is to watch over the flock. Acts 20:28a states, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers"; and Hebrews 13:17b says, "They keep watch over you." The idea is one of spiritual alertness, being on watch, being ready. Overseers watch for the souls of those entrusted to them in the Lord. They know that to protect them, constant attention is necessary.
A second responsibility of the overseer is to shepherd the flock of God as instructed in 1 Peter 5:2. To shepherd carries the idea of tending, caring for, feeding, protecting, and leading. All these tasks are involved in the overseer's service of ministry to the spiritual flock of God. Responsibility is not a compulsion but something that the overseer has entered into willingly.
In Acts 20:27-30 overseers are told to shepherd the flock of God, by declaring the whole counsel of the Word of God (v. 27). The reason is because there will arise false teachers who will seek to lead many astray (vv. 29-30). The importance of shepherding is revealed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, when he instructs leaders to confront personally those who are idle, timid, or weak.
First Peter 5:2d-3 also addresses the issue of attitude and motivation of the overseer when it commands spiritual leaders to be "eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." "Eager" carries the idea of ready and willing. The point is that the overseer should be quick to serve but careful to curb the desire to rule in an autocratic or dictatorial manner. There is always the temptation to abuse authority. The key is to maintain balance in this area of the ministry. The overseer clearly is to direct, lead, guide, even rule ( Hebrews 13:7 Hebrews 13:17 ). However, his model is the Lord Jesus; therefore he is a shepherd leader, a servant leader who sets a humble example for the flock to follow. If the people are to see the pastor as a ruler (or leader), the pastor is to view himself as a servant. Trouble begins when one or both reverse those role assignments. A pastor who exalts himself as ruler is an unbearable tyrant; a flock that views its shepherd as its slave is destined for spiritual disaster.
It is important to consider the relationship among the overseer or bishop (episkopos[ejpivskopo"]), the pastor (poimen [poimhvn]), and the elder (presbuteros [presbuvtero"]). Scholars are virtually unanimous that in the early church the presbuteros [presbuvtero"] and the episkopos [ejpivskopo"] were one and the same. Indeed, there is no clear evidence for a monarchical episcopate being firmly established until the early decades of the second century.
There are solid biblical reasons to justify the assertion that overseer and elder refer to the same person. In Acts 20:17, 28 Paul addresses the same group of men in the same speech as both elders and bishops or overseers as he reminds them of their work of shepherding. In 1 Peter 5:1-2 Peter calls himself an elder and instructs the elders to oversee the flock. In Titus 1:6-7 the same group is called both elders and overseers.
In writing to a local congregation, the church at Philippi, Paul addresses himself to the bishops or overseers ( 1:1 ). It is inconceivable that Paul would have sent no greetings at all to the elders, who were in every church. The bishops and the elders must be one and the same body of individuals.
Finally, the qualifications for the overseers in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and the elder in Titus 1:5-9 are basically identical. Episkopos [ejpivskopo"] and poimen [poimhvn] clearly refer to the function of the office, while presbuteros [presbuvtero"] emphasizes the character of spiritually mature men of God. It was a term of respect and esteem the early church employed to describe its pastoral leaders, even though they were, on occasion, very young.
The qualifications the Bible gives for the overseer strongly emphasize character in all aspects of life, both personal and public. Most of the qualifications are self-explanatory, and they are listed in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9. That the overseer must be above reproach appears to be an overriding qualification, expressing the idea that the overseer should demonstrate integrity in every area Paul mentions. His life and reputation are of such a nature that he is not open to attack or censure. No fault can be found in him that would disqualify him from office or open him to discipline by the body (cf. 1 Tim 5:19-20).
The overseer is to be above reproach in his personal life. He must be temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, upright, holy, disciplined, loves what is good, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not overbearing, not quick-tempered, and not a lover of money.
He must also be above reproach in his family life. He is to be the husband of but one wife (lit. "a one woman kind of man"), manage his own family well, and see that his children obey him with proper respect. Being the husband of but one wife is widely debated, but the idea of fidelity to one's wife is certainly the underlying principle.
The overseer must be above reproach in his public life. He must not be a recent convert, and for good reason: he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. Also, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
Finally, the overseer must be above reproach in his professional life. He must be able to teach and hold firm to the message so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
The authority of accountability of the overseer is summarized in Hebrews 13:17. The duty of the congregation is twofold: they must obey and submit. Three motivations are given for obedience and submission to the leadership. First, they watch over the people. The imagery is possibly that of the leaders keeping awake at nights in their concern for God's people. Second, they will give an account to God for their oversight of the flock (his flock cf. 1 Peter 5:2 ). God has placed them in this position and therefore they will answer to him. The final motivation is that they may serve with joy and not grief. If there is a lack of obedience, it is of no advantage to the church. Hebrews 13:17 is a somber reminder that the welfare of the community is intimately related to the quality of the people's response to their leaders.
The office of the bishop or overseer is both a great privilege and an awesome responsibility. The pastor/elder/overseer is to shepherd, direct, teach, and protect the flock of God entrusted to him with integrity and humility, looking to the Lord Jesus as the model for ministry.
Daniel L. Akin
See alo Church, the; Elder; Leadership.
Bibliography. H. W. Beyer, TDNT, 2:608-22; L. Coenen, NIDNTT, 1:188-201; D. Deer, Biblical Translator30 (1979): 438-41; G. Knight, Presbyterion11 (1985): 1-12; G. E. Ladd, A Theology of the New Testament; T. Rohde, Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament, 2:35; P. Toon, EDT, pp. 157-58; R. S. Wallace, EDT, pp. 346-48.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
PROPHETIC (SPOKEN) BLESSINGS ~ HOW THEY WORK...
Blessing is life giving and
has creative power.
(Num 6:22-27, Prov 18:21)
I feel strongly that speaking and declaring blessing is on the Father’s agenda right now.
Spoken blessing is significant throughout Scripture.
The first words God spoke over Adam and Eve were words of blessing. (Gen 1:27-29) The last words Jesus spoke over the assembled group of disciples as He was ascending to Heaven were word of blessing. (Luke 24:50-52) Jesus taught His followers to bless, and He continually demonstrated it.
The world around us views blessing as an occasional happy event. [1] However, the truth is, that in Christ you are already blessed and always blessed. (Eph 1:3)Jesus is the source of your personal blessing and through Him you have the ability to bless others.
Here are 5 powerful truths about blessing, along with some practical tips to help you put it into practice:
1. Blessing is Prophetic
When you bless in accordance with the Father’s intent and purpose, your blessing is prophetic.
One of the NT Greek words for blessing is ‘eulogeo’, which means, ‘to speak well of.’ Today, we speak a ‘eulogy’ as we reflect positively on someone’s past life and achievements. A eulogy is frequently used in the context of a funeral or memorial service.
However the Father speaks His word of blessing ahead of time, speaking forward, and that blessing has the power to bring His intentions to pass.
In our culture today, people are more likely to complain, speak negatively and criticise, than to bless. People are more likely to forecast harm than prophesy good.
Because of this, speaking and praying words of blessing may seem unnatural for us at first. However, it is time to align our words and our lifestyle with the Kingdom of God.
2. Blessing Carries an Impartation
“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:27)
God instructed His priests to speak a blessing over God’s people. (Num 6:22-27) As they spoke the blessing, something tangible was being imparted to the people, and God followed the words to bring about His blessing.
‘Peace’, or ‘Peace be with you’ was (and continues to be) a common greeting in Jewish culture. Jesus told His disciples that something tangible was released when they spoke a word of ‘peace’ upon households they entered. (Luke 10:5, Matt 10:12)
The fuller meaning of the Hebrew word for peace, ‘shalom’ includes peace, wholeness, wellness, and prosperity. [2]
This teaches us something about Kingdom culture. You too have the ability to bless, and to release the ‘shalom’ of God—something tangible imparted by the Holy Spirit.
Power follows your words. Are your words empowering the move of the Holy Spirit?
3. Blessing is Powerful in Times of Opposition
Blessing is powerful to cut through the plans and strategies of the enemy. Life-giving words, sourced in the Father’s heart, break the power of cursing and negativity. (Prov 18:21)
Jesus teaches us to bless our enemies. (Matt 6) He teaches us when in the trial, to move in the opposite spirit of what is taking place. Blessing releases the power of God when we are undergoing opposition from others to God’s purposes in our lives.
4. Blessing Flows out of an Abundance Mindset
We often pray, ‘Lord bless so and so’ but have lost the real meaning and power of blessing. We have reduced blessing to a wish, something we can hope and pray for.
However, the Kingdom mindset is one of plenty and abundance.
In the context of prayer, blessing requires a shift of perspective. We are not praying forsomething, we are praying with something.
Jesus said, ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’ (Matt 10:8b)
You are empowered to bless others, as you comprehend the abundance that you have received from God and that you have access to. You carry something that you can give away!
Blessing is an act of faith. (Heb 11:20-21)
5. Blessing is an Honour of Leaders
Those of us who are parents and leaders have a special mandate from God to bless our children, as well as those we lead and serve. The Scripture is full of examples of fathers and leaders who blessed.
Blessing was part of the priestly function in the OT and today in God’s Kingdom we are all ‘priests’ (1 Pet 2:9, Rev 1:6) and God’s sons and daughters, with the ability to bless.
How to Speak or Pray Blessing
It is one thing to be convinced that blessing is powerful, and quite another to know how to put it into practice! Of course, the main key is to be led of the Holy Spirit. Remember that the source of prophetic blessing is your intimate relationship with God. Be open to different ways that the Holy Spirit may lead you to either pray blessing, or to speak and release it.
Here are some thoughts to help you get started:
- There are some blessings in Scripture that you can use and adapt. Examples are found in Numbers 6:22-27, Deut 28:3-13, Phil 1:2, Gen 49:22, Matt 5:3-12.
- You can also use Bible verses as a personalised blessing. There are many promises in Scripture you can turn into a word of blessing as the Spirit leads. See How to use Scripture as a Prophetic Declaration
- There are many different ways you can begin a blessing, such as, ‘In Jesus’ Name I bless you to… or ‘May you be blessed in / with…in Jesus’ Name’ Or a declaration of ‘You are blessed to be / do / with…’ or simply to speak the release of something by faith (you don’t need to use the word blessing).
- Scripture also provides a rich resource of the types of blessing that you can pray and impart, such as favour, wholeness, healing, fullness, fruitfulness, prosperity, protection, relationship with God, grace, peace, etc.
© 2015 Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
A Closer Look At Spiritual Gifts
Different Categories of the Gifts Key Verse:
1Cor.12:7-11
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 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.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
Although each gift has its own unique function, it is helpful to consider them in three different categories of operation.
i) Gifts of Revelation - information previously hidden is made known
ii) Gifts of Utterance - something is spoken
iii) Gifts of Power - something supernatural is done;
*Not an indicator of personal maturity
*Not a sign that one’s life is completely right with God
*Given, not earned
*Not only for our own satisfaction
Connell, Mike (2009-02-01). Activating the Gifts of the Spirit
1Cor.12:7-11
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 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.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
Although each gift has its own unique function, it is helpful to consider them in three different categories of operation.
i) Gifts of Revelation - information previously hidden is made known
- Word of Knowledge
- Word of Wisdom
- Discerning of Spirits
ii) Gifts of Utterance - something is spoken
- Prophecy
- Diverse Tongues
- Interpretation of Tongues
iii) Gifts of Power - something supernatural is done;
- Power is imparted
- Faith
- Gifts of Healing
- Working of Miracles
The Holy Spirit distributes the Gifts to each believer as
He wills,
The Holy Spirit energizes gifts to make the believer
fruitful in manifesting for others the presence of God
Spiritual Gifts are:
*Not an indicator of personal maturity
*Not a sign that one’s life is completely right with God
*Given, not earned
*Not only for our own satisfaction
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