Published on April 15th, 2010 | Articles, Guest Posts

This guest post comes to us from Francis Frangipane at Francis Frangipane Ministries.

Legal Protection

Francis Frangipane

Approximately two thousand years ago a decree was issued at the judgment seat of Almighty God. It provided “legal” protection for the church against the devil. Indeed, when Jesus died for our sins, the “ruler of this world” was judged (John 16:11). Our debts were nailed to Christ’s cross and canceled; principalities and powers were disarmed. In truth, because of Jesus, we have a legal right, not only to be protected from our enemy but to triumph over him (Col. 2:13-15).

It does not matter what nation you come from, the sacrifice of Christ was so complete and the judicial decision from God against Satan so decisive that divine protection, enough to cover every need known to Christians, has been granted (see Rev. 3:10). Christ’s death is the lawful platform upon which the church rises to do spiritual warfare; His Word is the eternal sword we raise against wickedness.

Having said that, we must also acknowledge that the church has only rarely walked in such victory since the first century. Why? At least in part, the answer is this: To attain the protection of Christ, the church must embrace the intercession of Christ. We must become a house of prayer.

Indeed, church history began with its leadership devoted to the Word of God and to prayer (Acts 2:42; 6:4). Every day the leaders gathered to pray and minister to the Lord (Acts 3:1). In this clarity of vision and simplicity of purpose, the church of Jesus Christ never had greater power or capacity to make true disciples.

Today, however, our qualifications for church leadership include almost everything but devotion to God’s Word and prayer. Leaders are expected to be organizers, counselors, and individuals with winning personalities whose charms alone can draw people.

In Luke 18, Jesus challenges our modern traditions. He asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (v. 8). His question is a warning to Christians who would limit the power of God at the end of the age. Jesus is calling us to resist the downward pull of our traditions; He is asking us individually, “Will I find faith in you?”

Before we respond, let us note that Jesus associates “faith” with “day and night prayer” (Luke 18:7). He is not asking, “Will I find correct doctrines in you?” The Lord’s question does not so much concern itself with our head as with our heart. What we believe is important, but how we believe is vital in securing the help of God.

Indeed, procuring the supernatural help of God is exactly the point of Jesus’ parable in Luke 18. His intent was to show that “at all times” we “ought to pray and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1). To illustrate the quality of faith He seeks, He followed His admonition with a parable about a certain widow who petitioned a hardened judge for “legal protection” (v. 3). Although the judge was initially unwilling, yet by her “continually coming” (v. 5) she gained what was legally hers.

Jesus concluded by asking, “If an unrighteous judge will respond to a widow’s persistence, shall not God avenge quickly His elect, who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?” Jesus said, “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them speedily” (see Luke 18:1-8)

Understanding God’s Delays

Our Heavenly Judge will not “delay long” over His elect, but He will delay. In fact, God’s definition of “speedily” and ours are not always synonymous. The Lord incorporates delays into His overall plan: Delays work perseverance in us. So crucial is endurance to our character development that God is willing to delay even important answers to prayer to facilitate our transformation.

Thus, we should not interpret divine delays as signs of divine reluctance. Delays are tools to perfect our faith. Christ is looking to find a tenacity in our faith that prevails in spite of delays and setbacks. He seeks to create a perseverance within us that outlasts the test of time, a resolve that actually grows stronger during delays. When the Father sees this quality of persistence in our faith, it so touches His heart that He grants “legal protection” to His people.

Desperation Produces Change

It is significant that Jesus compared His elect to a widow harassed by an enemy. The image is actually liberating, for we tend to conceptualize the heroes of the faith as David or Joshua types — individuals whose successes obscure their humble beginnings. But each of God’s servants has, like the widow, a former life that is brimming with excuses and occasions to waver.

Look at the widow: She has legitimate reasons to quit, but instead she prevails. Indeed, she refuses to exempt herself from her high potential simply because of her low estate. She makes no apologies for her lack of finances, knowledge or charm. Giving herself no reason to fail, she unashamedly plants her case before the judge where she pleads for and receives what is hers: legal protection from her opponent.

How did a common widow gain such strength of character? We can imagine that there must have been a time when, under the relentless pressure of her adversary, she became desperate, and desperation worked to her advantage. Desperation is God’s hammer: It demolishes the stronghold of fear and shatters the chains of our excuses. When our desperation exceeds our fears, progress begins.

Today, the force prodding many Christians toward greater unity and prayer has not been the sweetness of fellowship; more often it has been the assault of the enemy. We are in desperate times. When it comes to touching God’s heart, other than for a few essential truths, unity of desperation is more crucial than unity of doctrine.

God’s Elect

Our nation is suffering from a deep social and moral collapse. If we have ever needed God’s anointing, it is now — but where are God’s elect? Where are the people whom Daniel says “know their God” and “will display strength and take action” (Dan. 11:32)?

Is there no one divinely empowered who can fell the Goliaths of our age? Perhaps we are looking in the wrong places. Perhaps we need only to look in our bathroom mirror. If you believe in Jesus and are desperate for God, you qualify as one of God’s elect. Remember, in the above parable the widow typifies Christ’s chosen.

We have erroneously held that God’s chosen will never be assaulted by the adversary, much less driven to desperation and “day-and-night” prayer. But, this desperation is often the very crucible in which the elect of God are forged. Jesus portrays this characteristic metaphorically in the picture of the widow; He reveals the means through which His elect prevail in battle at the end of the age.

When all is said and done, it is also possible that this widow may not have been a singular person but a corporate people — a “widow church” — united in Christ in a singular, desperate prayer for protection against her adversary.

We need the “legal protection” that a national revival provides. But it will not come without unceasing prayer. You ask, “Where was the prayer behind the Charismatic Renewal?” The Lord spoke to my heart that the Charismatic Renewal was His answer to the cries of a million praying mothers — women who refused to surrender their children to drugs and the devil.

It is our turn to pray. We are the widow who cannot give herself a reason for failure; God will answer our day-and-night cry. Let us position ourselves at His throne on behalf of our cities and nations. Certainly, as we persevere in faith, the Lord will grant us legal protection from our enemy.

Published on March 30th, 2010 | Articles, eBooks

By Charles Hamilton

What makes Christianity so unique is that our leader Jesus came back from the dead. As Christians we recognize that Jesus’ resurrection confirms [declares once and for all] that He is the Lord.

The resurrection of Jesus was heaven’s powerful declaration that He is the Son of God. Jesus is the only one in history who is still alive, after having been raised from the dead (over two thousand years ago).

This miraculous event confirms Jesus to be the Son of God. There is absolutely no one from history [past], who has been raised from the dead and is still alive today, except the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus – Declared The Son Of God

Romans 1:3-4 – The New Testament in Modern English (J.B. Phillips)

The gospel is centered in God’s Son, a descendant of David by human genealogy and patently [deliberately] marked out as the Son of God by the power of that Spirit of holiness which raised him to life again from the dead. (Emphasis mine)

Sadly, Jesus himself foretold that there would be people in the world who would not believe, even though one came back from the dead.

Luke 16:31 – Amplified Bible

He said to him, If they do not hear and listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded and convinced and believe [even] if someone should rise from the dead.

Not everyone will believe the truth [good news] but if you are reading this article you have an opportunity to believe.

Why should you believe?

Because God has provided for himself witnesses of the resurrection of His Son throughout scripture.

Eye Witnesses of His Resurrection

I Corinthians 15:1-8 – The New Testament in Modern English (J.B. Phillips)

Now, my brothers, I want to speak about the Gospel which I have previously preached to you, which you accepted, in which you are at present standing, and by which, if you remain faithful to the message I gave you, your salvation is being worked out – unless, of course, your faith had no meaning behind it at all.

For I passed on to you Corinthians first of all the message I had myself received – that Christ died for our sins, as the scriptures said he would; that he was buried and rose again on the third day, again as the scriptures foretold.

He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve, and subsequently he was seen simultaneously by over five hundred Christians, of whom the majority are still alive, though some have since died.

He was then seen by James, then by all the messengers. And last of all, as if to one born abnormally late, he appeared to me!

Forever Settled In Heaven

In a court of law by the word of one or two witnesses a case is settled. Jesus was seen alive by over five hundred Christians after his resurrection. Therefore the matter should be forever settled in our minds as to the truth that Jesus was raised from the dead.

Since the resurrection is at the very heart of the gospel how can any Christian deny life after death?

I Corinthians 15:12-19 – The New Testament in Modern English (J.B. Phillips)

Now if the rising of Christ from the dead is the very heart of our message, how can some of you deny that there is any resurrection? For if there is no such thing as the resurrection of the dead, then Christ was never raised.

And if Christ was not raised then neither our preaching nor your faith has any meaning at all. Further it would mean that we are lying in our witness for God, for we have given our solemn testimony that he did raise up Christ – and that is utterly false if it should be true that the dead do not, in fact, rise again!

For if the dead do not rise neither did Christ rise, and if Christ did not rise your faith is futile and your sins have never been forgiven. Moreover those who have died believing in Christ are utterly dead and gone. Truly, if our hope in Christ were limited to this life only we should, of all mankind be the most to be pitied!

Christianity rests solely upon the truth of scripture that Christ did arise from the dead.

The last enemy of all to be destroyed is death itself.

I Corinthians 15:20-23 – The New Testament in Modern English (J.B. Phillips)

But the glorious fact is that Christ did rise from the dead: he has become the very first to rise of all who sleep the sleep of death.

As death entered the world through a man [Adam], so has rising from the dead come to us through a man [Jesus Christ]!

As members of a sinful race all men die; as members of the Christ of God all men shall be raised to life, each in his proper order, with Christ the very first and after him all who belong to him when he comes.

From Mortal to Immortality

The dead and the living will be fitted for immortality when Christ returns.

I Corinthians 15:51-54 – The New Testament in Modern English (J.B. Phillips)

Listen, and I will tell you a secret. We shall not all die, but suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, every one of us will be changed as the trumpet sounds! The trumpet will sound and the dead shall be raised beyond the reach of corruption, and we who are still alive shall suddenly be utterly changed.

For this perishable nature of ours must be wrapped in imperishability, these bodies which are mortal must be wrapped in immortality. So when the perishable is lost in the imperishable, the mortal lost in the immortal, this saying will come true: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ ‘O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’

The Resurrection has brought us victory over death and hell through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Its time for us to believe it and declare it to a sick and dying world.

Published on March 21st, 2010 | Articles, Guest Posts

This guest post comes to us from Paul Scanlon at Abundant Life Ministries.

Zero Gravity Thinking

By Paul Scanlon

Genesis 1:1 records that, ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth’. He then went on to create people in his ‘image and likeness’, passing on to them something of his creative nature. How then is it, that the God of all creation has ended up with a church which is, by and large, non-creative? Sadly, much of the church today could actually be described as being anti-creative rather than creative; it is resolutely resistant to new ideas and change.

To remain relevant we must remain creative. Without creativity our churches will look, sound, feel and be the same ten years from now. And standing still in our twenty-first century world will show up much quicker than at any previous time in history. We live in a fast moving, technological world that makes anything which is not moving appear obsolete overnight.

Creativity Is Not A Gift

Creativity is not a gift just given to certain ‘arty’ types of people. Neither is it a personality type, a particular kind of event or a notable work of art. Creativity is our God given nature; the creator of the universe has downloaded himself into people. Creativity is within our special DNA code; we are all creative by divine nature. We may not all be expressing it, but we already have it. Often, the unsaved are far more expressive of their innate sense of creativity than the church. But when we were born again, our fallen nature was redeemed, and with it our creativity, which was restored back to usefulness for God.

The Church must hear this and accept her responsibility to build creative, innovative, relevant churches that connect with their communities. Innovation is vital to the success of our churches, businesses and ministries. New ideas are our future. Our problem, however, seems to be that the burden of what we know is so huge, it limits what we can imagine. Our greatest challenge isn’t what we don’t know, but what we do know, and that stifles our ability to receive new ideas. We form unhealthy emotional attachments to methods, customs, traditions and styles and see ourselves as custodians of these sacred things. We get confused between form and essence and go to war with each other over hymn books, pews, choir robes, the King James Version and the removal of the church organ. And just in case we in ‘newer’ churches are thanking God that this is not true of us, we also go to war over our newer equivalents of these things. When we confuse form with essence we fight for things God doesn’t even care about. Thousands of churches have split over disagreements about form while completely missing the essence of reaching lost people.

The Two Roadblocks To Innovation

Innovation is the application of a new idea that results in a valuable improvement. This definition protects us from people thinking that innovation is just lots of useless ideas. If it can’t be used to improve what we do, it’s not truly innovative.

There are two massive roadblocks to innovative thinking. They are so huge that most people, and even fewer churches, ever get past them. They are group-think and expert-think.

• Group-think is the power of what most people around us think. It’s the crowd or herd mentality. It was group-think that had Jesus figured as being either Elijah, an Old Testament prophet, or John the Baptist.

• Expert-think is what the experts around us think. It is group-think on steroids!

These two innovation killers pin us down under the huge weight of what’s already known, thereby disabling us from thinking beyond what everyone already knows but which is not working. Democratically run churches can be paralysed by the power of group-think, as can policy run businesses that have forgotten that they exist to serve people rather than their policies. Certain airlines come to mind, but I won’t go there!

Group-Think

Our group can be many things: our nationality, age group, home group, church denomination, interest group, economic group etc. The point is that the weight of evidence suggests that we are all hardwired to conform, fit in and be accepted by the group; to maintain the status quo. And even more so if our jobs, salaries, opportunities and friendships depend on us fitting in with the group. In these cases we are even more likely to keep quiet when progress demands that someone speaks up.

In the Star Trek movies they once encountered the nearest life-form to the church you could ever meet. They were called the Borg; a mindless, group-think, collective consciousness. There was no individuality, no personal identity and no independent thought; ‘all must assimilate to the Borg’ was their mantra. Again, certain airline staff come to mind here, but I must move on!

Following the collapse of the American company Enron in 2001, it was stated in the enquiry report that everyone became mindless conformists once inside the Enron boardroom. What’s really shocking about this is that Enron’s board consisted of highly successful business leaders, professors and former senior politicians. If people of that calibre could surrender to the power of clearly faulty group-think, we are all vulnerable. Group-think doesn’t just affect weak-minded, easily intimidated people. I think I’m a pretty strong-minded independent thinker, but group-think affected my life for years.

Expert-Think

Expert-think is seen in our overwhelming inclination to align ourselves with the boss or the expert or the best known way of doing things. It’s like group-think but on steroids, because experts don’t even need to be present to shut down new ideas. Someone we respect just quoting what the so-called experts say can immediately stifle creativity.

I’m not against expertise. I’d rather have an expert operating on me than a novice surgeon, and rather an expert lawyer than one fresh out of law school. The problem is that all experts approach life with certain fixed mindsets. The advantage of this is that they know how to react, almost without thinking, in complex situations. The disadvantage is that a fixed mindset is resistant to questioning, especially from non experts. I recently read a shocking statement that said the biggest killer currently in America is doctors. The point of the article being that doctors are experts and people don’t think to question either their diagnosis or the prescriptions they are given to take.

Zero Gravity Thinking

A zero gravity thinker is a person who has broken free from the weight and huge downward pull of group-think and expert-think. These innovative thinkers defy gravity by escaping from underneath the burden of what we already know. Zero gravity thinkers help us to reset the gravity levels in our team, church or business by helping us to attain a degree of weightlessness in our thinking. Whilst we welcome gravity in the physical world, we should not welcome it in our mental world. Gravity’s job is to keep everything and everyone down, but what if the idea you need is up?

‘Fix your mind on things above, not on earthly things’ exhorted the apostle Paul. Because God wants to do ‘immeasurably more’ than we can imagine. Isaiah tells us that ‘God’s thoughts are not our thoughts’ but far higher. But the more stuff we accumulate mentally, the bigger the weight of gravity anchoring it down.

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Do you remember the story of the Emperor’s new clothes? Everyone was told that only the most loyal subjects would be able to see the king’s new clothes. As the king paraded through the streets everyone shouted how fine and grand he looked, until he passed a small boy. This little boy shouted out what everyone knew but dare not say: ‘The king is in the all together; he’s naked!’ The story goes that the king fled indoors because he also knew the truth, but had allowed the two ‘expert’ tailors, who were really swindlers, to deceive him.

This story carries a powerful insight about the nature of zero gravity thinkers. They are people with some psychological distance and mental separation from what everyone else is too close to. The boy in the story was outside of the social pressure to appear loyal to the king. He didn’t care what others thought and wasn’t part of any group he didn’t want to upset.

It’s very difficult to keep mental distance from things that we do everyday and it becomes more difficult the longer we do them. When Jesus said to the crowds in his sermon on the mount, ‘You have heard it said… but I say to you’, he was resetting the gravity levels established generations ago on thinking about murder, adultery, divorce, keeping your word, treatment of your enemies, etc. Jesus spent most of his public life challenging old group-think and expert-think strongholds in order to make way for both his new wine and his new wineskin, the church.

The Jethro Factor

Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law and his visit to Moses, when camped at Sinai in the wilderness, is recorded in Exodus. We read, ‘The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for all the people and they stood around him from morning till evening. When his father-in-law Jethro saw all that Moses was doing for the people he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”’

Apparently no one had ever asked the great Moses why he did it that way? Moses’ answer was a classic expert-think answer when he basically said, ‘I’m Moses; this is what I do. When people don’t know God’s will or have a dispute they come to me and I give them the answer’. Jethro basically said, ‘That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, this is gonna kill you and the people!’ Then he proceeded to give Moses a zero gravity thinking solution to his problem. Jethro had psychological separation from Moses’ world. He wasn’t a Hebrew, he wasn’t a leader under Moses and best of all, he wasn’t staying. We desperately need people like this in our world, people who can look at what we do and see with ease how it could be done better or smarter. These zero gravity thinkers are the key to keeping our churches, businesses and ministries innovative and relevant.

I thank God for every Jethro who has visited my church and had the confidence and gravity-free perspective to ask me ‘why?’ about various things in our ministry. Sadly, many pastors are too threatened and insecure to welcome a Jethro and so, like Moses, continue to wear both themselves and the people out.

Do you want your church, business and ministry to still be useful to God ten years from now? If so, you must commit to growing a creative life, and to sustain a creative life you must become a zero gravity thinker.

Published on March 21st, 2010 | Articles, Guest Posts

This guest post comes to us from Paul Keith Davis at White Dove Ministries.

Redeeming the Time

By Paul Keith Davis

We are going to revisit 1977! That is what I prophesied on December 31, 2009 at a conference WhiteDove Ministries co-hosted with our friends, Steven and Stacy Shelley. Initially, my thoughts returned to key events in the life of Pastor Roland Buck beginning in 1977 with the many prophecies and teachings that followed his supernatural encounters. This is a subject I have spent much time contemplating and absorbing. The Lord has made it emphatically clear this was a true word from Him and essential for our generation. I have written about his ministry in Books of Destiny.

However, what transpired over the following weeks was quite surprising and yet encouraging as it relates to our place in divine destiny. Within days of uttering those words, I was profoundly reconnected with many friends from my college years; some of whom played a significant role in my life both personally and spiritually.

Suddenly, I recognized these friends were all prominent in my life in the year 1977. I even accidentally located an individual for whom I had considerable admiration who first introduced me to the Pentecostal Church. At that time my little exposure to church life stemmed from scarcely attending a very traditional Southern Baptist congregation. Needless to say I was shocked at what I experienced in the Pentecostal service that I attended with my friend. I had no grid for understanding what I witnessed, yet something was awakened in me that spoke directly to my personal destiny. I realized my last encounter with her was in 1977.

Even though it was refreshing to rediscover these former friends and learn the course they took in life, I was still not prepared for what transpired on January 24, 2010.

Revisiting A Turn In The Road

I was scheduled to speak that Sunday evening in a Church just south of London, England. As I normally do when ministering in the UK, I flew all night arriving in London around 7 AM. I was taken directly to my hotel with the hopes of catching a brief nap before preparing for the evening service.

However, no matter how much I tried I could not sleep and ended up praying for approximately three hours. Somewhere around noon I went into a revelatory experience that has changed my perspective on multiple levels and provided enormous encouragement.

When I prophesied on December 31st that we would “revisit” 1977 I had no idea I would literally be allowed to see prophetically a key event in my personal life that transpired in that pivotal year. In the experience I saw by spiritual vision a certain day in the fall of 1977 and a chance encounter with the person for whom I had great respect and affection who had been responsible for first introducing me to Pentecostal Christianity two years before.

I watched in the vision as I walked away from this chance meeting and resolved in my heart to pursue a certain course in life that led away from God’s ultimate design for my destiny. Because of insecurities and emotional scaring resulting from a difficult family situation through my childhood and adolescent years, I didn’t have the ability to work through challenging circumstances at the time to make the best decision. Eventually, this turn resulted in my rejecting the commission God offered at my graduation in 1979.

In the experience the Lord spoke to me and said, “This decision and turn in the course of your destiny was not of Me, but I saw it before you were formed in your mother’s womb and I made a provision for you in it.” What a profound expression of God’s sovereignty and love for His children.

I was about to make a turn in the road that would lead away from my personal destiny of having a voice into the Spirit-filled/prophetic community and instead pursue a business career and the determination to stay within the conservative evangelical movement. Even so, the Lord made a provision for my return to the place of prophetic fulfillment and fruitfulness, although this path proved to be much more difficult.

With those words I asked the Lord for a biblical confirmation. Instantly I was given Jonah. Although I have often read the Book of Jonah I have not spent much time dissecting its meaning, until now. After my experience on January 24th I have looked at Jonah with an entirely new perspective and with spiritual eyes that reflect the loving guidance of our Father and His jealousy for our personal destiny.

Jonah’s Provision

We all know the story! Jonah eluded his destiny and God’s desire for him to prophesy repentance to an evil and ruthless city that was notoriously antagonistic towards Israel. Jonah was reluctant to offer an opportunity for repentance and mercy to Israel’s enemy and ran from this personal calling. I realized, like myself, Jonah made a wrong turn in the road to his destiny.

Even so, that commission was woven into his spiritual DNA and ordained as a pivotal experience in his life. I am certain Jonah had no idea we would still be reading about his life these many centuries later and gleaning insight into God’s nature and character because of his journey.

The Bible tells us Jonah boarded a ship and fled to the west towards Tarshish when the place of his destiny was to the east in the city of Nineveh. Jonah abandoned his destiny by boat, but returned by fish. Through this revelatory experience, the Lord has profoundly changed my perspective concerning Jonah’s ordeal. I had always looked at Jonah’s “belly of the fish” adventure as God’s discipline. However, in my revelation I was shown it was the Lord’s PROVISION.

Without the specially prepared and appointed “fish” Jonah would have perished at sea and never accomplished his destiny. Although the encounter was difficult and frightening it was the vehicle by which the Lord returned His prophet to obedience and fruitfulness.

Prepared And Appointed

The Bible is emphatically clear, God prepared and appointed a “great fish” to swallow the prophet and “vomit” him out for a second chance at his destiny. (See Jonah 2:10) Like Jonah, many of us are being offered another opportunity to get it right and fulfill our purpose in life; there we will find true happiness and a sense of satisfaction that comes only from the Lord.

Because of God’s posture in eternity and His ability to see all of time in a single moment, He recognized before Jonah was fashioned in his mother’s womb, the prophet’s poor and rebellious decision. The Lord in His grace made a provision for Jonah. Long before Jonah rejected this commissioning the Lord had already prepared a great fish to partner with Jonah in his return. Before we got off course with God, He already orchestrated a return route for our ultimate benefit. Before Adam ever transgressed and needed a Redeemer, the Lamb of God was already slain before the foundation of the world. (See Revelations 13:8)

No matter what various scholars and theologians may argue, Jonah’s was a literal experience that had a literal fulfillment. The Lord Jesus highlighted Jonah’s testimony on two occasions as a sign of His three days and three nights in the bowels of the earth before His resurrection. If the Lord’s experience was literal, then so was Jonah’s.

Furthermore, scientists may argue that various species of seagoing creatures are not large enough to swallow a human being whole and allow them to survive three days and three nights. Nevertheless, a careful examination of the Scripture prominently affirms that the Lord “prepared” and “appointed” this great fish or sea monster for a specific purpose.

Not only did Jonah have a destiny but also the great fish that was designated and empowered to work with God to return His prophet to his purpose. Perhaps it was a one-of-a-kind species that God designed and engineered just for this encounter. In either event, the experience was literal and it was God’s supernatural provision to return a rebellious prophet to his God ordained calling.

Likewise, many of us have, either knowingly or accidentally, run from our mandate and calling in life. Even so, the Lord made a provision to return us to the place of our fruitfulness; He made that provision before time began. Perhaps we have looked at the experience as discipline, but in reality it is His provision. That was certainly the case in my experience.

Restoring The Lost Years

Clearly, the journey could have been quicker, easier and less costly, but in the final analysis the end result is the release into personal destiny. Jonah may have come out of his experience a little buffeted and smelly, but he also now had a testimony of God’s supernatural intervention that preceded his message, making it even more powerful than it would have been otherwise.

In my experience I realized that the hardships that I have experienced over a significant portion of my life were necessary to eventually return me to the place of my destiny and fruitfulness. Though I may have looked at it as the Lord’s discipline, it was in reality His provision.

More importantly, I have come to appreciate God’s enduring faithfulness to His Word and His promise to redeem the time. Joel 2: 25-26 declares:

So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, my great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame.

Presently, we are living in a time of prophetic destiny and divine fulfillment through the realization of God’s economy that makes up for lost years and redeems the time. The Apostle Paul put it this way in Ephesians 5:15-16:

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

The Word of the Lord returned to Jonah a second time requesting the prophet to prophesy in Nineveh. This time the bruised and battered prophet had a different perspective and agreed to this appointment and proceeded to Nineveh. What was perceived to be a three-day job was accomplished in one. The Bible declares:

So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three days’ walk. Then Jonah began to go through the city one day’s walk; and he cried out and said, “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown. Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. –Jonah 3:3-5

This is an indication of God’s acceleration. What we perceive to be a lengthy and arduous commissioning can be accomplished very rapidly in God’s economy. He is able to redeem the time, or “buy back the kairos moments” and do in a short period of time what we forecast to take an extended period.

Another Chance To Get It Right

There are multiple applications that can be derived from the spiritual principles outlined in the Book of Jonah. However, I feel it is important to point out that I have come away from my experience feeling a renewed sense of urgency and hope for our own nation. Perhaps God will grant to America another opportunity for grace and repentance as He did Nineveh.

There may be many prophetic voices that are reluctant to prophesy grace and mercy to our nation as Jonah was to Nineveh. Clearly we are in deep trouble as a nation. Even so, I believe there is still a revival on our horizon that will liberate multitudes from the grasp of death and hell. Repeatedly the Lord has emphasized to me that He will finish better than He started; and the Bride’s greatest day is not behind her, but directly ahead. That is what I choose to believe.

Secondly, there is hope for many who are steeped in hopelessness. The Lord has made it profoundly clear that he is returning many of His children back to the place of their destiny and fruitfulness. Though we may return by “fish” and a little smelly like Jonah, in the final analysis we will emerge with a testimony of God’s goodness and the empowerment of His Spirit to redeem the time and accomplish in rapid fashion what we might perceive to be a long and arduous battle.

The one thing we cannot afford to do is to give up. After having done all we must stand and believe in God’s restorative nature and His redemptive ability.

Published on February 15th, 2010 | Articles, Worship

Growing up, I remember watching little girls perform a ritual of love. With one hand they would hold a daisy; with the other, they would pull off one pedal at a time while saying “He loves me… He loves me not.” If by chance while pulling the last pedal their words were, “He loves me” their hearts would soar high into the heavens. However, if while pulling the last pedal they uttered, “He loves me not” then their hearts would be utterly crushed.

What this ritual really demonstrated was their uncertainly about love. Did the other person really love them? Could true romance be in their future?

With humans there can be doubts about love, but with God – there should never be.

Why?

Because, God loves us with all His heart, all His soul, and all His strength. God only knows one way to love – one hundred percent.

People may think that God is distant, even aloof at times; however, the truth is that God is closer than your very breath.

Paul, in his speech to the Athens, explained just how close God is to every person.

Acts 17:24-28 The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope [feel] for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ (Emphasis Mine)

It’s so awesome that God wants to be close to every person. One of God’s names is Immanuel which means “God is with us.”

Matthew 1:23 The virgin [Mary] will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel — which means, God with us. (Emphasis Mine)

In the book of Isaiah, God explains how He does not live in a house that man could build, but rather chooses to be near people who are humble, submissive and have reverence for His Word.

Isaiah 66:1-2 This is what the LORD says: Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house could you possibly build for Me? And what place could be My home? My hand made all these things, and so they all came into being. [This is] the LORD’s declaration. I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and who trembles at [has reverence for] My word. (Emphasis Mine)

God says,

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation [manner of life] be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Emphasis Mine)

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway[s], even unto the end of the world [age]. Amen. (Emphasis Mine)

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man [person] love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode [live] with him. (Emphasis Mine)

John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter [helper], that he may abide [live] with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth [lives] with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (Emphasis Mine)

It’s important to understand that Jesus was not God pretending to be a man. On earth, Jesus was a man in an intimate relationship with God – The Father.

2 Cor 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (Emphasis Mine)

God was in Christ through the Spirit. The Father lived in Jesus Christ while He walked the earth as an example that we should follow. The Father was helping Jesus ‘day by day’ to do the things that He was doing.

Now, in the new birth – it’s Christ in us.

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery [secret] among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Emphasis Mine)

One of the greatest secrets in the world is that when we are born again, the Spirit of Christ comes to live in us. Just like the Father was in Christ, so Christ is in us helping us ‘day by day.’

2 Cor 13:5b Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates [insane]? (Emphasis Mine)

Eph 3:9 And to make all men see [understand] what is the fellowship [intimacy] of the mystery [the secret], which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. (Emphasis Mine)

In the first century the disciples were first called Christians in the city of Antioch.

Acts 11:26b And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Why? Because those disciples went around telling everyone that Christ lived in them.

If you break the word ‘Christian’ down you will see what it really means; Christ ian.

Our relationship is with the Father and His Son – Jesus Christ. The way in which this is experienced is through God coming into our spirit man and living in us.

Jesus tried to explain this to the religious leaders of His day through Nicodemus when He said that we must be born of water and of the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom. The first time we were born, we were born of water through our natural birth. The second time – through the Spirit – in being born again (born from above).

Jesus said,

John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water [our natural birth] and of the Spirit [being born again], he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again [born from above]. (Emphasis Mine)

The devil does not want people to know this truth. Because the Bible says that greater is He (Christ) that is in you than he (the devil) that is in the world.

1 John 4:4 Ye are (born) of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he (Christ) that is in you, than he (the devil) that is in the world. (Emphasis Mine)

How do we enjoy intimacy with God? Through Christ living in us.

1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto [into] the fellowship [intimacy] of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (Emphasis Mine)

1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship [intimacy] with us: and truly our fellowship [intimacy] is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (Emphasis Mine)

Intimacy means “Into-Me-See” It’s when we drop all our walls of pretense and just be real.

When two hearts openly share with one another – that’s when you have true intimacy.

That’s the kind of [oneness] love that people really want and that God offers.

God is closer than your very breath. Take your hand and place it in front of your lips and whisper, “He Loves Me…”, “He Loves Me…”, “He Loves Me…”

Keep repeating that until you get that truth into your spirit.

Because beloved it’s true – “He Loves Me” and “He Loves You Too.”

Charlie†

Published on January 25th, 2010 | Articles, Guest Posts, Worship

This guest post comes to us from Laurie Daniel on Facebook.

Faith’s Outworking

by Laurie Daniel

The end of a thing is better than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8

We each carry dreams, passions and promises in our heart, both for the things that pertain to this life, as well as to the next. We yearn for realities not yet fully realized or experienced. We live by faith, not by sight. Sometimes our soul doesn’t feel like it, but our spirit is alive with anticipation concerning our future. We have tasted that God is good and faithful and we know that He can be trusted. As Hebrews 6:4-5 says, we were enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come.

The world calls us foolish for living by faith. By it we have entered into a relationship with the Heavenly Father. We have been learning His will and how to receive His blessings and admonitions, and we are standing in faith for more Godly desires to be fulfilled. In the mean time, the devil relentlessly distracts, deceives, and discourages. He wrestles with us, hoping he can wear us down to the point of giving up our faith in bitter defeat. But we are not ignorant of his devises, so by God’s grace we get back up and fight the good fight of faith. As many times as we might get knocked down, we keep getting back up. There is a race to run, battles to win, strongholds to overcome, and we desire to finish well and receive the prize.

The majority of us are all too familiar with those chasms of time that exists between standing on God’s promises and the realization of them. During that time period there are shakings within and shakings without. We are challenged on several fronts; finances, time, health, relationships and reputation. Things just don’t go how we had imagined. We become disappointed in our expectations. Doubt and confusion concerning our dreams and visions of the future knock at our door.

These days, most of us are being impacted at a deeper level of just how critically important patience is in our faith journey. Genuine faith cannot be separated from patience. Patience is our outworking of true faith. In Genesis we read about Joseph’s dream and the years of trials that he endured before it came to pass. In Acts 14:22 we read Paul’s revelation concerning the Christian voyage of faith with patience when he said, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” The passage of time proves all things. Our lives are to be seasoned, tried in the fire and purified. It requires time, heat and pressure.

There are numerous biblical, as well as historical figures who demonstrated faith through patience. Hebrews 6:12 tells us to follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and patience. Hebrews continues about the promise given to Abraham. By faith he obtained it, but not until he had first patiently endured for many years. Through that passage of time, instead of being discouraged, his faith in the Lord grew stronger. Then when the promise came to pass, there was no doubt that the Lord had done it, so that Abraham could not boast in his own abilities or strength.

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised. Romans 4:20-21 NLT.

The book of James gives more insight into patience.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord — that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:7-11

God is pleased by our faith and its outworking in patient endurance. It is also a wonderful testimony of Christ’s character. But God is not pleased by “grumbling,” murmuring and complaining. Have you noticed the correlation between our patience and our tongue?

James exhorted the believers of his day, who had scattered due to heavy persecution to:

Count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. Let patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-3

As patience is allowed to have its way in us, we become more spiritually mature in our words and deeds. The epistles reveal the incredible trials of the Apostle Paul’s faith. He grew in patience. Because of this, he had matured to a level where he confidently explained to the Philippians:

I know how to be abased and how to abound, everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:12-13

There are no short cuts or substitutions in growing up in Christ. Anything that is of significant and lasting value does not come quickly or easily. Apparently “blood, sweat and tears” is part of the maturing process. To everything there is a season and a purpose. We are to rejoice loudly and suffer silently. In patience may we possess our souls (Luke 21:19). Paul exhorted the church at Rome to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and continue steadfast in prayer (Rom. 12:12). Many times we just need to rise up into our spirit-man and engage our tongue in the victory!

Just as in Jude’s day, so we too are exhorted to earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). The same truth that the Lord Jesus told Paul holds true for us: My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9).

By the power of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to continue to withstand and endure to the end. So we set our feet to dancing and our voice to singing, because the joy of the Lord will strengthen us! We need to believe that the Lord is right in the middle of our trials with us, leading us into maturity and the reward at the finish line. God works it all together for good. What He started by His spirit, He will complete in us by His spirit as we submit to His work. No striving in our flesh or premature actions will produce good fruit. The attitude of gratitude continues to be a cure for discouragement. Paul’s prayer for the church at Thessalonica should be our heart cry: May the Lord direct our hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ (2Thes 3:5).

I am amazed at the simple, yet profound perspective in the classic Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Has there ever been a more crucial time in our lives to cheer lead one another on; to diligently exhort one another to patiently endure; to stir up one another with the hope of Christ?

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3

That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT

Published on January 23rd, 2010 | Articles, Guest Posts, Worship

This guest post comes to us from Wade Taylor at Wade Taylor Ministries.

A Personal Testimony

Wade E Taylor

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect…. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12, 14

A teacher (Walter Beuttler) in the Bible school I attended often spoke of having a “dissatisfied satisfaction.” He was thankful for, and satisfied with all that he had received from the Lord, yet he was dissatisfied as he knew there was much more that could be possessed.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

These “good works” are the things or circumstances that the Lord places in our path for the outworking of His purposes – first within us during our time of preparation, and then through us for the benefit of others. The word “should” is conditional, which means that we have a part in choosing the path that we will follow in the outworking of the Lord’s purpose for us. Because the right choice is usually not the easiest or most convenient, it is extremely important that we choose rightly.

After graduating from Bible school, I diligently sought the Lord as to what I was to do, but seemingly, I was not receiving direction from the Lord. I knew about a new school that was about to open. One of their goals was to train students to minister in the Italian language, and I was unable to relate to this, as I am not Italian, nor felt any calling to minister to Italians.

Therefore, I pushed aside the “drawing” that I felt toward this school, and instead, I decided to pioneer a church on Stenton Avenue in north central Philadelphia. On July 4, 1959, I started toward Philadelphia, a sixty mile trip, to rent a store front for the church, and to find a place to live. As I drove south, the feeling that I was going in the wrong direction became stronger and stronger.

I stopped the car and asked the Lord about this feeling. He responded that I was to go to this new school. I had to turn around and go in the opposite direction. I had prayed much about what I was to do after graduation from Bible School, but the Lord waited until I had taken an active step toward serving Him, then He spoke regarding the place where I was to be.

Soon after arriving and being settled in a guest room, I found a quiet place where I could pray, and repeated to the Lord that I did not want to come here, but that I wanted His best. In response, the Lord clearly spoke the following into the depth of my being: “I will allow you to go to Philadelphia, and I will give you a ministry there and I will bless it. But, this is where I want you, as this is My will for you at this present time.”

The next day, I was accepted as a student and moved in. A few months later while alone praying, suddenly I was in heaven, standing in the presence of God. I knew that He was directly in front of me, seated on His throne, but I could not see Him as I was blinded by brilliant glory. I had a sense of holiness that was beyond any ability or words to express.

As I stood there facing the throne, from my left, intense wave-like streams of glory, in brilliant color, began to move slowly toward me and entered into the depths of my spirit. This could be compared to a freight train, with each box-car carrying a cargo that was deposited into my spirit. As each of these entered into me, one after another, I became aware that I was to establish a ministry on this property. It was as if every cell in my body became a sensitized voice box, and I understood the Lord’s desire for a “set-apart place” in which He could both be and do as He desired.

When I returned from heaven to the place where I had been praying, I was so deeply affected by the manifest glory I had experienced, that I had great difficulty in relating and functioning in my normal circumstances. It was two weeks later that I was able to be “normal” again.

I gradually became aware that the purpose of the “ministry” to which I was being called would be to prepare those whom the Lord would send, to recognize and become responsive to His voice and also to have a respect for, and a sensitivity to His manifest presence. This related to those who would be “called apart” to be “made ready” for His end-time purposes.

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7

This Italian Assemblies of God school closed at the end of its third year and remained vacant for six years, when in a very unusual way, this property was given to me. While waiting during this period of time, the Lord caused me to know that I was being prepared to be used as an end-time “John the Baptist.” Later, the Lord confirmed this through a Scripture that expresses the deepest irony in all the Word of God.

“Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” Luke 3:2

“Annas and Caiaphas” speaks of the headship and function of the established religious system, which the Lord by-passed. “John… in the wilderness” speaks of an isolated, barren environment, which the Lord used to prepare John for a critical time of ministry.

The Church system was fully in place and functioning. Yet the Lord could find no one within the religious system of that day who had a “hearing ear,” to whom He could impart a “present” word. Therefore, He chose one who was not a priest, and led him into a “wilderness experience” to be trained.

Today also, there are those within the Church who have fully committed the totality of their being to the Lord, and are being called apart to receive a fresh word from the Lord. This speaks of the absolute necessity of our receiving a “present word” concerning preparation (our being an end-time corporate John the Baptist), to become a witness of the Lord’s manifest presence in these last days. Therefore, we must make the right choices to bring this witness into its full expression, first within and then through us.

This religious system, which the Lord by-passed, had experienced the glory of God and had received much by direct revelation from the Lord. However, they became dependent upon past experiences for their present standing with the Lord. The fact that the Lord had moved through them in the past was not enough to equip them for the present need. They were incapable of hearing a present word concerning the soon to appear “Lamb of God.”

During this present time, there are those who are being called apart concerning the soon to appear “Lion of the tribe of Judah.” Therefore, there must be within each of us a present seeking of the Lord, even though we may have received much revelation from Him. Yesterday’s revelation is not enough to prepare us to face today’s problems and pressures.

While I was a student in Bible School (1956-1959), we experienced a major visitation from the Lord which lasted two weeks. We were daily in Chapel from early morning until late at night. In the beginning, there was a time of intense confession and cleansing, after which His “manifest glory” was poured out upon us. Along with this, a “fountain of new wine” was discovered. Anyone who “drank” therein became intensely filled with the Holy Spirit in boldness and power.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

“Being not drunk with wine, wherein is excess” speaks of a substitute for this higher spiritual impartation and enabling power. This substitute (wine) has been used by Satan to wreck countless lives and families. Any seeming “benefit” that comes from it is deceptive, and carries a terrible price tag.

“…but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:18-19). This is the transforming effect of the real wine of the Holy Spirit. It will release us into a spiritual boldness and liberty beyond that of which we are capable, which will glorify God and enable us to minister in great freedom and power.

However, no matter how tremendous this experience might be, we cannot continue to depend upon the experience of “drinking at the fountain of past visitations.” It is urgent that we begin seeking the Lord to bring us into a fresh new dimension of the supernatural. No longer are we to look back to where we first met the Lord. Nor, are we to tell the Lord how, when, or where the “new” is to come into our lives and ministries (I turned around went north to a place that seemingly did not fit the calling I had received).

We must have a “dissatisfied satisfaction” – our being thankful for what we presently have, but actively seeking the Lord for “more.” There are two sides to a coin. They are different, yet make a singular whole. Our past and present experiences must merge to make a way for us to enter the future.

John’s testimony was that he is the “voice of one crying in the wilderness.” He clearly saw the urgent need of that hour by saying, “Prepare you the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Mark 1:3). The very heart of my calling and ministry is the preparation of a “voice” that can speak in our day, as John spoke in his day, to be available to the Lord for His purposes during this difficult time in which we live.

All this came into being, when, on July 4, 1959, I stopped the car while driving toward Philadelphia, turned around and went in the opposite direction, in response to “a present word” from the Lord. Looking back, I can rejoice in the fact that I made the right choice.

Many years have passed since that date in 1959. There were years of glory, spiritual impartation, and transformed lives. Mistakes were also made, for which I have repented and received forgiveness from our Lord. Now, at this present time while residing in Washington DC, I am receiving a “present word,” and I am again making another “turn” that I might move into a higher outworking of my calling and ministry, which is now coming into its intended purpose and fulfillment.

I pray that you also will look beyond your past spiritual experiences, and your present circumstances, and make the right choice during your critical moment of decision.

Published on November 22nd, 2009 | Articles, Guest Posts, Worship

This guest post comes to us from Francis Frangipane at Francis Frangipane Ministries.

One Message

Francis Frangipane

The Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” – Isaiah 2:11

Normally my Sunday sermon is prepared a few days in advance, but this week was different. All week the heavens seemed like bronze. Saturday morning came and still I was at a loss. Nothing seemed alive. It was now Saturday evening and I was pacing the floor seeking God. “Lord,” I asked, “What is the message for tomorrow morning? What topic should I address?”

A dozen ideas filed through my mind, loitered momentarily in my imagination, and left as unanointed as they had arrived. I went to bed praying. When I woke Sunday morning, my prayer was still on my lips.

A half-hour before I had to leave for church, I had not quit pacing the bedroom floor. For the umpteenth time, I asked, “Lord, what is the message?” when suddenly the electricity to our home clicked off, reset, and then came back on. This, in turn, caused the answering machine on my desk to also reset. Perfectly synchronized with my prayer asking for a sermon topic, the machine replied in its computerized voice: “You . . . have . . . one . . . message.”

When a voice comes out of the air and says, “You have one message,” if your message is not centered upon the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, you have missed the purpose of Christianity! That morning I preached Jesus. People said there was more fire than ever in my sermon.

The fact is, the church has only one message. The proclamation of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished is the eternal message of the church; it is the only message the Father promises to confirm with power. To reveal Jesus through obedience to what He taught is to bring the life of His kingdom into our world. As we return to the simple “purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3), we will find the most powerful manifestations of the Lord Jesus awaiting us. Indeed, at the end of the age, the church that loves Him will display Him. We will reveal His glory.

The Answer: More of Christ!

When we consider that America is plagued with abortion, violence, pornography, Satanism, drugs, national debt, sexual abuse, and the breakdown of the family structure, it becomes obvious we need more of the nature of Christ!

Indeed, how shall we deal with the terrors that have invaded our world? Should we move to Idaho, stockpile food, and wait for the tribulation? Perhaps we should simply close our eyes to the world and hope for the rapture?

Or should we find out what God is planning to do and throw our lives into His purpose?

My prayer is that God would give you a vision of what He’s planning to do before Jesus comes for His elect. The time is at hand when the works Jesus did, we shall also do, and even greater works (John 14:12). What is coming on the earth is “the day of [God’s] power” (Ps. 110:3). Beloved, think about it: great opportunities are set before those who seek conformity to Christ’s image in this day.

It is a time to simplify our lives and focus on our transformation. We truly have one message!

Published on October 26th, 2009 | Articles, Guest Posts, Worship

This guest post comes to us from Francis Frangipane at Francis Frangipane Ministries.

Come and See

Francis Frangipane

The two sons of Zebedee began their spiritual commitment as disciples of John the Baptist. In fact, James and John had actually been standing near the prophet when Jesus walked by. “Behold, the Lamb of God!” the Baptizer said, and from that moment the two disciples began to follow Jesus (John 1:35-37). This was an insightful account. It is John’s handwritten testimony of how he came to the Son of God. Yet, John has deeper truths to reveal beyond this historic portrayal. He is also going to reveal what we should each ultimately seek when we come to Christ.

Let’s pick up the account. James and John, having heard and believed John’s messianic proclamation about Jesus, are now walking, perhaps hurriedly, to catch up to Jesus. They are within conversation range.

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest Thou? He saith unto them, Come and see.
—John 1:38-39 KJV

There are many reasons one comes to Christ. We may seek Him for health issues or to possess the keys to prosperity. Perhaps we need deliverance or are burdened with the cares of a loved one. Yet, as the Lord asked John and James, so He asks each of us: what are you seeking in life? What goals compel us? When we approach the final season of our lives, will the things we have achieved be transferable into eternal accounts? Or will we have spent our time and energies on that which is void of true life?

Jesus asks, “What are you seeking?” It is a very important question. The Lord desires that we take inventory of our passions and objectives, and then chart our course toward heavenly values. You see, many say they love Jesus. What they mean is that, in time, they hope to get around to loving Jesus. Right now, however, they barely know Him and almost never spend time seeking Him.

The proof that we love Him is that we keep His commandments (John 14:15). What must He think when so many who say they love Him are, in fact, not loving Him but actually having an affair with this world? May God have mercy.

Yet, this is not the situation with you. In spite of your flaws and weaknesses, you sincerely desire to possess more of God. You have emerged from the difficulties of your past and, though tried in the fire, your heart’s desire is to walk close with the Lord. Indeed, Christ sees this holy desire and, to Him, it is the most precious part of you.

The Lord’s heart is also moved toward those who follow Him, though they may walk limping. To those wounded by injustice or the effects of sin, the Lord’s promise remains faithful: “A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish.” Surely, He will bring to victory the justice due you (Isa. 42:3; Matt. 12:20).

Like James and John, we, too, “behold the Lamb of God.” Just as He asked them, so He asks us, “What are you seeking?”

The Dwelling Place of Christ

In response to Jesus’ probing question, the disciples’ answer may seem strange. For they did not ask Him for greater power or one of His many spiritual gifts. Instead, they asked Jesus something more personal, and intimate: “Where dwellest Thou?”

I’d like us to consider the poignancy of their answer. They wanted to know where Jesus lived. There are times when a question transcends the simple boundaries of intellectual curiosity and actually reveals one’s quest in life. Such is now the case: they are seeking to live with Jesus. They are searching for the dwelling place of God.

It is not wrong to desire spiritual gifts or to ask God for special blessings of health and financial prosperity. It is not wrong; it is just not enough. Inside the heart of a God-seeker is a quest for more. We are in search of the “dwelling places” of God. In truth, our hearts have been divinely programmed. There are within us “the highways to Zion” (Ps. 84).

Our destination is nothing less than oneness with Christ. All fruitfulness comes from living in spiritual union with Jesus. In contrast, whatever we offer as service to God that is not the result of our union with Christ, that labor is in vain; it is a weak comfort. For apart from Him, we can do nothing.

John tells us in his first epistle that those who say they abide in Him ought to walk “in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:6). Abiding in Jesus leads to walking like Jesus.

Beloved, there is yet much more to learn and discover concerning our Lord! We must beware of spiritual complacency. Recall the prayer of Moses: At the end of his life – after being used by God to confront and defeat the gods of Egypt, after dwelling in the Lord’s glory and beholding miracle after miracle for forty years – Moses prayed, “You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand” (Deut. 3:24).

You have begun? No matter how much we attain, no matter what revelations of God’s glory are ours, we have only begun to see His glory.

The disciples answered astutely, “Rabbi, where dwellest Thou?” May this become our prayer as well: Where do You live, O Son of God? Where is Your dwelling place? To all who feel similarly, Christ says to us what He promised them: “Come and see.”

Dear Master, I turn to You now. You are my life’s greatest goal. I desire to live with You, to abide in the wonder of a life united with You.

This chapter has been taken from Pastor Frangipane’s newest book to be released in November 2009, And I Will Be Found By You available from Arrow Bookstore.

Published on October 14th, 2009 | Articles, Worship

by Charlie Hamilton

During the first century (33 A.D.) there was a religious group called the Pharisees. The Pharisees were the dream killers of their day. This self appointed sect was very quick to point out to everyone that they were the way to God. The Pharisees believed they had the monopoly on worship. They created an elaborate system of dependence upon themselves which only they could fulfill. According to them they had the perfect place to worship and the perfect way to get to God. In order to worship God – all people would need to go through them.

When Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” the Pharisees violently rejected Him because Jesus was a threat to their man-made religious system.

After all who would follow them anymore if people started to simply follow Jesus?

In speaking to the woman at Jacob’s well Jesus said,

John 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

John 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

In this passage the narrative is on “the place” of worship. The woman noted that her ancestors had worshiped God from a nearby mountain. However, the Pharisees insisted that God be worshipped from Jerusalem – in the temple. Jesus corrected those two viewpoints by teaching the woman that “the place” to worship God from was not in a mountain, nor in a building in Jerusalem – but from a place in the spirit within the heart of every person. This is “the place” where real worship begins – the place where your physical body is located on a GPS map is totally irrelevant.

Can you worship God when you are physically on a mountain? Yes.

Can you worship God when you are physically inside a building? Sure.

But keep in mind that worship begins in the heart of every person regardless of where you are physically.

If Dr. Seuss wrote a poem on worship, it might go something like this…

Can You Worship Here or There?

Can you worship on a bus?
Can you worship in a rush?
Can you worship on a train?
Can you worship on a plane?