Published on July 15th, 2010 | Devotionals, Guest Posts, Worship

This guest post comes to us from Don Potter at PotterHausMusic.net.

God Cannot Be Lightly Esteemed

By Don Potter

One of the hardest things I ever faced as a young man growing up was being ignored. Though I wanted to fit in and not attract any attention, I still didn’t want to be overlooked. I could handle anger and even mockery better than being disregarded. I don’t expect the world to fall at my feet and say, “Wow, what a wonderful guy you are,” but somewhere inside us all is the desire to be accepted and even admired by others. We are made in the image of God and if I want to be accepted in my small way, then so does God in a much larger way. The difference between God and me is He
deserves to be admired, worshiped and revered for who He is. I, on the other hand, can only expect esteem from men for what I can do, and that is usually short lived. As I pondered this subject of esteem, I found some things that are alarming and even dangerous to the well being of mankind and anyone who takes the God of heaven and earth too lightly.

The Messiah

Isaiah 53:3 reveals how men will treat the coming Messiah. He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Though this scripture is believed to be a prophecy of what would happen to Jesus when He came 2000 years ago, I feel it is prophesying of things still yet to come. The only ones who rejected Jesus then were the religious people. Isaiah writes men will despise Him and “we” did not esteem Him. The multitudes that gathered to listen to Jesus speak accepted Him. Only the religious leaders wanted to kill Him. I believe this word is yet to be completely fulfilled.

The prophet makes it clear that the first problem mankind would face when encountering their Savior was despising and not esteeming Him. However, there is something worse than not esteeming the Lord and that is “lightly” esteeming Him. Not taking God seriously is a big mistake. It would be better to disregard Him than to treat Him like you could take it or leave it.

This is exactly what is still being faced today when some encounter Christ for the first time. Because of a cynical spirit and the exposure of hypocrisy in the church, Jesus is being taken lightly in this generation and it is feeding a spirit of mockery that has risen up in the media and the hearts of those who have come to hate the church.

In a human relationship, it is not uncommon to love a man but dislike his wife. On the other hand, a man is admired if he is able to win the heart of a beautiful woman. The church of today is only beautiful to itself while the rest of world has strong doubts about her worthiness to marry such a righteous King.

The Fear Of The LORD

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. Malachi 3:16

Esteeming God is a lifestyle not a momentary idea. Talking about God is only a sign of an excess of what’s in the heart of those who fear Him. I think the key word in this verse is “those who fear the Lord.” With that fear firmly in your heart, conversation will have excitement and awe about the Lord. However, without fear, reverence lessons and soon lightly esteeming will follow. The more fully someone gets to know God the more fear and reverence will rise up until real worship is present.

That is the natural chain of events that should happen to a new believer. On the other hand, there are not many who actually fear the Lord and that can leave the believer in a lukewarm state. When “fire and brimstone” was preached in years past, the hope was to create a fear for the Lord but it only succeeded in causing contempt for that kind of preaching. Will it require a shock to bring a healthy fear of the Lord to this generation?

All this didn’t mean much to me until I found out that lightly esteeming God is a sure way to death—spiritually and physically. Not considering God as significant is much worse than hating Him or rejecting Him altogether. God cannot be taken lightly, or be lightly considered.

There is a phrase I read in the dictionary and it said, “familiarity breeds contempt.” This means; extensive knowledge of, or close association with someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them or it. The contempt comes in when you
discover the faults or shortcomings of the one you are familiar with. You may have started out the relationship seeing great qualities in this person and after some closer looks you found reasons for contempt. This is why the church cannot rely on its leaders to get to the Lord but rely on Jesus alone.

I know a young man whose father is a missionary and was loved by many for the work he has done in other countries. When the son grew up and saw some of his father’s faults he became despondent towards God. Since then he has drifted from a relationship with the Lord and is waiting for God to do something to prove Himself. But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; Matt. 12:39 I have met many who think as this young man does. There will be no supernatural sign to turn their hearts to God if they have known Him in some way and then turned against Him. If it is not in someone’s heart to want to know God on their own, then the Lord will not force that to happen. Waiting and expecting God to do something to prove His existence is high-level pride—especially since He already has done something. It is like saying, “I would vote for the president if he would just call me and personally explain his policies.”

In spite of this there is an awakening coming to the church and a great revival coming as a result. Young people by the millions finding hope for the first time in Christ. Father’s coming home after abandoning families—drug addicts being set free in one moment and miraculous healings being a daily occurrence. There will be nothing more wonderful and more terrible than these days.

With all of this said, there remains one thing in the way of this move of God – altogether too many people in the church are lightly esteeming Him. Just saying the words, lightly esteeming doesn’t seem like a bad thing but after some research I found out that the most insolent thing anyone could do concerning God is to lightly esteem Him. I will try to explain what this means and why it is so bad a thing to do.

A Friend Of God

The Lord asked me a question one day that has stayed with me. He said, “What should a friend act like?” My answer was, I think a real friend is someone I can have a bad day in front of and that will not go on my permanent record as a flaw. Then the Lord revealed that this is the kind of friend He is to those who love Him. I know this makes it sound like the Lord is not holding anyone accountable for their sins but it is really saying that He knows the heart more than the action. A heart of repentance brings out God’s heart of forgiveness and that is true friendship.

On the other hand, when God does something I don’t understand, do I hold my affections back from Him because I don’t agree? The answer is yes, sometimes openly and other times unconsciously. After the many teachings on God’s unconditional love, is my love wrought with conditions? Shamefully, this is a common condition for the believer—offering only conditional love to God.

During my years in ministry I have been told that I was a friend of God. In addition, I’ve been told I was a warrior for Him and even a general in His army. I have treasured all these things in my heart and wanted to believe every word. However, being called a friend of God doesn’t mean I can freely call Him my friend or treat Him like one. I may be a friend to God but He is God to me. He must remain God to me, and nothing less.

I don’t have any friends that I fear unless it’s a boss/friend relationship and even at that I don’t fear that person. Fear of man is not a good thing in anyone’s life but fear of God is essential. That seems to be in reverse right now. Many more fear man than fear God and that doesn’t seem to be improving. James 2:23 says, Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness and as a result he was called a friend of God.

John 15:15 records Jesus saying, “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.

When Jesus asked Peter, “who do you say I am?” Peter’s answer was not, you are my friend, but you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (Matt.16:15-16) This revelation came from heaven (Matt.16:17) and it states just what man-kind, through revelation, is to call the Savior – The Christ; the Son of the Living God.

In our present time the idea of honor and respect is at an all time low. It is common for people who call each other friend to openly mock one another in fun. I’m not finding fault with that kind of friendship but it cannot be the kind of friendship we have with God. No matter who I am to God and no matter what He decides to call me, He must remain God to me.

Esteeming

“Therefore the LORD God of Israel declares, ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father should walk before Me forever’; but now the LORD declares, ‘Far be it from Me—for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed. 1Samuel 2:30

“Despise” in Hebrew means to dis-esteem, distain, be contemptible; while “lightly esteemed” means to lightly value, to plot or contrive in a malicious way, to lightly consider someone or their work; in more basic terms it means to curse. If you lightly esteem God you are cursing Him. If He lightly esteems you, God Almighty is cursing you. Again it seems impossible to imagine anyone when faced with the Lord would despise or lightly esteem Him—but that is just what happened then and is happening now. There is a greater danger in lightly esteeming God then these scriptures are revealing but in Job there is a message that comes through loud and clear.

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” Job 2:9

The word “curse” (barak) is a Hebrew word that means to bless, and in this case it is like blessing in a mocking or in a light way. It means to bow the knee with contempt in your heart and not gratitude. This is what the soldiers did to Jesus when they put a robe and crown of thorns on his head, and bowed to Him in a form of mockery. Cursing God is lightly esteeming or lightly considering Him and only casually praising Him. What does that look like was my first question?

Praising God on Sunday and going right back to your old way of life on Monday is one way of taking God lightly. Trusting God after all other things have failed, is another. Doing all the right things without true adoration in your heart is most common. Many young people make a habit of mocking one another and it is all in fun until it becomes a lifestyle. Each seed of disrespect yields a limitless harvest of contempt, distain and condescension until it becomes the norm and no one notices this spirit is now being directed towards Jesus Himself. The term “whatever” is a rude way of saying, “I’m bored with what you are saying, and I don’t have any intention of receiving correction from you.” The phrase, “chill out” simply means, “Don’t get excited about the small stuff.”

In the case of Job 2:9 and his wife’s suggestion; she is saying and I’m paraphrasing, “Why don’t you lightly esteem God and that will bring your death.” This makes taking God lightly a little more serious than first thought. This is why Jesus warns so strongly against being a lukewarm Christian. (Rev.3:16)

Earning Respect

I know that trying to encourage a spirit of respect in a person who has embraced a lifestyle of insolence is all but impossible without a shock. I also know there has been little reason for many young people to have a spirit of respect when there has been so much dishonor in the generations before them. They are only carrying the iniquity of their forefathers.

During the revival meetings of Charles Finney in the early eighteen hundreds, there were three young men that lifted up their voices in mockery in one of the meetings. After refusing to quiet down and being asked to leave, two of the three young men dropped over dead only a short distance from the meeting place and the third raced back to repent before he died.

William Branham held healing meetings where the power of God was very present and after a request for all to bow their heads in prayer for the sick, one man refused and was heard saying, “I’m an official in the local government and I’m not
required to bow my head.” He lost his mind in a few short weeks, lost his job and all his friends accept for his wife. She found Branham more than a year later so he could pray for her completely broken husband. It took Branham beseeching God to change this situation so the man could return to normal society. Branham, who carried an amazing anointing from God, had to contend for over forty minutes in prayer to bring deliverance to this man.

Does this say, God is mean and will kill anyone who doesn’t do what they are told, or is this the result of lightly esteeming the most High God? The power of God is coming in a more authoritative way then any have known in the past. This move is the power of salvation, God’s most treasured gift to man. If this move is mocked or lightly esteemed in any way there will be terrifying repercussions.

I cannot imagine what I would be like if my son were sacrificed for someone and the beneficiaries of the sacrifice treated it only lightly. If I can feel that much righteous indignation in my spirit, how much more a righteous God through a spotless Son?

Self Importance

Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; For why should he be esteemed? (Is. 2:22)

This scripture in Isaiah is after many warnings about the high things coming down, as well as the proud and haughty faces of man. This scripture paraphrased is, “Stop paying attention to a man whose spirit is in his pride. What is the point in regarding such a one?”

I was in church one Sunday and watched a dynamic that has stayed with me for a long time. There was an area in the front of the church that the ministry team leaders sat at a table. They often took notes on their computers, which is a pretty good idea if that is where you store all your important information. The only draw back is the need for some electricity to keep your laptop charged. This particular Sunday was no exception and when one of the leaders arrived late he stood at the table looking for the extension cord that was needed to plug his computer in. The intern who did all the running around for the ministry team leaders quickly realized as the late arrival stood holding his open laptop and glaring at him, an extension cord was needed. Here is the scene; someone is preaching while the entire church is intently watching a man standing in front glaring at an intern who is now literally running through the church to the back to find an extension cord. The leader continued to stand in front of all until the cord was found and the crawling around on the floor was complete. He then sat down without acknowledging anyone else and proceeded to check his emails. This felt like self-importance to me and I was offended by what happened.

Then the Holy Spirit brought to mind for me the many times I drive down the road thinking everyone should comply to my set of rules concerning how they drive. He reminded me how indignant I get when someone doesn’t show me the respect I think I deserve. In a matter of minutes I realized how I live unconsciously in self-importance. I could spend many pages trying to justify why so many people feel a need for significance or just to be recognized by others as important. However, self-importance is pride finding a way to manifest without anyone knowing it. With every effort I have tried to stop acting like I think I’m important, but so far it is an act. Only God can break out of us the pride that drives our lives. The idea of esteeming God is a distant thought when self-promotion, self-importance and selfish ambition are ruling in our lives. The only way to give glory to God at that point is through lip service.

Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, (Is. 29:13)

This cannot be the chapter of the church that precedes the return of the Lord. There is an opportunity being offered now to rise up in praise and honor of the one God. By fulfilling the commandments of Jesus to love one another as He has loved us, and being known for that love, this will awaken the hunger to know the Lord. The world could see the church as the beautiful woman this great Lord has won. The bride who esteems her Lord with sincerity and truth.

Published on July 11th, 2010 | Articles, Worship

The Pursuit Of Joy

By Charles Hamilton

Many people strive to be happy. It’s even written in our constitution that as citizens of the United States we should pursue happiness. However, once we are born again and become citizens of the Kingdom of God, we must pursue something more noble. We must pursue fullness of joy.

What’s the difference? Happiness is not a state of being. It’s totally dependent upon external circumstances, however joy on the other hand is a spiritual condition. If you don’t believe it, simply have a bad day and your happiness melts away like wax under the heat of the sun. Joy is eternal and will sustain you even in the worst of times. Wisdom therefore is the pursuit of joy. There is a key verse in scripture that shows the wisdom of the ages. It’s in Psalms 16, verse 11 which says.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

As you can see from this verse its God who will show us the path of life. The key secret being that in His presence there is fullness of joy. Not just a little bit of joy here or there — but fullness of joy. We discover therefore that joy is not some outward expression based upon external circumstances but rather joy is a person — the person of Jesus Christ. We learn then that simply seeking to be happy is rather a pointless pursuit. Why? Because we have good days and we have bad ones. If we’re waiting for the conditions in each day to be perfect — they rarely ever are.

Our conclusion therefore, is the pursuit of the person of Jesus. Because in His presence there is fullness of joy… and oh by the way… at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore. People today seek after external pleasures without ever once considering Jesus. They are looking in the wrong place for their happiness because they will never find it apart from Jesus Christ. We were created by God to have Jesus living in our lives and when we refuse Him — we were designed to malfunction. Apart from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ we will be forever bound by external conditions and circumstances. If we have a good day then we’re doing good… If we have a bad day… well you can finish the sentence. So, seek to know Jesus and purse Him in all you do. Because in His presence is fullness of Joy and at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Published on June 2nd, 2010 | Articles, Guest Posts, Worship

This guest post comes to us from Graham Cooke at Graham Cooke Ministries.

Living Your Destiny

Graham Cooke

All of the tests you presently face are there to develop you into the person you need to be to live your destiny. Everything you are going through has been aligned by God to forge you into the person He has called you to be. Your destiny is unfolding before your very eyes. You have a battle to win, and He must prepare you for it.

When we embrace the idea that God has a plan for us, no issue should be able to stop us. The statement, “This situation will be the death of me,” is completely incorrect. The truth is that this situation will make you into who you are destined to be.

God partners with our present situation to prepare us for the future He has designed. He uses every test, every challenge, every hurdle, every issue to sharpen us for what is to come.

We can use the prophecies over our life to navigate our way through our present circumstance. God wants to establish intimacy as a way of life. He wants to cover us in His favor. This process starts by God establishing the fact that He is our source. Quietly and deliberately, God will strip away every crutch we have been relying on and obliterate anything that detracts from His ability to provide for us.

He wants to take away the false sense of security most of us have been clinging to. God is not in the business of playing second fiddle to anything—and certainly not to the many ways we try and take care of ourselves.

Lesson one is to go into the future and bring back the traits and intimacy we will need to fulfill our destiny. We must understand what that intimacy will look like. How must our relationship with God evolve and grow in order for us to become the person He has destined us to be?

When I was 31 years old, I had a dream about the kind of relationship with God I would have when I was 45. It was so alluring, so magnificent, so amazing, that I did not want to wait 14 years to get there. I was so hungry when I woke up that I immediately began to pray for that kind of intimacy to happen right away. I discovered something in the process of fighting for that word—I didn’t have to wait until I was 45 for it to come to pass. I had been looking prophetically at a 45-year-old who had lived in that intimacy for ten years!

Our timeline is not always God’s timeline. He often wants to bring breakthrough far sooner than we dare hope. I wanted that intimacy at age 31, thanks to God creating a deep hunger in me for it. I thought about it, meditated on it, prayed for it, and began to come into powerful times of worship. An hour worshipping God would turn into two and then three and sometimes six. I desperately wanted to know God, and God always answers an extreme desire for intimacy.

Prophetic words come to pass as our intimacy and reliance on God develops. Intimacy is a part of our destiny. Look at the prophetic words over your life and ask yourself about the intimacy you will need to live in that kind of wonder. Become hungry for that relationship, and your destiny will come into focus.

In Genesis 18:9, God says a remarkably simple thing about Abraham, His dear friend: “I have known him,” (NKJV). God wants that same intimacy with us, and has guaranteed that it can occur through the love and motivation of Jesus. Intimacy draws us and keeps us in the presence of God. Jesus taught on the importance of this relationship in John 15:4-5—

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Intimacy is a reciprocal act; there is exchange and dialogue. It is not a one-way street. There is interaction between us and the Lord Jesus, and that interaction results in us staying, dwelling, and remaining where God has put us in Christ.

The enemy wants to knock us out of that place of intimacy. He knows how key that relationship is to everything the Lord wants to accomplish, so he tries to poison it from the start. Without water, a seed won’t grow; the enemy wants to kill the seed of our destiny before we grow even a single inch. But our job is to be so established in an intimate relationship with God that nothing can come between us and Him.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting,” David sang in Psalm 139:23-24. That is the very crux of intimacy—allowing God to look deep into us and remove any blockage between Him and us. Everything in our lives, every situation we go through, is about growing our intimacy with God.

Published on May 17th, 2010 | Articles, Guest Posts, Worship

This guest post comes to us from JoAnn McFatter

Then the word of the lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations “ Jeremiah 1:4-5

Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed. And in your book they all were written. The days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. Psalms 139:16

As with Jeremiah and David whose call came before entering into their mother’s womb, so it is with every man and woman born. However, through the provision of free will, God has left it to each one’s choosing as to whether or not that call will be lived out. Jesus said it, Himself:

For many are called but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14

The choosing comes by the decisions we make along the way as to whether or not we are able to be a resting place for the fullness of His glory. He will not put on us that which we are not prepared to carry, lest it destroy us. Destiny calls each one of us and it is the exercising of our free will that determines the outcome of that calling. As our hearts continually respond to the voice of our Creator, “I choose You! Above all else, I choose You!”, we navigate our way through our destiny.

He is our origin and He is our destiny. We were in Him before the worlds began and we return to reside in Him, and are even now residing, as we partake of His grace by way of accepting and receiving the benefit of the shedding of His blood.

It is the journey from here to there as we ‘run the race’ that plays out the days written in His book ordained for each one of us. It happens one day at a time, one decision at a time to choose Him above all else. In this living out of our lives, turning toward Him at every juncture and, once again, consciously making a decision to “choose Him” we find ourselves in the middle of our destiny, for it will only be found in Him.

And he has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the lord, in the hope that they might grope for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us, for in him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, for we are also his offspring. Acts 17:26-28

In our western mindset we have made our destiny to be an end to a means, a job or a title that we attain to. It is a form that we desire to create for ourselves, a position to be held such as a singer, a pastor, or perhaps a banker. I’m not sure that is what God had in mind at all. For many of us it might just be the reason that our destiny seems to elude us as the years wear away on our hopes of stepping into what we perceive as our destiny. We try to create a form within which we will function. Form first, and then function comes as a result of our Greek reasoning that has so enamored our culture.

Our true destiny is hidden in the function of living out the days He fashioned for us, not a title or job description. It’s not about being a prophet but rather the process of learning how to hear His voice and prophecy in love with the heart of the Father. In that functioning as a prophet we truly find our destiny, which is to become like Him. It’s the same for every job and or ministry title you can come up with. Though we all have different days written out for us in His book, still the process of learning how to function in it is the walking out of our destiny – to be like Him, to be one with Him.

Our destiny is not the end product but rather the journey to that end, our days lived out as God, Himself, has written them in His book. Our life lived in Him day by day is our true destiny as we become more like Him; The form in which that takes place, whether it be, as I said, as a teacher, evangelist, or a baker is secondary to the function of walking out that process. I’m afraid we lose the joy of that journey because we are waiting to attain a position or name or whatever. It’s the days that we have lived up to this point with all of the mistakes and all of the failures and even successes that make up our destiny.

I believe we get misled by regarding destiny as a noun, when, in God, it really is as much a verb as it is a noun. It is probably even more accurate to say it is a Person – the process of becoming one with the person hood of Jesus Christ. Regardless of the job the process is the same. It is in the functioning of our calling and the process that brings us to maturity concerning it that is our real destiny. It is the same for all of us.

So we are exhorted to “not despise the day of small beginnings” and to “count it all joy” as we maneuver through life, through the good, the bad and the ugly, through the gory and the glory of it all. Whether you are aware of it or not you are IN your destiny right now. All of our days are the summation of who we become in Him. The ones lived out behind the scenes are just as, if not more, important than the ones in front of people in that perceived place of successfully functioning in our calling. I find that very encouraging, knowing that this is ALL working toward the fulfillment of our destiny.

It’s about the choices we make in those days of disappointment, heart ache and being betrayed that bring us to the place of love and unity with God. We can choose to feel sorry for ourselves or to complain about where we are at and how long we are there or the seemingly bad break, that actually probably kept us from going through a door that would have led us in the wrong direction. Our other option is to look into His eyes and say, “ I choose You ! Whatever that looks like and however long that takes, above self and all else, I choose You! “

It is also about how we handle promotion, favor and prosperity. The point is not that we receive those things, it is about how we rule and reign in that position. Do we take advantage of it for ourselves or do we use it to pour out on others? Do we use our favor to strengthen and lift others in their calling, even above ourselves? In the midst of all the advantage it affords us is there still an automatic cry that comes from within, “ Lord, I choose You! You are my portion, You are my destiny!”

Song of Solomon says it well…..

Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave, its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised. Song Of Solomon 8:6-7

The questions asked when we pass from this life are more like, “Do we look like Him?” “Did we learn to love?” “Did we die daily to ourselves so that it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me?” Our true destiny is IN Him, to become like Him, regardless of our calling. That puts us all on the same level before Him no matter what our job description or calling is. As the Bride of Christ we are to take on the very nature of our Bridegroom and move through life as He did. To look like Him, to act like Him, to respond like Him, to be one in Him is our destiny, regardless of the form. He IS our Destiny!

That in the dispensation of the fullness of the times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on the earth in him. In him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. Ephesians 1:10-11

As we approach this “fullness of the times” there is a gathering together of those who function with this understanding. We are to be those who love as He loves to the extent that we become walking love and would be willing to lay down our very lives, preferring others before ourselves. That is our destiny in this hour. Regardless of what form our life takes, the purpose is to function in that kind of selfless love as we become one with Him in His likeness. That level of maturity, death to self, will draw His Presence.

We are called to be the Bride of Christ, fully functioning in our Destiny as we live, move and have our being in Him. It is only out of this place that He can trust us with the never before seen authority and creative word that is about to be released through those with the cry of “We choose You! Above all others and all else, we choose You!” We have walked out our destiny as we have made Him and Him alone our boundaries and borders, a city whose walls are made of His fire; His jealousy, His authority, His very presence upon us as we become His resting place.

“For I”, says the lord, “Will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.” Zechariah 2:5

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?